4th Month of 288 A.C. Casterly Rock
Ser Jaime Lannister
He had settled surprisingly well into life at Casterly Rock, it was much simpler than life in the Red Keep. There were fewer games being played and the people were actually quite honest, or rather as honest as one could be in a land where gold and trade were the ways one made a living. Being a father was honestly one of the best things to have happened to Jaime, truly it was. His son Arthur was the jewel of his eye, he was at one name day a loud child who was constantly babbling away in his baby talk and was constantly causing trouble. He would be a good man when he was older Jaime knew. Soon enough he would also have another brother or sister with which to play with, as Ashara was with child once more, and she looked even more beautiful now. Jaime found that he would never get bored of his wife, she was so smart and interesting and beautiful, that he was captivated by her and somehow she had remained with him despite his many insecurities. He loved her truly he did.
There was one issue that was constantly troubling him and that was his sister. Cersei he knew now was nothing but a corrosive influence on him, she was selfish and manipulative. Someone whom Jaime was not sure he wanted his son to know. Her husband was also somewhat like her as well, which was why they got on so well he supposed. Had he been as naïve as he had been when he had joined the Kingsguard, Jaime knew he would have been very jealous of the obvious affection between the two, but he had something much better than that, he had a loving wife who supported him and who he supported. There was none of this chaos or tension that there was between Cersei and her own husband and for that Jaime was forever grateful.
And now there was the matter of the smallfolk and the faith, the trouble brewing there was something his father had asked him to deal with and so he had asked the leader of the faith here in the Westerlands Septon Joren to come to the Rock to discuss his concerns. The man was from House Ruttiger as far as Jaime could recall and would likely be reporting everything they discussed to his brother as well. The man was short and skinny, with a mop of brown hair and mousey grey eyes. Jaime instantly disliked him but still put on a courteous front. "Septon Joren thank you for coming to Casterly Rock. I know that the faith have sent you here to bring forth the problems you feel are quite pressing here. And so I would hear the problems that you feel need addressing."
Immediately the man got on Jaime's nerves. "I had thought to speak with the Lord of Casterly Rock, not the little cub. This is a matter of grave importance. But I suppose one cannot expect a godless man such as Tywin Lannister to take such things importantly."
Jaime grits his teeth and says. "My lord father is busy in King's Landing seeing to the running of the seven kingdoms. He has asked me to speak with you in his place, and as such you agreed to meet with me. So I would hear what you and the others of the faith have to speak of."
The septon seems to be trying not to look smug when he responds. "Very well then. The main topic of concern is the growing popularity of this heretic Causter and just how little is being done to prevent the growth of his popularity within the Westerlands."
Jaime looks at the man and then asks. "And what exactly is it about the man's growing popularity that is causing so much distress to the faith? The last I checked, there was nothing to say that a man could not preach what he wanted so long as it was not treason."
Septon Joren looks at him as if he has grown a second head and says. "This man Causter is speaking heresy. His talk of the seven being completely separate deities, is complete nonsense and the fact that the throne is allowing this to continue shows just how little the regent truly cares for the true religion. I had hoped that the Rock as a centre of Andal culture would be more willing to defend the true faith from such heresy."
Jaime looks at the man trying hard to keep the scorn from showing. "The smallfolk of the Westerlands have done little to cause the Rock or the other lords of the Westerlands to intervene. Attending sermons where this man is present is not a major concern as the sermons are peaceful and he is merely giving the smallfolk hope. Something it seems the faith has been lacking, especially considering the scandals that enveloped the Starry Sept."
Septon Joren looks angered by this and it shows. "There was no proof of those accusations against the chief convenor. The woman herself recanted her accusations as well. The true faith is the only religion that should be practiced anywhere. That the Lord Regent refuses to see that, is not our concern. We had thought the Rock would be willing to do more to protect the faith which welcomed your father back into the fold after he committed the atrocities against the Reynes and Tarbecks. The near attack on the Sept near Tarbeck Hall was a grievous insult and blasphemy against the Father and the true faith and nothing was done."
Jaime sighs. "There was no attack though on that Sept. as you mention it was a near attack that was reverted when this Causter spoke up against it. In fact the faith has been the one causing more trouble for themselves by preaching against peace and demanding more forceful action. That few are responding to what you and your fellow brothers are preaching I believe shows just how desperate you have become."
Septon Joren looks completely shocked by the tone Jaime has taken with him and he stumbles over his words. "This was not a request Ser. This was a demand that the Rock do more to prevent heresy from spreading. For if the Rock does nothing then there are lords loyal to the Faith who will stand and do as the gods' demand of them. And the Rock shall suffer for it."
Jaime's hands clench and it is through gritted teeth he asks. "Is that a threat Septon Joren? You are aware of what happened to last people who threatened this family?"
The man stands then his eyes defiant. "Yes they are the ones who shall condemn your father when his time comes." With that the man turns and leaves the solar leaving Jaime alone with his thoughts for a long time.
The door to the solar eventually opens and Ashara walks in, holding their son Jaime smiles when he sees them both and stands and takes his son from his wife and then asks his boy. "So what have you done my little man?"
His son looked up at him then with something close to awe, and Jaime felt his heart swell. "I rode the lions papa, I rode them and played knights and maidens with mama." Jaime looks at his wife who is sat opposite him smiling.
"And then what did you do?" Jaime asks.
"I hid in the gardens and found treasure buried there. But mama said I had to leave it there for when my brother or sister comes, so that we can find it together." His son said.
Jaime nods and then as his son begins squirming in his arms he puts him down and allows him to totter around the solar. Jaime looks at his wife then and Ashara asks softly. "How did it go with Septon Joren?"
"Not well," Jaime says softly. "I fear the man has grown too powerful from the whispers of others within the faith here in the West. That my father has not asked for anything to be done about the Caustarians has made things worse."
His wife nods and asks. "What did he say in particular Jaime? The man does seem like a villain if his brother is anything to go by."
"He claimed that as the Rock was not doing enough to rectify this situation, he would have to speak to lords who remembered their faith. I fear he means to stir some of the less tractable lords to arms." Jaime responds.
His wife looks alarmed at that and asks. "Can he do that? Would that not be breaking the king's peace?"
Jaime laughs then. "The faith have never truly cared for the king's peace unless it benefitted them. Besides we both know what Lord Ruttiger makes of me and us. He would not hesitate to join his brother, and others would soon enough follow."
Ashara gets up then and comes to take his hand. "These are increasingly worrying times for us Jaime my love. Do you not think sending word to your father would be wise? As much as I dislike the man surely he could recommend a solution to this issue?"
Jaime looks at his wife and sighs. "He would tell me to do what any good Lannister would do and remind these men what happens to those who try to go against us. He does not truly care about the Westerlands anymore. He is too busy playing his little games in King's Landing trying to increase his own power. The lords here are growing bitter about how ignored they have become. I have tried everything but I fear there is not much more I can do."
Ashara moves her hand from his and picks up Arthur who had been dropping off to sleep. "Do you truly think it could come to fighting?"
Jaime sighs once more. "I know not my love. I hope it does not. But with how things are going and with the minor lords causing all kinds of trouble, I do not know what other course there is."
"And of course unless they make the first move you can do nothing to quell their actions or the tension. For without proof, they will string you before the faith and the throne." His wife says, she is silent for a moment and then. "I spoke with Arthur when he was here last, I was curious as to the situation in King's Landing and it does seem as if things there are worse than they are here. It appears the High Septon is growing more and more truculent and the Lord Regent is working towards undermining him."
Jaime looks at his wife then unsure of where she is going with this and asks. "And you think that has something to do with Septon Joren?"
His wife nods. "I think it has everything to do with the man. He is clearly ambitious, we both know what his brother is like. There is more to that man than meets the eye. I do believe we must begin making enquiries and perhaps even looking towards this Causter man perhaps there is some truth to what he says."
Jaime looks at his wife and then their son asleep in her eyes and nods. "Very well I shall send out men I trust to invite this man to meet." His wife nods and then turns and leaves the solar with their son.
Jaime sits alone in the solar for a long time pondering over a fair few things. He wonders what he would do if faced with a situation where his bannermen were rebelling against him, he suspects there is a limit on how long his father can get away with his plotting and scheming before it comes back to haunt them all. He does hope that that limit does not come anytime soon, for he worries that the Westerlands is a pot getting ready to boil, and when it does the chaos will be unimaginable.