The Banquet and a Business Discussion

The great hall of Mormont Keep consisted of several large wooden tables and a huge hearth that successfully warmed the entire room. Jaime and his close companions were given a table to themselves that sat perpendicular to the high table. At the high table was a series of stern women that made up all that remained of House Mormont. With Jeor being a fossil in the Night’s Watch and Jorah likely dead in exile, only women made up the historic Northern house. Maege Mormont, the matriarch and current head of the house, was a woman with a striking visage. All the women of House Mormont seemed to have scars from broken noses and deep lines within their face. Even the younger daughters appeared to be more hardy than some of the soldiers Jaime brought from the South. Unfortunately, Dacey appeared to be the only member of her family skilled enough in battle to retain her beauty.

When the heir to House Mormont entered the hall, Jaime had to stop himself from openly gawking. Dacey wore no dress, but she did have a form fitting pair of trousers and blouse that revealed her form was not entirely made of muscle. The Lannister had to stop himself from drooling when she removed her fur shawl and showed the world a large set of breasts. Once Maege had announced the beginning of the meal, Jaime had offered a toast in honor of his host, but his eyes had been solely upon her eldest daughter.

The meal was surprisingly good and Jaime enjoyed that it was delivered in a single large portion on a single plate instead of being minuscule portions on a dozen plates. During their meal, Jaime conversed with his trusted knights.

“I’d guarantee that the only full suit of plate on this island belongs to Dacey Mormont.” Lyle explained between large bites, “But these are hardy men. Probably no more than 3,000 soldiers in the whole island, maybe 3,500 if they’re ****.”

Once Lyle finished his report it was Addam’s turn, “Their economy is almost entirely dependent on fishing and whaling. They might be able to move some timber if they had the infrastructure to ship it to the mainland.”

“Then this shouldn’t be too difficult.” Jaime replied, yet his eyes never left the eldest Mormont daughter.

It wasn’t long after they finished their feast that a steward sent word that Lady Mormont had asked for Jaime to join her in her solar. The Lannister happily complied and was led to a modest room where the Mormonts handled their business dealings. Sitting at a large oak desk was Maege Mormont with a banner depicting the bear of her house positioned on the wall behind her. Standing beside her mother was the surprisingly voluptuous Dacey Mormont, who greeted Jaime with a cool smile.

The knight accepted the chair offered to him and began to thank the female warriors once again for their hospitality, but was interrupted.

“Enough sweet words that mean nothing.” Maege snorted, “I thought you were the son of Tywin Lannister? Get to the point, Kingslayer.”

Jaime smirked at her forwardness and complied, “Let the Lannisters pay for a new harbor on your island. We’ll loan you several fine shipping vessels and sign a mutual defense pact in the likelihood that pirates raid our new shipping lines.”

“It being our land,” Maege began, “we’ll get to tax the hell out of anyone using it.”

“Except for the Lannisters.” Jaime insisted, “For the next twenty years no tariffs will be placed on our goods. You may tax your fellow Northerners or any other noble house into the grave if you wish.”

Maege leaned back and considered his offer for a moment, “Lord Manderly and the other merchants of White Harbour won’t appreciate another port being opened in the North.”

The Lannister laughed, “Most of White Harbour’s business comes from Essos. Yes, you’ll eliminate some of their dealings, but they won’t notice it. You, on the other hand, will have total access to Lannisport, Oldtown, and the Arbour.”

The old woman stared down the Southern knight for a moment before breaking into a radical laughter. She threw her arm forward and Jaime immediately took hold of her wrist, as she took hold of his.

“My ancestors are rolling in their graves, Kingslayer.” Maege snorted, as Jaime stood from his seat.

Ignoring the nickname, Jaime answered, “At least yours can be made out of solid gold. I’ll send a raven to my father with the good news and he’ll dispatch some men with the proper documents within a few days.”

Jaime left the solar with the permission of the head of House Mormont and was followed by Dacey.

“You seem to have corrupted my mother with thoughts of greed.” The buxom brunette remarked, as they walked down the hallway.

Jaime smirked and turned to the woman, “Corruption has always been a talent of mine.”

The Lannister enjoyed the full smile that the Northern woman gave him and yearned to hear those lips scream his name.

“I plan on going on a bear hunt in the morning. Are you up for a bit of sport?” Dacey asked, as she began to leave the Lannister in front of his door.

Jaime made no effort to hide his staring at her ass when he replied, “I can chase down anything.”

“Let’s hope your stamina matches mine, Ser Jaime.”