NOTE - Sorry its been a while, but you know, exams. Have hit a low point in the workload so here you go. Enjoy.

Tygett

It had all happened so fast. He had ridden with his brothers Tywin and Kevan back to the Rock, leaving Uncle Jason to bring up the army. He was just a squire, what was he supposed to do? He had stood in silence while Tywin took command of their House, why was he here? He was no great lord or knight, just the third son of a weak-minded fat lord who commanded no respect.

Kevan had spoken to him once about how second sons had to find their own way, but Tyg thought that applied to him even more so. He would inherit nothing. His uncle Jason had earned his place through service to his brother, Lord Tytos, but while that may be enough for Kevan, it wasn't for him. He had his sword, and would make his own way. Once his house was rebuilt, once he was knighted. He got the distinct feeling he had been called to this meeting as a formality, and no-one was expecting him to make any real contribution.

"We need to show that we mean business," Tywin was saying, "Which houses owe us?"

Uncle Jason replied, "Most of them. Crakehall, Brax, Drox, Swyft, Westerling, Jast, Prester, Spicer, more."

"Call in all outstanding debts. Kevan, I'm giving you five hundred knights from our forces, that's all our heavy horse. You are to take them to those houses and collect in our gold."

"What if they cannot pay?"

"Then take one of each house's children to bring to the Rock as a hostage until their debt is paid."

Jason had concerns, "Tywin, I know you must show them you are serious, but I do not think this wise. Your biggest debtors are the Tarbecks, and they will not take this lightly."

"I don't want them to take it lightly, I want to remind them that we are their liege lords, and as such, will brook no trouble."

"Lord Walderan Tarbeck is married to Ellyn Reyne. You must not upset them, they are powerful."

"Too powerful. This mentality is what got us into this mess, Uncle. We should not have to tiptoe around our vassals, we should not be afraid of treading on a few toes to keep them in line." Kevan had a point.

Tygett had had enough of this, "What about me brother?"

Tywin turned to him, "You and Uncle Jason and cousins Damon and Stafford will lead separate columns of light horse and deal with the bandits roaming our lands. Your first command Tyg, take it seriously."

"But I'm not a knight, they won't listen to me."

"They will. Kneel." He did so. "Rise Ser Tygett of House Lannister."

After he had risen, his brother turned back to the others, "We need to secure alliances with those houses who are loyal. Above all, we must secure our own house. To that end, Uncle Jason, I have a proposition for you. I ask you for your daughter Joanna's hand in marriage."

"But Tywin, she is your cousin."

"It is not unheard of, and she is not like to get a better offer."

"I must discuss it with her, but if she will have you, I shall not stand in the way."

"Thank you uncle. For that and your support, it cannot be easy to oppose your own brother."

Tyg was training in the yard when he saw her. She was the daughter of his dead mother's brother Lord Alyn Marbrand and had been sent to Casterly Rock as a companion for his sister Genna. Darlessa Marbrand sat there watching the men and boys swat each other with training swords. Tyg was better than them, he was faster and more graceful. The arms master said he made it an art form.

As he watched her, she turned her head, copper hair glinting in the sun, and smiled at him. When he smiled back, she blushed and turned away while Genna laughed. He had dreamed of her for as long as he could remember, wanted her by his side, but they were cousins, so he had known it could never happen. But now, with Tywin set to marry cousin Joanna, he dared to hope. The Marbrands were, after all, a strong house, and staunch Lannister supporters, arguably the last ones left.

He went to her. Only as she turned when he called her name did he realise he was still drenched in sweat.

"Tyg!" She smiled. She had a beautiful smile.

"Darlessa, when I ride out with my command, I -" he struggled with the words, "I...I hoped that...wondered if...maybe I... if you don't mind of course...if I might..."

Genna saved him, "I do believe my brother is asking you for your favour Lessa."

"Yes. I am. Only if you want to obviously..." he began to stutter again.

She came closer, untying the orange and grey sash from her waist. She tied it onto his upper arm, and he felt himself flush.

She smiled again, "You can always have my favour, Tyg." She kissed him on the cheek before turning back to Genna and whispering in her ear. Then she left.

Genna turned to him, "I don't know how you did it Tyg, but you just won yourself a woman."

"I only asked for her favour."

His sister leaned in, "Yes, but she wants me to ask you to join her in the godswood tonight. An hour after sunset."

There was no hesitation, "I'll be there."

"You'd better be. Or you'll answer to me."