Au: Tywin marries Olenna.
AN: Shorter than usual, but more to come.
The icy winds from the north seem to have no effect on the oldest Lannister boy as he stands dutifully beside his siblings, waiting for his bride and her family to arrive. Tygett stands to his left, smug in the knowledge that this marriage is a thorn in his elder brother's side. Gerion is on his other side whispering to their sister, wanting to know everything in Genna's limited knowledge of Olenna Redwyne. His sister has only met the girl twice, and all she can recall is dark hair and a sharp tongue. This troubles Tywin, but a Lannister never cowers from a challenge, and if taming his new bride is something he need do he will not falter. A Lannister is above all, perfect, and he will not be scorned as his father is.
His father was leaning heavily on a cane, cradled in the bony arms of his mistress, an ugly wench decked in finery that surpassed everyone there. The mere sight of her angered Tywin beyond words, enough that his fingers itched to strike her but he calmed his temper.
Anger unchecked is dangerous anger, foolish anger and Lannister`s do not act the fool.
At five-and-ten, Tywin supposes he ought to be grateful that he's been given a child, a useless like bird without a shred of knowledge. The Redwyne girl is elder than him by four years. He knows little of his bride other than what he's managed to gain from the squires at Casterly Rock. She's regarded as a sharp-tongued beauty, small and was once almost betrothed to Prince Aerys Targaryen.
His thoughts are cut short by a shout as his younger, excitable brother spots the procession making its way up the mountain, through the gates and into the red keep. A man who is no doubt Lord Redwyne leaps off his horse; practically floating he seems so energetic. The door of the moderately sized wheelhouse behind him pops open, and a girl climbs in the graceless manner of a young child, no more than five or six years. Following her is a boy around Tygett's age who shushes his sister and takes her hand.
Unwanted nerves flutter in his stomach as a head of dark hair appears, and one of his fathers men rush forwards to help his future Lady out of the wheelhouse. Dark eyes narrow as he extends a hand, and she ignores it. "I am not so decrepit yet, boy, that I cannot manage to step out myself," she states, and as the words carry across the yard it encourages a sort of fire in Tywin, a dangerous fire. He finds himself reassessing his unwanted bride.
Mayhap she will not be so easy to tame after all
He sees her assess them each in term, her shrewd eyes lingering on him, looking over his crimson tunic, his black cloak slashed in cloth of gold and his high black boots. The approval is obvious in her eyes, and he feels a swell of pride. Those feelings are soon squashed as her eyes move over his father and settle on his whore. One dark brow arches ever so slightly, and then returns without pause. The girl is good at masking her emotions and keeping herself in check. Already she is exhibiting the characteristics he prides himself in and unwillingly he begins to see her.
Her long dark hair is pulled back, showing off a sweet face, full mouth and lightly browned skin. Her dress is sturdy fabric, a pale violet color without stains or other imperfections of any kind. Her sister is wearing a similar dress, but in a darker shade of lilac, her hair identical and Tywin recognizes sibling worship when he sees it.
The family approaches his father and he tenses, awaiting the coming embarrassment. "My Lord of Lannister," Lord Redwyne exclaims, grasping a frail hand and shaking it firmly. "The beauty of Casterly Rock has not been exaggerated. It is truly magnificent, is it not Olenna?" He turns to his eldest daughter.
Olenna. So that is her name.
Olenna.
She nods elegantly, "It is truly magnificent," turning her head slightly to watch the gulls fly over the walls.
"Thank you, m'lord," His father replies back completely unaware he has addressed a lesser lord as a commoner would, placing a hand on his whore's arm and lacing their fingers together. Shame floods through Tywin when he sees the slight quirk of Olenna's lips. "You and your family are most welcome here."
The earlier feelings of warmth have fled, replaced by cool anger. Not only at his father, but at this girl amused by his father's stupidity and his shame. The girl seems to notice the shift, as her dark eyes lock with his, boring into him. They aren't particularly pretty but the sharpness in them would take a lesser man off guard. He is not used to that resilience in a woman; here they are demure and respectful, defecting to their lords and brothers always. He is dimly aware of his brothers whispering as they are all ushered into Casterly Rock with their guests.
He catches one last glimpse of her before they retire to their chambers to rest before the welcoming feast later that night. Their eyes catch once more, an almost magnetic force between them. Their message is unmistakable.
Game on.