Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the collective works of Van Helsing, Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire or anything that may come into the following Fan made piece of fiction. This is meant for enjoyment alone.
"By the words of my house know that I am Never Alone." speech.
'wow, I didn't think stupidity could come in such a small package as that Joffrey cunt.' thought/flashback monologuing.
"█▄▄██▄▄▄██▄▄█" Wolf howl/roar/etc.
XxxXxxXxxX
Previously:
Tywin didn't move or respond even as The Werewolf rose back to his feet and shrank back down, fur shedding as the man returned.
Lucian remained silent as he retrieved his shredded pants and pulled them back on before pulling on his discarded tunic.
When he was once again decent the Lord of Hearthstone looked back over to the still expressionless Lannister.
Lucian's expression threatened to shift into one of regret after a moment; apparently reaching a conclusion that Tywin was not about to respond with anything but negativity regarding the profound revelation.
A moment later and Tywin turned and made for the Hall's exit, half turning to consider the doubtful Werewolf. "I expect you to return to your chambers and change before you visit Joanna again. I'll not have you turning her eyes to you exposed as you are."
A half amused smirk from the Lannister followed by a nod that meant more to Lucian than all the gold in Casterly Rock, and Tywin left to return to his wife and children.
"I'll be up shortly My Lord."
XxxXxxXxxX
265 A.C
Tywin glowered at the sheet of paper resting innocently before him, infuriated by the words written on its surface and finding himself becoming incredibly intimate with the limits of his patience and wit. He had been confounded on a single subject for weeks now, ever since his urgent return to Casterly Rock in new of his beloved's inevitable death.
There was no exaggeration to say that Tywin had never before experienced such incredible and total fear and helplessness that when he had received that raven that informed him of the unavoidable death of dear Joanna. It was a state of being that Tywin truly hoped never to be forced to endure again. A part of him still shuddered at the idle thought of what it would be like, in this same moment, had he had one such as Lucian to have come to the aid of his family yet again.
However such idle thoughts never lasted long and were quickly smothered under the frustrating weight of his current dilemma; how in the name of The Seven did he reward the man?
When the strange man had saved the life of his wife and newborn twin children Jaime and Cersei against a bandit attack those years ago it had been a relatively simple matter to see him suitably rewarded. Lucian had nothing to him beyond a trunk filled with his belongings so it made it truly a trifle to see him bestowed with title, land and gold to reward the man and settle the debt.
But this time was different. Not only did Tywin have a much firmer understanding of who Lucian Blood was as a man; one of surprising simplicity and ease, but the deed he had performed to put Tywin in his debt was so far beyond saving his Lady-wife from thugs and bandits that it seemed utterly impossible. The truth of the matter was, years ago feasibly anyone could have encountered Joanna under attack and replicated the same act of heroism in saving her life as Lucian had done. The physical feat of how he had done it would have differed of course but the core of the matter could have remained the same.
But this time, Lucian had not simply saved Joanna's life. No, the man had damn well brought her back from death itself. Expert opinion and training had declared Joanna beyond all means of saving and declared her within the inevitable grasp of The Stranger himself. Nothing could be done to avoid this inescapable truth.
And then Lucian more or less stole her back and brought her back to the realm of the living.
So how does one reward an act of such magnitude? How could Tywin possibly balance a scale such as this when weighed against an act that any Maester and Septon would declare a defiance of the Gods themselves?
A Lannister pays his debts. One of the cornerstones of House Lannister equal if not greater than the impact of their House Words 'Hear me roar.' Even if that were not the case Tywin would not be able to continue without ensuring that his Bannerman, his friend even, was rewarded for such incredible loyalty.
This entire issue of attempting to determine how to reward the man was only made more difficult by the astonishing revelation that had been revealed to the Lion as the means and truth of how Joanna had been saved.
Growing up Tywin had of course been raised upon the wives tales and folklore of such magical fantasies of ancient times. Of magic, the Children of the Forest, White Walkers and even Dragons. But he had never taken any real stock of belief in them in truth. Yes there was genuine validity to the existence of Dragons, but more as exotic beasts rather than any creature of genuine magic. How could they even have something as incredible as people would make Magic to be and yet die out as pitifully as they had. The last dragon was reported to have been no larger than a mere house cat after all. Who would believe that such a pitiful creature was in fact a mystical beast of supernatural power?
Tywin believed in what he could see with his own eyes. What he could grasp in his hands, smell and hear himself. White Walkers were merely tales told in the north to keep children in line. The Children in the Forest were nothing more than exaggerated tales of a long since wiped out native people from when the First Men originally came to these shores.
But what he saw that day. Tywin still had no other words to describe such as thing that did not include the thought of 'Magic.' To see a man that he had known for three years now go from an admittedly impressively built man but a man nonetheless, and transform into a humanoid wolf that made Tywin feel as if he were a mere child standing before a giant.
It was beyond the scope of merely 'incredible'. It was impossible. Unbelievable. Magical.
That Lucian had revealed the source of his existence as a Werewolf to have been tied to the curse of the primary God of his homeland was in itself largely incredible. None in Westeros could truly claim to have experienced for good or ill, the actions of one of The Seven. Tywin himself found it a simple matter to pay only lip service so such a belief considering the only direct influence felt was at the hands of those Septon and Septa that were more inflated with their own self importance than any true faith in their Gods.
And then there was the sheer scope of Lucian's true age. The Warden of the West had originally believed that his new Bannerman to be of an age close to his own, perhaps only a small difference above his own thirty-one years. But if Lucian was to be believed; something Tywin was willing to accept given the man's previous claims and proven actions, then he was older than the Iron Throne itself by nearly two centuries.
Tywin held the loyalty, the friendship of a true Supernatural being of over four centuries of age who was willing to bend the knee to him instead of forcing the alternative as would seem more appropriate. How in the Seven Hells could one process something so staggering? How could one even hope to repay a being like that either?
A merciful interruption to Tywin's thoughts brought him back to reality with a sharp knocking at the door to his Solar. Looking up, the man voiced his acknowledgement and bad the intruder to enter.
When he saw the calm expressed visage of his brother; Kevan Lannister enter, Tywin welcomed him with a brief nod before indicating to a seat that had been placed for his use.
"My apologies for my late arrival brother, a Raven reached me this morning regarding a trade issue in Lannisport that demanded my attention." The young man offered as he sat down. "Nothing to be overly concerned about, just a confirmation and enforcement of the recent taxation decree to come from the Iron Throne that needed to be finalised for visiting ships coming into harbor."
The Lion of Casterly Rock nodded his understanding and quietly poured his brother a cup of wine before topping up his own.
"I am pleased to see you taking your responsibilities over Lannisport so well. So there is no need for apologies." Tywin finally offered as he passed his younger brother his drink."We are still waiting on two more regardless."
Kevan smiled in relief as he took a calming sip of his wine. He loved his elder brother and knew without issue that his brother in turn loved him. But Tywin had always been a hard man growing up.
He had of course been told why his brother had asked for him to leave Lannisport and return home to Casterly Rock for this meeting. Word had quickly spread weeks ago as to the near loss of Joanna while birthing her third child and that the attending Maester had been helpless in preventing this to the point of actually sending word to Tywin of her inevitable death. Only for her to defy this foretelling thanks to the unknown efforts of Tywin's latest addition to his Banners; Lucian Blood.
Knowing just how highly his brother valued his beloved it was a foregone conclusion that Lord Blood would be rewarded richly to the point of obscenity but Kevan could not have anticipated this summons all in the effort to resolve this very issue.
For Tywin Lannister to have trouble settling a debt and handing out reward was highly unusual, and admittedly amusing on some level.
"How is Joanna coming along?" Kevan asked, looking from his cup of wine over to his elder brother curiously.
"She is recovering nicely." The man smiled softly, clearly relieved in the answer he was able to truthfully provide. "A Maester arrived from the Citadel two weeks ago to examine her and re-break some bones that had set incorrectly so she is able to move about without much pain as was the case before. I understand she is expected to make a near full recovery with only a slight indication of the near tragedy that occurred."
Kevan breathed a sigh of relief, glad for the news both for Joanna herself, and for his brother as well. He knew how much Tywin loved her and feared what would have happened to the man had the worst come to pass. "and what of your newborn? Tyrion I understand he has been named?"
It was a carefully considered question on Kevan's part. He had, to his shame considered with some level of fear how his brother would respond to the child that, were it not for miraculous intervention, would have ultimately resulted in Joanna's death. He feared how Tywin would consider the newborn with that thinly averted reality so fresh.
Kevan was in some small part ashamed to acknowledge his surprise when he saw his elder brother's expression lift with happiness instead of twist into some other, negative emotion.
"My son grows stronger with every passing day." Tywin stated proudly. "He has grandfather's eyes."
"I would imagine so brother, green eyes are common with all of Lannister blood really." Kevan pointed out with a raised eyebrow and a small smirk on his face.
"As always your wit sets you apart dear brother." Tywin replied drily with a small shake of his head at Kevan's comment. "I was making comment toward what I predict to be an intelligence within my son akin to that of Gerold Lannister."
Kevan nodded slowly, as if beginning to understand before frowning in thought. "He is only a few weeks old correct? How could you possibly anticipate the measure of his intelligence now?"
"Kevan, one day you will marry and come to have children of your own." Tywin explained. "on that day you will understand."
The twenty-one year old Lannister wasn't quite sure he believed the claim but chose to humor his elder brother and Lord.
Another, softer knock on the door distracted the two brothers from further discussion; beyond fortunate for Kevan who would have feared his brother could have started haranguing him to get married and continue the Lannister line.
When the door opened, this time both Tywin and Kevan rose to their feet to welcome to two women that had come.
Tywin's stoic and carefully formed expression crumbled as he smiled and his eyes practically twinkled with love when Joanna was wheeled into the room, comfortable and looking like an image of Lady-like beauty in her wheelchair.
Behind the recovering Lady of Casterly Rock, an equally resplendent Genna Lannister smiled faintly as she carefully pushed the back of Joanna's mobile chair further into the room, stopping only to turn and close the door to the Solar and provide the four to their privacy.
"You're late Genna."
The buxom woman replied with a mischievous and half hearted glare to her brother as she wheeled Joanna around so she could be seated by Tywin's side before taking a seat by her side, arranging her dress and legs as if she were seating herself upon a throne instead of a simple wooden chair.
"Dear brother, it seems that you still have yet to learn that beauty and perfection such as myself and lovely Joanna cannot be rushed so foolishly." she replied airily with a touch of cheek. "Because of this, a Lady is never late to anything."
Tywin simply rolled his eyes at her before leaning down to press his lips against the crown of Joanna's head, taking a rare and public (for him) moment to close his eyes in peace as Joanna's hand came up to caress the side of his face as he did so.
"How is our son my love?" The man asked as he finally pulled himself away from Joanna's touch.
"He sleeps now." The woman replied with a smile. "I have a wet nurse and one of my hand maidens watching over him. Jaime and Cersei are in their rooms playing."
Tywin smiled in satisfaction before he re-seated himself.
"I must admit I am surprised you had to call for us to come here Tywin." Genna spoke up after the man in question had once more made himself comfortable. "I have never known you to have trouble making any kind of decision. I must admit I am curious to know why this time you seem to be having such trouble."
"I think that you would understand that our friend Lord Blood is a man of, individual stature. Would you not agree?" Joanna was the one to reply as she smiled pointedly at the woman. "You seemed to be quite vocal regarding him since you returned from Kings Landing a few days ago."
Kevan found himself honestly surprised, not at the back and forth between the two women, both were after all known for their cheek and wit. No it was that Genna seemed to genuinely blush and be unable to quickly reply to Joanna's comment that caught him off guard.
"That's enough of that my love." Tywin gently rebuked, his words belying the amused expression on his face as he too looked over to his sister with the same expression that was on Joanna's face. "Unfortunately there is a point to my sister's query, and to yours as well Joanna. Under normal circumstances I would have long since settled the debt House Lannister has and repaid Lord Blood for his actions. However, this is far beyond normal circumstances."
Joanna spied the sheaf of paper resting on the table before her husband and pulled it over to her to read as he continued.
"In the years since he has sworn himself and his newly named House into the service of House Lannister and the Westerlands I have come to learn that Lord Blood is a man of simple desires and wishes. When he rescued you Joanna and our children from Banditry I did not realise that my reward to him them; land, position and title was everything he truly desired in the world. A home to belong."
"I understand your dilemma now brother." Kevan spoke up. "If all this Lord has ever wanted has been given to him already, well what do you give the man who has everything?"
Tywin nodded, glad to see that he was not alone in his frustration. "While a refreshing attitude to have in one of my Bannerman, it is less than desirable when I find myself in his debt."
"What is this you have written here?"
The Lord of Casterly Rock glanced over to his curious wife and down to the paper she was reading. "That would be, after all the time I have had to consider this, the only things I could determine that could come close to balance the gift and service our friend has given us. Given me."
"Casterly Rock has been written on here." Joanna pointed out, looking up from the paper to her husband with a wide eyed expression that was mirrored on the other two Lannisters in the room.
Tywin nodded in quiet frustration. "While not something I would give away, it is one of the few things I could consider that could even come close to what he did for me. What he saved."
Joanna did not reply at first as her eyes widened even more so and became thick with tears that spilled down her cheeks. So overwhelmed with her adoration toward her husband at what she saw to be the truest of signs of the sheer magnitude of his love for her that he would and actually had decided that his Lordship over Casterly Rock and all it represented as a close match of repayment for the saving of her life, she could only reach over to bury herself into his chest, and grab at his shirt tightly as she embraced him.
The tender moment between the two was, unfortunately, broken by Genna giggling from her seat as she watched the pair. "Oh I always knew you had it in you to be a hopeless romantic Tywin."
Tywin pointedly ignored his teasing sister in favor of stroking his wife's hair before allowing her to pull herself from him and retake her seat before clearing his throat.
"Obviously I would not be simply giving away the seat of Casterly Rock to Lord Blood regardless of it being of appropriate worth to resolve this issue."
"Then you truly do have quite the conundrum on your hands." Kevan pointed out. "When Casterly Rock itself can be considered a close enough approximation to settle the debt to your new vassal, then what could truly be offered in its place? He has no desire from gold based upon what you have explained. Already controls the lands of Castamere along with all appropriate titles with little ambition to control any more. What indeed can you offer such a man?"
Tywin glared at his younger brother and smothered a growl of annoyance in his throat in favor of simply biting his words out. "Thank you for repeating my already perfectly made clear position Kevan."
There was a somewhat tense moment of silence in the room as each of the Lannisters considered the situation; Kevan, Joanna and Genna each coming to understand Tywin's own frustration.
Eventually it was Joanna who's expression lifted and she looked over to Tywin with a slightly wide eyed look of possibility. "Isn't Lord Blood unwed? He has land and title this is true but his House consists at this time of only himself with no wife nor child neither present nor expected."
Tywin seemed to freeze in his seat. The avenue of Joanna's question striking him full in the face with the obviousness of the means to settle the debt he felt between himself and Lucian Blood. How had he overlooked such a thing? Had he been so distracted by Lucian's revelation as a Werewolf or so quick to consider the man older than him and therefore in the same category as other older men who were more often than not wed?
"Lord Blood holds himself as a man of simple desires and needs true. But every man across all lands in the end desires companionship."
Kevan caught on quickly and nodded his agreement. "This could even work in the favor of House Lannister if we were to offer him a Lannister cousin. To show to Lord Blood his value to you brother by binding our house to his in, if you pardon the phrasing; blood."
Tywin narrowed his eyes carefully, considering the possibility. Both Joanna and as a result Kevan had a good point. He could very well provide his newly recognised friend with the one thing he was missing in his new life by betrothing him to a woman. And to make that woman a Lannister? It would show to not only Lucian himself but all across Westeros just how much Tywin himself valued his Bannerman.
Looking over from Kevan to Joanna, Tywin deliberately ignored Genna who was suspiciously silent and simply staring at him meaningfully.
"A marriage to a Lannister would be an adequate start. Perhaps even enough if the Dowry were to further enrich Lord Bloods own existing land and wealth."
"A wasted enrichment though considering Lord Blood has no greater desire to expand his wealth and land holdings." Kevan pointed out with an unsure expression.
"If the Dowry of land and wealth were intended at its face value perhaps, yes." Tywin nodded in agreement. "However, I can see the potential such a Dowry being not a measure of traditional wealth, but one of trust and confidence. A gift and reward to show Lord Blood not only of the consideration and worth he has to myself and this House, but recognition of his future in the Westerlands."
By this point Genna had lost her battle to remain silent and cleared her throat to garner attention to her. "If you truly intend to see Lord Blood married to a Lannister then perhaps I can nominate a bride? You wouldn't want to betroth him to someone of lesser standing and beauty after all?"
Tywin saw Joanna smirk out of the corner of his eye. Genna's intention's not at all hidden behind her facade. Since first seeing his performance in the Melee at Kings Landing and later the King's Feast the woman had seemingly been nearly completely enamoured with the man to the point where Tywin could have started to be concerned of infidelity on her part.
"Are you sure that you are the best one to make such a judgement in this sister?" Tywin asked lightly, arching an eyebrow in thinly veiled amusement.
Genna's eyes hardened and she went to respond when Kevan spoke up.
"Why would that be an issue brother? Genna and Joanna both have an eye for detail that you and I both lack when it comes to many things. I am curious to know what Lannister she would recommend to be betrothed to Lord Blood."
Tywin really wanted to break the truth to Kevan who clearly had no idea of Genna's steadily growing infatuation but in the end it was just too much an amusement to let it go so quickly. "Very well then. Speak up then dear sister; who do you believe we could present to Lucian Blood in betrothal to our House?"
Genna saw the challenge in her brother's eye and straightened her shoulders, unconsciously pushing her bust out. "While it goes without saying that there is already a great honor to be able to marry anyone of House Lannister, for a man such as Lord Blood, who has already come to this House's aid on more than one occasion and even presented himself as a powerful warrior representing the Westerlands at the Prince's Nameday Tourney; it is clear that he would be best suited for a particularly notable woman. One more closely related to the Lord of our House. A strong and intelligent woman who won't simply warm his bed as a meek doormat bride. Beautiful and elegant. A Lannister every bit as capable of taming this Wolf as he could her."
"You do describe a very appropriate kind of bride to offer to Lucian Blood I must agree." Tywin admitted with a not. When Genna smiled in satisfaction the man returned with a smirk of his own. "How unfortunate it is then that such a woman is already married to me."
Joanna simply blushed deeply, more than an idle thought of regret for her own physical health being the main thing to prevent her from 'rewarding' her husband for his romantic overtures later in private.
"I meant me and you know it Tywin!" Genna replied sharply, standing up and impatiently slamming her hands down on the table. Clearly her patience and coy playing worn thin by her brother's own wit.
Tywin didn't reply, instead leaning back in his chair and taking a pleased sip of his wine, basking in his victory over his sister in this matter. He had known full well how this had been set to progress the moment Joanna had presented the possibility of a marriage and his own agreement of such a thing. There was no chance of him not using the opportunity to win one over on his otherwise witty and cunning little sister.
"But sister, you are already married to Emmon Frey." Kevan protested, choosing to ignore and move past the little game and teasing between Tywin and Genna.
Genna didn't even remove her gaze from Tywin's to address her younger brother as she continued to stand, leaning toward Tywin; willing him to lock his own eyes on hers. "For. Now."
Tywin concealed his own amusement at her reply; the memory of those same two words coming from his own lips weeks ago at the Melee when referring to Genna's married status to that weasel of a Frey. It would seem Genna had chosen not to forget that comment and intended to use it as means to see that he; her House Lord to free her of that unwanted waste their late father had force upon her.
There was a tense silence as Kevan looked between his two siblings in both concern and confusion as Genna continued to stare fiercely at Tywin from where she stood, and Tywin himself seemed to simply lean back in his chair looking back with a near completely unreadable expression on his face.
"Sit down Genna."
The woman narrowed her eyes at her brothers stern tone but complied nonetheless.
"I have reached a decision based upon your suggestions on how to settle the debt owed by myself and House Lannister to the Lord of House Blood for his actions in restoring the life and good health of my wife Joanna." Tywin declared firmly, setting aside his cup as he looked sternly at Genna before moving his eyes to the other two seated with him. "Lucian Blood will be offered a betrothal and later marriage to a Lannister of my choosing. To support this union to our family a Dowry will be presented to display House Lannister's faith and goodwill toward House Blood in the form of vassalage of both the Crag and Banefort with all their holdings and citizens placed under his control in perpetuity with an agreement from House Lannister to finance any and all repairs required to see both holdings restored to whatever standard Lord Blood enforces."
Tywin took a moment to consider both Joanna and Kevan to gauge their opinion regarding his decision and while he could see complete support and approval from his beloved who had a trust in Lucian just as strong, if not stronger than his own; Kevan did seem to support his brother, but there was a small measure of apprehensive of this level of power being given away.
A glance over to Genna showed the cracks in her facade. She looked to be in control and perfectly at ease with what Tywin was proclaiming; but he could see the worry, unease and anticipation as she waited for Tywin to name Lucian Blood's future bride.
"This Dowry will also serve to prevent any slight over the condition of his future bride and to buy patience." Tywin continued, his calm expression twitching into a small smile as he finally flicked his gaze over to Genna. "My sister; Genna Lannister will require a brief period of mourning for her soon to be late husband before she is able to be wed to the Lord Blood in the near future."
XxxXxxXxxX
A/N
alright we both know it as been an obscene amount of time since our last update and while we do apologise to those who have been waiting and thank you all for your patience; we would like to explain that in Australia we went under a complete Lockdown because of COVID and with our writing being done in the public Library we could not get any work done as a result. This is the first two days we have had the chance to actually get in and do any work.
It is our hope that we will be able to keep writing with the Library being open again now.
Now as for this Chapter of Never Alone; we wanted to take a step away from Lucian and focus on Tywin and his side of things as he goes about settling the 'debt' he has for Lucian saving Joanna. Somewhat an interlude but at the same time not considering this does still push the story forward.
It also shows the first steps toward Lucian's pairing for this story :D. we wanted to show that Joanna's fate of death or life really was a massive turning point for Tywin in that he could have gone on to become as he was in Canon or stayed the man he was before.
He may seem a bit OC in this chapter but come on! The man is still running on both a high that the love of his life is alive and that magic and werewolves are F#$%*g real!
Stay tuned for more to come.
Alright so we have create page to allow for any who would like to offer support to us in that manner. As it is a gratuity only kind of deal the only benefit any of you would receive would be a 'thank you for your support' at the end of every chapter where we would mention you and any and all other supporters by name.
Thank you for your support:
Our currently only Patron; to be forever honored and remembered in our hearts as the very best:
Parker Higgins.
As always. Read. Review. Favorite and follow.
Leave us something and tell us how we are doing with this. Do you like? Do you not? Why for both?