Harrenhal

The Great Tourney at Harrenhal, one of the grandest tourneys in history. Lord Walter Whent Hosted the event to celebrate his maiden daughter's name day. The old Lord was keen on showing off his castle, wealth and his sons. The rewards offered were three times grander as the ones offered by his own father in the Great Tourney at Lannisport five years prior. This drew every able warrior to the challenge eager to prove their mettle.

The Tournament would last ten days and involved the greatest knights and warriors in Westeros. Most of the powerful and prestigious nobles including all the great lords would be attending. It was an event Tychus had no intention of passing up, so he left for the tourney along with his uncle Tygett, Jaime, Cersei and Lysa. Gemma and Gerion would remain to manage Casterly Rock in their absence. Tychus had wanted to bring Tyrion to enjoy the festivities but since he was too young he was unable to do so.

Unlike Cersei and Jaime who had grown to be godly beautiful, Tychus was plain looking, neither ugly nor handsome. He had a hard, tight face with a square jaw, hollow cheeks, a falcon nose, a heavy brow, and a small mouth with thin lips. His hair was cropped short and combed back to form a widow's peak. He spoke in a low gravelly voice rarely raising it even when angered. Tychus was born a smaller babe than the twins and even Tyrion. But by the time he reached 17, Tychus had grown into an imposing figure. He now towered over the rest of his kin surpassing even his uncle Tygett. Standing well over 6 feet, he was broad-shouldered and barrel-chested with huge arms, a thick neck, and a flat stomach as hard as an anvil.

Once they arrived Tychus made a point to set up camp at one of the more suitable places even going as far as to remove others to do so, though few stood in the way of the Demon of the Rock. Once the camp was properly set up the men went their own way to see the sights while the ladies stayed in the tents preparing for the feast that night. Tychus placed a hand on Jaime's shoulder "Keep out of trouble now little brother," he said sternly. Jaime nodded but gave him a reckless grin to which Tychus smirked at.

As he surveyed the area the sound of a scuffle reached his ears, intrigued, Tychus headed towards the source he found a very interesting sight. A young girl, she could not have been older than 15 was fending off 3 burly squires. Nearby a small man leaning against a tree bloodied and bruised. Tychus was sure of what impressed him more the fact that she was winning or the fact that she was doing it with a tourney sword.

As Tychus got closer he noted the sigils on the surcoats of the squires, they belonged to the houses Frey, Blount, and Haigh. This made Tychus smirk, 'no wonder she's winning' he thought but still to beat three properly armed and armoured squires was still an accomplishment worth noting. Tychus finally decided to introduce himself since while interesting beat-downs bored him easily. As the Frey squire raised his sword intending to stab the girl in the back. Tychus grabbed the squire's wrist and twisted it causing the boy to cry out and release his blade allowing Tychus to grab it. The cry caused the other two squires to turn towards their companion and their eyes widened in terror.

Tychus looked at the squire in his grasp and shook his head. "So, numbers were not enough for you boys heh? You still needed this?" He wondered raising the blade causing the squire to flinch. He then scoffed and kneed him in the crouch causing him to keel over. He turned to the other two and said, "take your friend and get your stunted asses out of my sight."

The squires were not slow to obey and helped their friend up and hurried out of there. Once they were gone the girl turned on him her eyes seething. "I didn't need your help," She sneered angrily, "I was handling them easily."

Tychus shrugged, "I'm aware, I saw the whole thing, but I grow bored of whippings easily. He rubbed his chin in thought, "so, I'm going to guess from your fiery personality that you are Lyanna Stark." She didn't reply and Tychus continued. "I'm glad that the tales of your unchecked ferocity were not lies."

"Do you really think you can charm me with dull flattery?" Lyanna demanded.

Tychus smirked, "Charm? Flattery? Hardly, do I truly look like some prissy lordling."

Lyanna eyed him and nodded, "fair point."

Tychus bowed slightly "Tychus Lannister of Casterly Rock," looked towards where the squire retreated, "so what was that all about with the three little monkeys?"

"They were assaulting Lord Howland Reed one of my father's bannermen," Lyanna replied gesturing towards the slight man who had recently picked a frogspear.

Tychus' eyes widened slightly, "so this is a crannogman," he acknowledged with a smile. He then gestured with his finger. "Stand Lord Reed and be counted, let me get a better look at you."

The two northerners looked at each other cautiously Lyanna gripped her tourney sword and Howland clutched his Frogspear ready to strike if Tychus tried anything. Though even they were aware that Tychus could overpower them both easily.

Seeing their uneasiness Tychus chuckled, "come now, no need to be shy I won't bite."

Finally, Howland stepped forward and Tychus circled him like a vulture. "We rarely see your kind so far south," Tychus nodded in approval, "you're taller than I expected. " I wonder if you wouldn't mind clearing some things I've wondered about your people?

Howland eyed him cautiously "like what exactly?"

Tychus grinned, "it is said that your people are descended from the Children of the Forest, that they are greenseers and ride Lizard lions into battle."

Howland couldn't help but smile at that, "more or less true I think. We may very well have had such relations with the children, but I wouldn't know since I wasn't there. But unfortunately, were are nor greenseers though many of us do have greensight and we most certainly didn't ride Lizard Lions into battle."

"Hmmm," Tychus let out a low growl though he may have only been thinking since he rubbed his chin. Finally, he sighed, "that's unfortunate, I was hoping at least one of those was true, now your just less interesting."

"Sorry to disappoint you Lord Tychus," Howland replied.

Tychus waved it off, "don't be, the truth is often more boring than the myth." He turned to Lyanna and inspected her 'weapon', "you fight well, good form and decent technique. Does your father give you proper training or are you self-taught?"

"He only ever taught me riding, the fighting I learn from my brother Brandon," Lyanna replied. Despite herself getting praise from a reputed warrior brought a smile to her face.

"Then your brothers taught you well," Tychus acknowledged. "You remind me of my sister in this regard, fiery-tempered and a desire to fight."

"I saw her," Lyanna remembered, "though she doesn't look like the sword-wielding type."

"Not all fathers are as understanding as yours," Tychus replied, "for us, southerners reputations have to be maintained."

"Something you don't seem to care that much about?" Lyanna noted."

Tychus shrugged, "I never said in what form the appearance had to take, though being a man and the heir to Casterly Rock makes it easier." Tychus let out a chuckle, in any case, enjoy yourself, but be careful who you pick fights with or you may meet someone more stubborn than you." With that Tychus walked away leaving Lyanna to tend to her friend.

That night a grand feast was held. The great houses naturally were seated closest to the Royal table with the Lannisters and Martells being the closest since Lord Tywin was Hand of the king and Princess Elia was wed to the crown prince.

Tychus decided to take the time to have a talk with the heir to Winterfell since they would both be bound by the Tullys, Tychus figured it would be best if they got to know each other.
The two immediately took a liking to each other recognizing each other's skill as warriors, fiery nature and a will to step up and take what was theirs.

As the heirs interacted, Eddard decided to make small talk with the fifteen-year-old Jaime. Though he didn't know him well Eddard understood just by how the boy looked in his eyes and couldn't help but feel sympathy for Jaime. He knew how it felt to live in the shadow of an older brother. One who seemed to be everything their younger brothers could not be. From their prowess as warriors to their ability to handle difficult situations. Men Like Brandon Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Tychus Lannister seemed born to rule.

"Robert loves and respects you Lyanna," Ned said, "I'm sure he will be true if you just give him the chance."

"Robert will never keep to one bed, I hear he already has a child with some girl in the Vale." She smiled and took Ned's hand, "love is sweet dearest Ned but it cannot change a man's nature."

"And I suppose you have another husband in mind?" Tychus wondered amused at her rant. "Say, the crown prince perhaps?" Brandon and Benjen chuckled softly at this causing Lyanna to glare daggers at Tychus. The Lannister shrugged her gaze off and continued, "Shame he's a married man and must keep to one bed. Be wary Lyanna Stark for young love tends to wither on the vine."

As they continued talking a servant approached. "Pardon me Lord Tychus," the servant began, "your father has requested your presence." Tychus excused himself and followed. The servant led Tychus to the table where Tywin was talking with the Crown Prince who was seated with his wife.

Once he arrived, Tywin put a hand on his shoulder, "Prince Rhaegar, allow me to introduce my eldest son and heir Tychus."

Tychus gave a tight smile and bowed deeply, "an honor, Prince Rhaegar."

Rhaegar responded by giving Tychus a warm smile, "Tychus, I have heard much about you and I must thank you for helping to rescue my father. The Royal Family owes you a great debt."

Tychus waved it off, "it's always a pleasure to serve the Royal Family." He offered his hand and the prince shook it. "We are all expecting great things from you good prince. All of Westeros speaks highly of your character, I trust you will live up to it."

A tense moment passed between them as the prince's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "I hope to prove worthy of such praise Tychus."

Tychus' smile widened, "as do I good prince." With a bow, he made his way to the royal table where Elia was seated. "Elia it's been a while."

Elia nodded in reply, "it has Tychus."

Tychus turned to her, "how is royal life treating you?"

Elia was clever enough to know the veiled question behind it, since when Tychus said Royal life he meant Rhaegar. "Don't worry Tychus, we're doing fine."

Tychus hmphed, "fine is the same as saying average I often found."

Elia shrugged, "my daughter makes it worth it and I'm sure the one yet to come will as well."

Tychus looked at her for a long moment before nodding took note of her heavily swollen belly and looked back at her. "You shouldn't be going anywhere in your condition."

Elia feigned surprise, "why my lord, I had no idea you cared so much. Has that stony cold heart finally started to soften."

Tychus cocked an eyebrow, "we've known each other for a decade some form of affection was bound to develop."

Elia nodded sadly and saw Tychus eyeing Rhaegar suspiciously, "You don't like him do you?" she said finally.

Tychus frowned, "tall, strong, handsome, charming, clever, gentle, It all sounds good, perhaps a little too good. In my experience if something is too good to be true then it most likely is."

Elia didn't respond to that and simply said, "he's a good father and dotes on Rhaenys, I'm sure he will be no less loving to this one," she rubbed her belly again.

Tychus nodded, "just so long as he is not mistreating you then."

During the feast, Rhaegar played on his harp singing a song so beautiful it brought many women to tears including Lyanna Stark. The Lannisters were not so impressed Cersei had hardened herself against Rhaegar and Tychus himself covered his mouth to hide a suppressed gag. "A harp? Perhaps he should wear a corset while he's at it."

A man of the Nights Watch was also in attendance he was going around talking with various lords trying to convince them to send men to join the Black Brothers. The Starks and the northern lords of course agreed but for most of the southern lords, his requests fell on deaf ears. Finally, he went to Tychus to plead his case, the Hungry Lion heard him out in silence. Before inviting him to take a walk with him.

"The Night's Watch defends the realms of men from the wildlings," he said. "But we are too few in number, most of our castles are ruins. The castles we do occupy are barely able to manage, the north does what it can, but they are not people of wealth and can only do so much. Now we've become an army or green boys and weary old men, and we barely have the resources to keep them armed and fed. We need help, Lord Tychus, you are the heir to the richest of the seven kingdoms."

Tychus is silent for a moment, before speaking. "From what I know of the Nights Watch it's become quite the Penal Colony. Recently you have been recruiting from the dungeons now, scraping the bottom of the barrel as it were."

The Wanderer nodded grimly, "too true, but it is the only pool of recruits we can get since most southern lords could care less about the wall."

"Most lords and knights have their heads up their asses," Tychus acknowledged. "Unfortunately, I have no men to spare since any criminal I apprehend I tend to get rid of. The rest are important to running my father's kingdom."

The Wanderer nodded and turned to leave when Tychus spoke up again. "That doesn't mean though that I can't lend aid in other ways. The wanderer looked back as the younger man continued, "I will send funds and materials to aid your order 30,000 silver stags to buy what you need along with some leathers and linen, Perhaps I can find some veteran knights to help train your green boys.

The Wanderer's eyes brightened slightly, it wasn't what he was hoping for, but it was better than he was expecting. "Thank you, my Lord."

"Let us hope your men do not waste this gift," Tychus warned. "For if I hear that you have squandered it then I might just decide to make your dwindling numbers all the smaller."

Later there was much dancing. Ashara Dayne, a woman who was regarded by many as the most beautiful woman in the realm danced with many men including Denys Arryn, Edmure Tully, and even Tychus Lannister. Tychus while graceful as a combatant was rather clumsy as a dancer. Still, he didn't completely humiliate himself and was able to avoid stepping on her feet. Ashara later danced with Robert and Stannis Baratheon before finishing with the Starks. Brandon was first and after encouragement from him, she shared the last dance with shy Eddard.

Suddenly the hall became silent and a group of men appeared, six knights in shining white armour. King Aerys Targaryen had come to attend the Tourney. When he emerged from the ranks of his kingsguard the crowd let out a silent gasp

Even Tychus who was no stranger to gruesome things was surprised by King Aerys appearance. 'He has certainly changed since I last saw him,' Tychus thought. The king had now become so thin one would have thought he was fasting like Baelor the Blessed. But that was the least surprising thing about him. His hair and beard had grown all the way to his waist in a tangled filthy mane. Then there were his fingernails which had warped into twisted yellow claws no less than nine inches long.

Aerys looked around the hall before throwing his hand up and laughing, "well why are all so gloomy this is a celebration, not a funeral." The king took his seat and the feast resumed.

As the feast continued most of everyone present took note of their king's behavior. He would go from laughing to drying making japes and insults and praise most often to the same people. This continued until he stood up and raised his hands demanding silence.

The king Turned to Lord Tywin and smiled warmly. "Lord Hand," he began, "I feel I've been remiss towards you. You have served me well for twenty years and I have not given you the recognition you deserve." Tywin's face remained unflinching as the King turned to his second son. "Jaime Lannister come forward."

Jaime stood frozen in shock for a moment before stepping towards the king. Once he was before the king's seat and took the knee. King Aerys drew a sword and placed the blade on Jaime's shoulders.

"I King Aerys Targaryen, the first of my name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Hereby name Ser Jaime, of House Lannister as the seventh member of my Kingsguard."

Aerys raised the sword and Jaime made his vows before standing up, "I-I am honored beyond words your grace, I swear to uphold my duty to the best of my abilities."

Aerys smiled, "I'm glad to hear it, now as a Kingsguard, you are sworn to protect the Royal Family, so I decree as your first duty, you shall ride at once to the Red Keep and ensure the wellbeing of my wife Queen Rhaella and second son Prince Viserys."

Jaime's eyes widened in horror, why was he going all the way to the capital, was he not going to compete in the later Tourney?

Sensing the boy's discomfort, the Lord Commander Gerold Hightower spoke up. "Your Grace," he interjected, "perhaps I can go in Jaime's stead, so the boy can enjoy the rest of the tourney before coming to fulfill his duties.

The king's eyes flashed at the lord commander before letting out a laugh. "I think not Ser Gerold, Tywin's son is mine now not his. I may have failed to get the older one, but I now have his spare, now be gone and do not dare object to me again."

That was when Jaime's face fell. The king had no interest in his skill nor did he ever he had only wanted to hurt his father and now he was bound to serve a madman. As he was led away Jaime stole a glance to Tychus with eyes that were practically screaming "get me out of this." But sadly, Tychus could do nothing but look after his younger brother sadly as he became subjugated to a new and miserable existence.

As Tychus watched his brother escorted away from Harrenhal, Ser Barristan Placed a hand on Tychus' shoulder, "do not despair Lord Tychus, the Kingsguard is a prestigious honor he is a fine addition to the kingsguard."

Tychus scoffed, "if only there was a king worth guarding," he muttered before turning and walking away leaving the old man to watch him in shock.

The next few days was an endless stream of events With the minor events out of the way they could now focus on the main events the Meelee and the Jousting

Tychus unsurprisingly took part in a seven-sided melee, with Tychus leading the champions of House Lannister among them were Lyle Crakehall, Addam Marbrand and Harwyn Plumm and Ser Lirigon.

During the melee, Tychus revealed a weakness in his fighting prowess. While he excelled as a warrior he was nowhere near as skilled on horseback as he was on foot. In comparison, he was slower to strike and ungainly nevertheless he was still dangerous and unhorsed many opponents through sheer brute force often targeting his opponent's horses in order to throw them off. Two of the kingsguard, Jonothor Darry, and Oswell Whent had entered as champions for House Targaryen hoping for a chance to put the Lannister heir in his place. They took him on together, unfortunately, the two kingsguard found themselves horribly outmatched and a few minutes later Tychus send both men to the unforgiving ground gaining nothing but a mouthful of dirt for their trouble. After a long vicious struggle, only two remained standing, Tychus Lannister, and Robert Baratheon. Cersei and Jaime cheered their brother on as the two men dueled. Finally, Robert emerged the victor disarming Tychus and throwing the Lannister to the ground. Tychus yielded grinning and Robert helped his opponent up and the two men laughed and later drank like old friends.

Afterward, Tychus challenged Robert and Brandon to a friendly duel this time with their trademark weapons and everything short of fatal or crippling goes. Naturally, the two men accepted, they found a spot within the ruined castle with a wide-open space which gave them the room to make full use of their skills. Intrigued Oberyn decided to join them simply to test the boy's mettle.

Brandon, with his Sword and shield bearing the Stark sigil. Robert with a shield bearing the Baratheon sigil and his great warhammer, a monstrous weapon that lesser men would struggle to wield with two hands, yet he held it in one like a twig. Oberyn held a steel round shield and the Spear he carried was eight feet long. The last two feet forming a bladed point, so it was more of a partisan, the shaft was made of thick heavy ash. Tychus was the only one with no shield and opted for his dual wielding axes.

This unscheduled match attracted a lot of attention. By the time they were ready, a huge crowd had gathered to watch the champions of these 4 great houses. Commoners would refer to them as The Axe, The Hammer, The Sword and the Spear Among the spectators were the combatant's families. The four combatants faced each other, with the Dornish Prince facing the Lord of Storm's End and the Wild Wolf squaring off with the Demon of the Rock. Knowing Jaime's skill with a blade, Eddard knew Brandon was in for one hell of a fight.

One of the fangs blew a horn and the fight commenced, the showdown that followed was worthy of a war balled. The private melee lasted for an hour as the four men looked absolutely beautiful in their own elements with their respected weapons. It is one of the few times someone like Tychus Lannister could be considered beautiful. They wielded their weapons with skill worthy of the kingsguard and their movements like a dance. The thrill of the fight pumped adrenaline through their bodies giving them a near endless amount of energy.

Brandon Stark was by far the best fighter among the Starks with skill to rival Jaime Lannister. But the other combatants seemed to be on a whole other level. Overwhelmed by his opponents seemingly endly flurry of attacks Brandon was finally disarmed and he yielded to Tychus Lannister.

Meanwhile, Oberyn was practically running circles around Robert. The Lord of Storm's End had strength matched by few but he was far slower than the Red Viper and his mighty swings hit naught but air. Still, he was no slouch and was able to keep Oberyn in his sights at all times. Though his opponent landed blow after blow they were ineffectual against Robert's heavy armour. Fortunately, since this duel was purely for fun tOberyn didn't use his trademark weapon that earned him his name.

It was clear Oberyn was controlling the fight, then something odd happened. Soon after Brandon yielded Oberyn jabbed too far and too low Robert deflected the thrust with his shield causing it to stick to the ground. Once he had it pinned Robert Swung down his warhammer with all his might and snapped the spear in half. With his main weapon gone, Oberyn simply grinned and dropped his shield yielding the fight.

Tychus knew Oberyn too well to know that in a real fight he would never make such a mistake no matter how cocky he tended to be. This caused Tychus to conclude that Oberyn lost the fight on purpose so that he could duel Robert himself. Sure enough, there were now only two left Tychus Lannister and Robert Baratheon, the two men circled each other, the Stag with his Hammer and Shield and Lion with his dual Axes. After a moment Robert dropped his shield and Tychus dropped his secondary axe before they charged locking their main weapons.

Despite the lengthy previous engagement, both men seemed as fresh as ever. Both men were clearly evenly matched. Robert was slightly stronger as he landing harder hits on Tychus' while Tychus was lightly swifter dodging the more fatal swings from Robert's hammer. Due to their own toughness, they were able to weather each other's attacks whenever they went on the offensive. Both ended up knocking each other's helms off raising the risks of their match. Their fight eventually ended with both of them in a position to land a killing blow. Tychus with the blade of his axe at Robert's neck and Robert with the head of his hammer just over Tychus' head. They stayed like that for the longest time before they started laughing and withdrew their weapons.

The Jousting was barely anything special. Walter Whent's four sons were unsurprisingly defeated By Brandon Stark, Robert Baratheon, Arthur Dayne and Barristan Selmy. Though one thing peaked Tychus' interest, A mystery knight had entered the list. Their armour looked like it was made entirely from scratch cobbled from a pile of assorted suits. And on his shield was a smiling weirwood tree. If Tychus didn't know better he would swear this was a sellsword, Hedge Knight want to be recognized and they would not wish to embarrass themselves in front of any prospective lord. That's why Tychus brought so many of them into the fold, he found value in their desperation.

The Mystery Knight was introduced as the Knight of the Laughing Tree. He dipped his lance before the king and rode off to challenge his opponents, three Knights from House Haigh, Blount and Frey. Tychus quickly realized that they were the masters of the squires he had encountered earlier. One by one the Mystery Knight defeated them in quick succession. With each consecutive victory, the cheers for the mystery knight grew louder. From these wins, the Mystery knight gained possession of not only their armour but their horses as well.

When the knight approached their opponent to ransom their belongings back the Knight simply said in a booming voice, "Teach your squires honor, and I shall consider your debt paid." And so, it was that the three insolent squires received harsh whippings from their masters before the Mystery knight returned what he had claimed.

Not everyone was happy about the Mystery Knight however, King Aerys was absolutely furious at the mere presence of this knight. "This man is no friend of the crown," he declared, Find this intruder and bring him to me. We shall unmask him for all to see." Tychus shook his head in amusement, the king was truly out of his tree.

Aerys assigned several men to capture the Mystery Knight including, Tychus, Robert, Prince Rhaegar and Richard Lonmouth. Though each had their own reasons, ranging from curiosity to wanting to recruit him into the Fangs.

By the end of the tourney, Fletcher Dick won the archery contest and Mors Westford won in axe. But the real champion was none other than the crown prince himself. Rhaegar seemed invincible, after soundly defeating Brandon Stark and Arthur Dayne, he won the Joust just as Tychus predicted unhorsing Barristan Selmy in the final tilt. But the entire crowd grew deathly quiet as Rhaegar named Lyanna Stark the Queen of Love and Beauty instead of his own wife Elia Martell. Presenting the Stark Girl with a crown of blue winter roses.

During the feast that night, the tension could be tasted in the air. Though no words were spoken, the anger was more than evident among many lords at the Crown Prince's scandalous actions. Chief among them was Robert Baratheon, Brandon Stark, Oberyn Martell and Tychus Lannister. It was a fact that did not go unnoticed by Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent. Rhaegar had earned the ire of the four men who were not only members of the Great Lords but had already earned fearsome reputations. These were among the most dangerous men in Westeros and Rhaegar just made enemies out of them.

Brandon and Robert knew that people were probably thinking that Lyanna was sleeping with Rhaegar. Brandon had to be held back by both Robert and Tychus to keep him from confronting Rhaegar and only calmed when Tychus assured him that he would get his chance one day. Robert pretended to laugh it off but those who knew him knew he was fuming since he saw it as the Prince trying to move in on his betrothed.

On the other hand, Oberyn and Tychus were enraged at how this looked to Elia. Elia was a good, kind woman and Rhaegar had the nerve to shame her in front of the whole kingdom.
Oberyn glared at the prince his eyes burning with rage though his body remained still. Tychus, however, had a much different reaction than the rest, he was smiling maliciously, and his eyes had a scheming look.

The two kingsguard could practically see the wheels in the young Lannister's head spinning rapidly. They looked at each other gaining a deep sinking feeling that Rhaegar's reign would not start out anything but smoothly. Without anyone starting an incident they watched as the four men left the hall in silent anger pleading weariness.

Robert accompanied the Starks to their tent while Tychus led Oberyn to the Dornish camp. There, the Red Viper let out his fury as he and Tychus talked over dornish red wine. "That insolent dragon prick," he raged throwing a goblet of wine onto the floor. "Who the fuck does he think he is disgracing my sister this way."

"In way over his head, I deem," Tychus replied.

Oberyn pointed a finger at Tychus, "now I understand why you never liked him." He admitted, "I thought you were just jealous and didn't see what was so plain to you. But I now see that you were right about him, you were right about everything. He doesn't deserve her."

"What has happened was disgraceful at best,' Tychus said rubbing his chin, then he held a finger up. "But we have learned something today my friend."

Oberyn looked at him, "and what is that?"

Tychus grinned maliciously, "since the beginning, everybody was always ranting about how perfect he is, strong and gentle, wise and beautiful. Now it turns out that the noble, valiant prince that the whole realm is fawning over is not the perfect little man he is made out to be. I think that today the future king has given us a glimpse of his true colours."

"You think he may be going mad like his father." Oberyn wondered.

Tychus sipped his wine, "Mad, arrogant, stupid who can say? But definitely careless. I believe that Rhaegar will end up causing far more harm to his family dynasty than his father ever could."

"I ought to slash that pretty face of his with one of my special blades," Oberyn growled with clenched fists, "see how much the people love him with no nose and bloated cheeks."

Tychus put down his goblet, "I'll gladly throw that purple eyed princess from Harrenhal's Kingspyre. You just say it was an accident."

Oberyn laughed, "as much as I would like that, I fear I must refuse. Elia would not want me to, gods bless her."

Tychus nodded, "even in the midst of shame Elia remains a good woman, further proof that the Prince is unworthy of her."

"It could have been you, you know?" Oberyn pointed out.

"It could have been Ser Baelor Hightower, 'The Breaking of the Wind'." The nickname caused Oberyn to chortled at that. Tychus smirked and shook his head, "the Way I see it he is better than Rhaegar in every way."

Oberyn frowned, "up till today I would have disagreed, but now compare to what Rhaegar did, Breakwind doesn't seem so bad anymore."

Tychus shrugged and sipped his wine, "in any case she's too timid for me."

"Are you really so bad?" Oberyn wondered."

Tychus grinned and shook his head, "no but I can always get worse." The two of them laughed as Tychus drained his goblet and rose, "fear not my friend, I have no doubt you will get your chance to pay our beloved prince for his 'courtesy'."

Oberyn smiled, "you have no idea how happy that would make me." Tychus nodded and gave the Red Viper a pat on the back before leaving the tent.

Tychus returned to the Lannister camp and there the family discussed this disturbing turn of events."

"The Crown Prince can't resist playing with wildfire it seems," Tychus observed.

Kevan shook his head sadly, "Rhaegar is playing with fire here. If he had been with Cersei, he would not have looked Twice at the Stark Girl."

Tychus laughed, "oh my dear uncle, you have much to learn about attraction, this isn't about looks, not everybody is so vain. I met Lyanna Stark and I admit instantly saw what draws Robert to her, she may not have my sister's beauty but she has something within. She may not be a Dragon but trust me that girl is all fire and Iron."

When the Lannisters returned they found Tywin had returned to the Rock. The Old Lion was furious at being robbed of one of his sons. This became the final slight Tywin could bear and shortly after Tywin resigned as Hand of the king and retook his place as Lord of Casterly Rock thus ending his son's reign as acting lord.

Bree

Tywin was impressed by his son's ability to manage the Rock and now invited him to sit on his council meetings. While Tywin resumed taking over most of his family's affairs he allowed Tychus to continued building up the Lannister forces. For a time things looked content. But Tychus sensed a war brewing, the king was growing more and more unstable each day and it was only a matter of time before he went too far. So Tychus redoubled his efforts to prepare the Lannister army for war as discreetly as possible. Around this time Tychus adopted a new title for himself with Father's consent General of Western Host. From that point on everyone referred to him as General instead of Lord much to his relief since it fixed the confusion of addressing both Tywin and his son as 'my lord'.

Unknown to Tywin, Tychus had a secret, one he worked very hard to keep from his father for he knew the consequences if he found out. Using a secret entrance that he discovered years ago Tychus slipped out of the castle and scaled down the cliffs to the city below. Using a hooded cloak and roughspun clothes as a disguise Tychus made his way through the city with an air that showed that he had been here many times before.

He walked until he came upon a familiar building, inside the sounds of moans and grunts filled his ears. Upon entering the owner of the establishment walked up to greet him until Tychus lowered his hood slightly revealing his face. Due to it having become routine, neither one said a word as the owner gave a simple nod and led him to a specific room. Opening the door Tychus handed over a bag of coins and the owner left Tychus alone with the companion in the room.

She lay there on the bed naked her head resting on one hand as her other stroked her thigh. "You're late darling," she said softly. "I was beginning to get bored."

Tychus walked over and stripped his cloak and shirt off. "Took me longer to get away this time, I believe he's getting suspicious." He sat down on the bed and her hands came up to his shoulders rubbing them gently.

The woman giggled, "I hope not, we're having too much fun." Tychus smiled and kissed her deeply on the lips.

Tychus frequently visited the brothels but despite this, he only ever visited one and only laid with one woman, her name was Bree. Her face was gaunt yet beautiful at the same time with pale skin, black hair and light green eyes. Though she was 8 years older, Tychus grew to love her all the same mainly because unlike most other women she had no fear of him and cared not for his reputation. He didn't bed her every time though, more often he would spend hours with her just lying there with his head in her lap while she stroked his hair and hummed 'Two Hearts That Beat As One.'

For years Tychus was able to hide his secret, then one day it happened, Bree was with child. While she was worried about what she would do, Tychus was thrilled. He came up with a plan that would help her start a new life and he would visit as often as he could.

Unfortunately, all secrets get uncovered in time. One of Tywin's household guards caught Tychus with Bree and reported it to his father. Tywin was furious, not only was his eldest son seeing a commoner but he had also sired a bastard by her. Memories of his late father's promiscuity with two low-born women flooded his mind and he would be damned if his son grew up to be the same.

Determined maintain the honor of his house and teach his son a lesson Tywin sent Ser Gregor Clegane after the woman. Bree was brutally raped and beaten near to death killing the child inside her. Broken and driven mad by grief, She slit her wrists with a broken shard of glass. Tychus found her at death's door and with her last breath she told him who did it. She died in his arms as Tychus spend hours cradling her body.

Something changed inside Tychus, the death of Bree was what finally made him snap. For years he had served his father loyally obeying every command and doing every task without complaint. Tychus was finally fed up with his father who couldn't give him one slight discretion. Later that night Tychus built Bree a funeral pyre and he made a vow as her body burned, he would teach his father a lesson of his own.

When Tychus returned home Tywin confronted him about Bree. "I know what you did and I hope this serves as a lesson for you." Tychus heard him out in silence and simply stared at his father with blank eyes. He pretended not to care and acted that he was going to let it go. Finally, after the longest moment, Tychus gave a reply, "it doesn't matter," he said blankly, "none of it does."

Later with help from the Maw, Tychus learned about the guard who informed his father about Bree. They beat him within an inch of his life and threw him from the battlements and into the Sunset Sea. But this was far from over for Tychus. Tywin had fucked with the wrong Lion this time and Tychus was going to show him how dangerous that was.