The Lion of the Rock

Tywin was edgy, he had been all these month, feeling the first kick of the baby had undone him in many ways. Made it more real. He watched over her more even in secret when she least suspected it and he was the one who visited the Maester often on her progress. Jamie would soon be leaving Casterly Rock to start squiring for a Knight he had narrowed down three choices. There were also future matches to be considered to whom to match Cersei with. Riding home he knew something was amiss when neither his wife nor children were there to greet him.

Tywin wasted no time dismounting and going in search for them. He found them in their shared chamber and Farfella pale and sweaty. Her water had broken and it was almost time. Tywin sent the twins out to go wait outside and tell the servants to get everything in order for the Maester. They did as he bid glancing at her worriedly before they slipped from the doorway. Tywin took a cloth and wiped her forehead sitting at her bedside. Moving his other hand he traced over the dress against the baby which was very active not helping her pain. "Be strong it will pass."

He tried to soothe her but he knew words were of little help. The servants coming in with everything the Maester would need. The Maester behind them, Tywin knew that was his signal to leave. He leaned and kissed her swiftly lips to her ear telling her to be strong and that he was just outside. Leaving her side though everything in him screamed not to. He went out and sat down. Jamie was already pacing and Cersei was gripping her doll Farfella had made for her. Jamie saw his father's hands begin to shake at the first real outcry of pain from the chamber. He clasped his hands tightly together to stop them from shaking and was looking ahead into the fire. Silently beyond all else praying she did not become like Joanna.

Farfella panted a bit as maids around her tried to comfort her in soothing words and offer support but it did little to ease her pain. The baby was kicking hard and active as bad as the contractions as the pain rippled through her body worse at the center. She gripped the nurses hands as that pain intensified and her body felt on fire especially between her legs. Like something was trying to pry free. She felt the Maester keep checking her and was grateful when he told her to start pushing. She gripped the nurses hands harder and harder trying to bear down. "The head is free just a bit more now." He said encouragingly and Farfella pushed harder and longer. Feeling the little body pass through hers to suddenly feel empty and a numbing throbbing pain as she collapsed back into the bed. The Maester cut the cord and began to vigorously clean the baby off.

Tywin froze at the soft sudden silence not hearing Farfella anymore, his heart hammering in his ears as he waited. Jamie froze in place as did Cersei. Then after a moment there was a new cry from small lungs. Loud. The door was opened and the Maester stepped out as the other servants did with the change of bedding. Getting up Tywin walked forward hiding the shake in his steps. "Farfella?" He ventured the Maester looked to him and smiled. "Tired but well, so is your son." He felt relief flood him he could have collapsed. He blinked and looked to the Maester more. "A boy?" He nodded. Pride took the place of the relief so instantly he moved past the Maester without second thought and walked toward the bed. Looking at her sweaty and disheveled but holding the bundle that was moving. He approached slower to look as she looked at him. The babe had a shock of thick blonde hair atop his head that would go gold over time. His eyes that blue all babies had before they took their real color though he could see hints of green. A lion. A new Lion of the Rock. Tywin caressed his small fair head he made noise and she smiled. All that pain was worth t holding him in her arms.

"He's beautiful, thank you." She said softly Tywin shivered. "No, thank you for my new son…for not leaving me." She blinked as he said that so softly and privately she reached up tracing his cheek. Looking down to their baby boy who was watching them in slow languid blinks. "Talyn Lannister." She said softly, that he blinked but smiled. "A good name. Talyn." He gently took the bundle from her with some practice ease. Holding him so she could get a moment to herself before the twins came in. Jamie and Cersei hugged her worried but happy she was alive and still there. Then their attention was on Talyn. He looked at his twin siblings with those eyes, so many new people in his little world. Jamie let him grip his finger and was awed by the strength of his little grip. Fascinated. Promising he would be a good big brother and something Tyrion and Talyn could look up to. Tywin ushered his twins out as Talyn fussed watching her move her dress as his child latched immediately and grew quiet but for the sounds of nursing. Watching her as she watched him. His heart ached and he realized why, he actually loved Farfella. Gripping the bed post to steady the shake of his hand. He had been so worried of loosing her, to be alone again. For his child to be alone again. Watching her he knew that would not be his fate. Leaning as she looked up he did not give her a chance to ask anything he kissed her, and hard.

Farfella felt wetness on her cheeks and realized she was crying but she wasn't the only one for the great lion of the rock had also shed a tear or two before breaking his kiss and finally telling her, "I love you Ella." She blushed hard. He never called her that but in moments of passion. Realizing he really did love her. That their marriage was alright and would grow. "I love you Tywin…and my Talyn." She said softer he shivered but let her nurse and took him placing him in the cradle carefully before stripping out of his boots and doublet to join her and hold her carefully. Watching her as she watched Talyn who was fast asleep. Falling asleep he smiled, knowing she was so tired. In truth…so was he.