2
23. HOME.
The wind bordered on violence by the way it lashed around her. The new Lady of Casterly Rock was standing for the first time on the beautiful raised garden built just for her pleasure. She didn't know how he had managed that, but she even had a few trees around. That was her new domain, she thought. She would learn to love it, as she already appreciated it quite a bit. Her Lord Husband silently approached her from behind, wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her shoulder, as she leaned into him.
-Are you pleased so far?
-Very much. –she answered, reserving her harsher opinions to herself- You were right. I suffer the risk of getting lost here.
"And losing myself"
-I suggest you start with the Residency and expand from there. –he said- You have everything you need here, slowly you will get familiarized with the rest of the place. I, myself, haven't being in parts of the Castle in years.
-Do you really need to leave? –she asked, turning on his arms to look at him- We only just arrived…
-We travelled in such a hurry for a reason, my love.
-I know. –she closed her eyes, hugging him.
-I have instructed the Household to give you space to settle; some servants will be here to help yours find their footing. You must rest, the travel was taxing enough.
-Can Enya stay with me when you are not here? –she asked, dreading the new bed on those exaggeratedly large bedchambers.
-She sure can.
Catelyn was kissed, hugged and reassured before Tywin took his leave of her to take charge of the operations in Lannisport. News of the Rebellion were positive when they arrived. The only issue that remained was the Siege of Pyke, but once that was sorted, things could finally be set to right. Tywin had managed to secure a large cargo of grains from the free cities, which would be arriving soon to support the troops. One of the things they did on their way from Riverrun, was to choose an area of old forest to clear, to supply wood for the rebuilding of the fleet, that could then be ploughed and sewed.
-More than just ships were lost, my love. –Catelyn reminded him, as his main focus was on his loss- Many villages were pillaged and torched.
-I suppose you would like to visit them eventually. –he commented.
-Of course. We must be present.
And what better way was there to allow her to be introduced to her new people?
She walked alone back to the bedchambers she already hated, still wearing full Tully Garments. She could see the silent judgement on the faces of the ladies that received them on Darren's Arch. They were mostly older than her, but Catelyn did not allow herself to feel intimidated. They were all beautifully and luxuriously dressed, wearing ostentatious jewellery, with intricate and painful looking hair styles. Her anxiety prevented her from learning their names and she was sure that it could have a cost soon.
Catelyn counted the steps on the large staircase that would take her from the street to the arch. Eleven. Twelve foot tall lionesses guarded each side of the arch. Eight ladies stood under the arch looking at her like a fool's novelty. Tywin helped her out of the horse, removing the hood of the cape and exposing her elegantly wavy coppery hair. His eyes expressed understanding, identifying some anxiety on her face, and his actions seemed to be very deliberate.
-Welcome home. –he whispered, gently holding her by the arms and indicating the gigantic structure ahead of them.
-Ty… -she sounded fearful.
-I know. –he said, leaning in and softly kissing her lips, both of them aware of their witnesses - This is yours, ours. Who even are this people? –he asked, dismissively, opening a crocked smile.
She felt much braver with him there, but now, the emptiness of those chambers made her small. Wide white stone columns held the tall vaulted ceilings, adorned by intricate stone spandrels and massive chandeliers, hung on long iron chains. Walking from the garden into the room, the first visible feature was a fireplace of polished stone, the heart taller than Catelyn herself. In front of it, two lounging chases and a rug made of beige fur. To her right, more empty space, save for a round wooden table with a vase of red roses adorning it. Beyond that, large doors led to the corridor that would give access to the rest of the Residency. To her left, after climbing a couple of steps, her marital bed looked small and lonely, guarded at each side by stained windows almost as tall as the ceiling.
She felt exposed, hoping to be able to have a canopy build around the bed. The main colour in the room was beige, and she really liked it. She found that it worked beautifully with the white stone, light coloured wood and gold accents. It was beautifully decorated, and it was to her taste. She only hoped to be trice her size, so all that space would make sense. The stained glass windows were her favourite feature, each showcasing a forest scape with a river and a sunny sky.
-Oh! –Enya exclaimed, looking around amused and impressed- So now we know that this part of the castle was truly built by giants!
-Speak louder! –Catelyn laughed- You are too far away…
They giggled, but forced themselves to keep a straight face when two of the fancy and extravagant ladies they met on the arch made their way in.
-Moyra Lannister, dark blond hair, long face. Gyda Crakehall… the other one. –Enya quickly whispered to Catelyn, before turning to face the women.
-We will be changing those garments now, Lady Catelyn.
Catelyn still wore her light cape, of a dark blue embroidered linen, decorated with floral motifs and small iridescent crystals. Her dress was of a deep red and had wide silky straps rather than sleeves, the bodice emulated the look of stays, and the envelope skirts were heavy, kissing the floors ever so lightly. She adorned herself with a small pair of ruby earrings and a combination of the collar she wore to the wedding with the small golden trout intertwined, and the necklace Tywin gifted her in honour of their engagement.
-Was that an order? –she asked, wondering if the boning of their dresses was made of steel, as they stood so straight and tall it did not look natural or comfortable.
-Not at all, it is just the way things should be. –Lady Gyda quickly dismissed it, snapping her fingers to Catelyn's servants, who stared at their lady unsure if they were supposed to move.
-No. –Catelyn answered.
-Huh?! –the stunned whimper so sharp it could barely be heard.
-This is my Residency. –she continued, her expression unbothered, her tone soft, almost kind- I would appreciate if you would announce yourselves before entering my home, and to only approach my bedchambers if summoned.
-You are a young girl. –Moyra Lannister mellowed her tone, with a poorly rehearsed smile- This is completely different from anything you could possibly be used to.
She sounded as if Catelyn had being taken from the side of the road, a brothel, a farmhouse on the edge of the woods, and not Riverrun.
-We have been warned of your ways. –the lady continued, prompting Enya and Catelyn to exchange a look that couldn't have lasted more than a second, but that expressed a full conversation- Wild horse ridding. –she continued, the smile starting to look like a mask- Peasant loving. Ground dwelling. –Enya swallowed her laugh, trying to make sense of it- Unladylike. Simply dressed. –that was the thing that seemed to bother the woman the most, as if Catelyn wore rags and not silk from the free cities and myirish lace.
-And I was warned of your ways, Lady Moyra. –Catelyn's tone and attitude were still pleasant- I must remind you that you married a Lannister of Lannisport.
The emphasis on "Lannisport" was all that was needed to silence the other.
-Now… -Catelyn smiled once more- I would appreciate if you could show me the Sept, where we can all pray together and ask the gods for clarity and the ability to self-reflect and accept our place in the world.
Catelyn hoped for friends in Casterly Rock, but so far he had only found unhappy women. It was comic how much they already hated her. Those two in specific. The other ones at least tried, giving her the biggest of courtesies: space. She was incredibly grateful for Lady Maeryan now, telling her all that she needed to know about those people, and what to expect on their long talks during those longs moons back at home. She hadn't believed, however, that Catelyn would be received with outright disrespect and hostility, but none of them imagined that Tywin wouldn't be there.
She was awarded more excitement and kindness from her lord husband's servants than from the women that only existed on that court for her benefit. Catelyn also knew that she could not behave in accord to her feelings, or those women would have been cast away from Casterly Rock right on that moment.
The first night was as uncomfortable as she had predicted. She would not have being able to sleep if Enya wasn't there. The crackling noise of the fireplace echoed across the room, and the violent winds would ever so lightly rattle the garden doors. Morning could not have arrived soon enough.
-Listen… -Enya held her by the shoulders, both still wearing only their shifts- You need to remain in bed and sleep some more.
-No. –she felt the need to be present- We will explore the place and I will find myself normal bedchambers.
Like Tywin's. Located down the long corridor sided by many rooms and doors she was supposed to occupy, Tywin's chambers were perfectly fine. He had a large west-facing window that opened to the ocean, semi obscured by wine coloured curtains. A beautiful rug grounded the area that held the bed, which was large and comfortable, sided by two practical night stands. One door led to his dressing room, where she could appreciate his large collection of garments. Some of his personal belongings could be found adorning the dressers, together with interesting accessories.
-Well, this is a problem solved for the time being. –she announced to her companions, extracting a giggle out of the young Odille Serrett, who had being tasked with the mission of presenting to Catelyn whatever Catelyn wished to see.
She was seven and ten, with brown hair, hazel eyes and a beautiful round face. She spoke a lot, and quickly, with thick western accent. Her excitement of having Catelyn there was almost palpable, and she behaved oddly when learning of Enya's engagement to Lord Rowan.
-Do not believe what people say. –she gossiped with a sassy attitude that was actually endearing- But all of the other girls will die of jealousy.
-What girls? –Catelyn asked, wondering why she hadn't being introduced to the people that lived on her castle.
-We were told by Lady Moyra that Lord Tywin had ordered everyone to give you space to settle. And she decided that you would only be allowed contact with very few people until Lord Tywin returned.
-Really? –Enya smiled sweetly, which was most uncomfortable to see as someone who knew her.
-It could be moons from now. –Catelyn also smiled, deciding that she would have some fun with those restrictions.
By obliterating them.
-I am most excited to meet the others. Please, go invite them for lunch with me. Just the girls, let's not bother the old ones.
The young lady left her presence almost skipping down the corridor. Catelyn was tired, overwhelmed and in need of a nap. Both of them ached due to the travels on horseback. None of them knew where they were or how to move from one place to another without the risk of getting lost, but at this moment, they needed to fashion a party. And on the top of Catelyn's priorities, she needed to do the one thing that could have served her well on the previous afternoon.
-The Residency starts here. –Enya said, having already made herself better acquainted with the area.
Enormous and heavy weirwood doors, of a creamy-greyish white, opened from the Residency to a beautiful ballroom, large enough to host a few hundred guests. The ceiling was vaulted and made of glass, making it all bright and shining. Double height galleries adorned the main floor, and Catelyn had already decided on her mind that this place would make the most perfect and beautiful winter garden.
-We will place four guards here, two outside and two inside. –Catelyn decided, after confirming with the Commander of her guard that this was the main entrance to what Tywin had decided to be their home.
-There's other smaller accesses, used by servants. I took the liberty of posting at least one at each one of those. –Lord Bracken said- The raised garden is fairly inaccessible, but we have three men there, protecting the entrances. Lord Tywin ordered some of his men to situate us and at the moment, your guard will be blended.
-That's very good, my Lord. –Catelyn thanked- Now, it is quite important that this space is kept private. Mine. So you must inform your men that no one is to enter without my permission. They all must be announced. And the bedchambers are out of reach.
-Even to the Lannister lady? –he asked- Lady Moyra?
-Yes. –both Catelyn and Enya said in unison.
After those orders were put in place, Catelyn summoned her personal maids. Maise and Alice served her for many years in Riverrun, and they very happily joined her on this next chapter. They were not part of any nobility, and started as simple maids. Those two women were an essential part of Catelyn's household, they commanded the others and kept things as Catelyn liked. She had always made sure that both of them were properly dressed, and that their families were cared for, as they earned good wages and were not forbidden to marry, like some noble people would do. Cora, another one of them, was married to one of her guards and even had a child. She was traveling with the rest of the household.
-I understand it is short notice, but I need to discover if I have access here to a dining room and how much hassle it would be to host a lunch for… -Catelyn seemed unsure of a number- … half a dozen, maybe eight people?
-None at all, my lady. We can have it served by noon. The only possible issue is that we do not know how will you enjoy the wine, so we can prepare some tasting or serve the same thing you had last night with supper.
She couldn't help but to feel impressed. Those two had already found their footing whilst she was still scrambling around. Alice left to warn the kitchens, located a couple floors underneath them, and Maise led Catelyn through a passage where a long table, also made of weirwood, would be able to sit a dozen comfortably.
-We were told by lady Maeryan, back at Riverrun, who would be the best servants to add to your service. The ones loyal to her, and we have already requested them. So you will be able to host without fear of being eavesdropped on, my Lady.
-Thank you, Maise… -Catelyn held the woman's hands, and Enya gave her a small cuddle- I was feeling lost and lonely, but you have already made me more at ease on this new home of ours.
-We were told by Lady Genna and Lady Maeryan to be uncompromising when it came to serve you well. Also, Lord Westerling warned the servants of this area that they answer to us, and not the other way around. Some didn't seem to like, and whilst the rest of the household and your ladies-in-waiting don't arrive, we must be cautious.
-Yes. Thank you.
-I will arrange that the table is set, and will return to help you both change into something… better. –she swiftly left.
Enya and Catelyn looked at each other, wondering if they were really underdressed, and decided that they were. They were glad to know where Catelyn's dressing room was, and headed there, decided to find something remarkable and not Lannister. They wondered if they had already met any of those ladies before, as they had recently attended a Large Tournament.
Her dressing room was something else, even in comparison to the one she had in Riverrun, that occupied a quarter of her domains on the Tower. It had a staircase, a skylight and a wall of mirrors. It was round, and the main floor contained a vanity and the dresses Catelyn usually wore on her day to day, already blended with some pieces made on the style of the Rock, plus her undergarments, sleeping clothes, capes and other accessories. Upstairs she could find an atelier, with fabrics, a long table and a few porcelain busts that held half ready dresses. In the further part of the room, her Lannister garments and some more luxurious pieces adorned the hangers in the wall. From there, a reinforced door led to her vault, where an unsurmountable amount of jewellery was kept safe.
Catelyn selected one of her Riverrun dresses, in light sky blue, with crystal embroidery on the bodice that trickled down onto the voluminous skirts. It was sleeveless, but had a lacy mesh covering her cleavage, buttoned around her neck. It looked like a cloud with rain droplets all over it. Enya was asked to wear a similar dress, and under protest, she selected a peach coloured piece, with full skirts, long flowy sleeves and a square neckline. The only jewellery Catelyn wore was a delicate pair of diamond earrings that had belonged to her late mother.
-I see what you are doing. –Enya said, brushing her own hair, which was always worn pin straight and never braided- You will make them want to look like you to spite those old rags.
-I am willing to part with some dresses, even. –Catelyn smiled, looking at a blushing Maise through the mirror, as her curls were perfectly set with warm iron combs.
-Are you sure we haven't met any of them? –Enya insisted.
-You did not. –Maise answered- For what I have gathered. I may be wrong.
But she wasn't. Catelyn and Enya sipped some wine on her sea facing sitting room when the ladies arrived, right before noon. Lord Bracken announced them one by one, which allowed Catelyn connect a name to a face.
Elys Crackehall, was a barely flourished damsel and the younger daughter of Lady Gyda. Her main feature was her smile, wide and true. Light brown hair, blue eyes.
Tysanne Lefford, daughter to Lord Gawan, betrothed to one of the Lannisters of Lannisport. She had her father's looks and colours, and was very petite, near in age to Catelyn. Her bright skin gave her the appearance of a doll.
Rosamund Lannister, Lady Moyra's eldest daughter. Only four and ten years of age, tall, slim, with dark blond hair and green eyes. She was dressed in full red and gold, and wore far too much jewellery.
And finally, their little friend, the sweet Odille. They were so young, and for that Catelyn was glad, as Saera would have good company her age. They all stood in front of their new Lady and curtsied prettily. Catelyn knew how she looked, seating with the windows behind her, the light on her fiery hair and the sparkles of the dress. She smiled, knowing that she had already captivated at least the curiosity of her new ladies-in-waiting.
-You look like the Maiden herself, my lady. –the sweet Odille said, approaching her after Catelyn extended her hand, inviting them to join her- I saw you earlier, and I had already found you stunning, but seeing you like that I can fully understand why Lord Tywin couldn't wait to marry you!
They sat together for a while, getting acquainted. The young ones had made a real effort to look their best, with intricate hair braiding and gorgeous dresses on similar styles. They were excited with the idea of having a young and fresh court, already enchanted with their impromptu lunch party, glad for being considered important enough to join their Lady on her first engagement on the Rock.
-I apologise if this is not to your taste, but we didn't had any time to prepare, I just knew I wanted to meet you all as soon as Lady Odille mentioned you.
-It is all splendid, Lady Catelyn. –Tysanne Lefford said with a smile- I don't think any of us had ever been brought to this part of the castle.
-We knew of the renovations, but it was never opened to anyone. –lady Elys commented, looking around. I think Odille was the only one here as she was asked to help with the flowers on the garden.
-I am good with those. –she smiled, proud.
-I shouldn't say that, risking being too familiar, but Lord Tywin must really love you. He had never looked as happy as he did whilst preparing your domains. He even smiled! –Lady Rosamund Lannister exclaimed.
-What? –Catelyn was amused- Didn't he smiled before me?
-No! –the girls said almost in unison- It is one of the court's secret japes.
-Lord Tywin doesn't know how to smile! Well, now he does!
-Mother always said that he smiled once, when the twins were born. And cried once, when Tyrion was born. –Rosamund commented- She was there for both.
-Your Lady Mother is so beautiful. –Enya said, resting her cutlery next to her plate- For someone her age.
-Thank you, my lady. I will pass on you kind words.
-What would you think of exploring the Residency with me? –Catelyn suggested once the meal was finished, and Maise asked for a little longer to bring them some sweet treats.
-Haven't you done it yet? –Odille asked- Did I do a bad job? I left you to your own devices, when I was told to guide you around!
-We can do it together, my dear. It will be more fun that way.
-Can I do the presentation as lady Gyda made me rehearse all night last night? –Odille asked, her excitement increasing.
-Please, do. –Catelyn asked, having genuine fun with those excited, vivacious young ones, the wine helping with some of hers and Enya's inhibitions.
They all stood in front of the main doors, facing in.
-Once you enter the Residency from the Sunny Ballroom, you will be standing on the antechambers, where the servants will find their passageways. Ahead of us, through the arched doors, we can find the Seafront Room. Through the archway on the left, we can find the dining room. –she pointed the place where they had just shared a meal- The windows here face the ballroom, and it is still quite bright, with the help of this skylight, that used to be a mineshaft.
Odille was doing a very good job, now having the opportunity to perform her duties. Catelyn was very amused by her solemn ways, which was clearly a jest.
-Through this doors we can find the Library, illuminated by another mineshaft and the mirror system, which can be found throughout the entire castle. –Catelyn now knew why Lady Genna was so fascinated by mirrors on the ceiling- Lord Tywin made sure to create you this space, as he knows of your need for an appropriate office space.
-Why would you need an office? –Tysanne asked once inside the room, with the walls fully lined with bookcases.
Catelyn was astonished by amount of books present there. The bookcases were made with light coloured wood, the floors were lined with creamy beige rugs and even though there were no windows there, the place was bright and airy. On each end of the long room, there could be found a desk, with scones on the walls and a beautiful painting of…
-Riverrun… -she smiled, touched by his kindness and thoughtfulness, walking fast from one end to the other, observing both paintings.
One showcased the castle, as it could be seen from the River Road. The other, however, presented the old Red Oak, with furs on the ground and the tiniest figure of a red haired woman leaned against the trunk reading a book. Catelyn covered her mouth, in absolute amazement.
-Enya… -she whimpered, pointing the details to her friend.
-This is a new piece…
-Both paintings were commissioned after Lord Tywin returned from the Riverlands. –Odille continued- We have an artist in Lannisport, from Essos. Lord Zahren. He will be painting your portrait soon, my lady.
She was asked to explain why the painting brought tears to her eyes, as she was now cuddled collectively by those little young strangers, all absorbed by the image.
-You sat together under the Oak? –Rosamund let a sigh escape- That is what mother calls "ground dwelling" then?
That extracted a giggle out of Catelyn, who dried the corners of her eyes and turned away from the artwork to face her ladies.
-Many times. –she answered- On our wedding day, after the Sept and the ceremony, we shared a moment there, cuddled on the furs, grateful for having finally being declared husband and wife, after so much uncertainty with the Rebellion.
-Oh… -a collective sight inundated the air, and Catelyn decided that they needed to continue the tour, or she would spend the rest of the day staring at that painting.
-Through this doors… -Odille continued, pointing that the Library could be accessed by two different entrances- We can find this corridor that connects the Seafront Room to the bedchambers. On the further end are Lord Tywin's chambers.
-My chambers. –Catelyn corrected- I am claiming them, you will see why. –she made their curiosity sparkle.
-I believed he occupied one of the South facing towers… -Rosamund frowned, confused.
-Not anymore. –Odille continued, guiding them to the end of the corridor, where the door to his chambers remained shut, by Catelyn's request- Here we can find a nursery.
Surprised, Catelyn and Enya exchanged a look, following the others inside. It was a nice room, windowless but bright with mirrors on the walls and a trusted skylight. It was mostly empty with the exception of a dresser and a bassinet. The walls were painted with trees, imitating a forest, with hidden critters on the grass and branches.
-Is this also new? –she asked.
-Yes. –Odille responded- The bassinet was brought here only a few days ago. And another one is being made, in case of twins. They are very common on the Lannister bloodline. Not only this nursery, but the next one and one of the sea facing bedchambers can also be accessed by a private corridor that connects to Lady Catelyn's chambers.
-Do you remember when Tywin accused you of worrying too much about hypothetical issues that were way in the future? –Enya asked on a whisper by Catelyn's ear- Now you have a way of shutting him up. –they giggled.
-Next we have Lady Enya's chambers, in the meantime.
-Meantime for what? –Tysanne asked.
-Oh, well… Her wedding.
-You are engaged?! –it took the group by surprise, also Enya and Catelyn, as they believed that Odille would have mentioned it to her friends.
-To Lord Rowan Westerling. –she answered, amused by how the excitement faded for an instant.
-I didn't think Lord Rowan would ever marry again, after Lady Rayna. –Tysanne was the most bothered, and she was also the only one among them that was engaged. To a Lannister.
-What can I say? –Enya shrugged, blushing and opening a shy smile- Today is not the day for me to tell this tale. I will only share it once we marry.
After showing all the other rooms on that corridor, all of them empty and awaiting for purpose, it was time for the ladies to see Catelyn's chambers. They were all very impressed with how grand and luxurious it was. The sconces on the walls were made of gold, as well as the door knobs and curtain holders. The five chandeliers would require five dozen candles each. Her bed was so large, comfortably fitting all of them with room for a couple more, and yet looked so puny in the room.
-There's a piece commissioned to this wall. –Odille said, remembering her presentation and pointing to the space between windows right above the bed- It isn't a painting. Is a gold plated sculpture.
-Of what? –Catelyn asked.
-I do not know. Only that it is round.
The afternoon ended with all of them exploring her dressing room, and even though they were not allowed upstairs, the girls didn't mind.
-The Riverrun fashion looks so comfortable! –they would say, holding her dresses over their figures and twirling in the middle of the room.
And they politely resisted Catelyn's offers to try them on for a good while, but with each new discovery they would shriek and fawn over the embroidery and small details, impressed that many of those were made by Catelyn herself. Soon, they all had one of her flowy, wide skirted dresses on, and it would look like they were made of air as they twirled. Even Tysanne, who was the most reserved one among them, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
They finished their little event on the raised garden, where they would enjoy themselves with their fun, delicate dresses, which they could barely believe had being so easily gifted to them. When they left, it was almost time for supper, but Catelyn and Enya were so tired that they both melted onto Tywin's bed and enjoyed the sweetness of that small victory.