25. SWIFTLY.
-A Feast! –Lady Genna exclaimed, excited, hearing from Catelyn the new orders her brother gave- How long do we have?
-I will send the invites for half a moon's time. –Catelyn took a seat on one of the chases, joining some of her ladies in needlework- Tywin believes that is more than enough time for the Western Lords to make their way here.
-Oh, it is plenty of time! –Lady Genna had never looked so happy- Do you wish for help?
-Yes, please. –Catelyn smiled shy- I am still getting myself situated here, and Tywin has kept me busy with the overseeing of the Riverlander settlement outside Lannisport.
-Wouldn't it be easier if you just relinquished your… authority to your husband? –Catelyn was one mild inconvenience away from banishing some of those ladies from Casterly Rock.
Genna's arrival had helped her. Not only with the sense of guidance and support she instilled on Catelyn, but also by bringing with her the companions she had selected to be by her side. Everyone there was mostly fine, if Catelyn could discount a handful of aging women that were severely overestimating their importance. The worst was, of course, Moyra Lannister.
-What do you know of authority? –Catelyn asked with a condescending smile, almost visualising the end of her tether- Besides being on the receiving end of it?
-Riverlanders are feisty people. –Lady Genna said, trying to dissipate the tension, as she had been doing since arriving- Catelyn knows how to deal with her people.
-I see. –the other one muttered to herself.
-We will discuss details privately, Genna. –Catelyn informed- It isn't clear yet if Robert will join us or not, so that has to be taken into consideration.
-Do not fret, dearest. –Genna responded with a smile- I will handle it for you.
-Where are the young ones? –Catelyn asked, noticing the absence of giggles in the solar.
-At the atelier, destroying their dresses. –Lady Gyda said, not hiding her disappointment.
Since Enya and Catelyn's arrival, and after giving away a few dresses -done in what the girls would call the Riverrun style- it had become the absolute priority of the young ladies-in-waiting from the West to adopt the same fashion. That had displeased the older ones greatly, but the girls didn't cared. Catelyn supplied them with a room, fabrics and the motivation to do as they pleased. After Saera and the others arrived, all dressed in some variation of Catelyn's garments, their excitement grew even more. What bothered their elders even further.
Such small, petty issues… -Catelyn would think, wondering if they would have time enough, with the rapidly approaching winter, to get people housed properly. Not only the ones that had migrated from the Riverlands to help rebuild Lannisport and the fleet, but also the villages along the coast that were torched by the Greyjoys.
Enya had been undisposed lately, in bed with a cold. She refused to see Catelyn, aware of the suspicions that the Heir to Casterly Rock was already there. But she was not opposed to see Rowan. And he was the one that would let Catelyn know how she was doing.
-She is getting stronger. –he informed her.
-I got word from her Lord Father. –Catelyn said, barely containing her excitement- You have his blessing to marry as soon as you see fit.
His smile was so wide and true that Catelyn felt a warm sensation on her chest, happy for her friend to have found such a handsome and kind men to be hers.
-I would like to tell her myself, but if she won't see me…
-When can we do it? –he asked, so happy and so anxious- Lord Tywin has granted me a South Facing Tower, and I have been busy making sure it is good enough for my Lady Enya. Would you, please, give your opinion?
-Well, I have been helping to settle Riverlanders all day, what hassle would it be doing this one more?
Catelyn followed Rowan to his tower, where they would count with a spacious solar, dining hall, a few bedchambers with servant's quarters and other amenities. Rowan's office would remain attached to Tywin's, near the Main Hall and the Seat.
-There's a corridor through there, which connects this tower to your ladies chambers, above the Residency. –Rowan explained, pointing to a door- Lord Tywin wouldn't keep you two apart.
-It is very thoughtful of him. –Catelyn smile, already visualising her friend creating a home for them on that beautiful space.
-For the wedding… -he opened his book, searching for a page titled only as Enya, containing a few notes- I would imagine that we could host a small gathering here, only for our friends.
-You don't need my permission, dear. –Catelyn said, hearing the question on his tone- We will make it very special for both of you, as a sign of our gratitude. Starting by having Enya select a four men guard for herself.
-Thank you, my lady. –he seemed pleased- I would like for the wedding to be soon. Once she recovers.
-I believe you don't have to worry about that. –Catelyn knew how smitten they were with each other.
That night, Tywin decided to hold court for supper, hoping to spend time with Genna. He had decided to surprise her with her twins, that had been seeking a knighthood in Casterly Rock since the tender age of ten, being two of Tywin's favourite people. Aegor and Walden were beautiful boys, with long golden hair, emerald eyes, and the features of their lady mother. Genna held both of them on her arms for a long time, letting them go only when Saera joined them, also having missed her baby brothers for so long. Observing those special golden youngsters, Catelyn prayed that her children shared their colours, their sweet nature, brave hearts, and beautiful looks.
The room was filled with people, most of them were still strangers to Catelyn, but she was slowly growing used to them. She felt the constant scrutiny coming from the older ladies, with their criticism shrouded in compliments, the constant gawking, and the never ending hope for her to humiliate herself. Thankfully she had her uncle there, having just arrived from his obligations after the Rebellion.
-You need information on those women. –he said, sitting by her side on the long table, once supper was served- You need to know more than just their names, ages, husbands… Why they dislike you is the most important thing here.
-I know, I was just wishing for them to get used to me and those issues would go away.
-You have never shied away from you problems, Cat. –he continued- It is not the time to start now.
They were on their best behaviour when in Tywin's presence. Their little comments were always kind. Catelyn had arrived at the conclusion, a couple of days prior, that Wane Tarly, a widow from the Reach, had some salacious interests with Tywin. Gyda Crackehall was just too involved with Moyra Lannister, that had been overstepping her role trying to fulfil the space left by Lady Maeryan.
-They will get used to me and the new circumstances.
But with the passing of the days, that started to seem more unlikely. Enya, finally out of her confinement, had gathered much more information from Rowan than Catelyn had managed from attending court and interacting with those people.
-Moyra is just an upstart, her only redeeming quality is by being a good mother to our sweet Rosamund, who cannot be fully trusted. She admires her mother very much, and would not keep secrets. –Enya started, sitting on a bench on the gardens, keeping her hands busy by embroidering a scarf- Gyda Crackehall doesn't have any personality, really. She will do the biding of whoever she finds herself following, and young Elys, her niece, is the same.
-The younger of them… -Catelyn asked- Luella Lefford?
-Was good friends with Queen Cersei, one of her nieces is serving her in King's Landing now. Cerenna, who is Tysanne older sister, recently married to some lord from the Stormlands.
-So we need to be careful around Tysanne as well?
-Tysanne is engaged to Moyra's son. However, she would very much prefer to be engaged to Rowan.
-I imagined. –Catelyn had seen how the girl hadn't even tried to hide her contempt of Enya and her attraction for Rowan.
-Lord Hetherspoon older sister, Heid, is a mystery. Her niece, Melara, died in here, somehow. She hasn't been the same, and she absolutely despises Queen Cersei. I wonder why remain here, of all places. But she has never left. She is married to a high official on the Lannister guard and never had any children.
-I never felt any animosity from her, but I may be mistaken.
-Well, and of relevance, we have Wane Tarly. She came from the Reach after being widowed. Once here, she looked for another husband.
-On my husband? –Catelyn asked, amused and surprised- I had thought she only wanted him in the bedroom.
-She may be too ambitious. –Enya shrugged- As she isn't necessarily very attractive or of the right age to give him some cubs. I do admire her confidence in trying, however.
-So you haven't uncovered any of Tywin's lovers? –Catelyn laughed.
-Not yet. –Enya stared into the distance- I have a name in mind, but she isn't here now. I cannot be sure as Rowan won't talk of it at all.
-So you are very casually informing me that, based on your assessment, we mustn't trust anyone. None of the older ones, and quite possibly none of the young.
-Only the ones you brought.
Enya's wedding happened the day after Elyasand, her sister, arrived from Seagard. She had decided on something small, private, and quiet. Which was the way Rowan wished. She looked as beautiful as dream, in a dark purple dress, with her hair worn free on her back. Rowan looked nervous, twisting his thumbs compulsively, hoping for calm.
Catelyn held her husband's arm during the ceremony, on Casterly Rock's Sept. He was glad to be only in the presence of friends, as he was still currently in the process of learning how to be affectionate in the presence of others. She knew he was slightly worried about his image, especially after all the comments on the Ladies Hall about how changed he seemed, with them passing on some of their husbands remarks on how dangerous it could be when someone with so much power was willing to share it.
Enya had asked Lord Brynden to walk her to Rowan, whose smile was large and proud. When he kissed her as his wife for the first time, Catelyn felt Tywin's lips pressed on her temple and his gentle squeeze on her hand. The small reception was good fun, and they were all able to relax and enjoy the evening.
-I want you to wear your wedding dress on the feast. –Tywin told her, once they were back at his chambers, with Maise helping Catelyn undress.
-I see no issue, darling. –Catelyn smiled, braiding her own hair.
-It may not fit the same, my lady. –Maise whispered, alluding to the fact that it was undeniable that she was expecting, now on the second moon without sight of her blood.
-What was that? –he asked, half interested on the maid's comment.
-I said it might not fit the same, my lord. –she responded, and smiled.
-So are we sure now? –he seemed pleased, kicking off his boots, looking on his wife's shapes for the sign of pregnancy.
-Fairly sure, yes. –Catelyn pulled her shifts and looked at her reflexion on the mirror, the clear shape of a bump present where it used to be flat. Her breasts were also slightly inflated and sore.
He didn't say anything, just looked at her like he couldn't believe his luck, a crocked smile on the handsome face. Once in bed, finally alone after a long day, an important conversation needed to happen.
-When do you wish to announce it? –he asked.
-I will ask confirmation from Meister Faegor. –she said- And we can announce on the Feast.
-I was hoping you would say that. –he chuckled- Sometimes is almost like you could listen to my thinking.
-How can you be sure I don't? –she teased, resting on his chest and looking at him- If you could only do the same…
-What do you mean? Are you shying away from telling me your thoughts?
-Maybe. –he could see that something was not quite right.
-What's the matter? –he frowned, worried.
-I was hoping to be the wife that wouldn't bother you with petty issues, but I am having a hard time dealing with court.
-Who? –he asked simply, drawing the line of her spine with his fingers, soothingly.
-All.
-I see. –he seemed surprised, as they all seemed kind to her- They are only here for your benefit, you can handle this as you wish. Those people might be different from what you are used to, but they are true friends of House Lannister.
-That is part of the issue, dear. They don't see me as the Lady of this castle, more like an intruder. That also expands to my ladies from Riverrun. Even Saera.
-Saera? –she knew he wouldn't like that- Who would have ill thoughts of her?
-I can fend for myself, but I am worried for the younger ones.
-But also, your position and authority here shouldn't be questioned, my love. I could step in and defend you, but that would be denying you of the pleasure.
-Can I? –she was asking permission- Can I handle this as I please? I am getting increasingly bothered.
-You can do as you wish.
But was Tywin who ended up taking action. In the eve of the feast, when Catelyn and her ladies were distracted with the preparations, an unexpected visit intruded on his peaceful work day and threatened his marital bliss.
-Dorna.
It wasn't a question of what she was doing there, or to how he would get rid of her. But of what had possessed her to even try and contact him again. Some of the worst things Tywin had ever done, had been to people he cared for. And even though he only looked at Dorna as someone that resembled Joanna's looks, after her death he looked for drunken comfort on the familiarity. But that wasn't the worst of it, as she had been ordered to King's Landing with the sole intent of being King Aerys play thing, with the intention of distracting him from his growing interest on Jo.
-You serve me well. –was the only response Tywin had for her, after she narrated some of her horrors, looking for help, and he couldn't even pretend to care.
Her presence there was dangerous, but not because he was afraid of Catelyn meeting his past lover. What terrified him was if she was ever to know what he had done to that poor creature, whose only crime was to share the looks of an important woman, she would never look at him the same.
-Why the surprise, my lord? –she asked, looking older, grey, sad- You summoned me.
-I did not. –he answered, wondering if that was her best excuse to find a way back to his bed- This is not happening again, Dorna. I have a wife now.
-I know. –she looked confused- I found your request odd, as I never imagined you'd betray a wife. Not knowing you married her for love.
-I haven't requested anything of you, and won't ever again. –he said.
She didn't answer, but placed a note in front of her, with a red seal.
-This wasn't me. –he answered, after reading the note written on some mockery of his handwriting.
-I will not deny that I found it strange. –she said, one hand holding the other, nervously- The lion looks different.
He examined the stamp more closely and saw the waves underneath the lion and understood what was being done there.
-I apologise, Dorna. –he stood up from his desk, and walked to the window, to examine it better- For coming all this way, for no reason.
-I apologise for intruding, my Lord.
And she left, as swiftly as her family name suggested. He didn't even turned to see her leaving, only realising she was gone when the door closed. Tywin remembered that a few years into his relationship with her, she had been impregnated by him. The hopeful look on her eyes when telling him was completely dissolved once he informed her that his meister would take care of it. And then in another occasion, she managed to hide it from him for a good while, but Tywin would not sire bastards. He expected her to deny him after that, but she never did. And only when she asked him to be excused of his service and to be allowed to return to her home, Tywin realised he would possibly miss her presence.
-Her presence or Joanna's ghost? –Genna asked, a raised eyebrow, listening to her brother's troubles.
-I coped how I could at the time.
-Which time are we referring to? For all I knew you were still fucking her recently.
-Not after I met Catelyn. –he defended himself- I would not betray her.
-I know. I am not accusing you. I am just saying that maybe some closure is needed.
He was confused. Yes, Dorna had served him well and she hadn't been the only one by any means. She was also very well compensated during that time, and for someone who started her life as a hostage against her father's debt, she now had means and wealth for herself.
-You know what she hasn't… -Genna said, still surprised with how much of his shortcomings Tywin needed to conquer, even with the clear improvement brought on him by Catelyn- A family of her own, a husband and children. Maybe even grandchildren at this point. You need to admit to yourself that you kept her around to see how Jo would age. But now is no longer relevant, as you found something shining and new to obsess over.
-Sometimes I think you forget who you are talking to.
-Do not dare lord over me. –she smiled- Gods know they forgot a conscience when making you, and that's why you need me and Kevan. And in his absence, I will have to suffice and harsh word will be spoken if I see fit.
-You are forgetting the actual issue. –he tossed the note at her.
-Oh, what do you need of me? –she was exasperated, tossing the paper back at him, aiming for his face- It is the Lannisport Lannister's sigil on the wax. What is so hard to conclude? Moyra hates Catelyn, bringing Dorna here is not beneath her.
-She will pay. –Tywin raged, upset at the thought of Catelyn being tormented whilst carrying his child.
-Now, be sensible. –Genna stood up- Or even better, leave it to me. Moyra is married to a Lannister, and if you are not planning on killing her, she will be around you and your wife for years to come, so it is for the better to be diplomatic.
-Fine, I'll just kill her then.
-No, Ty. –it was like talking to a temperamental child, unaware of consequences- I wasn't giving you suggestions. I was asking for restraint.
-Not when it involves my wife's wellbeing. –and he marched out of his office, being followed by Genna moving as fast as she would without running.
-Ty… -she would call, rushing behind him and trying her best to keep up- Ty, please… If you overreact she will find out!
He finally stopped, aware of his sister's reason. Genna grabbed his arm, catching her breath as she sought a way of soothing him.
-I will find a way, my love, you do not trouble yourself. –she held his face- This will not be known. Can you just trust me?
-Soon, Genna. –he ordered- I wish for this to be sorted soon.
-Go back to your work, my dear. –she suggested, almost begging- Just let me think on it.
But the opportunity that presented itself in front of Genna was too good to pass. As soon as she entered the Ladies Hall, where the main court was held and the women gathered, she saw as Catelyn sat back on a chase, Enya at her side, needlework on their hands and Moyra hovering around them, looking at the dresses on the porcelain models, which the younger girls intended to wear for the feast, undergoing a few alterations. Catelyn smiled when she saw Genna approaching, taking a seat in front of her.
-What are you making? –she asked
-Just a little motif to Odille's new dress. –she showed Genna the embroidering of a dragonfly in gold thread.
-Oh, you have great patience. –Genna commented- My eyes haven't been good enough for those intricate designs for years. Thankfully I got to make Saera some things when she was younger, that she can have now as keepsakes.
-She is very talented herself. –Enya commented, also absorbed with some embroidery of her own.
-Isn't it wasted time to be making things like this when seamstresses and artisans are always at our disposal?
-Lady Moyra, for someone born in The Crag you do behave like your shit doesn't stink.
Genna couldn't believe, but those words emerged from sweet and proper Catelyn's mouth. Enya tried to supress her laugh, the younger ladies turned around in absolute shock, and Moyra stood so still she seemed to be posing for a portrait. Catelyn was staring at her, intrigued.
-This is most unladylike! –Moyra finally reacted.
-Courtesy is a lady's finest weapon. –Catelyn said- But when met with hostility, the only appropriate way to react is with similar nastiness.
-I am only trying to help! –Moyra touched her chest, deeply offended, her poor daughter Rosamund nearing tears.
-How, Moyra? –Genna enjoyed the chance the gods awarded her with- How can we consider your behaviour helpful?
-Lady Catelyn clearly needs to learn the way of the Rock. –she defended herself- Way you seem to have forgotten, Genna.
-You are the only one here forgetting yourself. –Catelyn stood up, looking tall whilst so petite- What makes you assume that I would adopt any of your ways? If you want things done your way, you shouldn't be intruding on my castle, but caring for yours.
-I was asked to be here by Lord Tywin himself, to help with your transition!
-And how useless you have been… -Catelyn almost whispered- You are here for my benefit, I believe it would be the best for us if you returned to your domains, in Lannisport.
An almost imperceptible sight of surprise could be heard in the room, some of the younger ladies covering her mouths agape, Rosamund hiding her face onto Odille's shoulder.
-Maybe this way you will remember which kind of Lannister you married. –Genna complemented, finding that Catelyn needed a dash more of ruthlessness on her stance.
-I will be having a word with the Lord of this castle!
-You are to be out of your apartments today. –Catelyn sounded like she usually did when holding assembly on Riverrun.
-This will not end here, Lady Catelyn!
-Are you threatening me? –Catelyn's look was dangerous, making Genna wonder if she would finally abstain herself of her pacifist ways- How dare you even look at me in the eyes? Haven't you understood yet?
Genna looked at Enya, as if begging for assistance, wondering if the situation would get out of hand. Enya however, barely lifted her eyes from her needlework, behaving like she expected that to happen.
-Let this be an example… -Catelyn looked around, to the other women present, mature or young- I will not be challenged on my own home. And I cannot be sure if this is only Lady Moyra's poisonous influence, but I am also of the opinion that you too should leave, Lady Gyda. I do not appreciate your presence, as you both seem to not appreciate mine.
-If I displeased you, my lady, I apologise… -Lady Gyda stood from where she was, quickly approaching Catelyn, reaching for her hand.
-You two brought me to this point. –Catelyn pulled her hand away- I awarded you with too much grace. You are both to leave. Today. –she reinforced- And whoever isn't in accord with my way, which is the way things will be handled here from now on, is welcome to leave. I will respect you much more if you leave by your accord, than if you allow the situation to become this dire.
-Please, my lady… -Gyda Crackehall begged, glancing at her daughter.
-Oh, your daughter will have a choice as well. –Catelyn turned to the girls, the western ones with their arms around each other- Rosamund and Elys… You are more than welcome to stay with me. But you can also leave court with your mothers, and I will not hold any hard feelings against you, as you both are so very young. If you decide to leave, I would have you back in a heartbeat. You can also remain here for the feast and leave afterwards, I wouldn't mind at all. Now you should go help your mothers pack.
Both youngsters thanked Catelyn very respectfully, understanding that it was for the best if their mothers left for the moment. Once the doors were shut behind them, Catelyn returned to her seat.
-Lady Luella… On your next letter to the Queen, please do not leave out any word said here today. –Catelyn didn't even look at her when speaking.
Quietly, Luella Lefford stood up and walked out of the Hall, no attempt of defence or denial.
-See? I can respect that. –Catelyn said- She knows where her loyalty lays.
And as the commotion had never happened, she was back on embroidering the dragonfly's wings.
-I will make sure your orders are followed accordingly. –Enya stood up.
-I will inform Ty. –Genna followed her.
Catelyn's only answer was a nod, her attention absorbed by the intricacy of her design, as Odille's new dress wouldn't finish itself.