01. NAMEDAY
In the year 284 AC, when peace was restored, and the country tried to rebuilt itself, a Tournament had being announced at The Crossing, to celebrate the wedding between Gerion Frey and Cecily Trant, daughter to the Lord of Gallowsgrey, on The Crownlands under its new King, Robert Baratheon.
The event was announced to be large, and although it would be hosted by House Frey, it was not lost on people that Lannister gold was what would fund the games, and perhaps that was the reason why so many Knights made their way northwards.
Tywin Lannister, accompanied by his brother Kevan and nephew Tytos, was expected to arrive with a significant entourage, from the West to The Twins, where his sister, Lady Genna of Casterly Rock, now a Frey from The Crossing, awaited to wed her firstborn.
It was a treacherous road that brought the young golden maiden from the Rock, to marry the pitiful heir from a vassal House of no real means. It was a mistake, made by their Lord Father, and that needed to be corrected in due time. In the occasion, the Young Tywin struggled to accept his sister's fate, but in true Lannister fashion, she faced it with nothing but a request: She was to be the Lady of The Crossing before birthing her first child, and both Tywin and Kevan knew what that would entail.
Walder Frey was an old and revolting little man, with a taste for fathering children and spreading his barely noble seeds through his corner of the Riverlands. His heir, Emmon, that would wed Genna, was the oldest of the men that wasn't a bastard, and at that point in time, he had eleven living legitimate brothers and three sisters, some of them children. And bragging about wanting to sire even more of his kind, Walder Frey couldn't know but he had confirmed to the Lannister brothers that he needed some sorting out.
In the year Genna left Casterly Rock, now wedded to a man twelve years her senior, to live under her repulsive father-in-law's rule, Tywin had secured that Walder Frey would be no more. And when Gerion was only a newborn, they had arranged so that the small rebellion that followed Walder Frey's demise would be crushed, taking down most of the threats that could arise against her son's birth right.
Many years had passed, and Emmon Frey was very grateful for the Lannister support when his brothers tried to depose him, after their father's sudden demise. A weak heart, the meister had said. But Tywin and Kevan knew that old Walder's death was faceless. Now Genna had being ruling in The Crossing next to her husband, who proved to be of a gentle nature and kind heart. And his ancestral home was now a well-fortified, beautifully kept, prosperous fortress, that could rival Riverrun.
They knew that the roads would be busy and exposed, and taking it into consideration, they decided to break from their entourage, and sail from Lannisport to Seagard, where they would cover the final stretch to The Twins on horseback. At their arrival on the ports of Seagard, they were received by Lord Jason Mallister, who would join them on the final leg of the journey. And was still before they could inspect the horses they had sent for, that they were informed that Lord Hoster Tully was also a guest on the Castle, having arrived a few days prior, with the intention to attend the Tournament after tending to matters of the realm on westernmost part of his domains.
They were greeted at the entrance to the fortress by Lord Mallister's daughters, a beautiful girl named Enya and her younger sister Eliasand, who quickly made sure to have them comfortably installed and informed them that, later in the day, they would have a small celebration as it was Catelyn Tully's twentieth nameday.
-Lord Hoster has taken her to the city, to look for a gift of her liking. -Lady Enya informed- They will be back shortly and it would be a pleasure if my lords would care to join us.
-Of course. -Kevan agreed with a very large smile, after having discretely sized her- It would be our pleasure.
-It will be a small gathering, rather informal. –she advised.
They were left on this solar, that had doors leading to different bedchambers. Tytos didn't seem to notice, but Tywin knew his brother far too well to ignore his behaviour towards their young hostess.
-She cannot be older than Cersei. -Tywin declared, giving his brother a stern look- That is a noble lady, not to be looked at like that by a married man.
-A beauty. -Kevan said, a playful smile on his lips, now that Tytos had gone to inspect the bedchambers.
-True. However, still a child. You should use this moment and find a bride for Tytos, as people have started to talk on his... Unnatural ways.
-I wouldn't act on this. -Kevan responded, ignoring the part about his son- But I see no harm in appreciating what is beautiful.
Later that night, they were conducted to a small hall, opened to the sunset sea, where a large round table was set ready to host a dinner party. It looked private, and for a moment Tywin wondered if they weren't intruding, but when spotted by the two Lords present, that thought disappeared from his mind. They exchanged very pleasant greetings, and seemed very satisfied with their presence.
It was, as they had being informed, an informal type of gathering, not something very usual to come by. It was not a secret that the people in the Riverlands, especially the noble ones, lived life in a less troubled way when compared with the other realms. Some of the ancient Houses had a tight bond, and were personal friends. The occasion, in which they were now, indicated that even the Lord Warden of the Riverlands was capable of letting aside titles and genuinely enjoying a quiet evening, surrounded with friends, drinking good wine and celebrating his daughter's nameday.
It was, at first, an unsettling situation for any of the three Lannister men present, as none of them had that kind of friendly connections with those people, not even among the Great Lords present. But in what seemed to be no time at all, the conversations started developing at better ease, with some talking points being genuinely amusing ones, and with Kevan's easy laugh and Tytos sense of humour, the parties blended in a rather pleasant way.
Tywin was the most surprised, as a man of few and very intentional words, that to engage in conversation was no task, but a pleasure. No distracting formalities, not an excess of people to which pay attention to, and even better, the chance to sit in the top of a Great Castle, facing the sunset sea, and enjoy the night.
-The ladies will be here in a moment. -Lord Mallister's wife, a matronly woman, plump and with dark sleek hair, informed the men- The children will be having their own little party downstairs, so we can celebrate properly.
The ladies could be heard before they could be seen. Their laughter announced their upcoming arrival, so the attention was turned towards the archway where they would appear. Tywin side-eyed his brother as a reminder that he needed to be proper. When they appeared, they were only two ladies: Lady Eliasand and Keira Karstark, as they were swiftly introduced. In the presence of the ladies, aligning themselves and greeting the people on the hall, ready to make small talk and brighten the event even further, Tywin assumed that the formalities would start, as the young ladies would need more than just a moment to adjust to their presence.
Tywin noticed that the young lady Enya Mallister wasn't there, and that Hoster Tully still had his attention on the direction from where the ladies came. He saw the man open a smile, and only then turned back to observe what he was so happy about.
-There she is! -he announced, walking towards the young woman who was clearly his daughter, that was just arriving, arms interlocked with the young Lady Mallister.
And then, Tywin was the one taken aback. It wasn't the first time he had ever seen her, but back in the day she was no more than a child, and already betrothed to Brandon Stark. Now, with her features having matured, her figure turned womanly and holding herself with the stance of royalty, she looked tall, when clearly being of a petite frame.
Wearing a light silky dress, in an ashy tone of pink, her hair looked a thousand shades of red. She had very delicate facial features, soft but still remarkable. And her piercing blue eyes, made small when she smiled so openly, were probably her greatest feature. The truth was that the young Lady Catelyn Tully had grown into the most beautiful woman, who even standing next to Enya Mallister, who they had thought to as true beauty, had all the eyes only on her.
-As young as Cersei. -Kevan whispered, bringing his brother back from his long moment of contemplation- If you will stop me from looking, you should use the same advice yourself, brother.
-Yes, with the only difference that... -he lowered his voice to almost a whisper- I do not have a wife.
-And when did wives ever prevented men from misbehaving?
They were startled by Serena Mallister, who had heard them, but seemed amused enough not to find any disrespect in two middle-aged men lurking over maidens, young enough to be their daughters.
-They are truly beautiful. -she said- I can take the credit for my daughter, and express my gratitude on her name. But as in for Catelyn, I can only agree.
-Agree with what, my dear wife? -Jason Mallister asked, making sure to allow the space so Lady Catelyn could be properly received on her special night.
-That our girls are always beautiful, but that tonight they are strikingly gorgeous. Our little Cat is just glowing on her day!
-Oh, you are too kind, my lady... -Lady Catelyn blushed, and said with a smile- I think we should all note that you have being complaining about losing your sight for a while now, so your account is kind, but rather blinded by your affections.
She spoke with eloquence, confident on herself even addressing a room full of people, some of them, in the case of the Lannisters, not someone with she had any friendly connections, at least not on the same way she seemed to have with the rest of the group. And her words, although almost self-deprecating, had a great deal of humour on them, what made the group laugh, the senior Lady Mallister enjoying the teasing the most.
Lady Catelyn had a smile when she could finally be properly congratulated on her day by the men that were, almost certainly, intruding on her celebrations. Her welcoming to them would, once more, put Tywin at ease as she took a moment to make conversation.
-We could not be sure when you would arrive. -she said, the young Enya Mallister always at her side - So it was very welcome news when we learned that you would be joining us, my lords.
-We didn't wish to intrude. -Tywin was still overly conscious of that fact, but the young lady vanquished his worries.
-Oh, the more the merrier, my lord. It is a true pleasure to make better acquaintances with you.
And although it was very clear she was referring to the three of them, Tywin had a sense that she was talking directly to him. Enya Mallister seconded her friend's welcoming words, and Kevan had to consciously stop himself from staring at her, and Tywin could now be sure that both ladies had noticed it. Tytos, who was the one that should be enjoying the company the most, was mostly disengaged, sipping his wine and looking out into the night.
As it was an informal gathering, and the places hadn't being assigned, people had spontaneously gravitated to the seats, once the supper had being announced.
-Shall we? -lady Catelyn asked, conducting the three man to the table, who would have seated together, if Lady Mallister senior hadn't intervened and removed Kevan to be near her and away from her daughter, leaving Tywin to sit between Lady Enya and Lady Catelyn.
After being well settled on their places, and the conversation had being resumed with the ease that only a round table can fashion, the first course was served. Hoster Tully, now joined by his heir, Edmure, explained that supper was Catelyn's special. Every course would be from her favourites. Tywin dedicated some attention to the steaming plate of soup in front of him, and noted that it was a simple broth, but that had small aromatic flowers floating on the surface.
-This looks beautiful... -she said, thanking her hosts without needing to say the words. And indeed she was right, for a plate of soup, it looked as nice as it tasted it, and for a moment everyone either ate in silence or talked to the people next to them.
-What should we expect from the games, Lord Tywin? -Enya asked, referring to the Tournament to where they were all heading in a few days.
-I wouldn't be able to answer, my lady. I don't really have an insight on what my sister might be planning.
-And knowing Lady Genna, the preparations must have changed dramatically over the days. -Lady Catelyn joined, planting an amused look on Tywin's face- It could have changed so drastically that it might not even be a Tournament anymore.
-It would not be the first time where my sister does something of the kind. -he agreed- This week long Tournament started as a small festival to the commoners in celebration for the wedding, and now Knights from all over Westeros are making their way northwards.
-She is a very interesting lady. -Enya Mallister declared, with some degree of admiration.
-How do my ladies got to know my sister so well? -he asked, genuinely curious, considering the distances between the locations. It would be at least five days in the road, for a lady, from The Twins to Riverrun.
-Since lady Saera, your niece, have joined me as one of my ladies-in-waiting, we have seeing much more of Lady Genna in Riverrun, which is always a pleasure. -Lady Catelyn had answered.
-Oh, and how has Saera being? -he asked, not having seeing his lovely niece since the war. He was surprised for Genna allowing Saera to be away from her at all, as she was her only girl. Tywin knew there were plans of Genna visiting the Reach with her daughter after the festivities in honour of the wedding, and he suspected it was with the intent of finding Saera a suitor.
-Very well, my Lord! I trust you will be pleased to meet her again. She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seeing, with a heart true to her looks. -Catelyn replied.
When they were served the second course, they were also served a new wine. Golden, to be enjoyed with a smoked fish, carefully laminated and dressed in a small parcel containing capers and prawns in a creamy concoction, all covered with a sweet and sour drizzle, the colour of wine. It was all very refined and absolutely delicious. If those were her favourites, she had an impeccable taste.
By the end of that course, the party was abruptly interrupted with the arrival of a belated guest. Tywin recognized him and the man seemed shocked to be also on Lannister company.
-I beg your forgiveness, my lords... -he said assuming one of the empty seats, this one right next to Keira Karstark who sized him like a hawk, after greeting the presents in a bit of haste- I did not expected to take so long in the city, I know I am unforgivably late.
-Fret not, Lord Ashford... -Jason Mallister said, attempting to lift the mood on the hall, as it was now very quiet- I trust you managed to resolve the matters you had to attend to?
-Oh, yes! -he answered with a large, presumed smile- I also had to find a suitable gift to my lady Catelyn...
Tywin looked at her, and she was just blankly staring at the man. She opened a polite smile directed to the servant that was made to bring her this large package of decorated paper, tied with a white ribbon and placed on the table in front of her. She stared at the package, and then stared back at Lord Alyn Ashford, the heir to a large state in the Reach.
-You should not have bothered yourself, my lord. -Catelyn said in a tone that Tywin hadn't heard from her yet. It was obvious, to whoever had eyes, that she was not pleased.
-Of course I should, my lady! Open it! I wish to see how you like it.
The tone was not the one of a request, but almost an order. Tywin was still observing the lady, and she was not very inclined to move. Like her ears were not aware of how to take orders.
-Here, my dear... -Lady Enya left her seat and approached her friend- Let me help you...
Only then, lady Catelyn touched the package, which had the ribbon tied so tightly that it would not come undone.
-I wanted to find something special enough, something proper to such a special lady... -Lord Ashford kept speaking- I have searched this city up and down, but finally...
Tywin was still observant of the struggle with the ribbon, and silently, placed his small dagger on lady Catelyn's hand. She cut the ribbon off, and observed the contents of the package. Silently, she and lady Enya exchanged a look. Sitting next to her, Tywin understood why.
It was not very likely for Lord Ashford to find in the city such an expensive and large cut of silk laced fabric, embroidered with gold, which happened to be in the precise colour of his own banner: bright orange. Even the white ribbon alluded at that. The man had no intention on being subtle. And by the looks on Lady Catelyn's face, he was daring to insult her intelligence.
-Thank you, my lord. -Catelyn said in monotone, allowing Enya to take the package and hand it over to her servant- As I said, you should not have troubled yourself.
-I thought it would make a gorgeous dress. The colour reminded me of your hair in the sun.
Lady Enya was now back at her seat, keeping Tywin between her and her friend.
-The main course will be served now. -she announced, prompting the rest of the table to engage in conversation.
Hoster Tully took upon himself to keep Lord Ashford distracted. The rest of the table seemed to get back at what they were doing, before the interruption. But next to him, Lady Catelyn was now very quiet, almost saddened. She was observing Tywin's little golden dagger, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the party.
-Cat? -Lady Enya whispered over Tywin, extending her hand to touch her friend's, finally bringing her attention back to the feast- It is your nameday. I do not wish to see you this way.
-The man has no shame, Enya... -she whispered back, looking at Tywin and including him in the confabulation- I hope father ends this tonight, because hearing a negative from me means nothing to him.
Tywin could see why she was unhappy with the advances. Knowing the man, Tywin also knew how vain, self-absorbed and blunt he could be. He could not be older than five and twenty, and was already a widower to a wife lost in childbirth. Having sired a daughter that got cast aside with the maternal family. He was now looking for a replacement wife.
-You should not allow this to upset you on your nameday, my lady. -Tywin said.
-Lord Tywin is absolutely right, Cat. -Lady Enya agreed- Besides... -she lowered her voice even further to say almost between her teeth- That orange will not be hard to turn into red.
That made lady Catelyn laugh quietly, and Tywin also chuckled. He was never entertained by the humour of women, but both ladies had sharp wits and were very good with their little remarks. Never cruel, but amusing nonetheless.
-I would be lost without you... -lady Catelyn said to her friend, now reclining back on her chair and allowing her main course to be served.
-Oh, you would. -Lady Enya agreed with a smile.
Lady Catelyn still had Tywin's dagger on her hands, distracted with other matters to give proper attention to it. But now, with food served, she would have to free her hands, and tried to handle it back to Tywin with her gratitude.
-I wish you to keep it. -he said, without really thinking.
-No, Lord Tywin... This is too precious; I wouldn't know what to do with it...
It was, indeed, a priceless item. The steel had being worked until acquiring the golden sheen. The handle was made with dragonbone, and adorned with gold. Tywin had found the piece in the bottom of a drawer in the Tower of the Hand, when he first assumed the position. He could never find an owner, and assumed it had being abandoned, as the blade was damaged. He took the time, got it properly mended, and made it his.
-You can treat it like a piece of jewellery. -he said, handing her the blade's sheath- You can keep it on a safe, or you can wear it.
She looked at her father as if requesting his opinion or permission.
-It is a beautiful weapon, my dear. -Lord Hoster said- Small enough that even a lady could carry.
-I can teach you how to use it, my lady... -Lord Ashford was, once again, talking when everyone present wished him gone.
-Oh... -Catelyn now openly smiled- That will not be necessary. I know how to defend myself well enough, thank you.
Her attention was now back at Tywin, and she didn't seem to find the words neither to accept or deny the gift.
-Please, my lady... -Tywin held the dagger on her hands- You know you need it. What are you to do when faced with another impossible to open package?
She smiled and thanked him.
-I will treasure it dearly.
-It will be everyone's win if it manages to keep you safer.
The rest of the night was mostly a blur. After the main course, someone appeared with a decorated cake, with candles lit atop. Lady Catelyn was blushing violently when people stood up and started to sing to her health, and lifting toasts on her name. Her brother was now next to her, and they exchanged a sweet hug. Tywin could hear the boy say that he loved her, and watched as she held his face and kissed him on the forehead. Edmure was just a boy, and it was clear that his sister was his motherly figure.
-Now you make a wish... -Lady Enya was also beside her- And blow your candles.
They exchanged a long and silent look, and with a smile, Lady Catelyn curved herself, keeping her hair away from the flames, took a second with her eyes closed, and softly extinguished the candles.
-What did you wished for, sister? -Edmure asked, but his sister only response was a cryptic smile.
And Tywin didn't knew why he cared, but all he wished was that in her path, she would only have good things to come