07. A CARAFE OF WINE
Catelyn locked herself alone on her bedchambers. She had marched out or her engagement feast with a severe expression on her face. Enya could tell that even thought she had kissed Tywin Lannister on the lips after leaving him on their table, their talks could not have been so pleasant.
What else was to be expected? –Enya asked herself.
It was clear to whoever had eyes that the new couple was absolutely taken with each other, but even with the growing feelings, each of them were, in fact, very head strong people. Catelyn, after ruling beside her father for so long, was rightfully going to struggle with being ruled by a husband now. And unfortunately, Enya could not see a world in which Tywin Lannister would ever give in any control.
She knew, by having mingled among people throughout the night, that the feelings on the Great Hall were very mixed and conflicting. Lord Hoster was obviously very excited about the entire thing, as the pragmatic man he was, already envisioning his grandchildren inheriting the Rock. On the other hand, Keira was downright enraged. Northern folk in general were offended. And more than one Riverlander had expressed, in quiet gossiping voices, their disappointment on Catelyn.
How could she ever resist Lannister gold? –people asked, theorizing that she had plotted those circumstances all along, biding her time for the moment a Lannister proposed. People were not unaware of her financial struggles during the war. Enya decided not to take any comment to heart, as she knew that those were news of impact for many of them, now faced with eminent change and uncertainty. The Riverlanders would be losing their Lady, whom they loved. The Western folk now needed to come to terms with the subtle, but undeniable, change on their Lord.
Enya returned to the Hall, once she realised that Catelyn needed her time alone to reflect. That type of freedom was a perk for being a widow, and not even their septa cared about what she was to do with her life.
-Lord Hoster, I need a word. –she said, taking the man to the galleries with her.
-Did she tell you? –he asked.
-She isn't talking to anyone. –Enya informed, dissimulating their topic of conversation with polite smiles to the Hall- Do you have any idea of what can be afflicting her?
-She was told to let go of her northern guard.
Enya was confused, as it was only logical for her to do so. But also, knowing her far too well, Catelyn would struggle with been told what to do.
-Lady Keira is also not welcome on Tywin Lannister's castle.
Still failing to see the issue, as Catelyn knew very well that Keira wanted to return to the North, Enya took a deep breath.
-You must make her see reason. –Lord Hoster asked, taking Enya's arm- She must understand that her circumstances have changed.
-Can you answer me something? –she stared at him- Who's idea it was to make the announcement tonight? So soon?
-Lord Tywin's, I believe. She certainly agreed to it, on his defence.
-Don't you believe it to be a rushed way to go about things? Couldn't you have spoken some sense, my lord? –Enya's frustration was been taken out on the wrong person- As a way to protect her, to make them discuss their stances further?
-Excuse me, but you were the one convincing her that this was the greatest idea. –the man defended himself- And honestly, do you truly believe that waiting would have made any difference?
-They needed time.
-They are in love, can't you see? –the man was starting to feel annoyance- You may not understand, my sweet girl… But a man like Tywin Lannister takes what he wants, and he wants her. He will placate her temper, as she'll have to placate his. Marriage will teach them to deal with each other.
-Some differences are fundamental, Lord Hoster. And the northern issue will deeply hurt your daughter. We must protect her, as we have always done. She is to be walking into the lion's den soon enough, and the politics of such a thing must go beyond securing good relations to the respective Houses.
-What do you mean?
-She must retain some autonomy.
-That is her responsibility to fashion.
-Her children's claim must the ironclad.
-They are. –Hoster Tully guaranteed- His only son is forever bound to the crown, and can't inherit anything.
-What about Tyrion?
-The imp is dead, Enya… Listen to yourself!
-How do we know? How can we know for sure?
Hoster Tully couldn't find an answer, as they all knew that the demise of Tyrion Lannister was surrounded in mystery.
-I will look for answers. –he promised- To sooth both of you. –and kissed her hand, taking his leave of her.
But Enya knew better, and if she wanted answers, she should find them herself.
-Lord Kevan… -she smiled, approaching him on his way back from the garden.
It was late at night, and wine had drowned the parties. She knew he was interested on her, that she had a grasp on him.
-I am in need of some fresh air, would you accompany me? –she showed him a small carafe of wine, hidden on her back.
He didn't even answer with words, and just taking her arm, guided her to the gardens. Enya knew where to take him, tucked away on the benches near the river. She took a sip of wine, handling the carafe to him. She knew he was more than just merely inebriated, and she would use that.
-I heard you are looking for a wife to your son. –she started, sitting next to him.
-It is a hopeless job. –he said, defeated.
-Do not despair yet, my dear lord. –she held his hand- I will help you.
-Would you marry him? –he said, his tone conflicted.
-No. –she smiled- My sister might. Depending on his prospects.
-Castamere. –Kevan said, trying to supress a hiccup- Tywin has gifted him Castamere, with the condition he marries a proper lady.
-I believed Castamere belonged to Lord Tyrion?
-Tyrion is no more, my lady.
She noted that he didn't say that the boy was dead, merely hinting at it.
-What if he returns, and takes away my sweet sister's home?
-Your sister shouldn't feel threatened by a box of bones.
He took another gulp of the wine and rested his hand on her knee. Enya was aware of the man's intentions with her, and hadn't he be married, she would capitalize on his affections. There were worst fates than to be wedded to the kind Lannister, living on the Lannisport Palace. She wouldn't be anyone's mistress, but she would allow herself that small indiscretion, with the perk of collecting vital information to her friend.
-What do you mean by a box of bones? –she leaned a bit closer to him, removing the carafe from his hand and pretending to sip it- I believed he had disappeared…
-No… -the man's expression sobered slightly- The entire thing was riddled with stupidity. Such a smart young man…
-What happened…? –Enya prodded further.
-Ty wanted to send him back to Casterly Rock, when it was clear that the Sack was eminent. He wasn't happy with it, wishing to be a part of it all, but war is not a place for a dwarf. And despite Ty's hatred of him, he was still one of Joanna's children.
-He loved her very much. –Enya whispered.
-He never forgave Tyrion for taking away his wife. As ridiculous as it sounds.
-Be he still tried to protect him.
-He was one of us, after all. –Lord Kevan looked away for a moment- Tyrion got hurt, trying to sneak back into the barracks, after disobeying his father's orders. Such a juvenile action, for someone so wise…
-Hurt how?
-A broken leg, from a horse kick. He spent a couple days been treated on the camp, and seemed a bit stronger. So Ty decided that he should be put on a ship and sailed back to Casterly Rock. That's why people say he disappeared. He was moved overnight.
-And he died…?
-On the ship. His body was treated by silent sisters, brought on board from the Stormlands. Ty received the bones once the war was over.
-It must have been really hard… Losing your nephew…
-Yes… -she saw the grief on his eyes- And it was also not easy on Ty, losing his heir.
-I am really sorry for your loss, my lord. –she leaned on his shoulder, satisfied with the answers she managed to extract from his sweet drunken self- I am also sorry for touching in such a sore subject…
-Fret not, my dear Lady Enya. Those are just the heartaches of an old man…
-You are not old. –she smiled, looking into his eyes- Just sadly unavailable. –and kissing his lips for a moment, she took her leave of him, fairly sure that he wouldn't remember much on the next day.
Catelyn felt like her lungs had unlearned how to breathe. Pacing around the balcony, twisting her hands and fighting tears, she forbade anyone to disturb her. The soft breeze that engulfed her was almost chilling, and having to accept the bitterness of defeat, she succumbed onto the very same chair where, not even a full day ago, Tywin Lannister sat singing her promises and hinting at feelings.
And it was not like she didn't believe him, or felt some sort of way in his presence. It was just that, only now, after last night's feast, she concluded that she needed to be prepared to lose part of herself in order to accommodate him. Many would argue that, in fact, that is part of the duties of a wife.
On the table, her breakfast hadn't being touched. She felt like her body would reject any food, and she only needed to reclaim her calm before proceeding with the day. And what a day that one promised to be! After what seemed like half the morning, Catelyn finally returned to her chambers and asked her maids to help her get dressed. Enya appeared when a maid had almost finished brushing Catelyn's hair, and the dress laid at the bed indicated that she wasn't intending on leaving the chambers at all.
-It is the final day of the games. -Enya whispered, kneeling in front of her friend and holding her hands- We are expected to be present, at the very least, during the prizes.
-I do not wish to attend.
-What happened last night? What did he tell you?
Looking into the eyes of her beloved friend, Catelyn felt her chin start to quiver, her eyes start to burn and a deep sob escape from her lips. Enya pulled her to the floor, covered in soft fur, and nested Cat in her arms, whilst ordering the maids to leave and shut the door. Catelyn now openly sobbed on her friend's embrace, and even trying to think very hard, she couldn't say what exactly Lord Tywin had done or said to hurt her. But she was clearly hurt.
-Keira is not to join us. -she finally found a place to start- Lord Tywin made very clear that I must part with the North now.
-Oh, dear... -Enya whispered, drying Catelyn's face with her soft hands- Keira do not wish to join us anyway, you know that.
-He said I can still keep in touch with Ned and Ashara, but I fear he might take that away as well.
-You shouldn't worry about that. All that men like Tywin Lannister think about is on how to further their influence and power. You bring him not only the Riverlands, but also the North to some extent. Good relationships among the Great Houses seem to be the only way for peace. And he will value that.
-I have to release my northern guard from their obligations. -and with that, she was back to sobbing, thinking on how those men would have died for her, how they stayed in Riverrun during the war and kept her safe. One at her balcony, the other at her door, they guarded her sleep every single night.
-How are you surprised? -Enya asked, but not without compassion- Ned will understand. Have you messaged him already?
-To say what? To phrase it how?
-It matters that he learns of this from you. He will understand, I promise you.
-But how do I tell Sir Harold and Sir Wyllem that I... That I...
-They expect it. They know, everyone knew. You, deep down, was well aware. Lord Tywin is right. You cannot bring all this to your new life.
-Is a very large part of my life and I will miss it deeply.
-That's right. -Enya made them both stand up, and held Catelyn by her shoulders for a moment- You are Lord Tully's daughter, and you must be at the games this afternoon.
-I can't appear in public with this face, not on the day after my engagement…
She knew that her face would show that she had cried and that the signs would be there for the rest of the day, but there was nothing she could do about it. She cried herself to sleep, and dragged her body out of the bed whilst sobbing. People would talk, and in this instance she cared. She also didn't wish to see her affianced, uncomfortable with what that would mean for their future.
Enya convinced her to be dressed in something better, and made sure to make her wear the engagement gift. The golden lion, now nested on her chest, felt cold to the skin.
Catelyn accepted everything, too tired to argue. Lord Hoster sent word to his daughter in the beginning of the afternoon, and as usual, Enya was right and he wanted his daughter to handle some prizes to the Tournament champions. Lord Frey's lovely bride was also expected to be there, and Saera was already crowned queen of love and beauty.
Before they could leave the castle, an unexpected and violent storm swept around in the Riverlands, and flocks of people started to arrive back at the Towers, completely soaked but already inebriated enough that it didn't seem to matter. The celebrations started almost immediately, and even trying to hide away with Enya, Catelyn was spotted by Saera, who run at her very excited to display her crown of flowers.
-Sir Edwin Tyrell crowned me. -she said too excited to notice that the mood didn't match hers- I was so surprised!
-You shouldn't be, my sweet. -Catelyn said- You are the most precious young lady...
-Should I...? -and she finally noticed that Catelyn had clearly being crying- Oh, what is wrong? -her beautiful face contorted in angst.
-Nothing. -Cat promised- It passed.
-Tell me... -she begged, and Enya tried to put an end to it.
-Bridal nerves, Saera. It can be a bit overwhelming.
-Was uncle Ty rude to you? -she insisted, after a moment of silence- Did he do anything?
-Your uncle is not at fault. My Lord Tywin and I are understanding each other very well, and the time we have spent together is very valuable. So no, my dear. Your uncle didn't wrong me.
-I ask because he can be a bit harsh sometimes. And he means well, but...
-He did not such a thing. -Catelyn promised, knowing that it wasn't impossible to Saera to talk about this with her mother, and currently Lady Genna had chosen not to be in great terms with Cat.
The storm was raging around them, and the sky had turned dark like it was to be dusk. The tables scattered around the main hall, had very quickly being occupied by the people that had being in attendance to the Games, and it looked fuller than before, with the competitors being present, accompanied by esquires and other knights of the realm. Even so, Catelyn could spot her lord father conversing with her husband to be. Lord Kevan was standing next to them, not really engaging in conversation. She wished that she could hear what they talked about, just to know better the ground where she stood.
-Did he already make you cry? -Keira had arrived behind them. Her long dark hair soaking wet. Her skirts ruined with mud, but she didn't cared.
-I should just get back to my chambers. -Catelyn protested- My face is clearly ruined for the day, and all we have to do is to say I am indisposed, what is not even a lie.
-What did he do? -Keira asked, on her low, dangerous voice.
-Oh, for the love of the Seven! -Enya raged at them, and holding each by their arms, led them away from the hall.
Now back at the chambers, Keira allowed a maid to undress her and dry her hair. Catelyn took off her boots and nested herself on a chase, pulling a woolly blanket around her. Enya sunk to the bed, looking tired and very short tempered.
-I will not return to Riverrun. -Keira declared, when the maid finally left, leaving her wrapped on a heavy robe.
-Why is that? -Catelyn asked, pain and shock taking over her expressions- What about your things?
-I will send for them.
-Keira... -Catelyn extended a hand, expecting her friend to join her, but Keira did not move.
-I am not able to do this, Cat.
-Do what?
-To pretend that this engagement of yours isn't the most magnificent sign of disrespect to what we all have lived together! -she would not hold back on her anger, and taken aback, Catelyn couldn't know how to react.
Enya almost jumped out of the bed, but didn't dare to come any closer. Keira had things to say, and it would be best if she just did it at once.
-I hate that I love you! -she spat out, holding her head in what seemed to be a poor attempt to hold back tears.
-How can you say that? -Catelyn was now profoundly hurt.
-How can you agree to marry that man? Did we matter so little? Have you forgotten the war? Have you forgotten him?
Again, in shock, Catelyn didn't know what to say. Keira, however, needed to speak her mind like those words were a poison that would eat her soul if not said.
-Whilst Lyanna was lost, and the North bleed on a war alongside your father... -she pointed her finger at Cat- Tywin Lannister sat around in his precious castle and waited to see who was likely to win before joining any effort. Whilst you were losing your mind in grief and worry, he enjoyed the peace of the Rock.
-This is not very fair, Keira. The war at that point had nothing to do with the Lannisters.
-You know what isn't fair, Enya? -Keira challenged- Is that man marrying a bride of the North, when she always had the chance to honour us.
The tears were rolling but Catelyn couldn't move. What chance was that?
-You had suitors. Many. Good men. Good, honourable, strong Northern Lords. Men that would never dishonour you. Men that were always prepared to wed you, all you needed was to stop obsessing over your feelings and do what you were meant to. But I suppose you were waiting for the best possible offer. I suppose that a smaller house would not suffice.
-Keira, stop! You will regret your words one day, please stop... -Enya warned, but Keira wasn't done.
-Now you will have all that Lannister gold, and I hope that will be enough to fill the void of marrying such an evil man.
-I am sorry I hurt you. -Catelyn finally said in a weak whisper- But I never knew that you hoped for me to only take a husband if he was a northerner.
-This is not just about you betraying us. Every unmarried nobleman in Westeros asked for your hand. And you could always chose, your father allowed you that much, after losing Brandon and nearly dying in grief. Gods! You could have had Doran Martell, and lived the rest of your life in an oasis where will never be winter! And no one would mind that.
-It was too soon! -Cat argued, remembering the pain and the loss, and having to deal with the politics of an arranged marriage- You were witness to it! You were there when the proposals arrived, even before Bran's bones were laid to rest in Winterfell. You were there! You saw how complicated things got, when Dorne tried to make my father turn on Ned and Jon! When Petyr arrived at Riverrun and demanded my acceptance and the Riverlords decided that I should marry one of them, any of them, so some sort of reward would exist for their loyalty during the war. When I had to let Ned go free, because the woman he loved, loved him back and he deserved happiness... All too soon, Keira. And about the Lords of the North... Eddard said I could chose at the same time he asked me not to. I don't know what you expect of me, or if you have forgotten who I am... But I remind you that if I am to marry, I will make my House stronger and safer.
-Yes... -Keira retorted, finally deciding that too much hurt had being caused- I hope that to be enough for every time you remember that the man who whispers sweet promises in your ear, is the same one that arranged a violent death to innocent children. Who extinguished dynasties, and who was prepared to marry his daughter to whoever would make her queen. That man, who doesn't mention what happened to his own son, the one he openly hated for being a dwarf. That is the man who will father your children.
And she left, leaving Catelyn to face those horrors in the dark. Enya held her friend the best she could, but Catelyn now was consumed by Keira's poison. She sounded like a wounded animal. For what felt like forever, the maids stood around, trying to help in any way, but they didn't knew how.
Edmure arrived early in the night, and found his sister weakened in pain.
-Shall I bring father? -he asked, not knowing what to do.
-No. -Cat said firmly- I just need to rest.
-But, sister...
-I am already better. -she promised, trying to open a smile- Don't trouble yourself.
Catelyn fell asleep not much longer after that. Enya had retreated to the chase, and guarded her rest. The maids came in to light a fire and ask if they should bring them any food. Enya said no, and hoped for Cat to sleep until the morning.
Lord Hoster arrived a bit later, and requested for Enya's presence in the solar.
-What happened? -the man seemed very surprised, only now back at his chambers from a night of celebrations, just to find out that Catelyn fought one of her ladies.
-Too much, too soon. -Enya was clearly exhausted, but she would fight Catelyn's case- My lord, you must relieve her northern guards of their duties before Cat take upon her to do it herself. It will just hurt her too much. -she rubbed her eyes for a second and melted onto a chair, hiding her face on her hands- Catelyn will need a messenger, a good and fast one, because a crow will not be enough to convey what she wishes to say to Ned.
-How bad was it? -Lord Hoster found himself a chair, scratching his head.
-It was worse than bad. But she will be fine.
-Her absence was noted and Tywin Lannister demanded to know what was happening. Saera, blessed be, told her uncle that Catelyn sometimes have these bad headaches, and that today was one of those days. Even so, he wanted to see her.
Enya presented Lord Hoster with a summary of the things that were shouted, having already discussed with him the golden information extracted from Kevan Lannister on the previous night. The man now seemed to carry over his shoulders the weight of the world. They knew that Keira was not necessarily wrong, but some quarrels must die in times of peace, and Lord Tywin joining the winning side at the end of the war was one of those things.
-Lord Tywin, killer of children, was the part that Cat couldn't bear. Although it was hardly a surprise, presented that way... It was too much. Also, the mystery of what happened to Tyrion Lannister, as I couldn't sooth those worries yet, with her on this state.
A long silence lingered between them.
-What should we do? -Lord Hoster was as lost as he looked.
-Let her sleep. I will stay with her tonight. And in the morning, I will talk to her again.
-Please, try to bring her some comfort.
-And perspective. May the Gods help us.