30. FUTURE
Lady Maeryan Lannister was, in the end of the day, still an Allyrion of Godsgrace, and she could keep an objective distance when it came to dealing with Lannister issues. Daughter of the great Lady Delonne, she had inherited too much of her mother's ways. Raised to rule her ancestral home in spite of her younger brother, she could see a lot of herself on Catelyn, who was now burdened with the same responsibilities Maeryan held for many years, after falling in love with a Lannister man.
She was also not immediately accepted when arriving in Casterly Rock, being endlessly compared to Joanna –who would never encourage any comments, but who also never stopped them- scrutinized in all capacities, judged even by her deep skin tone and the looks of the children she would produce. But she survived, and she would make sure Catelyn would survive as well.
Standing in front of the Queen's Chambers, still bearing grief for Saera, with her heart aching for her beloved Genna, she was now to confront the person confirmed to be responsible for such pain. By the grace of the Gods, Catelyn and Enya were alive. But the agony of losing Saera was still too raw, and her little Janei was suffering so much that it was unbearable to watch. Kevan's heart was broken, Jaime had behaved enraged with the Ironfolk in a unconvincing manner, and Cersei had only said that Saera would have been safe with her, and that and her and Genna were the ones who had chosen Casterly Rock. As if it was all their fault.
And now knowing of Cersei's true involvement on the ordeal, it made everything worse, and she was unable to shake the feeling that Jaime had also been involved, but it couldn't be proven, so she wouldn't speak on it. Tywin was resigned to Cersei's punishment. She wasn't sure of what he would do if Jaime was put in any risk.
The guards opened the doors, admitting Maeryan. She could see Cersei asleep on her bed, on the far end of the chambers, across her meticulously and richly decorated sitting room. A couple maids stood there, either side of the arches that led to the bedchamber, ready to act once the queen decided to rise. She approached the bed, where the young Lannister slept deeply, enabled by wine, denounced by the nearly empty coper pitcher on her nightstand.
Cersei was jolt awake when Maeryan banged the pitcher against the wall, and started cursing her aunt, asking how dare she disturb the queen in such a manner.
-Up. –Maeryan ordered- Up, I do not have the whole morning.
-Who do you think you are?
-I don't know, Cersei. Who am I? –she slanted her head, observing how Cersei's expression changed from enraged to afraid.
Yes, she had understood. Only by the harshness of Maeryan's gaze, Cersei knew. She had grown up under that woman's care, and she was well aware that Maeryan had love for Tywin's children, as for the longest time, she had been the only mother they could count on. She had taken Cersei under her wing, even more so when it became clear that Tywin's grief wasn't going to pass. And by that proximity was how she knew when Maeryan was displeased, and she had learned to fear it. Cersei had asked Robert to summon her uncle to King's Landing in part due to her intention on getting Maeryan on her side, away from Catelyn, but she had failed.
-Where is Jaime? –Cersei asked, panic growing on her voice.
-Not relevant now. –Maeryan said. Cersei opened her mouth as she was about to protest, but under Maeryan's caustic gaze, she didn't find words- And you will get dressed, we have places to be.
-Where? –she managed to utter.
-You'll see.
-Where is my uncle? –she demanded, sounding like a child.
-Awaiting you.
Maeryan watched as the maids prepared Cersei for the day. She was dressed, her hair tied in a simple braid pinned around her head, her feet placed on slippers. She washed her face, trying to gather from her maids, in whispers, what was going on. But the poor women wouldn't know. Cersei tried to protest with her aunt, demanding to be told what was happening, asking for Joffrey to be brought to her. But Maeryan was immune to such antics, as she had witnesses far too many of her niece's meltdowns.
Cersei finally relented, when she realised that her aunt would not bulge. They walked out of the chambers, and the queen seemed uneasy when noticing that she was being followed only by the Lannister guard, not the White Cloaks. She asked where they were going, but received no answer. Maeryan had never been to those parts of the Red Keep before, and she doubted that Cersei had been there either, now clearly deep down into the bowels of the fortress.
-Uncle Kevan! –Cersei runs towards him, having spotted him before Maeryan herself. She enraptured him on her arms, asking him what was happening- Your bitch of a wife isn't telling me anything!
-You will see. –Kevan said only, in a soothing tone, what calmed Cersei, now grabbing his arm tightly, as he represented safety.
A heavy door was opened, and the light of torches sipped towards the barely lit corridor. Kevan guided his niece inside, with Maeryan standing right behind them. It was a large dungeon, and it looked even larger considering it was almost empty, safe for half a dozen men, standing around a block of wood. Cersei stopped on her faulting legs once she saw a hooded man holding an axe.
-No… -she whispered, all the colour disappearing from her face- What is happening here?
-You are a queen, act like one. –Maeryan stood on her other side, holding her up by the arm.
Jon Arryn stepped into the light, and unfolded a long piece of paper, immediately reading a Royal order of execution, listing crimes and detailing the conspiracy. Cersei was about to start screaming, now standing on a puddle of her own urine. She watched as Petyr Baelish was brought forth and made to kneel in front of the block. He was gagged, tears running down his face. The image if regret.
-You told them to put my hair up, to expose my neck. –she whispered in hurt disbelief, looking at Maeryan.
At that time, the older woman had to look away, deeply disturbed by the terror on her niece's eyes. She had to remind herself that Cersei deserved what was happening, but her truest instinct was the one of protecting and shielding her, as it had always happened throughout their lives.
-Why isn't my father here? –she asked, weak, crying.
-Tywin doesn't want anything else to do with you. –Kevan responded- From the moment you plotted to kill his wife the first time until now, being responsible for Saera's murder, conspiring with enemies of the crown, people who attacked and destroyed so much of your own ancestral home… you made sure to lose any support you could get.
She was silent when Jon Arryn stood behind Petyr Baelish, forcing him to lean forward, over the block. The axe was no longer on the hands of the executioner, and Cersei understood that legality wasn't a real concern on those secret chambers. Everyone there was ready to take revenge.
-Where is Jaime? –she asked.
But no response was given. She panicked when a gag was placed on her mouth, and they allowed her to fall on her knees, unable of looking away from the meeting between the axe and Baelish's neck. Maeryan turned her back when she saw Jon Arryn's guards lifting Cersei from the ground, kicking and screaming. Her voice was muffled, but she was begging for her father, for Jaime, for Robert. Petyr Baelish's headless body was barely moved aside, and Cersei was now kneeling on his puddling blood.
-You should behave like a queen. –Jon Arryn said in his quiet voice, very near her ear- You should be graceful. Look at yourself, look what you actions brought upon the realm…
-Father… -she cried, her hands tied on her back, her eyes on the axe being wiped clean by the executioner.
-What are you saying? –Jon pulled the gag out- Father?
-Let me speak with him, he will forgive me… -she cried- If he sees me, he will forget all about it…
-Your father can't help you here. Robert is eager to be rid of you, such a mean spirited wife… What use does he have for someone who would conspire with his enemies in such a manner? We can find him a better woman, someone capable of raising Prince Joffrey to be a good king… Or maybe even to give him a few more heirs, and who is to say that he wouldn't cast aside the offspring of a traitor?
-War would rage. –she spat.
-Risen by whom? Your father? The man who told Robert that he was free to do as he pleased? The one who said he no longer has a daughter?
Maeryan knew that Cersei would never meet that axe, and she understood that Arryn was acting under Robert's orders to scare her, but it was still painful and traumatising to witness. Kevan was pale, shaken, fighting his urge to step in and rescue his niece, but that couldn't be. People slowly made their way out of the dungeon, whilst Cersei believed she was getting ready to die, being instructed by Jon Arryn to pray, having a hood placed on her head. Cersei was left alone with Petyr Baelish's dead body, her whispered curses interrupted only when the door closed loudly.
Kevan, unable to care that very powerful men were witnessing it, succumbed onto the floor of the corridor, crying on his wife's arms.
-She is so scared… -he lamented- Tywin would have not allowed this…
-Well, those were the king's orders. –Jon Arryn said.
-But your design. –Maeryan accused, knowing very well about the Lord of the Vale's despise for the Lannister name.
-She is lucky to be alive. After a few days reflecting on her actions, hopefully she unlearns her ways, and the next time she consider to conspire against the crown, she might remember the reek of Baelish's body and be glad she hadn't ended up on the same way. –he sad simply.
-Or this might make her worse. –they didn't know Cersei as Maeryan did.
-To what I say: she wouldn't be the first queen to lose her head. Hopefully by then, she will have given Robert a couple of spares.
.
Tywin had recently been informed by Kevan that Cersei had been moved to Dragonstone, in what publicly seemed to be a visit to her good brother Stannis and his wife Selyse. In reality, she was isolated in a tower, with only a couple maids on her service. She had to be moved away from King's Landing, as her web of connections and allies was not to be discarded, with Varys working to unearth it all. Even after Jon Arryn's little stunt, when he made her believe she was to be executed and left to witness her co-conspirator's body rot, they were unsure of her lesson being learnt.
Kevan had uncovered at least two of her lovers, who he quickly dealt with, afraid of having her accused of treason once more, of having Joff called a bastard and avoiding their executions, as killing a child wasn't beneath Robert. Tywin grew disappointed on Jaime, as protecting her had been his responsibility, but he stood there and allowed her to soil herself on that manner. Now, separated from her twin, under Stannis rule, Tywin hoped that Cersei would reflect on her actions and change her ways.
She had written to Tywin once, believing her words were being carried by a loyal servant, sorely mistaken as her letter had been inspected and approved by Stannis before being sent. He wondered how many letters Stannis had stopped, deeming them too dangerous. But he had allowed this one, and on it Cersei was asking for forgiveness from him and Catelyn, claiming she had finally understood the implications of her actions, admitting that she was tired of only acting with blinding rage. She said that she knew that her future was uncertain, as Robert, having only recently arrived in Dragonstone, seemed only interested on making a spare on her, never awarding her a word.
"I know that I have hurt our family deeply with my inane actions, and I am paying a hefty price for it, distant from my son, not even knowing where he is. I see your ways, father, and I am glad I can still feel your love for me, as I am still alive. I hope you'll find in your heart the strength to forgive me, and perhaps, one day, to see me again."
Her new pregnancy had already been confirmed by the Dragonstone Meister, and this time Tywin was sure that this child was the King's. She was now under constant surveillance, being a risk for herself. Her state was such that even Robert took pity on her and allowed for her to have some contact with her son, bringing Joffrey to Dragonstone. Jaime, however, was not allowed there, as Stannis couldn't bring himself to harbour a Kingslayer. Kevan growing increasingly uncomfortable with Cersei being alone in such condition, left Maeryan and Janei in King's Landing and stayed in Dragontone as an ambassador for Cersei.
To Robert's credit, he tried to make an effort to know his wife better, trying to spend time with her and their son, whose presence was used as a reward, with the threat of being taken away serving as a way to control Cersei. Tywin had received reports that Robert was truly trying, working to placate and soothe her as if she was the one being wronged. And the only thing that he could conclude with that, is that Cersei had, somehow, found an advantage, and that her punishment wasn't being as effective as he had hoped.
But it was soon made clear that Cersei was obsessed with vengeance, daring to ask Robert to punish her father and Catelyn, for having disobeyed her when she forbade them to marry. She then started to deny him the marital warmth she had used to lull him to her arms, constantly telling him that he was only King because of her, and that touching her was his honour. Kevan did not deny that she was raped, and he wasn't happy with it, but considering some of her actions, he was just glad that Robert hadn't decapitated her yet –for real this time. And at that point, Robert decided to bring her back to King's Landing to exist in isolation, leaving Joffrey to be fostered with Renly in Storm's End, where he could be reunited with Jaime.
Catelyn, now big and round with the advanced pregnancy, always knew when he received word about his daughter, as it would have a bad effect on him. He was worried that Cersei could be a danger for herself, but there was only so much they could do, and she struggled to find in her heart an ounce of care to award the queen.
Lysa was lobbying her return to King's Landing, begging her husband for forgiveness, asking him for a child, promising to be a devoted wife. That quickly changed once she realised that Jon had personally beheaded Petyr Baelish. And she was soon blaming her sister for losing the love of her life, what only served to guarantee that she would not leave the Eyre anytime soon. Her position was so precarious, that Jon had started to study who he would name as his heir from the Vale's nobility.
In Casterly Rock, things had started to settle. Tywin ever busy with his obligations, always made a point on involving Catelyn on the rulings he believed would interest her. On his rare absences, she had held assembly on her own, what was unnerving on many levels, but she was growing confident and the people were getting used to her. The Riverlander settlement was thriving, and Tywin was really quite pleased with it, and she was very proud. Her uncle was decided to not leave her, what pleased both her and Tywin very much. Both men had their differences, but they had become friends.
Enya was having a tough time, as her older brother, who was a couple years younger than her, but was intended to inherit Seagard, disappeared on the sea, being presumed dead after the charred wreckage of his ship was found. Elliasand had returned home, to console their parents, and Tytos had joined her. The young couple was still unmarried, but not for long, as they behaved with immense appreciation for each other. Catelyn found it odd that Enya wasn't necessarily upset about her brother, presenting herself more worried with making sure Ellie was named the heir than anything else. She also had some good news, now expecting her first child with Rowan.
Catelyn's nameday arrived, and she received the most precious gift. Ned, Ashara and their children visited them. Tywin, on his best behaviour, received them as royalty, what pleased Catelyn very much. Ashara had news from everywhere, having toured the coast for a few moons. The Stark children were true blessings, and Catelyn was absolutely enchanted with Ella, who reminded her of the faces she had loved dearly on her girlhood.
Tywin observed their interactions on the raised garden, watching the children playing, hoping for the good fortune of watching his own do the same one day. He was fond of Ashara, now also very grateful for having Catelyn looking happy and surrounded by friends. Eddard Stark would sit with them, now developing a friendship with Rowan. Enya, after being reunited with Jory Cassel, the brother of her late husband, had needed a little time to recompose herself, but she was now back with the group.
One thing pestered Tywin, a snag of discomfort every time he looked at the Stark twins. He hadn't heard much about twins occurring on the Stark bloodline, but he wasn't sure about the Dayne's. The twins were very different from each other, what didn't mean much, as Tywin himself fathered different sex twins, but it was still very odd. One of the boys, Arthur, looked like Ned Stark, almost like they were the same person, sharing the same colours, just like the baby girl. Jon was shorter, with light purple eyes and dark hair, but not dark as his mother. Dark as a Stark, which made sense. What bothered Tywin was his face, his features. He had seen those features before, as he watched them develop onto the ones of a man.
Jon was Rhaegar's son, and Tywin was sure of it. Jon was Lyanna's, and the Stark's had decided to pass him as their own, bundling him with their boy, raising them as twins. He didn't know of the details of it, but he didn't have to. He had also seen those features on the dead body of Aegon, but even more strongly on the Princess Rhaenys. Slowly, a plan formed on his mind, and for the first time, he started to truly hope that Catelyn was carrying a daughter.
-It is a very interesting predicament. –Tywin said during dinner, when a small feast had been served on the Residency to celebrate Catelyn's nameday- Who will inherit your seat? You have twin sons!
-Well, Arthur was born first. –Ashara said- He was also healthy and strong, and Jon wasn't really guaranteed to survive.
That further confirmed Tywin's suspicions that Arthur was older than Jon, but not only by a few minutes, like they implied. He had gone through the calculations on his mind, and the Starks were married right on the aftermath of Brandon and Rickard Stark's execution. Things had gone array, and Ashara was still in Riverrun, avoiding the court of Princess Elia, already in love with Eddard. Then, Catelyn released Ned from his obligations towards her, and he married Ashara. They were separated by the war, and Ashara travelled to Starfall, now considered a traitor for having married a Rebel, which was a risky move. Tywin couldn't know when Jon was born, but based on their sizes, it was clearly after.
-So will Jon inherit Starfall? –Enya was the one who asked.
-No. –Ashara responded too quickly, like the thought was ludicrous, almost denouncing herself- The twins will hardly be separated. –she amended, when Eddard's expression hardened.
Why would Ashara's mother give her ancestral home to a boy who hadn't shared their blood? If Tywin's suspicions were right, Rhaela Dayne knew that her daughter had only birthed one Stark, as she was present in Starfall. Tywin knew that separating twins wasn't an easy thing to do, as he had witnessed Cersei's despair once Jaime was called to serve Aerys in King's Landing, she begged to be sent to the royal court. The bond is true and intense as he also saw it on his nephews, Genna's boys. But life would eventually happen to them, obligations would rise, and being separated would be the least of their worries.
-Well, Ella's future is certain, now betrothed to Prince Joffrey. –Catelyn said- You must be really proud.
-We are. –Ashara smiled- Robert wouldn't have any other way, and I believe that it's for the best to bring them up knowing what is expected of them.
-A northern bride for the future King of Westeros is of true importance. –Tywin said- Is vital to give the due importance to Winters, and a Northern queen would make sure of it.
-Indeed. –Eddard agreed, and for the first time, him and Tywin managed to establish a dialogue.
Once supper was done with, the celebration developed into something else, and now the women sat together sipping some wine and talking of their matters, whilst the men did the same. The young ladies in waiting profited from the music and danced, whilst servants walked around with sweet drinks and small parcels of tasty food, some savoury and some sweet.
-Well, I have something to ask from you. –Tywin said, talking with Ned, observed by Lord Brynden- You know Catelyn isn't very swift in regards to executions, and that, somehow, has influenced me. Brynden knows that our cells are risking to be as full as the ones in Riverrun.
-She used to send me dozens of men to the Wall. –Ned commented.
-I intend on doing the same, if you were to have them. –Tywin said, with a small bow of his head.
-You have always sent men. –Ned said.
-Not on this proportions. –Lord Brynden laughed- They have set a support fund for help with their settling.
-That's very generous, considering the high cost of the Rebellion.
-It's honestly nothing, if you consider that the arms I will be sending are refurbishments from the Ironfolk and the expenses of keeping prisoners will be the same having them here or finding them some use on the Wall. Once the finances here are settled better, I am sure we can find a way to help further, considering the winter being so near.
A few days passed with them as guests. Catelyn was happy and at peace, and Tywin had had the opportunity to observe Eddard's behaviour towards his wife bit better once they were settled. He was finally satisfied that they were close friends, and that the rumours about Lord Stark not loving his wife were unfounded. They were affectionate towards each other, and both were very dedicated to their children.
-If we have a daughter… -Tywin said to Eddard one night, now that Tywin was certain of Jon's parentage, and having successfully established a semblance of friendship between them- I believe it would please Catelyn greatly if she was to be betrothed to your son.
-Arthur will have a northern bride. –Ned said simply, not even considering the possibility of Jon- It isn't fair to ask a southern woman to adapt to the harshness of a true winter. Ashara suffers, and I wouldn't do that to Cat's daughter.
-Jon will need a wife and a domain. –Tywin said, as it was logical- If he isn't to inherit, he may be a good candidate to be consort next to the heiress of Casterly Rock.
-You may father a son.
-In which case, the circumstances would change. But my firstborn will inherit my seat, male or female. And if Catelyn is now expecting a daughter, I'd like to have her promised to your son. Eddard, I would like us to be friendly, for our loved one's sake. And I do not know a better way than this one.
-We would be separating the twins. –he was reluctant.
-You would have Stark blood on Casterly Rock's seat. You would have unconditional support to the North. The future generations would never have to struggle for alliances.
He seemed to think for a moment, looking towards Catelyn and Ashara, surrounded by ladies, enjoying themselves. Tywin was glad that Catelyn seemed happy for the first time in moons, looking so beautiful it hurt his heart. He saw as Eddard's eyes lingered on his wife for far too long, but it wasn't time for jealousy.
-Let's ask them. –he said at least- Let's ask our wives what they think of it.
And so they did, separating them from the other's with weak excuses. Eddard was the one to relay Tywin's offer, and Catelyn looked from one to the other with a surprised expression. Ashara smiled, after pondering on it for a moment. Suddenly her fear of separating the twins no longer existed.
-Are you serious? –Catelyn asked Tywin, holding onto his arm, staring him in disbelief- Would our daughter take precedence even in the case of we having a son in the future?
-You are the living proof of a very capable female ruler, and if we raise our girl to take my seat, I see no reason to wait for a boy. You forget we have a surplus of western domains to be filled. And… -he adjoined, his thoughts spinning- With a Stark men by her side, a descendent of Arthur Dayne… It would bring me peace. –he looked at Ned, who seemed awfully conflicted.
-Brother? –Catelyn asked, looking at him, who finally smiled and hugged her and his wife at the same time.
-You may be carrying a boy. –he said, as he had hoped for it- And I don't have another daughter to offer you.
-Yet. –Ashara said- We don't know of the future, but it certainly is nice to have a plan.
After that talk, the Stark's didn't remained in Casterly Rock much more than a week, only because Ashara begged her husband to stay longer. Tywin saw as Eddard was anxious to leave, and wondered why. He made a point of fomenting that friendship. Yes, he had a plan and ulterior motives, but it didn't seem to be obvious to anyone. He was nice with the Stark children, especially Jon, commenting on he somehow reminded him of his grandfather, Rickard Stark.
He had no real interest on having Stark blood meddled with his, but even a drop of Targaryen blood would mean that his daughter could be queen. And this one wouldn't be as wretched as Cersei, because she would have Catelyn to raise her. And he would not risk another child if it would put Catelyn in danger. He needed an heir, and after they secured it, he would protect his wife.
When he noticed that Catelyn was nearing her birthing, he walked away from any realm responsibilities, leaving it on Rowan's and his council's hands, and dedicated his entire attention to his wife. She looked tired, but happy. Enya was always by her side, now starting to show her own pregnancy. The Meister had told them that the birth could happen at any time now, and Catelyn had already started to mention some bouts of marked pain.
That night, they barely slept, with her being awoken by contractions a few times. The meister confirmed it was the beginning of it, and that Tywin should leave Catelyn with her maids and ladies, but he refused. By noon, she was actively labouring, and Tywin, always by her side, pacing back and forth with her on the corridor, offered support and comfort, promising her that she was safe and praising her strength. Enya, also always there, was the one making sure she was progressing nicely. By mid-afternoon, looking exhausted, Catelyn asked for a bath, and she finally managed to relax in the warm water, refusing to leave it until the urge to push came.
-We are so close now… -Tywin said, placing her back in the bed, once more ignoring the meister who was telling him to leave.
-Please, stay. –she asked, holding him by the arm- Please, I need you most now.
-I am never leaving you. –he promised, seating in the bed, finding a spot behind her, supporting her body with his, allowing her nails to claw his forearms as she pushed.
The meister was there, observing it, but Enya was the one decided to receive the baby. Catelyn pushed a couple times, glad for Tywin's comfort and Enya's help. When she was told that they could see the baby's hair, she asked what colour was it, what made them all laugh. With the final push, Enya offered her hand, and Catelyn grabbed it, glad for having something to hold on to, being it the last bit of help she had needed to birth her son.
The baby boy was immediately given to her, and she thought she would explode with joy. Tywin quickly covered them with a warm blanket, barely able to hold his emotions. That child was all that mattered now. He was perfect, well proportionate –unlike Tyrion- strong cries, already searching his mother's breast. He latched on quickly, as his parents cleaned him with a warm towel. Catelyn's birth was finalised, and her maids accommodated her the best they could. Tywin wasn't allowed to leave where he was, holding her from behind, resting her on his chest, helping to hold the baby where he could nurse to his heart's content.
His hair was golden, with the softest hint of red. His eyes were of a very light green. Tywin hadn't felt that level of happiness since the birth of his twins. He remembered feeling very fortunate, when he was finally allowed near Jo, who was nursing both twins at the same time. Cersei was a little delicate fussy flower, and Jaime was calm and serene. Now, holding his family on his arms, so very happy and proud, his only instinct was to protect them.
-I love you both so much… -he said, kissing the side of her face, drawing his baby's features with his finger- So much love, I can barely believe it.
-We have a son. –she whispered- We had spoken so much of a daughter…
-This is the ideal situation, my love. –he promised- This boy is destined to great things.
-And how will we call him?
-You had liked Tylar. –he said
-But you had liked Tyren.
-You birthed him, you can chose. –he smiled, not being able to care at all about a name, when his boy took a strong hold of his finger.
-Tyren is a good name for a firstborn. –she said.
-Sounds good, but I doubt we will call him anything other than Ty.
The baby grew into a boy, wilful, strong, smart. Tyren was the image of his father, with hints of his mother's colours. He was adored by all, with an easy cheeky smile and the tendency to misbehave. Tywin said he reminded him of Jaime at that age, with Tyren being more affectionate towards his parents. Tywin always created time to spend with him, taking him on quick visits to Lannisport, even without Catelyn, who was now much more involved with the inner workings of the Rock.
Tyren had a best friend on Enya's little boy, Jason, named after her father. But they had other little companions as well, being most excited about the twins Catelyn had been expecting, now nearing the end of her second pregnancy.
Nearing the birth, Tywin would lay next to his lady for the longest time, as she was now not allowed to leave her bed, as the twins were too heavy and could be born before their time. He felt their little kicks on his hand, and his heart was completed when Tyren would demand some space on their bed for a nap, cuddling on his father's chest. Tywin remembered that Ty's first word was "dada", as he had clearly tried to say father, opening a two piece smile when seeing him, right before his first nameday. And now that seemed to have been so long ago.
When it was time for the birth, Tywin repeated everything he had done before, refusing to leave his wife on the days leading to it, supporting her through the labour and receiving his daughters from Enya's hands. Lanna was born first, receiving her name from her mother as soon as she was placed on her chest. Tywin named Tyris, and both girls were born healthy and strong, even for twins, who were early. They had a full head of red hair, and their eyes could be either blue or green, they were not able to say.
Catelyn took a lot longer to recover after the twins, and Tywin unfortunately couldn't have been as present as he had wished, always plagued with the troubles from the realm and the rest of Westeros. But he fashioned them some private time, away from Casterly Rock, as soon as the twins reached their first nameday. It was now obvious that they were identical, like Genna's boys, and they looked so much like her mother that sometimes Tywin laughed wondering if she had produced them alone.
The beach on Casterly Island was sparkling with white sand. They had a beautiful House, with large windows and a blue door. Small, cosy, away from everyone, even the kids, for the first time since their wedding. In all truth, they had never being that alone, ever. And it felt good and reassuring, that after all those years, when they had to face challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable, their love remained true and strong.
-We should bring the children and never leave. –Catelyn said, jokingly, lain on a bed of furs on the sand, her shirtless husband resting his head on her lap, peacefully enjoying a book.
-We should. –it was tempting- Maybe one day, when they are grown and we are able to rest, we will find ourselves here definitively.
-Sounds nice, but you know we would bore quickly. There's only so much fishing you can enjoy.
-I can always enjoy you… -he turned, placing kisses on the skin he could reach.
-I may not be so enjoyable when we are old. –she said.
-Based on my observations… -he covered her with his body- Time has been your ally.
-I have changed after the babies… -she said, almost apologetically.
-Yes, but for the better. –he was quick to soothe her worries with his well-placed kisses on the side of her neck- So much better.
And she believed him, as he was maybe just as much, if not more, obsessed with her as he had been when they first met. And Catelyn's attraction for him would never falter. Their kisses were always exchanged as silent love pledges, their hugs were always shared in a way to bring their hearts together, their words towards each other were always kind. They had learned to love each other the best they could, despite everything. And in a moment like this, away from their obligations, their only preoccupation being each other, it was clear that they had always been meant to be.
Author's note: This may or may not be the end.