Tywin Lannister couldn't help but be amazed as the towers of the Red Keep came into view. The city, by itself, was no Lannisport. It didn't match the old town in sheer trade volume. But it was still by far the biggest city in the land. He was disgusted by the state of which the city was currently. He urged his horse forward to reach the inside.

The guards, noticing the banners, stood aside, letting him and his party through the gates. His eyes took in everything happening inside. While Casterly Rock was a huge castle unto itself, it was rather quiet on a day-to-day basis. People went about their jobs, and his father never got himself involved in huge projects. Here, on the other hand, everything was alive. Everywhere he looked, people were on their toes, busy doing something. His eyes darted towards the sounds of swords clashing in the outer yard, where a tall man oversaw the people training. There was no need for him to guess who that was. Ser Duncan the Tall, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

"Lord Tywin," said Ser Rodrik, bringing him back to reality. "They are waiting."

He nodded, dismounted, handed over his reins to the stable boys. He looked up at the huge oak doors through which lay his new life, and perhaps his journey to greatness, if he played it right. It all began now. Through those doors. The damn Game.

He let Ser Rodrik lead the way inside. He was still young. He had to remember that. Here, at least, he needed to act his age. He noticed eyes following him and his men, hushed whispers accompanying their passage through the corridors towards the great hall. People must have heard of the great uproar of the heir to Casterly Rock by now. He did his best to avoid looking at any of them as he kept his head high and walked ahead.

As he walked through the doors into the great hall, his breath was taken away. He had visited King's Landing once before, but he didn't remember much of the visit. But standing here, looking up at the Iron Throne, he couldn't help but feel intimidated. Countless swords. The Westerlands. The Reach. The Stormlands. The Riverlands. The Vale. And the North. All those kingdoms. All those kings. All those men. None could stop the Targaryens. And no one ever could. That's what the swords were for. That's what it said. Try if you want. Your sword would be another addition to this pile. This was real power.

"You must be Lord Tywin," said a voice from behind. He turned around to see a young boy, perhaps in his late teens, looking down with piercing purple eyes. "I am Monterys Velaryon, squire to His Grace. He has been expecting you, although we've been told it would be another week. But you are here. So follow me."

As he moved, so did his men. Ser Rodrik stopped, glancing back. "His Grace thanks you for delivering the heir to Casterly Rock to King's Landing safely. But your job here is done. Quarters have been prepared for you and your men. Food too. I suggest you rest, eat, and prepare for your journey back. Your young lord here will have to travel alone from now on."

He saw Ser Rodrik looking at him. He wished he had some of his men around for a while longer, but it wouldn't be prudent to oppose what Monterys was saying right away. He nodded back at Ser Rodrik. "Thank you, Ser. Please tell my father I'm safe at the capital and settling in. I wish you a safe journey back."

The old knight looked at Tywin with a certain sadness in his eyes. He always liked Ser Rodrik. Never a man for too many words. Loyal. And most importantly, very efficient. He gave a curt nod back to Tywin and turned around, leading his men back towards the large doors. Tywin eyed the retreating figures with a sudden sense of nervousness. With them gone, home just seemed so far away. But he knew he shouldn't dwell too much on it. The king awaited him.

Monterys led him through a door on the far end of the throne room, walking up an endless flight of stairs. What exactly was his life going to be from now on? How was he going to survive this place? No, not survive. Thrive. He needed to climb the ladder, to prove himself to the world. Just surviving was a luxury he wasn't destined for. That was not the life he was meant to live.

"His Grace isn't a stickler for protocol or flattery. He likes things to be simple and straightforward. So don't bother trying to impress him with big words. However, when in court and in public, you still have to follow the letter of the law. But in private... he prefers things to be casual," said Monterys as they trotted along.

"Casual?" Tywin asked.

"You're to be his cupbearer; you'll spend a lot of time with him. He doesn't need another bootlicking courtier," Monterys replied, stopping as they approached the end of the stairs. He noticed two men standing guard at the end of the corridor. Kingsguard.

"Look, His Grace is… different," he said, studying Tywin. "If you're to serve him and if you wish to advance and be something more, you'd be wise to adapt to his liking. I heard about you, of course. The king likes people who speak their minds, but also remember, this is not Casterly Rock. You'll report to me, and I'll report to the king. That's how it will work. If you do well, I'll do my best to teach you how to navigate this court. But this is King's Landing. You swim with these sharks… or you die."

"I don't plan on dying," Tywin said, his teeth clenched tightly.

"No one ever does… yet they do," Monterys replied, shaking his head. "When we get in, kneel, and I'll announce you. And then we'll take it from there."

Tywin nodded as Monterys led him towards the king's room. They came to a stop in front of the two Kingsguard. His eyes went towards the big one on the left with a broadsword, which probably weighed as much as an anchor. He noticed the man studying him intensely before looking back at Monterys and giving him a nod.

Good day, Ser Gerold. This is Lord Tywin of House Lannister, the heir to Casterly Rock. The king is expecting us." Monty's announced in a more formal voice.

Ser Gerold didn't reply right away. He kept looking at Tywin with sharp eyes that almost unnerved him. "Ser Gerold, it's an honor to meet you. I've always admired your skills since I was a young boy," Tywin said, breaking the silence.

"Lord Tywin," he said in a slow, sharp voice, "I know your father. He's a… good man. Ser Gerold finally responded, but his tone carried an underlying weight that Tywin couldn't decipher.

He felt sure that Ser Gerold meant something else by "good," but he tried to maintain his composure and not let his unexplained nervousness show. After a few more moments of uncomfortable silence and an unnerving stare, Ser Gerold turned to Monterys and opened the door.

As Tywin walked inside, the immediate change in atmosphere was evident. The room was rather plain compared to the throne room. A large table propped against the wall was filled with endless parchment. Throughout the room, cabinets were filled with books of all kinds. For a room in which a man, much less a king, lived, it was rather functional.

The king was sitting in a chair by the window, deeply engrossed in whatever he was reading. Tywin wasn't sure if he had noticed them entering. Monterys hadn't made any move to announce himself, so Tywin stood quietly, not wanting to be the one to break the silence.

It seemed like ages before the king closed the book in his hand and stood. Tywin understood what Monterys had said. There was a certain simplicity to the king's face—calm and kind, yet not particularly regal. If he had met him in the street, he wouldn't have taken this man for a king.

"Montërys, I have a letter to Lord Dustin that needs to be on its way to Barrowtown. I need his impartial view on these laws of the First Men that Lord Blackwood keeps bringing up. I need someone's impartial view on this," the king said, moving over to the table without so much as a glance at the waiting figures before him.

Tywin looked back at Monterys. He shuffled a little to make himself known.

"Your Grace…" Monterys said a little louder, "We have an audience."

The king looked up from his work, eyeing them both. Unlike Ser Gerold, his stare was filled more with curiosity than anything else. "Your Grace, this is Tywin Lannister," Monterys announced without much pomp.

Tywin took a step forward and knelt, his head bowed. "Your Grace, it's an honor to meet you and to serve you as your cupbearer."

Silence reigned once more. Tywin kept his head down, but he could feel the king's eyes on him. What was he thinking? What was he Expected to do.

"So, young Tywin. From what I hear, your father did all he could to keep you as far away from Casterly Rock as he could. Does he fear you to be sent away? Or is it like he said and hopes you'll learn the ways of the world?" The king's voice intruded.

Tywin looked up at the king, whose face seemed to mask his amusement over the question. Should he be courtly? How could one answer the question without humiliating his father? "Your Grace…" Tywin began, "I wouldn't try to pretend that my father and I haven't had any disagreements. By now, every tavern around the city would be talking about the Lord of Casterly Rock's son, talking against his father in his own hall. It was a mistake on my part to disagree with him so openly and in front of his bannermen. Yet, I stand by the words I said, even if I didn't say them the right way. Why must my father be afraid of me? I'm sure he wishes I would learn to be more diplomatic, like him. Although I hope I will learn to be a strong and wise lord worthy enough to succeed him when the time comes."

"Diplomatic?" the king asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Is that the word you mean to use, young Tywin?"

"I would, in here, Your Grace," Tywin replied.

The king smiled, signaling for him to rise. "It's been 19 years since I was crowned. It still fills me with unease when I'm called 'Your Grace.' Did Monterys here give a big speech on what to do and what not to do in my presence?"

"Not exactly, Your Grace," Tywim said, glancing back at looming figure.

The king nodded. "Monterys keeps everything to my liking. Although, if it were up to me, I would have given up the throne long ago and spent my life as one big adventure. But I can't. Duty is the most important thing in a man's life, young Tywin." He looked at Tywin with fiery eyes.

"I've been given the duty to govern the realm, and I will govern it to the best of my abilities. And it means changing a lot of these old, outdated laws, angering many of these lords and knights who have grown comfortable taking their power for granted while the men they were supposed to rule have grown poor and hungry. I mean to change that. And to do so, I would need the support of the very lords who would try to stop me from doing so. The older generation may not understand the work I'm undertaking. But you are young. You can change. You can bring about change. I hope as you serve me, you might learn to be a better man than the ones who came before you. Although I might not need much serving... I am a man of few needs."

Tywin took in the king's words, nodding in understanding. If left unattended, the problems of the common folk could lead to uprisings, rebellions. He knew for a fact that some of the laws in place gave unjust powers to those in the castles compared to those who tended them. But they wouldn't simply give it all up, even if the word came from a king. Things like these needed tact and a lot of political maneuvering.

"Yes, Your Grace. I hope I can learn whatever you could teach me. And I shall do my best to serve you," Tywin replied with a straight face.

The king observed him once again keenly before nodding. "Find him good quarters, Monterys. Let him rest. Your journey must have been tiring, Tywin. I will see you in the morning. For now, let him explore the castle and get to know the people better."

"You did well... although you were a lot more formal than he would have liked," Monterys said as they walked towards Tywin's would-be quarters.

"He's the king. I'm supposed to be formal," Tywin said in a flat voice, as Monterys shook his head. "He doesn't like to be formal, at least with people he sees every day. There are very few who are open and honest with him completely. Me. Ser Duncan. If you are to serve him, I suggest you loosen up."

They reached the end of a long corridor. There were three doors in that section. Monterys opened the one at the very end and motioned him inside. "You'll stay here from now on. I had the servants prepare this room for you. It's not completely furnished. We weren't expecting you so soon as I mentioned, but you can manage, I'm sure."

"This will do," Tywin said, entering and taking in the surroundings. It wasn't as grand as his room back home. But it was warm and comfortable enough. His things had been brought in and placed in a corner. Ser Rodrick must have seen to it. He took in the air of the room. This would be his home for the next few years.

"I'll be over there, the first room to your right. One of the pages of Ser Gerold stays in the room next to you. I'm sure you'll get to know him. He's a loud fellow, that one. Well, I'll leave you to it then," Monterys said, nodding and leaving him alone in his new place.

He walked towards his window, the massive city staring back at him. He would be damned if he would let this unnerve him. But it was hard not to. Being the heir to Casterly Rock, he presence alone demanded respect in Casterly Rock. But here, he was starting fresh. He needed to make his moves right. He couldn't be too hard. Nor make himself appear too soft like his father. He needed to be a lion.

He looked down at the yard, where tiny figures were sparring. He couldn't make out any faces from up here, but he tried to find the tall figure of Ser Duncan. He must have left. Most of them had. There were only a couple of people down there. The one who stood out the most was a young boy with silver-gleaming hair. He must be one of the king's grandsons.

"Pretty view, isn't it?"

He turned around to see a tall boy leaning against the open door. He was big for his age. Broad shoulders and jet-black hair, wet with sweat, and a huge smile etched on his face.

"Steffon of House Baratheon," he introduced, inviting himself in. "No need to tell me who you are... with that hair. You are Tywin Lannister. Everyone is talking about your arrival."

Tywin nodded curtly. Steffon walked through his room, taking in everything with interest. His big smile never wavered. "How are you finding King's Landing then? It's intimidating, the first time."

"It's not my first time," he replied. He couldn't explain why, but he found the Baratheon quite vexing. "I've been here before."

Steffon tilted his head. "Sure. But being here isn't quite the same as being here, is it?"

"I suppose not."

He laughed loudly, patting Tywin on the shoulder almost knocking him down. "Listen, friend. I'm in the room right next door. We'll be seeing a lot of each other. Don't worry too much about this place. Sure, there's a lot of stuff that goes on here, but nothing to bother us really." He put his hand over Tywin's shoulders. "You know what, let's go out to the yard. I'll introduce you to a few people. You know the prince, right? Aerys. He's a nice fellow. Not at all what you'd expect of a prince, really. You'll like him."

The first thing Tywin realized about Steffon is perhaps the biggest thing in his personality. He was loud. And he talked. A lot. From the moment he came in to the moment they reached the training yard, he never stopped talking. He explained the running of the day-to-day court, the gossip that was running around, every single detail of anyone that they passed by, his duties as a page to Ser Gerold. The boy hadn't taken a breath in minutes.

"You have to come with us this time. There's this place near the docks where they sell this shrimp fry. You have to taste it to... Oh, here we are. Oy! Aerys! Are you done for the day?"

The prince was everything that King Aegon had was not. Regal. Distinguished. He must have been the same age as Tywin, perhaps a little older. But he looked every inch what a Dragon should look like.

"I swear, one of these days I'll push Mallister down the stairs. I could swear on the Warrior; he cheats every time!" He exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his face.

"Yeah, or maybe you're using the same old move every time you face him, eh?" replied Steffon, grinning. "By the way, this is Tywin of House Lannister, Lord Tytos' firstborn. He's to be your grandfather's cupbearer."

"Of course!" said Aerys, extending his hand. "Well met, Tywin. I'm glad more of us younger men are flocking to King's Landing. This place is filled with rotting old men with minds of yesterday."

"It's an honor, Prince Aerys."

"Oh, enough with that," he cut him off. "Let's not do the prince stuff here, shall we? What do you say, Steffon?"

"I'm not going to sweet talk you, while i knock you down on your arse now would i?" he replied candidly

The prince shook his head laughing, "You're awfully tight, Tywin. Come on now. How about we sneak out to the docks before Ser Gaunt notices and drags us back to the castle? We'll show you around. And there's this place out there with the shrimp..."

"I was just telling him about it!"

"Yeah, well, I'm buying, let's go," announced Aerys with finality.

As the two boys walked on, Tywin found himself following them without much thought. He never had anyone who he called a friend back at Casterly Rock. There were people who saw him as their lord, and the ones that tried to take advantage of him. But these two boys took one look at him and decided that he was one of them. He took a deep breath and followed the two boys as they snuck their way out through the castle walls. At that moment, he hadn't realized. But Tywin Lannister had made himself two friends who would change his life forever and started down a path that would lead to a bloody and destructive war that would define an era.

Author's note:

Thank you once again for everyone who gave my story a chance. I have tried to spend most of this chapter trying to build up Tywin, steffan and Aerys's introduction. I plan to further and thicken the plot in the coming chapters. although the basic layers of Tywin Lannisters story is well known to most, id like to dwell into the lesser known chapters of his life. i hope you guys enjoyed it and ill try to improve the work as i go along. as always i would love to hear from you guys. I'll come up with a new chapter soon!