Game of Thrones Tales: Lannister Family Values
Summary: In an alternative universe, King Robert calls on a different old friend and brother to assist him. But whose decency, kindness, and sense of honor, while a bit different from Ned Stark's are equally strong. But are the family values of House Addams a match for the ruthless Lannisters?
Part LXXXVI…
"Now…" Tywin Lannister, seated in his large Tyrionian swivel chair in (naturally) black robe with rather stylish red collar, Lannister crest with TL monogram on pocket…Eyed Tywina and Porthrightly as the seated Maud beside him in her own comfy chair and in her own black Lannister (borrowed) robe smiled at them…
"You've concocted a plan to go to Stormin' Out and sound out that crazy prostitute/priestess…Claiming you're there to offer Prince Rently your felicitations?"
"She says she was an actress, I hear." Lady Maud notes.
"Like I said, prostitute…Fine, 'actress'." to Lady Maud's reproving look. "I know you were on the stage for a bit yourself when you were in kid, Maudie."
And can't blame a poor kid for expecting payment, even if I gifted my "services" off stage, she grinned at him coyly.
Already's got him wrapped around her finger, Tywina repressed grin.
"...And claim you're a discontented, power-hungry couple." Tywin eyed them, shaking his formidable head. "Eager to forge an alliance with the mysterious Menace…?"
"Or her new religion, if that's all she can offer." Tywina notes. "But even that could help, since I'm convinced this strange new faith has ties to the Menace."
"It did only appear after the first purchases of lands with that coal stuff began." Porthrightly agrees.
"Makes sense, Tywin." Lady Maud notes.
"Perhaps…But what makes you think she'd buy that you two are 'discontented, etc' and ready to risk it all to sign up with the team trying to create chaos." Stern look at the two.
You crazy kids…Though Porthrightly is nearly my age.
Truly, we are lucky old sons of bitches…
"We fit the bill." Tywina shrugs. "Porthy has the holding that's just large enough to field a good-sized force but want more. He's been on the sidelines, somewhat…No offense, baby." Smile to him.
"None at all taken, darling. It's actually where I've wanted to be."
"Always wise…" Tywin nodded. "One of the reasons I thought you'd fit well with Tywina."
"And me, the faithful but ambitious assistant facing the male-imposed glass ceiling." Tywina pointed out. "Plus, I've a little Targaryen blood on mom's side and I'm blonde. We're perfect."
"Perhaps." Tywin, shaking head. "But it's risky. Much too so…"
"I have to admit…" Maud nodded. "Much as I think you're both up to the challenge, I'd hate to see you risking your lives. You're just starting out together."
"Maude is right. And you two are, quite frankly, are very dear to me." Tywin sighed. "I just don't believe the risk is worthwhile. We've prevented civil war for now, unmasked Jar-Jar as a spy…The Vale has now fallen to the King's forces. And our capable Hand, bless him, is assessing just how much land has been bought up and who holds the various leases in the coal areas."
"That's all very well, Uncle…" Tywina noted. "But so far there's little traceable connections in the leasing info…The Menace continues to gain strength…And if our analysis is correct and it is indeed allied with Taro Trumpo…The danger's getting critical, particularly in Essos. We need more intel."
Hmmn…Tywin eyed Maud.
"Maude?"
"Well…We could have Davos Seaworthy keep a close eye. He's no good for intrigue but the solid man you want in support." She noted. "He'd have their backs."
"After King Rob and Queen Cersei leave…" Tywin, sternly. "Lets not put all our eggs in one keep."
We're eggs…Tywina beamed at Porthrightly who winked back.
"And you two may as well be the first to hear…" Maud smiled. "If you keep it under your helmets…" Tywin insistent.
"You know I want us to tell the kids first." He noted to Maud, shrugging. "But, as Tywina and Porth here are no fools…" slight crack…
Oh, here it comes…Tywina, eagerly.
"We're engaged!" Maud, excitedly.
"Why, Uncle Tywin?" Tywina, teasing.
"Yes, yes…I'm smiling." He shrugged, smiling.
"This is nothing against your Auntie Joanna…" Maud hastily noted. "I really had to work to get Tywin to see she'd want him to have some happiness now, not after all the kids and kingdom are secured." Eyeing him.
"No, it's wonderful." Tywina beamed. "Nothing would make Auntie happier I'm sure."
"Well…I hope so." Tywin sighed. "Yes, I believe so…" he nodded to Maud's stare. "I just hope the kids think so."
"I think they're all be very happy for you both." Tywina nodded. "But we promise to keep it sealed till you tell us."
"Indeed." Porthrightly nodded.
"Two old fogeys like us…Unbelievable." Tywin shook head. "You know I mean Porth and me." Shaking head to Maud's mock frown.
"I just hope Gomez and the kids take it well…" Maud sighed. "But heck, he has Morty and we're entitled to some joy."
"Damn about time." Porthrightly smiled. "I was wondering when you'd finally have the nerve, Tywin. There's no man in the Seven worthy to be Maud's but you."
"That's for sure." Maud, fond beam on Tywin. "But look, if we consent to this little game play, you both have to promise to be careful. I've got a son and daughter dear to me risking their lives, Tywin and I have got our girl the Queen, our boys, and Rob all at risk…Lets try to minimize our potential losses."
"We'll be careful." Tywina nodded. "I'd never take crazy risks with my Porth. But, I'm so glad about this…" she beamed. "Jamie and Tyrion and Cersei will too, I know it." Hugging Maud.
"Well, I hope so." Maud, a bit pensive as she hugged Tywina, then Porthrightly. "I want to be a good mother to them."
"They already love you…I know that." Tywina patted her.
"They do." Tywin nodded, beaming now. "And now that Cersei and Bob are finally finding some happiness together, maybe we can help Jamie find himself. Tyrion…Well, it's time he knew he's always been my great Lannister hope, I suppose. He doesn't need my pushing him anymore. I just hope he can understand Jo and I both thought I had to…"
"He will." Maud noted. "Just let him know how you really feel and how proud of him you are."
Wow…Tywina sighed, beaming at Porthrightly now offering hand in congratulations to Tywin who happily shook it.
Whatever happens next with Menaces, the Targaryens, unknown threats…These are the moments that make it all worthwhile…
Just…Wow.
"Can't wait to hear how Gomez and Morticia find things at the Wall…" Maud notes.
"I'm sure Jon is just fine…" Tywin nods. "She's very attached to Jon Snowed, as she is all the Stark boys." He tells the others.
Slight smile to Maud…Got your back and his, my girl.
You grim-visaged, sweet thing…She beams.
Though it was hard to believe you actually don't have a few like Jon running around Westeros…
Not that I don't appreciate the devotion to Joanna, that Lannister self-control, and my damned good fortune no lovely, well-housed, young filly could draw you in…It's just a tad embarrassing now. Or would be, if you weren't really such a beautifully woven cloth doll about it, fond smile to Tywin.
…
"Maudie looks thirty-five." Tywina, beaming to Porthrightly, as they headed for the front door and their waiting carriage. Nodding to the arrayed guards…How's the kids, Simion? Tywina calling to one who made ok sign with mailed fist.
"Oh, thirty…" Porthrightly grinned. "Now…" at her look. "Don't be jealous." Nodding to door attendant who went to summon carriage.
"Hard to avoid with Lady Maud and my own incredibly handsome, wonderful Porth bear." She smiled. "But I am happy for them. Damned about time Uncle made a move with her."
"I suspect this last year will go down in Westeros history as the Year of True but Sensible Love." Porthrightly noted.
"Not too sensible…" Tywina grinned. "A girl wants a little crazy in her Romance."
"Oh, I think we've seen plenty of that…" Porthrightly noted, grinning back. "Well, time to start looking ambitious, embittered, and scheming, in true Westeros ambitious Lord fashion."
"How's this?" Tywina, putting on cold and grimly ambitious look.
"My gods, you look positively Targaryen." He noted, look of mock terror.
"Just hope we don't have to meet up with that creepy Boleyn to make this work…" she winced. "He's nauseatingly like an elegant eel covered in rancid, glistening oil."
"That's one nutshell description for our Political History of Westeros, current era." Porthrightly noted.
"By Anonymous, though. King Robert's tolerance of free speech only goes so far." Tywina.
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