Just as he had suggested, the following morning Visenya, Tywin, Kevan and some soldiers had left Casterly Rock and instead took the path for Lannisport. It took them a few hours of horse riding, mostly remaining on Gallop but their horses had rested enough and all of them were used on riding for long hours.
Upon their arrival, Tywin did as he promised and started to show Visenya around. While he was not the most talkative during their tour, he did point out specific places or brought up important battles and decisions that had been taken.
Lannisport was a beauty in its own right. Built next to the sea, the riches of the WesternLands could be seen right there. A big port with dozens of trade ships coming from all corners of the shop, including Essos and the Free Cities, famous and skilled trade men but also blacksmiths, tailors and so on.
The people recognised their Lord, many giving a bow as he passed by while others stared at Visenya. She had worn a black long-sleeved dress with a matching cape. The Targaryen Three-Headed Dragon was on the cape in bright red while the dress itself showed some cleavage while the sleeves and the upper part hung tightly around her body; leaving the skirt from the hip and down to fall smoothly across her legs.
She stood out with her Valyrian features, the symbol of her family drawing the most attention as well. Many bowed their heads, respecting the Princess of the Realm while some stared; not used to the exotic features of her family.
Whether Visenya minded or not, she never showed it as her face remained that perfect mask she had when she was at court. There was silent fascination, however, evident by her interest in certain things or how her hard mask would soften upon a sight that had drawn her attention.
The two of them walked towards the Port, side by side when a young girl rushed their way. The duo came to a halt in order not to fall on the child, a little girl no older than 6-name days old.
Her blond hair was in pigtails, her blue eyes wide upon the sight of the tall woman in the black dress. Yet, there was this childish smile upon her face while in her hands she held a flower.
"Anya!" a woman shouted, rushing towards the little girl. "Please My Lord, Princess, forgive us. She ran away from me" she apologised, giving them both a deep bow out of respect but also fear.
She then grabbed the girl's wrist but stopped moving once Visenya lifted her hand faintly. "That is quite alright. Let her" she said, her voice impassive but there was this hidden softness in her amber eyes.
The woman did as she was told and the little girl, Anya, took a step closer to the Targaryen woman. Keeping that beaming smile that she could almost transmit to anyone, she lifted her small hand that held the flower. "A flower, princess!" she said, her voice high-pitched. "For the beautiful Princess that helped save us"
There was a small quick silence, many having stopped and watched what was going to happen. Targaryen were not really a common thing but they did have a reputation for their cold nature and merciless tactics.
After all, news had already spread of the Warrior Princess, who burnt her enemies with Green Fire and slaughtered whoever tried to stop her. She had brought the Targaryen Rage upon the Silver Lions, her army to assist Tywin and she was the key to their victory.
The corner of Visenya's lips turned upwards ever so faintly, her mask slipping away just a tad. "It is a beautiful flower indeed" she said and to the surprise of many, she bent her one knee to be closer to the child's height.
Turning her head faintly to the side, she allowed Anya to take another step closer and place the flower behind her ear; her little fingers lingering on the smooth white strand of her hair a little too long; mesmerized by their colour.
Visenya was not one to thank, being something she did rarely due to her status and her upbringing. In addition, she always made sure never to be one in need of any assistance or help; preventing the need to look weak or having to show gratefulness.
Yet, for the sake of the young child, she put it all to the side. "Thank you, Anya," she said and slowly stood up, her movements all with the utmost grace; her back not once slouching.
The little girl giggled in happiness and took a few steps back, taking her mother's hand.
"Thank you, Princess Visenya," the woman said and bowed before she pulled the child away, to allow the two powerful figures to continue their walk.
Tywin was walking side by side with Visenya, his brother Kevan and their escorting shoulders a few steps behind. They were heading down the main road towards the port and he walked with his chest filled with pride as he had the chance to show the beauty of his home and the results of his ruling.
Visenya, as he expected, respected and admired it all; taking great note of what was important. It also allowed her to observe a different scenery, something less filthy and chaotic than King's Landing but also a chance to roam with more freedom; not worrying about any assassination attempts against her well-being.
She still had this mask on, this perfect facade of a tough royal woman but her eyes often betrayed her thoughts. More than once did Tywin find himself glancing her way, observing her as she talked with some local merchants or admired silently the beauty of some of their more ancient buildings.
Suddenly, a young girl rushed their way and almost fell on their feet if both of them had not reacted quickly enough and halted their steps. The girl seemed to be mesmerized by Visenya, as were many due to her status and exotic look.
When the girl's mother arrived, some of the men seemed ready to step forward; hands on their swords but Tywin stopped them with a silent look. There was no need for hostilities or any drama, at that moment.
Silently, they all watched as Visenya allowed the girl to approach and present her with the flower she had in her small hands. To his and everyone's surprise, the Dragon Princess did something none truly had her capable of; she bent the knee.
While she did not exactly bend the knee to some great lord to pledge alliance, she went as far as to lower her body and allow dirt to stain her black dress; only for her to be closer to the child. She allowed the child to place the flower behind her ear and even admire her grey-white hair that seemed to match pure silver under the sun.
Tywin observed with silence as the mighty princess that had so easily burnt men with green fire, offered a small smile and spoke with a sweeter tone to a child. She was unmarried and without children, having raised only her nephew but their 8 years of difference did not truly help.
When she raised him, she was also a child herself but now she was a woman. She could be a tough general, a brilliant strategist or a caring mother when she wished to be. She had this nurturing side, clearly capable of interacting and looking after a child just as any mother should.
Once she had satisfied the little girl's curiosity, she stood up and allowed the woman to take her daughter away while Visenya watched them retreat in silence. Not once did she care for the crowd of people that had gathered or the way the soldiers behind her exchanged a look upon her much softer side.
Instead, she focused on the small moment of interaction she had with the little girl; since meeting children was quite rare in her case. Feeling a pair of familiar eyes on her, she turned her head to look at Tywin.
"Shall we continue, my Lord?" she asked, knowing very well that she had surprised the men around her but found a small amusement in the situation as well.
Tywin cleared his throat, his hands moving to stand behind his back as he stopped whatever path his thoughts had chosen. "Of course, Princess. The Port is up ahead" he said and motioned for her to continue walking, the crowd parting immediately to let the two of them pass.
Kevan walked silently behind them, observing in silence what was going on around them. He was more familiar with Visenya, compared to his younger brothers but their interactions had been held at a minimum due to their statuses.
While in Casterly Rock, he had the chance to be in her presence as she discussed the plans of action with Tywin; observing and admiring her sharp mind that seemed to match the one of his older brother.
Now, he took another chance to study the mysterious woman but also his brother when around her. Long had it been clear that the two of them had aligned interest and worked from behind the King, with Tywin being the front image of everything while Visenya advised and worked from his shadow all along.
Somehow, those two characters of different backgrounds had managed to meet and work. They were quite different in looks and upbringing, and their Titles had different kinds of power as well.
Yet, one could not help but admire how well they seemed to blend when placed next to one another. Tywin was draped in the colours of red or black, the proud sign of Lions on multiple parts of his body. Visenya was of similar colour choice in her clothing, with the mighty three-headed dragon standing out.
They both walked with elegant long strides, confidence and power radiating from their every step. Tywin was the definition of a successful and powerful man, whose back and head never bent no matter to whom he was talking or facing off.
Visenya was the definition of a dangerous and cunning woman. She stood tall and prideful, her eyes capable of making a man cower if they narrow on his form. She had the power and she knew it, choosing to let it show on its own and not once being her main weapon against someone.
If those two were ever to get together, Kevan feared any house that might dare to go against them. Their cunning minds and influence could form the strongest alliance and give birth, perhaps, to the most intelligent and talented heirs the world had seen in a long time.
Kevan, though, doubted that could ever take place or at least he could never see it.
Tywin was not willing to remarry after losing Joanna, despite the years passing and his children needing a female figure in their lives. He was far too busy with the realm and his house to open up himself to such a suggestion.
Visenya, on the other hand, was too prideful and independent. She wanted to be in control and she wanted the freedom to do as she had, whether form a battle plan or lead her men into combat. Any man, who would be tied to her would try to keep her back and underestimate her; his aim was only to breed heirs with a chance to the Iron Throne and gain influence by tying himself to the Royal Family.
That was his option but it was never set in stone. For he had seen how Tywin glanced at Visenya back at Casterly Rock and most importantly, he saw how his brother observed her while she interacted with a child; as if she had not mercilessly slain dozens of men and burnt double more just a week ago.
He knew his brother well enough and despite his silent stare and his quick switch to formalities, Kevan could see what his brother was thinking about. The Princess had drawn his interest and in the end, no matter his intelligence, Tywin was just a man. He had needs, he had thoughts and he had plans that would eventually require him to look at another woman with something more than just respect and manners.
Once they reached the Port, they let the soldiers roam around but remained close while Tywin and Visenya stood at one empty pier. The Dragoness had her unique eyes set upon the endless horizon where the light blue of the sky met the deeper blue of the sea. In the distance, the small figurines of ships could be seen coming and leaving Lannisport.
"An incredible plan, indeed" she commented, making him turn his head to notice her. "King's Landing itself trades but only the basics. All of the precious stones fabrics and consumables come here first, forcing the Royal Family to form ties and write formal papers to allow the trade of such imports to the Capital. A way to ensure that the Westernland and most specifically, the House Lannister; is always the one needed." She explained, exposing his plan without missing a single beat.
Tywin could not help but smirk, his lips forming one that lasted longer than usual as his green eyes glowed with pride. "I should not be surprised that you have figured it out. Although, I do wonder, do you disagree with such means?"
Visenya kept looking forward for a little bit longer, the sight of the blue sea something she found having a calming effect on her. She, eventually, turned her head to look at him properly as they stood close enough that their shoulders almost bumped.
"If you ask me as a member of the Royal family, I would due to the increased dependence of the crown to your House. However, as someone fully aware of how the world works; I support such decisions" she admitted, making him lift an eyebrow in interest, his gaze silently telling her to continue talking. "Every house does what it needs to remain strong and protect both its history and also its future. House Lannister has the resources whether be the mines, the trade or the guarding of Golden Tooth. Only a fool would not use them to extend the power and influence of the house, ensuring alliances and reducing the amount of backstabbing. Your approach to using your resources to remain in power is no different than what my ancestors did with Dragons, whose power was the Key to allowing the Targaryen Family to sit on the Iron Throne for so long"
There was a silence between them, eyes staring into one another with a passive challenge. Visenya mostly challenged Tywin to argue with her words or to swallow his ego and agree with her instead. She knew that he was not a man, who showed his affection or his pride for someone, at least not directly.
She understood that, for her father was the same as her and she often followed his footsteps in such manners. Yet, one thing she truly loved was being right not just herself knowing. No, she wanted others to admit out loud that she was right.
Tywin was perhaps, the only man she truly respected his opinion and yearned for his approval more than anything. From back then when he taught and tested her on the problems of the realm and the strategies of their ancestors to even know when he wanted to see how perceptive she could be.
There was this twinkle in his green eyes, the golden flecks within them shining like the Gold in their mines. His lips kept that smirk, a record of his after so long while his head tilted faintly to the side. He kept silent, wishing to draw a reaction from her but also remain the one with the utmost power at the moment.
She recognised it and she felt challenged by it. Too stubborn to give up, she stood her ground and prolonged the silence along with him. She was not someone to easily give control or the lead; she was a Targaryen Princess with the sharpest female mind in the 7 Kingdoms and beyond.
In the end, after intense staring and a long prolonged silence; Tywin was the one to speak first. "A very wise argument and the most correct one," he said, making her smirk.
"What can I say? I have been a very good teacher to myself" she joked, not able to hold herself.
Amused, Tywin tilted his head to one side. "Is that so? Would have never expected the Princess of the 7 Kingdoms to be so cocky" he said, his voice low but audible due to their proximity.
"No one expected me to lead a small army into battle and yet here I am" she reminded him and then turned to look at the sea again, a nice wind helping cool them off from the warm sun above their heads. "I will miss this view and silence. Lannisport doesn't get as acknowledged as it should" she confessed after a moment, her amused mood long gone once the reality of things settled upon her mind.
Tywin, who had not once stopped looking at her; took notice of that change. He straightened his back and clasped both of his hands behind his back. "Perhaps this doesn't have to be the last time" he suggested, earning her attention once again. "As Lord of Casterly Rock, you are aware that I am expected to be present here as well on certain occasions. Mayhap, you could join me on my next visit"
Visenya slowly turned her full body to look at him, her pink lips parted faintly in astonishment as her unique eyes looked at him with sparks of hope shining brightly within them. "You mean it?" she asked him, wishing to ensure she had not just misheard him. A small nod of his head was all the answer she needed and if the situation was different or if she was younger, she would have hugged the man already.
She felt the bubbling feeling of happiness deep within her, one she hadn't truly felt in a long time; perhaps too long. No one had truly thought of her that way, had put her in their mind when making a decision.
She was always the forgotten daughter, the ghost of the Targaryen or the ignored child. People knew her by name alone and only remembered her when she drew enough attention to herself but it was never the good kind.
Her eyes searched deep within his, trying to see if he was lying or tricking her but she saw nothing other than sincerity. Her lips formed a sweet smile, one so rare that even a passing Targaryen soldier ended up gawking.
Then, to Tywin's surprise for the second time, Visenya lowered her head with as a bow of respect. "Thank you, Lord Tywin," she said, her eyes casting down momentarily as she, for once, truly showed him the utmost respect by bending her head to him.
It was a sight rare and one Tywin did not expect. Yet, as the mighty and powerful woman in front of him bowed her head, he could not help but feel satisfaction growing in his chest and even lower. The sight that only lasted a second was one he would not forget and he felt his hand itching to grab her chin and make her look back at him, taking full control now that she had done the first step in giving it to him.
He did not, though, and instead gave a small bow of his own; a mutual sign of respect. Then, he offered his hand for her to take and continue walking, for they soon had to return to Casterly Rock.