As I made my way through the corridors of Casterly Rock, I couldn't help but marvel at the architecture of the castle. It wasn't just built up around, or on it, it was completely integrated into the rock. Every corridor, room, even staircases were carved into the rock, it was amazing. Even with the low number of windows, I observed the flow of air, by watching the smoke from the torches and the way it flowed towards the slits and the small widows at the end of the corridors. The height of each slit and the angles of the window were just right to create a constant and natural current of air.
I also took note of the way the servants were extremely respectful of me. From memories, the old Tywin didn't tolerate any form of disrespect form an early age, nor was he too tyrannical. Oddly he had learned this from watching Lord Roger Reyne and the other more respectable lords that would often visit Casterly Rock. Only the insecure or unwise lords would try to use their volume or violence to command respect, when a subtle word would do just as good.
As I finally arrived at the small hall, which had taken me around 10 minutes of navigating the corridors and staircases. I observed that my family had already assembled and I was the last to arrive. At the table which had a very lovely ocean view, was Tytos, Lady Jeyne- my mother holding a plump toddler- Tygett, Kevan, my sister Genna who had a noticeably displeased look on her face and also my uncle Jason Lannister. I could see the look of reluctance in Tytos' eyes, I was easily noticeable with 'Observation'. I could tell that he wanted to raise an issue but was apprehensive of the outcome. Something that I already had my suspicions about what was to come.
I quickly greeted my family and took my seat. Even if to me this was the first time I was interacting with these people, I was still in the body of Tywin and using his memories. It was scary how familiar I felt sitting at the table and with muscle memory began to assemble my breakfast from what was on the table. As I did so, I had made contact with Genna, who had a pleading look in her eyes. She was a beautiful little girl, with her blonde flowing hair and green eyes, features most of House Lannister had. Just like that I began to feel the old Tywin's anger building again.
Even if she wasn't really my sister, but the sister of the old Tywin, I couldn't help shake the feelings that he had for her. Tywin had doted on her, to him she held a very special place. With that had to swallow hard and very slowly from what he heard next.
"My son, I have some good news that I want to share with you. I was originally going to share this with you at a later date but in light of recent events, I think there is no better time. On your recent name day, I received a letter from King Aegon. It was an invitation for you to come to court, to serve as a page and cup bearer to the King himself. As it so happens your uncle Jason will be heading to King's Landing in a two weeks' time to discuss matters with the Master of Ships; Lord Gavyn Redwyne concerning our Fleet. He will also have some business to conduct for the House as well. I think that this is a great opportunity for you to go to court." Tytos had managed to get the words out so smoothly despite his misgivings about how they would be received.
"Oh, so why didn't you give me the news earlier father?" I asked in a very soft cold tone, just barely loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I, I, wanted to surprise you. I was planning to take you myself when I was going to King's Landing in a month time to meet Lord Redwyne, but due to recent events, I won't be able to do so."
"Oh, recent events, such as your decision last night. So not only did Walder Frey manage to bethrow his second born son to Genna, but you also accommodate him by not leaving Casterly Rock. Instead, you send uncle Jason to meet with the Master of Ships. Something, I assume you were supposed to do personally." As I observed Tytos, I was able to notice the subtle changes of the man. The nervous shaking of his legs, the few beads of sweat despite the cool morning breeze. "I also presume that you wanted to introduce me personally to the King yourself, well I guess uncle Jason will see to that as well. I know he is an extremely well respected and competent man, and I know I will be in capable hands."
At this time everyone's eyes were wide open after that extremely sharp barb I had sent at Tytos, all except for Tygett who was oblivious to what was going on. He was fighting to get his hand on a bowl of porridge placed in front of him. "TYWIN, do not speak in such a manner to your father!" I heard Lady Jeyne raise her voice from the opposite side of the table.
"Apologies mother, father, I don't know where I picked up this nasty habit of being disrespectful. Anyway, father, I have no objections to this arrangement and I welcome this opportunity." I had quickly schooled my sharp tone and began to speak more neutral. I had noticed the uncle Jason was getting ready to come to Tytos' aid. I had to stop myself as my next words would have been to point out how Tytos was a laughing stock and that I would probably have been embarrassed if he was the one to take me to court. I could see both the relief in Tytos and Jason's eyes but I could also see the look of defeat in my mother Lady Jeyne, Kevan and Genna's.
I used the time I had while I ate my meal to figure out a way forward. After I excused myself. "I hope you will have time to speak to me later tonight father after dinner? I know you are a busy man with wedding plans and all, I will not waste too much of your time." My words were calculated to put just right amount of insult while trying to make him feel guilty.
From the memories I had seen, this was a common tactic used by the persons how would try to manipulate him. I could also see the look of hurt on Lady Jeyne's face. I could imagine that she was cursing Tytos for his weak resolve as well as my perceived exile.
I had all been an act though, even if I was in the body of a 10-year-old, Tywin wasn't the typical 10-year-old. Even with the emotions he was feeling, he probably would not have handled the situation by throwing a tantrum. He was angry that his family was being taken advantage by House Frey. Together with all the others who were taking advantage of their weaken state. His father being the reason, caused by his poor leadership. This was trivial to me however; this was already part of the story as I remembered. I already had a general idea of how things would play out. The only thing that I needed to be concerned of was how my actions would affect the chain of events.
As I got up to leave and walk to the door, I can hear Kevan and Genna ask to be excused and they were quick to follow. As they ran up to me, Genna grabbed my hand and silently follows behind and Kevan falls in step behind me. It was just about that time we would make our way to Maester Niclas' chamber for out lessons. As we made our way there, I heard Genna's voice. "Tywin, please…. I don't want to go to the House Frey, I don't want to get married. He's skinny and ugly and he smells bad, please Tywin I don't want to."
"Don't fret, I will try my best. Father is the one you need to convince. He would rather ship you off to House Frey than to stand up to them." I shamelessly sabotaged Tytos. It had only taken me a short time to figure out who were the '(2/5)' followers that I already had. I was now going to do everything to increase that bond. "I already plan to bring the subject up again tonight, but I will use a different approach. If that fails, I have two weeks to try and fix it myself."
With that Genna grabbed my hand tighter and began hugging me from the side. Even if they were related to me and I had all of Tywin's memories, I wasn't that same Tywin. I would play the role moving forward and everything I do would be me acting in my best interest and not solely for House Lannister. From what I remembered, in the books, Kevan and Genna were quite competent and held Tywin in high regard. It was only Tywin's fickle nature, that and his fervent drive to promote House Lannister as a whole that blinded him to his opportunities.
Kevan and Genna were also his family. Had he kept closer relationships with them and promoted them just as much, there was a possibility for greater achievements for his House. Nature vs Nurture was one of his favourite debates in my previous life. I already had a good 'read' on what they would be like as adults based on the books, now what I need to do is guide them in the direction that I wanted to. As per my terms I had agreed upon, I would definitely need competent helpers when the 'Great Other' starts making his moves.
'For all I know, he could already be making moves, behind the scene and just be biding his time.'
...............…..
We made our way to the Maester Brayan's chamber where we normally had our lessons each day until noon. Brayan was the younger of the 2 maesters at the Rock. He was being groomed to take the position of the elderly maester that had been here since Tywin's grandfather Lord Gerold Lannister. "So, where did we leave off from the previous day? I believe it was the houses of Dorne. We had left off on House Blackmont, now, who can tell me what this house is most known for?" and with that our lesson had begun.
I had been half paying attention almost an hour into the lesson, Maester Brayan realize that I and Genna had barely answered or asked a question. She was still anxious over what had happened last night, I was busy scanning the titles of the books on the Maester Brayan's shelves. "I understand that you may be worried about the announcement last night, but you must trust in your father's judgment. He is only acting in your house's best interest." My mind was immediately brought back to the present and the words that came out of the man's mouth.
"Maester Brayan, which house do you serve?" I shrewdly asked the man as I looked directly into his eyes and saw the small amount of confusion seeping in. "House Lannister of course." He responded. "Very well, and who is the next heir of House Lannister?" Again, with more confusion in his eyes he looked at me. "You off course Tywin."
I nodded my head with a meaningful look on my face. "Well maybe you should pay more attention to the affairs of House Lannister. Either you are lacking on the politics and recent events of our House. You are woefully mentally deficient. Or, you are trying to curry favour with my father or someone else. Which ever it is, in the future, I would advise you to consider what you say especially to us."
I observed the realization that dawned upon him. I don't know if it was the 'Observation' skill or just my natural intuition, but I could see he had realized that he had fucked up. He wasn't a stupid man so he picked up on what I had been implying as well as the veiled threat that I had given.
"Apologies Tywin, I have clearly misspoken. I see that now." He was quick to recover and continued the lesson like nothing had ever happened. I could at least respect the speed at which he had caught on to his error. Using the 'Observation' skill, I was able to deduce that he had spoken carelessly. However, I would need to assert my dominance as early as possible to make things easier moving forward.
As Maester Brayan turned his back to look through his books, I turned to look at both Kevan and Genna. Kevan had an ever so slight grin, Genna looked at me with pride all over her face. I had intentionally said 'us' to reinforce the notion to them that I had their back and that I had considered them.
...............…..
It was noon now, Maester Brayan had fortunately avoided any more blunders and kept the class light. Genna would need to head to the Solar for lessons with a Septa and Lady Jeyne. No doubt they would need to explain certain things to her due to her impending nuptial. Both me and Kevan would normally get something to eat and then it would be off to the yard for martial training.
I told Kevan to meet me in the kitchens and to tell the servant I wanted a bowl of meat stew and some butter if they had. Also, that he should get them to prepare to servings of water with lemon, salt and sweetened with honey. This confused him but I simply told him to trust me, I would be there by the time the servants were finished preparing the meal.
Maester Brayan looked a little worried when he saw me send Kevan and Genna off but I didn't leave myself. "I'm sorry about my careless comment earlier, I didn't mean anything other than to try and comfort you sister."
"Thats ok Maester, so long as it doesn't become a habit. What I stayed back for was to ask something of you. Besides my sister's upcoming wedding, are you aware that I am to leave for Kings Landing in a fortnight attend King Aegon's court as a page?"
Maester Brayan hesitantly answered. He chose his words carefully, "Yes, Maester Hollard had mentioned it to me less than a month ago. But it was not my place to have such a discussion with you."
"I see, well my father informed me this morning. Before I am to depart, I would appreciate it if you made available any books with regards to King's Landing, the small council and anything about trade and commerce of the realm. For the rest of our classes I will be doing some self-study. Also, I need you to focus on teaching Genna about House Frey and their banner men and any recent events about the house.'
Brayan quickly nodded in understanding. "I can do that."
"Also, do you have any books on herbs and any on concoctions and brews, medicines, poison and the likes? Before these recent events, I had taken an interest and wanted to read up on them."
"Ah, yes, I have 2 books that you might be interested." Maester Brayan quickly went to the shelf and retrieved a thick tome and what looked like a small note book. The note book was also thick as well. "This tome is a copy of 'One thousand and one plants, trees and mushrooms of the Seven Kingdoms' that can be found in the citadel. It belonged to a previous Maester who served here at the 'Rock'. This one is my own personal hand written recipes that I use regularly. Anything more and you will have to ask Maester Hollard as he a copy of 'Medicines and Poisons by Arch Maester Mallory'."
"Could you ask him to make it available for me, I would like to borrow it for a couple of days, I give my word that it will be returned in the same condition as it is given to me."
"I will see what I can do."
"Also, one more thing Maester." I was now looking at him dead in his eyes. My voice now cold as I could. "If there is ever anything concerning me directly, consider it your place to inform me regardless of who's job it is to do so. Understood?"
Maester Brayan slowly swallowed and nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, my Lord." I could see that my words had the desired effect. Satisfied I took both books and walked towards my room quickly and placed them on my small desk. I then went off to have lunch with Kevan.
...............…..
Looking back at Tywin's past diet, I had realized that he did have good meals, but it could be improved on. When I got to the kitchen, I saw Kevan siting by a table in a corner with 2 trays and two cups in front of him. I quickly sat down and looked at what was set for me. A small bowl of thick stew made of pork, beans and other root vegetables, a smaller bowl with butter, a piece of white bread and cup with what I had asked him for. Kevan looked and me and asked why the sudden change in diet as the old Tywin would often eat fruit or bread while on the go.
"We are still growing; we need to account for what we eat. Unless you want to end up like that skinny, pimple face weasel Emmon Frey, you need to start eating better. I also intend to put in some hard training sessions before I my exile to King's Landing". In my previous life, I had been extremely health conscious as well as worked out every day, little good that it did in the end.
"Leave the bread, you can have it later tonight". I took a spoon and took a dollop of butter and dropped it in the still steaming bowl of stew. I did the same for Kevan and while we waited for the butter to melt. I took up the cup and knocked it against his. "To us, and House Lannister, even if things look bad now, we shall restore our house to prominence in the future. To our friends and enemies, we shall pay our debts." Kevan gave me nod and then to my encouragement finished the whole cup.
...............…..
As we walked into the training yard I looked around. Besides the regular knights and squires, I observed House Frey and their accompanying banner men were still here. Stevron and some of his men were exchanging blows. I saw Emmon and Aenys Frey were also exchanging blows. Most of the other Western Lords and their banner men had already left by this morning or were in the process of leaving. The last night's announcement had left a sour taste in the mouth of the older Lords from the West who had always been loyal to house Lannister.
I quickly found Ser Denys Marbrand who was Lady Jeyne's uncle and the Master-at-arms at the Rock. He had me and Kevan suit up and then started up of with some sword and shield drills to warm up with. Combined with the memories as well as I assume the skills Sword Proficiency and Sheild Proficiency, everything flowed naturally. My theory was that the skills learned from the system, aided in muscle memory, control and efficiency. From memory, at this point Tywin would have already worked up a sweat and be dog tired.
As I looked over at Kevan, he was already panting, and sitting on the side. After about a hundred repetitions of the same basic blocks and thrust, it would happen to anyone. While we rested, I was controlling my breathing while observing the people in the training yard.
Stevron Frey the oldest of Walder Frey's brood, favored a bastard sword, using quick glancing blows to tire and throw his opponents off balance before finishing them off. He had quick hands but his foot work was shit.
Emmon Frey also fought like a cross between a turtle and a weasel. He was quick to evade but when cornered, he would cover up with his shield. Aenys Frey was the opposite, choosing to move while taunting and mocking his opponents. His sword play wasn't much but it was good enough to get the better of Emmon. Emmon was 14 and Aenys was 13, however Aenys was already taller and used his reach to his advantage.
As I watched, a scheme began to form. I already had made a plan for the things I wanted to do today but an opportunity had presented itself. I quickly looked around and I saw the man I had been secretly tracking since arriving at the Training Yard. Ser Garrand Prester, a knight with only one distinction to his name and his reputation as being dependable. He was extremely deadly with a bow. He had been knighted by one of his uncles after they had successfully repelled an Ironborn raid. Ser Garrand at the age of 18, had killed 5 raiders using his bow.
He was about 6' 0" and of stout built, he was age 25 and had already been stationed at the garrison at the Rock for 4 years. Following behind him was his squire Robar Hill, the bastard nephew of Sumner Crakehall. He was extremely strong with good endurance. He wasn't as big as what I remembered the other Crakehall's that the old Tywin had seen in the past, but he was extremely good natured. But that didn't stop him from standing up for himself when bullied.
Both Garrand and Robar were very similar, they were eager for an opportunity to prove themselves. They would often be the first to volunteer when there were bandits to be hunted and when not outside, they were always in the training yard, honing their skills. These were men who I could work with.
"Ser Garrand, a moment of your time please" I shouted. As the knight approached, his squire followed. "Good day Ser Garrand, Robar" I nodded to them both. "I have recently received some news, that has put me in a difficult situation. I was wondering if you will be willing to discuss an opportunity for the both of you actually."
Ser Garrand only contemplated for a second before agreeing. "Sure, I and Robar will hear what this opportunity is that you have my Young Lord, would you like to discuss here or would you like to go somewhere private?"
"I was thinking somewhere private. But before we go, will you give me a few minutes and follow me, I need to go bash a weasel." This left them confused but they did follow as I walked to the other end of the training yard where Emmon and Aenys were about to go another round having rested. 'Just like picking fights back in the old neighborhood.'
Emmon had already been knocked down around 3 times, so he wasn't in his best shape. And even at 14, the size difference between me and him wasn't that great, he was average for his age while I was tall for my own. "Emmon Frey, would you mind exchanging blows with me, I noticed you here and I was waiting for you to have a rest before challenging you." I spoke loud enough for those around to hear.
Emmon looked at me while standing stiff and his eyes opened wide. He had been caught off guard and was trying to find his tongue. Aenys Frey was however quick to answer. "I'll exchange blows with you Lannister, my brother has been getting the worst of our exchange since we started."
"You are Aenys Frey, are you not? "I asked.
"Yes, why? Have you heard of my bravery all the way here in the Westerlands?" He laughed and some of the other Frey men who were around laughed as well. This suddenly made my blood boil but I quickly controlled myself. This was a response from the old Tywin because of his father's cowardliness when others would laugh at him and he would laugh along.
I stood there with my face devoid of emotions, looking Aenys in his face. As the laughter died down, I took a step forward while maintaining eye contact. Reading the sudden fridged atmosphere, the situation became awkward for all. Stevron Frey and his men began coming closer.
This continued until I finally answered, "Then are you fucking deaf or stupid, because I asked Emmon, I didn't ask for an exchange with Aenys. Learn to answer when you are spoken to" This caused Aenys to go red with anger by being insulted. I noticed his grip tighten on the practice sword but Stevron quickly grabbed his shoulder. This quickly put a stop to his thoughts of retaliation.
I then shifted my gaze to Emmon. "So, your brother is deaf, by chance are you mute? Or did you take too many hits to the head."
Mustering his courage he responded. "I won't be able trade blows with you Young Lord... I fallen one too many times today, my shoulder will need attending to. I, I was hoping to complete this exchange and then seek care." He made a show of trying to rotate his shoulder.
"Such a shame, I was hoping to have a measure of the person who wants to marry my sister. I wanted to see if she would be safe with you or, if it would be better that she trains with a sword as well."
Stevron Immediately intervened as Aenys became livid. "There is no need to push this so far young Lannister, mayhap we continue this duel on another day. Mayhap on the morrow when my brother's shoulder is better." Stevron seemed to be the more tactful of Walder's brood. He looked at me with a meaningful look, hoping for a de-escalation.
"Certainly, I would not be so underhanded as to beat on an injured man, much less my future brother by law." Stevron visibly relaxed at my words but then went stiff with the next. "Aenys the Deaf, I don't mind exchanging blows with you."
His response was immediate "I will enjoy beating you bloody, you impudent brat." He screeched as he wrestled free of his brother's grip and brushing past entering the marked of area. One of their banner men tossed a training helmet to him.
Ser Garrand took me by the arm and looked me in the eye. "Are you sure this is wise? I heard about last night, nothing good will come if you lose, this will only make things worse for your house. He is older, taller and has a longer reach, are you sure about this."
"I know what I am doing, now if you excuse me, I need to warm this cunt up some more before I fuck it." I responded with my voice low, so that only he would hear.
"KEVAN MY HELMET PLEASE." I shouted, attracting the attention of those who had not already been paying attention. "AENYS THE DEAF, ARE YOU READY?" his face became a deeper shade of red at the provocation.
"HOW FUCKING DARE, YOU, YOU, YOU SON OF A TOOTHLESS LION. COME LET ME SKIN YOUR HIDE." He bellowed not realizing the cold looks he was now getting from the Wester men in the yard. "YOU SON OF A CRAVEN, WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TRYING TO SHAME."
"SHAME YOU? NO, TO BE DEAF IS NOT SHAMEFUL. BUT YOU HAVE NOW INSULTED MY FATHER TWICE, THERE WILL NOT BE A THIRD TIME." I laughed in my head; he had given me all that I wanted. He was fuming, he didn't even realize what he had said.
Kevan finally arrived at my side and handed my training helmet to me. As I got it on and entered the ring, Aenys Frey came charging at me. His shield was at his shoulder and he thrusted straight at my head. I had anticipated this, and raised my shield to meet his blade at a slanting angle but only parried the blade downward.
He too was ready and began to push forward with his shield trying to knock me back. Unfortunately for him I had stepped wide to the left and rotated clockwise. I was now on his inside and shoving my shield into his chest pushing him back. He however, quickly regained his footing but I was already coming in to slam into him with my shield. He tried to meet me, but it had been a feint.
CRUNCCCHHHH!
"ARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHH"
Aenys Frey screamed as he tried to limp back lamely, his right ankle couldn't take his weight so he fell back. I had waited for him to brace himself while trying to regain his balance by stepping forward with his right foot. I had stomped at his ankle with enough force to break it, even if it wasn't broken, he wouldn't be able to stand with his right.
I quickly rushed forward and kicked his sword out of his hand. My sword slammed on his back 3 times before he could turn over to face me and I mounted him by straddling his chest. Both my knees were now pinning his upper arms.
"Enough", Stevron shouted, "You have won, now get off my brother."
Ser Garrand gave me a hand and pulled me to my feet. Aenys wasn't so fortunate as Stevron had to give him a shoulder to lean on to keep the pressure of his foots. "This, isn't over, Lannister." He forced out through his teeth as he limped away. "Stevron, council your brother before he does something stupid. He has insulted a Lord of a great house twice, and now threatens his heir in an open training field. Even if my father is reluctant to act, his reluctancy will only go so far. Do not make yourselves unwelcomed guess."
"He is young and acted foolish, accept my apologies and let this be the end of it." Stevron offered on behalf of his brother.
I quickly turned and signaled for Kevan, Garrand and Robar to follow. As we left the training yard, I saw the look of respect on the faces of all the Western men as they dipped their heads as we walked by. Even if Tytos was a failure of a lord, I wanted everyone to know that his son and heir wasn't the same. That the next generation of Lannister would have a back bone. Even after I leave for King's Landing, they will have hope until I return and put things right.