The dedication of a brother

Three days later

King Robert and my siblings arrived yesterday, by the Lion's Mouth. I stood there with my father, Tyrion, uncle Gerion and the guards of the Rock. we welcomed them with the necessary etiquette due to their respective ranks.

Jaime and I had a duel and I won again. But it was even tighter than for the tourney. He has grown bigger and stronger than ever. I'll be bruised for a day or two, even with the accelerated healing.

Now, I'm on the docks of Lannisport with Jaime and Tyrion. I wasn't so interested to go there when they first proposed me to come, but I decided to go anyway. And it turned out to be a cool time between brothers.

After playing a bit with Tyrion, we let him buy himself some street food. I use this time to speak with Jaime.

''So the family is getting bigger, huh ?''

''Yeah, a little Baratheon… The truth is that I can't help but worry about Cersei.''

I think I know why he does. I was equally saddened by the news.

''It's because of last time, isn't it ?''

Jaime briefly lowers his eyes at these words. And I see him tightning his fists, until they turned white.

''The first was stillborn. She could have died, that day. And this same risk is going to happen again. I don't want to loose her like we lost mother. Loosing her would be too much.''

I can't help but soften at those words. Yeah, I know what you would do for her… Everything.

''You love her, don't you ?''

He stays silent for a bit, before weakly nodding.

''Of course, I do. We are born together and we shared most aspects of our lives together. I love you and Tyrion just as much.''

I sense a lie in his last sentence. But I don't mind it. I know that he loves her in different way. Otherwise I would fear him showing up in my bedroom. My bromance has a clear and defined limit.

''She would definitely say the same as you. Do you remember, when the two of you were little ? Cersei looked exactly like you. It was to the point that the maids couldn't differentiate the both of you. You were always the two sides of the same coin.''

''I do... And sometimes I wish those days could have lasted longer, maybe even forever.''

After saying that, he looses all his seriousness and smiles devilishly in my direction.

''And you ? Did you trap a second noble lady in your bed, since the Brax girl ? Maybe I should protect the ladies from you.''

I internally groan at his contentment. Yeah, right… because you are a white knight in shining armor.

''No, not that I'm aware of. My horse Ablet is the only girl of my life, nowadays.''

''Haha. I swear, you will marry that horse of yours, one day. They don't call you the western Dothraki for nothing. Speaking about marriage, when will you get yourself a fiancee ?''

Argh, I'm going to strangle you. Sigh, I didn't have any sibling in my past life. Now, I must learn the great pleasure of mental suffering.

''First, don't bad-mouth my horse. Second, that nickname is already forgotten. Third, father said that he would give his decision in two week.''

''That soon, huh ? You will have to hold your pants for years before consuming the marriage. I pity you.''

''At least, I will have a wife. Not you. That's what you get when you want to stay as a Kingsguard.''

''It was my choice, Leo. I don't ask anyone to understand it.''

Right… I believe you, you must feel comfortable between Cersei's thighs.

As we continue to speak, the sun begins to go down in the horizon.

''We should go back to Casterly Rock, now. It's getting late.''

''Hmm ? You're right, let's head back then.''

After that, I call for Tyrion while Jaime inform our guards that we are returning to the Rock. But fate didn't let us have a nice and relaxing evening. Something always happens.

On our way there, we suddently hear the highpitched cry of a girl.

''HEEEEEELP !''

I directly turn towards Jaime.

''Sounds like it's a hundred meters ahead. We should hurry.''

Jaime nods and and we go there, followed by Tyrion and the guards.

When we arrive, I see a group of outlaws attempting to catch a little girl about my age.

I make my way to the bandits and face them, alongside Jaime. The guards quickly come and help us right away. On the side, I briefly see Tyrion helping the girl to stand up and running with her in the opposite direction.

After two hours, we finally defeated the criminals. It took longer than expected, as they tried to escape and we had to pursue them in the rocky hills. Some are deadly injured, but others are alive. So I turn towards Jaime and ask him his opinion about their fate.

''What should we do ? They seems like killers and r*pists.''

Jaime is calm, not so interested in the matter.

''Like every bandits. We could send them to the Night's Watch. Their balls will be frozen before they know it.''

''We would need to send guards and rations with them to go there. They don't deserve anything. If you want them to die in the cold, you may as well directly kill them now.''

''Well, it surely is easier. But it woudn't be clean.''

I sigh heavily, when he said that.

''You want things to be clean ? For them ? Even if you didn't listen to father's opinion on this kind of mindset, you shouldn't torture yourself too much. If you want to kill the bandits, just do it. I can tell you that it won't bother a single soul in Westeros. We are in position to decide what is justice.''

He raises an eyebrow at my sharp sense of justice. But he doesn't care to the point of arguing against it.

''Fine then, show me how you do it. Until now, you only killed in battles, Leo. It's time to feel the contrast with an execution.''

I don't have to do as he says. But I want to prove that I can do it to myself. It's true that I already watched a couple of executions, but never did it with my own hands.

So I raise my sword and swing it down on a frightened bandit. I force myself to not blink and see it from the start to the very end.

''Please, my lord. Spare my l-Argh.''

But I didn't apply enough strength for his neck to be cut in one go. It went only halfway, spraying blood all over my body multiple times.

The man is now emitting strange noises of suffering. He seems to be loosing his sanity and struggles to stay aware at the same time.

I wince when I saw this disturbing scene and swing my sword a second time, with more vigor. The head finally separate itself from the body and falls to the ground.

The guards do the same with the other outlaws, before disposing of their corpses.

It was different from killing someone on the battlefield. It leaves a strong and bad taste in the mouth. I don't like it.

Seeing me struggle for a few moments after the execution, Jaime silently sighs and nods for everyone to go on their horses.

When we arrived to Casterly Rock, it was the beginning of the night. So we went to our respective rooms. Before that, something was still worrying me.

''Hey, Jaime. You really think that Tyrion is in safety ? We don't know where he brought the girl, or where he is.''

''I'm sure he is fine. Our brother is nearly thirteen, but he is already quite smart. Well, maybe not as smart as you. So don't stress yourself too much, he knows what to do. He must have led her home and decided to stay with our relatives, in Lannisport.''

It doesn't make me worry any less. Tyrion is still immature. And while I'm not supposed to be wiser than him, I'm abnormal.

''He is too young, Jaime. Who knows if he even recalls how to get to the Lannisters mansion.''

''Seven-hells, it's going to be FINE. He is a lion, a small one but just as fierce as us. No need to act like a scared maid.''

''Alright, alright. But if it's not the case, be prepared to recieve the 'I told you so' that I used to tell you oftentimes.''

''I can't wait to hear it again. Now, go sleeping kiddo.''

I don't like it, when he is so carefree and irresponsible. Jaime is always too certain about everything. I don't care about what he says, I will go there tomorrow at dawn.

I go to my room and sleep with a small feeling of discomfort. Is it because of Tyrion, or the man I executed ? Maybe both.

After a restless night, I mount my good girl Ablet and make her gallop at high speed to Lannisport.

I went to see Rechar, but he told me that Tyrion didn't come here. So I went from inn to inn, in the hope that he would be sleeping in one of them. The problem is that Lannisport is HUGE. So it's a real challenge to search for him.

In the middle of the afternoon, after nearly loosing hope, I entered one last inn. I visited so many of those that I stopped counting them.

The Inn's name is Amber Mane. It's an unpopular tavern, in a smoky corner of the docks. As I enter it, I'm met with a big and strong bartender in his fourties. He is bald, with a huge amber-brown beard and thick eyebrows.

''Welcome to the Amber Mane, dear client. What can I do for you ?''

I eye him shortly, doubting that he would know anything. Tyrion certainly didn't come here. But I must at least try, for him.

''I'm trying to find my brother. He is very small, with pale blond hairs, a green right eye and a pitch black left one. Did you see him, mister ?''

''Leroy, you can call me Leroy. And my response depends on your price, lord Leonard Lannister. You see, I'm the type of man who don't only sell drinks. I sell informations too.''

I arche an eyebrow at that. He directly recognized me, even if I'm currently without my armor or any guard. But if he sells informations, that means he has a network of informants.

''Really ? I guess you don't sell any of these about our family's most secret whereabouts. It wouldn't please me, nor would it be the case for my lord father.''

''No. You can rest assure that it's not the case, young lord. There are limits to the things I know. It's more about rumors coming from every corner of Westeros. Our rumors are more precise when they talk about things happening in Lannisport. There are no spies here, only a bunch of good lads circulating informations.''

I don't take his words for granted. But I don't have any choice, if I want to rapidly find Tyrion.

''I see. Give a price, but don't rob me. I could continue to come here for your service in the future.''

''Mmmh. If it's for a new regular client, I'm ready to lower my price. For three golden dragons, I tell you where he is. But with an other two golden dragon, I can tell you what he did since yesterday.''

So he knows to that extend. Fine, it's not for five golden dragons. I swiftly give it to him. Directly after, I don't fail to remind him of my house's unofficial second motto.

''A Lannister always pays his debts.''

''Indeed. But here we also say 'Good accounts make good friends'. So… after arriving in the city, your brother took a girl to an inn named the Laughing Pub. He fed her and they drank wine together. The boy then rented a room for the night. The inn was quite noisy, after that. You're big enough to know why. They only stopped in the morning to get married in the docks by a drunken local septon, with pigs as witnesses. Directly after, they went to a little cottage by the sunset sea and rented it for a fortnight. It's near a big jewelry named Aeron's Fist, in the other side of the city.''

What ? He married her ? Don't tell me it's THAT girl… the famous Tysha that I only heard about in the tv show. That would suck.

''You know the girl's name ?''

''I'm not sure, my pockets tingle too much for me to properly concentrate.''

What a rat, this Leroy. But I have to be sure. So I give him an additional golden dragon.

''She is a peasant girl, the orphaned daughter of a crofter. Her name is Tysha of house Silverfist, I believe. She is dark-haired, splender and has grayish blue eyes.''

Wow, this is very precise. And it confirms my worries. I didn't see it coming, that one.

''Thank you, Leroy. I'll be on my way, then.''

''No problem. Please, come again to the Amber Mane.''

After that, I started to run in direction of the Aeron's Fist. Twenty minutes of intense sport later, I arrive there and find the cottage.

I take two minutes to catch my breath and I loudly knock at the door, to make sure that I've been heard.

After another five minutes, I see a sweaty Tyrion opening the door and getting panicked upon seeing me. He has disheveled hair, undone clothes and stinks of bodily fluids.

I'm tempted to pinch my nose, but refrain to do so by respect.

''I know what happened here, Tyrion. Come back home and don't talk to this girl again. You fail to see how this could end for the both of you.''

Tyrion's face turn from fearful to being full of rage.

''NO, I WON'T LEAVE HER ALONE ! WE ARE MARRIED !''

''I don't mind you being married, Tyrion. Get a damn harem, if you want. But marrying a peasant won't pass well with father.''

''You lie ! Uncle Gerion started to see a common woman too, everyone knows it. Dad didn't do anything to them. Both him and Gerion married by love, why couldn't it be the case for me ?''

I scratch my chin at that. Tyrion really believes in that, yet I don't share his point of view.

''You're talking about Briony ? You're not wrong. But Gerion is his brother, not his son. Dad don't care enough to stop him. It would be different for you, Tyrion.''

''But Gerion is a last child, and so am I. He wouldn't care more about me. He never did, anyway.''

Well, he got a point. Considering that I exist, there are barely any chances for Tyrion to access the lordship of Casterly Rock.

Without my existence, there would be the risk that a common girl end up becoming the next lady of our house. I can see why It would irritate Tywin, even more after everything he had to do for the reputation of house Lannister.

In the other hand, my existence has changed many outcomes of this world. It may continue to happen this way. After all, now Tyrion is only a last son like Gerion. There is no need to care for who he is wedded to.

The main problem is that Tywin hates him with a passion. And he wouldn't let him wound the prestige he worked so hard for. I could try to influence his judgement, but a success would definitely not be guaranteed.

It would be even worse if father learns it indirectly. He may act impulsively just after it. Even if I smuggle her away, he may hire people to find her.

She may not be doomed if I directly inform Tywin and try to reason him. Then if he wants a punishment, I would propose my own solution.

Of course, it's a flawed plan. I know that my chances to suceed are as low as finishing Dark Souls without dying. So there must be a plan B.

After thinking hard about it, I decide to make my move.

''You may be right, Tyrion. I will let you to your activities. But you can't stay here. So put some suitable clothes and follow me.''

When both are ready, I lead them to the Amber Mane. Leroy greets us and seems to understand the situation before telling anything.

''So, you could arrange it ? They would stay here for today and you make sure to have your men scout the entrance of Lannisport. If a large group of guards arrives, you lead the girl outside by the back door and smuggle her away.''

Leroy strokes his beard before nodding.

''Aye, no issue with that. I know some trustworthy sailors. They will lead her to Braavos with the help of a mercenary. Her name and identity will be changed and she will get a small job, to survive for as long as needed.''

''You trust the mercenary ?''

As a matter of fact, I don't even trust Leroy yet. But it's best to ask.

''Yes, as much as he trusts gold. But a loyal man, that he is.''

I see him pour me a glass of wine at these words. Seems like a fine bottle, at first glance.

''The glass is on the house, it's a renowned wine from the Arbor. You deserve it, with how much you paid me.''

Yeah, I spent a good amount of gold on this. I'm not supposed to drink… but today is an exception.

''Thanks. To the wedded idiots !''

He raises his glass at that, while slightly laughing under his beard.

''To the wedded idiots.''

After arranging all the details with Leroy, I make my way to Tyrion.

I watch him in the eyes with an intense and serious gaze.

''You know what to do, right ?''

''Yeah, if something bad happens, the bartender leads Tysha away to protect her. And I follow the guards to father.''

I softly nod to his words.

''Then, what do you tell him ?''

''That Tysha was a wh*re and I chased her away when I learned it. I apologies to him and stay quiet after saying that.''

''Exactly. Then you can blame everything on the stupidity of the drunken septon who allowed you to be married on the streets.''

Tywin may punish Tyrion, but his anger will be turned towards the septon. Now, it's a good enough plan.

Tysha could leave directly, but my brother really wants to try his luck with Tywin. So I'm going to plead his case with father.

''I know, Leo. You repeated it at least a a hundred of tens of thousand times. I'm ready to do it for Tysha.''

I kneel to be at eye level with my brother. Then I take him into my arms and kisses him vigorously on the forehead. After a long minute, I break the hug and say my last words to him.

''I do it because it's you, Tyrion. Now go and enjoy yourself. You got a girl waiting for you. BUT, promise me to be more mindful of your decisions in the future. I won't always be there to get you out of troubles.''

''Yes, I promise ! You're the best big brother I could ever ask for !''

My gaze softens at that, he is an innocent and cute child. He doesn't deserve any of what happened to him, nor to see his wife being r*ped by every guards of the Rock.

After listening to Tysha who hummed a Myrish song called ''The Seasons of My Love'' for Tyrion, I leave and slowly make my way to Casterly Rock. Time to use the Talk No Jutsu.

I made sure to prolong my way back home for as long as possible, since I want Tyrion to be ready in case of emergency. As I arrive back to the castle, I watch the sky and see that it's already dusk.

I go to my father's quarters and announce my arrival.

''You can come in.''

I enter and slowly close the door behind me. Before I speak, Tywin takes the lead.

''Where were you ? You exited the Rock without notifying any guard. Do you even have any sense of security, Leonard ?''

''I can take care of myself. Besides, it was an exception due to a dangerous situation. Yesterday, Tyrion went missing after the issue with the bandits. I went to Lannisport in a hurry to find him.''

He doesn't react at all, keeping his face as cold and motionless as a statue.

''You did ? And where is he, now ?''

''Still in Lannisport, enjoying his… hum, wedding.''

His frown deepens to unknown depts, while his lips curve against the natural direction.

''And who is he supposed to have married, without his own father's approval ?''

''Tysha, of house Silverfist. It's not a well known house. Definitely of a very low rank of nobility.''

This little bullsh*t should help to gain some time. He will check if it's really a house before doing anything.

''And you let your twelve names day brother waddle about with a girl of unknown origins ?''

''They seem to love each other. Isn't it how it works sometimes ? You didn't stop Gerion when he started to court a common woman. Tyrion won't inherit your position, since I will make sure to have children. Surely, this isn't that bad of a prospect. He could start his own family branch, away from us.''

My list of excuses and reasons may become big enough for me turn it into a damn book.

''My brother can waste his status all he wants. But it doesn't change the fact that I get to decide who my sons marry. He could have been married to a house that ACTUALLY matters.''

He is growing colder by the seconds. Nothing seems to convince him. Time to give my last argument.

''You can always punish him for his poor choices. But why even bother to break his marriage ? It's not like you never tried to find him a wife. After so many refusals, being with a girl of low status may be the best he could ask for. Gold doesn't solve everything.''

He turns his gaze into a calculative one.

''Isn't it convenient for a girl to fall in love with an hideous dwarf ? She must have seen his wealth and found the opportunity to raise her rank while stealing from us. Who other than wh*res are searching for gold ?''

That's something nobody can prove. I saw her sincerity by testing her with a few question. There were no lies in her words. But in the end, this can't be used to prove my point. Speaking about magic would make me seem crazy.

''Even if she isn't genuine, that doesn't make her a dangerous person. What is she, fourteen ? What would she know about life at that age ?''

Tywin quickly seems to have enough of it.

''Stop it, I don't want to hear any other excuse. You already made too many of them. GUARDS, see my son to his chambers.''

Great. Fortunately, the second plan should work.

I'm escorted to my room by guards, after hearing father call Jaime to his quarters.

After going to my terrace, I watch Jaime leading the guards to Lannisport from afar. Before they arrive, three ships leave the harbor and make their way to the south. I smirk at that, satisfied of the outcome.

''Leroy nailed it. He didn't turn his back on me for my father's gold. It means that I can trust him, to some extent.''

Later in the night, I hear someone knocking on my door. I open it and see Jaime standing in front of me. Needless to say, he seems to be in a bad mood.

''It's your doing, don't try to tell me otherwise. Where is she, now ?''

I scratch my chin in an idiotic thoughtful expression before deviously smirking at him.

''Wherever wh*res go.''

He looks into my eyes with a severe gaze.

''You want to play games with our father, is that it ? It will come back to you, sooner or later.''

My smirk falls and I watch my brother with a new found coldness.

''Think what you want, Jaime. Go back to your owner with your tail between your legs. Today, you acted like a trained dog and a simpleton. You just lost my respect.''

I close the door just after, without giving him the time to respond. I don't regret what I did. I'm far to be any kind of hero, but I still have a heart.

Father may send some people to track her down. But she is guarded by a capable mercenary, so her chance to make it to Braavos are quite high.

''I hope it will change Tyrion for the better.''

I may have to watch my back with my own father, though. What a joy…