Jaime and Trystan spent days at Winterfell after their arrival, now that the charges against the older lion cub had been temporarily dropped.
They had the chance to spend more time with Brienne and Sansa respectively, while also getting to reunite with some familiar faces.
Both lions met with Ser Barristan again, who was always happy to see them and the men they had become. He had helped train both of them when they were younger, although not as much as he did Visenya; but he still appreciated seeing them present and doing the right thing.
There was still tension between them and the Northern Lords, but no moves were made against one another. The two brothers even met the Free Folk, who seemed to take a liking to the sheltered and awkward Trystan; who according to Tormund, reminded them of Jon when he had first met the Free Folk beyond the Wall. Back then when he was merely a Crow, a brother of the Night's Watch and not the King in the North that he was now.
Eventually, the first part of the reinforcements arrived early noon and the army was led by none other than the mighty Old Lion of Casterly Rock.
Main Courtyard, Winterfell - The North, Westeros - Day
Many had gathered in the courtyard of the castle, all the biggest of House representatives being present to welcome their latest allies. Of course, many did not hide their expressions when the first thing they saw was the famous red banner with the golden lion on it.
The huge army remained out the walls and only a few soldiers with their representatives marched their horses inside, to meet with Daenerys and the Stark children. Among those soldiers were lords of big houses coming from three different regions while the most noticeable banners were those of the Tyrells, the Lannisters and those of Tommen; which were a mix of the Baratheon Stag and the Lannister Lion.
Tywin Lannister stopped his white Destrier to a halt, a few feet away from the welcoming party. By his left was Lord Mace Tyrell, on top of his brown mare and by his right was Lord Kevan Lannister; riding a grey stallion.
The three men climbed off their horses and took a step forward just as Jon did the same. Their eyes locked, with Tywin giving the hardest of stares as he passively studied the Bastard Stark up and down.
In the end, Jon nodded his head.
"My Lords. Thank you for your participation in this war."
Tywin gave a ghost head nod.
"We agreed that this was a war that affects all of us."
His golden-flecked green eyes looked around for a moment, a quick glance to assess his surroundings; since he had never truly stepped that far North. He took notice of Sansa, who had matured and grown since she left King's Landing.
The Stark girl did not lower her head but she did cast her eyes faintly down, as she had been taught by the Lion siblings when they all broke fast together. Her sister, Arya, was nowhere visible for she did not wish to meet with the Old Lion yet; considering what had transpired in Harrenhal.
His eyes went to Daenerys, who tried to keep her head up and show her might but in his eyes, she was a weak young and naive girl; who should not be responsible for an army. Even Visenya had been older before she got command of an army platoon for the first time.
His attention, lastly, went to his two sons, who stood not so far away.
Both were unharmed but the look he gave them, made them glance down; he knew and he was not happy.
They were not sure how he had found out but they knew he would wish to talk with them, something they were not sure they wished to do right now. They were rather fine before his arrival.
"Are these all the men your King sent? Where is my aunt?" the Mother of Dragons asked, making the Old Lion look at her.
She doubted this was all the men the Crown could send and she started to suspect that the majority of soldiers had intentionally been held back in order to reclaim the lands while the fighting was taking place.
In addition, she found it odd not to see Visenya. Her knights had reassured her that she was always by the side of her husband and also one, who never avoided battle or war.
They even expected her to be the very first to arrive at Winterfell.
"These are the men gathered and sent by the Crownlands, the Reach and the Westerlands," he informed.
"How many men, my Lord?" Jon asked, always remaining mindful of his manners even though internally he still wished for justice for the Red Wedding...for his family.
"Considering the limited time given to us before this...enemy is to reach us, a force 38,000 men strong has been managed to be gathered," Tywin explained, his focus going from Jon to his good-niece, who was just a step behind the Bastard Stark. "My Lady Wife has left before me to gather the banners of our allies. She should be on her way to Winterfell as well."
The lion siblings, all three of them, exchanged a look between them.
Father let Mother go alone? they all wondered in their minds at the same time.
Sure, Visenya had battle experience and had fought in wars but she had been by his side; at all times. The armies they led, they did it together and only once had she gone to war without him, and they all remembered how that ended.
They were surprised to not only not see her with Tywin but to hear that she had been allowed to leave and gather allies, meaning the Old Lion left her to go as far as Dorne to bring their latest allies into the game.
Jon heard the numbers and one could see the twinkle in his dark eyes, realizing that more and more men would be sent their way. That was good and as long as Lady Visenya brought a decent amount of soldiers; their chances against the army of the Undead were only growing.
"Now, we have all travelled for the duration of almost two full moon rotations to arrive on time. I do believe we can be given some rooms to rest until the last part of the relief party arrives, hmmm?" Tywin asked, focusing fully on Jon; since he was the 'King' in the North as his men called him.
The Direwolf looked at him, his lips parted faintly but he did not say what he had in mind and neither did anyone else. Glares were sent but the Old Lion expected them, not once caring for the eyes of lesser lords or little girls that saw Dragons as her children.
He knew how to use his words, to ensure he had the last saying. He spoke in a way that pointed out Jon's main fault in keeping them standing and waiting close to the gates as if they were some foreigners and not their chance to actually survive that war.
He chose his words carefully, his tone having just the faintest of mockery but he knew the young wolf could not bite back; not right now.
In his eyes, Jon was as naive as his good-niece; a mere child just like his brother was.
At least Robb had earned his share and one might say, his title; with his progression during the war. So far, Tywin had yet to see what Jon Snow had done or could do in this war; other than just be the front image to keep the North united.
"Of course. Follow me," Jon said, doing his best not to let any comments escape his lips.
He was never one to speak foul of someone or ill, having learnt that it was wiser to keep his head down and not argue. However, his time with the Free Folk, the fact that he died and came back to life and Ygritte constantly telling him to man up; had slowly changed his character.
Now, whether that would be for the best or for the worst; remained to be seen.
Guest Chambers, West Wing - Winterfell, The North - Sometime Later
Tywin Lannister had been given his chambers as did every Lord that had come with him, including his brother Kevan. He took notice of the Northern style, consisting of a variety of animal furs for decoration and also utility purposes.
He studied the blanket made of furs that lay upon the double-edged bed, mentally approving of the good work. He had skinned many animals, usually deer and more than once had their pelts used for some decoration while residing in Casterly Rock.
He felt his lips twitch in amusement as he thought of Visenya's reaction.
She was never a fan of animal carcasses, let alone animal pelts. That was something he always found both amusing but also ironic, considering how easily she could cut the head of a man but still did not have the biggest joy in seeing the pelt of an animal.
He thought back to her, having been two months since she had left King's Landing and he would be a fool if he said he did not miss her. He had not received any letters, due to the constant move of the army; making it impossible for ravens to truly reach them.
A part of him wished they had some trained hawks that could identify and find them much faster, as some lords from the Vale used to have in their service; back then when Jon Arryn was still a boy and not a decomposing corpse six feet under.
Of course, he was still bitter with her sudden and secretive escape the morning after their lovemaking. He had woken up to an empty bed and only a letter to explain her reasoning, a letter that did not truly help with his early morning temper.
He did not care about her dreams or her sense of responsibility at that moment. That damned woman could have easily woken him up or waited a few hours and followed the plan they had agreed upon.
One might say that Tywin should be used to that by now or have learnt to prepare himself and anticipate her next actions, considering just how often she went behind his back. Tywin would agree with them and he did try but she always seemed to find new ways of acting behind his back.
If it was not new ways, she grabbed the chances he had his walls lowered for her; although he still questioned whether she did it intentionally or he had started to grow softer with her around.
He did not truly wish for an answer, for he would never admit it out loud that she had managed to do the impossible; and actually make him harbour true feelings for her.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his closed door, his back turned to it. He did not have to even ask who was knocking, for he doubted anyone would truly visit him; from the Northerners especially.
If Kevan were to visit him, he would have announced himself not long after the knocking, if not immediately after. Lord Mace and any other of the minor lords were too cowardly to bother him while in his chambers.
That left only one individual or better say, two.
"Enter," he ordered, moving his hands behind his back and slowly turning his body to face his guests.
Trystan and Jaime entered once they got his approval with the older lion cub closing the door behind them.
"Father," they both greeted, daring to take a few steps closer into the room.
While their physical similarities were not as prominent as they were between the Twins, one could easily see the resemblance. If it was not the colour of their hair and their meadow-green eyes, it was their similar stance.
Having spent years around one another, Trystan had picked up small habits and moves from Jaime; passively copying him. Thus, in situations such as those, one could see how similarly they stood side by side; the tension in their muscles hidden beneath their multi-layered clothes that kept them safe from the winter winds.
"I was wondering when the pair of you would visit," he said with sarcasm, now fully turning to face them.
He held his chin high, his back straight and he stared them down despite being almost of a similar height. Trystan was the tallest of the three by a single inch and Jaime the shorter, by an inch.
Yet, from the way they kept their heads slightly lowered and how the old Lion kept his head, one might think Tywin was the tallest.
He kept looking at them, like a General testing his subordinates before a random inspection. Truth be told, many times the interactions between Tywin and his sons were more similar to what one would see in the army than in a family.
"You gave us that look, we knew you wished to talk to us," Jaime said since as per usual, Trystan remained quiet.
"I did," he confirmed, taking slow confident steps towards them.
"Specifically, about your plan to arrive in Winterfell first," he continued, making the two brothers gulp silently and exchange a quick look of worry. "Yes, I figured out eventually of your brilliant plan. I do wonder what you said and most likely promised to persuade your mother to lie to me like that."
His voice was calm but still authoritative. If one paid close attention to the tone, one would pick up the hints of annoyance and anger that were effectively covered. The boys had long learnt those tones, those hidden emotions and meanings behind his words.
Surprisingly, Trystan lifted his head more and chose to speak up; preventing Jaime from doing all the talking and getting the full force of their father's anger. In the past, perhaps he would not but after hearing what Jaime did to save them all from the Mad King; things had changed.
Trystan, at that moment, understood just how much his older brother had sacrificed for them. He always took the anger of their father to keep both Cersei and Tyrion safe, while Trystan had it rather easy since he did not participate in any activities that angered Tywin.
This time, though, he chose to be the one to put his leg down. This time, he chose to man up, as the Free Folk kept telling him, and be the one to defend and protect Jaime for a change. They were brothers, they were looking after one another and it was his time to take his Lion's share when it came to the disappointment and the frustration of their Father.
"We promised her nothing, Father," he argued, earning his sharp gaze.
"We explained and she understood. What she chose to say to you was of her own accord," he did not look away and kept his chin high, remembering how often his father scolded him for interrupting, stuttering or showing weakness. "Jaime acted rightfully to come first, to ensure there would be no bad blood that could ruin this alliance. He succeeded in allowing Lady Daenerys to spare him, as did Lady Sansa and Lord Jon."
"Did he now?" Tywin asked, keeping his gaze a moment longer at his lastborn.
Trystan was always the quietest one and the smartest. He knew not to speak back at him, not to do anything that would anger or upset him; compared to the rest of his siblings. He still had his flaws that needed to be corrected but he was on a good way to be the perfect heir, at least that he expected so far.
Hearing him speaking up, defending the actions of his brother; actions that he supported by joining him on this mission...that was something new. He knew that he was also in trouble for lying and tagging along but he did not show any signs of remorse or guilt in his eyes.
Usually, he would have his head lowered or would apologise and expect his scolding; but this time he seemed determined to say his part and not bend under the sharp, judging gaze of his Father.
Tywin, partially, was impressed and even slightly proud that his lastborn at last started to stand up. He was raising a future Lord Lannister and Lord of Casterly Rock, not a doormat or a wallflower.
Of course, he would have much preferred Trystan to do so when facing someone else and not his own Father; who could easily put him in his place.
At last, the Old Lion saw that Trystan was not going to look away from his gaze and thus, shifted his attention to his firstborn; Jaime.
Similarly with his brother, he also did not look away nor did he rush to apologise for his actions and the lies he passively told to his Father. He kept his back straight, his chin up; a sign that he was done being ordered around.
However, this new attitude of him seemed to be around ever since he refused to leave the Kingsguard and settle at Casterly Rock.
"If you expect me to apologise, Father, I will not," Jaime said, his voice not once quivering. "I did what I had to do and before you say anything, this had nothing to do with my vanity or my selfish need," he continued, stopping him from commenting on what he had in his mind. "I did it because right now we need this alliance to take down this threat and this is bigger than any of us, bigger than any of our houses."
Tywin did not say something, at least not right away. He listened to his son, who went ahead to justify his actions. It was not something the Old Lion truly cared to hear, often finding it ridiculous for one to justify his actions to another; especially when one was a Lion.
However, he let him be and listened to him until the very end. Then, he let him wait in silence for a moment; let both of them wait and think what they had just said, give them one last chance to back down.
In the past, they would but not this time. It seemed that today would be the day both of them would stop bowing their heads so low to their Father.
If Tywin was proud of that moment, he did not show it but he did not react in the way the two brothers expected.
"It seems that time around Northern savages might have actually turned you into decent men," he said and started to walk further into the room, arms always behind his back. "I will not waste any time to correct the two of you when you so openly moved behind my back." He came to a halt and looked at them above his left shoulder. "However, do not expect me to allow such behaviour when this is all over and we are to return to King's Landing."
A small sigh of relief escaped their lips, barely audible or even visible. If Tywin noticed, he did not say anything else and the two brothers watched him head towards the nearest window.
They expected something worse; they were prepared for insults or the disappointed stare that they often received from him. Instead, they got neither of the two and maybe they had started to become delusional but they swore they saw even the faintest glimmer of pride in the eyes of their Father.
They exchanged another passive look, wondering who was to speak next. In the end, Trystan chose to do so and break the silence existing between them.
"Did Mother really leave on her own to gather allies?" he asked, wishing for a clearer image of what exactly the madwoman he had as a mother was thinking.
The Old Lion turned his body sideways, moving his gaze from the snowy inner yard of the castle to his two sons.
"Much to my dismay, she did. A handful of guards went with her and she should have rallied up all the necessary men by now," he informed, not hiding that he was not pleased by the decision of the two of them to split; for now.
"Which allies? The Dornish?" Jaime asked next, wishing also to learn some more.
He nodded his head.
"The Dornish, the other half of the Reach. Your madwoman good mother chose to even try the Stormlands," he almost scoffed. He had the utmost faith in her but at the end of the day, she was just a human and pettiness ran deep within the blood of men. "She should arrive soon, considering how much earlier she departed from King's Landing."
Tywin had left quite some time ago from the capital with Mace and the mixed forces of Crown, Lannister and Tyrell soldiers. They met with Kevan, who had rallied up the Westerlands and then all headed straight up North.
Despite the bigger distance and the multiple places Visenya would have to visit, she should not have been that far behind them. For her own good especially, she better make it to Winterfell in a few days' time; for Tywin had spent enough time without a single raven from her and even his patience could run thin.