Chapter Text
It was hard to see him as anything but a Lannister. After all, the Lannister's had done nothing but take everything from the North and her family. But she knew that not all Lannister's were like that. A great many of them had made mention on how they were lions but were in fact golden snakes. Very few of them were true lions.
Lord Tyion was writ small, but was undoubtedly a lion. Myrcella was as beautiful as her mother, armed with more kindness than she could have mustered in one nail, but can be ferocious should the situation call for it. Tommen was undeniably kind, never wanting to truly hurt anyone, but it was also a reminder that even the kindest of creatures can still hurt should the need arise, or if pushed too far. Little Tywin and Tion were cubs wanting to prove their worth. Ser Devan certainly bore the look of one and acted like one too with how loud he could be. Ser Lucion was a rather sombre and lazy sort, simply watching over them.
Tyrek, her husband, was very much like them too. She seldom recalled him when he had pledged his sword to fight for her. He had been one of King Robert's squires when she had first come to King's Landing. He had long golden curls and bright green eyes, slim of figure and quite skilled in arms. Tyrion had been able to vouch for him. He had been married off to the babe, Lady Ermesandre Hayford, in a effort to claim her lands, but he had managed to run off to get away from his marriage and King's Landing. She had not expected him to have been one of the people to help her escape from the Vale. But now, his babe of a wife was married off to a cousin close of age to her.
He was as skilled as his infamous cousin, the Kingslayer. But he favoured the use of an ax moreso than a sword. But Tommen was quite the archer, better at it then his atrocious elder brother, even better at swordplay than him in spite of his preference. He had come befriend many who had pledged to fight for the North. Ser Justin Massey and two wildlings named Grigg the Goat and Gunthor Redbeard were some of them. He even befriended the young heir of Starfall, Lord Edrick, and some of the remaining bastard children of the late King Robert Barattheon; Ser Gendry and Edric Storm. Many had been wary because of he was a Lannister. But she had come to trust him. Even when he had taken up his accursed cousin's sword by the name of Hearteater. Castle-forged and double-edged, with a strong leather grip, three fullers deeply incised in it and the pommel was a ruby cut in the shape of a heart between a lion's jaws. But it suited him better surprisingly enough.
It was almost strange when many suitors had come for her hand. Many of whom were quite enticing, in spite of her reservations. Edric Storm, who had now become the new Lord Florent of Brightwater. Gunthor Redbeard, with his mirth and wit, saying that each of their children would be blessed and kissed by fire, whatever that meant. Little Dryn, who called her the most beautiful woman in the world. Narbert Grandison, whom she found to be rather amiable and pleasant. The new Lord Tarly, from all reports was quite affable and compassionate, if a bit brutish at times. Marston Morrigen, Corliss Penrose, Eldric Fowler, and others. She could have gone back to Tyrion if she'd like.
Yet, somehow, she found herself drawn to Tyrek. The holdings he held were fairly large to say the least; as a man befitting his name. They were in the southwestern part of the westerlands, that granted them a view of the Sunset Sea. It would take them a day or two to make it to Casterly Rock to see his relatives. Much of his household consisted of people from the westerlands. Jason Hill, who was his cousin by his uncle Alyn Marbrand, acted as his captain of guard and trusted confidante. Targon the Halfwild, who had joined him and became his master-at-arms. Waltyr Farring, as his steward, upon shedding the accursed Frey name.
There were times, when she expected him to act like Joffrey. Yet, he didn't. He remained as he was. True to himself and true to her. Not once did he stray from her or imply that he would. The ladies that often attended to him oft mentioned how handsome he was. Jovial and loyal to a fault. He often had a funny story to tell. He got along well with many of his family members and treated them all rather courteously. He often said that he would take on young Ty as his squire. He rarely spoke of how or whom had knighted him. Just that it was a member of the Golden Company and how sudden it had been.
There hadn't been a day where Tyrek hadn't faltered as a husband. He always had her interest in heart. Asking just how his lady had been doing and managing the people. She had always made sure that the court was lively and that the people around their lands had their needs attended too. When he had heard that she was with child, he raged with absolute happiness. Roaring, shouting at the very heavens just how joyous it was.
He was certainly a different sort of lion than she had met and known. The kind that would roar in happiness and joy. Roar and snarl at anyone who would do harm to his kin. Roar in pride of his and the accomplishments of others. But most importantly, he was her lion. A lion that would surely and truly lead his own pride as faithfully as possible.