One Good Deed

[thedropletsparkled]

 "I had expected the Stranger to come in many shapes," Tywin Lannister said, "but I didn't foresee you to look like Loras Tyrell, of all people."
They were in the solar of the Hand, although mere moments before, Tywin had been atop the battlements of the Red Keep to oversee the progress of the preparations of the King's wedding  and the repairs after the Battle of the Blackwater.
The handsome apparition in front of Tywin Lannister shook his brown locks and smiled.
"I daresay that the afterlife is a new concept to you, that's why you're facing surroundings and a depiction of me that you can deal with," the Stranger said. "Besides - the whole appearance according to the faith is a tad outdated, wouldn't you say?"
"I don't particularly care about any form you might choose," Tywin answered. "Do tell me - what has happened to me? A moment ago, I was atop the battlements."
Loras the Stranger inclined his head and looked as if he were inconsolable.
"Yes, yes, I know. Now - this is a most deplorable situation. A mistake if you will. You see, my trainee accidentally triggered off a lethal heart attack for you although your heart was not affected by any physical damage and your were meant to live for another month, or even a little longer. Well until after your grandson's wedding."
Tywin Lannister would have blinked, had he had a body.
"You've got a trainee?"
Loras the Stranger waved his hand.
"Very recent development; the Faith hasn't noticed anything yet. Anyway, I would like to extend my apologies."
Tywin was still confused. The shock of death, likely.
"Another month, you say? How should I have died?"
"Oh, THAT!" The Stranger waved his hand again. "You were supposed to be poisoned... and to be shot at the privy by your son Tyrion with a crossbow."
Had he had a body, Tywin would have uttered something like a mix of a snarl and a hiss.
"I knew him to be such a base, evil creature! To think that he'll try to style himself as my heir...!" He paused for the briefest moment. "I should have remarried and should have had a proper heir. And I must hold you accountable for this gross mistake. I didn't think that even gods are so incompetent. Though... it would have explained why you took my wife away from me too soon. Lead the way to her now! I can't wait to be reunited with her."
The handsome Stranger shook his head.
"Now here were coming to another problem. You see - your wife is in the Seven Heavens, but you've done a couple of foul deeds, so your soul is meant for the Seven Hells."
Tywin tensed. Mentally speaking.
"This is no option. You've cut my life short, and now you're telling me I'm supposed to be separated from my wife for all eternities? NO! This won't do. It won't, have you understood?"
The Stranger pinched the bridge of his nose and bethought himself.
"Hhhhhh. Now. I guess I must offer you something as a compensation for my mistake."
Tywin jumped at this option.
"The Red God can revive people. You could do the same and give me the chance to do something good to save my soul."
Loras the Stranger smiled sadly.
"That won't be possible, I fear. When you had your heart attack, you fell off the battlements. Your body is just a red blob in a courtyard anymore."
Tywin felt sick.

The Stranger went on, "I can only offer you one alternative. It would last for a little more than a month, until you'd have normally died. As it happens, Balerion the tomcat has just ended his ninth life here in the Red Keep. His body is still intact, and a feline existence -"
"A CAT!?" Tywin cut him short, his very soul frothing.
The Stranger shrugged.
"It's close enough to your sigil. That or the Seven Hells."
Waves of wrath pulsated around Tywin.
"That's blackmailing!"
Loras the Stranger smiled.
"I see you are aware of the concept. And this is my last word on it. Do you accept my offer?"