It was a beautiful day on Tarth.
Elaine, the second daughter of Lord Selwyn of Tarth was looking out on the open water; her mind absently drifting to thoughts of her sister: Brienne.
"Brienne where are you?" she thought.
It had been months since they had heard of Renly Baratheon's death and still no word from Brienne. Elaine opened her book and retrieved her sister's last letter. In it, she said the she had won in a great Melee and had defeated Ser Loras Tyrell; the knight of Flowers.
He fought hard but I bet him anyway. I wish you and father could have been there to see it.
The thought of Loras Tyrell losing to her sister made Elaine smile.
Brienne was two years older than Elaine and they had always been very close; even more so after Galladon's death.
I was granted a place among King Renly's Kingsguard. And soon, we will ride to battle and retake King's Landing. Then you and father will be able to come see me.
Rest assured I am well.
All my love, your sister
Brienne.
Elaine fought back her tears as she read the last paragraph. She was then disturbed by the sound of uncoming footsteps.
"Yes Roster what is it?" she asked the servant
"Milady..." he started "Milady, you should know that a raven just came for Selwyn. He went straight to his library and has not come out. He asked not to be disturbed on any account"
"Thank you."
Elaine dropped her book and almost ran to the library; for her father would not have barricaded himself in the library it was good news.
Elaine didn't even knock; she just entered. Lord Selwyn was sitting at his desk, a parchment laid before him.
"What news father?" asked Elaine
"Read for yourself" he answered. Elaine took the parchment and read.
To Lord Selwyn of Tarth,
We, the brave companions of Westeros hold prisoner your daughter Brienne of Tarth in our custody. If you wish to see her alive and unspoiled you will pay her weight in Sapphires.
"Sapphires?" said Elaine, dropping the parchment "Do these men even know Tarth. We do not have any sapphires."
"I know that." Said Lord Selwyn "I will offer the three hundred gold Dragons for her safe return yet I fear it won't be enough"
"Brienne is strong father." Said Elaine, trying to be reassuring. "I'm sure she will find her way home. She always does."
1 month later.
It was early when Elaine entered the dining room to break her fast. Her father was already there; he looked gloomed.
"Any news father?" she asked
"None." he asnwered "I fear the worst now." Said Lord Selwyn. Elaine could see he was holding back his tears; it made Elaine's heart ache.
"Maybe…Maybe if we went to King's Landing." She said, kneeling next to her father "From there, we could rally with the Lannister. Word is they have The Kingslayer, surely if this is true, Tywin Lannister would offer a great deal of money for his return as well."
Elaine then saw her father's face lighting up a little.
"I will write to Lord Tywin."
"Father, writing won't do." Said Elaine "I mean; time is our worst enemy right now."
"I cannot go King's Landing, you know that." Said Lord Selwyn
It was true. Lord Selwyn's health prevented him from travelling away from Tarth for long periods of time.
"I will go." Said Elaine, standing up. "I will go to King's Landing, I will talk to Lord Tywin in your stead and I will bring Brienne home. I promise father."
Lord Selwyn brought his hand to his daughter's face.
"The gods really have blessed me with the two best daughters a father could wish for." He said proudly.
The next morning, Elaine of Tarth was sailing to King's landing on Lord Selwyn's fastest ship.
The journey to the capital had been swift.
Elaine had never been to capital. In her youth, she had spent a few years at Highgarden but nothing more. It was so different from the Reach…And from Tarth.
She was escorted to the Red keep and quickly demanded to see the Hand of the King.
"Who should we announce?" asked a servant.
"Elaine of Tarth, Daughter of Lord Selwyn."
The man disappeared…And Elaine waited.
When she was finally let in, Elaine met a tall man.
Her father had advised her to be careful around Tywin Lannister; saying he was the most powerful man in Westeros. But Elaine was not afraid.
She may not wield a sword or fight like her sister did but Elaine had her own strengths.
"Lady Elaine." Said Tywin Lannister
"Lord Hand"
"Please, sit down." He said "You're father is well I hope?"
"He is. But his health forces him to stay on Tarth, thus my presence here in the capital." Said Elaine
Tywin simply nodded.
"My Lord, I come here on the behalf of my father asking for your assistance in retrieving my sister, Brienne of Tarth, who's been captured but the Brave Companions."
At the sound of the name of the company, Twyin's head shot up
"Go on." He said
"It is my understanding that they also have captive your own son, Ser Jaime Lannister."
"That is correct."
"My Lord, my father had promised three hundred gold dragons in exchange for the safe return of my sister, yet no answer has reached us." Said Elaine "I fear Tarth is of little consequence to many."
"It shouldn't be." Said Tywin
No indeed, thought Elaine to herself; knowing that Tarth was a very strategic point between Westeros and Essos.
"And how could I assist you in that manner?"
"Well, I believe that your name might force them to act. If you were to offer the reward, then perhaps my sister would be returned." Said Elaine "And your son as well."
By then, Tywin Lannister had gotten up from his chair and was knowing pouring himself a glass of wine. He offered one to Elaine. She accepted it only to be polite. Tarth had, after all, declared for Renly during the battle of the five Kings.
"Tell me, Lady Elaine, Tarth had declared for Renly Baratheon during the war?" asked Tywin
"That is correct My Lord."
For a moment, Elaine thought it was over, that The Hand would not help them…and that Brienne's faith would be left to the gods.
"I must say I admire your courage." Said Tywin "Coming all the way here for your sister. Yet I cannot help you."
Elaine let out a long sight and before she could speak, Tywin spoke again
"I cannot help you for my men have already rescued my son and your sister and are on their way to the Capital." He said "Though, I would advise to give the reward to my men all the same since word had reach that there was a price for Lady Brienne's return."
"Of course." Said Elaine "I agree with you. Perhaps, you would be so kind as to send for me upon their return? For I believe word will reach you first."
"Of course." Said Tywin Lannister, whilst standing up. "In the meantime, it would my honor if you would stay here at the keep for the King's wedding which will part take soon."
"That is very generous of you My Lord."
"Please send my regards to your father."
"I will." Said Elaine "Thank you, Lord Hand."
Elaine turned around and left the hand's quarters with a smile on her face.
Her sister was coming home.
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