The sweet children of summer! Hello, I'm back and here with a new chapter. Joella is 14 in this. Sorry for spelling and grammar. I love to hear comments and seeing your ideas. Love reviews and please enjoy. So without further ado, here you go guys, gals, and nonbinary pals.
Joella stood at one of her tall, great windows. The sky was gray and cloudy. The world had a cold seasons of misery to it. At some point, Joella had to wonder if she was being dramatic. She couldn't help it. She gave a long and heavy sigh, and began to stork Arra's head. Lynora laid in front of the roaring fire.
It had been three week since she had returned from her most recent trip to the Westerlands and all seemed to be well. Robert had joke that her skin would stay red forever, seeing as she had for some reason gotten a nasty sunburn on the trip here, and Joella swiftly punched him in the gut for it. Ned had rolled his eyes and looked up to the sky, the stag and the lioness exhausted him to no end. They had all been in good spirits when they ate dinner with Lord Arryn. The next few days was full of sword fights, and riding.
Five days after she came back to the Eriye, Robert had gone home to Storm's End. Joella and Ned had gotten a raven just a few days ago with heavy news. Lord Steffon Baratheon and his wife Cassana had died in a shipwreck. Robert had become Lord of Storm's End and had watched his parents die. Joella knew how Robert felt. The pain of losing her mother was deep even after all these years. She had met Lord Steffon a few time. He was a good friend of her father, and he was always kind to her.
Robert had returned to the Vale this morning but neither Ned or Joella had been able to see him. Joella wanted to comfort her friend when he needed it most. She looked out the window at the gray world when a knock came from her door. She calls out that it was open and Ned came into her room.
The two of them had grown much in the past year. Ned was a young man now. He had once again become taller than Joella, but only by a mere inch. He was stronger now, not as much as Robert but well enough.
Joella was now a young lady. She was very beautiful. Next to Cersei, it was hard to tell which Lannister girl was more beautiful. Her long golden hair reached her hips. She had some curves and a fair sized chest for a girl her age. She was still built as a warrior. At fourteen years old, Joella was better with a sword than half the boys her age and older in the country. The fact Tywin Lannister's daughter held a sword was one of the worst-kept secrets in the Seven Kingdoms.
Tywin had made Joella his right hand in many dealings. He took it upon himself to teach her himself on everything from accounting to war tactics. Joella wasn't like her siblings. Joella was able to hold back her need for swordplay, where Jamie saw no need for anything but. Cersei was clever, but unable to do anything useful with herself. And Tyrion, well, her sweet little brother was still too young for any of that. Joella and Tywin talked about many things dealing with the situation of their family. The lord had to admit that his daughter was good at what she did. Her many friends made sure that had some forms of good relations with other houses. His second daughter was even able to find her younger brother a possible wife. The youngest daughter of House Ruthermont was about Tyrion's age and was blind. Joella knew very that the two had a chance to be friends when they were a bit older, and Joella made plans with Lord Ruthermont for the two to exchange letters in the next year.
Joella brought herself back to the present and turned to look at Ned. The wolf looked at her in the eye and said, "They'll let us see him now."
She nodded, calling for the cats to follow. The two young adults walked in silence down the long hallway until they reached their friend's room. They shared a look for a few seconds before Ned knocked. It was a minute before Robert said they would come in.
They all sat quietly on the edge of the bed for few minutes. None of them say anything, Ned and Joella had lost their mothers at a young age. After a long time had passed, Joella looked down at Robert's fists. They were bruised and bloody, and Joella had no doubt that he had slammed his fist into the walls, out of anger. Joella put her hand on Robert's shoulder, and he turned to look at her.
The silence went on for a long time. The Baratheon was just happy that his friends were there for him. After a while, the three friend began to talk and it wasn't long before they fell into their normal selves. The mood had shifted and soon everyone was feeling much better. Hours later Ned and Joella were walling out of Robert's room and back to their own. Their hand brushed up against one and others but they tried to ignore it.
When they got closer to Joella's room Ned asked, "Are you going to the tourney in Storm's End?"
Joella nodded and said "After I go to King's Landing, I'm going to the tourney in Lord Steffon's memory." she said. Ned nodded his head.
"Well, good night Ella," he said. Joella smiled, "Good night," she said. Before he could leave she kissed his cheek. He blushed light like he always did when she did things like that. Joella smirked and when into her room.
Joella's dreams were not kind. She saw a girl. She had long red hair and river blue eyes, and very fair skin. She looked horrified, and the dress she wore was ripped and torn. The girl was covered in cuts and bruises. It was then that Joella could hear the hounds. Big black monstrous dog running after the poor girl. The image changed. Now she saw a dragon. He was held down by chains, scars from whip lashes cover his body. He was being circled by strange men. The spoke and Joella didn't know what they were saying.
"Where are they?" One of the balded men asked the dragon. The beautiful animal growler and narrowed his eyes.
"Where are the dragons?" the man asked. The dragon then let out might roar and broke through his chains, letting out a breath of fire killing them all. The dragon then flew out of the building into the air finally free.
When the dragon fell out of sigh there was black, and then fire came from nowhere burning a single. A pair of chains making an 'X' and a dragon on top of it curled up to make a spiral.
Joella gasped and shot up in her bed and grabbed her heart. She breathed heavy as Arra and Lynora at up in bed to look at her. Joella let out a shaky breath as she laid back down in bed. Of all the nights to forget Essence of Nightshade.
XXX
"Both of you girls look lovely today."
"Thank you, your Grace," Joella said. Queen Rhaella had invited Joella and Elia to have tea with her. Elia and Rhaegar's betrothal had been announced early in the year. Tywin had been furious. He was so angered that he forbid Joella from going to the wedding next year. She, of course, didn't say anything in front of her father, but as so as he was out of her sights, she broke several expensive vases. Her sister was getting married and she couldn't be there.
It was a warm day and the three women enjoyed the weather. The two young girl had grown rather used to the queen companies. She was kind and care for both of the girls very much.
There was a point where the queen reached across the table to hand Elia something and winced. Both girls hearts way the king treated Rhaella was no secret. At least to people who weren't stupid. Joella felt anger quench through her veins. No man should treat his wife like that. No one should treat anyone like that. She could understand the fury Rhaegar felt.
They all tried to push those thoughts in the back of their minds, and enjoy the tea in front of them. They talk for a long while until a knock came to the door.
"Come in," Rhaella called, as both girls turned their heads to the door. A small girl with brown hair came in with her hands behind her back.
"Pardon me your Graces, " the girl said, "I have come to invite Princess Elia and Lady Joella to come and meet with the Lady Olenna of House Tyrell when their time with you is done."
An amused smile came on Rhaella face and she turned to both of the girls. Joella was just about to tell the girl it would be sometime when Rhaella said,
"You two girls go. Olenna is far more interesting than me, and besides its lovely day, no point spending it in here." The two girl nodded and both gave the queen a kiss on the cheek before leaving. Joella told the servant girl that there was no need for her to escort them, and Elia and her locked arm, Lynora and Arra come right behind them.
"Have you spoken to Rhaegar?" Elia asked.
"No. Why do you ask?"
"He says there something he wants your council about."
"My counsel?" Joella said, raising an eyebrow. Elia giggled at her.
"Yes, I don't know why you're surprised. You are very insightful, sweet Ella. And Rhaegar likes you."
"That doesn't make me wise," Joella reminded her.
"No," Elia said shaking her head, "Your wisdom makes you wise."
"Or counsel, that my father gives me."
"Or that." They walked for a few seconds before Elia asked,
"Are you going the tourney at Storm's End?" she asked. Joella knew what voice her friend was using and turned to look at her.
"What of it?" she asked her. Eila couldn't hold back her smile anymore.
"I was thinking if I were to get your armor and a different horse then maybe you could enter the tourney as a mystery knight!" she exclaimed. Joella stopped to look at her friend. Ever since Joella was a little girl, she wanted to enter a tourney. The idea made her smile.
"I can't," Joella said with her smile falling.
"Why not?"
"If my father,-"
"Ella, what your father doesn't know won't hurt him." Elia said, "He's not even coming, so the only people who will know will be me and you." They stopped and looked at each other.
"We're young yet, sweet Ella, let us have a little fun, now and then." Joella thought for a minute and then looked back to her friend.
"You'll get the armor and everything?" she asked.
"Yes."
"And all I have to do is compete?" she asked.
"Yes." Joella thought for a minute. Then she looked at Arra and Lynora who were both give her looks that said "Well?". Joella finally sighed and looked back to Elia and said,
"Fine, fine, I'll do it." Elia squid and clapped her hand together, happily.
"Oh, it will be so good!" she said, trying her best not to jump up and down like a little girl. Joella laughed and they continued walking.
XXX
When Joella and Elia reach the garden the midday sun, reached and warmed the land in a gentle way. The garden of the Red Keep was beautiful and well kept. The two girls found Lady Olenna in the shade. When she saw them, she gave what could only be called a knowing smiled.
"Let me take a look at you two," she said. Elia and Joella smiled with there hands behind there backs. Elia wore an orange dress that had the Martell sun over her heart. Her long dark locks were pulled back in a braid. Joella wore Lannister red. The dress was made by her, and the skirt was covered with roses and shadowcats. She wore her necklaces with the lion on the pendant. Her long hair was worn down like it always was, and both girls were their bracelets.
"Well, I must say both of you girl are well presented," Olenna said, then her eyes saw Arra and Lynora. "By the gods," she said, "You really do have cats the size of hounds."
Joella looked back to her protectors. Arra was the size of a small horse, and Lynora was the size of the largest of hounds. They were beautiful, but they were dangerous.
"I can send them away if you would like," Joella said.
"Oh, no, no, leave them. Goodness knows that they're the most interesting thing in this city." She gestured for the two girls to sit. "You'll find I'm much more interesting than all these others." the Queen of Thorens said, waving her hand towards the other women around the garden.
"I know you just came from tea with the queen so, a light lunch will be coming a bit later."
"Thank you Lady Olenna," Joella said, as she began to pet Arra's head in hopes of claiming her.
"Tell me about yourselves," Lady Tyrell asked. It was just as Joella had thought, another interview.
"There's not much to say about me," Elia said. The older woman shook her head.
"Nonsense, I can't imagine that the future queen of Westeros has nothing to say." Elia looked down sheepishly and said, "I'm really not that much different than others."
"Oh, no you're different," Olenna said, "I can stand to be in your presence as you try and tell me there is nothing about you. Oh, don't worry child, half of the girls I met can't shut up about themselves and the other half truly bore me to death." she shook her head look to Joella.
"But you my dear," she said reaching out to put some of Joella's golden locks behind her shoulders, "Well you've hardly said anything and you're more amusing than anyone I've met in ages. Tywin Lannister's wild reckless daughter." Elia smiled at Joella. Olenna put two fingers under Joella's chin and made her look her in the eye. "Is it true you use a sword and can hold a bow?" she asked.
"Yes," Joella said. Lady Olenna face was covered in amusement. She patted Joella's wrist, "How did you manage that?" she asked. Joella looked down at her hand with a small, but proud smile. She was young when she made that deal with her father and she had honored it, and in turn, she held a sword.
"Tell me," Olenna said, "Has your father found you a husband yet my dear?" Joella shook her head. Both Jamie and Tyrion, and almost had betrothals, yet Cersei and Joella had none. She wondered why her father was waiting for her. She knew he wanted to save Cersei in case Elia and Rhaegar marriage fail, which for the sake of the realm she hoped didn't.
"How interesting," the Tyrell woman said, "You're a beautiful girl, with more wits about you than half the country. Every boy in the Seven Kingdoms should be throwing themselves at you. But then again, the longer a woman goes unmarried, the longer she has her freedom." She looked at both Elia and Joella and said "I want both of you girls to listen to me. Listen to what this old woman has to say." she looked to Elia, "Never let him forget who you are. I have no care for the Dornish but you my dear will be queen. Never let him treat you how his father treated his mother. She use to have the most beautiful smile. He took that from her," Elia nodded. Olenna looked to Joella "And you, you are neither Tywin or Joanna. You're strong. Do not listen to those smaller than you are. They'll treat you like a sheep. Are you a sheep?" Joella shook her head. "No, you're a Lioness. Be a lioness."
XXX
Joella looked out over Blackwater Bay over the side of the garden. The red was setting in the dusky sky. She looked at nothing and Arra and Lynora stood to sit on either side of her. The sounds of gulls and the ocean were the only noise for the longest time.
"Beautiful isn't it?" a voice said behind her. Joella turned around to see Rhaegar, dressed in black and red, his long silver hair blowing in the breeze. Rhaegar walked over and stood next t Joella. Arra stopping him from being to close.
"My betrothed seems awful excited for the upcoming tourney," he said, looking out to the sea. A smirk grew on Joella's face. "Did she tell you?"
"On accident," he said, they both laughed.
"She is a good wife," Joella said. Rhaegar nodded, mute. Moments of silence passed before Joella turned to look at Rhaegar and asked "She said you wanted my counsel?" the Targaryen nodded. "About what?" He sighed and looked back to Joella. He offered her his arm and said: "Walk with me." They made their way towards Rhaegar's study and he asked her,
" Joella, what do you think about prophecies?"
XXX
The stormlands were beautiful. The rain came down many days but the people here seemed used to it. Storm's End was an impressive keep that hasn't changed since Aegon's conquest. The black stag on a field of yellow was seen everywhere you looked.
Robert had shown Joella and Ned all that was worth seeing. Te Baratheon boy seems to be in better spirits being in his home. Joella was able to meet her friend's brother for the first time. Stannis was close to their age and seemed to a by whom kept to himself. Renly was no more than a year or so old who had thick black hair, with baby blue eyes.
On the third day of the trip, Joella woke up with someone shaking her. She saw Elia and Ashara with huge smiles on their faces.
"By the gods does it have to be this time in the morning?" she asked. "Yes," Elia said pulling her friend out of bed by her arms.
The three girls snuck out of the castle and to the nearby wood. Elia had got black armor and the helm that looked like a shadowcat. The shield was painted red and black to rose and shadowcat painted on it. Joella put the armor on and Ashara braided Joella's hair into a tight knot.
"Gods, your hair is thick."
"Shut up."
Joella sent Arra and Lynora to back to wait in her room. They were most reluctant to leave her. Elia then accompanied Joella to a horse with a black body and a white main. Right before she was about to mount, she stopped to give Elia something.
"Give this to Ned," she said, handing Elia her handcraft. Eila looked at the worn cloth and asked: "Why?"
"Just do it," she said.
Sunlight shined on her armor. Joella smirked, she looked unrecognizable. She could finally do something she always wanted to do. Today was going to be fun.
XXX
Ashara, Elia, and Joella all ran to the wood as fast as they could. Joella was laughing so hard it looked like she was crying. She was out of breath and full of pride. She faced four knights she beat them all. The crowd seems to love her. After her last match, she had to run for woods in order not to be found.
"You were incredible," Ashara said, taking Joella's helmet from her.
"Thank you," Joella said as she and Elia tried to get her out of the armor as fast as possible. After a few second Joella asked, "What did you tell Ned and Robert?"
"I said that you were sick and you want Need to have the handkerchief," Elia said.
"Good," Joella said. They were so busy, they didn't even hear people coming.
"Seven hells," a voice whispered. All three girls looked up to see a stag and a wolf look at them with weird eyes. Everyone was frozen at that moment. Then Joella smiled and stood up crossing her arms.
"You caught me," she said in a sing-song voice. Soon Robert began to laugh, then Joella, then Ned, then Elia and Ashara. All of them laughing.
XXX
Barristan Selmy was the sole champion of the tourney and the celibacy fest was enjoyable. Arra and Lynora were happy to be at their mistress' side again and it didn't look like they would leave her anything soon. She ate with Ashara and Elia, and Ned and Robert join food was good and music filled the air. Happiness flowed through everyone, and Robert seemed to be at peace with his parents.
As the night went on Joella snuck out of the great hall and out to the yard. She could still hear the noise of the hall. The cool night air seemed to relax her and she stood in the glow of the moonlight. After the match, Joella put on a light yellow dress with red trim and flowers on the skirt.
"I thought I find you here," she heard Ned's voice say behind her. She turned around and smiled at him. The shy wolf stood next to the wild lioness and they both enjoyed being in the others presents.
"You did well today. I didn't get to tell you earlier."
"Thank you, Ned." there was another long pause.
"Do you want to dance?" she asked him. He looked at her, his eyebrows raised. She laughed at his face and held out her hands for him to take.
"I can't," he said.
"I didn't care," she told him, and they began. Ned was telling the truth when he said he couldn't. After he stepped on her foot for the third time Joella began laughing uncontrollably. She held her side as he tried to say sorry.
Once she calmed down Ned then remembered something. "Your favor," he said giving her back the handkerchief. She took it from him gently and smiled. She looked into his light gray eyes and smiled to herself. He looked into her deep green ones and felt the heat on his face. Another thought came to him and he asked her to wait right here. As she waited she twirled and spun in the night. Her cats watch her carefully. When Ned came back he stood and watched her for a moment. He was holding something behind his back.
She stopped spinning when she saw him there. They smiled and he walked closer to her.
"I have something for you," he said. She raised her eyebrows, and her eyes grew as he pulled out a crown made from red and yellow roses. She looked at him truly touched and he stepped closer. She bent her head down a little, and he put the colorful crown on her head.
"A crown for a queen," he said. He reached out and held her cheek. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist. "The queen of love and beauty," he said.
She didn't know why but she couldn't help herself. She kissed his lips. It was sweet, and light, and only for a few seconds. She pulled away and they looked at each other for a few moments. And then it was his turn to kiss her. She kissed him back at once and it seemed to last forever.
When they were done they pressed their foreheads together. She put her hands on his shoulders, and he copied. They smiled and looked into each other's eyes. And that is when the wolf fell in love with the lioness.