Although they worked closely together and the forces pulling them toward each other were fast becoming undeniable, Brienne did her best to keep Eyan at arms length. As much as she tried to distance herself from him, there always seemed to be some reason or another to be near Eyan. They were working closely together now to maintain the security of The Realm and The King, which meant daily contact as part of their duties. Even The Lord Commander herself could not deny that she looked forward to her meetings with the dashing and adventurous Master of War. Eyan Ripleigh was unlike anyone she had ever known.
For all of her fascination, Brienne would not allow herself to fall completely under Eyan's spell. His attempts at garnering her attention and her affections were becoming more obvious, as well as increasingly numerous. There were days he found his way to The Round Room, the sparring yard, the throne room, or wherever she might happen to be at least a dozen times. Eyan would always claim some excuse that made him seem organized in his duties to the most minute detail, but which also always included The Lord Commander. Along with those reasons came a thousand glances in her direction, and an abundance of courtly pleasantries which Brienne was not at all used to receiving. She had become quite adept at reading him, and his veiled advances. At times, she could barely hide her amusement at the depths of his efforts, or how those actions endeared him to her. Brienne admitted only to herself that she actually looked forward to his unannounced arrivals.
What shocked Brienne the most was how her pulse quickened whenever Eyan was near. She did not understand why his presence stole the breath from her lungs, or how the mere thought of him could make her smile. Brienne did not believe anyone ever made her laugh so easily or so often as he could when they spent their last hours of the day in each other's company. She found she resented the late nights which parted them, and secretly anticipated her first glimpse of him the in the morning sunlight. On several weary nights when sleep would have been a welcome relief from the worries of the day, in the first hazed moments of her slumber, Brienne was jolted suddenly awake by the realization that her dreams had turned from Jaime, and it was Eyan who walked tall and proud and smiled at her in the stories her mind wished to tell. A constant presence in the back of her mind or in fleeting moments that seemed she could reach out and touch him, though, there was always Jaime. He would forever be a part of her. Brienne knew she would go to her grave loving him. Yet, she was slowly becoming aware just how much her thoughts were consumed by Eyan.
Quiet and undetected in the shadows, Jaime stood as witness to the wary courtship. He watched, a silent spectator, as Brienne's defenses against Ser Eyan's charms slowly began to wane. He saw her determination to remain faithful to him weaken, and wither like a rose on the vine. She fought the change valiantly, holding true to the love she still felt for the very man who had hurt her so badly. Brienne barely noticed when her favor began to turn to Eyan. However, Jaime saw every moment, each glance, all the stolen thoughts filled with another. Each day that passed saw Brienne drawing closer to the man whom Jaime had chosen for her.
Painfully, he knew that Brienne was falling in love with Eyan Ripleigh. Although Jaime understood that all of it was the plan of The Gods, that knowledge made none of what he observed any easier, nor did it give his broken heart any comfort. Jaime knew it would not be long before Eyan Ripleigh stole Brienne's heart.
"The clouds threaten to open upon us at any moment, Lord Commander." Eyan caught up to Brienne, breathless from his dash across the courtyard. He eyed the darkening sky as if waiting for it to confirm his estimation.
Brienne followed his scrutinizing glare upward to the heavy gray storm clouds that had gathered over the city. "Yes, Ser Eyan. I believe you are correct." She agreed, slowing her pace as they began unconsciously to match their strides to the gate of each other's steps. "I am glad it has held off at least long enough for my guard to complete their drills." She glanced over her shoulder at the last few men who remained sparring in the yard.
A grateful sigh from Eyan's throat complimented her sentiment. "I couldn't agree more." He replied, smiling. "I've kept my troops busy the entire day training at the city gate. It appears we finished just in time." He described, enjoying the reward of being so near to Brienne.
The two continued comfortably together on their path, lost in conversation. Their interactions had become so amiable and comfortable that neither took notice when the distance between them closed and laughter echoed throughout the yard. Neither knew that Jaime followed on their heels, or that he listened to their every word. They knew not that his heart broke with each step that took them closer to the White Sword Tower.
As Brienne and Eyan made their way down a tree covered alley, timed almost uncannily with Jaime's gloomy thoughts, large heavy raindrops began to pour from above. The deluge was upon them in moments, drenching Eyan and Brienne before they could take another step. A distant flash of lightening lit the world around them, and a rolling chorus of thunder coursed through the heavens above. Gallantly, Eyan took Brienne by the elbow and led her quickly along the cobblestone promenade, ducking into a trellised alcove to shelter her from the torrent. Together, they stood motionless, each terrified and exhilarated at once. So smitten with Brienne, Eyan could barely draw the thick air which surrounded them into his lungs. He did not realize that his fingers still clasped Brienne's arm. Too nervous to bring her eyes to his, she could only stare at his chin. Jaime stood apart from them, untouched by the rain which seemed to fall right through him.
Suddenly, a loud and ominous clap of thunder sounded with a deafening blast directly over where they stood. Brienne jumped in reflex. Eyan vigilantly stepped toward her. Before either realized what had occured, they stood clinging to each other. Brienne found herself wrapped in Eyan's arms, her face so close to his that his breath warmed her skin. His eyes stared tenderly into hers. Brienne's hands pressed flat against the breastplate of Eyan's armor, trembling. He seemed frozen. His gaze penetrating to her very core. It pleaded with her to end his suffering, as Jaime's had when they stood together in her chambers at Winterfell. Now, standing with Eyan, just for a moment, Brienne almost imagined that time was a dream. It seemed so long ago. Without a word, Eyan bent his lips to hers. She did not protest. Brienne leaned into him. Her head falling back, she beckoned his mouth to her own and surrendered to his kiss.
It was if the world were standing still. The rain continued to fall around them. The wind sang its endless song through the trees that surrounded them. The thunder slammed within the clouds above them. All the while Brienne and Eyan felt alone among the swirl of natures commotion, distanced from the bustle of the city in which they stood. Their hearts pounded in their chests. It was as if they were the only two people in the entire world.
When their lungs could last no longer, Eyan and Brienne reluctantly pulled from each other, still lost in their first shared kiss. "Well." Eyan whispered. "Perhaps I should escort you to your chambers." He offered, his eyes hopeful and longing.
Nearly overcome with the shock of what it all meant, Brienne could only stare softly at him, and nod. She knew exactly to where his invitation led, and she had no desire to deny his request. Her lips still parted needfully, she nodded, her eyes searching his and finding no reason to fear. Slowly Eyan slid his arm around the waist of Brienne's armor and led her from their small shelter. She accompanied him willingly, unable to deny the attraction between them any longer.
This time it was Jaime who was left staring at the one he loved as she departed. This was how Brienne had felt as he rode through the gates of Winterfell leaving her, and his heart, behind. His stomach went hallow at the thought. How could he have done that to her, even if it had been to ensure her safety? Jaime knew not why he felt chilled completely through, when he was not even flesh and bone any longer. The only thing of which he was aware was that after this night, until the time they would be joined in the Heavens, she would no longer be truly his and his alone. He knew it had to be, he wanted it for her sake, but that did make it hurt any less. As the storm began to rage around him, he watched Brienne walk away from him in the arms of another, and Jaime's heart grieved once more for the fool he had been. He would not follow her. This would begin the moments between Brienne and Ser Eyan that would remain for only them. Jaime would give them that. He would not intrude, he had no right. In truth, he had no wish to see.
The weather outside his window was darkening by the moment. It was nights like this that Tyrion hated the most, when the world closed in on itself and left him with few distractions from the thoughts which ran wild through his brain. He sat in his solar trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to work. Even his best attempts to divert the bitter memories that swirled through his mind with an endless mountain of scrolls ended as dismal failures. He doubted he could hold the painful thoughts at bay for very long.
Before another dire vision could cross his mind Tyrion was shaken back to awareness as the glass paneled doors which led to a small balcony that overlooked the courtyard burst open. A resounding crash of thunder accompanied the harsh intrusion. Shaken, The Hand of the King lifted an unnerved glare to the doorway, gasping in alarm. Nearly at the same moment, the candle that lit the table upon which he worked flickered gently. Conscious of the two opposing forces at play within his familiar space, Tyrion knew immediately what had caused the commotion.
Unable to force himself to follow Brienne back to her chambers with Ser Eyan, Jaime turned to the one person who always brought him solace. Certain he would find comfort in Tyrion's presence, he had sought his brothers chambers. How he wished to the Gods to be able to speak with his brother once more. As it was he could only stand pitifully as Tyrion looked right through him.
Willing the beat of his heart to calm, Tyrion eyed the still wavering flame of the candle which sat at his elbow. With a heavy sigh, he flung aside the quill in his hand. He sat pensively for a moment, and then his expression softened into an empathetic gaze. "So." He voiced aloud to the emptiness of his solar. "You are here, aren't you, Brother?" He questioned rhetorically, and paused almost expecting to hear Jaime's voice answer.
At any other time in his life, Tyrion would have thought himself mad, speaking to ghosts. Yet, he had seen dragons fly, the dead rise, and his own King foretell the future. If anybody would have found a way to bridge the unseen space between the living world and the heavens, it would have been Jaime. None other had so much cause to hold fast to this world.
Jaime wanted to scream his reply, hoping it might somehow break through the invisible barrier which separated him from his brother. Instead he could only whisper, knowing his answers would go unheard. "Yes." Jaime looked affectionately at Tyrion. "I am here." He answered sadly.
Tyrion nodded. "Somehow, I knew it was so." He smiled. "I have sensed your presence here, in The Red Keep." He acknowledged. "Although, I seriously doubt it is for my benefit." He chuckled, leaning against the back of his chair.
"I cannot blame you." Tyrion shook his head remorsefully. "I quite understand your wish to be with her." He tried to comfort his brother's restless spirit. "The love you two shared is something beyond this world. I saw it at Winterfell." He lamented reaching for the goblet of Dornish Red he had been nursing. "You were destined for each other, I have no question of that." Tyrion studied the thick deep liquid he swirled around the silver cup in his hand, considering an idea. Jaime watched their old familiar conversation taking form without him.
"Perhaps the Gods have sent you to fulfill that purpose." Tyrion suggested, toasting to his brother and downing half the drink in one gulp. Then he grew uncharacteristically silent.
"No doubt you have been witness to Ser Brienne and Ser Eyan." Tyrion cleared his throat feeling as though he were treading shaky ground, reluctant to voice his observations. On the table before him, the candle flickered again as Jaime sighed mournfully.
Tyrion slid from his seat, and pushed back his chair, stepping around the desk to where he imagined Jaime would be standing. He could not have known that he was within a mere step of his brother. "I know it must pain you, to watch their growing closeness." He looked up somehow certain his eyes met Jaime's own. He wished they could speak openly as they once had. For once, words failed him, his gaze dropped to the floor, unsure what to say to reassure Jaime that he need not worry, though the woman he loved more than his very life was falling in love with another.
"He's an honorable man, Jaime." Tyrion asserted at last, bringing his gaze once more up, imagining the beleaguered eyes that stared back at him. "He loves her." Tyrion stated Eyan's case. "He will never hurt her. I would stake my life on that." Tyrion said earnestly. A thousand protests ran through Jaime's mind. None of them mattered now.
"I know you wanted to be the one to share this life with her." Tyrion spoke slowly and sadly, his heart breaking anew for Jaime. "I shall curse those things that took you from her, from all of us." He choked fighting the tears in his eyes. "But she will be safe, and happy, and loved." He swore. "Is that not all you wished for her?" Tyrion's somber tone was tinged with a note of hope.
Tyrion was right, Jaime knew it. It was the only thing that still made sense to him, Brienne, and her happiness. All that was left was for him to see her realize that joy. Jaime would make sure nothing stood in the way, not even him. He wanted to tell Tyrion of his resolve. He wished to impart how proud he was of him. Jaime wished to thank Tyrion, for the belief and pride with which he had always favored him, and for the honor his brother had always seen in him despite the terrible things he had done. Instead he simply bowed his head and moved to the balcony doors, leaving Tyrion where he stood. As Jaime walked through the archway, the storm outside renewed its vengeance. Thunder sounded like a dragon's roar, and a web of lightning streaked across the sky. Jaime took his leave just as the candle upon Tyrions work table extinguished itself, and the glass panes banged together, then swung back and forth in the wind. Their creeking sound gave a lonely ghostly cry.
All that remained for Tyrion within the darkness of the solar was the breeze which blew in through the unsecured doors, and an empty solitary feeling. "I miss you too, Brother." Tyrion whispered.
All the way to her quarters Brienne's mind raced like the wind that began to swirl around them troubled over the encounter to come. She knew what would happen once they reached the White Sword Tower. Eyan wore the same look Brienne had seen upon Jaime's face the night he came to her chambers, when she gave her maidenhead to him. This night she would give herself to Eyan. She wanted it, yet still she was afraid. Another chapter in her life was about to open, and that meant leaving the one which had held Jaime behind her.
When at last they had crossed the final rain swept paces of the courtyard and followed the torch lit corridors of the Tower, they found themselves before the door of Brienne's chamber. Eyan stood entranced, and Brienne nervously fumbled with the door latch. She was conscience of the rising and falling of her chest through her armor, as her heart raced and her breath came in shallow rasps. Brienne was grateful that another loud clap of thunder concealed her unsteady breathing, as a bright flash of lightning lit Eyan's features and reminded her how dashingly handsome he was. There was no uncertain newness this time, she and Jaime had been intimate practically everyday they spent together for over a moon at Winterfell. She knew what waited for them beyond the closed door. She was not self-conscious of her body, after all if Jaime Lannister had found her desirable, surely there was no longer reason to doubt herself attractive to men, at least to certain men. The man who now found her appealing stood beside her, ready to share his heart and her bed.
Patiently waiting, Eyan could sense Brienne was nervous and wished desperately to calm her. His only concern was her comfort. The clatter of the rain as it washed over the ancient stones outside was calming. He hoped the peaceful sounds would serenade their intimacy. His greatest hope was that he might spend this night wrapped in the arms of the woman with whom he had fallen in love. He knew that it had to be Brienne's choice.
Tenderly, he reached and took her her hand. "Are you sure?" He asked, willing to accept her decree.
Brienne smiled sweetly in reponse, grateful for Eyan's caring. Her oath to the King had held no mention of celibacy. There was no reason, save for her memories, that should keep her from giving herself to Eyan. She leaned to him and pressed her lips to his. "I'm sure." She whispered, laying her forehead against his.
Eyan nudged the door open with his elbow. Brienne drew him inside the dim chamber, her hand still clasped around his. A soft shadow from the window pane on the other side of the room floated across his face. It obscured his featured, leaving only his eyes. They were so different from the soft emerald hue of Jaime's. The deep slate which surrounded Eyan's wide pupils had gone almost like midnight in the gray interior of the room. Brienne was glad for the contrast. She knew not whether she could continue if anything reminded her of Jaime. The truth she would not admit to herself was that all of it, everything, reminded her of him. The hard clank of metal rang through the air as Brienne and Eyan fell against the door, still outfitted in their armor, their mouths searching each other. She tried not to notice how different his kiss tasted from the ones Jaime had given her, different but no less intoxicating.
"May I?" Eyan inquired gallantly, fingering the buckles of her pauldron.
Brienne grin lustfully. "If you will allow me to do the same." She answered, her hands sliding up his arms.
"By all means." Eyan laughed, enjoying their teasing banter.
With exquisite care, Brienne removed the plates of Eyan's armor. Each piece she took from his body exposed more of him to her. She could feel his strong muscles rippling beneath his garments. The thought of his sturdy flesh sent a thrill through her body, and a warm flow of wetness between her legs. She had not realized how much she wanted him. Slowly she slipped his tunic from the waist of his britches. She lifted it over his head and he stretched his arms upward. Her mind went unbidden to each time she had done the same to Jaime. Suddenly, Eyan snaked his arm around Brienne's waist and pulled her to him. He kissed her greedily, hungry for the feel of his body against her. The wind and rain seemed to speed their battle over the fortress, and the thunder crashed, accentuating his fervor. Unexpectedly, Jaime's memory vanished from Brienne's mind, as she melted into Eyan's arms.
"This may yet be a bit difficult." Eyan chuckled, eyeing Brienne's armor.
Eagerly Eyan reached for the belt which fastened Brienne's intricate scabbard to her side. An almost imperceptible shock registered within her eyes as he lifted Oathkeeper from Brienne's waist. For a moment it felt to her as if some cord of connection had been severed. She could not bear to see the gift Jaime had given her, the living embodiment of his own heart, while she accepted the love of another. Eyan sensed her unvoiced distress, and held the blade out to her, unsure if he should continue. Brienne swallowed the lump in her throat, staring deeply into his eyes. She nodded softly, and lifted her pleading stare toward a dim corner of the room where the sword would not be seen as she made love to him. Eyan understood and moved to lay the Valyrian steel masterpiece carefully against the wall in the place Brienne's eyes had led. In his absence, Brienne said a silent prayer that Jaime would forgive her. Eyan returned to see her sigh in relief and focus her attention solely upon him. Her smile granted him the privilege to venture further.
Softly he guided her to a small stool by the hearth, and rested her gently upon it. The embers of the fire Brienne kept burning, still glowed in the darkness. Eyan's breath caught in his throat as he noticed the way her brilliant blue eyes glowed in the low light. As she had done for him, Eyan slowly lifted the steel plates from her body. Piece by piece he lifted the plates of her golden Kingsguard armor from her tempting frame, exposing her shapely and powerful form beneath. She took his breath away.
In awe of her, Eyan bent and nestled his lips against the nape of her neck. A tickle shivered through her, bringing bumps along her skin. Eyan's breath tossled her hair as he exhaled in amusement. Brienne sighed low and sultry. She felt his fingers move down her arms, and then to her waist where her own britches were tied. Eyan gave a frustrated sigh at the linen which hid her body from him. He pulled her tunic from the waistband and raised it over her head, discarding it carelessly to the floor. His focus was completely on her, he did not stop there. Eyan's warm hand returned to her hips. Brienne could not control the gasp which rose from her throat as he continued along his path.
He untied the string of her britches in what seemed like one fluid motion, and moved the fabric down on her hips. Brienne relaxed against Eyan's shoulder as he continued, rolling her head luxuriously to lean her face against his neck. She closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation of his searching fingers disappearing between her legs. Brienne had not realized how much her body yearned for the feeling. She felt nearly every muscle spasm to the playfulness of his touch as he worked her most private skin. Eyan's tongue and teeth played along Brienne's neck, and over her shoulder as he moved around to face her.
Reverently, Eyan kneeled before Brienne, basking in her glory. Delicately, he traced the firm curves of her breasts. As he did so, her mind again heard Jaime's declaration that this part of her physique may not have been large, but they were perfect. She looked down to watch the enjoyment on Eyan's shadowed face as he all but devoured them. Once more, she quickly pushed Jaime's memory from her thoughts before it could fully form. Brienne stared intently, seductively at Eyan, burning his image into her memories.
When he had thoroughly satisfied himself on the salty taste of Brienne's skin, Eyan became ravenous for the sweetness of her lips once more. She complied willingly. Never removing his lips from her, Eyan took her gently by the elbows and pulled Brienne to her feet. With a practiced turn of her wrists, Brienne sent both the britches and small cloth which sat low on her hips falling to the floor. They landed around her feet in a heap. Without a thought she stepped from them and pressed her body closer to Eyan. It was her turn to take charge. Driving her tongue deep into his mouth, she tore the tie from his britches with such force that she nearly ripped the string completely from its stitching. His garment joined hers upon the floor. Turning her attention to the small cloth which Eyan wore, Brienne's fingers deftly worked it down his legs and added it to the mound of clothing beneath them. She could barely believe how much she wanted this.
Having been thoroughly disrobed, Eyan's alluring smile grew wider as he brought his hand to Brienne's jaw. Lovingly he caressed the soft creamy skin of her cheek. He held her in his captivated stare. "I have hoped for this moment since the first I laid eyes upon you." He told her, accentuating his sentiment with a kiss. Brienne lowered her gaze bashfull in reply. She could feel his hardness growing against her hip as she stood before him naked. Equally hungry, she bent into his kisses, eliciting a soft moan from his throat.
Unable to wait any longer, Eyan eagerly lifted Brienne into his arms. Her surprise gasp was muffled by a crash of thunder which echoed from the sky above The Red Keep. Her shock subsided quickly and Brienne smiled longingly, realizing she enjoyed the feeling of being safe in his grasp. She gave no protest, but deepened her exploration of his mouth as he carried her toward the bed. A rippling cascade of lightening from outside the window lit their way. Once their destination had been reached, Eyan laid Brienne gently against the pillows. He carefully knelt upon the blankets, straddling her legs. As if they had done this a thousand times before, he bent to balance himself on his hands over her. Lowering his head, Eyan feasted upon the flat plains if her abdomen, licking and nipping as he moved up her body. Her muscles reflexively shivered as his whiskers grazed her skin.
Finding his progress blocked by the peaks of Brienne' breasts, Eyan began to scale them with his lips. She laid back her head, giving him free reign, enjoying the pleasures his tongue and teeth gave her as he explored the range of her flesh. When he had explored his path over the glorious obstacle, Eyan lapped his way up her neck.
Impatient, Brienne reached for him. She wrapped her arms around Eyan's neck and pulled him to her. This time it was her mouth that searched for his. Rising from the sheets, she kissed him passionately. His weight atop her thrilled Brienne, and made her need grow. Enticingly, she spread her knees beneath him, opening herself to him, beckoning him in. With a deep groan of satisfaction, Eyan accepted her invitation. Brienne sighed, intoxicated, as he entered her.
Slowly, the rhythm began as the sounds of the storm accompanied them. Eyan buried his face in her neck as he pulsed in and out of her, moaning in her ear, lost in every luscious moment. Sensing her acceptance, he braced himself against the bed and hastened his thrusts. Brienne yelled her approval as he moved harder and faster. Together they met each other in a powerful and elegant dance, their bodies moving in time with one another, their hearts on fire. It was then, just as Brienne was about to surrender all of herself, mind, body and soul to Eyan that something brought Jaime crashing back into her thoughts. Brienne knew not if it was the way Eyan's breath felt upon her skin, or some movement he made inside her, or perhaps the feeling of allowing herself to to be so vulnerable which caused her to recall the way Jaime had held her. She was powerless to fight the grip he still had upon her.
She knew it was wrong. She felt disloyal to the man who held her now. However, Brienne could not help herself, and surrendered to the memories that played unforgivingly in her mind. As Eyan drove her to the crest of their passionate wave Brienne closed her eyes tight, and for one brief, beautiful, heartbreaking moment imagined it was Jaime Lannister who kissed her, who caressed her, who drove her to the height of her passions. The way he had done so many times when it was he who loved her.
The thunder and lighting clashed just beyond the walls of her bedchamber. Brienne's body tensed with pleasure. She imagined the urgent growl of Jaime's voice reaching his height and heard the breathy tone of her own voice answering. The sounds of Eyan's reaction to her brought her back to reality. She opened her eyes to see him emptying himself on the rumpled quilt between her legs, and smiling lovingly at her. If he had realized where her thoughts had taken her, Eyan did not say.
"I thought you would prefer this for now." Eyan grinned dreamily. "I was not sure you had Moon Tea for the morning." He explained.
Brienne forced herself to focus upon Eyan and push Jaime once more from her mind. "How thoughtful." She replied with a relaxed stretch, trying to hide her shame at enjoying Jaime once more at Eyan's expense.
Carefully he removed the soiled cover from the bed. Climbing over Brienne he laid it in a heap at the foot of the bed. Eyan looked at her quizzically for a moment. She pointed to a chest of drawers across the room, an air of understanding already forming between them. Resourcefully he sprinted to the wardrobe and found a fresh blanket inside. He returned to the bed and wrapped Brienne in the soft fabric, fearful she would be chilled. Nestling down beside her once more, Eyan drew Brienne into his arms and kissed her tenderly. She gave herself up to his affection. Exhausted from their love making, they soon found slumber in each other's embrace. In the weeks to come, they would spend many passionate nights in each other's beds. A happiness formed between them which promised a future they might share together. Yet, even as their love grew, Brienne found she could not foresake her thoughts of Jaime.
