Brienne and Eyan emerged from the White Sword Tower into the morning sunlight hand in hand, as they had done nearly every morning for the past six moons. As always they ignored the sideways glances and outright smirks from the soldiers and servants in the courtyard, far too engrossed in each other to notice much of anything else. It had been quite awhile since Brienne had troubled herself over anyone else's opinion of her private matters. She supposed that lack of concern had begun when she and Jaime shared the same bed at Winterfell. They had both been so deliriously happy for a time that it never occured to them to present any other facade to those who might be watching. As it was now, Brienne was almost certain her bliss and contentment with Eyan would not last. Something would surely take him from her, as it had done Jaime. However, she planned to garner all the enjoyment she could from their relationship before that day came. The memories would be a comfort someday when she had neither Jaime nor Eyan to warm her bed. In her quietest moments, Brienne still found her thoughts drifting to Jaime. He was a distraction she refused to relinquish. In keeping part of her heart for him, she did not have to face the truth that was beginning to gnaw at her with every passing day. She had fallen in love with Eyan Ripleigh.

"If I should happen by The Round Room at, say, midday…?" Eyan trailed off teasingly, his eyes rolling toward the Heavens as if the suggestion had not been posed on each day of their affair.

Brienne giggled bashfully, the way she knew he liked, and pretended to be unable to draw her eyes from the ground. "I may be able to spare you a moment or two, Ser Eyan." She stated dutifully, at last bringing her gaze to regard him, trying to feign a serious demeanor. He nodded his acceptance of her agreement, both understanding that it would only take those few moments of which Brienne spoke for him to have her completely disrobed and leaned across the Weirwood table. She licked her lips and bit the lower one for good measure, enticing him nearly to the point of distraction.

Unseen, Jaime trudged behind them at a distance which would not cause him to hear their loving whispers. Over the passing weeks, he had almost become used to being Brienne's shadow. Although he knew the necessity of Eyan's affections toward her, Jaime could not help but feel the cruel stab of jealousy to his heart, each time the man reached for Brienne.

Eyan took her hand and raised it to his lips as he bowed. "Until then, My Lady." He replied in a low lusty growl, imagining all the things he wanted to do to her.

"Until then, Ser Eyan." Brienne nodded, giving him a seductive leer, her mind filling with every detail of how she planned to make him fill her time.

Slowly, reluctantly, Eyan pulled from Brienne, his responsibilities awaiting him. She was unable to forstall her own any longer. Brienne watched him depart, unwilling to turn away, knowing he would look back for one last glimpse. Brienne smiled dreamily at him as he left the yard. Sighing contendly to herself, she had not noticed Lord Tyrion watching their exchange at a respectable distance. She also did not see him approach.

"You and Ser Eyan seem to be getting on these days." He cleared his throat, immediately regretting his unfortunate choice of words. Beside him, Jaime cringed at Tyrion's uncharacteristic awkwardness, eager to watch Brienne's reaction.

Brienne spun on her heels, ready to defend her romance. "I beg your pardon?" She replied, taken aback. To her credit she managed to hold in check the incredulous responses which rose in her throat.

Tyrion shook his head, and began again. "Forgive me." He begged. "I meant no offense." He corrected himself. His intent had not been to cast a judging tone on the Lord Commander's intimate liaison. Jaime noticed how Brienne visibly relaxed, but only a bit.

With a choking breath, Tyrion spoke once more. "I apologize if I am speaking out of turn, Lord Commander." He straightened his spine formally, before his shoulders fell with a familiarity shared by two who had both lost someone dear to them. "It is good to see your happiness." He smiled. Brienne lowered her gaze, feeling suddenly disloyal. Jaime quietly realized the truth in his brother's words.

Brienne was quiet for a moment, fighting the tears forming in her eyes. Perhaps it was hearing her fondness for Eyan finally spoken aloud, perhaps it was the fact that she had found a sweet comfort in someone else's arms, Brienne felt the need to declare her devotion to Jaime. "Lord Hand, I…" She began, only to be silenced by the knowing and accepting look upon Tyrion's face.

Waving his hand as if to assure her there was no need, Tyrion tried to ease Brienne's mind. "I have seen the closeness between you and Ser Eyan." He told her. "Do not be ashamed to love again." Tyrion smiled. "Jaime would want that for you, My Lady." He nodded, almost sensing the approval with which Jaime graced Brienne through the shadowed barrier that separated them.

Suddenly, Brienne's countenance failed her. "I hope that is true, My Lord." She whispered, uncertainty in her eyes.

Tyrion nodded assuredly. "I know that it is." He announced proudly. "Jaime gave his life so that you would be safe, so that we all would know peace." His voice fought against the lump in his throat. "We owe him a life well lived." Tyrion vowed.

Unable to move, Brienne swallowed hard and acknowledged his sentiment with a quiet nod. At her side, Jaime saw the struggle within her and cursed himself that he was the cause of her pain. He knew that Eyan Ripleigh would bring her joy and all she deserved, and he was glad for that.

"I shall not keep you any longer." Tyrion's voice interrupted Brienne's thoughts. He gave a hurried bow. "Lord Commander." He acknowledged and turned to go.

"My Lord." Brienne halted Tyrion in his tracks. She stared at him, as he looked back at her. "Thank you." She said gratefully. Tyrion lowered his chin reverently, and continued toward the business of his day.

Brienne contemplated the thought with which Lord Tyrion had left her. She could almost feel Jaime near. Deep within her she knew that Tyrion had been correct. Jaime would not wish her to be alone for the rest of her days. She also did not struggle to admit to herself that Jaime would always remain in her heart. She would never deny him that. Her eyes traveled along the path Eyan had taken from her just a few moments before. Visions of their time together filled her thoughts. Brienne unintentionally smiled to herself, thinking of him. With a sigh she made her way to the sparring yard where her Guard would be waiting. Jaime accompanied Brienne, by her side, where he would always be.

Brienne lounged dreamily amidst the pillows and quilts of her bed. She snuggled into the thick dressing gown in which Eyan had wrapped her after the waters of their shared bath grew cold. He was unusually attentive to her this night, even more so than he had always been. Brienne did not find much cause for concern in his preoccupation with her care. They had both been spending long days burdened with their duties, and little time had been left to tend to their deepening bond. She assumed that he was simply happy to enjoy a night together at last, as was she. A loving smile brightened her face as she watched him sitting upon her mattress rubbing her feet. She did not tell him that even with only one hand, Jaime did a much better job it than he.

"You're going to spoil me." Brienne nearly moaned with pleasure.

"Hmmm." Eyan grinned. "I certainly hope so." He replied, deepening the pressure of his thumb into her arch.

Gasping with the wonderful pain he exerted on her tender muscle, Brienne's back arched reflexively. Unable to control himself, Eyan dropped Brienne's leg, and jumped up the mattress to plant an excited kiss upon her lips. The force of his body pressed her to the bed, and demanded rebuttal. She was helpless to comply. Her mouth searched his with an equally hungry need. Their passion was no longer a new and timid adventure. They knew each other inside and out.

Hungrily, their hands slid over the other's body, untying sashes and removing garments until they laid upon the bed naked, growing more aroused and eager with each passing moment. Their anticipation could barely be contained. Eyan's fingers found their way to the familiar spot hidden between Brienne's legs, which he knew would drive her wild with longing. Again, her back arched as she pulled him to her wanting more. As she had so many times before, Brienne clamped her eyes shut, her body beckoning Eyan, her mind imagining Jaime.

Slowly, Brienne felt Eyan's fingers slide upward to her breasts. They lingered, grabbing and squeezing enticingly. Then softly, up her throat they roamed, until his hand caressed her face. "No!" His voice split the glorious darkness behind her eyelids in which she was fast losing herself with another man. Eyan stopped his lustful exploration.

Shocked, Brienne bolted upright to face him, her heart racing and her chest heaving with the breath that was failing her. In an instant she prepared herself to watch another lover depart from her, but her fears were soon assuaged when she saw the look upon Eyan's face. There was no anger in his gaze. No hurt flamed in the depths of his eyes. She saw only worry or concern. It was clear that his only wish was to see her comforted and assured that he would be hers, forever, if she would have him.

"Don't close your eyes. Not tonight." Eyan implored. "This time, let me be the one in this bed with you, the one who sets your soul ablaze." He pleaded solemnly. "Don't imagine it's him who makes love to you." Eyan begged. "Just this once, leave the past behind, and I swear that you shall delight in more love than you ever dreamed one heart could hold." His gaze was soft upon her. There were hopeful tears behind his eyes. "My Dearest." He whispered. "Hold me close to you, and don't close your eyes." He implored.

His request was so simple, yet filled with so much yearning that it broke Brienne's heart. He had known. All along, even as they enjoyed the most intimate of pleasures, Eyan had been aware that Jaime remained clear and still living within her most secret thoughts. It had never been just them in their private moments. She had not allowed that. Brienne understood that she had stolen that from the man who was alive, and there, and wanting to love her. Eyan's rival was a dead man, one with whom there had been no way for him to compete. She had done that to him. Yet, he remained. This night she could not refuse him any request. It was the least he could ask, and the one thing she could give him.

Drawing in an almost fearful breath, Brienne felt as though she moved in exaggerated slowness. She stared back at Eyan, unable and unwilling to steal another gaze from him. She nodded her promise as she stared deep into his eyes. It seemed to Brienne that she was sinking into the warm still ocean she found there. If felt good to drown in this oasis. Strangely, she had never noticed how much his gaze called to her, comforted her, made her feel so alive. She was the only woman in the world, and she was clever, desirable, perhaps even beautiful. When Eyan's unheard call beckoned that dreaded word to her it did not hurt. That miserable jest of long ago which had taken so many of her youthful dreams from her in just one horrible evening, at last did not feel like a curse when it came from Eyan's kiss and his touch upon her skin. Brienne gave herself up to it, to him.

With a wanton hunger that can only be quenched by the one you love, Brienne drew Eyan roughly to her. She barely blinked as she plunged her tongue into his open mouth. Brienne groaned, enjoying the sweet taste of him. Slowly, they began their rhythmic dances, feasting upon each other's bodies. They moved, and writhed, and tumbled together into a new understanding. Brienne's attentions we're a vow to him. Gods, she loved him. She truly loved him. All night she watched him enjoying her, pleasing her, swearing his own oath to her. As he asked, she did not think of Jaime. There was only Eyan, and he was all she wanted.

Somewhere in the darkness, Brienne and Eyan had lost themselves, exhausted, in their pleasant slumber. They had barely moved, and when they awoke with the first light of dawn, the two found themselves still wrapped in each other's arms. Eyan lifted himself to enjoy the salty sweet taste of her shoulder. He nibbled his way up her neck, and tickled her ear with his kisses. She felt his progress slow. He sighed against her hair, and tightened his grip around her. He held her as if he would never let her go. Brienne realized there seemed to be a sadness within his entire body. She anxiously brought her face to his.

"What's wrong?" She questioned, afraid she had still not convinced him of her love.

Eyan lay silent at her side for a moment, his head propped upon his wrist, still clinging to Brienne. "I must leave you." He admitted.

Brienne could not speak. Had her worst dread come to pass? Would he too abandon her shattered heart? She stared at him, confused, unable to force from her throat the inquiries with which she wanted to implore his reasons.

Eyan could not bear the way Brienne's face fell at his announcement. The hurt in her eyes felt worse than any blade that could spill his life upon the ground. He knew what she was thinking and what she feared. If only he could make her believe that he would never do to her what Jaime Lannister had done.

"I must travel to Dorne." He told her remorsefully.

Brienne rose upon her elbow, almost pushing him away. "What? Why?" Her voice quivered with uncertainty.

Eyan shrugged his shoulders with a forced acceptance. "It is the one place in the realm whose old wounds still sting." He explained. "Besides House Baratheon which has already pledged fealty to King Bran, Martell is the one house who could still claim a blood right to the Throne." He said with a reticent sigh.

Worry lined Brienne's ever pensive brow. "But Prince Reaghar disowned Ellia Matrell's children." She recalled. "He declared them bastards and dissolved his marriage conntection to House Martell." She reasoned.

With a reluctant nod Eyan fingered the skin of her hand and slid his soft grasp up and down her forearm. "By the law, yes." He agreed. "But blood and ascension are another story. The children who were lost were the blood heirs of Prince Reaghar." He replied.

"As is Jon Snow." Brienne asserted, almost loyaly.

"Jon Snow has denounced any claim he might have to the monarchy." Eyan answered. "And as you well know, is loyal to King Bran." He reminded.

Brienne turned closer to Eyan, troubled by the distant tone of his voice. "They were raised as brothers." She said, her thoughts distant. "He would never pose a threat to The King." She added.

"There is no cause for concern that The North or the lands further would question the legitimacy of our sovereign." Eyan affirmed. "King Bran wishes for assurances that Dorne is not a threat to the peace of The Realm." Eyan confided.

Brienne was suddenly alarmed. "Is there cause to believe they will be so?" She asked with dread, her muscles already tensing, imaging another battle within the borders of Westeros.

Eyan regarded her with a relieved smile. "No." He answered. "And I intend to keep it that way." Eyan knew he would give his life to keep the world safe for Brienne. For a moment, his mind traveled back to the conversation he had with Ser Bronn. Eyan suddenly felt a strange kinship with Jaime Lannister, knowing that is exactly what the man had done to keep Brienne safe.

Brienne could not calm her distress at the thought of the distance that would soon seperate her from Eyan. "When will you depart?" She inquired, numbly.

He took his gaze from her anxious stare knowing he would not be able to keep his faltering grasp upon the composure quickly slipping through his hands. "Ser Davos and I sail for Dorne at midday." Eyan told her, his tone riddled with guilt.

"Today?" Brienne nearly shouted through her shock. "Why did you not tell me?" She sobbed. "I shall be training my Guard." She became uncharacteristically frantic, "I will not be able to see you off properly." She cried.

Eyan nodded, and raised his hand to slide softly along her cheek. "I wished it so." He told her. "I do not think I could bear watching you disappearing in the distance as I sailed away." He confessed.

Brienne eyed him, hurt from his concealing the truth. "You should have told me this last evening, as soon as you knew of your orders. She scolded.

Eyan shook his head, still incapable of bringing his eyes to hers. "I wished nothing to taint our…" He began.

"Our last night together." Brienne finished for him, beginning to tremble with anger and fear.

At last, Eyan lifted his head, and saw the heavy tears upon her lashes. "No." He denied emphatically. "That was not my intent." He swore as he gathered Brienne in his arms and kiss her temple. "I simply wished only to see the happiness in your eyes to send me upon my journey, no tears, no sadness." Eyan tried to explain. "We shall have many more nights." He whispered his vow into her ear, feeling her tears bathe his neck. "A lifetime if you will allow it." He wished timidly.

Pulling slowly away, Brienne stared at Eyan, bewildered. He did not wait for the quandaries he was certain would come. He rose from the bed shaking his head, frustrated with himself. He was doing this all wrong. He could not stop his momentum now. Eyan needed the words which swirled in his mind to be said before he took his leave of her. With a breathless sigh, he whisked a sheet from the bed and covered himself. Eyan knew not from where his sudden need for modesty arose. Perhaps it was the reverent nature of the moment. Brienne watched baffled as he raced to where his britches lay in a heap on the floor. He quickly reached into the pocket and retrieved something she could not see. Then just as quickly, he returned to her side of the bed. In reaction, she pulled the sheets around herself for decency, suddenly bashful.

Taking Brienne's hand, Eyan moved her to sit on the side of the mattress. He stood for a moment barely breathing, staring at her in awe, the sheet around his middle clutched in death grip which he forced not to shake. At once, before Brienne could even ponder at what was happening, Eyan kneeled before her, as is she were a Queen, her fingers still grasped within his own. Looking up at her, he sucked in a deep breath of air, nearly choking on his own saliva as it hit the dryness at the back of his throat. Shaking his head at the unfortunate moment he had chosen, Eyan
nonetheless ventured forth to meet his fate.

"I know that you are not keen on jewelry." He chuckled. "But I thought, perhaps, you might agree to wear just this one piece." He hoped. Eyan's fingers trembled as he held his hand out to Brienne and opened his palm. Within his grasp lay a delicate pendant strung upon a chain of intertwined links, both of the finest silver. Brienne gasped when she saw the sun and moon of her own Sigil locked together and shielded by glorious rays of light which projected from his own family crest. Eyan's own family flew the banner of the morning sun rising over a deep green plain. Their flag still waved proud over their home of Dawnmoore. Although he had been disowned by his brother, the current Lord Ripleigh, Eyan continued to claim the sigil to honor his beloved father. Brienne's own house displayed the sun on it's banner. She understood the meaning behind the symbol Eyan had commissioned for her. It was a joining, a pledge.

"Eyan." Brienne breathed. "It's lovely." She smiled, caressing his jaw.

He lowered his eyes at her praise. "You will wear it then?" He asked, breathlessly.

Brienne nodded happily. "Of course." She agreed. "It would be my honor. I shall never take it off." She graced him with her approval. Relieved, Eyan lifted the token and fastened it around her neck. Brienne pressed it to her skin, the sentiment behind his gift touching her very heart. Nervously, Eyan continued with his true purpose.

"My Lady." He began. "I know it has not been long." Eyan admitted as he held her in his adoring gaze. "I believe the depth of my feelings for you are no secret." He smiled in joy at voicing the notion. "I love you. I love you more than I ever dreamed my worn and tired heart possibly could." He said earnestly over the quivering of his lips. Brienne's eyes grew wide at his confession. "Forgive me, Darling. I did not wish to do this in such a manner, but I…I cannot wait." Eyan confessed.

"Marry Me, My Love?" Eyan pleaded, his own eyes filling with tears, his muscles no longer able to deny the shivering of hope that ran through him.

Brienne could only stare in disbelief. She had never imagined she would hear those word, and they rang so sweetly and unexpected in her ears. She was at once thrilled and frightened. Wife? It was a roll in which Brienne had never envisioned herself. Surely, she would not make him a suitable bride. All she had ever dreamed of was a life of service and battle. That was all anyone had ever asked of her. Even Jaime had not sought her hand.

The thought of Jaime stole her breath. Brienne loved Eyan, she was certain of it. Yet, the fear of being faithless to Jaime was paralyzing. Until she met Eyan, Brienne had assumed her life would be spent as testament to Jaime Lannister. She had meant for his memory to be her comfort throughout whatever life remained for her. Now, Eyan had asked her to share his own, to be his wife and partner, to build a life together. The idea of that future, for which she had no guidance, no experience, filled Brienne with terror. The nervousness that ran through her body, reminded Brienne how woefully ill prepared she was for such a commitment. The oppression of failure clung to her like a ballast stone. She could not do that to Eyan, even if they loved each other. The ability to form an answer to his proposal alluded her.

It was only when his expression showed the tinge of fear at her silence that Brienne managed to stutter a reply. "Eyan, I…" she breathed a timid shallow gasp.

The hope disappeared from Eyan's face. Silently he berated himself for what must surely have seemed to Brienne a disrespectful and brash proposal of marriage. She deserved to be asked in a manner befitting the knight that she was, the lady that she was. Before him sat the Lord Commander of the Kings Guard, the woman who would one day be Evenstar. His timing should have been momentous. He should have come to her with something more fitting in his hand than a bedsheet. He reddened in embarrassment, fearing this brazen manner had sealed a certain refusal. Perhaps he could buy himself some time.

"Do not feel you need to answer now, My Lady." He smiled, attempting to cover his blunder. "We can speak of this matter when I return." He offered. Brienne could only nod in reply.

Eyan dressed and prepared for his day in silence. Brienne sat watching him from the bed they shared. The one which would feel so cold in his absence. If only she could force her mind to fathom the possibility set before her. If only she could make her lips form the answer her heart wanted to give. Instead, she remained quiet, a thousand thoughts colliding in her head.

Finally, armored and ready, Eyan returned to her. Brienne's heart skipped a beat. He looked so bold, so dashing and brave. He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips. Never taking his eyes from her, Eyan laid a gentle kiss upon her fingers. He held onto to her like a life line as he savored the feel of her skin. Then he bent and kissed her lips tenderly, passionately.

"Until I see you again, My Love." He bid her, taking one more moment to memorize her every detail. Eyan then turned and headed slowly to the door of her chamber. The clank of the latch as it opened sounded so empty and cold. Somberly he opened the door and stepped toward the deserted corridor beyond.

"Eyan!" Brienne's voice stopped him in his tracks before he swung the door halfway open.

She held the sheet around her and rushed to him. Brienne pressed herself into his arms and wrapped her own around his waist. He enveloped her in his embrace. How long they stood holding onto each other, neither could say. It was as if, through sheer will, they were trying to make time stand still. When at last, they could afford no more moment spent in their farewell, Brienne stepped away and looked mournfully into Eyan's eyes.

"Be careful." She begged him.

He nodded his understanding, and with one last kiss, was gone. Brienne stood lonely, already feeling his absence bitterly. The days until he returned would be torture, she was certain. She closed the door and leaned against the frame, a miserable grief settling upon her. The pit in her stomach felt hallow and hateful. As she peered across the room to the bed which had see their passion only a short time before, a terrible regret shook Brienne to the core. She gasped as the realization hit her. She had not told him she loved him.

A week passed, and a fortnight. Soon a moon had come and gone with no word from Eyan. Brienne went about her duties with a brave face each day. Every evening she returned to her lonely billet, and sleepless stared hopelessly over the waves from her window, watching for any sign of a returning ship. Brienne strained her eyes until they were red and watered from exertion, searching the endless ocean for any pinpoint of light. The fingers of her right hand traced the silver curves of the necklace Eyan had given her, imagining it could somehow bring him close to her. Her left hand clutch the hilt of Oathkeeper as it always did, almost unconsciously, when she needed strength. Brienne kept the great sword Jaime had given her across her lap. She imagined his energy and fortitude bolstering her as it always had.

Jaime stood guard over Brienne and watched as she struggled to remain resolute, as she desperately clung to the belief that Eyan would return. He loathed that this was how she had waited and hoped that he might return to her at Winterfell. Knowing that he had been unable to answer her prayers then cut him worse than any blade ever had. He was certain Eyan would return to her, but how could he tell her? How could he give her the hope that was fast failing her? It would mean revealing himself again to her, after all the time that had past. He fought himself, uncertain of whether that would be wise?

Over the king weeks, when it seemed Brienne had reached the end of her endurance, at last a raven reached the capital from Sunspear. House Martell's fealty to King Bran had been assured. Eyan and Ser Davos were sailing for home. Brienne thanked the Gods, and for the first time in weeks, felt as though she could breath. She knew Eyan would ask for her hand again. Brienne hoped she would be able to determine the answer when at last she was once more in his arms.

As Brienne anxiously awaited Eyans's arrival at The Red Keep, a little more than week after the raven's message was received, the clouds rolled black over Kings Landing. The storm began at what should have been dawn, turning the sky overThe Capital into an endless night. The rain and wind raged for days. It was the worst storm the city had seen in a millennium. As far as anyone could discern over the churning waves the sea seemed to be alive and angry, the demons of the deep hungry for anything they could grab. Somehow, sporadic reports began to trickle in from the south of the damage incurred by the lands along the coast. Dragonstone and Storm's End both still stood though their lands and crops were laid waste. The docks at Castleport on Tarth were in shatters. It would be moons before her father's island could moor ships along its wharfs. Even as far south as the beaches of Dorne, the shores and towns were not spared from destruction. Brienne knew that Eyan would be sailing directly into the heart of the tempest.

Time marched by in a dreadful lethargy until the ship which was to shepherd Ser Eyan and Ser Davos back to Kings Landing was long overdue. Brienne could not bear waiting as a hostage inside the fortress walls any longer. She took to pacing the battlements that overlooked Blackwater Bay. Through the days and nights of downpour and thunder and lightning she watch, waiting for Eyan to return to her. In the darkness, Brienne lost count of the hours that had passed. It was not until Ser Podrick brought orders to her from The King to return indoors, fearful that she might be taken ill, did Brienne submit to keeping her watch from her chamber window once more.

The silence of her quarters echoed painfully in her ears, It was split only by the rolling culls of thunder, and reminded her how desperate she was to hear Eyan's laughter again. At least the lightning bolts that pierced the darkness gave her a moments view of the bay. Brienne nearly crawled from her skin with each interval that separated the strikes. Her eyes hurriedly darted back and forth each time the world was lit white, praying a ship would appear on the horizon. In the early morning hours as she stood to stretch her legs, Brienne could no longer fight the sobs which tore at her throat. She propped Oathkeeper against the window frame and walked stiffly to the hearth. Staring into the flames, Brienne prayed that wherever he was, Eyan was warm. A terrifying image of his body lying cold on the ocean floor flashed into her thoughts. To quell the scream she felt welling up within her, Brienne clasped her hand over her mouth and collapsed to floor, weeping bitterly.

It was at the site of Brienne crumpled in surrender that Jaime could stand his cruel watch no longer. He had known something surged within him, some power he had not possessed when he lived, some force from the Gods themselves. It had unleashed itself only a few rare times. In anger, Jaime's unheard shout had extinguished the torches along the corridor where he had died, after he had been powerless to comfort Brienne's sadness. The intensity of his love had caused Brienne to feel his kiss in the darkness of her chamber when his resolve to stay distant from her failed him. In despair, when Brienne at last surrendered to Eyan's embrace, Jaime had fled to Tyrion's solar. The rawness of his emotions had caused the doors to burst open and the flames of the candles there to move with his very breath. This night, Brienne needed him. He would not fail her again.

Jaime mustered all the strength the Gods had given him, and made himself take form. He was for a moment no longer a shadow, no longer unseen. The flicker of embers from the dying hearth glowed through him. As the light danced into what should have been his skin, it shimmered as if all the stars in the sky had gathered to create him. He felt as bright as the sun. With haste, he went to Brienne.

A familiar touch roused Brienne from her despair. Jaime took her by the shoulders and lifted her to sit, holding her tightly to him. She did not startle in shock. She did not cower in fear. She breathed a deep sigh and leaned her head against his neck, as if she had always been in his arms.

"I knew you were here." She whispered, as she slid her hands up to cling to his arms which had wrapped around her. A tiny smile crossed Brienne's face as she realized his sword hand had been restored to him.

"Yes. My love." Jaime answered. "I am here." He affirmed, kissing her neck and reveling in the feel of her. "Please don't cry." Jaime begged. "He shall return to you, I swear it." He tried his best to give her hope.

Brienne lifted her eyes to him. Even through the dreamy gaze of recognition in which she held him, Jaime could hear the unspoken indictment of her thoughts. 'You did not return to me.' He imagined the painful words, though she did not speak them.

"I must tell you the reasons that forced me from your side." Jaime needed Brienne to understand that he had foresaken her only to protect her.

Brienne swallowed hard against the onslaught of her tears. She recalled her conversation with Tyrion in the dim passageway still stained with blood in the very spot Jaime had died. Lord Tyrion had imparted to Brienne that it was only fear for her safety that had driven Jaime from the life they shared, and that his actions had sealed his fate tragically along with Cersei, so that she would live.

Softly, understandingly, Brienne raised her fingers to his face. A warm charge tingled upon her skin as her touch followed the line of his jaw. To have him with her again was like an answer to her prayers. "I know what you did." She assured him. "And why you did it." Brienne's understanding tone lifted Jaime's heart, and his spirit.

Jaime nodded, barely able to find his voice. "I had to keep you safe." He told her, fighting the sobs in his chest.

"Your brother told me about the threat Cersei made on your lives." Brienne acknowledged.

Even as a dead man, a chill ran down Jaime's spine remembering the night Bronn found him and Tyrion in the tavern, and the not so veil intimation he had leveled that Brienne would be next. Jaime would never forget those words. '…or maybe I'll pick off a few of the Dragon Queen's generals, one at a time.' The cold stare in which Bronn had met Jaime's forced bravery haunted him still. He should have killed the man then and there, instead he had allowed Cersei's evil hatred to take him from the arms of the woman he adored, from Brienne.

"You would have been next, My Dearest." Jaime replied, the terror still fresh in his tone. "I could not allow anything to harm you." He swore. "It was the only thing that drove me from your side." He lamented, his lips pressed to her ear.

Brienne reached for his fist, which was held tightly to her arm. She brought his fingers over her heart. Jaime felt the racing of her pulse through her skin. "I know." She forgave him. "I did not realize it then, but I know now." She granted him the absolution he would never give himself, the assurance he did not deserve,

Needfully Jaime clutched Brienne's hand. "Then you know that my heart belongs to you, only you, now always." He vowed.

Brienne looked away, shamed and embarrassed. "Jaime, I love you." She answered. "I shall love you forever." She swore, a tear trickling down her cheek. She drew in a shallow breath fearful that he might disappear with the confessed she needed to give him. "But, I…."

Jaime nodded, and drew her closer. "I know about Ser Eyan." He comforted.

The kindness and empathy in Jaime's eyes gave Brienne the courage to continue. "He's a good man." She defended.

With a smile, Jaime calmed her fears. "Of course he is. That is why I sent him to you." He told her, his voice like a sweet melody.

"You?" She questioned.

"Yes." Jaime confessed. "I do not wish you to be alone in this life." He said, his gaze lost somewhere in her lovely blue eyes. "I chose him for you. I would trust no other man in The Realm with my maiden." He smiled.

Brienne stared at him in wonder. "Ser Eyan has asked me to marry him." She replied, uncertainty weighing upon her words.

"And you should." Jaime asserted.

Brienne's brow creased with worry and confusion. "How can I when half of my heart will always belong to you?" She asked, her dilemma tearing her apart.

"It is a portion that I shall consider a blessing." Jaime smiled gladly. "You still have so much of life ahead of you. You and Ser Eyan" He promised. "I've seen your children, Brienne. They are beautiful, and brave, and brilliant, and they are so like you. This world needs them." His voice quivered as he recalled the vibrant beings, yet unborn, who would have been his had he remained with her. He shook the vision from his mind and continued. "We shall have our time." He swore to her. "Just not now." Jaime's eyes gleamed imagining that day.

Frightened, Brienne clung to him. "But I don't want to give you up." She cried.

Jaime stroked her hair, and settled her with his strength. His gaze traveled over her precious face until coming to rest again upon her eyes. "Oh My Love." He breathed tenderly. "I shall always be with you." He declared. "I shall be the first warm rays of sunlight that awaken you in the morning. I shall be the soft wind that caresses your hair, and the rain that kisses your lips. I shall be the steel of your blade." Jaime professed proudly. "I shall be the gentle light of the moon that guides you to your slumber, and the glimmer of all the stars in the sky which watch over you." He vowed solemnly, an oath he would never resent.

Brienne's eye were soft upon him. Her gentle stare felt to him like coming home. "I love you." She swore to him.

"I love you, My Dearest." Jaime answered, as he brought his face to hers. "Always." He affirmed before placing a sweet kiss upon her lips. Brienne leaned into him, and tasted the pleasure of their passion the way she had at Winterfell. It was as if for one last brief moment, he was flesh again, and they were all that mattered.

When they parted from each other, Jaime smiled warmly. "Ser Eyan will be here soon. Go to him." He bid her.

Brienne nodded. A shiver ran along her spine as she watched Jaime disappearing before her eyes. She knew he would not be far away. Brienne held her breath as the last of his smiling face dissolved back into an unseen realm. She had never before known the peace she felt in that moment. Pausing, she caught her breath, she stared through the place Jaime had been, and noticed the glint of something beside Oathkeeper where it stood propped against the window. It looked familiar, something she had not seen in a long while. She stood and made her way cautiously toward the object, still intoxicated from Jaime's appearance. As she moved closer, Brienne gasped as she recognized what had appeared beside her own sword. It was Widows Wail.

Rushing to the window, Brienne scooped up Jaime's sword and clutched it to her heart. She smiled through her breathless astonishment and her tears, knowing Jaime was near. "Always." She heard him whisper, and she laughed out loud with glee.

Suddenly, the alarm horn that sounded an approaching ship rang through the night. Brienne cried out aloud with hope and happiness, certain it would be Eyan's vessel that returned. She looked frantically around her chamber until her eyes fell upon her own leather gambeson laying across the bed. She quickly wrapped Widows Wail in the leather garment and placed the weapon into a chest of drawers near her bed. It would never be lost against. Brienne bit her lip and looked once more about the room, thinking of all Jaime has said. Quickly, she picked up Oathkeeper and tied it around her waist. Then she threw open her door and sprinted along the passageway heading for the docks.

Brienne ran at a full sprint to the pier. The rain had ceased. Neither thunder nor lightning battled overhead. The night had become as calm, and clear as a spring day. Arriving along with most of the other inhabitants of The Red Keep, Brienne saw a battered and broken ship flying the banner of the Three Eyed Raven limping into port. Her breath caught in her throat at the site of the vessel. The foremast and jibbsails were completely gone. The midmast hung over the deck, split in two. A large hole gaped at the half deck, and timbers threatened to buckle on all sides. Brienne's heart sunk within her chest. She could not imagine how anyone could have survived to man the craft. Brienne gave a silent prayer that she would find Eyan safely aboard. Beside her, unseen in the night, Jaime was true to his vow that he would never leave her, not again. He longed to bring her comfort, but could only watch her distress.

The crowd murmured in fascination, speculating what they might find once the ship was boarded, and who may have survived. The din created by the voices of the mob which surrounded her crashed into Brienne's head. Fearful and overwhelmed, she felt as if the world were spinning out of control. She dug her nails into her hands trying to steady herself. As the vessel drew closer, Ser Davos could be seen standing stalwart at the prow. Brienne edged closer to the waterline. There was no sign of Eyan.

Through the throng of onlookers, Podrick spotted Brienne. He pushed toward her, until at last he managed to position himself just ahead of where she stood. Using the full force of his body, Pod began to push and shove people out of the way, clearing a path for Brienne to reach the berth where the ship would anchor. By the time they stood upon the edge of the wharf, the skeleton of what had been a great ship of The Realm's navy was tied and secured, finding refuge in her home port at last. The entire dock shuddered and swayed as the massive gang plank was lowered into place.

"Go!" Podrick shouted, and started Brienne's momentum toward the ramp with a forceful nudge. She needed no further encouragement.

Desperate to find Eyan, Brienne pressed her body through the horde of onlookers, and pulled herself up the heavy wooden slope until her feet were planted firmly on the deck. Breathless, she scanned the sailors and deckhands searching for Eyan over their heads. Ser Davos commanded, still unmoved from the bow, shouting orders to his crew. Men scampered about, urged on by the voices of their superiors. There was no sign of Eyan on the main deck. In a frenzy, Brienne launched herself at the ladder which led to the halfdeck. The hole that had been blown from the side of the ship there seemed to mock her ominously. Still, Eyan was nowhere to be found.

Clinging to the last shred of hope she had left, Brienne scurried to climb to the quarterdeck. Her heart fluttered, coming to life again, and her breath flowed once more freely to her lungs as if a weight had been lifted from her chest. Finally, Brienne saw Eyan's tall strong form outlined against the night sky. His back turned to her, Eyan shouted commands to the men tending the rear of the ship. He stood so straight and proud, his mere presence bringing order in the chaos.

"Eyan!" Brienne called to him, her voice awash in relief.

Quickly, Eyan turned to behold the face he had dreamed of for weeks. Before another moment was lost, they rushed into each other's arms. Eyan clung to her, his arms like a vice grip around her. Brienne brought her lips to his and was met with all the adoration they had been denied. When they had exhausted all of the air their lungs could hold. Brienne pulled her head back and stared lovingly at him.

"Yes!" She shouted joyfully over the noise of the deck.

Eyan's gaze widened, registering the recognition of the answer he had prayed for. "Yes?" He questioned, needing to be sure he heard her correctly.

Brienne nodded emphatically, her smile gleaming. "Yes!" She repeated. "I will marry you." She answered his plea of weeks before. "I love you." She asserted.

Eyan felt as if he were floating on air, the ordeal of the storm forgotten. He lifted Brienne into his arms and spun her around as if she were a girl. "Oh, I love you." He told Brienne, kissing her with all the passion of the dreams she had just given him.

Unable to stem the flow of her happy tears, Brienne's heart still reeled from the terror she had known at Eyan's delay. "I feared I would never see you again." She shuddered in his arms.

He stroked her hair and held Brienne with a steel grip. Eyan's expression professed the certainty of his oath as he spoke. "My Love." He vowed. "There is nothing that could keep me from you." He declared, returning his attentions to her lips and feasting upon the sweetness he found there.

Around them the world went on, the business of the docking ship continued. They were oblivious to it all, lost in each other. From a short distance away, Jaime watched, a melancholy smiled drifted across his face. He had done exactly what he had set out to accomplish when he spurred his horse through Winterfell's gates. He had protected Brienne. He had kept her safe from the evil that would have surely killed her. He had chosen well for her. Ser Eyan loved Brienne as he had, and would give her the life he had so wanted to live with her. Watching the woman he loved pledge her life to another, Jaime sighed and knew Brienne was happy.