Brienne and Ser Eyan were married in the Sept at Evenfall. Although the wedding was a small affair with only a few close friends and relations, Lord Selwyn spared no expense in ensuring it was as lavish as his beloved daughter deserved. The Evenstar declared that he had never seen Brienne so happy, and found Eyan a more than suitable match. Podrick, who attended the nuptials, never told Brienne what her father had whispered to him as the couple said their vows.

"Thank The Gods it's not the Kingslayer." He declared secretly. Still loyal to Jaime, Podrick merely raised his eyebrows but made no reply.

A specter in the shadows, Jaime watched his maiden marry another, the man he had chosen for her. His heart was torn with both joy and despair. He rested in the knowledge that his choice had protected Brienne. and brought her here to stand on the edge of a happy future. Yet, Jaime was all too keenly aware that it would have been him to whom Lord Selwyn presented his only daughter's hand in marriage. Brienne was beautiful in her mother's wedding gown. She seemed to glow in the soft light that filtered through the tall stained glass windows into the ancient Sept. He could almost imagine it was he to whom she was escorted. He could not take his eyes from her. Although Jaime wished he was the one pledging his heart to Brienne, strangely, he felt an odd satisfaction as she joined her life to Eyan Ripleigh's. This had been the very reason he had sacrificed himself, so that she would know happiness. Jaime's love for Brienne transcended the living world. He would watch over her, and they would meet in The Heavens when the time came. Eternity would be theirs.

Brienne loved Ser Eyan fiercely. She was an attentive and faithful wife. Their marriage was filed with bliss and contentment. There was trust between them that was rivaled only by that which Jaime himself had shared with the other man's wife. In her quiet moments, however, Brienne would often come to Jaime. He was always there. A soft longing smile would settle upon her face as she relaxed in the assurance of his presence. At times, when no one else was near, she would speak aloud to Jaime. In other moments, Brienne would simply rest in the feeling of him. That sensation stayed with her throughout her entire lifetime. The connection never weakened, and their love was never truly lost.

The Lord Commander and The Master of War made their life in The Capital, ensuring the protection of King Bran and the strength of The Realm. Over the years that followed the children whom Jaime had met in the Gods' own Sept were born to Brienne and Eyan. They adored their sons and daughter, and raised them to be strong, brave, and honorable. As Jaime watched Brienne's children grow, he often remembered that they would have been his had he stayed at her side. He found that he loved them all as if they truly were his own.

Brienne's father, Lord Selwyn, was blessed with many years of life. When he took his last breath, it was with his daughter and grandchildren at his bedside. Brienne inherited the old man's title and became Evenstar that very day. The King released her and Ser Eyan from their oaths of service to him, and named a new Lord Commander and new Master of War from the Lords of Westeros. Along with their children, Brienne and Eyan took up residence at Evenfall, where he guarded her as not only her husband but also her Sworn Sword. Eyan's protection of his Lady Evenstar was as vigilant and dutiful as Jaime's would have been.

"You should rest my love." Brienne sighed, trying hide the discomfort in her aching joints as she helped her husband into their bed. "You've had a long and busy day." Brienne smiled as she soothed Eyan's wrinkled forehead.

"It was a glorious day." He corrected her sweetly, a gleeful smile washing over his aged face.

Brienne joined him in happy reflection. "It always is when our grandchildren visit." She beamed proudly.

"I shall never miss a chance to pass a few hours with our Sweetlings." Eyan proclaimed, settling into the pillows.

"Nor will I, Dearest." Brienne concurred, nestling next to him as she had done for so many years.

All of Brienne and Eyan's children had gathered at Evenfall earlier that very moon to celebrate Ser Eyan's eighty-seventh nameday. Each had planned a long visit with their respective families, and it seemed every day was a new cause for festivities. Brienne still held regally the title of Evenstar, though she had begun to groom her daughter to assume that role when the time came. The girl, herself now a mother of three, took to her training as though she had decided her destiny long before she was born. Their sons had left the walls of Evenfall to pursue their own paths, yet all remained close with their parents, and were fiercely proud of their Tarthian heritage.

Jaime had watched Brienne grow old as another man's wife. He saw her bring Eyan the blessing of children, and guarded over them as well. He could not help but feel the pangs of regret to think it might have been him who was granted the privilege of holding her each night, or the honor of raising a family with his beloved Brienne. There were moments when still her mind traveled to thoughts of him, when in her silences she sought him. He was always there for her to find.

"Sleep now." Brienne bid Eyan, sending him to his dreams with a loving kiss. The old knight returned his dear wife's affection and did as he was told. He closed his eyes with a pleasant smile upon his face, and his breathing soon turned to the deep sighs of slumber.

Eyan awoke to a familiar yet strangely curious vista. It was a meadow he knew by heart, near his home of Dawnmoore in The Reach. For a moment his heart grew frantic searching for Brienne, only to be calmed by an overwhelming sense of belonging. His mind told him he should not be here. His home was on Tarth with his wife and family. The Sapphire Isle felt so far away. Still in his uncertainty, Eyan's heart assured him there was no cause to be troubled.

"It takes a few moments." A peaceful voice spoke behind him.

Eyan turned to regard the handsome, almost perfect, face of a man his senses told him that he knew though of whom his mind could form no memory. "I beg your pardon?" Eyan asked, bewildered as to how he had been transported from the soft warm bed he shared with Brienne to the home of his youth.

"To get used to this." The stranger explained. "It will take a while before this all seems natural." He glanced about him with a comfortable grin.

Eyan blinked hard, trying to ward off a dizzy feeling which was overtaking him, and searching his memories for any lingering sign of this unknown person. His host was tall, and well built. The shade of his golden hair matched the hues of the week's worth of beard that framed his angular face. Caring green eyes smiled at Eyan, and put him at ease. He noticed the man was outfitted in fine tended leather armor the color of the deepest wine. At last he was certain who it was that addressed him.

"Ser Jaime, I presume." Eyan returned the friendly greeting.

Jaime gave an exaggerated bow. "None other." He confirmed.

Eyan's cordiality turned to concern. "Brienne?" He nearly shouted, looking around for some path upon which he could travel. "I must return to Brienne." His worried eyes searched Jaime, surely he would understand.

Jaime held up his hands to calm Ser Eyan, the warm smile never leaving his face. "Brienne is fine." He affirmed. "She shall not be called here for quite a number of years." Jaime said knowingly.

Eyan straightened, the color draining a little from his face. He looked down at his hands. They were tight and strong and young. He brought his finger up to feel his own face. No wrinkles suggested his age. He imagined his hair was as dark as when he was a boy. "I have died, then." He stated, calmly resigned to the fact.

Jaime nodded respectfully. "Yes. Your end was peaceful, in your sleep, wrapped in the arms of the woman you love." He relayed to Eyan. He envied Ser Eyan the death for which he himself had hoped.

For a quiet moment Eyan pondered Jaime's meaning. He thought of Brienne finding his lifeless body when she awakened. He lamented the grief she would feel, yet was grateful for the life they had shared. Jaime's words echoed in his ears. "Peaceful. In the arms of the women I love." Eyan repeated. Then he stared solidly at Jaime.

"A much better end than you received, my friend." Eyan bantered.

Jaime replied with a wistful chuckled. "By Far." He agreed.

Eyan lowered is eyes to the long lush grass in which they stood. He was almost remorseful for Jaime. At least he had gotten a lifetime with Brienne. But what did Ser Jaime's presence here now mean? Eyan feared he knew all to well.

"It is you who will spend eternity with her, when the time comes, not I." He said with a tone of regretful finality in his voice.

Self consciously, Jaime's nodded, for a moment unable to confirm Ser Eyan's realization. He was uneasily constrained. It was a blessing that Jaime would not sacrifice, nor deny. He could also never take for granted what Eyan had meant to Brienne or the fulfilling joy the man had given her in life.

"Yes." Jaime nodded. "The Gods have decreed it." He confirmed.

A distance found Eyan's eyes. It was as if he were envisioning each happy moment he had shared with Brienne along with the truth of forever without her. A reticent sigh lingered in his lungs. While Eyan had never doubted Brienne's love for him or her commitment to their marriage, he had always known that part of his wife always belonged the ghost of the man who had loved her first. Somehow he had always known that it would be Ser Jaime who would share the ages with her.

"As it should be." Eyan admitted selflessly. "She loves you." He stared at Jaime. His gaze holding no malice.

"She loves you, too." Jaime replied kindly.

Eyan's expression was soft and caring as he reflected upon his life with Brienne. Jaime felt as if he were intruding into the man's last hold upon life. "The years I shared with her were no doubt happier than any man has a right to. Our bond was strong, as was our family, and the life we made." Eyan smiled wistfully. "I shall never doubt the love we felt for each other." He nodded to himself. "We laughed, we cried, we shared all the deepest affections of man and wife. There was no part of each other left hidden to us." His voice quivered with his joyful memories. "Yet, there was always you." Eyan said without judgement, merely stating a fact to which he had accepted many years before.

Eyan raised his eyes to Jaime. "In her quiet moments, those times Brienne could not share with me..." Eyan began unflinchingly. "I knew she was with you." His tone held no bitterness, nor anger. "I never remarked upon it, never questioned it, never coveted it." He recalled. "I gave her that." Eyan breathed a deep sigh, grateful to have loved her at all.

"You gave her all the things I wished to." Jaime said with admiration.

Eyan pondered Ser Jaime's words. "I love Brienne enough that knowing she will be granted eternal happiness with you will be all I need to ensure my own contentment in The Heavens." He affirmed.

Jaime smiled and peered over Eyan's shoulder. "The Gods have blessed you with much more than that." He nodded in the direction his gaze led.

Eyan turned, and as he did, before him appeared a familiar scene although the rolling hills and windswept grass were even lovelier than ever he had known them as a young man. He found himself standing beside a small stream by whose banks he had spent many an lazy afternoon. The calm lapping current seemed to enliven the landscape as it moved along into the distance. He followed it, an awed smile finding his lips. Almost as if from nowhere, an ancient lush tree nestled into the distance ahead. Its branches stretched over the water. Its leaves seemed to sing in the soft breeze. Eyan's breath caught in his throat when his eyes focused upon the gentle form of a young woman who stood beneath the canopy of the tall sturdy timber.

"Aubrey." Eyan whispered, the pain of her long ago death melting from him like ice warming in the sun.

Jaime stepped toward him. "She has been waiting for you." He announced compassionately. "Go to her." He bid.

For a moment, Eyan stood frozen, timid as a boy for the first time in many years. He studied the lovely young face of his first bride, the one to whom he had first pledged his life and heart. She was as sweet and beautiful as the day he first laid eyes upon her. He had loved her with an almost unfathomable passion, and her death had scarred him. Surely, eternity at her side would be the stuff of dreams. Then his thoughts went to the dream he had already lived. He envisioned Brienne standing before him so clearly in his mind, that for a moment he thought he might reach out and touch her. He thought of the life they had shared, the children they had raised, and the love they had known. She would always be with him. His soul would rejoice for the blessing of her, and his heart would ache for her absence. Even though he was granted the dream of his precious Aubrey, his heart would hold a deep and special place for Brienne.

'She will be safe, and happy, and loved.' Eyan told himself, tearing his thoughts from his dear Brienne. 'She will have Ser Jaime. This is how it should be.' He nodded quietly before setting his foot upon the path which would return him to his first love. He made but a few paces before spinning on his heels to regard Jaime.

"When you see Brienne," He began. "Tell her that I love her." Eyan requested plaintively.

Jaime nodded reverently. "I will." He promised. He wanted to sing the man's praises for the love he had held for Brienne, for his protection of her, and for the happiness that almost made the pain of his own leaving cut less deeply within her heart. All he could voice was his heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you, Ser Eyan." He said proudly.

"Oh no, Ser Jaime. Thank you." Eyan replied, knowing it had been the other man who loved Brienne the most who had brought him to her. Jaime lowered his eyes respectfully. Centering himself with a deep steadying breath, Eyan dipped his chin, and moved again toward the tree. His pace quickened as he approached Aubrey. The life for which he had once hoped would be his at last. Eyan rested in the knowledge that Brienne would have that as well.

Brienne served Tarth faithfully as Evenstar for more than two decades following the loss of Ser Eyan. Under her guidance, the island became a formidable presence within the realm. The Lady Evenstar strategically capitalized upon Tarth's location on the trading routes between Essos and Westeros to grow its influence in both wealth and power. She led the Sapphire Isle bravely and justly, remaining loyal to King Bran until the end of her days.

Brienne yearned desperately for Ser Eyan. His death left a great hole in her heart, one that even Jaime's memory and the assurance of his presence could not fill. Jaime saw the sadness in her eyes when in silence she sat, and he knew her thoughts did not linger upon him. So she grieved and when her heart became used to Eyan's absence, Jaime was there where he had always been, where he remained. Brienne felt his burning love even through the ethereal veil which floated between them. Ser Eyan filled her life with joy. His loss was a great tragedy which changed Brienne forever. Even as she wept for her beloved husband, her love for Jaime remained steadfast and strong.

Her sons excelled along their chosen paths. Each becoming honored knights in their own right. The eldest, named for Brienne's own dear lost brother Galladon, grew to earn his own seat on King Bran's Small Council. He took his father's place as Master of War when the time came. Brienne's second son, the namesake of her own father Selwyn Tarth became Lord of his father's ancestral home of Dawnmoore, when the brother who had disowned Ser Eyan died without issue. Lord Selwyn Ripleigh was a kind and benevolent nobleman loved and revered by all. Brienne's youngest boy, who was named for Ser Eyan's father, inherited his mother's skill with steel and became one of the greatest swordsmen Westeros had ever known. Many affirmed that his prowess with the blade rivaled even the great Jaime Lannister. Brienne named her daughter for the bravest and most honorable woman she had ever known. Young Lady Catelyn, her mother's very likeness, declared she would remain by her mother's side at Evenfall. Along with her husband, himself an honored knight of his time, Catelyn raised her own children in her ancestral home. Brienne declared her daughter would become Evenstar when age would steal her time from her.

Brienne's children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. They were heirs to Evenfall. She knew the sapphire isle would always prosper and the name of Tarth would be spoken of with honor for a thousand years. The brothers and their sister grew to tails of their parents adventures. They thrilled to stories of Brienne's oaths and accomplishments, and were mesmerized by Eyan's accounts of his time on the mysterious southern continent. The children knew by heart the stories of the man who had once wielded the proud ruby encrusted Valyrian Steel sword mounted majestically over their hearth, both in the Red Keep and then Evenfall's Great Hall. The greatest knight The Realm had ever seen, or so Brienne had proudly told them, had himself bestowed upon her both the honor of knighthood as well as her own prized weapon, Oathkeeper. Brienne never revealed to them the depth of what she had shared with that legendary warrior. Brienne spoke of Ser Jaime's valor and honor, but never of the love she felt for him.

Eyan did not begrudge Brienne her recollections, nor his childrens' fascination with Ser Jaime Lannister. The young ones could not have known that as they learned of those historic deeds, the Lion of Casterly Rock himself stood only paces from them. Jaime's enjoyment came from the smiles on their faces, and the memories he saw in Brienne's eyes. As her sons and daughter became older, and the ways of the world more known to them, the children suspected there was far more to the story than they were told. They did not voiced their suspicions, too great was the respect they held for their parents. So when the ravages of age finally weakened the lady knight, it helped them to believe it was their father to whom she smiled one last time when death came to claim her.

In truth it was Jaime who waited at Brienne's bedside as she closed her eyes upon the world, and opened them to The Heavens. Unseen by the family gathered there, Brienne's brilliant blue eyes sparkled in a way they had not for many, a manner which was reserved only for Jaime. She rose from the pillows upon which her aged and frail body had lain for moons. She remained there for a moment, savoring the feeling of vitality and strength which had returned to her. Brienne's gaze found Jaime's and she was bathed in the warmth of his love. Every moment they had spent seperated from each other melted away. It was as if they had never been parted. Brienne felt almost as though she had fallen asleep at Winterfell and had awakened not to an empty bed but to his loving smile. A second chance had at last been granted them.

Brienne reached her hand to Jaime and was lifted from her body into his arms. She nestled her head against his, and breathed a contented sigh. Jaime held her close, almost fearful she would fade from his grasp. Brienne slid her palm down his right arm and smiled as her fingers entwined with those on the hand she could barely remember. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. She stared longingly into his eyes.

"Come." He whispered to her and led her from the vigil which her children held, now encircled around her lifeless body. She nodded her readiness as they moved away, his arm around her waist.

Brienne could not understand why all of it should feel so comfortable to her. She had died only moments before, but even that did not shock her. Perhaps it was the sweet release for which she had waited. The only obstacle that kept her from Jaime's side had now been defeated. Brienne could feel the room that surrounded them begin to fade. She drew her gaze from Jaime and turned to regard her children and her grandchildren for one last time. Brienne regarded them for a moment, her heart at once aching for them and bidding them farewell. She had never felt as certain of their well-being as she did now. She had raised them well. They were now grown and their own lives awaited them. They were ready and so was she.

Softly, Brienne nodded to Jaime. His caring expression welcomed her to The Heavens. In the blink of an eye she felt herself transported with him to strange but familiar lands. Their feet had before walked the paths they now trod, yet the visions that welcomed her were far more lovely than ever they had been. The sun shone through the trees of the Riverlands like diamonds. The bridge upon which they had fought, nearly to the death, was more enchanting to her than Evenfall's own gate.

'You have caught me chastising my wife.' She heard whispered upon the breeze Jaime's greeting to Locke and his men. She bit her lip and smiled to him bashfully. He reddened sweetly at the memory, only now realizing how his mind had quickly formed the only solution he truly wanted.

The bear pit loomed before them. The cheers of the crowd was now turned to the songs of the angels themselves. Jaime and Brienne peered into the tall cage that once promised their death. Even the bear now seemed to smile at them. The Round Room within the Red Keep felt like a soft cloud enveloping them. Recalling how Jaime had gifted his magnificent Valyrian Steel weapon to Brienne there, each instinctively reached for their swords. To their surprise both Oathkeeper and Widow Wail gleamed proudly at their sides, a testament to the strength of their love. The road that led from Kings Landing, upon which they had bid farewell never expecting to see each other again, greeted them as would an old friend. The ruined Dragon Pit where their secret love had nearly shamed them was now grand and imposing though no fear of discovery haunted them now. And Winterfell with its low wide towers, and tall flaming Weirwood tree, where the passion between them ignited, seemed a homecoming.

The courtyard, the last place she had seen Jaime alive, no longer mocked Brienne. This is where he reached for her. Jaime brought his hand to Brienne's cheek and leaned his forehead to hers. They clung to each other, feeling more alive together here in The Heavens than they had apart in life. "I never wanted to leave you." Jaime confessed, gulping in her essence as he spoke. "Every hoofbeat that took me further from you was a torture, a knife in my heart." He sobbed.

"I felt each of them." Brienne held Jaime close, her tears mixing with his. "And I've felt you with me every moment since." She sobbed against his neck.

Jaime nodded as he sighed, closing his eyes to revel in her words. "That is where I have always been." He told her. "I kept you safe. And now nothing will ever part us again." Jaime caressed the curve of Brienne's jaw and brought her lips to his. It may have been a thousand years they stood savoring the feast of each other's mouths, neither was sure. The only notion of which both were certain was that they were the only ones who mattered, only them.

When their long denied thirst had been satisfied, Jaime wrapped his arm securely around Brienne's waist and motioned ahead of them. As if upon his cue, their path turned to a milky swirl of celestial clouds and spires. Brienne blessed him with a loving gaze and they set upon the journey, their feet barely touching the ground. As they strolled, the stones beneath them melted away until only a trail of star dust remained. Ahead of them in the distance, the sun gleamed golden and beckoning. It was a bright beacon in the darkness which had shadowed them. They were drawn to it.

Even as she rejoiced at last in Jaime's presence, Brienne could not help but feel her heart shiver. She realized a part of her was homesick for the man who had shared her life. Unbidden, Brienne stopped in her tracks. She turned to Jaime with a reluctant sadness in her eyes.

"Jaime?" Brienne clutched at his arm, unable to move further. "What of Eyan?" She questioned softly, tears forming upon her lashes. When Jaime had left her so long ago, Brienne's broken heart refused to give him up. Now, at last reunited with the other half of her soul, a part of her could not let go of the one with whom she had shared most of her life.

Sympathy settled tenderly over Jaime's face. He knew the bond between Brienne and Ser Eyan would always be felt keenly by the woman he loved. He did not resent the corner of Brienne's heart where he knew Eyan would always remain. Jaime had not the luxury of jealousy, his own presence having been an unspoken certainty throughout her marriage. He took Brienne's hand and held it tightly as if to steady her.

"He is blessed and happy." He promised. "The Gods have seen to that." Jaime told Brienne.

"You've seen him?" Brienne gasped.

Jaime could barely bring his eyes to her. "I have." He replied softly. "Ser Eyan asked me to tell you that he loves you." Jaime whispered, at last lifting his gaze, only to lose himself in Brienne's melancholy stare.

Brienne acquiesced, ashamed of the jealousy she felt. "He is with Lady Aubrey, his first wife." She acknowledged, wistful for the times she had shared with Eyan.

After a moment's hesitance, she sighed. "I am glad." Brienne declared through a thoughtful smile. "He will be loved…as I will." She clasped Jaime's restored right hand.

"As he was in life." Jaime affirmed.

With a deep breath to center herself, Brienne summoned her courage and spoke unflinchingly to Jaime, hoping he would understand. "I love you, with all of my heart." She told him earnestly. "I always have, and I always will." The sincerity with which she spoke reminded Jaime of her plea to him, that night he left her at Winterfell. A chill ran through him, and he wished nothing more than to ease her fear as he had not done then. However, his own apprehension at what she might tell him made his heart race in dread.

"Of that I am certain." Jaime replied, trying to calm her troubled brow.

"You never need doubt that my heart is yours." She vowed as Jaime watched her in confusion. "But there is a part of me that will always love Eyan." Her words were at once an explanation and an apology.

Relief flooded Jaime's face. He sighed as though he had not taken a breath in a hundred years awaiting her proclamation. "I would have it no other way." He assured her. "That is exactly as it should be." Jaime touched the softeness of Brienne's cheek. "You had a beautiful life with Ser Eyan. You were his wife. He was the father of your children. He loved you, and you loved him." Jaime said softly. "He made you happy, as I wanted to." Jaime regarded Brienne tenderly. "I would never ask you to forget Ser Eyan. I will forever be grateful to him." Jaime swore leaning closer to Brienne.

They needed no words, all had been said to each other for many years. Their hearts had felt the other, known the truest feelings held deep within, beyond denial or distance and even through death. All that was left was for Jaime and Brienne to at last know the joy which had been refused them. As they stood on the edge of their eternity, their lips met in a passionate promise of forever. All the pain and regret that had weighed upon them disappeared in the heavenly expanse. Together they stood as one, as they always should have been and pledged their love to each other. The kiss they shared had been saved, guarded jealously. It breathed life back into them both. The entire universe stood opening before them. Millions of worlds, eons of destiny, theirs for the choosing. They were young again, and strong, and so hopelessly in love. Lost in Jaime's kiss, Brienne felt herself floating. They might have swum in the starry tides forever, she would have given no resistance. What they now shared was sweeter than either could have ever imagined. This was their time, always.