The dinner that Lord Selwyn presented that evening in honor of his daughter's return to Evenfall was a lavish and sumptuous feast. All of the members of the Small Council who had taken refuge on Tarth were in attendance, including Lady Tarly and her children. The King entered, suitably late, escorted by Ser Podrick, and was given his place at the head of the table. Brienne and Jaime sat at the opposite end of the banquet, flanking The Evenstar, who refused to give up his grandson to either the child's mother or father. It was a merry event, and the joyful festivities almost helped the guests forget how close they had come to disaster in the capital.
The late hours were spent in laughter and celebration. Lord Tyrion regaled the guests over tales of his travels in the east, as Lord Bronn made snide but good natured remarks at his expense. To everyone's relief, The Master of Coin eventually lost interest and occupied himself instead making passes at the serving maids. Podrick sat at the elbow of the King, doing his best to hide the snickering which threatened to dissolve into full laughter at the bickering between the two Lords. Ser Davos found himself thoroughly engrossed in conversation with Lord Selwyn on the history of Tarth and its hearty seafaring inhabitants. Gilly did her best to stop Samwell, the Grand Maester, from interjecting his own self-imagined expertise on the subject from knowledge recently learned in Evenfall's library. The young wilding woman's ability to censor her husband, and simultaneously tend to her children amazed Brienne, who could not seem to stop her thoughts from wondering to King Bran's prediction for her future that Jaime had shared, and the child she was beginning to hope now burgeoned in her womb. Jaime noticed her sweetly preoccupied demeanor and grinned adoringly, imagining the thoughts that played within her mind. He found it impossible to take his eyes from her as the night flew by.
Once the heavy plates of savory meats and sweet ocean delicacies had been cleared from the table, and a decadent dessert of pastries and puddings, had been enjoyed, Lord Selwyn stood, drawing the attention of all gathered in the Great Hall. With a broad gleeful smile of his face, and a sleeping babe in one arm, The Evenstar lifted his full goblet high and saluted King Bran. "To your health and prosperity, Your Grace." He toasted. "Long live The King." He proclaimed. Lord Selwyn's well wishes were echoed by the other as they stood and hoisted their cups toward the young Monarch.
"And to you, My Lord." Bran answered, raising his own goblet to The Evenstar. "Thank you for your hospitality and protection." The King lowered his head solemnly, and drank gratefully." His eyes pleased and calm as if he had no cares in the world.
"To our host!" Ser Davos echoed. At that everyone soundly voiced their agreement, and downed their wine gladly.
After the salutations and pleasantries, Lord Selwyn remained standing. His gaze rested upon Galladon, the loving look of a proud patriarch upon his features. He continued to rest his goblet absently in his other fist. After a moment, he sighed happily and turned his adoring look to Brienne. Holding out his cup in her direction, he at last continued. "Please join me in toasting my darling daughter." He asked his guests.
Jaime brightened immediately, bolting to the edge of his seat and straightening to attention. The smile which spread over his face beamed with admiration as he regarded the woman he loved across the table. Brienne gave a soft murmur of bashful laughter and lowered her eyes.
"Oh Father, please don't." She begged. "Not for me." She beseeched, her usual self denying sense of duty overwhelming her.
Lord Selwyn looked proudly over his daughter, but would not be swayed. "It is not every day my sweet child returns home." He announced. "Nor brings me the precious gift of such a fine grandchild." He gushed, his eyes washing over Galladon. Brienne regarded her father and found tears in her eyes at the sight of him holding her son. It was she from whom Jaime could not remove his gaze.
"To Ser Brienne!" Pod agreed heartily from a few chairs away, lifting his cup in celebration. "And to Galladon!" He added happily.
"Here, Here!" Jaime loudly added his sentiment in agreement of Lord Selwyn's decree, and Podrick's cheer. He watched Brienne as she politely tried to decline her father's accolades. Jaime was enthralled by her.
At the sound of the resounding chorus, Galladon whimpered and awoke from his sleep, searching for his mother. Lord Selwyn handed his tiny charge over to his eager daughter, placing a kiss upon the babe's head in the exchange. Brienne rose and gathered her son in her embrace. Of course she knew the child could know no greater care than that of his doting grandfather, yet after the forced absence from her babe which she had endured, Brienne did not wish to ever release Galladon from her own loving arms. She was also feeling Galladon's hunger within her own body, and hoped to seek a quite refuge for herself and her child away from the others. However, as her eyes met's Jaime's, suddenly, Brienne was filled with a desire to add her thoughts to the bevy of toasts that were being presented.
Shyly, quietly, she turned toward the guests and lifted her own goblet within her free hand. "If I may?" She asked awkwardly. "I would like to pay my own tribute…" Brienne began, raising her chin proudly, all timidity disappearing at the the thought of the man she was about to honor. "To Ser Jaime." She announced, a look settling upon her face which one wears only when describing the other they most truly loved.
Jaime's face was stilled with awe as he stared at Brienne. She stood regally, adoration clear in her expression as she beheld the man across the table in her soft stare. "There are those who have thought little of the choices Ser Jaime has made." Brienne's voice quivered uncharacteristically as she spoke of the dire legend Jaime had forged for himself in the times before she knew him. "Still more have cared even less to understand him." She continued, fiery tears battling within her deep blue eyes to think of how harshly the name 'Kingslayer' had pained Jaime. She would not speak that epithet over him. "He has been both lauded and reviled, celebrated and hated." Brienne felt her own heart twist to think of the years he had lived in disgrace. "Yet, I do not believe there are any here who would not be hard pressed to mention a moment in time when Ser Jaime Lannister has acted toward them with anything but integrity and virtue, or any time he had not shown the utmost courage and valor." Brienne tried to hide the choking caused by the lump in her throat, she looked quickly down at Galladon in her arms. The babe's eyes were riveted upon his mother as she praised his father. Jaime's own eye glazed with unworthy tears at the depths of Brienne's devotion. Clearing her throat, she continued, somehow seeming taller, stronger. Brienne was bold and fearless as she spoke, certain in her sentiment. "It will now, never be questioned, that Ser Jaime has proven himself to be a truly honorable man." Brienne avowed.
Jaime stood reverently before Brienne. To him, aside from the child they had created through their love, there was no one else in the room. She held her goblet high for the others to follow. They did so willing, and gladly, joining in her declaration. The voices of those around them were barely noticed amid the visions of their future which passed between them. Jaime crossed behind Lord Selwyn to stand at Brienne's side. He did not notice the judgmental but understanding look which The Evenstar shot in his direction as he reached for the woman he loved. Jaime wrapped his arm possessively around Brienne's waist, pulling her to him. Without taking his gaze from her astonishing blue eye, Jaime gently lifted the goblet from Brienne's finger and drank her toast to him from her cup. She sank into his embrace, her gaze amorous and longing. He raised a brow as if to ask a silent question. She nodded in agreement.
Almost on cue the others began to excuse themselves from the feast. Gilly poked Sam, who was watching the love story unfold between the two knights with a boyish grin. She gathered her own children and hustled her husband from the Hall. Tyrion, made a grand gesture of his wide smile and proud stride as he passed his brother. He knew exactly what was about to happen. Lord Bronn followed, unable to contain his laughter, after having grabbed a flagon of wine from the table for his evening romps with a few of the chamber maids. Ser Davos bowed to Lord Selwyn as he exited, as did Podrick, who wheeled King Bran to the doorway. The monarch's face was unusually pleasant, as he bid thanks to The Evenstar for his hospitality. As always everyone suspected The Three-Eyed Raven knew much more than he would admit.
With a deep sigh, Jaime at last broke from Brienne's loving stare to address her father. "My Lord." Jaime said respectfully. "Once Brienne has seen to Galladon, we would beg audience with you." He informed The Evenstar formally. "In private." Jaime emphasized. Brienne cast her eyes demurely downward, awaiting her father's response.
Lord Selwyn eyed Jaime Lannister, positive he was already aware of the topic which the couple wished to broach with him. So this would be the night his daughter's hand would be asked of him. Selwyn puffed himself to his full, imposing height and looked down upon the Lion of Lannister. The King had made known to him the visions of the marriage of his only daughter to Tywin Lannister's eldest son. The Three-eyed Raven had also imparted the knowledge of Jaime's true purpose in leaving Brienne. Selwyn knew Ser Jaime had been willing to sacrifice his own life to keep her safe. He could wish no greater loyalty or love for his daughter from the man who would share her life. The truth was that he had been awaiting the request.
Selwyn's stare moved to Brienne, and softened. He understood the depth of her love for the man who had once been called 'The Kingslayer.' He also knew that she must see something altogether worthy in the once disgraced knight. He trusted his daughter, did not question her judgment. There must be another side to Jaime Lannaister that the world did not know. He could see in Brienne's eyes when she looked at her child's father, that she was certain of his honor.
"Tend your babe." Lord Selwyn nodded sweetly to Brienne. "I shall be awaiting you both in my solar when you are ready." He smiled, kindly. Brienne thought he suddenly seemed older, calmer, more a grandfather now.
Jaime gave Brienne a smile which hinted at more nervousness than he would have wished. She returned his anxious look with an understanding gaze, trying to bolster his strength. She found it endearing that after all they had suffered, and all the battles he had seen, it was a discussion with her father which filled the bravest knight in all the kingdoms with dread. She sighed lovingly and slid their child into Jaime's protective arms. Softly, gently, he held the sleeping babe against his shoulder. Together they left the Hall, their fingers entwined between them.
Lord Selwyn had seen Jaime's readiness to attend tiny Galladon. The tenderness between father and son was not missed by the boy's grandfather. It was a closeness The Evenstar had many times wished he had been able to show his own children, especially now that only one remained. Selwyn marveled that caring for Galladon seemed to be second nature to Ser Jaime. Lord Tyrion had described the moons which the one time Lord Commander of King Robert Baratheon's Kingsguard had spent as caregiver to his own son. It was a history that made The Master of Evenfall certain he would never regret the consent he was about to bestow. Lord Selwyn was ready to give his whole-hearted blessing to the union of his only daughter and the man once denounced as 'the Kingslayer.' However, as a protective and proud father, he was not about to give any indication of his realization of the truth, or of his approval, at least not immediately. He would see to it that Jaime Lannister squirmed for just a while longer.
Brienne and Jaime left the Great Hall arm in arm, Galladon beginning to whimper from his hunger. "Let me see you back to your bedchamber." Jaime offered, casting a warm loving smile upon the woman whom he planned to make his wife, and their son.
"Our bedchamber." Brienne corrected, and then shook her head. "There is no need to go that far." She answered, coyly. "I believe our child, will soon wake the entire castle." She held Galladon closer to stave the whining which threatened to errupt into an all out wail. "And I fear I shall soon stain the front of my tunic." Brienne informed him bashfully.
Softly, Brienne pulled Jaime in the direction she wished for him to follow. He complied eagerly. Quietly, she led him along a winding marble passageway lined with large open windows through which could be seen the shoreline of Tarth. Jaime wondered what surprise waited at the end of their path. The hallway ceased before a large closed door of the finest light wood. Brienne reached and turned the highly polished handle allowing them entrance to the room beyond.
Inside, the moonlight which streamed through a pair of stainglass bordered double doors illuminated a richly appointed bedchamber that lay untouched. A woman's finery, filled the room and had obviously not seen use in many years. However, the delicate furnishing and treasures showed every sign of having been neatly arranged and well tended. Someone had taken great care of the contents found within, for not a speck of dust floated along the beams of light that bathed the quarters in a soft shade of sapphire blue. It reminded Jaime of Brienne's eyes.
"These we're my mother's chambers." Brienne told him, whispering as if she might disturb a sleeping inhabitant. The saddened tone of her voice revealed to Jaime that it was the absent memory of the woman long gone, that Brienne wished to protect. Jaime tightened his reassuring grip around her waist. The feel of Brienne relaxing in his arm, told him she was grateful.
Even Galladon seemed to relax in the reverence of the shrine to the grandmother he would never know. Brienne walked carefully to the foot of the large bed that filled one side of the main chamber, and sat softly upon the tapestried bench that stood waiting. Jaime settled beside her, his forehead resting against hers, ready to be of any use he could.
Brienne sighed and loosed the ties of her tunic, revealing her breast to her hungry babe. Galladon took to her without need of coaxing and began to suckle greedily. Jaime could not hide the amused smirk that crossed his eyes as he beheld them.
"What?" Brienne peered at him questioningly.
Jaime answered Brienne with more laughter before revealing the source of his delight. "It was not that long ago that you would not see to our child's need in my presence." He reminded her, thinking of the days when he had taken on Galladin's care, and she had hidden herself in another room while feeding the babe.
She joined him in the memory, smiling at the humor of how it seemed now. Brienne lightly ran her fingers along Jaime's jaw as she nestled deeper into his embrace. "Much has changed since then." She admitted gladly.
Jaime nodded, and sighed deeply, reveling in her touch. He eyed her adoringly. "And much remains as constant and strong as it ever was." He swore, leaning into her. The reference to their love not lost on Brienne. They shared a deep and passionate kiss.
Once their want of each other's lips was satisfied, Jaime and Brienne settled upon the cushions, watching Galladon satisfy his hunger. As Brienne shifted the babe to her other side, Jaime surveyed the setting to which she had brought him. "Your father kept these rooms untouched all these years?" He asked in amazement.
"I suppose it was all he had left of my mother." Brienne whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "He loved her a great deal." She explained sadly.
Jaime pondered the devotion of the Evenstar for his late wife, and prayed he would never be parted from his dear Brienne the way her parents had, or his.
"Tywin had my mother's rooms gutted, all signs of her removed from Casterly Rock." Jaime lamented, his tone ringing with mournful emptiness.
Brienne's eyes grew distant. "Perhaps her loss was too painful. Your father could not bear the reminders." She offered, thinking of how profoundly she had mourned for Jaime when she thought he had died. He understood the pain in her expression. He could only lower his eyes at her analogy, but held fast to her, trying to sweep away the thoughts of the agony he had caused her.
"We have been far more lucky than they were, either of them." Brienne said gently, speaking of her parents and of his. Jaime kissed Brienne's neck and rested his cheek upon her shoulder. A feeling of relief and belonging overwhelmed him.
Although, her heart soared in Jaime's presence, Brienne could not help but think of the other's she had lost, with whom she could not share her joy. Her own mother, whose loving arms Brienne could not recall. Both of her sisters, lost when were barely older than her own child. The brother for whom she had named that son, stolen from them by the sea. Her heart ached for them.
Jaime could sense Brienne's melancholy and it broke his own heart. "This place has been a refuge for you." He said, seeing how at peace she was there.
A sweet smile passed over Brienne's features. "My Septa never cared for me." She admitted, her eyes misting with bitter tears. "I was very much unlike the other young ladies she was used to training." Brienne swallowed hard. Jaime pulled her so close to him, she could barely tell where she ceased and he began. "On those days when she was particularly cruel, my brother would grab me by the hand, and this is where we would run." She explained. "We would hide here, in our mother's quarters, and he would weave stories of the great warrior women of Westeros." She smiled, lost in the memory.
"He was your protector." Jaime smiled, glad she had known that unconditional acceptance.
"My brother always defended me." She nodded. "When he was here, I felt safe, and valued." A silent tear trailed down her cheek. "I felt powerful when he was my champion, as if I could do anything." She described. "It was then I decided that mine would be a life of strength and honor." She declared.
"And so it has been." Jaime proclaimed proudly.
Brienne looked deeply into his eyes, and the awe she found there took her breath away. "I had never again felt such encouragement and loyalty, until there was you." She told Jaime, her eyes searching his and finding the same fulfilled need. Again, their lips met in a needful quest for each other.
When they parted, Jaime beheld Brienne as if she was an angel. "I am glad you had such a defender." He sighed gratefully, an acknowledgment to the elder Galladon who had never lived long enough to see the glorious woman his sister had become.
"That is how it should be between a brother and a sister." Jaime lowered his eyes regretfully, too ashamed to meet Brienne's eyes. "Not what I…" he trailed of, not wishing to speak his own sister's name.
Grabbing his hand as close to her heart as the babe in her arms would allow, Brienne tried to will strength into him. "Look at me." She commanded him understandingly. "I know the thought that plagues your heart." She assured him. "You can say her name. You can tell me anything." She declared, offering him a safe haven from his self loathing. "It was a part of your life. I do not expect you to act otherwise. If we cannot talk about it, we will never be able get past it." Brienne's wisdom astounded Jaime.
Jaime shook his head, not knowing where to start, but feeling the safety with Brienne to continue. "I swear to the Gods, if I had known my life was leading me to you, I would never have let it begin." He avowed. "I would have fought her with everything I had." Jaime said emphatically. "I would" have killed her when we were young." He swore solemnly, tears streaming from his eyes.
"No you would not have." Brienne told him, her own tears flowing freely. "Because you are a good man." She asserted.
The adoration he saw shining in her gaze gave him the strength to admit what he had always been to conceited to ponder, until he met Brienne. That he had been his sister's victim. Jaime finally saw that he had been too weak to deny her, to fight her. He had gone away inside himself when Cersei had used him for all his sword hand and cock could give her. Jaime had achieved the position and rank he desired and simply assumed the abomination he had committed with his own sister was the means to that end. He forced any real thoughts about that matter far from him, and existed as he had never wanted. Not until his love for Brienne made it impossible to live his lies any longer, did Jaime ever believe he could be more than what Cersei had made him.
"She was the one who started it." Jaime told Brienne. "That sick, twisted, manipulation." His tone turned to venom. "All of it, was Cersei's idea. Yet, I played right into her hands." He bemoaned. "Even as children she controlled me." He slumped against Brienne in anguish.
Though Jaime's countenance crumbled before Brienne, he could sense her sweet vigilant stare upon him. He felt himself bolstered by her care. Brienne slid her palm under his chin and lifted Jaime's face to hers. "I imagine you had little choice in the matter." She forgave him.
"No one stopped her." He sobbed. "No one protected me." The pain he exuded was nearly more than Brienne could bear. "Until I found you." He peered up at her, something akin to worship softening the disgrace in his expression.
Brienne lost herself in the love they shared. "I shall always protect you, My Love." She swore.
"Your brother protected you, and your father, but no one else." Jaime said sadly, imagining the loneliness Brienne had suffered.
Brienne's brow creased in a pensive frown. Her mind saw again the moment he had hurled himself into a bear pit to save her. She watched him bestow upon her sword and armor, her safety his goal. Brienne remembered the shock of seeing him arrive at her side in the training yard at Winterfell, and fight steadfastly at her side against the dead. Her breath stilled at how he had parted from her in the night on a quest to rid the world of the one who would seek to harm her. There was no question in her mind as she stared at him. It was as if he had been sent by those she had lost, to watch over her.
"You have always protected me." Brienne told Jaime, the memory of every struggle they had faced together swirling unseen around them.
"That is what I wish to be." Jaime nodded. "Your protector." His fingers slid softly along Brienne's cheek. Once more, he brought his lips to kiss her mouth tenderly. Brienne thrilled at his closeness.
When he had finished, Jaime cradled their child's head in his hand. The boy had finished his nursing from Brienne, and lay pleasantly sleeping between them. "I am glad you named our son for your brother." He said, his gaze shining over them.
"I named him for you as well." Brienne reminded him, sweetly.
Jaime smiled. "Jaimes Galladon Lannister shall be a great warrior." He proclaimed. "The King told me so." He puffed proudly.
Brienne joined him in the joyful thoughts of their boy's future. "Like his father." She lauded.
Jaime chuckled at her sentiment, but added his own heartfelt praise. "And his mother." He beamed, wrapping Brienne in his arms and satisfying his thirst for her lips once more. Only the precious sound of their babe trying out his voice with a tiny cheer separated them. Both Jaime and Brienne laughed heartily at his enthusiasm for their devotion.
Brienne eyed him, seeming to realize that there was more he held unspoken. "You and The Three-Eyed Raven had quite a discussion." She began. "Tell me. What other secrets, other than Galladon becoming Evenstar and that I am apparently already with child, did the King divulge to you of our future?" She feigned suspicion. Jaime grinned to himself, wondering just how much of Bran's revelations he should reveal.
Her eyes widened. "What?" Brienne's heart fluttered within her chest, curiosity getting the better of any apprehension.
Jaime slid himself lithely around her, and settled her into the crook of his arm. Softly, he rested his hand atop Brienne's abdomen. "The King disclosed to me that once his reign has ended, our second son shall become King." Jaime searched her face, hoping he had not said too much.
Brienne could only stare at him in shock. Almost protectively, she brought her own hand to rest above Jaime's over her flat belly. Unable to speak, Brienne swallowed against the alarm which welled within her. She thought of the innocent babe which she was now certain grew within her, and the burden with which her child was already saddled.
"Darling. Are you alright?" Jaime asked as the color drained from Brienne's face.
It took several moments for her to answer. "If this is true?" She halted. "If what the King told you comes to pass, I fear for our child." Brienne admitted. She trembled in Jaime's grasp.
It was only the calm, unworried expression upon Jaime's face which soothed her. He kissed Brienne's worried brow, reassured her with his untroubled countenance. "Worry not." He told her. "You did not see the look in King Bran's eyes as he foretold his prophecy to me." He replied. "He was serene, hopeful, almost happy." Jaime smiled widely. "More so than I have ever seen him." He nodded. "Brienne, he has known this all along, from the time I arrived at Winterfell, Brandon Stark knew what was to come." Jaime smiled pleasantly. "He said that we are the future of Westeros, you and I." He watched as the news began to trickled into Brienne's understanding.
"And our children." She answered relaxing in his embrace, her gaze distant and tranquil, already peering into the future. Jaime joined her in the hope that was slowly overtaking her fear.
Brienne's memories went to the role that King Bran, and all of House Stark, had played in bringing she and Jaime to where they now, ready to embark on a life together. "We should call him Eddard." She declared, bringing her eyes softly to Jaime. "It is fitting." Brienne sighed. "Without Lord and Lady Stark we might never have met." She gave him an almost dreadful glare, unwilling to imagine such an alternate path for either of them.
Jaime laid a tender kiss upon Brienne's cheek. "My Love." He smiled. "You have read my mind." He agreed.
With a deep breath, Brienne shifted Galladon in her arms and covered herself, lacing the ties of her garment into place. Jaime regarded them warmly, growing emotional at the thought of the happy life before them. Almost within the same breath, his insides began to turn with nervousness, thinking of facing her father, and asking for her hand. He sat back from them and exhaled anxiously.
"We should not keep The Evenstar waiting any longer." Jaime stood, wringing his hands apprehensively
Brienne rose and laid her hand upon Jaime's arm to calm him. "There is no need for such agitation, My Dearest." She soothed. "He is my father, not the Night King." She tried her best to lighten the tension that had taken hold of him.
Jaime gave her an unamused stare. "It is his blessing which I seek." He reminded her. "If it is not given, he might as well be an army of Wight Walkers, for I would sooner face the Night King unarmed, and all of Daenarys Targaryen's dragons than risk our impending marriage." He professed.
Brienne stared somberly into the emerald depths of his eyes. "I assure you, our vows are under no threat." She swore to him. "My father understands how deeply I love you." She assured Jaime. "I am certain he senses the same from you for me, or he would have taken revenge upon you already." She smirked. Again she tried humor to make him smile. Once more, Jaime found himself too uneasy to laugh.
Seeing that her farce had not resulted in the desired effect, Brienne softened her approach. "Please, do not worry." Her loving gaze washed over Jaime, and lifted some of the concern from his mind. "He knows the kind of man you are, because you have won my heart." She promised. "He will see the same honor in you that I do." She told him.
"I hope you are correct." He prayed, bringing up his fingers to stroke her cheek.
Brienne smiled softly. "I know that I am." She asserted. "I will not accept any other possibility." She asserted bravely.
"I am happy to hear that." Jaime replied, resting his head against Brienne's. "Because with or without The Evenstar's approval…" he breathed. "Nothing shall stop me from making you my wife." He promised her.
The Evenstar's solar seemed as though it were on the other side of the world, at least to Jaime who grew more restless with each step. He hoped that Lord Selwyn would bestow the blessing upon his union to Brienne which he sought. He understood how much it meant to Brienne. Whether that sanction was given or not, to Jaime there was no question that he would take his beloved lady knight as his bride. The consent of the Lord of Evenfall was a mere formality as far as Jaime was concerned. However, he still felt keenly every inch of the walk to petition Brienne's father, most of them in the pit of his stomach.
The salon in which Selwyn Tarth conducted business was lavishly decorated with the types of worldly treasures as often found their way to the shores of an island nestled between some of the most traveled trading routes in the known world. Essosi silks blanketed appointments made of the rarest of woods from the Summer Isles. Fine Dornish glasswork sat upon furnishings which once graced the houses of ancient Bravos. Intricate Westerosi tapestries hung along walls columned with the marble of Tarth itself. The collection was bathed in the warm light of the fire from the hearth whose mantle was fashioned from what many believed to be the ivory from the bones of dragons. All of it was serenaded by the surf of Shipbreaker Bay through a large open archway. It was a room that rivaled in grandeur any at Casterly Rock, and one it was clear, had been curated by a soul who had wished to travel the world. Jaime wondered at the adventurous spirit the Evenstar hid behind his austere and authoritative demeanor. Perhaps he had recoginized the same in Brienne, and fostered her dreams by giving her the freedom she desired. Jaime would be eternally grateful for the Evenstar's support of Brienne's passions. It had brought her to him.
Selwyn stood regally in his solar, his interest far too engrossed by the flames which flickered in the hearth, his back to his daughter and the man who had won her heart as they entered. Jaime strode protectively, almost defensively beside Brienne as she carried their son. A few paces from The Evenstar, he seated her softly upon the thick soft cushions in the chair of a Pentosi merchant-prince. She again, eased his mind with her smile. Jaime steadied himself, ready to do battle if necessary, and waited for Lord Selwyn to begin.
It was a long moment before The Evenstar addressed the man he had always felt a traitor, but who had won his own daughter's heart. "You have asked me here to speak with me, have you not?" He questioned, a tone of impatience in his voice.
Brienne graced Jaime with a sweet, encouraging nod. It gave Jaime the courage to continue. "Yes My Lord." He swallowed nervously.
At last Selwyn Tarth turned and regarded Jaime Lannister with a superior glare. Not even when Jaime had stood beneath the formidable scrutiny of his own father, the infamous Tywin Lannister, had he felt so small and inconsequential. He inhaled deeply and stood tall. Unwilling to show an ounce of timidity, Jaime straightened his shoulders, rested his stumped arm almost defiantly upon the hilt of Widows Wail at his side, and took a purposeful step toward Brienne's father.
"I have asked your daughter for her hand in marriage." Jaime informed Lord Selwyn. His face soften as he turned for a moment to regard Brienne, finding strength in her eyes. Again, he steeled his resolve directing his words to Lord Selwyn. "She has, to my great joy, agreed to become my wife." Jaime announced, the grateful happiness in his eyes unmistakable.
The Evenstar considered the news he had expected. He was also determined to test Ser Jaime's boldness. "Hmph." Lord Selwyn scoffed. "You have asked her?" He repeated, his expression unchanging. "It appears you have the order of things quite wrong, Ser." He criticized. "Should I not have been given the courtesy of first accepting your request?" He judged. "Or denying it." Lord Selwyn reminded.
Jaime's face fell. Even after all he had sacrificed for Brienne, it appeared he had gained no ally in Lord Selwyn. He heard Brienne gasp from behind him, making him even more determined to win over her father. "Forgive me, My Lord." He asked respectfully. "My love for your daughter is such that I could wait no longer to present my heart's desire at her feet, and beg for her hand." He said earnestly. "My very soul has belonged to Lady Brienne since first we traveled, at the behest of Lady Katelyn Stark, upon the road to Kings Landing." His eyes grew soft and distant, remembering the moment Brienne had possessed him. "I wished no more time to pass before declaring my intentions to her." Jaime eyes rested lovingly upon the vision before him of Brienne holding their child.
"You love her?" Selwyn questioned. "Yet, you left her. After you had taken her virtue, you abandoned my daughter to bear your child, alone." He leveled blame upon Jaime's shoulders.
The Lion of Lannister shrunk with his own self-hatred. "An act for which I shall never forgive myself, I assure you." Jaime replied sadly.
"Father." Brienne spoke up defensively. The men broke from their stand off to give her their attention. She reached for Jaime's hand. He stepped back to her as if he had been too long away, and held to her grasp like a life line. Selwyn noted the strength that emanated from the couple as they stood against that which would seek to separate them. He thought of Lord Tyrion's explanation given on Ser Jaime's behalf. He remembered King Bran's description of the future that awaited Brienne and her future husband. He saw that now it was he that sought to stand between them, understanding how much he would lose if he persisted.
"Ser Jaime sacrificed himself to ensure my safety." Brienne declared fiercely. "He was willing to die to protect me, and very nearly did, twice." She defended Jaime, shaking with emotion, remembering the horror of seeing him almost run through before her eyes by the Essosi invaders. Jaime bent to tend her, concern evident upon his face, as Galladon stirred in reaction to his mother's fervor.
Brienne addressed her father with more courage and conviction than he had ever seen, greater even than when she had declared to him that she would devote her life to battle, and the service of others. Now it was her own family to which she was devoted. Just as it had been for him. Lord Selwyn realized that nothing and no one could keep her from Ser Jaime. He had known Brienne since the moment she was born. He understood the depths of her devotion. His pride in the woman she had become resounded in this heart. He watched Jaime Lannister clinging to his daughter's hand, the man obviously lost in love for her. The Evenstar focused upon the protection he had already provided Brienne. He could not deny that his daughter loved the man who had been called The Kingslayer. Perhaps it was her love that had redeemed the knight once decried a traitor. That man had saved her life on several occasions. Lord Selwyn thanked the Gods for all Ser Jaime had done to keep Brienne safe and return to Tarth, where she belonged. In that moment he realized there was no other whom he would have joined to his own dear daughter. Before he could say another word, Jaime presented his case, an explanation not a defense.
Reluctantly Jaime let go of Brienne's hand, like the night he left her at Winterfell. This time, however, it was their life together that he sought to preserve, and their future. "My Lord." He began solemnly. "You must believe that the decision to walk away from Brienne was the most heart wrenching choice I have ever made." He confessed. "I sat for hours that night, trying to find the courage to move from her side." He glanced at Brienne and watched the tears fall from her eyes. "There was no choice." He admitted. "The one from whom I sought to protect her, would have destroyed her, mercilessly, and would never have stopped." Jaime's blood ran cold at the image of what Cersei would have done to Brienne. "My wish was to give my life to keep your daughter safe." Jaime looked desperately at Brienne. "A small price to pay." He affirmed. "And I would do it again, to see her protected." Jaime swore. As Brienne shook the vision of her lover's near death from her head, Selwyn understood that it was not to him that Jaime spoke.
The Evenstar considered Jaime's words. He knew the union of House Lannister and House Tarth was imminent, according to the King. He understood that Ser Jaime had been determined to see Brienne unharmed and had all but given his life in that pursuit. Selwyn was heartened by the devotion that Jaime so obviously held for Brienne. Brienne seemed to have forgiven Jaime Lannister for his past indiscretions. Seeing, how much the two loved each other, perhaps he could attempt to do the same, at least for Brienne's sake.
Selwyn lowered his head and locked a scrutinizing stare onto Jaime. "So, you think yourself worthy of my daughter?" He asked haughtily.
Jaime's voice was somber but determined as he answered. "No Ser. I do not." He replied. "With your permission, however, I shall spend every moment of the rest of my life endeavoring to be." He vowed. Brienne's loving eyes met his as if to tell him there was no need. Heedless of her acceptance, Jaime journeyed further in his promises to her father.
Without a word he stepped from Brienne's side and drew Widows Wail from its scabbard. He placed the sword point solidly to the floor before Lord Selwyn and knelt sincerely facing the man whom he beseeched for the hand of the woman whose life was entwined with his own. "My Lord." He began. "Brienne is the sunshine that warms my life. Her eyes are the blue depths of an ocean in which I would gladly drown. She is the very star which guides my soul, and I will love her until the moon itself falls from the sky." Jaime swore. "I am truly the most undeserving wretch in all the kingdoms. If I were to live a thousand lifetimes, I could never make myself worthy of such an angel as she." Jaime lamented. "By some miracle, her heart has chosen me, and I shall take her as my wife." He insisted. "It is our hope to begin the happy years of our marriage with your blessing." He said, humbly, lowering his head in reverence.
"Please, Father." Brienne plaintiff voice whispered from where she sat with the child Ser Jaime had given her. Selwyn was nearly overcome with emotion when he gazed upon her. Slowly, Brienne rose to stand beside Jaime.
Selwyn reached to touch her cheek, the way he had done to comfort her when she was but a child. "You do truly love this man?" He asked, needing to be sure.
Brienne smiled brightly through her tears. "With all of my heart." She answered proudly.
Lord Selwyn thought for a moment, and then nodded. "Well then. What else is there for to say?" He wondered aloud.
"Arise, My Boy." Lord Selwyn instructed Jaime, who eagerly complied.
Selwyn took each of them by the hand and joined their palms together in a symbolic pairing. "It would be my privilege to give blessing upon your marriage." He conceded, awed that Ser Jaime had wished to die rather than see Brienne in danger. It was a deed that could never be ignored. "I would choose no other for my dear child." Lord Swelwyn approved with a smile.
Jaime squeezed Brienne's fingers within his, and looked at her, elated with the promise of what lay before them. "I swear upon my life." Jaime began staring grateful at The Evenstar. "You shall never regret giving approval over our union." He promised. "And I shall never take your acceptance for granted, nor your daughter." He smiled adoringly at Brienne.
"I am sure of both, Ser Jaime." Selwyn agreed. Proudly he presented his outstretched hand. Jaime eagerly pumped The Evenstar's fist in gratitude.
Brienne released Jaime's grip. She wrapped her free arm around Lord Selwyn's neck and embraced him warmly. "Oh, Father." She sighed in relief. "Thank you." She cried cheerfully.
Selwyn held his daughter for a long moment, enamored of the fact that she was well, and home, and now had her own family for which to care. He fought tears as he answered. "Your happiness is all I wish, My Darling." He assured her, holding her tightly, Galladon between them.
Selwyn sighed and regarded his daughter with love. He stepped back and returned Brienne to Ser Jaime's waiting arms. Jaime held Brienne and stared at her as if she were the rarest jewel in the world. He brought his hand to her face, caressing her jaw, and gazed awestruck into her deep blue eyes. "I swear, I will make you the happiest woman in Westeros." Jaime vowed to her.
Brienne choked back her excited tears, and mirrored Jaime's gesture of tenderness, touching his cheek with loving bliss. "I already am, My Love." She replied breathlessly. "I already am."
Unconcerned at their fatherly audience, Jaime drew Brienne to him and kissed her passionately. She melted into his arms, returning his ardor with amorous affection of her own. Lord Selwyn wondered if they even remembered he was near. It was no matter, his joy was in seeing the love between Brienne and Jaime. At last his precious daughter had found the happiness he had always wished for her.
As the couple emerged from their joyous embrace, Lord Selwyn looked down dotingly at the babe in Brienne's arms, and smiled. He grazed the backs of his fingers along his grandchild's soft cheek, and softly rolled the babe's fingers in his own. Watching Brienne, he lamented the years the boy's mother had been absent from Tarth, and from his own life. A solitary thought had been dwelling in his mind since the Three-Eyed Raven imparted to him what lay ahead for Brienne and Ser Jaime. Selwyn had been told by King Bran that Brienne would become Evenstar once his time as ruler of Tarth was done, and Galladon after her. The King had not said when that would come to be. He longed to spend the remainder of his days enjoying his role as Grandfather. He hoped what he would propose would see his loved ones remaining on Tarth, even before the title of Evenfall's steward was passed.
The Evenstar breathed deep and could almost feel the certainty of his decision filling him with peace. "Very well." He dipped his chin with finality. "Now that the matter is settled, I have a proposal of my own." He announced enigmatically, stepping back to regard his successor.
The vagueness of her father's statement puzzled Brienne. She could not help but worry over his possible meaning. "A proposal?" She repeated, the line between her brows deepening. "What is it?" She asked, swallowing her apprehension. Jaime heard the uneasiness in her tone and drew closer to her, his arm at her waist.
A sublime smile crossed Selwyn's face. He stroked Galladon's soft head, as the boy slept in his mother's arms. "I have been Evenstar for most of my life." He recounted. "It has been my honor, and I hope that I have done well." His eye were far from them, his mind reliving his time as ruler of Tarth.
Brienne looked plaintively at him, concern on her face. "Father. You're frightening me." She declared, worried at the disjointed nature of his comments.
Swelwyn smiled. "Do not be troubled, Daughter." He assured her.
"I speak only of a new beginning, for you and for myself." He tried to comfort her. Brienne's expression grew more confounded. Jaime however, remembering his conversation with The King, gave Lord Selwyn a knowing look. He felt certain he knew exactly to what Brienne's father eluded.
"I believe the time has come to begin to groom you, My Dear, to become Evenstar." Selwyn told Brienne proudly.
Her eyes stared wide at him. "Now?" She questioned, fear gripping her that perhaps her father's health was failing. "Is there something I should know?" Brienne searched his face for signs of any unspoken truth. "Are you unwell?" She tried to shake the horrible thought from her mind.
Lord Selwyn laughed heartily. "Calm yourself, Dearest Child." Selwyn scoffed. "I could still challenge either you or Ser Jaime to combat." He beamed, enjoying his exaggeration.
Brienne sighed in relief, flashing a sly grin to Jaime. "I have no doubt you could." She answered her father.
After a moment, Lord Selwyn's countenance again turned serious. There was nothing humorous in what he was asking of Brienne. "I have always given you the freedom to follow your own path." He said. "I bid you farewell from these shores, confident in you abilities and in your integrity. I have heard word of all you have accomplished and my heart has soared with pride." The old man's voice cracked with emotion, thinking of the honor which Brienne had earned for herself. "I have begrudged none of the time you have been gone." He asserted.
Then, Selwyn's gaze fell upon Galladon. "You are home, now." His eyes filled with tears as he regarded Brienne and her babe. "And, you have brought me the blessing of this precious child." He gave a silent prayer of gratitude to the Gods for the gift his daughter had bestowed to him, and thought of his own children who had been lost to him. "Allow me to be selfish now." He begged Brienne. "It is my wish that you and Ser Jaime will remain here at Evenfall upon your marriage." He presented, hope evident upon his face.
Brienne stared breathless at Lord Selwyn. "Oh Father." She exclaimed. "My heart thrills to be at last home, with you." She smiled wistfully. "I am touched beyond words by your request." She admitted. "I wish I could give you what you ask." Brienne watched his face fall as hers did, anticipating that she could not accept the honor he wished to grant her.
"Forgive me, Father." Brienne begged, and turned a sorrowful gaze to Jaime. "My duty is to the King." She lamented. "I am still the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." Brienne asserted, unable to bring her eyes to view the disappointment in her father's face.
His conversation with King Bran came vividly to Jaime's thoughts as he watched Brienne and Lord Selwyn caught between love and loyalty. The scene reminded Jaime of the moment he knew he had to leave Cersei to whom he had sworn his obedience, and race North to fight at Brienne's side, the woman to whom his heart truly belonged. Jaime had not the chance to relay to Brienne that The Three-Eyed Raven had informed him how they were already destined to remain on Tarth. More accurately he had been unsure how to break the news to her of relinquishing her post as Lord Commander. He understood how important her position was to her. Jaime was also unaware of how much The King might wish imparted to others on the matter, even Lord Selwyn. For a moment he was almost relieved that amidst the exchange between Brienne and her father, there was little chance for him to interject a word.
"What of Ser Jaime?" Brienne continued to state all the reasons that kept her from accepting her father's offer, although it now sounded wonderful to ears that once wished only for freedom and adventure. The thought of raising her family on Tarth filled Brienne with a serene tranquility she had seldom known, nor understood. She felt Jaime's reassuring grip tighten around her middle. He opened his mouth to speak, but it was her father who voiced his counter first.
Lord Selwyn straightened, attempting to present his most convincing argument. He hoped it would sway Brienne to his cause. "Ser Jaime." He said, directing his proposition to his daughter's betrothed instead. "It would be my hope that you will accept an appointment as Lord Commander of the Guard of Evenfall." Lord Selwyn entreated. "You have already shown yourself willing to die for my Brienne. I shall have no other see to her safety." He explained, hopeful that an acceptance would persuade Brienne to stay.
Jaime eagerly stepped forward from Brienne's side, and faced The Evenstar with proud delight. "My Lord." He pronounced. "It would be my honor." He declared, realizing what Brienne did not yet know, that their future on Tarth had been visioned by the King himself. Jaime's joy paled only to the moment Brienne agreed to become his wife, and the first time he held their son in his arms.
Brienne gazed lovingly at Jaime. She knew that he meant every word sworn to her father. However, her sense of duty to her own House was such that she could not allow the man she loved to give up what was rightfully his, even for her. In her mind, it was a decision, however distant, they would someday face. She had no way of knowing the time for ensuring her responsibilities to Evenfall had come upon them. Through her joy, and all their promises to each other, Brienne could not help but wonder if again they would be kept apart by all the things they could not control.
She was unable to hide the sadness which swept over her face, and broke Jaime's heart. She seemed to shrink before his eyes, her shoulders falling in dread. "Casterly Rock is your birthright, My Love." Brienne reminded him. "You are the heir of House Lannister." She sighed. "I cannot allow you to give up your claim, your lordship, your home." Brienne's voice was nearly a whisper as she finished, not wishing to hear her own words.
Taking Brienne's hand, Jaime stood unmoving at her side. "My home is wherever you are." He swore. "The story of Casterly Rock will be written by my brother, not by me." He told her, bolstered by the assurance of his love for her. "My story is here at Evenfall, with you." He smiled happily. "Titles mean nothing to me." Said the knight who had been known as both Commander and Kingslayer. "All I wish in this world is to be by your side." Jaime declared, his eyes shining with adoration as he regarded Brienne.
"The lowliest shack in Flea Bottom would be a palace, as long as I had you." Jaime stared longingly into Brienne's crystal blue eyes.
Selwyn grinned beside them. "I believe I can offer a bit more than a shack in Flea Bottom." He laughed.
"Of course My Lord." Jaime chuckled at his exaggeration. "Barring the Red Keep itself, Evenfall is the finest fortress on this coast." He agreed. "It will be my greatest privilege to guard her." He acknowledged, his eyes never leaving Brienne.
Relieved of her worry, Brienne realized that both her father and her betrothed seemed to be already aware of the outcome of their discussion. She rolled her eyes, and eyed Jaime suspiciously. "The King has already told you all of this, hasn't he?" She questioned.
Jaime gave Brienne a sweet innocent smile. "I do believe he mentioned something about it." He nodded, kissing her cheek as a diversion. She nestled against him, Galladon still blissfully unaware of the arrangement affecting his future. Brienne smiled and sighed with contentment, now almost certain that the news King Bran had imparted to Jaime of the tiny unheard heart which beat within her belly was true.'How could she be angry, when the future promised for them such hapiness.' Brienne wondered to herself, simply enjoying their affection.
When the couple separated from each other to draw a heady breath, Selwyn turned them toward the door. "Go on, now." He bid them. "Celebrate your life together, and enjoy each other." He said, realizing there was no reason to pretend the two would not be spending the night together in Brienne's chambers, as well as many to come. "I have a wedding to plan." The Evenstar chuckled. It would be the most lavish celebration Westeros had ever seen, if Selwyn Tarth had his way.