'This stuff' - Their thoughts
This stuff - Flashback
Memories
He sat on his chair the letter still on his hand.
Lann was three and ten when he went to Dorne to squire for Ser Lewyn Martell. Arriving in Sunspear the princess of Dorne was waiting for his arrival, delighted to foster the son of her friend into her homeland. The princess was also excited for her son and daughter to bond with her friend's son like she bonded with Joanna.
Princess Obella was standing along with her children beside her and the guards surrounding them to meet Lann. Lann travelled with his uncle Kevan Lannister and their personal guards. The Lannister's stopped in front of the royal party to bow respectfully at them.
"It's alright Kevan." She smiled kindly at them, then waved it off. She pointed at Lann. "Is this Lann?"
Kevan nodded, "Yes, princess" he proceeded to pat Lann's hair then gently nudging him forward, telling him to introduce himself properly.
He smiled shyly at the princess and the party behind her. "My princess" he bows again "I'm Lann Lannister— I also want to thank you for taking me in while squiring for Ser Lewyn."
She chuckled. 'He was her mother's son alright'
"Nonsense Lann, it would be my pleasure. Your mother is one of my best friends, I'd feel like you were my own child. It would also be great for Elia and Oberyn to have some company here, and I assume that you would be close in age with both of them."
Lann smiled brightly at the princess, finally noticing the girl and the boy beside her. He bowed shyly at both of them. "Princess Elia, Prince Oberyn." Lann tried not to glance too much at Elia, definitely mesmerized by her.
Princess Obella smiled kindly, she urged her children forward. "Go on, greet him."
Both Elia and Oberyn walked towards Lann, Elia stopped in front of him to curtsey at him while a shy smile was still on Lann's face. Oberyn meanwhile was giving Lann a citicizing stare before he lunged at him, wrapped his arm around Lann like they have been friends for years then dragged Lann with him. "Come on, we are wasting time standing around here! Let's train!"
Elia facepalmed at her brothers action then looked up at towards her mother.
Her mother nodded at her, with a gentle smile. "Go on dear, have fun"
Elia smiled brightly and proceeded to follow Oberyn and Lann.
At five and ten. Lann was already skilled at wielding the sword. In the training field of Sunspear you can see two young men battling each other. One holding a spear and the other holding a sword.
A few moons back Lann visited the Rock (which he had no qualms about because it is a chance to visit and bond with his adorable siblings) on the orders of his father, not knowing that he would receive the ancestral weapon of House Lannister— Brightroar. Tywin Lannister thought that it was the right time to present his son with the sword because he was on the path of becoming a knight and as a father, he was proud of the man Lann was becoming. Pride practically oozed out of Tywin Lannister upon Lann's visit and it spread from Lann's siblings to the home itself, and Lann could never be happier.
Brightroar, made from valyrian steel, aside from its sharpness, it is recognizable by its strength and light weight in comparison to ordinary steel, as well as by a distinctive rippled pattern visible in blades made from it. It was one of Tywin's most treasured heirloom's, for Valyrian steel was rare in Westoros and only a number of houses had their own.
Elia was watching her brother and his best friend battling it out on the field. She can see that Lann carried his blade well, using it to his advantage. From watching them fight for years now, Elia can confidently say that Lann's Brightroar was an extension of him. No matter what blade he carried, he uses it to his advantage. Both boys looked elegant in what she thought was a barbaric activity to invite a Lady such as herself. Elia chuckled 'If Lann didn't want me here, I wouldn't even be here.'
Oberyn's movements were swift like a serpent. Attacking head first, trying to corner Lann. But Lann was a lion, and lions are not meant for cages. Lann dodged each strike of Oberyn's spear with grace and when he blocked Oberyn's thrust, he read his next move. Finally seeing an opening, he slides on the ground to knock him off his feet then quick like a cat, standing up with his sword already pointed at Oberyn's face. Lann grinned, happy that the spar was finally over.
They hear Elia cheering in the background but both boys thought that she might only be cheering for their spar finally ended.
Both boys were grinning at each other, with Lann helping Oberyn up. Oberyn wrapped his arm around Lann's neck, making stabbing motions at his head with his imaginary spear "I almost had you, you know." Lann replied "You almost had me alright. You almost had me fall asleep with how easy it was to beat you"
"Ohhh am I going to coat my spear with poison, the next time we spar." Oberyn said
Lann cackled "I was just jesting. Honestly, you are the hardest to beat. Because you know my every move, like how i know yours." He grinned
Elia smacked Oberyn's head. "Hey!" He glared at Elia. "Nobody is going to poison anybody as long as I'm alive." Elia replied. Her hands on her hips, her glare directed at Oberyn.
Lann gave Elia a dazzling smile while Oberyn pouted at her. Elia placed herself between both boys, her arms locked around both of theirs. "I knew Lann would win, because Lann promised his wins for me and he never breaks his promises."
Oberyn continued to pout at her. "Oh how you hurt me sister. Choosing Lann over your baby brother and I thought I was your favorite."
Elia snorted. "I only see a boy with a babes mind. Also you are annoying and I'd rather spend most of my time with Lann because he is much more interesting." Lann nodded at every word that was said. "You are annoying Oberyn." He stated it in a teasing manner.
"This is why you have Lann wrapped around your finger." Oberyn pointed an accusing finger at Elia while Lann blushed at Oberyn's statement. "How did this day go wrong?! Both my sister and my best friend stabs me in the back" he dropped his head exaggeratedly.
Both Elia and Lann laughed at Oberyn. Elia then kissed Oberyn's cheek "I still love you when you're being annoying." While Lann was patting Oberyn's head "You're my best friend. I've got your back. You guys are my family, and I'll protect you guys with every strength in me." Lann kissed Elia's temple affectionately. "I swear it. I don't care if my life drains out of me because both of you are important to me."
Elia's eyes shined brighter with the smile it matched with, while looking at Lann.
The moment was broken when thoughts of Lann's duties came into his mind. Their time together, ending with Lann reminding his friends that he had duties and tasks to complete today. Both siblings nodded at him in understanding, they bid him goodbye while Lann promised to meet them at supper.
Lann guided Elia to a walk from the water gardens to the shores to be left alone and to have some privacy, because he noticed that Elia has been distracted since he met up with her. Luckily, he had his free time today since Ser Lewyn went to Starfall to meet up with Ser Arthur Dayne. He had no idea of the details of said meeting because he was just happy to have his day spent with Elia.
They arrive along the sea shore when Lann decided to ask the question, "Elia, is there something that troubles you on a fine day like this?" He wilts upon the sad expression that Elia still wore on her face.
Elia, now feeling bad for making her friend worry. "It is not of importance. It's just— nothing really."
Lann took her hands in his, he placed himself in front of her. "No, it is not. It's something that has been bothering you and it worries me that I cannot do anything to make the sadness go away."
She looked up to face Lann. "Am I unattractive to you, Lann?" Lann was taken aback by her question. How could she think that? He was appalled because he would always remember the first time he saw Elia, because he thought that the sun would shine its brightest when Elia was there. That her smile would melt others for it was bright and warm like the sun itself. "In no way or form are you unattractive to me or any man or woman living."
"I heard the servants talking about me. That i should feel lucky I was born to the Princess of Dorne. Because if I wasn't, I would just be like any normal girl in the south. That I didn't have anything special about me for, that no lord would fight for my hand if I was not royalty... I think they're right, I'm flat chested and most importantly I'm frail. I've been weak since I was a child." She sniffled
Lann grinded his teeth in anger. "How dare they! Of course, you're gorgeous! Those servants have nothing on you!" How could they speak ill of Elia, she was the kindest most loving and caring person of all. She always treated everyone with respect and gentleness. How could they. Lann was most offended for Elia and they should be scared because they would hear how a true Lion roars.
"Which servant was it? I'm gonna break them... okay not physically, but with words. I don't hurt women but i swear I'll break them, they won't even think of you again. Wait till your mother hears about this." He tried to walk pass Elia but she held his hand tightly, keeping him there.
She finally had that radiant smile on her. "Do you really think so?"
"Think that i could what? Break them? Yes I do!" He exclaimed
Elia laughed, while shaking her head. "No. Do you really think I'm pretty?"
"I don't think you see yourself properly El, you're gorgeous. It's the sunrise that tries to match your brown eyes. You're the sunshine of my life" Elia blushed at Lann. "In my stay here, you're mostly the best part. Every day I look at you and think that you're my ideal morning with the faint chirping of the birds, golden rays of sunshine, dewdrops over the green grass, all signifying a new inning."
Elia suddenly threw herself at Lann to wrap her arms around his neck. Lann wrapped his arms around her waist lifting her up a bit so she wouldn't need to tip her toes to bury her head along his neck. Both of them held each other tightly with the silent messages and promises of never letting go of each other, of promises to eventually speak their hearts out. But both thought that it would eventually come at another time.
Elia gently placed her forehead against Lann, both looking tenderly at each other. There was that strong attraction which lead them to slowly lean into each other, closing the gap between them for a kiss. The kiss was soft and slow and both thought that they would know no better kiss than in that moment.
They separate moments later with Elia's hand now on Lann's cheek, rubbing her thumb against it. Both with smiles still on their faces.
Elia was in here quarters when she heard a knock proceeded by someone coming inside. When she saw that it was just Ashara Dayne, one of her childhood friends, she just smiled at her and continued to brush her hair then applying some perfume on herself, after.
Ashara gave Elia a calculating gaze, smelling the certain scent of her perfume. "I know what you're doing."
Elia, who was now confused at Ashara's sudden statement, looked at Ashara with a curious expression. "What AM I doing?"
"You're trying to make yourself look extra pretty, and make yourself smell enticing. Which says 'please notice me, I'm in love with you' all over it." Ashara replied with a roll of her eyes and a chuckle. "You're obviously meeting Lann later."
Elia's blush was so bright, you can see the red from her dark skin tone. "I'm that obvious?!" She stood up to face Ashara.
"Just me... maybe your mother knows, she's your mother. They know everything. I think she's glad you have your eyes set on Lann." Ashara replied.
Elia was horrified. "Do you think Lann knows?"
Ashara shook her head. "I don't think so. He's just like any boy there is, clueless when it comes to a girl's feelings."
"Well do you think Lann would like me back?"
Ashara, with another roll of her eyes. "Now that is the most obvious thing ever. Even Oberyn can see it, and you know the only thing in Oberyn's mind and eyes are women. That boy is so in love with you, he'd even delay being a knight to stay longer in Dorne just to be with you everyday. He's so obvious even my brother Arthur knows that he likes you."
Elia was still red but now with a smile plastered on her face. "Well now I feel dumb and blind... and slow."
"That okay, both of you are. I don't think Lann knows that you like him back." Ashara placed her hands on Elia's shoulders. "You should seduce him. That would help him process it faster. He won't be ready for all your Dornish charm."
Ashara and Elia both cackle at Ashara's statement with Elia thinking that she might do that some time.
Elia and Lann have gotten a lot closer romantically after their moment. When Lann had no squire duties to do he would use most of his time with Elia and if Elia was not with her mother or her septa you would find her with Lann. Slowly, every person in Sunspear have noticed Lann and Elia's closeness. Princess Obella was most delighted by this development, making her think that some time, she should visit Casterly Rock and Tywin Lannister to offer a betrothal to her daughter with Lann. Oh how she missed Joanna, she would have felt the same way she did whenever she looked at Elia and Lann.
The news of Joanna death struck on every hearts that knew her. Poor Lann was most devastated. It broke the Princess' heart seeing the strong lad cry and no one could really console him. He was four and ten and was still in Sunspear when news of Joanna's death was sent by a Lannister messenger, along with guards to take Lann home with them for his mother's funeral.
Only Elia could enter Lann's quarters before his departure for she waited day and night in front of his door hoping that he would see sense that being alone in your worst days would only break your heart more. No one knew what happened inside that room but only Lann and Elia and it did not matter to Princess Obella because it was the only reason Lann was eating and at least recovering from the loss.
It was then time for Lann to leave for the rock and he was bitter that the Martell's were not invited for the funeral. 'I needed them there' he thought. But his father would have non of it, his father blamed little Tyrion for his mothers death and his father didn't want the people of Westeros to see the "dwarf" the Lannister's kept.
Once Lann was home, he would have to talk to his father. To make him see, that not only would he break Lann's heart, but also his mothers's heart most of all. Thankfully, Ser Lewyn gave him all the time he needed for him to stay longer in Casterly Rock. The things that usually frequented Lann's thoughts were that Cersei and Jaime needed him. Tyrion, his new baby brother, needed him, even his father needed him. He would take all the time he needed to care for them, to talk to them, and most importantly, to love them. Because like what Lann always said, family was important.
The Princess of Dorne finally decided to leave the gardens to finally give the privacy Elia and Lann needed.
Lann was lying under the shade of a blood orange tree with Elia comfortably resting her head against his chest. His hand was gently combing Elia's hair out of habit, but Elia didn't mind because she found that action relaxing so she snuggled closer to him.
Not much knew of their blossoming relationship, only their close family, friends, and loyal guards and servants. They would sometimes sneak out to find some private places so they could talk, to bask in the glow of their relationship, and to give each other chaste kisses. Their kisses turned from soft kisses into sensual ones because now that they were practically man and woman, they showed their feelings much more physically. Although they have never went further than kissing, they both feel that there would come a time that they would eventually give in to those desires. But that would not happen today, because they were only content in being in each others arms.
Both Oberyn and Elia were summoned by their mother in her solar to inform them that they would be going on a journey to find both Elia and Oberyn several possible suitors.
They would leave after informing people of the reason for their travel. Lann obviously hoping that The Rock was part of their stop and that his father would accept the match, because he can now confidently tell Elia that he loves her, but he would wait on the day she returns to Dorne with whatever good news they would receive because all good things come to those who wait.
Elia's mother had known Lady Joanna Lannister from the time they both served as ladies in waiting to Queen Rhaella Targaryen. Despite having learned of Joanna's death in childbirth, the Martells traveled onwards to Casterly Rock, the first stop of their travels. Oberyn believes that his mother had planned with Joanna to marry either Elia or Oberyn to one of Joanna's children, Oberyn with Cersei and Lann with Elia, since there had been an empty cabin on their ship, meant for someone of high birth.
Waiting until it was decent, Elia's mother eventually broached the subject of marriage to Lord Tywin Lannister, first suggesting a match between Cersei and Oberyn, next a match between Elia and Lann. Tywin refused both matches brusquely, informing her how Cersei was meant to marry Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and telling the princess that Elia was much too frail to be the new lady of his house, proceeding to insult Princess Obella with every word coming out of his mouth. Tywin still hadn't recovered from his wife's death, keeping his bitter mood and cold attitude intact until after a year where his own son would snap him back to reality.
Upon their journey Amongst the places they visited were Casterly Rock (hoping that they could have ended their journey there), Crakehall, the Shield Islands, Oldtown, the Arbor, and finally Starfall. Oberyn mocked all Elia's suitors. In Oldtown, Elia met Baelor Hightower, whom she thought was the most decent of her suitors. She thought he was a fun person (but not nearly as amazing as Lann), until he farted in the presence of both her and Oberyn, leading to Oberyn naming him "Baelor Breakwind". Elia could not look at him without laughing afterwards.
It would take several moons before The Princess and her party to return to Sunspear with no official suitors for neither Oberyn or Elia. Oberyn already went and informed Lann, in the form of a letter, of him really liking Lann's sister Cersei Lannister and that the Martell's were saddened by Tywin Lannister's refusal to both matches his mother offered. Lann was mad, he was furious.
Lann would be six and ten when he was finally knighted by Ser Lewyn himself, with even Ser Arthur present on said event. Happy that he was done with his squiring and more excited to be going back to Casterly Rock, permanently. He could finally have that long awaited talk with his father. He knew he'd changed but he did not anticipate him changing for the worse. He was grateful for Ser Lewyn for allowing him to return to Casterly Rock even on occasion, just to visit his beloved siblings. Now he could come back to spend most of his time with them and to change his father for the better and to hopefully talking his father into allowing Lann to ask for Elia's hand in marriage.
Lann decided to wait for the arrival of the princess and her children before leaving for Casterly Rock.
When he caught a glimpse of Elia from afar, he would give her his biggest most heart warming smile ever and when Elia saw Lann she just forgot everyone around her and when she was near him, she lunged at him to wrap him up into a tight hug.
"Oh how I've missed you El." Lann had his arm wrapped around her waist like he always does. "Break any hearts?" He whispered against her ear then kissed her temple.
"I broke all of them. It's only yours I would accept." She whispered back with a giggle.
"Well well well, what do we have here. It looks like I may have been replaced with a woman, which by the way is crazy. And I thought I was your favorite. We're the one's who are the same age and to remind you, is also your best friend." Oberyn stood beside Elia and Lann with his hands in his pocket, he grinned at both of them. Just like the old times.
Elia let Lann go to finally give her brother a beating. "I am going to kill you."
Lann smirked. "And I am going to let her."
Oberyn took a long step back, already scared of Elia. "You're not gonna help her?"
Lann replies with a shrug. "She's a strong woman. She can fight her own battles and I'm sure she could easily crush you like how she can easily crush blood oranges."
Princess Obella approached them with a warm smile. "Some things never change." She looked at Lann proudly. "Oh my, have you grown. Now you're a knight, and I'm so proud of you." She stepped forward to hug Lann and he hugged her back.
"Joanna would be so proud of the man you've become." She released him to point a finger at him. "And tell that old fart of a father of yours that you and Elia are great for each other, I may feel insulted by what he said but that wouldn't stop me from bringing both of you together."
Both Elia and Lann blushed at her statement.
Lann nodded at the princess. "Yes princess, I'll knock some sense into him. Mother taught me how." They both laugh in response.
A/N:
So I've decided to name Elia's mother Obella. Because there were no information for what her mother's name is. So I named her after One of Oberyn's children cause i think he would name one of his kids after his mother, like how he named one of them Elia.
I also chose to keep Brightroar within the Lannister's, such a great weapon to be wasted away.
Review and tell me what you think, I am still thankful for you guys who reads this. I really hope that you guys like it.