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MEET MELARA - Newsletter, your source for all things gossip
Hello lovely people and welcome to almost springtime. Have you booked your spring break vacation already? It's almost the end of February and we can feel the sun and smell the flowers, finally dreams of spring become a reality. Time to check out the latest fashion trends, courtesy of Missandei Naath who graciously agreed to become a part-time contributor on our show! Expect her once a month with her fashion segment, supporting Melara on the show and glamming us up! We are super excited about this addition to our team and can't wait to collaborate! Go Missandei!
The Baratheon ./. Baratheon separation has been heating up further with rumours of Cersei Baratheon's - dare we say continuous - infidelity. Renly and Stannis Baratheon have stepped in to take preliminary custody of the three Baratheon children as their next of kin. We can only hope they're shielded from all the emerging nastiness. We are rooting for you three!
For those of you waiting on any life sign of Westeros' most eligible bachelor - unfortunately, we do not have anything to report as of today. We will update on the whereabouts of Jaime Lannister as we learn more.
"It is my turn," Margaery burst into her apartment and with a thud, she led her over-the-shoulder bag fall onto the ground before slamming the door shut.
"Good afternoon to you, too," Brienne said drily.
"You are about to be very happy that I am here," Margaery said and waved an envelope in front of Brienne's eyes.
"You know that I am always happy to see you, Marg, never doubt that," Brienne said, her eyes fixed on the next card from Jaime.
"You're happier about the envelope I am holding in my right hand," Margaery grinned, "but I don't blame you. This is the stuff that romantic comedies are made of and I am happy I get to play a decent role in this one ... 'least it's not horror and I am nor the first to die!"
Brienne snapped the envelope out of Margaery's hand and fled to sit down on the couch in the living room. Flipping the card open, Brienne - once again - began to read:
Did I mention that I found your profile? Somehow, you replied to my first message. I don't know why you would have, it wasn't witty or special or anything, yet, you did. I think I'll be forever grateful for that.
Unbeknownst to both of us, you were talking to someone you thought had just disrespected you - again - and I was talking to someone I had hurt. The Seven have a funny way of working their magic on us, haven't they? I do realize, though, that I never told you the story about my university drunkenness. If you want, I could do that someday. Duel still on? God, I hope so!
I would still make inappropriate jokes, though. That won't ever change. I blame Tyrion.
I still suffer horribly that you'd constantly call me 'old'. I am ... seasoned. I am a good wine.
My first clue should have been how you admitted that you didn't like people looking at you - negative attention is not something I do well with, either. I get that. I hope I can continue to prove that I would do whatever it takes to shield you from any of that. I can't promise I can keep my father away forever, but I will try.
J.
The next morning she found another card on her doorstep and Brienne started to wonder who Jaime was paying to deliver those envelopes at ungodly hours of the night and who was conspiring with him to be able to pull this off. Every time she thought of him, the knots in her belly intensified and a warm fuzzy feeling spread into all of her limbs, making the tips of her fingers tingle with anticipation at the sight at another written note.
Her resistance - had there been any? - had melted away fast.
Right now all she could think about was the time when - undoubtedly - she would see him again. It gave her food for thought that he seemed to have a deeper understanding of the fact that her past had burned her for anything genuine and honest. He had been brave enough to face her and to make the first move and had not known what the outcome was to be - risking the possible scenario that feelings would not be reciprocated, a situation she had found herself in so many times, was a risk he had been willing to take. For her.
It was a good feeling.
He cared.
She mattered.
To him.
It would take her some time to believe that any of this was true, though. Somehow he understood that.
When we were both so so excited to pick up the conversation where we left it, I first thought that something special was going on and I still do. We had no clue, Brienne, and still ... I wondered so much about who you were, how you'd look like. I knew I liked your humour, your witty responses and your openness toward a stranger. I see how you have to make sure that you're safe, first, especially online. Somehow, we both felt safe with one another.
I told you then, and I am now more convinced than ever, that I could never find you boring.
Somehow I ended up telling you about Cersei. You didn't know, of course, but still. I did. I have never done this - I have told Tyrion some things, but not how it made me feel. That changed when Cersei appeared at Casterly Manor, waltzing in unannounced, and I finally found the courage to stand up to her. Thank you for that. I could not have done this without you and I want you to know that.
You should have seen Tyrion's face when I told him I had met someone online. It sparked joy. His and mine.
J.
The frequency of the appearance of envelopes or gifts addressed to Brienne would - as Sansa recited - increase steadily and Brienne hoped that this meant Jaime was closer to his return to King's Landing. She still had no idea how she would react when they'd meet face to face but their situation was - after all - very unique.
"I don't know what I'll say or do," Brienne admitted the next day during lunch break with Sansa at 'Seven Golden Flowers', that fateful location.
"I think you should not worry too much," Sansa said in between to spoonfuls of soup, "he likes you, like ... a lot. Does it matter? Will it be awkward? Probably, so what? Does it matter? I say screw it, just go for it. And then screw him!"
"Sansa!"
"Just saying. He's gorgeous. Surely, that thought must've crossed your mind at some point ...?"
Brienne's beet-red face gave Sansa the answer she needed.
"Don't worry. I am sure he is going to be the perfect gentleman. He knows so many things about you know, he knows 'that'. Don't worry about it, the stranger you told turned out to be someone you didn't expect but you do like. Plus, he's gorgeous."
"I am so sorry to interrupt," an unfamiliar voice sounded and Brienne and Sansa realized that one of the waitresses had appeared, "but are you Brienne?"
"Err, yeah, that would be me?"
"In that case, I do have something for you," the waitress retrieved an envelope from her apron and placed it next to Brienne's plate.
"Really?" Sansa grinned, "here of all places? That man is romantic. Who would've thought?"
You snapped at me and I deserved it. If I recall correctly, you told me that I would never get the chance to peek at anything that concerned you. Had you known that I had already fallen helplessly for the tall, blonde, warrior-like, sword fighting goddess that you are, would you have believed me back then? Doubtful. Did I want to tell you? Yes, absolutely. After all, you had - even if accidentally - touched me that day and the smell of your body spay was something that lingered in my thoughts for days to come.
I mean, there is one thing you were undoubtedly right about - I am handsome ;-)
What I will say is that you are not ugly. You're far from it. I've grown quite fond of looking at you, admiring you. If you allow it, there could be some worshipping involved. After all, I told you the first thing that I distinctly remember about you are your mile-long legs.
Then you shared what happened to you. Knowing that it's you I was talking to back then, it makes even more sense to me and I am so sorry that some people thought it was ok to treat you that way. Add some revenge phantasies to the other phantasies I had been having. Too honest? Sorry, absolutely not sorry!
What I want you to know is that I will probably screw things up from time to time and this is bound to hurt you. What I will promise you, though, is that I will try my hardest not to and if it does happen, I will do everything in my power to make you happy (again).
Would that be enough?
J.
Brienne's hands trembled as she read the last sentences of Jaime's note. No one had ever said something like this to her, let alone in notes delivered to her doorstep, accompanied with flowers, brought to her by her friends or at special places. The world wasn't particularly kind to people like Brienne, people that weren't the norm, that stood out - never in her life, though, would she have called this an asset, herself remarkable or beautiful. Belonging to her group of friends that had unexpectedly grown these past four months has been enough for her. Renly standing up for her when she needed the most was something she would truly never forget, his genuine concern and respect for her a beacon in a dark night.
She had felt like evil people always had the upper hand, always won. Now that Petyr, who had been an absolute despot at work, was facing trial, she felt like some of the injustice in the world was attacked by the good forces again. She felt like it was easier to breathe.
When she learned that her chat partner was indeed the very handsome Jaime Lannister and when his notes had started to appear, Brienne's concerns revolved around the possible future. Would people make jokes about them? Would they have to appear together in public? How would she handle the remarks, how would she handle being in the shadow of one exceptionally good looking man?
Margaery and Sansa had set her straight. Shown her how her blonde hair shone in the crisp winter sunlight, emphasized that they were truly jealous of her long legs and strong body and Sansa giggled that Tyrion had joked that he'd have a hard time reaching all of her desirable parts - Brienne had truly commended his honesty and laughed loudly.
"Are you ok, Brienne?" Sansa asked, twirling a strand of her red hair around her left index finger absent-mindedly.
"This ...," she pressed out, "I don't know what to say any more."
"Mhhhhmmm," was all her friend responded and Brienne looked up, watching her friend more closely.
"Sansa? What is going on?"
"Can I let you in on a little secret?"
"I would demand of you that you did," Brienne joked, "honour and all..." and before she knew what her best friend would admit before she opened her mouth to speak, Brienne knew that he was here. With them. Now.
A push notification appeared on her phone.
Golden_Phoenix: Brienne?
With trembling fingers, Brienne unlocked her phone to find the message and her eyes welled up with tears, momentarily making it impossible to read the letters on the tiny display. She steadied herself by taking a few deep breaths and replied.
Knightsblue: Jaime.
Golden_Phoenix: Would it be very creepy if I told you that I can't wait for you to say my name instead of writing it?
Knightsblue: Plenty.
Golden_Phoenix: I am offended.
Knightsblue: No you're not.
Golden_Phoenix: Damn, you do know a lot about me.
Knightsblue: I know things.
Golden_Phoenix: Well, I have myself to blame for that, I told you voluntarily.
Knightsblue: Are you back?
Golden_Phoenix: Yes.
Knightsblue: Are you here?
Golden_Phoenix: Yes.
Knightsblue: I mean, are you here, in this room, in this restaurant ... are you creepily watching me, Jaime Lannister?
Golden_Phoenix: I am offended. Very. Offended.
Brienne snickered and Sansa shot her a curious glance but realized what was happening, leaned back and grinned widely. Knowingly. Brienne mouthed an 'Oh no you didn't' at her and Sansa's started to snicker. Nodding, she leaned forward and put her hand briefly over Brienne's.
Golden_Phoenix: But yes to all of the above.
Brienne knew that he was waiting for her to see whether she was ready. She hadn't needed to go away for some soul-searching, she was convinced that there must have been a good reason for her to trust him of all people. It did help that Tyrion had become a part of her immediate circle, that way she got an exclusive glimpse into the world of the Lannister empire. She had a vague idea of what it must have been like to grow up in surroundings like this, in an environment that was and continued to be dominated by pressure from their overbearing father - not to mention Cersei.
Knightsblue: I think there is space in the booth next to me if you're interested.
She didn't get any answer after that but within seconds, Jaime appeared by her side and beamed down at her and she laughed back at him, fighting her nervousness, tears that threatened to burst out of her eyes and the urge to hide under the table when she realized that his sudden dash to her table and his joyful expression had left a few people curious as to who it was that had Jaime Lannister this excited.
It would be ok.
She would get used to people staring.
She would.
He was here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lannister Corp. / Lannister Inc. / Lannister Law
[King's Landing, 1 pm]
Lannister Law is delighted to welcome back Jaime Lannister (37) from a nearly four-month absence in Essos. Mr Lannister is due to resume his role within the next two months in conjunction with his younger brother Tyrion Lannister. Mr Lannister will cut back all public engagement as he plans to focus on his private life for the rest of the year.
"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and all of us at Lannister Corp, Lannister Inc. and Lannister Law, I am very pleased to welcome my son Jaime back into the company," Mr Tywin Lannister said. He added. "The joint efforts of my sons to lead Lannister Law will undoubtedly mean a fruitful future for the company and we are looking forward to seeing them both thrive."
Mr Tyrion Lannister added: "I am exceptionally happy to welcome my brother back into the company. His wishes to a more private life perfectly coincide with our shared responsibilities and I am more than happy to support him in his new endeavour, wherever it may lead him. What I know is that you can expect great things from my brother."
Sansa had made sure that Brienne took the rest of the day of which the latter had agreed to reluctantly. Mouthing 'you have better things to do', Sansa had swirled out of 'Seven Golden Flowers' and Brienne's face needed about ten minutes before the pink colour had faded completely. The delayed response of her bodily functions could also have been related to a certain someone that was sitting next to her and was holding her left hand, rubbing little circles over it with his hands.
"So ...," he started, a small smile tugging up the corners of his mouth, "I'm glad I get to see you this time."
"Jaime," Brienne said, preparing to apologize to him.
"Don't even dare to apologize to me, Brienne, I am sure you had your reasons and I took you by surprise..."
"That you did," she smiled and put her right hand on their entwined hands.
"Are you ready to get out of here? I mean, after all, Sansa pretty much cleared your schedule for the rest of the day and then it's the weekend..." Jaime grinned. His body heat radiated out of him and suddenly Brienne was all too aware of his very presence, his warmth, his closeness, his smell ... him.
"Uh, sure, yeah ... yeah, let's do that. I'm just four blocks away ... but you know that now, don't you?" Somehow Brienne found the courage to tease him with a raised eyebrow and mischief in her voice.
"I do know that," Jaime's husky voice sent goosebumps over her entire body.
Sansa looked at her phone, disbelief on her face, eyes widened and finished reading the press release before returning to her call on the office phone in front of her.
"Did you read it?" Tyrion's voice sounded happy and somewhat triumphant.
"I did! What in the Seven happened to Tywin Lannister and is he ok?"
"It's quite something, isn't it?"
"I've ... I can't say that I've ever read anything like this. I am pretty sure any screenwriter that would have come up with that plotline would have been fired on the spot. Tywin Lannister praising his son? No one would have seen it coming. What happened, Tyrion?" Sansa asked, eager to find out.
"Well, let's just say Jaime walked into his office and presented two alternatives, one being our shared leadership, the other his imminent and irreversible denunciation from every Lannister firm ... and the family," Tyrion snickered, "he was quite determined. Father was shell-shocked. I've never seen him like this. Of course, he tried to tell Jaime that he couldn't do that and was poised to use any leverage he might have over Jaime but nothing would work. Jaime wasn't having it. Father even threatened to cut him off the Lannister money. Jaime simply said, 'No worries, father, I am handsome. I'll get by.' Oh to have the nerve! I love my brother but if looks could kill, Jaime would not be with your friend right now and father would be calling someone to dispose of the body..."
"Tyrion..."
"Well ... father agreed to the first option when he realized that Jaime was dead serious. Jaime then added that he wouldn't be appearing publicly for the rest of the year which irritated father further. Everywhere Jaime goes, there's the press. Given that he is on this goddamn bachelor list ... I am still convinced I am the better-looking Lannister..."
"To me you are," Sansa chuckled softly.
"Lies," Tyrion replied but laughed whole-heartedly.
"Did he say what he was planning to do with the newfound spare time?" Sansa quipped, already guessing the answer.
"Oh I am not entirely sure but I suspect it has a lot if not everything to do with that remarkable blonde friend you have..."
After twenty minutes of walking to Brienne's building, hands intertwined and both wearing goofy grins on their faces while talking about everything and nothing, they arrived and after a short elevator ride, Brienne unlocked her door with shaking fingers and let them into her apartment.
As soon as they stepped inside and Jaime took in what was presented in front of him, cosy small entry hall, open living room, a comfortable couch, a wide entrance to a colourful kitchen, well-stocked bookshelves, Brienne locked the deadbolt. Loudly.
Blushing feverishly, she faced her ... her ... well ... boyfriend? ... who looked at her incredulously. His eyes narrowed and darkened quickly after the small echo of the locking subsided and Brienne swallowed. Hard.
"Margaery and Sansa have keys to my apartment and I do want them to let themselves in," she explained, holding up her hands in defeat, "boundaries and those two ... it just doesn't work so I've given up. Right now, though, I think boundaries are in order."
"Oh, absolutely," Jaime said quietly and made a step toward her. Brienne felt her pulse accelerate and her blush intensify (how was this even possible?) "We wouldn't want them to interrupt anything, right?" he asked, his left hand touching her just above her hip, coming to rest there comfortably. Brienne quickly looked down, shocked at how natural his touch felt to her, even though she could feel the heat he radiated through the layers of her clothing. The warmth spread quickly through her body and it reached her belly as Jaime used his right hand to carefully lift her chin up so that he was looking straight into her sapphire blue eyes.
"What would that be?" Brienne asked thickly.
"Oh, I don't know ... this?" Jaime's grip on her hip intensified and he lifted his right hand up to caress the curvature of her ear. "Or, ... this?" His hand travelled toward her eyebrows, tracing them both one after the other. "Or, ... this?" His lips caressed her forehead and Brienne's eyes fell shut.
"Mhhhhhh," she managed to reply, relishing the caress.
"I did say there would be worshipping involved ... if you let me, that is," he murmured against her skin and she chuckled.
"I mean, I do think that sounds nice," Brienne replied raspily.
"Just nice?" Jaime gasped, pretending to be shocked, "my good woman, you're insulting me. You don't think me to be more capable than 'nice'?"
Empowered by a sudden boldness Brienne didn't see coming, she took Jaime's hand that had rested on her hip, squeezed it, looked him into his mossy green eyes and replied.
"There's just one way to find out, is there?"