Thank you everyone who took the time to read, left reviews, and are following the story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All things recognizable are property of G.R.R. Martin, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, & company, & the asoiaf wiki.
A/N: I took the wedding vows and the Septon's proclamation from the third Sansa chapter in A Storm of Swords. The food items are from the Official Game of Throne's Cookbook "A Feast of Ice and Fire" & the Inn at the Crossroads: The official Game of Throne's food blog: www. innatthecrossroads .com (without spaces)
A/N: 2: During the ceremony the Septon will use the formal name for House Martell which is "House Nymeros Martell" because of ceremony; otherwise it'll simply be "Martell".
Chapter 11
Rhaegar was quite certain he was being tested again. If not, then it was the Gods toying with him. He could find no other reason to explain why Lord Tywin thought it best to pester him because of some imagined offense done to him.
Even if he was surprised by the turn of events, what caused the lord of the Westerlands to be distressed was not some major catastrophe; at least it was not from his perspective. More importantly it was not of his doing or his concern. He was not party to the imagined slight; however, that did not stop Lord Tywin from seeking him out as if what occurred was a problem which needed to be rectified and it was his responsibility to see the matter along to a more favorable conclusion; as if being King was merely ceremonial and he nothing else better to do than insert himself into domestic disputes that should not concern him. In a way, he had done that once; it cost him too much. It cost the realm far more than it had him. He would not make that mistake again. He could not afford it.
Rhaegar snorted inelegantly. Lord Tywin Lannister was an intelligent man; that he did not foresee something may go against his expectations was his failing, not Rhaegar's. If it never occurred to the man what he was getting when he made the choice to arrange his daughter's marriage to Oberyn Martell that was his doing; not Rhaegar's. Lord Tywin Lannister would have to live with the consequences of his decisions. Gods knew Rhaegar had to do the same.
For good reason, he kept out of Oberyn's way; and so domestic quarrels between Lord Twyin and the Martells were not a matter for Rhaegar to solve. Yes, he was the King, and yes he was the man's good-brother; still, in no way did that make him Oberyn Martell's keeper. He certainly did not desire the task. He could dare much, had dared much, but, he does not have the fortitude for that. Rhaegar would have laughed at anyone who said he should try to shape Oberyn's behavior. Oberyn Martell did not just listen to anyone, and certainly not him. He knew he could not control Oberyn Martell; anyone with any sense knew it as well. While it was true that Oberyn could to come to heel if needed, the Gods knew Doran could not, or Rhaegar thought darkly, did not bother to try and curb Oberyn most days. Elia, too, indulged her beloved brother.
Though Oberyn's love for Elia tended to desist some of his less troubling activities; still, there had been something odd about Oberyn lately. He had been, well, not nicer, but, more civil to him of late. His words were less barbed and he was less sullen when it came to Jon or the Starks. At first Rhaegar did not want to question his good fortune, but, this was Oberyn after all; there had to be a reason for Oberyn's seemingly calm state. He then suspected it had to do with the Starks leaving for the North. Rhaegar rarely agreed with Oberyn, however, Rhaegar felt a burden lift when he realized he no longer would have Ned Stark's silent judgment haunting him.
If he was not so busy with business of the realm and trying to solidify his relationship with his own family, he would have tried to figure out what Oberyn was up to by his curious behavior, but, he was rather occupied. Even before Lord Tywin requested an audience, Rhaegar wondered if what happened today had something to do with Oberyn's love of needling him or was it the disconnect between the ways of the Dornish and the rest of the seven kingdoms. Then again, whatever the reason, today's events distressed Lord Tywin to the point where the Lord of Casterly Rock thought it would be best to annoy him about it; as if he could correct that which offended the man when the man should direct his ire towards his daughter's good-family or that the circumstances changed in any meaningful way.
Of course, Rhaegar though sourly, he was fairly certain Doran encouraged Oberyn in some ways; however this did not reek of Oberyn's machinations. Careful consideration and polite insults, which Rhaegar was not quite certain this was, seemed to be more in line with Doran's ways than Oberyn's.
He was perfectly aware that Doran would be more seemingly agreeable, but, Rhaegar knew both of the Martell brothers detested him and he was not going to pretend that they lacked reason to. He had sat through enough meals with the Ruling Prince to feel Doran was observing him keenly; especially when Elia was with them or if he happened to be with the children. But, this was not about Doran; no, Oberyn was why Tywin Lannister pestered him; or rather it was something related to Oberyn that bothered the lord.
It certainly was not his fault that the Martells had their own plans for Oberyn's wedding or Lady Cersei was more agreeable than her father, particularly where "propriety" was concerned. While he had not been expecting untoward from the Martells, how he wished he had known what they were up to. It would have allowed him some time to consider the ways he could contend with Lord Tywin's indignation.
To be sure, this morning was progressing relatively well when their party including himself, Elia, Viserys, his two good-brothers, and the Lannisters, including Ser Jaime, were awaiting the Dornish contingent. It was all smiles and platitudes, and, well, detached politeness from Lord Tywin, when with Princess Mellario stepped down from her carriage with the young Princess Arianne behind her. It was all well when a nurse holding Doran's second child, and first son, Prince Quentyn, stepped out of the wheel-house and the appropriate attention was paid to Prince Doran's youngest child.
After the members of the Martell brood were accounted for, out of the wheel-house another woman stepped; this one also holding a baby. This confused him as much as it had most others. Before he could question anything, or look to Princess Mellario in askance, three young girls of varying ages came barreling out of the wheel-house of their own accord. All three girls looked somewhat different, but, some of their features showed that they shared some blood. A brief glance towards the baby in the second nurse's hands showed the child to have certain similarities with respect to the hair; dark hair characteristic of the current crop of Martells. The gleeful look on Oberyn's face when the girls looked in the prince's direction clearly showed exactly who the girls were. Oberyn's bastard daughters arrived in King's Landing.
Truthfully, he mostly forgot about them. He never met any of them, nor had he a particular reason to. Yet, he had recalled, Elia saying to him once Oberyn's girls resided with him. He was not expecting to see them now, but, since the girls were here already and it would keep Oberyn relatively pleasant, he would not argue it.
He looked to Elia who shrugged back and she returned her attention where Oberyn was interacting with his daughters, smiling softly. She had not known. He almost smiled at that. Even if their relationship was not fixed completely, it heartened him to know she did not keep things such as this from him.
He was happy with that realization; however, his elation was reduced when his gaze fell to where Lord Tywin was standing. Tywin Lannister's expression was cold; much colder than usual. Though the man had not said anything, Lord Tywin's face was stiff and angry, if one knew what to look for. Rhaegar looked to Lady Cersei, by her father's side, to see what she thought of this and found her reaction far different from her father's was.
Tywin Lannister stayed silent while Oberyn introduced his young daughters to a rather captivated Cersei, but, his stance showed all that he was less than enthused by this development. He was far less enthused when Lady Obara, looked at Lady Cersei, as if sizing up and asked Lady Cersei if she ever held weaponry while Oberyn's second daughter Lady Nymeria asked if she liked riding horses. Lady Cersei seemed to find this utterly charming as she even ever so carefully kept her eyes trained on the girls, easily saying she liked riding well enough, and yes, she had held weaponry, but, unfortunately not recently. Lady Sarella Sand, at least Rhaegar was sure that was her name, was much too young to an opinion, but, Lady Tyene Sand nodded approvingly. At least Lady Cersei would not lament about being taken unawares of the circumstances which she will be faced with when she finally makes her way to Dorne.
While the girls peppered the lady with questions, with the Martells looking on amusedly and indulgently, Lord Twyin kept quiet; dangerously so. However, in that moment Rhaegar was rather relieved that Lady Cersei could adjust to Dornish ways, seeing as Oberyn's daughters and betrothed were seemingly satisfied with one another.
Rhaegar saw as Jaime Lannister, though he tried to hide his humor, looked fit to burst from this all, particularly when Lady Cersei explained her familiarity with certain weapons. Rhaegar mused there must be quite a story in that. Oberyn also seemed to know his betrothed's brother found this absolutely comical and looked at him questioningly to which Ser Jaime shook his head as if indicating he would tell him later what that was about. Doran seemed to find some humor in that exchange as well, but, Lord Tywin sent a long, considering look in his children's direction.
Rhaegar could have rejoiced in knowing someone else would never be free of Oberyn Martell and Jaime Lannister's antics, but, then Lord Tywin asked, no, demanded, it felt to Rhaegar, a private audience.
While his father may have been mad and cruel, it is times like these which made him consider his father's infrequent moments of lucidity. It was Rhaegar now knew what his father had thought about Lord Tywin rather aggravating willingness to overreach.
Rhaegar was quite sure of what the other man wanted to speak about; however, Rhaegar wanted to be prepared for anything the other man may say to him.
A few moments before his guest was set to join him Rhaegar ruminated on the fact that he had not interacted with Lord Tywin too frequently. Even before the war he had very little knowledge about how to interact with the man outside of mere civility. Even his son could or did not offer much insight, offering only that before his father's arrival in King's Landing for the coronation, they had not spoken for years. When pressed, Ser Jaime, though clearly reluctant to say much, did say, "My lord-father is acutely aware of his duty to the family. He is also a hard man, but, not harder than he has to be." There seemed to be something more to the words, but, Ser Jaime would say nothing else and truthfully Rhaegar had not expected him to say much. He could trust Ser Jaime to guard his life, offer council when asked, even with his wife's dreams, but, this man was not the type to overly concern himself with wanting to be in King's confidences.
When Lord Twyin arrived, Rhaegar saw to it that they would be left alone in Rhaegar's Solar alone though Ser Jaime was guarding the door. Rhaegar knew it would be best for the other man to speak what was on his mind. "My Lord Tywin, you require something of me?"
"Prince Oberyn's children." Not one wasted movement or word. Rhaegar would have been in awe of the ability of the other man to be direct except the feeling was tempered by the annoyance of his earlier thoughts about the other man coming to fruition.
Rhaegar hoped the other man was not insulted to the point where he was considering breaking the betrothal; Oberyn would be unbearable and Doran would likely seethe at yet another insult Rhaegar could have prevented.
If he was being honest with himself, Rhaegar could not fathom what this lord was bothered about; Lady Cersei clearly had not minded their presence. He remembered Doran and Mellario looked rather pleased at Lady Cersei's reaction as had Oberyn. While matters related to Oberyn's children do not concern him, Rhaegar would not be unappreciative that the Martells had not argued about Jon being present at his coronation and so he could not argue with the Martells bringing the children with them.
Rhaegar, for his part, simply shrugged. Even if he was surprised at the presence of Oberyn's girls, it mattered not to him. "Yes, it was quite a surprise. I suppose it is rather quaint." Tywin Lannister stared at him for some moments and while the man's expression showed nothing, it was then that Rhaegar recognized the other man likely believed he was being dismissive.
"Quaint?" Lord Tywin's voice was low. There was curiosity there, but, the voice had a dangerous quality to it. It was as if it he felt it preposterous anyone, much less, Rhaegar should find the idea quaint and he required something more from his king, because the response he was given was utterly unacceptable.
He elaborated for the benefit of the other man, but, did not have any great feeling about the affair. "I do suppose it is rather quaint for my good-brother's children to be present for the wedding of their father. I believe he is rather fond of them. It is known they live with the Prince as well." Oberyn being happy and distracted is a blessing Rhaegar could not find an argument against. Lord Tywin, on the other hand, seemed to take it for the noncommittal response it was; one which relayed enough of truth, but, still it seemed as though the other man was less than pleased.
"Was Your Grace expecting them to be here for the wedding?" Now this approach of the topic Rhaegar found quite darkly amusing; not that he would remark on it. The man wanted to see if he was a party to this supposedly intended slight, as if Rhaegar wanted to invite more trouble for himself over something like this.
"I was not sent word of their coming. Her Grace had not known either. It must have been decided shortly before the Martells were set to leave Dorne." Rhaegar does not know if this was planned or not, and he could truly not find it in him to care. In Dorne, it was not that uncommon for bastard children to be accepted as within the family for certain circumstances and the groom's family was Dornish. Oberyn was proud of his family; all in Westeros and, even likely, many in Essos knew of that.
"Oh?"
Rhaegar shrugged again, hopefully indicating he wished to be done with this, soon. "Prince Doran and Princess Mellario must have thought it appropriate to not leave children of their young age in Dorne, if the rest of the family would be here as well. I can not disagree with the sentiment."
Rhaegar did not know the reasons the Sands were brought to King's Landing, and if he was any sort of other man he would have felt it low of him to attribute something to someone without proof, yet the Martells would have had their own reasons for doing as they had. Doran did not believe in acting recklessly. Of course the argument he presented to Lord Tywin did seem like a logical one. For all he and Oberyn felt differently about most things he knows Oberyn did love his children and would have wanted his children present at his wedding and the Martells would act to see Oberyn happy.
As it was, for some time after he returned seeing how Rhaenys shied from him while Aegon grew not truly knowing him, with Viserys finding others to fulfill the void left behind by their father's death, and Rhaegar's being gone even before Daenerys and Jon were born, Rhaegar had felt like a failure as a father. Still, even he knew leaving multiple children unsupervised at all with only servants and no family of any sort for company rarely makes for ideal circumstances. During the war he used to tell himself it was a comfort most his family was together in King's Landing, while Lyanna had been at the Tower, but, knowing she died and what it was like in King's Landing, it stopped being a delusioned sense of comfort some time ago.
None of that was relevant to the matter at hand. Seeing Lord Tywin examine him shrewdly, he decided to give a simple response. "Prince Oberyn seemed to appreciate the gesture."
"They are his baseborn children." Now Rhaegar fought the urge to laugh. Though Lord Tywin was not such a man, Oberyn is hardly the first man to have baseborn children. Still, he, of all people, could hardly take Oberyn to task about including bastard children in family events. Even if it was not his intention, and even Jon was legitimized, his own youngest son was baseborn in the eyes of the Seven and the kingdom all the same.
He does not say what he thought, but, he does raise an eyebrow. "My good-brother has never before been married. He could only have baseborn children and it is his wedding." Tywin Lannister, if not everyone else, knows this. He says this in the driest tone he could manage, as if to indicate the subject bores him. It is the truth and the subject does bore him; more importantly it makes him decidedly uncomfortable and he wishes to be done with Lord Tywin.
"It is not only Prince Oberyn's wedding." He hears the unspoken, 'What will people think when they see the daughter of Tywin Lannister's being married with her husband's bastard children present?'
Thinking of his own recent coronation where Jon was present for all and sundry to see when neither Elia nor her brothers objected, even though they would have had the right to react negatively Jon's presence, causes a distinct lack of sympathy in Rhaegar for Lord Tywin.
Rhaegar straightened his spine just a bit and looked at the other lord squarely. "Of course it is. It was quite heartening to see Lady Cersei was rather charmed by them."
The other lord senses the truth in that, but, moves to say more, likely more terse words, but, Rhaegar cuts him off, jaw clenched. "It is just as well that she meets and become accustomed to her betrothed's family before they wed, even if that family does include baseborn children. Not many ladies, even those of good breeding are as blessed as that." The visions of Elia, Lyanna, and Jon hang in his mind.
Evidently thinking similarly, Lord Tywin changed his tact. "Did you not think, Your Grace, they were rather impertinent."
Rhaegar fought not to roll his eyes and if he was the type of man who laughed frequently he would have had to fight vigorously to keep the laughter out of his face. "They are children, my Lord Lannister and they simply wished to know Lady Cersei." Rhaegar thought, 'A lord with only impertinent children as their only problem is a blessed lord, indeed'.
Seeing that the man wished to interject yet again, Rhaegar sighed. "Lord Tywin, you and I both are aware the Dornish are rather unique in many ways, particularly where their children's are concerned, regardless of the child being born legitimate or baseborn."
The man nodded accepting the truth, but, was clearly still unhappy. Rhaegar getting nowhere with the conversation and rightly tired of it, felt it best to end the matter quickly and this required quick mollification. Ser Jaime's seemingly inadequate response actually proved to be of use. "I think Lady Cersei would do well with them. As you say they are in need of a good influence and she charmed them so. Of course I think such an experience would prepare her well with her own future children; legitimate princes and princesses of Dorne." He decided to leave Lady Cersei's having answered all of the children's questions positively, alone; instead highlighting the lady's abilities and Oberyn's position.
The other man had sat for a moment, looking, searching for something. Eventually, he nodded just the once. Soon after, the Warden of the West left, and was likely feeling unsatisfied, but, unwilling to show more of it. None-the-less Rhaegar felt the man would not break the betrothal when it was plain there would be nothing to gain from doing so.
Once alone Rhaegar reflected on Lord Tywin's viewpoint and his refusal to intercede on the matter of weddings and bastards. Even if he wished it, and he had not, Rhaegar would not have capitulated to Lord Tywin's wishes; not at this time, not on this.
He was King because it was his right, but, he can not dismiss how close fortune came to fail him in that regard; because he failed to act as a King aught. Though most accepted him as the King, he just knew it was because for them, there was no other choice even if his rule was built on the less than the strongest of foundations.
By virtue of his birth it was his right to be king once his father passed on. Still, while his father lived he had not acted as an heir should. Though not many knew of it, he had planned on deposing his father. Even if it would have been the best for the realm, to do so would be something inconceivable to most. Even if his subjects would have felt some relief at his actions; they would have seen the action as dereliction of his duty; both as a subject of the realm and a son. They might have accepted it, but, it had been those thoughts which stayed his hand the first time and even now it fills him with regret.
He compounded his error when he failed to adhere to his duty to others when he focused on fulfilling prophecies rather than focusing on the responsibilities which he had to the rest of his family and by disregarding the interests of the lords who would acknowledge him as their king.
He thought back to when Viserys asked questions about Lord Robert. Lyanna had been Lord Robert's betrothed and for him that had not mattered to him because he needed Lyanna, wanted her, and perhaps even loved her. Though it ceased to matter now that both of them died, she had not been his to take; certainly not from the man who had her father's blessing, even if she had not wanted to be Robert's wife and perhaps saw herself as in love with him. It was his failing to see that it should have mattered then and it had not. His failure to adhere to the wishes of Lord Rickard, and ignoring the prevailing conventions of Westeros lead to so much damage and to the deaths of so many. Because of his impulsive actions in the past, Rhaegar knew he had to consider every action undertaken with him in the role of King must be to be chosen carefully.
But, to involve himself with this could give rise to the idea that Lord Tywin could control his behavior and he can not allow it. He could not and will not give in to Lord Tywin for this; if only to save himself from other's making another comparison between himself and his father with respect to dependency on Tywin. As it was, if he had capitulated, he doubted Lord Tywin would have any respect for him.
Even if he had no fear of seemingly losing his standing he had other, more personal, concerns as well. Rhaegar's face formed a deep grimace. It was mostly true the Dornish were more flexible when it came to bastards and paramours though it was certainly not always true. He sighed; pointing that out to Tywin Lannister would not have been helpful, particularly given what Tywin Lannister had done to his father's mistress after the death of Lord Tytos.
Still, in this matter Lord Tywin had the advantage; as he said to the Lord of Casterly Rock, none of these girls would be rivals for any future legitimate children his daughter would give the Dornish prince. Tywin Lannister would have to learn and accept that the Sand children will be at the wedding; moreover, when it came to the ways of Dornishmen, he had to accept Rhaegar could do nothing about what happened without him seeming, at the least, unreasonable.
The Dornish found no fault with having paramours or bastards, but, to clearly favor one's paramour over one's spouse no Dornishman would abide. He inwardly flinched; the Dornish had long memories. To any Dornishman, Jon was not a typical bastard. To Dornishman he was an insult and a rival for their princess's children's legacy; the same way they had viewed his involvement with Lyanna as an insult to their princess and his wife.
Rhaegar knew the Dornish looked less favorably on his "bastard" even if Doran Martell never spoke to him harshly about it and did not rage at him for Jon's placement in the royal household; though if Elia would have asked her brother to intercede on her behalf there is no doubt in Rhaegar's mind Doran and Oberyn would have been disastrously unpleasant. Even with the succession secured so if anything untoward happened, Viserys would follow Aegon, the Dornish nobility would still be uneasy with him.
Naturally, having a role in excluding Oberyn's children from the wedding would show him to be unduly cruel seeing as they were already present in King's Landing. Moreover no Dornishman would keep silent on this matter, even if they would not spit curses at him publicly.
Saying something, anything truly, much less taking Tywin Lannister's part, on this matter would be more trouble for him than it is worth. His trying to rebuild a relationship with Elia was going painstakingly slowly, and the last thing he need was to tell Elia, or her brothers for that matter, Lord Tywin found something objectionable with their ways and given what he had done he agreed with Lord Tywin. Judging by Lord Tywin's reaction he had not liked Rhaegar's pronouncement, but, he would accept it.
He was thankful Lord Tywin was his only contrary lord in his proximity that he had contend with. Lord and Lady Stark and the rest of the Northern brood left for the North and Rhaegar could feel a weight lift over the court at that. Then again, perhaps it was just a bit of the weight lifted off of his shoulders. Even after the Northmen were gone the word 'Stark' was always mentioned in whispers and certainly not to him unless absolutely necessary. Even after he and Lord Ned had that talk they had been uncomfortable with each other. He doubted they would ever be comfortable in each other's proximity; no matter how many letters would be exchanged in the near future. As it was the other lord Rhaegar felt uncomfortable around, Lord Stannis Baratheon would be gone from King's Landing taking his Ashara and his men with him.
Some days later.
That the High Septon himself was presiding over the festivities showed that this wedding was to be something important. Then again, for the large gathering of esteemed and exclusive guests at the Great Sept of Baelor, celebrating the wedding of Prince Oberyn of Dorne and Lady Cersei Lannister, the daughter of the former Hand and Lord of Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister, was something of note and deserved to be celebrated fully.
While they waited for the bride make her entrance the majority of the audience's attention was focused towards to where the groom waited with the High Septon. At the end of the hall the High Septon stood tall and austere, but, seemed proud and eager to do his part all the same. Facing him was Prince Oberyn of Dorne. Most thought the Prince, unique as his Martell looks were, with his dark hair and black eyes, cut quite the striking figure because of his height and his stature. His style of dress, his doublet being a dark orange, the color of burnt sand, with brown breeches, suited him quite well.
Moving one's eyes away from the groom and towards the audience, given the identity of the groom, sitting in the front, naturally, were the King and Queen. The King looked majestic wearing all black with gold at the collar and at the cuffs while the Queen looked lovely in a gown of deep red overlaid with black Myrish lace. Though they were dressed finely it was obvious to those who those who had a fine eye that they dressed so they would not overshadow the groom and bride; though the bride and her father had not made their entry into the Sept just yet. With the King and Queen sat the younger brother of the King, Prince Viserys, and the Princess Rhaenys; both of whom, even at their ages, were dressed as befitting the occasion and their rank. None of the other royal children were present for the occasion.
The Queen's other brother; the Ruling Price of Dorne was also present with his wife and children. All of them were dressed, in the warm Martell colors. Sitting with Prince Doran & his family there were a few girl children of different ages, but clearly not of Prince Doran's get, but, given their proximity to the Royal family and the Martells one could see that the girls were family to the Martells.
It occurred immediately to some rather intelligent individuals who they were and there was some shock there were differing opinions at this development. Some thought it charming because the girls dressed appropriately, were well behaved, and seemed genuinely happy about the goings on. To be sure there were some who looked on incredulously; sniffing derisively, even if they were stunned, that the Dornish had always been odd. Some reacted to their shock by looking around at others so that the rest of the audience could offer some insight into how they should react.
Others immediately looked to were the bride's family was, only some of the audience had gotten distracted when they took in the appearance of Tywin Lannister's youngest child; the dwarf, Tyrion. It was a shock to see how he looked, but, it was also a shock to see the lad as it was said he seldom left Casterly Rock. Some had known the lad had been in King's Landing and that he joined in young Prince Viserys' company at times; however, very rarely was Lord Tywin's youngest seen in public.
Once the audience recovered from the shock they remembered their purpose in looking in the family's direction to gauge their reaction at the presence of Prince Oberyn's children only there were so many of them in attendance, it served no purpose to try and gleam their thoughts on the matter. All the Lannister's looked formal and none of their expressions gave much of anything away. Given the lack of reaction most surmised the Lannisters have been made aware of the girls' presence and were prepared to see them at Sept. Given that, many in the audience began to speculate internally what the Lannisters had thought about Oberyn's bastard children being present. Some could not fathom why the Lannisters accepted it, or even if they disliked it but put a brave face on it. Some were of the opinion that if the Lannisters believed it truly objectionable then the wedding would not have occurred; betrothals be damned. Some believed that while it was all-too-shocking, believed the Lannisters would not be bothered if it meant a daughter of their house would be a princess and the future mother of princes.
Still, for some, it was said often that Lord Kevan Lannister had not had a thought which Lord Tywin had before him, and Lord Kevan seemed to take the presence of Prince Oberyn's bastards in stride and therefore Lord Tywin must have accepted the presence of Prince Oberyn's daughters magnanimously. If Lord Tywin Lannister accepted it, then they should follow suit. Once that realization set in and that knowing that whatever their reactions to the fact were they were not going to voice any objections if the bride's family was not, most of the audience's concentration shifted to the others present for the wedding.
Aside from the bride and grooms families there were also other prominent lords and ladies. Lord and Lady Dayne of Starfall were in attendance having recently arrived themselves. Next to them were Lord Stannis Baratheon, his younger brother, Lord Renly, and his betrothed Lady Ashara Dayne, and her daughter Lady Alya. It was rumored, mostly in titters, that the Stormlord and the Dornishwoman were marry later in the week though this wedding was to be larger and more festive. Much to the chagrin of quite a handful of men, in particular, there was to be no bedding after that ceremony and it was the intended groom's wishes!
All the small council, were in attendance; including the Hand of the King, Lord Arryn, who attended with his lady wife. Rounding out the wedding party were three members of the Kingsguard: the Lord Commander, Gerold Hightower; friend to both the groom and the king, Ser Arthur Dayne; and brother to the bride, Ser Jaime Lannister.
Soon enough, the bride came in on the arm of her father. The bride looked resplendent in a Lannister red gown, with golden accents, made of Pentoshi silk, wearing a necklace of gold. Framing her body was her red and maiden cloak with the lion of her house embroidered up on the center of it.
Once they made it to where the groom was waiting, Lord Lannister let her arm go and she clasps the one offered to her by the Prince and the pair smile at one another. The ceremony begins with the prayers to the Seven delivered by the eager High Septon followed by prayers to bless the couple. The High Septon, then, leads singing of certain appropriate hymns.
While watching the ceremony progress, Rhaegar noticed Elia starting to look rather wistful; her gaze never wavered from the events going on in front of her. He had wondered if she had been thinking of their wedding and if she remembered it fondly. She must have because she smiled at him and unbent enough to take his hand when he silently touched her hand with his; only he would not think to ask her when they were in public and he certainly never asked before.
Thinking back to their wedding; truthfully, the procedure had predominantly been similar to the one they were a party to on this day; however, with theirs everything more opulent because his father would accept no less, and, of course, the cloak he put around Elia's shoulders was different. However, unlike Cersei and Oberyn, they were not granted the privileged of knowing each other well before they were to wed.
Once the hymns were sung it was time to change the cloak on Lady Cersei's shoulders. Lord Tywin reaches to unclasp the cloak his daughter is wearing and removes the cloak and drapes it over one arm. Prince Oberyn takes the richly appointed orange, velvet cloak with the red Dornish sun in his hands and drapes it over his bride's shoulder with a bit of a playful flourish.
Seeing that, Rhaegar silently exhales a breath; as far as he remembered, he affixed Elia's cloak rather mechanically. When he married, he approached it as a duty for him to perform because his position required it and because it was something which needed doing for his dreams to be realized. He is aware that his being a melancholic sort of man had been said of him; even in childhood. When Elia had been an ideal enough bride for him, as lovely and kind as she was, he had not been happy at his own wedding; certainly not as happy as Oberyn seems to be. While it was true most highborn individuals are not expected to be happy in their alliances masquerading as marriages, but, he can not say he was particularly unhappy in his marriage with Elia.
He looks away from the happy couple now sharing their secret smiles. Even when he attempted to marry Lyanna, in between the flashes of admiration, love, madness, there was mostly prophecy and duty. He came to realize how much of a folly it was. Naturally going to Dorne was reckless, even more than simply taking into account what the Dornishmen would have felt about it. It was true there was strategy in going to a rather impregnable Dorne; neither Aerys nor Lord Rickard would have been able to send so many men after them until the marriage would have been an accomplished fact. Only, the Tower of Joy had been in the middle of the unforgiving Dornish desert and the advantages of the desert did not outweigh the disadvantages.
The High Septon droning on about the duties and responsibilities of those bound in marriage causes his concentration to break for a moment. The Septon.
Rhaegar swallows deeply. His search for a Septon in Dorne had been a farce from the beginning. Lyanna, being of the North as she was, would have been perfectly to take their vows before a Heart-tree with a few witnesses, only there were no weirwood trees in Dorne; much less in the desert surrounding the Tower of Joy and the witnesses, even those sworn to him would have frowned upon it. He, himself, did not keep the Old Gods and even in the frenzied state he was in, he knew no one in the South would accept such a marriage; not when he was married with healthy children and Lyanna, as young as she was, was betrothed to a well-liked high-lord. Even if there was precedence with Targaryen kings who married more than one woman, those relationships were always with women who were relations and Lyanna was certainly not related to neither to himself nor Elia. All of that just shows how unapologetically thoughtless he had been.
The High Septon voice gives him welcome respite. The High Septon now prompts Cersei and Oberyn to say their vows.
Cersei speaks first and vows, "With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lord and husband."
Oberyn, just as eagerly, returns, "With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lady and wife."
For Rhaegar who wishes the wedding ceremony would just end, it seems as though the kiss they share lingers for longer than appropriate. Only, now watching as his good-brother and his new wife kiss, he fells Elia's hand begin to slip from his and he reflexively clutched at it tighter, not letting it go. He can do nothing about Lyanna's wedding and marriage that never was, but, this one, he intends to save.
At the gesture Elia turns towards him in askance, which he returns with a slight shake of his head, a gentle squeeze of her hand, and a nod in the Septon's direction.
Once the vows were exchanged the High Septon, pleased expression on his face, proclaimed, "I do solemnly proclaim Oberyn of House Nymeros Martell and Cersei of House Lannister to be man and wife, one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever, and cursed be the one who comes between them."
At the pronouncement the Dornishmen looked positively jubilant. While most Lannister's looked on formally, if content, some remarked, rather pleased, Ser Jaime looked positively elated at his sister's good fortune. The rest of the audience is cheerful. Rhaegar wishes it was not amongst his duties to attend these weddings.
The wedding feast which was held shortly after was intended to be a grand one; fit for a prince and princess. Of course given that the groom was a Prince and the Dornish are known for having lively fete's it would be so. Lord Tywin Lannister, it is said, for the wedding of his only daughter, would have it no other way.
The first courses included the soup course which consisted of oxtail soup and a seafood stew and also salads of different types. Following that, the esteemed guests feasted on roast pork, lamb, and quail meat dipped in butter, and potted hare. For those brave enough, there was also the Dornish staple, grilled snake complete with a fiery mustard sauce. There were also a collection of breads, cheeses, and fruits offered to complement the rest of the food offered.
The guests also treasured the freely flowing wine and enough drinks to satisfy any and all sorts of palate. Taking into account both the bride and grooms respective homelands there were copious amounts of Dornish sour reds and dreamwine and Arbor gold from the Westerlands.
In addition there were wines from Essos, such as the Lyseni whites and reds and Pentoshi ambers. There was also various beers and ciders for the guests to enjoy and if one looked about the hall one could see that the effort to make this available was very much appreciated.
There were also various amusements to entertain the audience. Singers from King's Landing, Lannisport and Sunspear were employed. Most of crowd thoroughly enjoyed a rendition of The Bear and the Maiden Fair,though to be frank, Lord Tywin was less than pleased at the bawdy song selection, but, the Dornishmen seemed to enjoy it in his stead. There were also jugglers and a troupe of mummers who put on quite an entertaining show.
From the raised table Rhaegar looked to Lord Tywin seated near him, as he had done repeatedly throughout the night. He was quite relieved; while Lord Tywin had not smiled once today, that he had not was hardly surprising, but, the lord had not seemed displeased at the arrangements.
Soon enough, amidst the revelry, shouts rang out in multiple places about the hall calling for the bedding to begin. Shortly thereafter the shouts grew louder and more insistent. As such, the bride, who put a rather brave face on it, and the amused groom sitting at the raised dais with the King and Queen were separated by two groups of people, laughing and telling coarse jokes, who were perfectly happy to herd the bride and groom out of the hall so that they could eagerly begin stripping the comely couple of their clothing.
After the bride and groom were all but dragged out the hall, lively music was started again so that the rest of the audience could dance and drink well into the night.
Rhaegar looked to Elia and extended his hand to her with the intention of dancing. To say she is shocked would be an understatement, but, she recovers quickly and her smile is bright.
She spoke first. "It went quite well, do you not think?"
Remembering his thoughts from the wedding, he nods, but, from her expression, it seems she desires a verbal answer. He keeps it brief, "Yes, it has." Despite his lack of enthusiasm for the whole affair the wedding festivities were quite well put together.
She leans in closer, and his eyes widen slightly, "It seems it went well enough, even for Lord Tywin." She laughs slightly; he wishes he could join her in merriment.
"Small mercies I suppose." He frowns at her. "I never said he was unhappy with the wedding."
She smiles, but, shrugs, as she speaks to him in a low voice. "Lord Tywin is rarely happy with much about anything, especially Martell eccentricity. I imagine it was quite the surprise Doran gave him."
His lips twitched, "It was Doran's doing then?"
"Doran rarely does anything without thinking long about it and Oberyn was happy seeing his girls." Much to his internal frustration she sounds adoring when speaking about her brothers. She continues, "I hope Lord Tywin did not cause you much grief. I was rather surprised he wanted to speak to you about my brother's girls."
"Yes, it was surprising; however, what is done is done." There truly was no reason to speak more about it. He certainly has no desire to discuss it.
"Yes, quite."
He keeps his concentration on their steps as they dance. He does not want to speak much unless it gives her a chance to reminisce too much about their wedding; it would do more harm than good, but, remembering causes him to hold her more closely.
They danced together some more before Ser Jaime, resplendent in white, cut in saying something about losing his usual dancing partner to which Elia, in Rhaegar's opinion, found much too much humor in as she let go of his hand and cheerfully took the knight's.
Rhaegar deciding he does not want to dance any more, swiftly goes to sit back down lest some one accost him for "the pleasure of his arm" just in time to overhear Doran mediate the tail end of a rather contentious debate occurring between his younger brother and Doran's girl.
"Arianne, my daughter, at least for the first dance you must let the Prince lead. Perhaps after, you can take turns. It would do well to look like a gracious guest." One look quells the stubbornness growing on the girl's expression, but, his brother seems downright cheerful at the prospect of being vindicated before another look from Doran sends the children running to join in on the dancing.
Rhaegar thinks perhaps Lord Tywin did have the right of it when discussing the Martells and their ease in making things difficult. "Must I even ask?"
Doran's expression gives nothing away as he calmly states, "Children can be quite headstrong; particularly those of rank who are acutely aware of their position."
Rhaegar takes a drink of wine as he tries not to think more deeply on the meaning the statement could potentially contain; however, this was Doran. Doran, who rarely keeps the counsel of others; who can be just as frustrating as his younger brother. It truly wears on the nerves; one of his wife's brothers can speak too plainly and the other one chooses never to. "Is that so?"
Doran shrugs, keeping his attention on the two children, "Prince Viserys wanted to dance; or rather show his prowess at it. My daughter was insistent she leads. It is uncommon here and the Prince had said so. Naturally their differences would have lead to a public argument and we can ill afford that. She will follow me one day, but, she aught to learn things are different outside of Dorne and rudeness would not do."
Though neither Doran's gaze nor the tone of his voice shift, Rhaegar observes that in his line of sight there is Princess Mellario looking on approvingly in their daughter's and Viserys' direction and Lord Tywin conversing with Elia, both no doubt speaking carefully with one another. Rhaegar tears his gaze away to look at the children again.
He remembers hearing of Lord Tywin's rudeness when Elia and Oberyn sojourned to Casterly Rock, when the former Ruling Princess sought to arrange her children's wedding with the Lannister twins. Rhaegar's thoughts during the wedding come back to him as well.
Seeing both Princess Arianne's and Viserys' now, distinctly not put-upon expressions and he straightens his spine. He replays Doran's words mentally and he frowns, but, does not look towards Doran; he does not want to know what, if anything, he would see on his good-brother's expression.
Keeping his gaze forward, Rhaegar wonders if having Oberyn's bastards at Cersei's wedding was the price of Lord Tywin's previous rudeness and if his brother will be the price for Rhaegar's rudeness of taking Lyanna to Dorne and legitimizing her son. Rhaegar spends the rest of the night watching as dancing and revelry goes about him; however he can not remember any of it.
The wedding of Lord Stannis Baratheon to Lady Ashara Dayne was decidedly more intimate than the wedding of Prince Oberyn Martell and Lady Cersei Lannister. The more unkind individuals dismissed it as smaller; less important. Of course, a wedding between a High Lord, in his own right, and the daughter and the sister of one would not, under typical circumstances, be dismissed less important; however, the circumstances of this wedding were hardly typical.
While it was true the groom was a High Lord, however, this groom was Lord Stannis Baratheon; who was elevated to his position by circumstance. The circumstance being that he was a second son, until he no longer was a second son. Of course, Stannis Baratheon it was said in whispers, was far more dour and far less charming then his brother, the lamented Lord Robert; even if the previous Stormlord had been quite the rouge and officially a traitor at the time of his death. Stannis Baratheon, himself, was pardoned for his undertakings in the war, having taken the part of his brother. Some were sympathetic; it was never easy to choose between one's king and one's brother. Still, the man was an enigma to most.
Of course, the bride was no less controversial. Even if Ashara Dayne was a beauty, and many agreed she quite was lovely with her dark hair and violet eyes; yet, her dishonor from Harrenhal was plain to see as she had given birth to a bastard girl of her own. The child was also in attendance for her mother's wedding; however given that all four Prince Oberyn's children were present for their father's this was met with a mere shrug by most in attendance. Of course, there was still some whispering as some still thought the identity of Lady Ashara's daughter's father was also deserving was still worth discussing. Of course any who saw both together wondered at the most unusual pairing.
Still, this was to be a proper wedding held at the Great Sept of Baelor as is due for individuals of their position.
Inside the Sept, next to the High Septon, the groom stood. While some were quite certain this groom was less handsome than Prince Oberyn or from what others remembered of Robert Baratheon's looks, his brother; there was something lordly about the way the tall and broad-shouldered man carried himself. Of course, he did have his family's much lauded, trademark dark hair and blue eyes. His stature was only helped along by the way he was dressed: in black and gold. True, the design was simple, yet elegant in its own way; but, that was to be expected. Stannis Baratheon was known to be a direct man with no patience for flamboyance.
Taking in the audience for this wedding one does notice that to be sure there were fewer people in attendance for this occasion; however the attendees were no less exalted than those of the wedding held previously. As it happened some of the persons in attendance today were the same who attended the wedding of Prince Oberyn of Dorne and Lady Cersei of Casterly Rock.
Towards the front, Lord Renly, Lord Stannis' younger brother, was in attendance; dressed in a similar manner to that of his older brother. Seated next to him were some of Lord Stannis' bannermen; in particular, Lords Eldon and Lomas Estermont of Greenstone, uncles to Lord Baratheon, and Lord Penrose of Parchments.
All of the bride's family was all present; Lady Dayne, having arrived with her lord-husband's party the week prior, was seated with her good-brother and young good-sister. Ser Arthur Dayne, could be identified by his clothing; the white of the Kingsguard. Lord Dayne, acting in the role of the bride's father, was expected to arrive in the Sept with the bride.
Behind them, seated, were members of the Royal Family. With the Queen being of Dornish origin and was one of the bride's closest friend's and the King also having been a friend to the Daynes for years, as such, it was understood by many that they certainly would be in attendance for this wedding. Prince Viserys and Princess Rhaenys, as with the last wedding, were also allowed to attend this wedding. Some remembered the groom had a grandmother who had been a Targaryen and so the groom did have ties to the Royal Family as well.
Because of their longstanding friendships with the bride's family, both princes of Dorne, along side with their wives and their children, were in attendance, as well. Some who were also present at the last wedding, this time were not as taken aback at seeing Prince Oberyn's children in attendance. The Hand of the King and his lady-wife, Lysa Tully, were also in attendance for the occasion. They were seated next to Lord Tully, the Master of Laws on the Small Council. Master of Coin, Lord Tywin Lannister; his brother, Lord Kevan Lannister and his lady wife, Dorna Swyft; Lord Emmon Frey and his lady-wife, Genna Lannister, were also present.
Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Brynden Tully, newly appointed to the Kingsguard, were also in the exalted company; though they were seated towards the rear.
The procedure for the wedding of Lord Stannis Baratheon of Storm's End and Lady Ashara Dayne of Starfall was to be very similar to that of Prince Oberyn Martell of Sunspear and Lady Cersei of Casterly Rock; only this time it was to be Lord Dayne who would walk his sister into the Sept and the color of the cloak the lady would wear on into and out of the Sept would be different.
Shortly thereafter, the bride entered with her brother, Lord Dayne. Lady Ashara's silver gown was made of Dornish silk and it matched exactly the color of Lady Ashara's eyes. Coupled with the lavender maidencloak and a necklace set with jewels the color of amethyst, the ensemble made her seem all the more lovely. While some marveled at Lord Baratheon's luck at acquiring such a lovely wife, some marveled at how happy Lady Ashara seemed to be married to Lord Stannis. Some were rather amazed to see Lord Stannis did not smile when his bride came to stand beside him, but, his face relaxed as she eagerly took his properly extended hand.
The service began with the dedicated prayers to the Seven, in particular the Song of the Seven. After that, prayers were said in the name of and to consecrate the union of this couple. There was also the traditional singing of hymns lead by the High Septon.
Following that, Lord Dayne went to unclasp the cloak from his sister's shoulders. While Lord Stannis did not have the same flamboyance in placing the Baratheon heraldic stag embroidered over Lady Ashara's shoulders that Prince Oberyn displayed at his wedding, there was, however, something proprietary about his motions, which caused some in the audience to show surprise.
Thereafter the Septon lead the couple in taking their marriage vows. The vows said by the couple were the same which were exchanged at the previous wedding, however, these vows exchanged with a much more serious undertone. Even the kiss they shared was brief; but, not cold or distant. The proclamation of the marriage being sealed was heartily celebrated by the audience.
Given that the bride was Dornish, the items included in this feast had some similarities with that of Prince Oberyn's wedding, but, this wedding also had varied fare which included more foods from the Stormland's and King's Landing. The soup courses included Sister's Stew and Blandissory. The main courses included such foods as beef and other roasted meats, suckling pig, cream swans, and trout wrapped in bacon. There were also a variety of puddings and desserts which included cherry tarts, honeycakes, and lemoncakes. Most importantly, there was a bountiful array of drink available to be imbibed: Dornish sours, sweet plum wine, and copious amounts of strongwines, spice wines, wines made of various other fruits.
All at the wedding were quite strident in their wish to enjoy themselves. Some however mourned that there was to be no bedding on this night. Most who claimed to know Stannis Baratheon, knew he was a serious sort of man, and had been even in childhood. Of course, most believed him to be a fairly traditional sort; however, that he would disavow this particular tradition was met with surprise and bitterness on the part of some of the men; who knowing the identity of the bride had been previously quite eager to attend the feast. Those who bemoaned the lost opportunity fell to eating, drinking, and enjoying the entertainments set for the night to assuage their disappointment. Some who had been at the wedding and saw the way the groom put his cloak on his bride, upon hearing this, sent a knowing look the groom's way.
That there would be no bedding did not stop musicians from playing such selections as The Queen Took Off Her Sandal, the King Took Off His Crown. Lord Baratheon looked rather incredulous at that while Lady Baratheon looked vaguely amused, but, took her husband's hand and smiled at him. Aside from the traditional musical selections of various artists from the Stormlands and Dorne there was also a rendition of the mummer's play, "The Conqueror's Two Wives".
At the raised dais, Stannis Baratheon was indeed living up to his reputation as a man of much restraint; he was quietly eating his food and washing food down with the same cup of wine he was given at the start of the feast. Let it not be said he was completely silent through the meal. Though he did not speak much, he was seen regularly speaking to his new wife, occasionally to his younger brother, and infrequently with Lord Arryn. Lady Ashara, on the other hand, could be seen chatting away eagerly with the others at the table and seemed to be enjoying her food and drink. The disparity of their personalities caused other's to question the pair's relationship; however, the wedded pair seemed to be quite comfortable in each other's company.
Soon enough many in attendance at the wedding feast had their fill of food and drink though plenty continued on in that endeavor. Because there was to be no bedding that evening, there was an earlier start to the dancing. Lord Stannis and Lady Ashara led the first dance and the second as well. While Lady Ashara had long since been known to dance well, most had not seen Lord Stannis dance prior occasions, much less with frequency or with much enthusiasm. As such, it took many by surprise that while he was not quite fluid a dancer, he was more than merely competent at dancing. Soon enough, others such as the King and Queen, other lords and ladies, joined in; including the young Lord Renly who, before all the children were shuffled off to bed, shared a dance each with Princess Rhaenys, Princess Arianne, and the oldest two of the princesses' cousins.
Before too much time had passed others took their chance to dance with either of the wedded couple and so Lord Stannis shared dances with Lady Dayne, young Lady Allyria Dayne, the Queen, and the Hand's wife, while Lady Ashara danced with her both brothers, Lord Renly, and the King. Shortly after that, it became evident to some Lord Stannis had been less than enthused at the idea of sharing a dance with someone not his wife, though the list of hopefuls who would dance with Lady Ashara was incredibly long and included such company as Ser Barristan the Bold. Even his old uncle, Lord Eldon Estermont who, during the later part of the night, blithely ignoring tradition, almost refused to give Lord Stannis his lady-wife back when Lord Stannis, after spending some time in conversation with men who were of the Stormlord's retinue, got up to share the final dance of the night with her.
Even without the bedding, all who attended the wedding festivities of Lord Stannis Baratheon of Storm's End and Lady Ashara Dayne of Starfall, including the blessedly traditional wedding ceremony, counted the events as unique, memorable, and enjoyable in their own right.
Chapter 12: Normality? Can there even be such a thing?
