It had been a week since Ser Barristan Selmy had found himself alone in the early morning watch. He didn't mind however, it gave him a great deal of time to think. It had been on a morning like this nearly a fortnight ago that Emily Brax had found him on the balcony that usually served as his post at this hour, watching the first rays of light peek over the horizon. Her hair was a dark brown, just like her lord father and yet her smile was her mother's. She gave him a curtsy and he had bowed in return, greeting her. She had confirmed she was departing that day for her parents' abode in Hornvale that day, to which he replied that she would be missed around the keep before he realized how that might sound to such a young, impressionable young lady. It would be better if she not know, I'm bound by my oath and far too old for romance. She had thanked him politely like she had heard nothing out of the ordinary from him, curtsying again.

He'd heaved an inward sigh of relief and regret, thinking about the past for a moment. A hand on his brought him out of his dark thoughts to see Emily looking concerned and no doubt repeating herself when she asked if he was all right. He assured her it was nothing but old ghosts, looking with her as her name was called and she responded. She had turned to him to say good bye and he had found himself moving despite all his thoughts on how he shouldn't, sweeping her into a hug. Fortunately, no one else had been around to see him in his moment of weakness. Those few seconds allowed him not to care about his age or consequences, to be that bold young man he had once been. In that minuscule amount of time, his lips had met hers and had said what words could not. Her smile when they parted was enough proof for him that she returned his feelings, which he wouldn't have ever expected.

Logic had long since screamed at him several times whenever he was all by himself, especially on mornings like this. There was no going back from what had been done, his actions had spoken for him. But kingsguard members were sworn in for life and none had ever been released from service, save by death or the rare and shameful exile for breaking their vows. He could not in good conscience disrespect Emily's honor as a lady any more than she would wish to disrespect his. Until the kiss, he'd had no idea she cared for him and that spoke volumes about her character. He spent most of his free time recently in the sept, asking the Warrior and the Crone for guidance, walking to his quarters or the dining room or his post afterwards and trying to keep an open mind. So far he felt like he wasn't really getting an answer, but then again he had never really been good with praying frequently like those of the Faith ought to, or so all septons claimed.

His thoughts were interrupted by a moody-looking Jaime Lannister, who strolled up and said that the king wanted to make an announcement. Wondering what on earth it could be that would have the king out of bed so early, he followed the storming lion into the throne room. He was very surprised to see the high septon himself there in the throne room, standing at the foot of the throne. He knelt before his monarch and the leader of the Faith, his curiousity peaked. The high septon had only come here once before, when Robert was crowned fourteen years ago. He finally found his voice. "You sent for us, your highness?"

"Yes I did. The high septon says he's had a revelation he wishes to share with the world."

Barristan had worked with Robert long enough to detect the skeptism in his voice, which was well-hidden for once. Usually the king didn't try to hide any doubts he had, but perhaps Lord Eddard's presence in the room had mellowed him out. "I am honored to be among the first to hear this revelation." He said aloud with a bow of his head.

The high septon cleared his throat. "I know that since Bran the Builder and Aegon the Conqueror, the Night's Watch and your kingsguard have vowed valiantly not to take wife or father children. Many have been as steadfast as Baelor the Beloved, but others have shown their human weaknesses by breaking their vows with disastrous results. This has troubled me for some time, therefore I secluded myself and fasted for days. Whilst prostrated before the altars of the Seven, the crone came to me in a dream. She said that many bound by the oaths they've taken seek her wisdom when they fall in love with a woman. She continued on to say the solution was to remove the requirement of such an oath in order to serve, instead allowing them the option of being able to marry and have families. While this would not stop some from having relations outside of wedlock that result in bastards, it would certainly increase the number of willing and able men who wish to serve."

Robert was silent for a few minutes before turning to Eddard. "The North worships the old gods, so I cannot say what they would do about such a suggestion coming from the Faith of the Seven. What do you think, Ned?"

"Ultimately it will be up to the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jeor Mormont. I cannot say what he will decide for certain, but he is not an unreasonable man. He will consider the words of the high septon even though he is of another faith, then he will take the matter before the old gods. After that, depending on what he's decided every man who takes the black will have to choose for themselves what their vows mean. I recommend we write him at once, your majesty. The sooner word is sent to him, the sooner he can send a reply."

"I agree. Since you know him better than I do, I would ask that you carry this out, Ned."

Eddard bowed his acknowledgement, leaving the throne room as quiet as a wolf on the prowl.

"And what does your highness say concerning this matter?" The high septon ventured to ask after a few minutes of silence.

Robert smiled. "I say it's about time you got that revelation, high septon. Every man should have the right to a wife and a family. See that this is proclaimed throughout all your septs in Westeros that none may question the will of the Seven."

"Truly you are a wise and kind king." The high septon beamed, taking his leave.

"You've been very quiet, my kingsguard."

Ser Barristan glanced at his brothers in the room. Some of them looked surprised beyond words, but only one had a hint of murderous rage in their eyes. He cleared his throat. "Well your highness, I think we're all in a state of shock at the moment. But I'm sure their lord fathers will be quite jubilant to hear they once again can marry off or watch the wedding of their sons."

Robert gave a booming laugh. "I am sure they will be. Dismissed."

Jaime was the first to leave, no doubt to hide the snarl that was forming on his lips.

Barristan let him be, taking a stroll to the sept and kneeling in fervent prayer, thanking the Seven for the answer to his many prayers. There might still be opposition from Emily's parents for all he knew, after all he was an old man and might not be able to have children. Jon Arryn had married at an age just a little older and his wife Lysa had had many miscarriages before finally bearing Robin. Yet whatever the Seven wished to give him, he would take. He only wanted Emily for his own, though he would make sure she was willing to take the risk he would probably die long before her. I haven't much to leave her when that happens, but she already knows that. But all that I have or can obtain will be hers, if she will have it.