Rewrite the Stars
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
A/N: This story takes place in Sister's Keeper.
Chapter 2 : A Diamond in the Rough
Elain's POV
Age 14
Renly Baratheon has been a dear friend to me. Despite our age differences, Renly has been kind. There were times Renly took me under his wings. Whenever he was in Storms Ends, he would invite my family to his estate. Usually, Renly would be traveling around the Seven Kingdoms, primarily King's Landing and the Reach. But when he is here, he extends his hospitality..
Renly found interest in me. There was a time he visited Hailstorm after confirmation of being Warden of the Stormlands. He went on tour to meet the other Stormlands lords. Father and he went over memories when Mother slipped, "I hoped Elain can be a fine Lady for the King's Court."
Let's just say Father was displeased by that, as he mutters, "I will not put a doe in a lion's den."
Renly caught on to this, "Is that so?"
Father adjusted his drink, "No one can trust a Lannister. Not after what they did to Elia Martell and her children. Nor the citizens of King's Landing."
He was referring to the Sacking of King's Landing that resulted in the death of the Mad King and the family that had stayed in the Red Keep. Only Queen Rhaella and her two children, Viserys and Alysanne, escaped to Dragonstone. Leaving behind Prince Rhaegar's family. Many declared war on the Mad King when Prince Rhaegar fell at the Trident.
Except…. the Lannisters decided to put an end to all this by tricking the Mad King and sacking King's Landing. As Ser Jamie Lannister stabbed the Mad King in the back. Meanwhile, the Mountain raped and murdered Elia and her children. There are rumors that House Martell is seeking retribution. However, with King Robert married to Cersei Lannister, there was no other conflict. If you don't count the Greyjoy rebellion.
Ever since then, Father has not got to King's Landing, well, not brought the family to King's Landing. Father has been summoned several times and brought Mother along, yet he does not bring the Robt and me. Followed by our youngest addition to the family. Once the season of spring began, my mother got pregnant. Now, I have a three-year-old brother named Stefan. He's a sweet boy who bears more resemblance to my father, with my mother's eyes. And more importantly, a cuddler.
Anyway, Renly raised a brow when hearing this.
Father nodded; when conversations like these arise, I wonder if my father knew something that others don't. However, he might have been sworn to secrecy.
"I and many would agree," Renly heaved. "My brother made the choice, and we must accept that."
Father only nodded again.
"Anyway," Renly changed the subject. "I would like to ensure both our families prosper."
"And what do you have in mind," Mother asked.
Renly looked at me, "I would like to increase Elain's opportunity amongst the nobility."
I stared at him, confused.
Father held a protective scowl, "As in?"
Renly smiles, turning his attention to Father, "Well, the Kingdoms have started announcing the claim of the most beautiful flowers of each realm. The Westerlands has Queen Cersei, Dorne has Princess Arienne, and the Reach has Lady Margaery. I would like to make Elain the Beautiful Flower of the Stormlands."
"Why?" Father asked.
"Well, as you know, I do not have a sister, and our Houses are family. What better than a dear cousin." Renly explained. "She is blooming into quite a young lady."
Mother smiled as she took my hand.
"She is no flower," Father warned, and Mother glared at him.
I felt a sting in my chest when I heard this.
But Father continued, "My daughter is a doe. A creature of the forest. I will not parade her around to be a broodmare."
"Gareth!" Mother gasped.
"Syrena," Father countered. "When the time comes for Elain to marry, I'll be sure she is married to a man who will treat her as her equal."
I was surprised by this. Most noblemen would trade their daughters off for personal gain. But my father, Ser Gareth Wensington, wanted a better match for me. Everyone says I was a Daddy's Girl. How I was raised differently compared to all the noble ladies. My father ensured I had an education and knew how to survive. I remember being invited for tea, and the girls and their mothers were shocked to hear about my archery and hunting. Maester Caldwell compared me to Lady Rhea Royce, a strong woman raised to stand for herself.
Indeed, I was not like other noble ladies in Westeros.
"I assure you; I want what is best for Elain as well," Renly assured. "What is best for our families. All I ask is that you let me take Elain under my wing. Let me present her and allow the Kingdoms to know House Baratheon and House Wensington are desirable to unite with."
"And what about Robert's daughter Myrcella," Father reminded. "Or your niece…. Shireen? Aren't they desirable?"
Renly sighed, "Myrcella will have her mother's beauty, but she will be considered the flower of the Crownlands. As for Shireen, her condition will scare off suitors."
I remember Shireen Baratheon. When she was a toddler, Lord Stannis bought her a doll from a trader from Essos. Unaware of the ship being plagued by greyscale or the merchant's ill intent. Either way, Shireen contracted greyscale. Lord Stannis quickly searched for a maester to stop the spread and saved his daughter's life. However, her face was disfigured.
Father sighed, "You truly want to aid my daughter's status?"
Renly nodded, "I assure you, she will be under my care."
Father paused thinking about it, then turned to Mother, who nodded in agreement. With another sigh, he nodded, "Very well. You can sponsor my daughter."
Renly smiled at this pleased.
"But Septa Merryweather will be attending as well," Father added. "Utmost, never attend Court in King's Landing."
"But of course," Renly assured.
And that was the start of my coming out. Since that discussion, Lord Renly would invite me to travel with him to the other kingdoms. Primary the Crownlands, the Stormlands, and the Reach by the border. We mainly attend festivities.
Lord Renly introduced me to the other nobility and mainly danced with me on the dance floor. Hardly dancing with any other woman. If he was not dancing with me, he was conversing with the guests, primarily with men who were quite handsome. Whispers spread that Lord Renly brings me around because he intends to marry me and wants to be comfortable in his lifestyle.
Undoubtedly, the Baratheons and Wensington have married out of convenience. The last time was my great-grandmother, Lady Alaya Baratheon. Daughter of Ser Lyonel Baratheon, who was known as the Laughing Storm. When Prince Duncan Targaryen broke his promise to marry Lady Alaya and married Jenny of Oldstone. Ser Lyonel took offense, relinquished his fealty to the Iron Throne, and declared himself the Storm King. One could say it was a rebellion, yet it ended with a Trial by Seven, with Ser Duncan the Tall and Ser Lyonel standing. Only my great sire lost the duel and was spared. King Aegon the Fifth understood the humiliation his son had caused, and Prince Duncan as well. Therefore, the prince abdicated, and King Aegon arranged the marriage of Princess Rhaelle to Ser Lyonel's son Ormund. As for Lady Alaya, the embarrassment of being rejected by a prince ruined her. Yet my Grandsire, Lord Orion, married her.
Before that, during the Dance of Dragons, Lady Maris Baratheon married my ancestor, Lord Cedric Wensington. From what Maester Caldwell told me, Lady Maris took offense that Prince Aemond Targaryen did not choose her when the Black and the Greens tried to forge alliances with House Baratheon. She commented to Prince Aemond about Prince Lucerys cutting out his eye or probably his balls. If my grandsire hadn't married her immediately, she would have lost her tongue and been sent to the Faith.
My Maris married into my family; my grand-aunt Lady Elaine married Lord Royce when both came of age. Our families occasionally married once enough to ensure the ties of the Baratheon and Wensington continue to serve the bloodline of Orys Baratheon and his sons.
Hearing that I could possibly be a wife to Renly is probable. However, Lord Renly is Lord of Storms End and Warden of the Stormlands. And let us not forget, brother to the king. He is likelier to marry a noble lady from one of the Seven Main Houses or a wealthy noble house than a cadet. Although, if it did come to that, I wouldn't mind since I find Renly amusing and a dear friend. Only time will tell.
Anyway, an invitation to attend Lady Brienne's nameday arrived. Lord Renly had accepted and invited me to join her. Once collected, we sailed off the Tarth. Lady Brienne is the daughter and heir to Lord Selmy Tarth. They run the island known as the Sapphire Isle, not because of its mined sapphires but because the waters are as blue as the brightest gem. The waters begin to change from storm gray to the luminous sea blue. Many in the Stormlands envy Tarth for that, as the waters and sky were constantly raining and gray.
Either way, I was excited to go. Especially hearing about Lady Brienne. She was not a conventional noble lady and preferred to have a sword in her hand than to needlepoint. I hope to spend time with her and hear how she does it. As the whispers go, she is undefeated in Tarth.
Renly escorted me down the ramp when the ships docked, where Lord Selmy and Lady Brienne greeted us. Lord Selmy was an older, tall man with straw-blond hair and blue eyes. When I stared at Lady Brienne, I was baffled by her height. She was tall, taller than any man I have known. She held a more muscular form, as her dress showed the curves of her muscles and the flatness of her chest. Her hair was straw-blond like her father's, reaching her midback while kept in a mermaid braid, exposing her face to a wide mouth, full lips, and slightly crooked nose. And yet, she had vibrant blue eyes that were like sapphires.
"Welcome to Tarth, Lord Renly," Lord Selmy greeted. "And Lady Elain."
"Thank you, Lord Selmy," Renly replied. "Thank you for inviting us to celebrate your daughter's nameday."
Lord Selmy nodded as he eyed Lord Renly. No doubt, seeing him as a potential suitor for his daughter. Yet, staring at Lady Brienne, she did not seem interested. Being courteous, her ladyship escorted us to Evenfall Hall, a castle on top of a hill that shine brightly as the sun gazed over it.
I walked up to Lady Brienne curiously, "I heard you train in swords, Lady Brienne."
"That I do," She confirmed as a matter of fact.
"By any chance, do you do archery?" I asked.
"I do," she answered, now curious as she stared at me.
I couldn't help but smile, "Maybe if we have time, we could spar or hunt."
A smile raised her full lips, revealing her crooked teeth, "I would like that."
My smile widened.
.o0o.
After breaking fast with the Tarths' and their guest the following day, Lady Brienne showed me around Evenfall Hall and the grounds. She was not dressed in a gown; instead, she wore leggings and a tunic while having a cincher of woven leather that protected her vital organs. I, too, wore something simple though a skirt rather than pants. Lady Brienne was generous as she showed me the archery range, and the staff provided arrows. I thank the Seven I brought my bow. Afterward, we spent the day shooting arrows in a mild competition.
We shared a conversation, as Lady Brienne had informed me she was uninterested in marriage. Even though she is her father's only living heir, men have been cruel to her because of her appearance and desire to fight.
"If I had your height and strength, I would too," I told her, firing an arrow. " Then again, men do fear strong women."
Lady Brienne chuckled softly, "That they do."
It wasn't long before Septa Merryweather had collected me and told me it was time to prepare for the ball. Lady Brienne sighed as her handmaiden did the same for her. They dragged us out of the archery range and back to the castle. Although we both shared a smile on our faces.
The next few hours were tedious. Septa Merryweather groomed my curly hair as she put it in a lavish Stormlander bun with a few loose braids, with flowers entwined. As for the dress, it was a lilac purple gown made of velvet while the sleeves of satin blue and trims of gold went around the collar and edges. Followed by my Wensington pendent. I was still young, so modesty was there.
"Lord Renly truly does like to spoil you," Septa Merryweather noted as she corrected the collar.
"Is this a bit too much?" I asked. "I don't want to ruin Lady Brienne's nameday."
Septa Merryweather examined my appearance, "You look decent. Like any lady from the Stormlands. It's not like you are wearing a gown from Dorne."
I snorted, recalling seeing the Dornish fashion for women. Their gowns are made of silk and organza for women's attire. Although, it is understandable with the hot climate they live in.
A knock on the door caught our attention as Septa Merryweather answered it. It was Lord Renly, as he wore his finest clothes of a bronze brocade doublet with black leggings. Followed by a golden sash across his chest. He smiled at seeing my attire.
"Beautiful, as always, my dear," Lord Renly complimented as he came over, offering an arm. "Shall we?"
I nodded, accepting his arm as we celebrated Lady Brienne's nameday.
.o0o.
The Feast to Lady Brienne's nameday went well. Everyone sat at their assigned tables, eating the meals presented to us. Lady Brienne seemed happy as she wore a lavish blue dress trimmed in rose red. Followed by pearls and sapphire jewelry. She was glowing, showing her inner beauty.
Once the feast was done, we were escorted to the small hall where it was decorated for dancing. Many men approached Lady Brienne, asking for a chance to dance. She seemed hesitant, yet took a man's hand as he escorted her to the center of the floor and began to dance.
Lord Renly offered his arm and led me to the dance floor as we danced. It was excellent as I danced with Lord Renly to a festive tune. Lord Renly smiled as he spun me around.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Lord Renly asked.
"I am," I confirmed.
"Good," he murmured.
"It seems Lady Brienne is enjoying her nameday," I noted.
Lord Renly glanced at her and nodded, "She is a diamond in the rough. "
"That is one way of putting it," I agreed. "I like her. She is nice and strong."
"I'm glad you can see that," he said. "Even though our women may not be as elegant as those in the other kingdom, you all hold a strong inner beauty."
I smiled at this.
Soon, the music ended as Lord Renly escorted me off the dance floor. He excused himself so he could speak with the guests. Though told me to enjoy myself at tonight's festivities. I nodded, walked around the small hall, talked with the guest, and got a small glass of mead.
Suddenly, someone stood next to me. I turned my attention and gasped to see a familiar face. Only this time, his face was shaven, hair cut short yet combed back. But I recognized him, especially with a leather brace on his right leg and the ornate cane in his hand.
"Ser Willas," I greeted.
He turned his gaze to me with welcoming brown eyes, "Lady Elain, what a pleasant surprise to see you here."
"Indeed," I agreed. "Although, it should be a surprise to see you here."
Ser Willas arched his brow, "How so?"
I fumbled, trying to find the right words that didn't seem offensive, "Well, not many noble houses come to the Stormlands unless for tournaments during the summer season."
He gave a soft chuckle, "True."
I nodded in relief.
"However, I was invited to celebrate Lady Brienne's nameday," he added. "Then again, so have many Lords."
I raised a brow, confused until I turned my attention to the dance floor and realized there were more men than women. Septa Merryweather mentioned that Lord Selmy has been trying to find a potential husband for his daughter. Could this be one of his schemes? I stared at the dance floor, seeing the men asking for Lady Brienne's hand for a dance. She smiled happily as she danced with the gentleman, as they swirled her around, making her blue dress sway like waves.
"How is your head?" Ser Willas asked.
"Pardon?" I replied, confused.
"Your head," he playfully repeated.
It took a moment to realize what he meant and blushed, "Ser Willas, that was four years ago. Must you keep asking me that for each passing we have?"
Ser Willas barked a laugh. In tournaments I have attended, I would cross Ser Willas in passing. He would ask me how my head was doing every time since I had received a minor concussion after being trampled by horses the first time we met. It was in good nature. I'm starting to find it irritating. Yet, it was a way to begin our conversation in the small encounters and exchanges.
"Forgive me, my lady," he apologized. "But I could not resist."
I sighed, shaking my head, "Of course you can't."
He simply smiled, "I heard Lord Renly is your sponsor in your coming out."
I nodded, "He has."
"And how are you enjoying it?" he asked.
"Traveling is tedious, but I have enjoyed meeting new people and the different customs," I answered.
Ser Willas nodded, "Good. Have any young man catch your interest."
I merely shrugged. "None that hold interest."
Ser Willas chuckled, "Well, you are fourteen. A bit young to find romantic interest."
I shuddered at the thought of being married at my current age. Noble Ladies usually have their engagement and betrothal at this age, if not younger. When a lady turns sixteen, do marriages happen? Women are intended to marry young since our lives can be shortened on the birthing bed. Followed by our fertility being high around this age. The thought frightened me to wed at such a young age. Especially if I am wedded to an older man. Father wouldn't be that cruel. He and Mother were roughly the same age. Yet, not all ladies are so fortunate. I heard about Lord Walder Frey marrying a young maiden who was only fifteen.
"Merely meeting new people," I assured.
"So, no young men that hold interest?" He teased me.
"Currently, no," I replied. "Then again, the men I met seemed more focused on strength and swords."
"Oh, so strength isn't a quality then?" he asked curiously.
"Strength does not make a man," I said. "Especially a great man rises above such things."
"And what would you know of great men?" he asked.
"I have read enough books and heard enough talk to believe I'd know one if he were before me," I answered.
"What else?" He continued.
I paused, thinking about it, "One who has generosity. Humility. The ability to recognize his match in others and not be threatened by it."
"His match in other men?" he pried.
"Women, too," I added.
"You believe that?" He replied. "That women can be a match of men."
"It's a question women have asked themselves for some time. But we concede men do have some value. So, we accept them as equal." I spoke.
Ser Willas smiled, "My lady, you have set the bar high. I hope one day you find a man worthy of your hand."
I blushed, doubting I would find a man when the time came.
"If only my sister was here," he added. "You two would have gotten along."
"Oh," I said.
Ser Willas nodded.
"Did your brother, Ser Garlan, attend?" I asked, not seeing him on the dance floor.
Ser Willas shook his head, "No. But I did bring my other brother, Loras, with me."
He gestured to a young man who was talking with Lord Renly. Loras was my age, maybe two years older than I. He is exceptionally handsome. His hair was a mass of lazy brown curls, and his eyes were like liquid gold that seemed lively. He held a glass while laughing at what Lord Renly had said, probably a joke. I noticed how Lord Renly can draw a crown and entertain anyone in his company, including men.
"My brother recently received his knighthood," Ser Willas explained. "Been dragging him around to expose him to different people than those in the Reach. He is a jousting knight. Since there are no wars, he needs to make better connections."
"I do hope there are no other wars," I said softly.
I remember how the Greyjoy Rebellion affected my father. The trauma he went through and the long recovery to return to the man he once was. The battle with Rodrik Greyjoy at the Booming Tower at Seagard. We all thought we had mentally lost him, yet over time, my father did come back. However, he was more cautious than ever before, including our coast at Hailstorm.
"As do I, my lady, as do I," Ser Willas agreed, as his eyes showed the trauma he had gone through.
Father mentioned that Ser Willas fought in the Greyjoy rebellion and earned his knight's livelihood.
"Did you fight in any wars?" I asked. "My father mentioned the Greyjoy rebellion."
"That, and King Robert's Rebellion, though I was a page and squire during that time for my uncles." '
I nodded, remembering House Tyrell supported the Targaryens.
"Wars are never pretty. No matter how the bards and maesters make them sound so," he added.
I nodded again, comfortless.
"Yet they do happen," I mumbled.
"Indeed, they do," he agreed. "Starting for more or less things."
I sighed, turning my attention to the dance floor back to Lady Brienne. She seemed truly happy. Then again, it is her nameday. She should be so glad to celebrate it. Seeing all the attention she was getting, there was a chance she would find a match. Then again, she was the heiress of Tarth. Any man would want to marry to join their houses and own the massive island of the Stormlands.
Until there was a new sound that was near, some snickering. Ser Willas noticed this and frowned as he glared at the men. They were the men who danced with Lady Brienne earlier. Seeing the gentlemanly behavior vanish to cruel boys, something did not feel right. Ser Humfrey Wagstaff, had danced Lady Brienne to them. And that is when I saw how brutal men can be, as the men laughed at her. The joy Lady Brienne had throughout her celebration vanished.
"Brienne the Beauty," Ser Humfrey exaggerated with a bow.
"More like a great lumbering beast," Ser Ronnet snicker.
I glanced around, wondering if anyone would stand up for her. How can these men be so cruel, especially on her nameday? I glanced at Ser Willas, wondering if he would protect her honor. He held a scowled, eyes narrowed and jaw tight. His grip on his cane shook as he started making his way over. I was about to follow him until Lord Renly made his way over to the maiden. She tried to pull away, but Renly took her into his arms.
"Don't let them see your tears," he murmured loudly. "They're nasty little shits. And nasty little shits aren't worth crying over."
He glanced at Ser Willas, assuring him he had this handle, as he escorted Lady Brienne back onto the dance floor. The men were utterly startled, quite speechless that the Warden of the Reach defended her and scolded them. Then again, no one dared challenge the brother of King Robert.
I stood next to Ser Willas, wondering what he would do next.
"I think it's best you gentlemen leave," Ser Willas advised.
"I beg your pardon," Ser Ronnet replied.
"I believe it's best you leave," Ser Willas repeated. "You had the galls to insult her ladyship on her own nameday. In her own lord father's home. I suggest you leave at once."
"And what are you going to do about it, Ser Cripple?" Ser Humfrey challenged. "I might consider marrying her."
Ser Willas, being taller than the man, looked down at him, "I think she will not be chastised or obey you unless you defeat her in a duel. And last, I check, you are a mere jousting knight. Not one for the sword or mace."
Ser Humfrey glared at him, "How dare you."
"No, how dare you," Ser Willas countered, lifting his cane and pulling the handle a few inches to reveal a hidden sword.
My eyes widened, not realizing that his cane was a scabbard with a sword. The men were baffled by this.
"Shall we put your skills to the test?" he added.
They must know something I don't know, as they conceded leaving the ballroom promptly. Ser Willas nodded in approval, then shook his head as he secured his blade, giving a twist on the cane.
"Cowards," he muttered, then looked at me. "Word of advice, my lady, if you seek a potential husband, avoid the lofty, arrogant man. No matter what title and rank he has. He will degrade a woman for any flaw, whether it be her looks or intelligence."
I nodded, still amazed that Ser Willas would protect Lady Brienne's honor even after Lord Renly stepped in. There were two types of knights in Westeros. A jousting knight and a battle knight. Recalling the jousting tournament long ago, it was clear Ser Willas was not a jousting knight. As he mentioned, he has attended two wars, making him once a battle knight. Even being a cripple, he was ready to fight and defend one's honor. It reminds me of the fictional knights who are chivalrous.
However, those knights were only found in stories.
Ser Loras made his way over, "Causing trouble, dear brother?"
Ser Willas raised a brow, "What do you think?"
Ser Loras chuckled and turned to me, "And who might you be?"
Before I could speak, Willas answered, "This is Lady Elain of House Wensington. She is a distant cousin to Lord Renly and his majesty."
Ser Loras nodded with a smile, "Is that so."
"Elain, my brother, Ser Loras," Willas introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you," I greeted.
Ser Loras took my hand and kissed my knuckles, "The pleasure is all mine."
I blushed from the attention, seeing a handsome man do that to a young maiden.
"Now, how is a beautiful maiden like yourself not dancing yet?" Ser Loras asked.
"Oh, I already danced with Lord Renly," I assured. "I was simply in conversation with Ser Willas."
"Is that so?" Ser Loras replied, staring at his brother, "Please tell me you have not bore her with random facts."
Ser Willas arched a brow at his brother.
"Um, no, we were simply talking," I assured.
Ser Loras nodded, glancing at me before addressing his brother, "She's a bit young."
"Loras," Ser Willas growled. "Enough."
I couldn't help but giggle at this. Ser Loras was similar to Ser Garlan as well. Both amusing and unabashed to speak their mind. Poor Ser Willas, who has to deal with his brothers' antics. And what I recall, Lady Margaery was like this as well. I do hope to meet her one day.
"Now, has my brother asked you for a dance, my lady?" Ser Loras asked.
"Um…" I glanced at Ser Willas's leg and then back to his brother. "No, he hasn't. I do not mind."
"Nonsense, allow me to remedy that," Ser Loras said, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
I hesitated, looking at Ser Willas, who gave a reassuring smile. I returned a small smile and accepted Ser Loras's arm as he led us to the dance floor. We danced to a festive melody, yet I could see Ser Willas observing us. A bit of disappointment was written on his face.
As if he wanted to dance as well.
One scene was inspired by the Other Bolyn Girl.
Hope you enjoy this chapter and please leave a review.
