#((Makes the part where he kills her even sadder cause that means she willingly gives herself up in her friend's hands)) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thekinghazzastyles · 4 years

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Nothing Like The Rest // George Weasley

Pairings: George Weasley x Lestrange!adopted!Slytherin!reader Warnings: angst, death, fluff Word Count: 3032 Time Period: Golden Era Authors Note: You’re a year older than Darco and the Trio but a year younger than the Twins. Summary: You’re Bellatrix Lestrange’s adopted child and you’re trying to come to terms with the person you truly want to be. Bellatrix adopted you because you’re rumored to be the last known descendant of Merlin. And Delphini doesn’t exist in this.

Masterlist

You were nothing like your parents. You looked nothing like them and rarely acted like them. Mainly, you had different beliefs than they did. You didn’t believe in blood purity or being considered a blood-traitor, and you especially didn’t think muggle-borns were any less of a witch or a wizard than a pureblood. Bellatrix was proud when you were sorted into Slytherin and you were happy that it made her proud. You never wanted to wrong your mother even with all the things she has done and continues to do. You knew for a fact that you would never become a Death Eater willingly and hopefully not even forcibly. You knew there was a slim chance of you not having to get the dark mark and it made you very uncomfortable. A lot of people from other houses already were terrified of you and your family. Automatically assuming you would hurt them, but truthfully you just wanted to be treated like a normal person. It was hard being the daughter of a woman who has torn many families apart. Especially Neville. Longbottom was never particularly fond of you once you found out who your mother was. He never tried anything on you but you knew for a fact he most certainly didn’t like you. The Weasleys were also never particularly fond of you. Ron had always hated you. Percy didn’t put up with you and your shenanigans at all, ever. And the twins always had some sort of vendetta against you. They were constantly pranking you, each one always being worse than the next. But George Weasley seemed to be the one to get his siblings to dial down on the harshness they gave you. He noticed the bags under your eyes and how your smile that once took over your face in first-year was now replaced with a deep frown. He noticed that as time went on you progressively got sadder, alongside Draco. Hermionie and Harry suggested that you had both recently gotten the Dark Mark. You and Draco were both the children of major Death Eaters so why wouldn’t you have it. “Do you think they wanted to get it?” George asked. Neville scoffed catching his attention, “of course they wanted to get it, Draco is already such a blood purist, especially with the way he treats all of us. And that Lestrange, I bet Lestrange is just as deranged as their mother.” George didn’t know what to say. He saw that you and Draco visibly looked sadder and slowly started to separate from your friend groups and only speaking to one another very secretively. And that was the last way he ever pictured your face after he left.

George always went out of his way to speak to you or make you smile in some way. You both ended up secretly meeting every Friday night. He was always very soft with you, never raising his voice or saying crude things. You both began dating and kept up with your weekly meetings. You’d smile at one another in the halls, but making sure to be discrete and not catch anyone else’s attention. He tried to comfort you when you stopped speaking to him entirely. You never stopped meeting him in the Astronomy Tower but instead, you would just sit next to him silently and bask in each other's aura. He never forced you to tell him what was wrong but he reassured you that he would always be there for you. George refrained from telling his friends and housemates that he was dating someone, in fear that they would find out it was you and hurt you. He didn’t want to be ignored by his family and friends, especially Fred. Fred meant the world to George and his opinion mattered the most to him. George had been the first one to say ‘I love you.’ you hadn’t said it right back but he told you that you could say it whenever you were ready and he would wait for you. The last night you two were together was the night before he left. Right before he had to leave to the Great Hall you met up with him. You both hugged one another for a long time, blocking out everything around you. When you finally pulled away you stared at his face to have something to remember him by when you’d be away from him. This was the first time you told him ‘I love you’ and he would remember that forever. Mainly because it was also the first time you had genuinely smiled all year. And that was something he could never forget.

—Malfoy Manor—

Standing alongside Draco, you were both silent. Draco was asked to identify Potter first. Whatever Draco said you would follow, as you made a pact that you were in this together. Draco said he didn’t know who it was in front of him, but you both knew that to be a lie. Bellatrix had questioned you next. You looked closer and longer than Draco did to sell your lie. It was almost as if Potter held his breath as you looked at him, thinking you would tell the truth to your mother but you didn’t. “I don't know who this is but it is definitely not Potter,” you spoke with a hint of disgust. She believed you and sent you to go stand with Draco. You quietly spoke with him about a plan to get everyone in the dungeon out safely. Draco said he would keep watch while you went down to tell them what would be happening. When your mother sent the boys down and not Hermione, that worried you. You stood in the corner of Malfoy Manor quietly for the most part but you begged your mother to not hurt Hermionie. But she questioned your allegiance and that shut you right up. You didn’t want to be disowned. That was your biggest fear. You were already not blood-related to anyone in your family, so the possibility of you being disowned always seemed like it could happen at any time. Like one day, they just wouldn’t want you anymore. And that terrified you. “You don’t have much time but you guys need to get out of here,” you spoke to everyone in the Malfoy’s dungeon. They all looked at you in confusion and Ron was the first to question you. “Why would you ever help us? You’re a Death Eater,” he stated, causing your breath to hitch. “Because, because it’s the right thing to do. And I know you would do the same for me even though you hate me.” No one spoke but simply just believed you. As you turned around to leave Luna stopped you, “I don't hate you, Lestrange.” You slightly smiled before turning around to face her, “thank you, Luna. I wish the lot of you the best, and I’m sorry. Draco is too but he’s way too proud to admit it.”

—Battle Of Hogwarts—

You were with Draco in the Room of Requirement when he confronted Potter, asking for his wand back. You stood by his side but chose not to make eye contact with anyone. You didn’t even have your wand aimed at them. When Hermione saved you from the fire you thanked her repeatedly before you asked if you could see the damage your mother had done. She reluctantly showed you her scar. You stared at it for a while. Before speaking, “Salazar, I am so sorry I didn’t do anything,” you let a tear fall. The Trio was confused about your act and Draco stared at you with sadness in his eyes. He had to pull you up from the ground before he walked away with Blaise following. He let you cry some more into his shoulder before you were met with other Death Eaters. “Well that was strange,” Ron said, once you and Draco were out of their eyesight. The trio still sat staring at where the three of you had just walked off to. “You know they tried to stop her. Y/N pleaded with Bellatrix to stop but was too scared to stand up to her,” Hermione spoke. “I don’t think either of them wants to live like this. They don’t have a choice. I mean Harry you said Draco wasn’t even close to killing Dumbledore and Y/N could barely watch, so how could they want their lives to be like this?”

When Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Lucius called for both you and Draco, it took a second before they both made their way towards them. You made your way past George and he took hold of your wrist. You looked at the contact you both were sharing and then met his eyes. They were begging you to stay. At the moment you couldn’t decide what to do so you went with the only option you were taught to choose. Family. You squeezed his hand before shrugging out of his grip and continued to follow Draco towards his parents. Voldemort stopped the both of you and gave Draco an awkward hug and attempted to give you one. But you moved away before he could even reach you. You stood next to Narcissa holding her hand as you needed the support. You watched as everything and everyone you have grown to know at Hogwarts watched you and Draco. Some with disgust, some with pity; but they still watched. You knew this wasn’t the right side but family was forever. Harry Potter had still been alive and Death Eaters had begun to flee. Narcissa and Lucius dragged both you and Draco away from everything. This was your chance to finally stand up for what you believe in and you weren’t going to let it pass you up. “I’m not going. I’m sorry. Thank you for everything, I really appreciate it. I love all three of you and I could never forget you but I need to do this.” It took them a second before realizing what you had said. Draco was the first to go up to you and hug you. “Good luck,” he whispered as you hugged him back tightly. You both pulled away at the same time. Narcissa was next, she gave you a motherly hug as if she wished she could stay with you but she knew she couldn’t. “I’m so proud of you,” she spoke. She smiled at you when she let go. Lucius was never one for affection, ever. He gave you a slight nod of the head before speaking, “don’t get yourself blown up,” he said sternly. “I’ll try not to,” you joke back. You watched the three of them walk away from you. You hoped that they would be alright. You made your way inside of Hogwarts.

You watched as Molly Weasley fought your mother. She may not have always been there and she may not have been the best person, but she was still your mother. She never hurt you and she never would. In her own deranged way, she loved you and you loved her back. You know she was a terrible person and you know she’s done terrible things, but it still hurts to see the person who has taken care of you disappear right before your eyes. It felt as if your feet had been glued to the ground. Ginny pulled on her father's cardigan and points in your direction. Arthur signals to Molly about who was watching. You couldn’t feel the tears that were flowing down your face but you knew they were there. You weren’t mad at Molly, she was protecting her daughter. You wouldn’t argue with someone if they called your mother crazy, because she was. She killed her own family member and tortured an innocent family. She was a Death Eater for Merlin's sake. But she was still your mother nonetheless. You couldn’t help but feel some sort of emptiness as you watched her disappear. You made eye contact with Mrs. Weasley and she put a protective arm in front of Ginny. You swore you could see a tinge of regret but it was quickly masked with a stone face. Your tears continued to fall when you turned around and left the hall. Your sobs echoed through the corridor as you tried to maneuver your way to somewhere private. You ran into a countless number of people who were ready to fight you but were confused when they saw you crying. You made your way to a quiet and discrete corner. Knees to your chest and arms wrapped around your head, you sobbed by yourself. You felt a presence next to you. Flinching away when they sat down before you could get a look at them. It was George. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t do anything he just sat and watched you. After your cries began to settle down, he wiped your tears away but you avoided eye-contact with the Weasley. “I’m sorry,” he spoke. You could see the remorse in his eyes and assumed he was apologizing for what his mother had done just moments before. You looked him in the eye and saw his sincerity. “It’s not your fault,” you sniffed. “It’s not your mothers either. I don't blame anyone. I know my mother deserved it but, Salazar she was still my mother. She was still family. I feel so ashamed to be proud of who I am. And I feel terrible about everything she’s done to ever hurt anyone. So if anything, I should be the one apologizing.” George watched you before responding, “it’s not your job to apologize for the things your mother has done. Yes, she has done very terrible and very questionable things but you're not your mother and you will never be your mother.” “Thank you, George. It means a lot. Especially coming from you,” he stood up and held his hand out for you to take. He pulled you to your feet and held your other hand, caressing it with his thumb. You looked at your hands and then back up at him. “Will you find me after all of this is over? Promise me you’ll find me.” It took a second before you nodded, “I promise.”

You fought alone. You no longer had the trust of the Death Eaters, but you definitely didn’t have the trust of anyone in Hogwarts or The Order. It was hard trying to tell people what side you were on as their wands stayed aimed at you. When you set foot in the Great Hall after everything had finished, every pair of eyes were set on you. You had suddenly lost all confidence from before entering the room. You looked around for George and you felt better immediately when you found him. You quickened your pace and didn’t care that everyone was staring at you. The rest of the Weasley watched you with suspicion, thinking you were there to avenge the death of your mother, they had their wands at the ready. Ginny told George to turn around as she saw that you were coming straight toward him. His eyes softened when he saw you. He walked towards you and opened his arms. The second you felt him you hugged him as tight as you could. Everyone was staring at the both of you like they couldn’t believe what they were ewing. A Weasley hugging a Lestrange. It was the craziest thing they’d seen all day, and they had seen a lot. His mother especially was the most confused. “George?” she asked. “What is the meaning of this?” She along with the rest of the Hall were completely and utterly confused. “Everyone, this is Y/N Lestrange, and we have been dating for two and half years. Y/N, this is my mother, my father, my younger sister Ginny, my younger brother Ron, his girlfriend Hermione, their friend Harry, and my older brother Percy.” “Hello,” you spoke softly. “I want to apologize to everyone for everything my mother has ever done to any of you. Harry, I’m sorry about what happened to Sirius and Dobby, they didn’t deserve it. Hermione, again, I’m so sorry I didn’t stop her at the Manor,” Neville and a few other students had soon crowded around all of you to see what had been going on. They didn’t expect to hear an apology. “Mr. and Mrs. Weasley I terribly sorry she has tried to hurt you and your children, and I’m not mad at you for killing her; it’s what you had to do to protect your daughter, and I admire you for that.” You turned around and was faced with Neville's face, “And Neville, you don’t know how terrible I feel about the pain she brought to your parents, you and everyone around you,” you turned around and decided to address everyone at once. “I’m sorry about everything my mother has ever done. I wish I could take your pain away, I really do, but that is something I can’t do but I hope you can forgive me.” You stood silently waiting for someone to do anything. George gave your hand a squeeze to reassure you that he was there. Nothing happened until Hermione let go of Ron to give you a hug. “Thank you,” she let go, “really.” You smiled at her. Then Ron spoke, “thank you for helping us leave the Manor. It really does mean a lot.” You were glad that a few people were starting to see that you were nothing like your mother. George was happy you were finally becoming the person you want to be. You had hidden in fear of rejection for your entire life. Now you were surrounded by people who would support you and love you. You loved your mother and your family. A new family doesn’t mean you’d completely forget about your real family. It just means that there are more people to love and who will love you back. You could start a family with George and not have to fear that your mother would do something to them. This is all you ever wanted.

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joannalannister · 5 years

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I recently saw an answer to an ask where you said the Lannister are small people, probably ever since The Hedge Knight. Do you think Joanna was small as well?

First, I really like this question, it’s a good one! Thank you for asking it!

Second, I assume you are referring to this post? (My friends, it really helps me if you supply the post number please!)

“you said the Lannister[s] are small people” Let’s elaborate on that before we proceed.

While the Lannisters are, on average, physically tall, I was using “small” metaphorically to indicate small moral stature and refer to character flaws, to indicate a person who is, on average, mean, or petty, or malicious, or lacking integrity, or contemptible, or bigoted, or pathetic, etc.

(Note that I am saying “on average” to indicate a general tendency which allows for exceptions.)

Tywin is a prime example of a man who is of small moral stature. See also. Basically the polar opposite of Brienne, who is a person of great moral stature.

Also, I think something is lost in the paraphrasing, because I think this tendency toward “smallness” predates THK. I said previously, “Even in the days of Duncan the Tall […], House Lannister would not stand for a cause that was right and just, and they have only grown smaller since.) It’s THK which gives us a very concrete historical example that we actually “see” happening in real (story) time, with the Lannisters refusing Dunk’s call, but if the histories can be believed, examples abound.

Now, do I think Joanna exhibited this tendency toward “smallness”? Sure, at least initially.

That’s just how I personally imagine her, given that GRRM isn’t particularly interested in exploring pre-series female characters, especially ones who are not Targaryens.

We don’t know a lot about Joanna, but we know something about the people around her, like Tywin and Genna and Kevan, and these people are … not … shining beacons of light in the series.

Personally, I think Tywin’s love is conditional, and if you oppose him or if you disappoint him or if you’re not largely on board with his program of dehumanization and Lannister Superiority, he finds that very, very frustrating. If Tywin is frustrated, he tells you to fuck off, to get away from him, he disowns you, he won’t speak to you (ask Jaime (who frustrated Tywin’s ambitions), ask Tyrion (there is not enough parenthetical space here to tell you all the ways Tyrion is at odds with Tywin), ask Genna (who, in her own words, disappointed Tywin)).

If you’re not on board, you’re not compatible with Tywin, in Tywin’s mind. That is who Tywin is in the books.

“Ser Kevan was his brother’s vanguard in council, Tyrion knew from long experience; he never had a thought that Lord Tywin had not had first. It has all been settled beforehand, he concluded, and this discussion’s no more than show.”

(From my understanding, the people in the vanguard are the people at the front of your army, leading the way. In more modern terms, Kevan is like Tywin’s tank, advancing Tywin’s ideas in the political arena and drawing enemy fire without taking significant damage, which allows Tywin to follow up with a kill shot from relative cover. In short, this is a concerted effort.)

Like … Tywin isn’t just a person, he’s also an ideology. And Kevan is on fucking board, ride or die, a true believer, loyal to the end, and this is what makes Tywin trust him and rely on him.

(This is why I’m not a fan of those “oh, poor Kevan” interpretations… but that’s just me.)

Genna was on fucking board too, she still resents Ellyn Tarbeck “that scheming bitch”

One of the few things we know about Joanna is that Tywin allowed himself to be vulnerable around her. The walls came down for her, the drawbridge lowered. For her, and only her. “Only Lady Joanna truly knows the man beneath the armor.” It’s only for Joanna that Tywin allowed his soft underbelly to be exposed. That implies a level of trust that we never see again in Tywin.

Also consider marriage vows in Westeros: “One flesh, one heart, one soul.”

I live in a largely secular place, so it’s easy to brush something like this off, yeah yeah yeah w/e. But to a Westerosi, these mean something - you’re combining two people into one. (These wedding vows are taken directly from Milton’s Paradise Lost, about Adam and Eve.)

So when Tywin, a literalist, marries Joanna, he is allowing her to become a part of himself.

That’s why I have a really, really, really hard time believing that Tywin fell in love with someone who was not “on board”. At least, initially.

I think that – initially – Joanna was a very bigoted person - someone who was classist, racist, misogynistic, etc.

But the reason that Joanna – or at least the Joanna that I imagine, cuz idk wtf george thinks, if anything – the reason that Joanna captivates me in a way that Tywin never can is because I’m interested in exploring the question, can Joanna change?

Can Joanna grow?

In the series, GRRM is interested in exploring how Jaime and Tyrion change throughout the books, and he has these men court Heroism and Villainy both, and they straddle the line between them.

But GRRM really isn’t that interested in exploring that kind of thing with Cersei in the text, imo, and that always seems kind of sad to me.

So I suppose, in my own writing, I make up for that with Joanna.

Like, in my fanfiction, the first scene where Tywin and Joanna interact is basically Tywin scandalized that Joanna is seemingly not dehumanizing this person, and Joanna reassuring him that it’s not what it looks like and basically “don’t be an idiot, Tywin, of course i’m not treating This Person like a human being, this is just the most convenient thing for me”

And I want to know how she grows from that - how does she eventually come to see This Person as a friend?

And we know that Joanna and the Princess of Dorne became friends, but how did they start?

Aerys was obviously racist, and I think Tywin was racist, but eventually we get to a point where, imo, Joanna wanted to marry her son to the Princess’s daughter, Elia, so how do we get there?

And what about Tytos’s mistress, what about Lynora Hill, what about Ellyn Tarbeck? What do these people mean to Joanna, how does she see them, what does she do?

What of Toad?

GRRM has seeded this era with so many interesting people, so many people for Joanna to run up against and push back against.

So I suppose, IN MY OWN WRITING, I imagine Joanna as small, and I find that the interesting thing is to watch her grow, and also to explore the limits of her growth.

Because her relationship with Tywin is a big factor in her life. If Joanna can see the Princess of Dorne as a human being, and Tywin can’t ….

And how does that make Joanna see herself, how does that change her…

…Joanna’s growth, Joanna’s disillusionment, her own realizations …

…I’m trying to find the right words, because I haven’t written this part yet…

Tywin ruled, and Joanna willingly assisted him in bricking up her own cage. Because Tywin is the living embodiment of Westerosi patriarchy, and Joanna helped him. She was complicit. And even a love as “deep and long-abiding” as Tywin’s can’t save her.

I suppose that’s why I find Tywin/Joanna so sad.

Sadder than GRRM imagined. I don’t think this is a story GRRM could write, tbh.

So yes. Small. But growth is possible.

#joanna lannister #tywin lannister #asoiaf #valyrianscrolls #tywin x joanna #where do you people find these posts how far back do you go #Anonymous #replies #lannister thoughts #tjmeta #tywin meta #joanna meta #kevan lannister #house lannister

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entireoranges-creativity · 5 years

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A Promise Ten Years Old

Title: A Promise Ten Years Old Fandom: Game Of Thrones Ship: Braime Disclaimer: I don’t own, don’t sue

“Don’t forgo your promise. It is time.” Brienne read the raven delivered message over and over, hoping the message would alter or she would be able to find a different meaning in the words. It did no good. Promises, oaths, and vows were all things she took very seriously, she’d give her life willingly if it meant upholding one; which made the fact she was prepared to soon break one to the man she loved dearly; her father.

Brienne knew she was fortunate to have a father who saw his daughter as what she desired to be rather then what society imagined for her. He allowed her to train, he allowed her to leave home, he allowed her freedom. Though he had attempted three occasions to find her a match he never blamed her there failures. The fact did remain Brienne was his only child and the only one who could continue on the name; to Selwyn that was the most important thing. Brienne’s memories flash back to her goodbye walk to the vessel to take her to the Stormlands, away from Tarth and her father.

“I need you to be safe.” He had said to her.

“Of course.”

“It will not be the same without you my love.”

“I know.” She had not trusted herself to say more then two words at a time.

“Brienne I need you to make me a promise.” It was then she realized he had stopped walking, she retreated a few feet to return to his side.

“Yes father?” He took that opportunity to take a deep breath before locking his eyes deeply into her own. Brienne’s heart had begun to pound.

“You may leave, you may show all of Westeros the unstoppable force you are. In fact I want you to change the world.’ He paused once again before reaching to take ahold of her hands ‘But my love at some point when you are still of age I need you to marry produce an heir. Ten years should be enough time.” She stared at him in disbelief and feeling torn. Angry he was suggesting such a thing and understanding of why he’d make such a request.

“I promise.” It had been a promise she had intended to keep even though it felt like a knife in her chest.

Ten years and three months plus had went by. That promise was dead to her. No man would love her; not enough to marry. More then that being a wife and mother was not of an interest to her. And now being in the Kingsguard no matter her feelings upon either aspect Brienne couldn’t have them even if she wanted.

Father will understand. Everything comes to an end, even families. She keeps telling herself staring at the scroll. And it’s not enough he had never had the opportunity to marry once more and sire another child.

“He can’t have any more.” Brienne jerks around, hand on Oathkeeper as a reflux at the unexpected voice in the room.

“Your Grace.” She bows slightly at Bran.

“Your father is unable to have more children.” He repeats, she doesn’t want to know how he knew this or how he knew where her thoughts had been at.

“That happens sometimes.”

“Yes it does.” The Kings voice becomes softer and sadder for a moment and Brienne recalls the revelation Sansa had made about her brother.

“I’m sorry about...” She stops short unable and unwilling to say it; no matter what though he was already aware of her intentions of comfort and sympathy.

“You need to keep your promise to him.”

“I do not your Grace. My promise to you supersedes all others.”

“He has found you a match.” Great. Brienne rolls her eyes. No doubt this one would be the worst and most desperate suitors her father presented to her.

“I won’t be so quick to judgement Ser Brienne. You shall return to Tarth and either keep that promise or forsake it. I do think either way your father misses you?” Brienne sighs and nods.

“And I him.” Over ten years was far too long and the guilt of never having an opportunity to visit home always weighed at her heart. Even though it would end in breaking her father’s heart when she’d leave undoubtedly still unmarried. Brienne looks at the young king as he stares back almost clawing into her soul; the idea he already knew what was to happen and all decisions made always left her uneasy, more so when it involved herself. She stops herself from asking details. Had her father actually found a kind decent man who would allow her to live life as she wanted? She didn’t need green sight to answer that one.

“You will begin your journey tomorrow at day break. Ser Adrian will step in as Lord Commander while you are away.” “Aye good choice.”

“Yes.” With that the maneuvers his chair and leaves Brienne alone once more with the note.

If Pod insisted on his own to occupy Brienne on her journey or if Bran assigned him the task she could not say or did she asked, but she as always was grateful for his company; though she felt as if she was being rather inconsiderate and distant towards the young knight. Her mind these last few days had become a jumble of memories of home (good and bad) and anticipation of what or rather who was waiting for her. After a simple hmm, right, sure to everything Pod asked of her on the first day during the trip he had given up and simply enjoyed the ride towards a favorable destination and not towards some battle or seeking out someone whom didn’t want to be found. And the weather had been nothing short of a blessing.

“Ser...it’s beautiful.” Brienne turns slightly and gives a half smile watching Pod’s eyes go wide as he stares across the water at slowly approaching island. Apart of her knew all these islands looked similar, but this one, Tarth; shinned brighter and more beautiful then the rest. A tinge of pride not felt in years burned in her chest.

“It certainly is.” She then takes notice of a small gathering of people on the shoreline; nothing out of the ordinary Tarth after all did have a nice fishing industry with vessels and those in charge of said vessels coming in at all hours. What was unusual was the older man (Gods had he truly aged that much?) with pure white hair and simple beard standing slightly by himself staring at the boat; as if trying to stare at Brienne. Tears, a rare expression of emotion threatens to fall.

“Father.” She whispers. A feast that evening was held in her honor, something in which made Brienne quite uncomfortable with but her insistence that it be canceled or at least the cause of celebration altered fell on deaf ears. The worse part was hearing the generosity from those of her past who still remained on the island and thought prior to her departure she to be a vile, unintelligent, and ugly woman. Now it was almost a hero worship, she wasn’t worthy nor did she appreciate it. Still she forced a smile and answered questions in fewest words as possible. Her father’s smile allowed her to know he was taking great proud in this.

“The way they speak you’d think you killed the Night King, Daenerys, and Ja...’ Pod stops suddenly his eyes wide in horror. ‘I’m so sorry Ser! Too much drink I suppose?” Brienne puts her hand atop of his, smiling, a sad weak smile, but one nonetheless.

“It’s okay. Ser Jaime will always be apart of my history. I’d like to think some of my best parts. I mean he brought me to you. For that I’m incredibly grateful. I have made peace with his death. I have.” Podrick watches her for a moment trying to determine if she spoke the truth. When it came to things like this it took Brienne a long time (if at all) to reveal how she truly felt. Burying down, avoiding at all costs of anything emotional was her mindset. A fact Podrick accepted with little question. There was a peace in her eyes though. It was about time.

“Brienne my dear may we speak?’ Selwyn Tarth approaches the table meeting his daughter's eyes. ‘I hate to pull you away but I need my sleep soon.” There is a heaviness in his tone, she suspects her father had not stayed up this late in quite some time.

“Father we can talk in the morning.” She offers. He shakes his head.

“Now would be best.” He turns and walks away. With a nod to Podrick Brienne turns and follows her father out the hall, down the corridor, into one of the studies. Memories flash back to lessons and angry tutors who never had the patience to help a little girl who struggled time to time with the material.

“I know you are angry with me.’ She goes to protest but stops when he places a finger in her face. A gesture if almost anyone else she would bend it so far back it surely would have snapped. Instead she just stares at it, then focuses on his face; she can not recall a time in which he appeared this serious. 'As I said I am not a fool Brienne. You are furious at me for making you return to this shitty pla..."

"Father. I do not find Tarth shitty. I do not regret returning to visit. I wish I had done it far sooner." She stresses every word in hopes he would believe the sincerity she is telling him; his expression does not indicate either way.

"Be that as it may; besides that you are angry I have made you withhold your promise. Perhaps you were hoping I'd pass before that day came?" Selwyn spoke the second half softer, not so soft that Brienne couldn't hear. She selects not to acknowledge it. Because in her heart the thought had past her mind time to time.

"I'm not angry father. I do understand your reasonings. But father this life of being a highborn lady, producing children just for the sake of continuing on a family is..."

"Do you think that's all you are to me? To your mother?"

"Pardon?"

"Do you think we only had our children simply to carry on our name? That we did not love you? And when your brother and sisters died we grieved not one tear?" His words felt a slap to Brienne.

"Forgive me father. That is not what I meant. Having a family is a beautiful and a blessing. I acknowledge that is. And for a time I thought it was a life for me but alas the Seven did not have that path craved out for me." Selwyn reaches over and gently caresses his daughter's cheek. She really missed his touch.

"I want you to be happy."

"I am happy." A quiet fills the room as he takes a few steps from her until he is looking out the window, only able to see his reflection in the dark. Brienne begins to surmise the conversation has come to a completion and is about to call out a farewell.

"You spoke highly of him in your letters." Her heart surprises her by starting to pound. There was only one him in which she discussed with her father; at least in any way which would be interpreted as highly. She kept certain feelings and details to herself though.

"Yes. Ser Jaime was a good man. I'm honored to have known him."

"I suspect if he were alive still your feelings on this subject would be vastly different?" Her skin grows red with angry. How dare he ask that?!

"Ser Jaime and I were friends. Nothing more." The memories of that month with him in Winterfell race through her memories, the good, the amazing, and one of the worst in her life. Her father would not know of any of this; he actually seemed to respect the deceased Lannister there was no need to alter that.

"Right..." There is a hint of something in his words that Brienne can't read, nor can she fully see his face to decipher his face.

"Father it is getting late and after that bounding of food I'm rea..."

"A few months ago. Four to be exact a solider appeared on the island. Not that uncommon as you know, they get lost, need a break from whatever assignment they are on, and we allow them that relaxation for a few days and then they are on their way again.' Brienne nods, Tarth seemed for many a perfect place to vacation, but few cared to call it home. 'This man was different though. After the usual amount of time in which others would depart he still remained. He spoke of fighting in both the battle with the Night King; I still don't fully understand all that..."

"I don't either, Father. And I was there." She tells him with a soft smile.

"And for that I'm grateful. He also shared the fact he was present for the turmoil in which took place at Kings Landing. Never giving much details on either; his scars speak enough though."

"Understandable."

"Being the Evenstar I like to know my people, make them feel at peace."

"You have always been quite at that." She suspects that would be something she'd fail at it and end up turning people away by her lack of true social graces.

"Thank you my dear. I quickly stuck up a friendship of sorts with this solider."

"That's kind of you father." Her mind is quickly beginning to suspect where this conversation is slowly leading to.

"He is a very kind and decent solider. Good looking too."

"Father..." There it was. Bran had said her father had found her match, but it wasn't until this moment the prophecy arose into reality.

"Of good standing too." Selwyn ignores his daughter's protest.

"I'm sure he is as wonderful as you say. But father I'm not..."

"I told him about you. Your grand adventures. How you were the first female to become a knight. Have you told you how immensely proud that made me?"

"Yes you have. I know this is hard for you..."

"He loved hearing those stories, holding onto my every word. At first I assumed he was being polite and listening to an old man ramble on. It was more then that Brienne. He really seems to care for you."

"I'm sure he does. You likely told him I was the most beautiful woman in all the Six Kingdoms plus the North. And not only that but if got me he'd get all this!" She gestures dramatically around her.

"So what if I did? I like him. I have a feeling about him."

"You're a fool." It was a rare occurrence in which she would speak in such a frank fashion to him.

"I am only thinking of what is best for you!"

"No, you're thinking of what is best for Tarth!" She is nearly shouting refusing to swallow down her emotions for one more second.

"Brienne I promise that is not the case. I do love you. And I only want you happy. Anything that occurs will be a bonus from the Seven. Which is why when he asked me for his bles..."

"Wait? What?!"

"What?"

"He was the one whom brought up marrying me?" Brienne tries not to laugh.

"Yes he did. He sai..."

"You really are a fool father. He is taking advantage of you. Of all of us." Selwyn has stepped away from the window and back within arm reach of his daughter. The look he is giving shudders her more then any wight ever had; for a second she is certain he is about to slap her.

"Be that has it may I agreed and made me that promise before you left. I damn well expect you to keep it!" It might as well have been slap. Before she can respond he quickly departed the study in a fit of anger.

The next morning after a fairly unsatisfactory amount of sleep Brienne finds Pod having breakfast with a group who seemed to be near his own age. Laughing and having a joyful time; it seized for the knight when he spots his dear friend and quickly departs from their table.

"You did not need to leave on my account Pod."

"I am aware, I wanted to. Is everything good?" The corners of her mouth turn up. Dear Podrick was always way too pure and kind for this world.

"I honestly can not say. The conversation I had with my father...it was a draining one that is for sure."

"Is it true? About...?" Brienne nods.

"Yes he has apparently found the ideal man. Though I'm not sure if he's ideal for myself or for him."

"I don't follow Ser..." She chuckles. Before providing to him an edited variation the previous nights events. Watching Pod's face change and alter the longer she spoke was entertaining.

"Wow."

"Yeah. You're telling me. Oh Podrick what am I supposed to do?" He shrugs, seemingly deep in thought.

"Perhaps and hear me out...perhaps your father is right and this solider is a decent man deserving of you?" Brienne rolls her eyes.

"That's not possible. Things like that don't happen for anyone. Especially not for me!" She feels a tinge of guilt for snapping at him. He doesn't seem to notice or care.

"You weren't suppose to become a knight. You weren't suppose to become a lead commander of the Kingsguard. Yet you did. So why not this too?" Tears fill her vision and rather risk him seeing them she quickly departs, nearly running from the hall. She finds herself in the gardens, near the training yard where she seemed hours with father. No one wanted to train a girl in the art and the few in which had tired of the task quickly; telling father she was far too aggressive. Even now Brienne did not comprehend how that was something to be thought as negative.

She takes a seat on a stone bench, the same one in which she had the foggiest memories of her mother braiding her hair; at times she wonders if every memory of her mom is simply a dream breaking into the real world. Her mother was a topic she hardly approached even within the silence in her heart. There was no point in holding onto the past and those of it. She had a chest of dead written on that heart that forged her until the person she is. Still despite herself times like this in this place Brienne wishes she had more time with her. Wonders how different life for all of them would be different if she hadn't caught that fever; would she side with father on this? Or would she understand her daughter to be destined for another life?

"Brienne?" Her head snaps up to her father, thrown by the fact she failed to hear him approach.

"Father?" She tries not to come across as annoyed or even pissed, she is aware it was a failure.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior last evening. My temper at times gets the best of me."

"Of that I can sympathize with. I too took things too far. And I am sorry." The anger dispates as she smiles at him.

"I was wrong to say you had to marry. I do have your best intentions at heart though."

"I know you do. And I wish I could be that daughter who would throw herself around your neck and praise you for hours for finding her a match. But..."

"But it's not you. I always knew that to be true. Still apart of me hoped..."

"I do love you father."

"And I love you Brienne.' He takes a deep breath as he takes a seat beside her. 'Could you do me a favor though?" A hundred if not more things collect in her mind of trying to figure out what favor he possibly could be preparing to ask.

"Yes, I suppose."

"Can you at least meet him?" Her eyes clinch shut. That had been one of things she imagined he'd say.

"I don't know father. It almost seems a shame to ruin the fantasy he has of me with the actual hideous monster I am."

"Brienne! You know I absolutely hate when you speak like that!"

"You're right. I'm sorry. Really though I don't know if I should."

"You should because it's the polite and decent thing to do. I am releasing you from your promise so don't worry about that. Still he deserves the pleasure of meeting you. My beautiful and amazing daughter." For the second time that morning tears attempt to cascade down.

"Fair enough father. Let him know when he has a..."

"He is waiting in the study for you." Selwyn interrupts her.

"Oh. Well I suppose I should not leave him waiting.' She stands up pulling down at her tunic. 'Are you not coming father?" He shakes his head.

"No, I have already meet him." Brienne smirks at his playful quip. Without anything further she departs, in fear if she didn't she would never move. The thought occurs to turn the opposite direction once inside to find Podrick and race to the next vessel leaving for the mainland. She would never forgive herself though.

The door is slightly a jar as she steps in, past the part where she stood just hours ago. She surveys the surroundings, eye brows crinkled in confusion; there was no one here but herself. Had father misunderstood where this solider was to meet her? Had he spied her at some point since her arrival and ...

"Ser Brienne." The voice. That voice was a ghost straight from the deepest chest in her heart. She turns slowly almost as if a force outside of her control is doing the moving for her. A gasp escapes as her knees stumble. He rushes to her side. A ghost. Surely this was ghost.

"Jaime?" It now feels foreign on her tongue.

"Yeah. Hi." Brienne reaches out and touches his face, for being a ghost he was warm and of flesh.

"I don't understand. You're dead." That was a statement of fact in her mind and nothing else.

"I'm sure it may come as a disappointment to many but I am very much alive."

"No. Tyrion saw you. You and Cersei."

"He saw her but not me. For the fragile peace to take place and more importantly stay that way the Kingdoms needed to believe me to have died as well. Look I really don't understand it; just when Bran says something you listen." She shakes her head, scrambling to her feet, with a helping hand from him.

"Bran. Yeah..."

"Gods Brienne I've missed you! These last ten months have been torture for me!" Jaime leans in for a kiss, she jerks away.

"No. No, you don't get to do that! You think I have forgotten or forgive you?!" She pushes him away.

"I'm so sorry. That single handily was the hardest thing I ever done! Do you not think I don't play that morning in my head over and over? That I don't wish I could've told you everything?!"

"Why didn't you?" Her words are soft.

"Because I couldn't lose you.' She looks up at him 'Bran told me if you knew the truth of I was heading for Cersei to in fact not save her, but kill her you'd insist as the noble knight you are to ride along side me. And...you would not have survived. Of that I could not bear." Jaime now as tears watering his face.

"Jaime..." So many things to still question, explanations wanting to be seemed out. Instead all she wanted to do was hold him and be held by him. She steps towards and engulf her arms around him as he follows suit and what feels like hours they just hold each other and cry.

"Oh by the way.' Jaime begins as he pulls away. 'I meant what I said."

"Said about what?"

"When I told the Evenstar I was interested in marrying his daughter." She had almost forgotten about that.

"Did he know who are you?" He nods with a grin.

"I mean come on not many knights are out there missing a hand! Plus your father is a smart man. I made him promise not reveal the truth. But what do you say Brienne Of Tarth will do you me the pleasure of allowing me to be your husband?"

"I never wanted to marry, not since I was a young girl. I never wanted to have children...' His face looks crestfallen and Brienne smiles 'that's until I meet you. Well not when I first meet you..." Jaime bursts out with laughter.

"Understandable. Now though?"

"Gods of course a million times yes." At last their lips meet again and joy she thought destroyed engulfs her.

#tv show: game of thrones #character: bran stark #character: podrick payne #character: selwyn tarth #ship: braime

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