The Last Stag • Game of Thrones

6.

Chapter Six.
Family Ties

"I don't see why we have to hold a tournament." Renfri fiddled with her green skirts, shifting in the uncomfortable wooden chair. She was sat on Renly's left, with Margaery sitting on his other side. "These things are barbaric."

"They raise the spirits of the men." Renly answered curtly. 

Renfri's eyes focused on Loras, holding his own against a much larger opponent. The crowd of men roared in excitement, cheering on their respective champions. Loras took a hard hit from his foe, and Goji looked up at Renfri with eyes that asked Kill?

"Sh, Gogo." She scratched his ears, soothing the creature. Goji cooed, pushing his head into her hand.

Loras' shield was knocked out of his hand, then his sword. His foe tackled him, laying Loras flat on his back.

"Loras!" Margaery shot to her feet, clapping her hands in encouragement. "Highgarden!"

Renly and Renfri shared a look, unspoken words of annoyance passing between them. 

The opponent held a dagger to Loras' face. Renfri's heart dropped, but Loras opened his hands in defeat.

"I yield!" He shouted. "I yield."

Margaery sank back down into her seat. The opponent slowly rose, allowing Loras time to scramble to his feet, stumbling in the loose dirt. Renfri stifled a laugh.

Beside her, Renly began to clap. "Well fought," He complimented. "Approach."

Renfri watched as Loras removed his helm. The opponent did not, approaching Renly wordlessly. He knelt, bowing his head.

"Rise. Remove your helm." Came Renly's command. 

Slowly, the warrior removed his helmet. 

Renfri's eyebrows shot up in surprise. This was not a he, but rather a she. With short, choppy golden hair and beady blue eyes that shone with pride. Renfri straightened, intrigued.

"You are all that your father promised and more, my lady." Renly praised. "I've seen Ser Loras bested once or twice, but...never quite in that fashion."

"Now, now, my love." Margaery interrupted. "My brother fought valiantly for you."

Renly looked to his bride, a stiff smile on his face.

"That he did, my queen." He shifted back to the woman. "But there can only be one champion! Brienne of Tarth, you may ask anything of me you desire. If it is within my power, it is yours."

The woman, Brienne, knelt back down, bowing her head.

"Your grace. I ask the honor of a place in your Kingsguard." Renfri looked to her uncle in shock. Chatter broke out amongst the crowd, whispers of the taboo nature of the request. "I will be one of your seven, pledge my life to yours, and keep you safe from all harm."

Loras made eye contact with Renfri, who just shrugged in confusion. 'Seriously?', the knight mouthed at her. 

A long moment passed as Renly pondered this. Finally, he grinned.

"Done. Rise, Brienne of the Kingsguard!" Renly exclaimed, clapping his gloved hands together. Hesitant claps broke out from the crowd. 

Brienne stepped back to stand aside Loras, and a group of three broke apart from the crowd, coming to a stop in front of the platform that the royals sat on.

"Your grace," One of the men greeted. "I have the honor to bring you Lady Catelyn Stark, sent as an envoy by her son, Robb, Lord of Winterfell."

"Lord of Winterfell and King in the North." Catelyn corrected. Her face was set like stone, lips pursed.