lover's mercy - jaime lannister

THREE

Elyanna was standing under the Godswood tree when Robb approached, "I remember when Maester Luwin would take us out here to say our prayers and I'd always peek my eyes open. Somehow, you knew and you'd smack me."

                 She chuckled, "I rather enjoyed that."

                He pushed her playfully before it was silent for a moment. He regarded their surroundings, "I suppose you'll get married here."

                She nodded, "But Father says it won't happen for awhile."

                "Good," he smiled. "I don't want to lose my twin quite yet."

                "You won't lose me, Robb," she promised before hugging him. "Never."

                He hugged her tightly, "And you'll never lose me."

                    "I know Damion loves you but still...if he ever hurts you, I'll kill him," Robb promised.

                  "I know," she smiled slightly before shaking her head as she pulled away. "But I can handle getting hurt, Robb."

                "Yes, you can," he smiled knowingly. "But you're my sister. My twin. No one shall break your heart without dealing with me. You shall never go through any pain in this world alone. I promise."

                 She smiled softly. Robb was her other half. They always instinctually knew when the other was hurt; even having a phantom pain if it was something physical. They had never been parted from each other and with only half a day's ride from Castle Cerwyn, they never would be. Not really.

_____

"You're getting married?" Sansa ran up to her excitedly, practically bouncing on her feet. "When is it going to be? When do you pick the dress?"

"It won't happen for awhile, Sansa," Elya smiled slightly at her excitement. She was really the only sibling that understood Sansa to an extent; they both dreamed of love but where as Sansa had fantastical ideas, Elya knew the reality.

Most of the world lived in arranged marriages that were bitter and cold (while some worked out like her father and mother). But Elya got extremely lucky in that she did not have to enter a unwanted marriage. She didn't think her sister would have the same luck.

Also, Elya didn't believe in waiting to be rescued nor did she believe in waiting on a man to decide he wanted her like some toy used for her beauty. She would not wait on a man's every word and breath as he came and went on a whim. She would never be treated as such; they would be equals or nothing at all.

"But why not?" Sansa pouted. "Just tell father you want to get married right away....then we can get all the prettiest dresses..."

She shook her head, "Is this my wedding or your own?"

Sansa huffed, "Yours."

"That's what I thought," Elya said. "And I don't need the prettiest dress, Sansa."

                    "Yes we do!" Sansa looked at her like she was insane.

                   Elya smiled before crouching down to her level, "How about this? When it's time for my wedding, I'll let you pick the dress. You can even have full control of the decorations if you want."

                    Sansa squealed, "Really?"

                  Elya chuckled, "Yes."

_____

Arya found out about the betrothal. She had always liked Damion; he was nice but rather quiet. But her first move was to get something out of it. She approached Damion.

"I hear you're going to be my brother by oath," Arya said.

"Yes," Damion smiled.

Arya held up a bow, "So will you teach me? It's the brotherly thing to do."

Damion chuckled as he crouched down to her level, "I don't think your father would approve."

"He doesn't have to know. Please, please, please," she pleaded. "I know you're really good with a bow and I want to be the best. Please, Damion."

He shook his head before he sighed and grabbed the bow. Arya smiled victoriously.

"But this is not a toy, alright?" Damion said.

Arya nodded quickly, "I know, I know. It's a weapon."

Damion smiled and stood up to go find a hidden target practice, "Come on..." Arya followed excitedly after him.

_____

In the evening, Elya was in her room. She sat in front of the polished metal as her mother braided her hair.

"You always pleaded with me to let you marry Damion," Cat smiled slightly. "I never thought it would happen so soon."

"It won't be," Elya stated. "Father won't let it."

Cat chuckled, "He doesn't want you to grow up. He doesn't want to give you away."

Elya smiled at the thought of her wedding. Her father would be the one walking her down the aisle and giving her away.

"Your father was always naive where you were concerned. I always knew you'd grow up the quickest," Cat said sadly. "But I won't like parting with you."

"It's not like I'm really going anywhere, Mother," Elya reassured. "I'll be half a day away. I can visit all the time."

"But I believe you'll be busy starting your own family..." Cat smiled slightly at the thought of grandchildren.

Elya was tongue tied for a moment, "I...haven't even thought of kids."

"No?"

"I've only ever been thinking of actually getting to the wedding," Elya remarked nervously as she thought of walking down the aisle. "Father will have to make sure I don't fall."

Cat reassured, "Like your father would ever let you do such a thing. Do you remember when he wouldn't leave your side for a whole day after you only scraped your knee?"

Elya chuckled lightly before smiling softly, "Yes, I do remember."

_____

When everyone was tucked in their beds and sleeping, Elya snuck down the halls. She entered Damion's room. There was still a candle lit and he sat up from the door opening. His eyes widened at seeing her.

"Are you mad? Do you know what people would call you if they found out?" Damion said.

"I don't care. We'll be married someday..." she said with small smirk. "...so you need plenty of practice holding me."

He shook his head as she crawled on top of the covers to lay beside him. But he nevertheless pulled her to him and she rested her head on his chest. They were content and in love. A first love that bloomed quickly and brightly. One that could go on forever if the Gods were kind.

AN: I'm going to get into the episodes of GOT in the next chapter.