To guarantee the safety of the woman he loved, Brienne of Tarth, Jaime Lannister dragged his sister to her death in the collapse of the Red Keep, sacrificing his own life in the process. Now, Jaime must ensure Brienne's future, from beyond the grave...
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Brienne and Ser Eyan were married in the Sept at Evenfall. Although the wedding was a small affair with only a few close friends and relations, Lord Selwyn spared no expense in ensuring it was as lavish as his beloved daughter deserved. The Evenstar declared that he had never seen Brienne so happy, and found Eyan a more than suitable match. Podrick, who attended the nuptials, never told Brienne what her father had whispered to him as the couple said their vows.
"Thank The Gods it's not the Kingslayer." He declared secretly. Still loyal to Jaime, Podrick merely raised his eyebrows but made no reply.
A specter in the shadows, Jaime watched his maiden marry another, the man he had chosen for her. His heart was torn with both joy and despair. He rested in the knowledge that his choice had protected Brienne. and brought her here to stand on the edge of a happy future. Yet, Jaime was all too keenly aware that it would have been him to whom Lord Selwyn presented his only daughter's hand in marriage. Brienne was beautiful in her mother's wedding gown. She seemed to glow in the soft light that filtered through the tall stained glass windows into the ancient Sept. He could almost imagine it was he to whom she was escorted. He could not take his eyes from her. Although Jaime wished he was the one pledging his heart to Brienne, strangely, he felt an odd satisfaction as she joined her life to Eyan Ripleigh's. This had been the very reason he had sacrificed himself, so that she would know happiness. Jaime's love for Brienne transcended the living world. He would watch over her, and they would meet in The Heavens when the time came. Eternity would be theirs.
Brienne loved Ser Eyan fiercely. She was an attentive and faithful wife. Their marriage was filed with bliss and contentment. There was trust between them that was rivaled only by that which Jaime himself had shared with the other man's wife. In her quiet moments, however, Brienne would often come to Jaime. He was always there. A soft longing smile would settle upon her face as she relaxed in the assurance of his presence. At times, when no one else was near, she would speak aloud to Jaime. In other moments, Brienne would simply rest in the feeling of him. That sensation stayed with her throughout her entire lifetime. The connection never weakened, and their love was never truly lost.
The Lord Commander and The Master of War made their life in The Capital, ensuring the protection of King Bran and the strength of The Realm. Over the years that followed the children whom Jaime had met in the Gods' own Sept were born to Brienne and Eyan. They adored their sons and daughter, and raised them to be strong, brave, and honorable. As Jaime watched Brienne's children grow, he often remembered that they would have been his had he stayed at her side. He found that he loved them all as if they truly were his own.
Brienne's father, Lord Selwyn, was blessed with many years of life. When he took his last breath, it was with his daughter and grandchildren at his bedside. Brienne inherited the old man's title and became Evenstar that very day. The King released her and Ser Eyan from their oaths of service to him, and named a new Lord Commander and new Master of War from the Lords of Westeros. Along with their children, Brienne and Eyan took up residence at Evenfall, where he guarded her as not only her husband but also her Sworn Sword. Eyan's protection of his Lady Evenstar was as vigilant and dutiful as Jaime's would have been. ——————————————— "You should rest my love." Brienne sighed, trying hide the discomfort in her aching joints as she helped her husband into their bed. "You've had a long and busy day." Brienne smiled as she soothed Eyan's wrinkled forehead.
