Spirited Away

growing pains

Eris, the young princess of Highgarden, was blossoming with each passing year, and her sharp wit and intelligence far surpassed her age. She understood that her rebirth into this new body had granted her a heightened intellect, making her appear smarter and more perceptive than her peers. The people outside often referred to her as the "Rose of the Reach" due to her enchanting childlike face that she skillfully used to her advantage. With a sweet smile, she would effortlessly charm others into doing her bidding, only to reveal her thorny side when they least expected it.

Eris loved to roam freely, sometimes eluding her septas and sneaking away from her tedious lessons with the maesters. Her mischievous nature would lead her to play pranks on the unsuspecting knights, hiding around corners to startle the men sworn to protect her family. She believed it was important to maintain the facade of a child she once was, but she couldn't resist showcasing her cleverness and quick thinking, but only to her family and her loyal sworn sword, Ser Emerson Tarly.

Ser Emerson, the fourth son of House Tarly's current lord, had willingly offered his wayward son for this honorable task of serving the princess. His previous lifestyle of indulgence and aimlessness had come to an end, as he eagerly embraced the opportunity to protect and serve the princess with utmost devotion. His father believed it would be a chance for his son to redeem himself and find purpose in his life. Ser Emerson proved to be a loyal and trusted companion to Eris, always ready to fulfill his duty as her sworn sword.

Eris was growing rapidly, displaying an astonishing intelligence and wit beyond her years. Those who observed her from the outside marveled at her sharpness. Reborn in a child's body, she believed it was only natural for her to possess such wisdom. They called her the "Rose of the Reach" due to her charming childlike face, which she cleverly employed to her advantage. She knew how to use her innocent appearance to manipulate others, but she also possessed a thorn that she could employ when necessary. Sometimes, she would evade her septas and maesters, running around and engaging in mischievous pranks on the knights sworn to protect her family. She believed it was essential to maintain the facade of a child while expressing her enhanced intellect exclusively to her family and Ser Emerson Tarly, her sworn sword and the fourth son of House Tarly.

One day, as she sat practicing her penmanship, she turned her attention to the maester, her bright eyes fixated on him. "I wish to write a letter," she declared, her voice brimming with determination. The maester, his face marked by the passage of time, raised an eyebrow. "And to whom would this letter be addressed?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Eris smiled sweetly, her eyes fluttering as she aimed to be more convincing. "To my extended family," she replied, her words dripping with honey. "Would you be so kind as to send the letters on my behalf?" Her innocent demeanor masked her true intentions.

The maester looked at her apprehensively, sensing that there was more to her request than met the eye. "But, Princess, your family resides within these very halls. What need is there to send letters?"

Eris chuckled as if his question were foolish. "I have learned from your teachings, Maester Corin," she said, her voice filled with knowing. "I have many family members who dwell beyond the borders of Highgarden. Cousins in the east, Daemon and Laena, and many more in the Crownlands—the king, the princess, and their children."

The maester's gaze remained wary as he gazed into her eyes. At her urging, he focused on her intently. A strange sensation overcame him as if he were being lulled into a trance, yet his mind remained awake. Eris's voice echoed within his head, her words guiding him. "Help me send these letters. Let this be our secret. I will hand the letters to you in due time. Thank you in advance." Her last words snapped him out of the enchantment, his eyes regaining clarity.