or die trying

I am Lady Brienne of Tarth. Give me loyalty or give me death. [rp blog for gameofthrones-rpg]

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--That is not exactly what I had intended...”

[thirdstag-blog]

“I would prefer for you to have fun tonight but if you have it by being at my side I will not argue or force you to do something else.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--Thank you, Your Grace, for not subjecting me to the misery of such parties.”

[ahistoryrewritten-rp-blog]

“A pleasure to meet you Brienne, do you mind me asking how you came to be in King Renly’s Kingsguard? I know it is a question you must be tired of answering by now but I am curious to learn the story.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

Brienne smiled before relating the tale with no small measure of pride; “--During the war, I joined King Renly’s cause as early as I was able. As we marched to King’s Landing, a melee was held. A tourney, with a hundred and sixteen competitors, at Bitterbridge. Many of the men had proclaimed that I could not best them, and some placed bets on who would be the first to claim me. I beat them first, and then I bested everyone else. As a reward for my victory, King Renly agreed to name me into his Kingsguard. So, to make a long story short, I fought everyone, won, and asked.”

[ladyofblackwood]

“It must be an honour for you to have a place in his kings guard, I find that rather impressive. I only asked because I met him briefly, not long after he acquired his injury.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

A slight flash of regret passed over Brienne’s face as she brought up His Grace’s assassination attempt. Still, she wished she had done more to protect him. But there was no use in wallowing in the past, so she straightened up. “--Did you?” she asked, racking her memories. “--I’m not sure if I recall...when was this?”

[iron-and-brine]

  Asha absently notices the uncomfortable shifts of back and neck and shoulders, recognizes them inherently; she might have been blessed with a more feminine form than this woman night, but Asha’s nature makes her just as unsuited to polite company and fancy soirees.  The woman’s response makes Asha laugh aloud, surprising herself.  "Is that not the definition of optimism?  Mayhaps we ought to visit the Red Keep’s library to look it up.“

  "Brienne of Tarth, it’s a pleasure.”  For a wonder, she actually means it.  She hasn’t heard much of the woman’s feats, but in the green lands a female warrior is even more rare than on the Islands, so some news was bound to circulate. “I’m no more a lady than you are yourself, though some call me such.  I am Asha, head of House Greyjoy, rightful ruler of the Iron Islands…though some others dispute calling me such, so of late it’s mostly just Captain.  How are you enjoying the party?”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

That explains a lot. Brienne knows it isn’t her place to have an opinion on the runnings of other kingdoms, but Catelyn Stark has always been kind to her, and she can understand why the Iron Islands were given away. Still, she prides herself on her stoicness, and so Brienne does not comment on the ruling of the Iron Islands, instead giving a diplomatic smile.

“--I’ve never been one for gatherings like this. I always feel rather out of place. How about yourself, Captain? How are you enjoying the festivities?”

[sansanorths-blog]

“Thank you.” She turned to give a comment on the lady knight’s appearance or dress before pausing to realize that such hollow and idle words would not be fitting for a woman like Brienne. There was a time that Sansa would have shunned such a woman, or giggled behind her back with others, but was a Sansa who figured beauty could not be evil. Brienne was a solider whom proven herself honorable and just, and deserved a compliment befitting her. So Sansa took a thoughtful look at Brienne and smiled when her search was complete.

“The blue of your tunic makes your eye’s shine beautifully.” Sansa spoke softly but with conviction. “Truly befitting to the heir of the Sapphire Isles.

[madeofsapphire-blog]

Brienne smiled wryly, a little surprised that Lady Stark seemed so intent upon her. There was something in the eyes, a discerning gaze beyond her years. She held her posture still, and proud, as she continued to smile.

She was nonetheless stunned by the compliment; she never did expect that. Sansa Stark was kind, a proper lady. So, Brienne inclined her head with as much grace as she could muster. “--Thank you, my Lady. That’s very kind of you. How are you finding this...?” She simply gestured around the area, hoping it would suffice.

[iron-and-brine]

  Of all the Ironborn nobility (if one can use such a term for them) who were nominally invited to the event, Asha was the only one courageous enough to actually attend…although she’s beginning to feel it was more folly than courage. A few deep breaths do steady her somewhat, at the least. When she hears the unobtrusive footsteps approaching, however, her head whips around, right hand lifting reflexively towards her bosom and the dagger concealed there. Fortunately she does not actually withdraw it.

  She expects more mockery or insults, but when she looks over (and up) at the woman, her even words make Asha arch a brow, lips twisting into a wry smile.  “Tell me, are you always such a blind optimist…ser?” That may not be the appropriate title, but plainly my lady is even more ill-suited.

[madeofsapphire-blog]

Brienne exhales as she straightens her shoulders out and elongates her neck. Yes, she knows that the ladylike lessons of her youth are lost on her, serving only to make her posture more mannish, nowhere near the elegance of the ladies of the court. No matter, however; despite the relative lack of honour of the ironborn, she feels somehow that she can relate in that to the other.

“--I would not call it optimism, my lady. More a...positive outlook upon on the realistic world. I am Brienne of Tarth. And...you are?”

It’s a courtesy to ask; she knows fine well that the woman is ironborn, and she’s certain that she knows she knows as well. That is to say that she’s reasonably sure that the lady knows that Brienne knows that the lady is ironborn, not that she knows that she knows that she knows herself.

[ladyofblackwood]

“What is it like to serve under king Renly? I know times of war are hard to talk about, but I could not resist asking my lady.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--It’s quite alright, my Lady. King Renly always has been a compassionate man and ruler. It is an honour to be allowed to serve under His Grace. If I may, however...why do you ask?”

[dornishprince-blog1]

                     “That’s a shame. Thank you anyway my lady, I apologize for disrupting the celebrations.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--That’s quite alright, my lord. Do you require any assistance reaching the ships?”

[dornishprince-blog1]

                      “Only if you can point me to the nearest ship leaving for Dorne.” 

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--I...” Brienne fully straightened up, her brow furrowing. “--...Have no idea. My apologies.”

[ahistoryrewritten-rp-blog]

“I do not believe we have had the pleasure of being introduced, though I believe I saw you in King Renlys camp when I went to visit him?” Daenerys of course had heard of the woman, one such as her who chose to be a knight, the first female knight, was often talked about but there had never been a name given to the Queen. 

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--I am Brienne of Tarth, your Grace, of King Renly’s Kingsguard.” Brienne inclined her head, bowing in a show of respect towards the Targaryen. “--It is an honour to make your acquaintance, though you’re quite correct in your recollection.”

[ladyofblackwood]

“But we are never so lucky to have rulers like that. Robb is an excellent king, as is King Renly. We are lucky to have leaders to admire and respect.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--Indeed we are, my Lady. I shan’t miss times of war.”

[thirdstag-blog]

“I would not blame them if they did. You should be having fun tonight, not staying by my side.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--On the contrary, Your Grace, I happen to find guarding you quite fulfilling. Though, if you would prefer to have some time without a looming guard, say the word and I’ll see it done.”

[iron-and-brine]

  She had arrived at the ball with vague ideas of endearing herself to some of the northern houses, since her home islands are now - again - subject to their rule.  It wouldn’t have done to approach the Starks yet, too much bad blood there, but she tried conversing with the youthful scion of one of the smaller vassal houses of that kingdom.

  That proves a bad idea.  Asha Greyjoy isn’t known for softening her words but she makes an attempt on this occasion; as soon as the smirking puppy realizes from whence she hails he becomes so condescending and offensive (and not even cleverly) that Asha has to restrain herself from breaking his nose.  Instead she leaves him with a few choice (and clever) comments and paces across the ballroom, out through an arched doorway near where some of the multitude of royalty are clustered, with an expression as black as her hair.  

  It takes a few moments to seek a way out of the maze of the castle but finally, Asha finds herself in an open courtyard.  She takes in deep breaths of the cool salty night air, hands repeatedly curling into fists then flexing straight again.  Perhaps she wasn’t made to be an envoy after all.

[madeofsapphire-blog]

Brienne still doesn’t know quite what to do with herself at events such as these. It’s easier when she’s guarding His Grace, it’s easy to melt into the responsibility and honour that comes with her position. She doesn’t have to be a Lady, not anymore.

She has to admit to some trepidation at the ironborn presence here. After all, they are...thieves. Criminals, masquerading as those with honour. Frankly, the only good thing about the ironborn is the equal opportunity to shove a boot up a naysayer’s arse.

As such, she only side-eyes the Greyjoy a little when she steps out into the courtyard, and stands with her spine straightened as she takes a few casual steps towards her, until she’s stood beside her.

“--I certainly hope that you’re enjoying the party,” she diplomatically says.

[ahistoryrewritten-rp-blog]

“I must admit I’ve never been to a ball before, it is just as grand as I envisioned it when I was a little girl.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--I am glad that you find yourself enjoying the festivities, your Grace.”

[ladyofblackwood]

Bethany had never seen a women quite like Brienne of Tarth, she was a woman who defied status and earned her way into the King Renly’s kings guard, she was truly an inspiration. “It’s a relief from the wars. I didn’t think we would ever see such celebrations since the wars.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--I believe here is where we differ, my Lady. Times of peace will always come, when those in charge are competent and kind.”

[thirdstag-blog]

“There would be nothing but complaints.”

[madeofsapphire-blog]

“--They would not dare.”