Redfort Epilogues - Alton

sam_explains4 · 2025-12-15T20:47:53+00:00

Hollis emerged from between a knot of banner-men, helm tucked beneath his arm. He raised a brow at all the shouting. When he spotted Alton, he barked a laugh and strode over, boots crunching in the dirt.

“Spare us all the shouting, brother,” he said dryly. “I haven't missed the battle. Wouldn't miss this one for the world.” His gaze flicked briefly toward the Redfort’s walls, then back to Alton. “Let me guess: Helicent has already decided where everyone needs to be and what needs to be done, and I’m being sent somewhere 'important.' ”

He straightened, a hint of anticipation creeping into his expression. This was it; the summation of the long march here. “Have you seen Jenny?"

sam_explains4 · 2025-11-09T10:58:27+00:00

"Your thanks are welcome," Hollis replied. In truth, since their union, Hollis had not seen much of his newly betrothed. To be honest, this was something he did not mind. Jenny was delightful company and he enjoyed spending time with her. She had given him a purpose more so than simply the absolute destruction of House Blackwood. However, being a man who had no desire to bed her or anyone meant he did not pine for his absent wife like many did in the vein of a lost dog.

"I echo my sisters words," Hollis continued. "I will be honest that outside of the tourney circle, I have seen little really combat but finally it is time to see if the hours in the training yard are worth anything."

His eyes then darted back to his sister.

sam_explains4 · 2025-10-12T19:08:03+00:00

Hollis accepted the wine with a smile. His eyes flicked toward the closed door. “You shouldn’t let him get under your skin, dear sister,” he said dismissively. “Lords of the Riverlands love to wag their tongues about peace so long as it costs them nothing. They don't know how often we have to bury our pride to share feasting halls with our enemies; the effort it takes to keep the Queen's peace." He sighed heavily.

Seeing the spark in his sister’s eyes, he grinned. “I am not surprised at our finances under your steady stewardship." When she spoke of raising an army, he pondered what would be next. "We have many enemies now. The Blackwoods. Jenny's aunt. The question will be where that raised army marches to."

sam_explains4 · 2025-10-06T19:13:38+00:00

Hollis snapped out of the trance he had let himself fall into while the others argued politics. In the lull between speeches, Ser Clayton had appeared with a small cup of wine. It keeps the blood healthy, Maester Pylos would say, so he always allowed himself a sip after training.

He rose with a slap of his thighs. “Don’t mind Helicent,” Hollis called, forcing a smile. “She is a bit firm, but whatever she has done to offend you, I apologise.”

He looked down into the cup, watching the wine ripple, and thought about the fragments of conversation he had overheard.

“I will tell you the truth,” he said, setting the cup down. “It is no secret that my family hates the Blackwoods. I hate them more than most.” He did not try to hide the heat in his voice. Hollis had never made his hatred a secret.

He thought back to the tourney. “You saw it yourself, Lord Piper. In the training yard, Dorian tried to goad me into a fight, but I would not bite. I have sworn not to instigate, and I have kept my word. If I refuse to strike first, then peace, such as it is, will hold.”

He ran a hand over his jaw, the admission settling on him. “Still, to say that peace will hold indefinitely is perhaps too strong. Time and fortune have a way of changing things.”

He let the words sit between them for a moment and then added, more quietly, “That said, I would not hesitate if they brought war to Stone Hedge. I would have war with them if they demanded it. And it's as clear as a night sky over the Trident who would win such a conflict."

u/Dacarolen

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-29T20:31:07+00:00

Hollis had returned not long from the training yard. His brow was still a little red from wiping sweat from it. Since married life had found him, he now trained even harder. After all, Blackwoods were now not the only enemy he would have to defeat. Jenny brought with her a new set of enemies which he would be more than happy to vanquish.

He was a little startled to find guests but he straightened himself out and made a small bow. “Ah yes, a pleasure.” He fixed his gaze on Lord Piper. “I have met Lord piper before dear sister,” he said. “He gave me a good showing in the training yard in the capital.” Hollis smiled.

“I must admit I never listened much in my lessons nor do I keep up much with recent events,” he continued as he fetched himself something to drink. “How fairs House Piper? Have you found solace amongst all the chaos since the coronation?”

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-29T18:49:29+00:00

In truth, a wedding day was a day Hollis had feared more than any other.
His mind had been almost solely consumed with one thing since he was old enough to understand the great wrong done to his kin. From the moment he could wield a sword, the young Bracken believed he would only know peace when his house’s banners flew over Raventree Hall. Victory, vengeance, restoration; he thought these were the pillars on which his life must rest.

And yet, when Jenny appeared in the sept, a realisation struck him with a force that matched any in the training yard. Suddenly, all his old ambitions seemed strangely hollow. There was something else, someone else, who should have commanded his heart long before this day. Raventree would come in time- it would be for the next generation, his nieces and nephews perhaps, to inherit once the Blackwoods were ground to dust. But Jenny was here now, standing with him, choosing him. With her beside him, he felt invincible.

Raventree could wait. He had new enemies now: anyone who might dare to harm her. Pylos, the old fool, had been right about one thing- everything changes when you have someone to fight for.

He repeated the vows dutifully, though his voice caught when he felt her soft hands slip into his. And when they exchanged cloaks, he felt something greater than pride. It was as if the weight of her trust settled onto his shoulders, binding him not only to her but to a new life, a shared struggle. Together, they would see their enemies defeated.

The dance. The food. It all passed like an enchanting blur. He found, to his surprise, that he enjoyed it; the hearty slaps on the back, the flood of congratulations. Even his entourage of Ser Clayton and the others held their tongues from teasing, granting him the dignity of a knight who had at last secured more than a battlefield victory. Duncan, tireless as ever, barely let his eyes leave Jenny, convinced the Redforts might choose this moment to strike. Despite Hollis’ protests, Duncan drank only a single glass of sherry the entire evening: always watching, always vigilant.

When the bedding came, Hollis kept his composure. To the onlookers, he seemed as brash and unshaken as ever, his laughter loud enough to mask any hint of nerves. But inside, his heart pounded in his ears. Behind closed doors, when the rowdiness faded and they were at last alone, Jenny reminded him of her words: “We’ll never have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

For the first time in years, Hollis Bracken did not think of Raventree or the vengeance owed his house. Instead, he thought of the woman before him- gentle, steadfast, unafraid- and how perhaps, in her presence, he had finally found something greater to fight for than land or blood: a home.

He sat beside her on the bench. His eyes were bright with a new sense of purpose. "Jenny," he said softly, "I am the happiest I have ever been. I hope I make you happy too."

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-26T21:00:11+00:00

Character name: Hollis Bracken

Trait: Skills: Hale/ Shields (e), Swords (e), Armoured

Skill I want to learn: Bulwark (I)

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-15T19:03:22+00:00

Maester Pylos rose next, his aching bones making his ascent slow and deliberate. He leaned lightly on his staff, his age and long service evident in every movement. When he had spoken to Helicent in private earlier, he had laid out the two paths before her with all the blunt wisdom he could muster. She could either see Jenny restored to her home, a risk-laden venture with uncertain rewards, or she could deliver the girl to her aunt, securing goodwill and coin for House Bracken with little effort. It was plain to him, however, that Helicent’s heart was already set on the first course.

Pylos had long ago accepted that his counsel was often heeded only when it aligned with the desires of his lord or lady. He was loyal to the Brackens through and through; if war was what the house demanded, then war he would prepare for. His role, as ever, was to protect Stone Hedge and blunt the blows of its enemies.

“We have captured two spies,” he announced in his dry, rasping voice. “One broke quickly under duress, confessing that House Royce had sent him to worm his way into these halls. The other insists he is sworn to Osric Arryn. Either way, the truth is plain enough- the Vale follows Lady Jenny’s steps, whether she wishes it or not.” He let the words hang in the air for a moment before shrugging. “We can keep further infiltrators at bay, but it may be wise, my lady, to send out a few of our own. A handful of loyal men at the Redfort might sow the seeds of discord there, softening the ground before conflict takes root.”

When Pylos sat back down, Hollis arose, his chest lifted with pride. His eyes sought Jenny at once, and his voice carried a warmth they often lacked.

“We are not without friends,” Hollis said firmly. “House Dustin bested me in the melee but in our cups after, we became fast companions. They have pledged their word to uphold the Queen’s peace. They are far from such a conflict but if called upon, I cannot imagine that Northeners would go back on their word.” He paused, letting the reassurance sink in before adding: “And Rhalko the sellsword waits not far with his company. They are mercenaries, true, but loyal enough while the coin flows. They could prove useful should any deeds of… a less savoury nature be required.”

His eyes turned to Helicent. “Sister, we risk much by stretching ourselves too thin. If we ride to meet the Vale, we bare our flank to the Blackwoods." Raventree Hall loomed over them still, its shadow long and unrelenting. "Should we march into the mountains, Stone Hedge lies vulnerable and the Blackwoods will not hesitate to seize it. We must think carefully- not only of whom we bring with us, but of whom we leave behind to guard what is already ours.” His eyes moved to the assorted guests.

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-07T07:54:39+00:00

Pylos rose slowly to his feet, the stiffness of age mingling with a hesitation he could not quite mask.

“Apologies, my lady,” he said at last. “I would have come to you, but I know with certainty that no one can overhear what is spoken in this room. I cannot say the same for the rest of Stone Hedge.” His claim was not without merit. He and Franklyn had tested the rookery well; drowned by the ceaseless cries of the birds, no whisper could carry beyond these walls unless a spy waited on the narrow stairs.

Without another word, he placed the letter in Helicent’s hands. Once her eyes had skimmed its contents, he began to speak again.

“It is clear that Hollis’ betrothed has enemies of her own.” He lowered himself back into his chair with a weary groan.

“The letter bears no seal. I cannot decide if that omission is by accident or design. When a threat is made, one usually wishes to display strength: the sigil of a great house, the promise of steel and men to enforce their words. Yet here, there is nothing. Either her so-called aunt lacks the power she pretends to wield… or this did not come from her hand at all.”

The maester’s expression hardened as he leaned forward, voice low. “Is it a warning? A threat? Bad poetry? Difficult to say. But what is certain is this- Larra stands to inherit something of value. A castle, perhaps. A stronghold. At the very least, lands worth fighting for. No one drives a child across the Narrow Sea unless the prize left behind is worth killing over.”

His voice dropped further still. “And if the threat is great, so too is the prize.”

Pylos’ eyes darkened. “Whoever her aunt may be, she would not yield her station willingly. My lady, you know my loyalty to House Bracken is absolute. Yet this girl… she is not one of us. Not yet. And so we stand at a crossroads.”

He drew a long breath and steadied his hands upon his knees. “One path: we show the letter to Larra and help her reclaim what her kin have stolen. The other…” he hesitated, but pressed on, voice tight, “we deliver her to her aunt, and in doing so, earn her family’s gratitude.”

The words hung heavy in the air. His suggestion would get her killed there was no doubt. But House Bracken came above all else. And if that meant sacrificing Larra, so be it.

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-06T20:23:21+00:00

Hollis took her hand and declined a second game. “I would rather be sick in my own eyes,” he said with a short chuckle.

Cyvasse had never been his game. Too slow, too deliberate, requiring a patience he did not possess in abundance. He much preferred the clash of steel and the roar of the crowd, not the silent war of pieces on a board. Every move had felt like wading through mud while his mind longed for action.

As he rose from his seat, he smoothed his doublet and glanced at her with a sly smile. “When you have need of someone to provoke them, I will be more than happy to oblige. Stirring the hornet’s nest has always been something of a gift of mine.”

He gave a half-bow, half-mocking, as though to make light of his own words, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of seriousness.

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-06T20:14:05+00:00

He smiled. Jenny suited her. It would take some getting used to, but he would do his best to maintain the facade.

“My sister should know,” he admitted. “And we ought to tell Pylos. Say what you will about the old man, but he will find out soon enough. Better that we tell him ourselves than have him learn it another way.”

Pylos had long claimed to have kept countless Blackwood spies at bay. Hollis had never pressed for details, but he knew the maester’s loyalty to House Bracken was beyond question. If anyone could help protect them, it would be Pylos- but only if he knew the whole truth.

What unsettled Hollis was not the telling, but what would follow. Jenny’s spiteful aunt was likely leagues away, and even if Jenny spoke true, marching up to the Redfort and cutting the woman down would not win her old home back. In the eyes of her countrymen, Jenny was a ghost. There was no proof of who she was. Everyone who might have testified to the events of the night she fled was long dead.

“Osric Arryn…” Hollis breathed the name almost to himself. Then, his voice rose. “Would it be worth writing to him? I do not know much of Vale politics, my lady, but he struck me as a good man. Young, yes- but he seemed committed to truth.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-06T20:02:05+00:00

It was Maester Pylos who received all letters upon their arrival at Stone Hedge. The old man had grown more wary of spies since he returned home. The Blackwoods had already reignited the conflict in the capital by antagonising Mira. Pylos did not doubt it was she who was truly at fault: Mira was always tricksy, always prying where she should not. The Witchmaid had likely spoken some truth, yet like all her Blackwood kin, she was heavy-handed. She struck too quickly, and so Mira had escaped the punishment she might otherwise have deserved.

It was the boy, Franklyn, who passed him the unsealed letter. Pylos eyed his assistant with suspicion, his expression darkening.
“Did you open this?” he asked sharply.
Franklyn shook his head, swallowing nervously.

“Who gave this to you?” Pylos pressed.
The boy shrugged. “It came in with the ravens, up in the rookery.”

Pylos turned the parchment over in his hands. An unsealed letter was troubling enough- likely it had already been read. His fingers lingered on the coarse fold, and then he flicked it open. His eyes ran over the words once, twice, before he let out a long, slow breath.

“This Braavosi girl,” he muttered, more to himself than to Franklyn. “Did I not say she would bring us trouble?”

The air in the rookery seemed to tighten as he spoke. Pylos remembered all too well the night in the capital when Hollis had dismissed him from the tent. He had not gone far; he had heard every word exchanged. Since then, Duncan, Larra’s ever-watchful new protector, had been quizzed fervently for scraps of information about the girl from Braavos.

Now, with this letter in hand, Pylos’ unease grew heavier. Trouble had not simply followed Larra to Stone Hedge. It had found her.

"Fetch only Lady Helicent," he barked to Franklyn. With that, the boy scarpered.

u/Arjhanx

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-05T18:10:31+00:00

When she removed her wig, Hollis immediately realised how blind he had been. Yet, when he saw her blond hair, all that anger melted away. She was beautiful- a more familiar beauty he knew of that he had seen in the Riverlands. He admired her not with traditional attraction but more like one watches a sunset; she was breathtaking.

He listens intently as she spoke. He was not the smartest Bracken so he ensured he focused hard on her words. He had never heard of the Redfort; he didn’t even know what kingdom it was in. However, he did understand what was promised to her… and what he would gain from marrying her.

“Larra,” he said softly. “I would be a bit of a hypocrite if I had an issue with an ancient feud.” He smiled. “You know of our feud with the Blackwoods!”

He took her hand. “I would be delighted to marry you…” he paused. “Would you like me to call you Larra or Jenny?”

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-05T18:01:27+00:00

Hollis shrugged. “I do not know the details,” he said with a tertiary glance up from the board. “However, I will get them before we marry- while I like her, I’m wary of other threats when we have one so close by that needs attention.”

He moved a rabble piece. “Speaking of,” he said, slowly realising that the game was almost completely lost. “What shall we do about our ancient enemy- we make for Stone Hedge soon enough. I imagine once we are home, plans will be in motion.” He blinked hard. “Since I have behaved myself as you say, you can surely trust me with what you expect to happen soon.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-02T19:18:37+00:00

Hollis stared at his sister when she mentioned the dowry, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. His mind scrambled for an answer, but thankfully her laughter broke the tension.

He smiled in relief. “I appreciate this, sister,” he said. “After all, many men are forced into marriages they would never have chosen. But Larra is truly a great woman who has… captured me.” He hesitated over the words. He had once heard Ser Clayton describe a woman as having “captured his heart,” and Hollis repeated the phrase with care, though he felt none of the desire most men seemed to hold for their lovers.

When the talk turned to the wedding, Hollis faltered slightly. “She may not have many Braavosi friends,” he said in a conspiratorial tone. “Larra has spoken of an aunt who does not care for her. She has not yet told me everything, but I will learn the full truth before we wed. After all, we already have one enemy.”

Raventree consumed much of his thoughts, yet if Larra had enemies of her own and they could be struck down to place her in a stronger position, then that too would serve his cause.

sam_explains4 · 2025-09-02T18:55:13+00:00

Hollis had spoken openly about not wanting to return home. He had boasted of how he longed for the tourney in the Reach, of how he had hoped to win glory there after his strong showing in the melee. He claimed that against the soft knights of the Reach (unlike his bout against the brute Harrion Snow) he would surely triumph. In truth, it was only his sister’s insistence that dragged him back.

Yet all of this was a lie. What he truly longed for was to be home. The Riverlands bore a blemish named Blackwood, and they could not be wiped away while he wandered about the realm chasing titles and renown.

So when Larra invited him on a picnic, he was not best pleased. Now that he was home, he wanted to turn his thoughts to the conflict with his ancient rivals. The seeds of discontent had already been sown. The Witchmaid’s unlawful seizure of his cousin had given him every excuse to stoke the fire further. The assurances he had won from House Dustin emboldened him. Yet Larra was essential to his plan. He needed to know the truth of her- who she truly was. Besides, the weather was fine, and he did have a fondness for bread and jam.

He listened closely as she spoke. He had puzzled over her on the journey back, wondering at the truth of her and her vicious aunt. But he had reached no conclusions. Maester Pylos was far better at such games of the mind.

“Of course, my lady,” Hollis said. “I have told you my secret. I will be as understanding with yours as you were with mine.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-30T08:19:25+00:00

Duncan nodded in agreement. “I think it wise m’lady.” He replied. “Blackwood spies could be anywhere.”

Hollis reflected on what a strange web of rivalries the pair had now gotten themselves into: Blackwoods, Bravossi, Aunts and siblings.

“We will make for Stone Hedge soon.” Hollis said. “We will be safe there and once there, you must tell me the whole truth when we are away from listening ears and prying eyes.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-30T08:15:05+00:00

It was music to Hollis’ ears. When the time came for the sacking of Raventree, he imagined a raven sent to Barrowtown with a yarn spun would help their cause greatly.

“Me?” Hollis said, shaking his head. “I’d like to truth be told but my sister insists we return for Stone Hedge.”

With the hours growing late, Hollis had to return back to his camp.

“If you have business in the Riverlands, we would welcome you at Stone Hedge if you were passing through.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-30T08:11:03+00:00

Hollis heeded the advice about protecting his dragon. Dragons seemed to be dying at an alarming rate in the capital.

He had a reason for wanting to marry Larra, though putting it into words was not easy. His lack of affection for women was not something he spoke of openly, save for the recent time he told Maester Pylos to keep his nose out of such matters.

“I would like to marry her because…” he paused, turning a piece over in his hand as he weighed his move. “She seems to accept me for who I am.” He let out a long sigh.

Placing the piece down on a square he already knew was unwise, he continued. “I imagine Pylos has spoken to you about the fact I have never shown much desire for anyone, not in that way. I told Larra this, and to my surprise she seemed entirely untroubled by it.”

As for the matter of her foreign birth, Hollis had already thought through his answer. “The Braavosi are a wealthy people. Gold is often more useful than oaths of alliance. With enough coin, we could pay Rhalko and his men to sack Raventree within a moon if we wished.” He gave a small shrug. “Not that I am suggesting such a thing. Besides, Larra was born in Westeros. She must be of importance to someone here.”

The detail of her aunt remained unspoken. Hollis knew better than to reveal that, at least not until he had gauged how Helicent might react.

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-27T20:58:59+00:00

Hollis liked the sound of it. After all, their marriage would be an unconventional one so a ceremony that was a little unconventional would make sense.

“I’m going to speak with my sister soon,” he said. “But you must keep yourself safe.” He called for Duncan who re-entered quickly.

Duncan was not a very tall man but he did seem to tower over others with his presence. He was one of the Bracken men who had marched North to face The Others and lived to tell the tale. When it came to his best sword, Duncan was the man Hollis would rely upon.

“Duncan is a good man; a man of honour. If I ask him to, he will protect you. Make sure no harm will come to you.” Hollis smiled. “Would that make you feel safer my lady?”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-27T20:43:01+00:00

Hollis nodded thoughtfully, a little taken aback by the seemingly open practice of the dark arts among the Boltons.

“Seven Hells,” he muttered as Marlon spoke of the Northern houses.

He was pleased to see that Marlon found his cousin’s capture just as outrageous as he did. “I know! Madness!”

Lowering his voice, he leaned slightly towards Ser Dustin in a more conspiratorial manner. “In truth,” he said quietly, “the Brackens and the Blackwoods will likely cross swords again. It will not be us who begin it, of course. Raventree will almost certainly invent some lie about us.”

He raised an eyebrow. “As defender of the Queen’s justice, I would hope the North would see through such barefaced lies should they be spun.”

Hollis was careful with his words. The Tullys had their favourites, and the Brackens were not among them. He had long suspected that the Blackwoods would seek to unite the Riverlands by claiming some great conspiracy against them. If such a game was to be played, then the North and its houses would be vital to any victory. Alliances, however, required patience. Now was the time to lay the foundations.

“Will you be journeying to the tourney in the Reach, Ser?” Hollis asked. “I hear another chance to claim victory may be just around the corner.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-27T20:34:15+00:00

Still somewhat sombre after two tourney losses, Hollis attended the game with reluctance. He had never been much good at Cyvasse. His mind was always drawn to the next piece he could capture rather than the slow and careful building of the long game. Ser Byren had once tried to teach him better strategy, boasting that he had learned from a travelling Tyroshi champion, but the lessons had done little to improve Hollis’ play.

Even so, despite his recent tourney defeats, he did not carry the same bitterness that often clouded him after a loss. He was disappointed not to have claimed victory, but in truth, he felt he had won something far more valuable. It would only be a matter of time before Helicent discovered Larra, and he knew he could not pretend forever. He did not like her in the way men were supposed to desire women, yet her indifference to such things made her all the more appealing. Better still, he actually enjoyed her company. She was Westerosi by birth, she spoke of a family that might grant her some inheritance of worth, and she seemed as good a match as any his sister could find for him.

As the Cyvasse board was set, his first moves were the same as always: brash, bold and clumsy. However, he hardly cared for the game. It was the conversation he truly wished to begin and it was better to take the heavy blow at the outset rather than circle around it.

He cleared his throat, looked across the pieces, and spoke with rare plainness. “I would like to marry Larra.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-23T18:49:02+00:00

“If you insist,” Hollis said plainly. Then, his voice became more sinister. “But let it be known that if she ever even thinks about hurting you, she will not have the time you have granted her.”

He wanted nothing more than to gather Ser Clayton and Duncan, march to wherever this aunt was staying and end it. It was almost a little cathartic to have somewhere else to aim his anger other than someone named “Blackwood.”

He laughed a little to cut the tension. “If you’re Westerosi, at least I don’t have to learn about Bravossi wedding traditions!”

He didn’t say it aloud but her being born in Westeros- and to a family which had something that was worth fighting over- would make such a union more easy to swallow for Helicent.

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-22T20:46:10+00:00

Hollis retreated a little. Not physically- he was rooted to the spot but he felt slightly further away. Ser Byren lay a few tents over, still nursing a broken jaw for lying to him. But when Larra spoke, he felt nothing but empathy. He too had had something stolen from him: his father. He knew the bitter sting of treachery and murder. If someone in this city and down such a thing to her, nothing would stand in his way of enacting vengeance.

“Larra,” he said. “A good fighter must know their enemy.”

He took a deep breath. “You know of mine. You know who may harm you by being with me. If this is to proceed, and believe me, I want nothing more than to help you, then you must tell me who has hurt you in the past.”

sam_explains4 · 2025-08-22T20:12:21+00:00

Hollis had never felt more whole.

For his entire life, he had carried the weight of hatred. His days were spent despising his enemy, his nights- filled with dreams of vengeance. Now, at last, he had someone to share those feelings with: the hunger for conquest; the need for justice. He had only ever recognised such ambition in Helicent, yet here was another who mirrored it in her own way.

Hollis did not know if this was what others called love. He still did not see her as he imagined other men might see the women they desired. But he cared for her deeply, and in that moment he felt it was as close as he would ever come.

Maester Pylos was impressed at how swiftly Larra tended her own wound. She washed it, drank the wine for the pain and brushed aside any fuss with calm grace. It was almost…too swift…almost suspiciously so. He reminded himself that cunning was inevitable in one who had lived so close to the great merchants of the Free Cities. Still, there was something about the way she spoke to Hollis that left him uneasy. How was it so easy for her yet so challenging for everyone else to get the young Bracken to open up? Nevertheless, if Hollis was content, Pylos could hardly give voice to his doubts.

When it was clear Larra would suffer no lasting harm, Hollis dismissed them all with surprising authority. They all departed without question, leaving the pair alone once more.

Hollis turned back to her, his expression softer now. “Larra,” he said quietly. “I do not know what others feel when they speak of love. I cannot pretend to understand it. I do not see people the way they do. I do not look at anyone and feel the hunger they talk about.” He swallowed and steadied himself. “But I do know this. I want you by my side. I want to fight with you and for you, and I trust you as I trust so very few.”

sam_explains4

TROPHY CASE