An Urgent Mission (Brienne)

[Renly Baratheon]

A lot of people complained about wearing a crown. The obvious metaphor, as well as literally. Renly found that both suited him just fine. Being King, and having people call him 'your grace' was incredible, and wearing the crown was wonderful, surprisingly. It felt natural, powerful. Of course, he still didn't have his throne. Anyone could have a crown, but there weren't that many people that could bear to sit in that horrible chair. Regardless, it was a symbol. One he needed if he was going to stabilize his rule. There were so many people running around calling themselves kings, it got a bit overwhelming planning for them all.

So, Renly began to think. His current opposition was Stannis, and Joffrey. Stannis was his brother, Renly could deal with Stannis easily enough, but Joffrey was another thing. It wasn't that Joffrey was an intelligent commander or anything, no, the boy was a complete idiot, but he had Tywin Lannister leading his armies. Tywin Lannister was, above being a brilliant strategist, a cunning politician, and the man was completely ruthless. How does one defeat a man like that, if you can't just crush them with numbers? He might beat him, he had more men, but he would lose too many.

The key came to him one day, when he was pondering the future of his own heir. Renly realized quickly, that without Jaime Lannister, Tywin's heirs were Cersei, who was almost as stupid as her son, and Tyrion, the imp. Of course, Jaime was in the Kingsguard, but so was Barristan Selmy. Everyone expected Renly to be a fool, he'd heard the murmurs of him being simply a boy playing a game, he would prove them wrong when he would bring Tywin Lannister to his knees without fighting a single battle.

He'd summoned Brienne of Tarth to his quarters one night. Brienne was an interesting woman. She had the amusing tendency to look utterly ridiculous, she was one of the best fighters Renly had ever seen, and she seemed to have no idea how to speak to anyone at all. Renly liked her well enough, although Loras didn't. The woman seemed intent on serving him, and the King was happy to have her simply serve on his Rainbow Guard, but Loras wasn't having it. Something about being bested by a woman damaged his love's pride, so he had found a solution.

"Lady Brienne, I have an intensely urgent task for you. Jaime Lannister is being held captive by the Young Wolf, likely wherever Robb's made camp. I need you to find and free the Kingslayer, and I need him brought to me." Renly spoke in a serious voice, despite his giddiness at having come up with this plan. It wasn't an overly complex plan, but it solved several problems in one move. Without Tywin's support, Renly could march on King's Landing, then he could deal with his brother, Robb Stark, and Balon Greyjoy.

Brienne of Tarth

[Brienne of Tarth]

It was the first time that Brienne actually felt a hint of confidence in herself, in being the way she was. A woman was not encouraged to don armor or fight with steel. A woman was to marry and bare sons to do so instead. She was to stick to needlework, music, and dresses, that of feminine quality. Brienne was clumsy with the needle, looked worse in a dress than in armor, and the only music she savored was that of the ringing of steel. She had been picked on and laughed at by men and women alike for her unsightly appearance and unfeminine characteristics. Now, she was a part of a king's guard, King Renly's Rainbow Guard. Never had she been so proud to serve a man deserving of the utmost loyalty.

Brienne still remembered their first meeting. His courtesy, his smile, the way he spoke... He never spoke sarcastically or japed at her. King Renly gave her a respect, treated her like a person. It was that day she wished to serve him in any way possible. Honestly, he was the only reason she came here and stayed. Enduring the mocking advancements of other knights, waiting for her chance to prove herself to Renly. Which she did at the tourney the king hosted. Every knight thrown at her, she defeated. Even the Flower Knight, Ser Loras Tyrell, head of the Rainbow Guard. When King Renly asked what prize she desired, Brienne could only say, to serve him as a knight draped in a rainbow cloak. She didn't want lands or gold, just to prove herself.

Brienne was in her tent one night, sharpening her longsword when she received a summons from King Renly. She quickly sheathed her sword and donned her rainbow cape. Fumbling with the pin she had pricked herself, but fastened nevertheless. Leaving her tent she hastened to Renly's quarters. On the way, Brienne wondered what he had need of her for. It was usually Ser Loras that was called on by the King, he was with him everywhere he went. The Flower Knight was not fond of her, Brienne knew. He was not the one she was concerned with, though.

Renly was found in his quarters, more serious than his usual self. Brienne stood up straight and ready for any task he would have of her, "You summoned me, your Grace?" she asked. His task for her was something that took her aback. Infiltrate Robb Stark's camp? Free the Kingslayer? Brienne was not sure what to say next. It sounded near impossible, and near mad to try to steal a prisoner under another man's nose. "Lord Stark will surely not take kind to this, your Grace." It was not her place to question the king, but doubts clouded her mind. Was the capture of the heir to Tywin Lannister really worth the risk of gaining the Young Wolf as their enemy? They had avoided fighting the North for a time now, but this mission could change that.

Renly Baratheon

[Renly Baratheon]

Renly offered Brienne a confident smile. "I have the utmost confidence in you, Brienne. After you deliver the Kingslayer to me, we shall pacify Tywin, take King's Landing, and then, we shall treat with the young Lord Stark. He'll be upset, aye, but I'm sure he'll understand it was needed." The King stroked his well trimmed beard thoughtfully, "If, of course, you don't feel comfortable with this task, I'm sure we have knights willing to go through with it." Renly did like Brienne, she was capable. Loras had, of course, insisted she had used dirty tricks to best him, but even if she had, a fighter willing to fight unconventionally was what had won his brother's rebellion.

"I know that it will be a dangerous, difficult task, but there is no one else I trust more than you to do this. After you return, I'll grant you anything you desire. Hell, I would even make you a knight. Brienne of Tarth, the first lady knight. Or, if that doesn't appeal to you, I can grant you some other boon." Renly wasn't lying. There was no other person under him he trusted more than Brienne to carry this out. Loras would likely do something foolish like challenge Robb Stark to one on one combat, or something. Renly love Loras, but his Knight of Flowers always wanted to prove himself. Not only that, but Renly would have happily made Brienne a knight, it would have angered the Faith very, very much, but Renly liked to be unconventional.

[Brienne of Tarth]

Brienne was still unsure, though the King's smile and reassurance gave her great joy. She couldn't help, but hide a shy smile in reply. Renly was always kind to her. He had given her a place in his Rainbow Guard and treated her with every courtesy, the least she can do is catch an oathbreaker for him. So, when he told her that if she wasn't up to the request, they could have another knight fill in her place. Brienne was a bit too hasty to say "No! I-", she awkwardly bent down to one knee, "-I will do as you command, your Grace. I apologize if I seemed unwilling." She would do anything in the Seven Kingdoms for her King.

King Renly went on to say he knew the danger, and that there was no one else he trusted more to get the job done. He even promised to give her something in return for her efforts. A knighthood perhaps. Brienne savored the idea of being such. To show what a true knight was supposed to be. A loyal, merciful protector of the innocent and the bringer of swift justice. All Brienne said though was, "My only desire is to serve the rightful king of Westeros," still kneeling awkwardly. It was truly the only thing she wanted ever since the day they met. King Renly was the only man deserving enough for the Iron Throne. Brienne would do anything to see him upon it, and her by his side.