[Stormlands - Renly's Camp, Tournament]
After a long journey, Catelyn had finally reach Renly's camp in the Stormlands. With her was Ser Colen of Greenpools.
An exhibition fight between two armored knights was taking place as "King" Renly Baratheon and "Queen" Margaery Tyrell watched.
Lady Catelyn and Ser Colen entered and watched from among the crowd, as Ser Loras Tyrell, one of the battling knights, landed a solid blow.
Margaery stood, clapping for her brother. "Loras! Highgarden!"
"Get him!" Another man from the crowd shouted.
The other fighter lifted Loras and took him to the ground, before lifting his visor and drawing a dagger to his face. Margaery gasped nervously.
"Oh!" The crowd collectively jeered.
"Yield! I yield." With no other choice, Loras yielded.
Margaery sat, disappointed, and the spectators grew quiet.
Renly clapped. "Well fought. Approach."
The second knight approached first and knelt while Loras looked on.
"Rise. Remove your helm."
The knight removed their helm to reveal their identity and to the surprise of everyone in attendance, this knight wasn't a man, but a woman.
The crowd gasped. Even Catelyn looked mildly stunned at the turn of events, while Loras appeared angry and humiliated.
"You are all your father promised and more, my lady. I've seen Ser Loras bested once or twice, but nevr quite in that fashion."
"Now, now, my love. My brother fought valiantly for you."
"That he did, my queen. But there can only be one champion. Brienne of Tarth, you may ask anything of me you desire. If it is within my power, it is yours."
Brienne knelt. "Your Grace, I ask the honor of a place in your Kingsguard."
"What?" Loras whispered to himself as the crowd released another collective gasp.
"I will be one of your seven, pledge my life to yours, and keep you safe from all harm."
Loras stared at Renly as he appeared to consider it.
"Done. Rise, Brienne of the Kingsguard."
The crowd applauded. Renly gave Brienne a small wink while Loras continued to stare at RENLY, clearly irritated. Brienne stands as Ser Colen makes his way across the sand towards where Renly was seated. Catelyn followed.
"Your Grace, I have the honor to bring you Lady Catelyn Stark, sent as an envoy by her son Robb, Lord of Winterfell." Colen announced.
"Lord of Winterfell and King in the North." Catelyn corrected.
"Lady Catelyn. I'm pleased to see you. May I present my wife, Margaery of House Tyrell?"
"You are very welcome here, Lady Stark. I'm so sorry for your loss." Margaery offered her condolences. Though to Catelyn, they seemed a bit false.
"You are most kind."
"My Lady, I swear to you, I will see to it that the Lannisters pay for your husband's murder. When I take King's Landing, I will bring you Joffrey's head." Renly told her, causing the crowd to roar, Loras looking around, ill at ease.
Catelyn closed her eyes as she took a breath before continuing. "It will be enough to know that justice was done, my lord."
"Your Grace. And you should kneel when you approach the King." Brienne, the newest member of the Kingsguard, said.
"There's no need for that. Lady Stark is an honored guest." Renly told her.
"Has your son mqrched against Tywin Lannister yet?" Loras asked, causing Catelyn to turn to him.
"I do not sit on my son's war councils," she told him. "And if I did, I would not share his strategies with you."
"If Robb Stark wants a pack with us, he should come here himself, not hide behind his mother's skirts." Loras said.
"My son is fighting a war, not playing at one."
Renly chuckled and stood, leaving the dais and walking over to Catelyn.
"Don't worry, my lady. Our war is just beginning."
Renly and Catelyn left as Margaery watched, annoyed.
Renly and Catelyn walked side by side, with Brienne behind them when they encountered a man with a horse.
"Your Grace."
"Gerard. How's your foot?"
"Better, Your Grace." Gerard patted his horse. "They don't know their own size is all."
"Good man." Renly said as he and his company continued walking.
"I have a hundred thousand men at my command. All the might of the Stormlands and the Reach."
"And all of them young and bold like your Knight of Flowers? It's a game to you, isn't it? I pity them."
"Why?"
"Because it won't last. Because they are the knights of summer and winter is coming." Catelyn told him.
"Brienne, escort Lady Catelyn to her tent. She's tired from her journey."
"At once, Your Grace. Shall I return after?"
"That won't be necessary. I would pray awhile. Alone."
Renly departed with his guards, leaving Brienne and Catelyn to continue together.
"If you'll follow me, my lady."
"You fought bravely today, Lady Brienne."
"I fought for my king. Soon I'll fight for him on the battlefield. Die for him if I must. And, if it please you, Brienne's enough. I'm no lady."
Brienne continued walking, while Catelyn lagged behind, a small smile on her face.
[Stormlands - Renly's Chambers]
Renly and Loras had finally found the time to sneak away. They were now in Renly's chambers, kissing passionately. Renly brought Loras to the bed and sat astride him. Renly removed his own shirt, kissed Loras, and undid his shirt. He saw the heavy bruising on Loras' chest.
"That must hurt."
Loras refused to kiss him, pouting.
"What? What is it?"
Loras scoffed. "A member of the Kingsguard? As if I wasn't humiliated enough already."
"Brienne is a very capable warrior." He kissed Loras, who pulled back. "And she's devoted to me. You're jealous."
"Jealous? Of Brienne the Beauty? Don't make me laugh."
"I'll make it up to you." Renly moved to remove Loras' pants, but Loras grabbed his hands.
"No, Your Grace. Not tonight. There's another Tyrell who requires your attention. You didn't win my father's support or his army on charm alone."
Renly lied down, dejected, but then decided to try to seduce Loras one more time, however Loras resisted.
"Your vassals are starting to snigger behind your back. Brides aren't usually virgins two weeks after their wedding night."
"And Margaery's a virgin?"
"Officially. Shall I bring her to you?"
Renly tried one last time to kiss Loras, who shoved him away onto the bed in response. Loras then left to get his sister.
After Loras had left, Renly poured some wine for himself and drank it. Margaery soon entered.
"I should warn you, I've had quite a bit of wine."
"As is your right. You are a king."
"You look very beautiful." Renly complimented his wife.
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"It's a lovely gown."
"You think so? I can't decide how I like it better. This way, or this way."
Margaery removed her gown, causing Renly to pause, embarrassed.
"You certainly don't need it."
Margaery started kissing Renly, but he resisted and continued talking.
"Although, some say the beauty most desired is the beauty concealed."
Margaery hushed him and began kissing again. She reached to his groin, but was disappointed by his lack of excitement.
"Must be the wine."
"Here, let me." She undid his pants and tried to excite him, though it was obvious Renly was uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry."
"Do you want my brother to come in and help?"
Renly whipped his head around to look at Margaery. "What?"
"He could get you started. I know he wouldn't mind. Or I can turn over and you can pretend I'm him."
"I don't know what you're talking about." He walked over to his bed and sat.
"There's no need for us to play games. Save your lies for court. You're going to need a lot of them."
Margaery sat next to him on the bed, rubbing his shoulder soothingly.
"Your enemies aren't happy about us. They want to tear us apart. And the best way to stop them is to put your baby in my belly. We can try again later. You decide how you want to do it, with me, with me and Loras, however else you like." Margaery turned Renly's head to look at her. "Whatever you need to do. You are a king."
Renly sighed and Margaery kissed his cheek.
Renly's war camp was bustling. He walked up to Lord Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish, who awaited him.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite whoremonger. Pray I haven't kept you waiting long." Renly greeted.
"Your Grace."
"Now you do the Lannisters' bidding, is that it? Tell me, was my brother's body even cold before you secured your newest patron?"
"I'm a practical man."
"Just not a loyal one."
"And who would you have me be loyal to? Your brother's corpse?"
"I don't like you, Lord Baelish. I don't like your face. I don't like the words that come oozing out of your mouth. I don't want you in my tent one minute more than necessary. So tell me, why are you here?"
Littlefinger's eyes shifted to Lady Brienne of Tarth, who stood behind her King.
"You can trust Brienne. Her loyalty comes without charge."
"You still have many friends at court, Your Grace, many who believe Ned Stark erred by not supporting your claim."
Renly took an apple and sat down. "Now I understand. You know I have the numbers. You know I'm mqrching on King's Landing. When I take the throne, you hope to retain your position. And your head."
"I would give priority to my head." He said, causing Renly to snort. "I understand that you don't like me, and while that saddens me greatly, I did not come here today seeking your affection. When you mqrch on King's Landing, you may find yourself facing a protracted siege or open gates." He walked away, leaving Renly to ponder his implications.
[Renly's Camp, Night]
Littlefinger stood by a fire, warming himself as Ser Loras Tyrell and Queen Margaery Tyrell approached. Loras peeled off into a nearby tent while Margaery walked past Littlefinger. He followed her.
"Your Grace."
"Lord Baelish."
"All of these tents look the same to me. Would you be so kind-"
"It would be my pleasure. It took me weeks to learn my way around the camp. Twice I walked in" on officers in stages of undress. And the moment I learn which tent is mine, we're on the move again."
"Your tent"? Not "Our tent"? The king snores, perhaps? Or simply prefers solitude? Pressures of command, no doubt. Four kings vying for the throne."
"I am not tutored in warfare, but basic arithmetic favors the side with the greater numbers."
"If war were arithmetic, the mathematicians would rule the world. I did notice your brother entering His Grace's tent just now."
"The place of a Kingsguard is by the king's side." Margaery told him as she knew what he was implicating.
"And on the night of your wedding, who was by the king's side then?"
"You seem quite interested in our marriage."
"Your marriage is quite interesting. Not only to me, but to the realm. The marriage of a wealthy girl always breeds interest, if nothing else."
"You've nevr married, have you?"
"I've been unlucky in my affections, sadly."
"That is sad. Though perhaps it's for the best. The whole notion of marriage seems to confuse you, so allow me to explain. My husband is my king, and my king is my husband. Here is your tent, Lord Baelish. Good night."
Margaery walked away and Littlefinger bowed in respect, pondering.
[Lady Stark's Tent]
Catelyn sat in her tent, which had been provided for the duration of her stay. Littlefinger entered and she rose.
"How dare you?" Catelyn shouted.
"You may have heard false reports."
"You betrayed Ned."
"Betrayed? I wanted him to serve as Protector of the Realm. I begged him to seize the moment."
"I trusted you. My husband trusted you. And you repaid our faith with treachery."
"No, my lady."
"Get out!"
"Cat, I've I've loved you since I was a boy. It seems to me that fate has given us this chance..."
Catelyn drew a knife, threateningly, pausing Littlefinger in his tracks.
"Have you lost your mind? Get out!"
She had just lost her husband over false accusations of treason. Yet here her childhood friend stood attempting to seduce her.
"Do you want to see your girls again? Sansa, more beautiful than ever? And Arya, just as wild as ever?"
"You have Arya, too?"
"Both girls are healthy and safe. For now. But you know the Queen and you know Joffrey. I fear for their longevity if they remain in the capital."
Catelyn pondered, before lowering the knife and placing it down. She noticed he had not quite answered her question about Arya, instead dancing around it. Perhaps Aelinor was right. He had changed.
"What do you want?"
"The Lannisters will trade your daughters for the Kingslayer."
"Of course they will. Jaime Lannister for two girls? Robb will nevr agree to those terms."
"I'm not bringing these terms to him. I'm bringing them to you."
"You think I keep secrets from my son?"
"Robb has surprised them all with his skills in battle, but he's not a mother. Consider it, Cat. You may not get another chance. I've brought you a gift."
"I don't want your gifts. A token of Tyrion Lannister's goodwill. He wants you to understand that this exchange of prisoners is offered in good faith."
Two servants entered and placed down something heavy.
"Good faith?"
The servants bowed and left. Catelyn looked at Littlefinger and her face went ashen as she realized what was in the chest before her.
"What's this?" Catelyn knelt slowly over the chest and opened it before looking down sadly.
This wasn't her husband. It might have been his body, but her husband was not there.
"Your husband was an honourable man. He should rest beside his family in the crypts beneath Winterfell. You may not believe-"
"Get out."
Speechless, Littlefinger left. Catelyn began to cry, and she slammed the chest closed.
The next day, Renly's bannermen sat astride their horses on a cliffside, next to the sea as a strong wind blew.
Renly, Catelyn, Loras, and Brienne faced King Stannis Baratheon, Ser Davos Seaworth, and Melisandre, Stannis' Red Priestess.
"Lady Stark, I had not thought to find you in the Stormlands." Stannis remarked.
"I had not thought to be here, Lord Stannis."
"Can that truly be you?" Renly asked suddenly.
"Who else might it be?"
"When I saw your standard, I couldn't be sure. Whose banner is that?"
"My own." He had taken on a banner of a stag surrounded by a flaming heart.
"I suppose if we used the same one, the battle would be terribly confusing. Why is your stag on fire?"
"The king has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of Light." Melisandre intercepted.
"Ah, you must be this fire priestess we hear so much about. Mmm, brother, now I understand why you found religion in your old age."
"Watch yourself, Renly."
"No, no, I'm relieved. I never really believed you were a fanatic. Charmless, rigid, a bore, yes, but not a godly man."
"You should kneel before your brother. He's the Lord's chosen, born amidst salt and smoke." Melisandre told him.
"Born amidst salt and smoke? Is he a ham?" Renly quipped.
"That's twice I've warned you." Stannis told him.
"Listen to yourselves. If you were sons of mine, I would knock your heads together and lock you in a bedchamber until you remembered that you were brothers." Catelyn told them.
"It is strange to find you beside my brother, Lady Stark. Your husband was a supporter of my claim. Lord Eddard's integrity cost him his head. And you sit beside this pretender and chastise me."
"We share a common enemy."
"The Iron Throne is mine by right. All those that deny that are my foes."
"The whole realm denies it, from Dorne to the Wall. Old men deny it with their death rattle and unborn children deny it in their mother's wombs. No one wants you for their king. You never wanted any friends, brother. But a man without friends is a man without power."
"For the sake of the mother who bore us, I will give you this one night to reconsider. Strike your banners, come to me before dawn, and I will grant you your old seat in the Council. I'll even name you my heir until a son is born to me. Otherwise I shall destroy you."
Renly quickly considered the offer.
"Look across those fields, brother. Can you see all those banners?"
"You think a few bolts of cloth will make you king?" Stannis asked him.
"No. The men holding those bolts of cloth will make me king."
"We shall see, Renly. Come the dawn, we shall see."
"Look to your sins, Lord Renly. The night is dark and full of terrors." Melisandre warned before, Stannis and their party rode off.
"Would you believe I loved him once?" Renly asked aloud before he spurred his mount, he and his party heading in the opposite direction.
[Shadowlands, Renly's Camp, Night]
The camp was alive with activity, in spite of the late hour. Soldiers moved in every direction.
[Renly's Tent]
King Renly Baratheon and Lady Catelyn Stark were seated across from one another while Lady Brienne Of Tarth stood guard.
"You swear it?" Renly asked.
"By the mother. My son has no interest in the Iron Throne."
Renly took a long sip of wine. "Then I see no reason for hostility between us. Your son can go on calling himself King in the North. The Starks will have dominion over all lands north of Moat Cailin, provided he swears me an oath of fealty."
"And the wording of this oath?"
"The same Ned Stark swore to Robert eighteen years ago. Cat, their friendship held the kingdoms together."
Catelyn considered these terms. "And in return for my son's loyalty?"
"In the morning, I'll destroy my brother's army." He stood. "When that's done, Baratheon and Stark will fight their common enemy together, as they have done many times before."
Renly walked across the tent and Brienne removed his cloak.
"Our two houses have alwys been close, which is why I am begging you to reconsider this battle. Negotiate a peace with your brother."
"Negotiate with Stannis? You heard him out there. I'd have better luck debating the wind."
Brienne continued to remove Renly's armor.
"Please bring my terms to your son. I believe we are natural allies. I hope he feels the same. Together we could end this war in a fortnight."
The wind howled, and a dark cloud of mist raced into the tent. Catelyn watched it cross the floor. Brienne gasped as a dark spirit takes form from the mist, rising up behind Renly. The dark spirit stabbed Renly in the back, through the heart. Renly gasped and the spirit hissed.
"No! No." Brienne shouted.
The dark spirit dissipated into a wind as Renly started to collapse. Brienne lunged forward to catch him and lowered him gently to the ground. Two soldiers leapt into the room and drew their swords, believing Brienne to have assassinated their king.
"Follow me!" The first soldier said.
"You'll die for this." The second told Brienne.
"No, wait, it wasn't her!" Catelyn tried to tell them.
The soldiers rushed past Catelyn to engage with Brienne, who met them in battle. She quickly dispatched one of the soldiers. The second soldiers fell soon after, with Brienne plunging her sword down his spine. Catelyn stared while Brienne looked upon Renly's corpse. She staggered and fell to her knees, sobbing over his lifeless body. Catelyn moved beside her, in an attempt to comfort her.
"We've got to leave. They'll hang you for this.
"Inside the king's tent - go." A man's voice sounded outside.
"Now." A second joined.
"I won't leave him."
"You can't avenge him if you're dead."
"Over there, go!" A man could be heard yelling.
Brienne got up to leave. Catelyn tried to pull her to the front door, but Brienne resisted.
"Not that way."
Brienne exited past a tapestry as Catelyn followed.
Renly's death marked the death of the first King, but it certainly would not be the last.