Chapter 15 : House Bracken

(3 Days Later)

[Third Person's POV]

In the grand hall of Stone Hedge, Lord Bracken commanded the room's attention. Though not particularly tall, his broad frame and imposing presence made him stand out. In his mid fifties, he wore a meticulously trimmed salt-and-pepper beard. His attire, in the muted colors of his house, was simple, dull yet elegant, a stark contrast to his boisterous and energetic demeanor as he animatedly discussed with his liege lord, Hoster Tully.

Beside him stood his wife, Lady Bracken, nearly fading into the background. A few years his junior, she possessed delicate features that hinted at a lingering weariness. Her light chestnut hair was pulled back into a severe bun, and her unadorned silk gown exuded a quiet grace overshadowed by the evening's revelry. Her gaze wandered, betraying both her boredom and the effects of the wine she had been steadily consuming throughout the evening.

Their eldest son, Jonos Bracken, a robust young man in his early twenties who resembled his father in every point, was clad in reinforced leather armor, practical for battle but entirely inappropriate for a banquet. His square face lit up with keen interest as he hung on Brynden Tully's every word. Next to him, his younger brother, a more slender boy of about fifteen name days watched with bright eyes, equally captivated by the knight's tales.

Next to them, the master-at-arms of House Bracken, a grizzled veteran marked by battle scars all over his already unattractive face, stood upright, listening with respectful deference. Occasionally, he added details to enhance the narratives of past wars, subtly reminding everyone that he had been present at most of the events being described.

Amidst the assembly, William Tully sat among several knights of House Bracken, mesmerizing them with sharp remarks and humorous anecdotes that shouldn't come out of the mouth of a seven name days boy. His comments, often punctuated by his trademark sly grin, drew laughter that required no embellishment to spare the ego of a young nobleman. Right now, he was adeptly mimicking a pompous knight from House Tyrell he had observed at a tournament, exaggerating elaborate gestures and adopting a pretentious voice, which sent his listeners into fits of laughter. He loved the limelight.

However, when his gaze caught Lady Bracken, seated not far away, her cheeks flushed from wine and clearly disinterested in the surrounding enthusiasm, he decided to redirect his efforts. Recognizing the distant look of someone who had perhaps indulged too much, he saw an opportunity to engage her.

With the same confidence, he rose from his seat and approached her with a warm smile, intent on relieving her boredom.

(William's POV)

So, following the King's summons, Hoster decided we wouldn't rush our journey to King's Landing. Because dragging one's feet his definitely the best course of action when a future (but kind of already) mad monarch is waiting. But hey, if Hoster wants to juggle wildfire, who am I to stop him? It's not like his decisions could possibly blow up in all our faces.

Anyway. In his infinite wisdom, Hoster planned an extended route ; First, a detour to Stone Hedge, home of the ever-delightful House Bracken, where we currently found ourselves. Then, to keep things fair and balanced, a visit to Raventree Hall, seat of the ever-cheerful House Blackwood. After that, we would follow the Red Fork, then the Trident down to King's Landing, stopping overnight with other bannermen or at inns to 'strengthen our ties' with our vassals and the local folk. Because nothing says 'we care' like showing up unannounced and eating their food. Not that I would have minded that much if the timing wasn't so impeccably ill-chosen.

So here we are, first night, first of our bannermen ; The Brackens. Their Sigil? A red stallion on a gold field. Where is their territory? In the heart of the Riverlands, located along the banks of the Red Fork of the Trident. Their words? On our lands, we rule [not cannon, their words aren't known]. What their wealth is based on? Horse breeding and agriculture. My shallow opinion on them? Always a pleasure to be in their company as long as a Blackwood isn't in the area, but, there is a 'but'.

To put it bluntly, I'm not a fan of this House. Historically, they have been more often the antagonists rather than the victims in their feud with the Blackwoods, although the latter are not short of wrongs either. If that were their only flaw, it might be tolerable, we would just have to endure their occasional whining about how those vile Blackwoods stole one of their mill three millennia ago. But their hostility isn't the only issue ; Their second major flaw hits a bit closer to home.

The Brackens may not be as opportunistic as the Freys, but they certainly are a bit up there too.

Sure, they stayed loyal during Robert's Rebellion, but come the War of the Five Kings, they showed their true colors by siding with the Freys after the red wedding, hoping to capitalize on the power shift to weaken the Blackwoods, who had remained loyal to our House. It gives you a clear picture of how dependable they are ; They will stay loyal as long as they think they are backing the winning horse.

The silver lining? I don't plan on ever losing.

I will give them this, though ; The Brackens know how to throw a party, and their company is generally marked by humor that's rarely of poor taste. Hoster, being the lively guy that he is, prefers them over the more prudish Blackwoods for these very reasons.

Of course, not everyone shares the same taste for celebration. Lady Bracken, for instance, seemed less than engrossed by the festivities, judging by how utterly bored, she looked amidst the surrounding cheerfulness. She sat next to her husband, but it would be the same if she was alone, her wine goblet never empty for long.

"Lady Bracken." I said, offering a polite bow that earned me an intrigued glance.

"And what brings you over here, young William?" She asked, her words slightly softened by the wine. A hint of amusement played on her lips, perhaps encouraged by her inebriated state.

"I couldn't help but notice that you seem as captivated by this banquet as one might be by watching grass grow." I replied with a wry smile, "Would you do me the honor of being my model for a portrait? It might provide a more engaging diversion."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my forwardness. Or perhaps it was the wine lowering her defenses, "You are quite the perceptive one, aren't you? I would be delighted. I have admired your portrait of Lady Piper but didn't dare ask if you would consider doing the same for me. Perhaps we could find a quieter setting?" She suggested, her tone conspiratorial, understanding that I was giving her a temporary way out of that banquet.

"Lead the way." I said, sweeping my arm theatrically. Her husband didn't bother to look our way as we left, as if his wife's exit was entirely insignificant. It was evident, this was a marriage lacking love, with no spark of affection or care shared between them.

My father watched me leave but didn't seem concerned, returning his attention to his war stories. Lady Bracken's reputation in the Riverlands nobility was beyond reproach, so he knew I was safe with her.

She led me to a small adjoining room adorned with tapestries depicting hunting scenes. She settled gracefully onto a chair near the window, adjusting her dress with practiced elegance, though her movements were slightly less precise due to the wine.

"Are you ready?" She asked with a slight smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and the uninhibited candor that often accompanies drink.

"Always." I replied, pulling out my sketchbook and a piece of charcoal, "If you don't mind, perhaps you could tell me a bit about yourself. It helps me capture the essence of the person I'm drawing."

She let out a small laugh, "Most people are more interested in my title than in me."

"Titles are dreadfully boring. It's the people wearing them who are interesting. Sometimes." I said, beginning to sketch the outlines of her face, "Besides, I have found that everyone has a story worth telling, even if no one bothers to listen."

She gazed out the window, her eyes distant and slightly glazed, "I hail from House Vance of Atranta. A peaceful place most of the time, surrounded by rolling hills and winding rivers. When I was young, I dreamed of traveling the world, seeing the Free Cities, perhaps even sailing to Dorne. How does that sound to you William?"

"Sounds far more exciting than sitting through endless banquets." I remarked, shading in the soft curves of her features, "I already know the reponse, but I will still ask. What stopped you?"

She smiled wistfully, the wine loosening her tongue, "Responsibilities, duties, the usual chains that bind us. My marriage to Henry was arranged to strengthen the alliances of our Houses. Adventure gave way to obligation."

I nodded thoughtfully, "Seems unfair that one's own desires are the first casualties of duty."

She glanced at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity, "You speak as though you have experienced such sacrifice."

I smirked, "I don't, but I'm sure I will be expected to soon enough."

She laughed softly, a genuine sound that seemed almost foreign to her, "Such cynicism from someone so young. But perhaps it's justified."

"Age is just a number. Wisdom comes from observation." I replied, "Do you ever regret not pursuing your dreams?"

She sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor, "Sometimes. Happiness is a luxury not all can afford. I have learned to find contentment in what I have. But there are moments when I wonder what might have been."

I looked up from my sketch, "It's never too late, you know. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it."

She considered my words, her eyes meeting mine with a clarity that belied her inebriation, "Perhaps you are right. And what about you, William? What are your dreams?"

"Me? Oh, I aspire to make it through the tangled mess of our world with my head intact." I remarked with a smirk, "And perhaps find someone to share the madness, a woman who's sharp, courageous, unafraid to break the mold when necessary."

She smiled appreciatively, "A rare find, but not impossible."

"Well, if all else fails, I can always take up a life of piracy." I joked, "The sea air might do me some good."

She chuckled, a soft sound that seemed to lighten the room, "You have a sharp mind and a sharp tongue, William. They will serve you well if used wisely."

"I will keep that in mind." I said, adding the finishing touches to the sketch, "Thank you for indulging my request."

"Thank you for saving me from an evening of mindless chatter." She replied, her words sincere, "It's been a pleasure to have a genuine conversation."

I met her gaze, noting the depth of emotion hidden behind her composed exterior, "The pleasure is mutual, Lady Bracken."

She paused, her expression thoughtful, "I sense that you understand more than you let on. I appreciate your discretion and your sincerity."

I inclined my head, "Your thoughts are safe with me."

She rose, her movements a bit unsteady, "We should return before someone comes looking for us. Not that anyone seemed to have noticed our absence in the first place." She added with a hint of bitterness.

She placed a light hand on my shoulder, a maternal gesture, "Take care, William. The world needs more honest souls like you."

"Honest? That's a new one." I commented, "But I will do my best."

As we left the room and rejoined the lively atmosphere of the grand hall, she returned to her place beside her oblivious husband. I couldn't help but ponder her words and the secrets she kept hidden. Perhaps beneath her distant exterior lay a spirit far more adventurous than anyone imagined. Or maybe everyone here was just as trapped as she was, playing roles in a play none of them had written.

Either way, she made for interesting sketch material.