Felt Your Heartbeat And I Thought I Am Free

by TheAddict4Dramatics

Summary:

“Here we go.” Jaime whispered in Brienne’s ear. “Time to meet our babe. Are you ready?” She nodded weakly against him. “Remember what I said - you can do this.” He would have enough belief for both of them if he had to.

“I can do this.” Brienne agreed, her voice sounded stronger than before. Jaime smiled into the back of her head. There was his warrior wench.

The births of Jaime and Brienne’s children.

Notes:

Title from My Life, My Love by Abba (but the version that features in Mama Mia! Here We Go Again).

Chapter 1: Galladon

Jaime had been pacing up and down on the same piece of carpet for so long he was surprised he hadn’t literally worn a hole into it. He could hear Brienne through the wall that separated them - her moaning was almost constant now. 

Gods how long had it been? Her pains had started in the dead of night and he had been sent away as soon as the maester and midwives had arrived a short time later. He’d been here, just outside the bedchamber door, ever since, throughout the rest of the night and all through the day and into the next night as they were in now and still Brienne laboured to bring their child into the world. 

He hadn’t wanted to leave, he’d wanted to stay in the room as he had with Cersei. He’d stood guard by the door as each of his children had been born. Oh they hadn’t liked it then either but he’d refused to move, and which of you are going to remove me, he’d snarled as they had tried to evict him. It was a fight he was prepared to have again but Brienne had agreed with the midwife as she shooed him from the room. He tried not to let it wound him. Jaime knew it was less about not wanting him there and much more to do with what was considered proper. 

Brienne was still battling to be accepted as their Evenstar, or at least she felt she was. Jaime thought it was rather obvious most of her people were in awe of her and she would have to really fuck it up to fall from grace in their eyes. But Brienne felt differently. She had left the island barely out of childhood but an oddity, a problem no one quite knew how to solve. She had returned a hero of the Long Night, a close friend to the Queen in the North and an anointed Knight to boot. Not even her questionable choice of consort could sully her reputation.  She was loved and Jaime was… accepted. Which really was better than he had cause to hope for. 

But the fact remained it was proper for the father to leave the birthing chamber and so Brienne had sent him from the room so no one could turn their noses up at the heir she was to bring forth. That it was driving him slowly mad was neither here nor there. It was a battle and they had been fighting their battles together for years now, for far longer than either of them had realised. Brienne was battling to birth their babe and Jaime was battling to not break the door down to get to her.

He hoped she had managed to get some rest within it all. It seemed every time he had dozed off in the chair that had been brought into the corridor when he’d refused to move any further away, a maid had appeared and tried to persuade him to seek sleep in his own chambers. His chambers were located a short distance away in another part of the castle. He hadn’t slept in them once since they’d arrived on Tarth six moons passed when her father was on his deathbed and Brienne was already beginning to round with child. He’d had no use for chambers so far away from his wife’s and he had no use for them now. 

The thing was he really had intended to honour her wishes, as difficult as it was for him, but then she’d made that noise. 

A very specific noise he had only ever heard from her twice before. Once when Locke’s men had been dragging her off into the woods before he’d started shouting about sapphires and ransoms. And again when she’d been overcome with wights outside the battlements at Winterfell. His reaction to that sound had been the same both times: an overwhelming and abject panic, a repeated mantra in his head do something, do something, do something! 

His reaction was the same now and he was bursting through the door before he could stop himself. 

“Lord Jaime-”

“-Ser Jaime-” 

The maester and midwife spoke at the same time. There was still some confusion as to the proper way to address him. He was the Evenstar’s consort but he hadn’t officially taken a title.  

“We’ve told you already,” the midwife continued, “this is no place for-”

“-Jaime-” Brienne interrupted in a pleading voice and he was at her side in an instant.

She was standing at the end of the bed, surrounded by a number of who he assumed were midwives and/or maids. She wore nothing but a shift that was soaked with sweat and what he suspected were other bodily fluids too. And her face, gods her face, he wasn’t sure he had ever seen her look so tormented. Her colour was almost grey and her beautiful blue eyes told of her utter exhaustion.

“I’m sorry.” She cried as his arms came around her, his flesh hand finding her cheek.

“Sorry? What are you talking about Wench? Why are you sorry?”

“I can’t do it. He won’t come.” She sounded broken, defeated. “I can’t do it.”

There was almost a note of inevitability in her voice as if she had secretly suspected her body would fail her in this all along. As if she had been waiting for it to beat her. No doubt it was the lifetime of being told her body was entirely unfeminine and useless at womanly pursuits at work. What was a more womanly pursuit than this after all? 

No. He was not going to let her succumb. They fought their battles together and he was not done fighting yet.

“Look at me.” Her head remained down, her eyes on the floor between their feet. “Look at me Wench.” His fingers gently tipped her chin up. “Who are you?” He asked when she finally met his eyes. Her brow drew together in confusion. “Who are you?” He repeated softly.

“Brienne of Tarth.” She answered, her teeth gritted against the pain.

“Yes. You’re Brienne of Tarth.” Jaime agreed at once. “The Lady Evenstar. The first woman knight in all of Westeros. One of Renly’s chosen seven. Sworn sword to the Stark women. You defeated The Hound in single combat, you survived The Long Night, you looked death itself in the face and lived to tell the tale. You can do this because you can do anything you put your stubborn, pigheaded head to and you’re going to put it to this now.”

She was looking at him like she had when they’d just been pulled from the bear pit. As if she could not believe he was real. Her eyes were still clouded with pain but she’d heard him, he knew she had.

“I need-” she gasped suddenly.

“What? What do you need and I’ll get it for you.”

When she did not answer the midwife that was evidently in charge, the others merely her underlings, stepped forward. “My lady Evenstar needs to get onto the bed my Lord so we can see how the babe is getting along.” The woman, aged and homely, was looking at Jaime as if she were seeing him for the first time. His little speech had obviously impressed her. Perhaps he would win over the inhabitants of this island one person at a time. He found it a prospect much less daunting than expected.

“I can’t.” Brienne moaned. “It hurts too much.”

“Shall I sit behind you as I did before? That seemed to help.”

The other night when she was having cramps she had sat between his legs and he had kneaded his stump into her lower back. The evident relief it had given her had made him feel almost grateful he didn’t have a hand on the end of his arm. Almost.

Brienne nodded at him.

“Okay.” He soothed before turning towards the others. “Help your lady to the bed.”

He took off his boots and outer clothing leaving him in his shirt and breeches. “Hand or no?” She shook her head. Jaime started to remove the straps that held his much lighter and more useful wooden hand to his arm. He was aware of the looks he was receiving from some of the women. He rarely took his hand off in front of people that weren’t Brienne and he felt a prickle of insecurity needle under his skin but he didn’t have time for that now.

Jaime sat back against the pillows and spread his legs wide. Brienne moved between them with much help but at last she was settled. Now she was lying against him he could feel how stiff she was, all of her finely honed muscles taught in pain. Gods he wanted this to be over for her. He placed his stump at the base of her spine and started to move it there as he had done before. He felt her exhale shakily.

“Helping?” She nodded and pressed further back into him. His other arm came around her front, helping to keep her steady against him. His hand stroked across the flushed skin of her face and neck. “That’s it.” He almost cooed as she pressed even further into him, not relaxing against him but marginally less rigid than before.

The midwife was looking at him again in that quietly impressed way she had but then got to work. Brienne’s breath hitched as the woman’s hand disappeared between her thighs. The midwife retreated and spoke to the maester who then also felt the need to examine Brienne. Jaime bit his tongue against the comment he wanted to make. The maester nodded to the midwife.

“Good news.” The midwife stated calmly. “The babe has moved into the correct position. We can start pushing. Now let’s get ready, we’ll start at the next wave.”

Everybody seemed to jump into action at the words as they were surrounded by a clamour of sudden activity.

“Here we go.” Jaime whispered in Brienne’s ear. “Time to meet our babe. Are you ready?” She nodded weakly against him. “Remember what I said - you can do this.” He would have enough belief for both of them if he had to.

“I can do this.” Brienne agreed, her voice sounded stronger than before. Jaime smiled into the back of her head. There was his warrior wench.

Brienne’s body tensed suddenly as the next pain came.

“Time to push my lady.” The midwife said.

Brienne nodded again. She clenched her jaw, grabbed for Jaime’s hand and bore down with all of her considerable strength.

After that things seemed to move at a much quicker pace, at least they did to Jaime, he was not sure Brienne would agree. As each wave of pain came upon her she ground down pushing with everything she had as the midwife encouraged her on. All Jaime could do was offer his hand and stump now each locked in a death grip with her hands. As each pain left her temporarily Brienne would slump down against him, leaning her weight into him and letting his lips soothe the limited parts of her skin he could reach.

“That’s it.” He’d whisper to her between pains. Or: “just a little longer.” Or: “you’re doing it wench.” He knew the other women could hear him but they did not comment and his words seemed to bring Brienne some small comfort. That was all that mattered.

When the midwife told them the next push would crown their babe’s head Brienne took in a shaky breath. “Jaime-” she said, sounding a little panicked.

“It’s alright.” He soothed at once. “I’m here. I’ve got you.” She turned her head into his neck and he could feel her panting against his skin. Her skin was so flushed he couldn’t tell if the wetness he felt was sweat or tears. As her next pain came she burrowed further into him and Jaime brought his hand around her face and held her there.

Brienne’s screams were muffled by him but he felt their power and he had to bite down on his own lip to stop him from calling out. He hated seeing her in such distress. He wanted to pull at his own skin to stop it but that wasn’t what she needed from him so he bit his lip and held her head and prayed to all of the gods he had so long ago forsaken that this would end well.

Two more huge pushes later and it was done. Brienne went completely lax against him, panting harshly. Everything was deathly silent for a moment and then the raw, high-pitched cries of their child filled the room. Jaime started laughing in uncontainable joy.

“You did wench. You did it!” He laughed against her, realising tears were trickling down his face. Brienne lifted her head from him exhausted but with an undeniable elation radiating off of her.

“Is he well?” Brienne croaked.

“Or she.” Jaime replied automatically. It was an argument they had been having since they found out she was with child.

“He.” The midwife confirmed as she passed the babe to the maester, having cut and tied the cord. “Certainly sounds hale enough. The maester will make sure.”

As everyone worked around them, the women cleaning the babe and the maester examining him, Brienne leant against Jaime once more.

“A boy.” She whispered, sounding awestruck.

“A boy.” He replied. He held her as close to him as he dared, not wanting to hurt her but she didn’t seem to mind. “I’m so proud of you.” It was evidently the right thing to say. Brienne beamed at him, a smile so big it rivalled the one she had had when he’d knighted her. A child. A son. Their son. The gods were good, in this at least.

A moment later the midwife was placing their son into Brienne’s waiting arms. The babe still wailed on, his face scrunched up at the indignity of being disturbed. Brienne cooed to him softly. It was a noise he had never heard from her before and it made his heart soar. The sight of them together - his wife and son.

“Hello you.” Brienne whispered as she stroked along the babe’s fingers. Jaime blinked back more tears, happy to sit quietly and watch the two of them. “Jaime, look at him.” She turned and gave him a watery smile.

“He’s perfect.” Jaime told her and he was. At the sound of his voice his son seemed to calm, his cries turning into little whimpers that slowly tapered off.

“There he is. There’s your Papa.” The lump in Jaime’s throat threatened to overwhelm him. A child that he could claim for his own. A child that would call him Father. Papa. “You know his voice don’t you.” Brienne continued to the babe. “Because he uses it so much.” Jaime snorted. He reached down and stroked the soft light blonde hair that covered the child’s head. Brienne’s hair. It was too early to tell but Jaime hoped he had her eyes too. And her freckles. And her heart and her honour. He wanted him to be all Brienne.

“I love you.” He told them both, bestowing a kiss to each of their brows. And in all of the chaos around them he could never remember feeling such peace.

*

A few hours later Jaime was awoken to a soft snuffling sound. He turned immediately to Brienne and found her still sleeping soundly beside him in their freshly made bed. Beyond her in a wooden bassinet that had been pushed up against Brienne’s side was their son who was kicking his legs restlessly in his blankets.

As quietly as he could Jaime rose from the bed. He hesitated only a moment before reaching down and picking him up. When he’d first held the babe shortly after his birth Jaime had been visibly terrified. He had barely held a babe in his entire life and certainly not since he’d lost a hand. Still the midwife, a new ally of his, had been patient as she showed him how. And Jaime followed her earlier guidance now; using his hand to place the babe’s head in the crook of his shortened arm thus having his other arm and hand free to support the hold and touch his child.

“Hello sweetling.” As before the babe seemed to respond to his voice, settling a little. It made his chest fill with pride. “Are you getting hungry?” The sucking motion of the child’s lips suggested so. They had a wet nurse ready to be of service in the next room but it had been Brienne that had fed him for the first time earlier. And oh the astonishment on her face when he had latched on almost at once, taking his fill from her greedily. Her supposed unwomanly body that had grown their babe, brought him into the world and now nourished him. Jaime had long thought of her as the warrior made flesh. And here she was now - the mother made flesh too. “Your mother worked very hard to get you here safely. Let’s let her rest a little while longer, hmm?” His fingers stroked their way across the babe’s face, soaking in the softness of his skin.

“It’s alright.” Brienne said. “I’m awake.” She was looking at them both with such open affection.

“Shall I get the nurse? Or the midwife?” The midwife had guided her through the first feeding and had told him to send for her if needed.

“No. Let’s see if we can manage.”

He passed her the babe and watched her fumble slightly as she unlaced her shirt (his shirt if truth be told) one-handed and moved the babe into the right position. And then in an instance he had latched on again, settling in complete contentment against his mother. Brienne let out a little sigh of relief.

Jaime smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.” She answered honestly. “But I’m well.” She reassured him. He would need more reassurance in the coming days he knew but she did look well all things considered and she was strong. She would not be taken by the birthing bed as his own mother had been.

“More than well. You are magnificent.”

A slight blush painted her cheeks. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Yes you could have.”

“No Jaime.” She told him seriously. “I shouldn’t have sent you away.” He shook his head. It hardly mattered now. “I won’t… if we are blessed again I won’t send you away. I swear it.” Jaime lent down and kissed her lightly on the lips in acknowledgment of her pledge.

He settled back on the bed next to them as carefully as possible as to not disturb them. Their son was still feeding happily.

“We need to decide on a name.” Brienne said.

Tarth, like most islands Jaime supposed, had their own customs that sometimes differed from that of the mainland. One such was that it was considered a bad omen to discuss a child’s name before said child was safely delivered. Something to do with tempting fate he thought. Which meant they hadn’t talked about possible names for their child until now.

“Well it seems to me you did all of the work, you should get the honour.”

“He’s your son too Jaime.” Brienne told him firmly. And for a moment he could have cried all over again.

“Thank you.” He said sincerely. “But you already know what we should name him. I can see it on your face.” He could. She had always been terrible at hiding things from him and this was no different. He could read her much more easily than he could read any book or missive.

“I want to name him for my brother.” She said quietly, almost shyly. Did she really think he would deny her this? He had long expected it and saw no reason why she shouldn’t honour her brother thusly.

“Galladon of Tarth.” Jaime confirmed as he leant over and kissed his son’s downy head. He still couldn’t believe he could touch him whenever he wanted. “I like it.”

“Galladon Lannister of Tarth.” Brienne corrected. That overwhelming feeling slammed into his chest again. “He’s your son too Jaime.” Brienne repeated, looking right into his eyes.

He had no words to express all that he felt. He surged forward and kissed her firmly instead. She started in surprise but kissed him back, smiling against his lips that he held resolutely to her own.

“Galladon Lannister of Tarth.” Jaime said when he finally pulled away and looked back down at his son. “Welcome to the world.”

Chapter 2: Duncan

Jaime hummed the last tuneless notes of The Bear and the Maiden Fair.

“You are a terrible singer.” Brienne puffed between sharp breaths. Their faces were so close she felt Jaime’s responding laugh against her lips. 

“So glad I could be of service sweetling.” He cooed in obvious mirth.

Even in her discomfort she smiled. Jaime kissed her lightly. How he could possibly want his lips anywhere on her flushed and sweating skin was beyond her but considering how often he was running them over her it clearly wasn’t a worry for him.

They were stood a short way from the bed, their heads touching and both of her hands gripping his forearms with his hands, flesh and wood alike, cupping her elbows. Brienne found the slow swaying they were doing was somehow helping though they must look half-deranged. What did it matter? She already had her Ser husband and consort acting as her midwife come maid come fool for her entertainment. But it didn’t matter because she had made him a vow last time and she had kept it. The maester had tried to remove Jaime as soon as he had arrived just as last time but both Brienne and Jaime had insisted he stayed. To her surprise the midwife had not tried to persuade them otherwise, even speaking in favour of his presence. Jaime had won the midwife over during Gal’s birth in the same way he had won over half of the island in the time since. It was only a matter of time before the other half were won over too. He really was quite irresistible when he wanted to be. And if the effort he had been making for her island was anything to go by he did want to be. 

Brienne was glad he was with her. She always felt stronger with him by her side and this was no different. But she knew it wasn’t just Jaime’s attendance to her that was making this birthing different from the last. Perhaps it was merely that she knew what to expect this time, that her body remembered what to do. She had always been a quick learner in physical pursuits. She had only been having her pains for a couple of hours and she was aware she may feel differently several more hours from now but in this moment it was manageable - especially when Jaime’s ridiculous singing kept her adequately distracted.

“Do you think Gal’s well?” Brienne asked him as they continued to sway. They hadn’t been gone long enough for him to miss them but mayhap he could sense something was amiss.

Jaime frowned. “Why wouldn’t he be? He seemed happy this morn.” Brienne nodded. Of course he was well, she was being stupid. “I’m sure he’s fine.” Jaime assured her quietly nonetheless.

“I could send one of the maids to check my lady?” The midwife asked. It wasn’t necessary but they had a room full of people currently not doing much of anything, she may as well use them. Brienne nodded her assent.

When the maid returned several moments later to confirm the young boy was indeed well, playing happily with his nursemaid in the gardens, Brienne felt embarrassed for sending someone.

Jaime moved his hand to stroke her hair back from her wet forehead. He ran his fingers through it gently. Brienne hadn’t cut her hair in a while now and it was longer than it had been since she was a girl, almost to her shoulders. If she were honest with herself this was the only reason she hadn’t cut it: the feeling of his fingers working through her hair melted her insides like little else. If the Brienne that had first lead the infamous Kingslayer from his cells at Riverrun could see her now. Sometimes she could not believe they had ended up where they had but she was endlessly grateful for it.

Jaime breathed through another pain with her. The pains had been getting closer together but they were not constant yet. That is what had broken her last time, the endless onslaught without rest bite. It would not beak her again. Besides this time she knew what she would gain at the end of it - a small, squirming bundle that would claim her heart instantly and forever more.

“I’m so proud of you.” Jaime said with genuine feeling. He was still stroking her hair.

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

He smiled and shook his head. She was about to retort again when a sudden and all-encompassing urge rushed through her. She remembered it at once.

“I need to push!” And when no one moved, she added: “Now!”

“My lady I don’t think it is yet time.” The midwife said as she came to her side.

“No it is. It’s now.” Brienne was bending and arching with the effort to not start pushing. Jaime squeezed her arm in comfort though for the first time he looked a little frightened.

“Let’s get onto the bed and check.” The midwife said calmly.

As she was helped to the bed she began panting, squeezing her muscles with all of her might to stop her from doing what every cell in her body was begging her to do. Jaime was at her side, one arm around her shoulders, the other gripping her hand.

The midwife had barely reached between Brienne’s legs before her eyes widen in surprise. Brienne felt Jaime tense beside her. She squeezed his hand in response, trying to be comforting but she was too distracted.

“I can feel the head.” The midwife said.

“Already?” The maester said, clearly not trusting the woman’s word. He checked for himself and confirmed the head was there, almost crowning.

“But that’s too soon isn’t it?” Jaime asked. He sounded scared and Brienne hated that. There was nothing to be scared of, she just needed to push. If she pushed everything would be alright and they’d have their babe here with them.

“Let me push!” Brienne pleaded. She couldn’t hold back for much longer. Jaime tensed again beside her. She knew what he feared but he didn’t understand and she didn’t have the words to explain to him. She felt strong and she could do this and she just needed to push!

“Right.” The midwife remained still as the other women began preparing for the birth, retrieving water and sheets and setting out the medical instruments. “We’ll start with the next wave of pain. This babe is clearly impatient to make his arrival so we’re going to have to try and control his coming as much as possible. If he comes too quickly he’ll do more damage on his way. Do you understand?”

Brienne did but she wasn’t sure how she could control it when the urge was so damn strong. Still, she nodded. Anything to get going.

Beside her Jaime was deathly still. Brienne thought of how desperate she had been the last time, of how much she’d needed him and how much he had helped her. He needed her now she knew but the babe was coming.

“It will be well.” She told him. She lent her face into his.

His lips stretched into a small and wobbly smile. “I think those are supposed to be my words.”

And then the pain was upon her. What followed was so different from when she had had Gal, when she’d had to push with all of her strength to bring him forth. Now she needed just as much strength to slow the coming of her second born. Brienne tried to hone all of her years of training with a sword, when control and precision had always been her aim. It was no less taxing now but she would do it. To deliver her child safely into the world she would do anything.

“You’re incredible.” Jaime whispered into her ear. He sounded wrecked but he was there. Despite his fear he wasn’t going away inside himself and she loved him for that.

“You are incredible my lady.” The midwife agreed. “We’re almost there. The next wave and you’ll have your babe.”

And so it was. One more carefully controlled push and the babe was born. Brienne gasped in relief as her body collapsed back against the pillows, squashing Jaime’s arm underneath her. She’d done it. 

She was crying against Jaime’s neck in a pure release of tension when the babe’s cries filled the room. They sounded different from Gal’s - higher-pitched and reedier but still hearty in their own way.

Brienne was basking in elation, huddled closely with Jaime who was still holding her as tightly as he ever had, when she started to notice the feeling in the room. There was a distinct lack of noise from anyone that wasn’t the babe. She pushed herself up from Jaime to look to where the maester and midwife were both looking over the child. Only they weren’t looking over him, checking he was well, they were looking at him with their features drawn low on their faces.

A shot of ice ran its way through her veins. Something was wrong.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” She demanded. Her voice was remarkably strong considering how tired she felt. Jaime was frowning in confusion, clearly no wiser to what was happening than she was. No one had answered her questions. “Jaime-”

She turned to him but he was already disentangling himself from her and walking over to them. He too seemed to stop at once as soon as he saw the babe. Brienne’s panic increased. “Jaime-”. He didn’t turn to look at her, still staring at their child with an unreadable expression painting his face. But the babe was alive, they were still crying and no one was trying to comfort them and something wasn’t right and she needed to hold her babe, now. “What’s happening? What’s wrong? Bring him here. I need - Jaime-”

“It’s alright.” Jaime said at last. And finally he turned to look at her. She still couldn’t read his expression. “He’s alright.” He. Her heart beat wildly against her chest. They had been blessed with another son but still something was not as it should be. “He’s… he’s like Tyrion.”

Like Tyrion? The adrenaline was starting to leave her now and it made her slow witted. She did not understand what Jaime was telling her… like Tyrion… that he looked like Tyrion? His eyes maybe. And then at once she understood. He was a dwarf. Her babe was a dwarf and they were all looking at him like they didn’t know what to do with him. He was still crying and no one was helping him.

“Bring him to me.” Brienne said in a voice as hard as steel. Still no one moved.

“You heard your lady. Bring her our babe.” Jaime growled sounding as fierce as his house’s sigil. This appeared to work as the midwife lent down and bundled the babe into a blanket, coming to place him into Brienne’s arms.

Tyrion was the only dwarf Brienne had ever known. She had seen others of course but never met them or spoken to them. Her babe did look like his Uncle - he had the same wide forehead, barrelled chest and shorten limbs though his eyes did not differ from each other being the same blue as all newborns were. Gal’s eyes had slowly gotten brighter until they matched the sapphire blue of her own. Jaime had been delighted with that. She wondered if this babe’s eyes would be the same in time. Or would they be green like his father’s? Either way Brienne would love them as she loved Gal’s eyes. She would love this babe as she loved his brother. She already did.

“I’m sorry Ser Jaime.” One of the maids said quietly. Brienne didn’t have time to comprehend the words before Jaime had turned on the girl. If he had growled before now he was roaring:

“Sorry?! What is there to be sorry for? My wife and babe both live. We have a son. I need your congratulations not your condolences!”

“Yes Ser.” The maid squealed in response. “My congratulations.”

Brienne flinched as someone came to her side. She hadn’t heard them approaching. Her eyes darted up at the danger but it was only Jaime. Her face must have betrayed her feelings as he raised his hand in a show of surrender.

“He’s fine.” Brienne asserted, more for the others in the room than for Jaime. “He’s well.”

“I know.” Jaime agreed. “I just wanted to see him.” He didn’t approach until she nodded though.

Jaime lent down and kissed the babe’s head, his actions so contrastingly gentle to what his words to the maid had just been. He was looking down on him with awe and wonder, not disgust as she had feared. But why would he? He loved his brother, he always had. As Tyrion told it Jaime had been his only champion when they were children. Jaime had loved and defended his little brother and he would do the same for his son, of course he would. Jaime stroked the babe’s soft, downy hair. It was darker than Gal’s had been but not quite brown. Perhaps it would be Lannister gold one day.

“He’s beautiful.” Brienne said, silently challenging anyone to argue. No one did.

“He is.” Jaime agreed. “He’s perfect.” Just as he had said about Gal. Brienne smiled through her tears. “Let’s let the maester check all is well.”

“No.” Brienne replied at once, her arms tightening around the babe instinctively. He whined a little in protest. She didn’t want anyone else touching him.

“Brienne,” Jaime started softly.

“No.” She repeated, shaking her head for good measure. Somewhere inside her she knew she wasn’t being sensible, that there was no actual threat but that’s what it felt like. She found her hand itching to wrap itself around Oathkeeper’s hilt. “I don’t like the way they look at him.” She whispered.

Jaime’s eyes softened even further. He reached out slowly and stroked his hand across Brienne’s forehead. “My sweet girl-”

She cut him off with a loud gasp as another wave of pain hit her suddenly.

The midwife was at the bed in an instant. “That will be the after my lady. Time to pass the babe to his father.”

“No.” Brienne insisted. Her teeth were gritted against the pain but she wouldn’t give in, she had to protect her son.

“Brienne,” Jaime said again. “I won’t leave him, not even for a moment and I’ll bring him back to you as soon as I can.” She started to shake her head again but he put his hand behind her head and turned it so she was forced to look at his face. “I swear it.” He told her, as solemnly as any vow should be sworn.

Brienne closed her eyes as another pain gripped her. She couldn’t do it on her own, it hurt too much and the babe was so small and vulnerable. But Jaime’s eyes were imploring her. Mayhap she didn’t have to do it on her own. She started nodding before she changed her mind. Jaime took the babe from her arms as carefully as he could and settled him into the crook of his shortened arm. “Hello you.” Jaime whispered to their son. “I’ve got you sweetling.”

*

Sometime later when the after had been dealt with and both Brienne and the bed had been changed, Jaime had returned with the babe just as promised. The maester had decreed that though the babe was small he appeared hale. They would need to watch him more closely than they might have otherwise but Brienne knew he would be well. He was strong.

Once the child had settled himself at her breast, feeding as easily as his brother had, Brienne shew the maester and midwife and all the others from the room. Jaime had left to check on Gal and send the necessary ravens and so she was there alone with her babe. Already his features were starting to become familiar to her - she had looked upon him relentlessly since he had been returned to her.

When his small stomach was full he slept peacefully in her arms. Brienne looked down at him and started to make her own vows. No one is ever going to make you feel like you don’t belong. Not in this home, not on this island. I will not try and make you what you are not. You will be loved, no matter what.

She was just finishing as there was a knock on the door, followed by Jaime coming in with an excited looking Gal in his arms. “Someone wanted to say hello and meet his new brother.” Jaime placed Gal on the bed next to where Brienne lay with the babe. “Remember what we talked about Gal - gently.” Jaime reminded him in a soft voice. 

Gal, who had only celebrated his first nameday two moons back, was a Tarth through and through to look at. He was tall for his age with bright blue eyes, pale yellow hair and skin covered in freckles from head to toe. Though he was still too young to know for sure, Brienne had a suspicion his character would be decidedly un-Tarth like. There was often a Jaime-esque sparkle to his eyes and he won the affections of anyone who met him easily. 

Gal was looking down at his brother with a frown. “Small.” He declared finally. 

“Yes he is but he’ll grow.” Jaime said. 

“Gal,” Gal said pointing to himself and then he pointed to his brother, clearly asking for his name.

Brienne met Jaime’s gaze over their children’s heads. As was Tarth’s custom they had not discussed names until now, when the babe had been delivered safely. 

Brienne swallowed the lump that came suddenly to her throat. She didn’t want to cry in front of Gal in case it frightened him but when she considered what she had wanted to call the babe she felt like weeping.

“What is it?” Jaime asked, noticing her distress. 

“I wanted to call him Duncan.” 

“It is a fine name.” 

She knew what the determined look in her husband’s eyes meant. “No Jaime. People will make cruel japes.” She had wanted to name him for her ancestor Duncan the Tall but tall he would not be.  

“Not in my hearing.” Jaime growled protectively. Hear this Lion roar, she thought. “And not in his brother’s either I’d wager.” Gal was now leaning over the babe running his fingers over his sleeping features. “He’s not any less a descendant of Tarth for being a dwarf.” Jaime said. 

“I know!” Brienne exclaimed and he smiled at her thus telling her she had given him the precise reaction he wanted. “It is him I’m thinking of. I want to shield him from any unnecessary…” Brienne trailed off, unsure of how to continue.

“I think there is going to be much we cannot shield him from. All we can do is love him enough that he feels as tall as his namesake, no matter what others may say.”

Brienne couldn’t stop her tears now. Thankfully Gal was still too fascinated with the babe to notice but Jaime was looking at her with open affection. This man. This beautiful, kind, caring, ridiculous man that was somehow all hers. 

“Alright.” She agreed. “Come here and kiss me.” 

Jaime laughed. “As my lady commands.” He kissed her softy, murmuring against her lips: “My warrior wife.” Brienne huffed out a laugh of her own. “You were incredible today.” She felt her cheeks colour at the compliment. How could he still make her blush? 

“Mama.” Gal interrupted, reaching up to wrap his arms around her neck. 

“Hello sweetling.” She put one of her arms around his back so she held her children one in each arm. “Meet your brother, Duncan.”

“Dunc.” Gal tried out, not quite getting his mouth around the second syllable. 

“Duncan Lannister of Tarth.” Jaime said as he lent down to kiss Dunc’s soft, wide brow. “Welcome to the world.” 

Chapter 3: Joanna

Jaime rode through the entrance and into the small courtyard at Evenfall Hall. His entourage came in behind him, spreading around him as he scanned the waiting party. There were not a lot of servants at Evenfall, certainly not compared to the likes of Casterly Rock, yet still Jaime estimated that only about half were awaiting them. It wasn’t that Jaime minded - after all he had still not officially taken a title and thus was not their lord. It’s just he was surprised. Usually the whole household would be here to herald their return.

Jaime was pondering this as he dismounted his horse when suddenly there was a high-pitched shriek. 

“Papa!” Gal called as he came running into the courtyard, heading straight for Jaime. His nursemaid came quickly at his heels, holding Dunc in her arms. “Papa! Papa!” Gal continued until he barrelled into him and Jaime hoisted him up into his arms. 

“Hello sweetling.” 

Gal squeezed his arms and legs tight around him. “You’re back.” 

“I am. I missed you all too much to stay away a moment longer. Did you miss me?”

”Yes.” Gal answered without hesitation and Jaime felt his heart melt a little. His beautiful oldest boy. “Hug tight.” Gal commanded, squeezing Jaime even tighter to him. Jaime obeyed and tightened his own arms around Gal who sighed in contentment. 

Gal had always been an affectionate child, always wanting to give and receive physical comfort. Jaime knew it was a trait Gal had most likely got from himself but the way it manifested with his little brother Duncan was particularly moving. 

Jaime tried to imagine himself as a child wrapping all of his limbs around his own father as Gal was now. Or running at full speed to greet him home after a time away. Or commanding him to hold him tighter and telling him how much he’d missed him. Impossible. Even before his mother’s death none of those things would have been allowed. They would have been seen as weak, not befitting a Lannister, especially not the heir to the Rock. Gal was a Lannister and he was heir (though whether to the Rock as well as Tarth was still something to be decided) and he was allowed to do all of those things and Jaime loved it. 

Although to look at Gal was all Brienne, in his character Jaime sometimes wondered if he was the child Jaime could have been, would have been if he’d been allowed. 

“Welcome back Ser Jaime.” The nursemaid gave a little to curtesy as she approached them. Dunc was wiggling in her arms, trying to get closer to Jaime. 

“Papa!” Dunc said. His little chubby fingers reached out toward him. 

Jaime shifted Gal onto his right hip, his arm and wooden hand holding his eldest to him so he could pick up Dunc with his left arm, resting him on his left hip. It was a routine the three of them were well practiced in - Gal sitting on his right hand side where Jaime’s grip was not quite as strong but Gal more than made up for with his own vice-like grip. This leaving his left hand side free to hold Dunc. The three of them often wandered the castle thusly though Jaime would soon have to rethink this - he didn’t have enough hands, wooden or otherwise, for the new babe that was expected in a moon’s time. 

“Hello my love.” Jaime greeted Dunc who was burrowing his way further into Jaime’s side. If Gal was a squeezer than Dunc was a snuggler, his small body slotting in perfectly against Jaime’s neck and shoulder. “Did you miss me too?” 

“Yes Papa.”

Jaime placed a kiss against his golden head. Dunc had continued to look so like Tyrion complete with Lannister golden hair and sharp green eyes. He was half way between his first and second nameday but his mind was already quick and as sharp as a knife’s edge. He must get that from Tyrion too as the gods knew he didn’t get it from Jaime himself. Jaime thought he was going to be bookish like his uncle but there was also a soft shyness to him that reminded him of Brienne. 

Jaime had only been away just over a sennight. There had been reason to travel to the other side of the island, a local dispute that only got bigger and more ridiculous, and Brienne was too far gone with child to go herself. Jaime had not wanted to travel so close to when the babe was expected but Brienne had asked and used those big blue eyes of hers so of course he had relented. Both of his sons were clinging to him as if he had been away moons and moons. Not that he was any better - nearly all of the men that had accompanied him on the journey had commented on his moping. He had missed them and Brienne so much that it was almost embarrassing. 

“So what have you been doing with yourselves in my absence?” 

“We went to the beach!” Gal told him excitedly. “Dunc walked all the way.” 

“No?!” 

“I did!” Dunc agreed, nodding into the crook of Jaime’s neck. 

Dunc’s walking had been slow coming on. Gal had started walking just before his first nameday but Dunc had only just started in the last moon or so. Brienne had been worried but the maester had not been overly concerned. He’d told them all children walk at different ages and Duncan’s legs had to work harder being shortened by his dwarfism. Jaime could tell Brienne had continued to worry quietly to herself but she had been so delighted when Dunc had taken his first tottering steps. 

“I carried him on my back on the way home.” Gal continued as Jaime smiled. That was also a very common occurrence. He wasn’t sure who enjoyed it more but it warmed his heart to see them together like that. No one was a fiercer protector of his brother than Gal, just as Jaime had predicted. 

“There’ll be no stopping you now Dunc. How will we keep up with you?” Both boys giggled at him. 

By this time they had reached the inner part of the castle. The children’s nursemaid following after them, the others having stayed in the courtyard to greet the other men and take care of the horses. “Where is everyone?” Jaime asked the nursemaid. “Is the Evenstar at home?” Jaime didn’t think she could be, she surely would have made her way down to them by now if she were. 

“Erm yes Ser Jaime.” The nursemaid answered, sounding uncertain. 

“Are you sure?” Jaime teased. “Where is she?”

“She’s in her chambers Ser. My lady Evenstar’s birthing pains started yesterday evening.” 

Jaime stopped suddenly. “What?” He demanded.   

“The maester and midwife have been with her since late yesterday.” 

No that couldn’t be. The babe was not expected for another moon. It was too soon, something must be wrong. Brienne had been labouring since yesterday eve and he hadn’t been here and oh gods what if something had happened and the babe or Brienne… no, no, no. 

“Ser?” The nursemaid asked shakily. 

Jaime snapped his attention back to her. “Here take Dunc.” Jaime passed his youngest son over and bent down to place Gal on his feet. 

“Papa?” Gal asked, sensing the sudden tension. 

“Stay here sweetling.” Jaime tried to not let his fear show in his voice but Gal’s eyes started to fill with tears anyway. Dunc too was looking at him in a wide-eyed stare. The nursemaid bent to take Gal’s hand. 

“I’ll look after them. Go my lord.” Jaime didn’t even think to correct her use of the title before he was sprinting away. 

*

By the time Jaime reached the corridor that held their chambers he was breathless and his fear had increased tenfold. He could not hear anything coming from the room. That wasn’t a good sign. He should be able to hear Brienne panting and moaning and crying through her labouring but all that met him was a deathly silence. Why had no one ridden out to meet him? Had they sent a bird when her pains had started? He would have already left by then but someone from the village could have followed them with the message. Someone should have told him, someone should have done something. He could feel his breathing quicken as his thoughts spiralled. 

He needed to enter the room now and face whatever was awaiting him or he would never find the courage. A moment later Jaime was bursting through the door. 

Brienne looked up suddenly from the bed as he came barrelling in. Upon seeing who it was her face broke out into a wide smile. She was sitting up in the bed, resting against the pillows and besides the sleeping babe in her arms she was alone. She was looking at him and smiling and she was alive. 

Jaime let out a sob. 

“Jaime?” She asked instantly concerned. He stumbled his way to her and burrowed his head into the crook of her neck exactly as Dunc had done to him in the courtyard below. His tears warmed her skin as her hand found the back of his head, kneading into his hair. 

“Are you well? Are you both well?” He said as he forced his head from her shoulder to look over them both. The babe looked peaceful and content and Brienne’s cheeks were pale but not overly so. That was good. They looked alright. 

“We’re both well.” Brienne confirmed. Her hand was still stroking through the back of his hair and it felt so good. 

“What happened? I thought we had another moon at least.” 

“Well someone had other ideas.” Brienne said while looking down at the sleeping babe and rocking them gently. “Besides she’s not overly small so it appears the maester may have miscalculated.”

“She?” Jaime chocked out through the tears that were still coming, though they were slower now.

Brienne turned back towards him. “Meet your daughter Jaime.” 

He had a daughter, his heart sang with joy. The gods were good. Three healthy babes and a wife that had bore them all and lived to tell the tale. Jaime laughed through his tears.

“Hello my beautiful girl.” He whispered as he lent down and kissed the babe’s soft, downy head.

She had more hair than either of her brothers had had and it was the same golden colour as Dunc’s. Lannister gold. He recognised that soft, round Lannister nose too. Jaime turned and kissed Brienne’s head next, lingering there and breathing her in. She had clearly bathed and changed since the babe arrived and the babe had obviously drank her fill of milk before succumbing to sleep. Brienne would have sent the maester and the midwife and all the others away as she had with the other babes so she could sit on her own and take in all the details about her new child.

“How was the birthing?”

Brienne shrugged and he could see how tired she was but she was still smiling. “It was shorter than Gal’s, longer than Dunc’s. She will be our middling babe I think.”

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

Brienne shook her head. “No one was expecting her and besides I was the one who asked you to go. How was it?”

“Oh fine. I listened and consoled and when that didn’t work I growled a little and that did the trick.”

“My lion.” Brienne teased. He kissed her suddenly for no reason beyond that he could. Because she was still there to kiss.

“I hate that I wasn’t here.”

“It’s done. Though if we are blessed again I am not letting you go anywhere for moons before they are expected.”

“You’ll hear no arguments from me my lady Evenstar.” Jaime kissed her again, long and slow.

“Would you like to hold her?” Brienne asked when they finally pulled apart.

“Yes.” He answered at once, holding out his arms and then grimacing when he saw them. They’d been riding all day and he was covered in dust from the road. “Hang on, let me wash the ride off of me first.”

He called for water and cloth and then tried not to rush as he washed and changed his clothes. When he was done he turned back toward the bed to see Brienne’s eyes were closed but he could tell she wasn’t sleeping. She startled a little when he brushed a hand down her face but as soon as her eyes opened she smiled lazily up at him. She was soft like this - his warrior woman.

Jaime lifted the babe gently from her mother’s arms and settled her in his own. His daughter barely stirred, even as he sat on the bed next to Brienne. “Hello.” He greeted her again as he drank in her features now he had a closer view. His fingers stroked across her brow, enjoying the softness of her skin. “She’s perfect.” Of course she was, she was theirs.

Brienne smiled in response. “Did you see the boys on your way in?”

“I did. They are full of life and raving about a trip to the beach.”

“Ah, I think that’s what started my pains. But Dunc walked so far.” The joy in her voice was contagious.

“I’ve told him there’ll be no stopping him now.” Brienne smiled again. To think he once had to imagine what her smile would be like, having never saw it himself. Now she gave it to him so freely and frequently.

“I’ll send for them soon to meet their sister.”

Jaime nodded his agreement but his attention stayed on his daughter who was still sleeping soundly. She was angelic in her peace. “She’s so calm.”

“She has been since she arrived. She barely made any noise at all when she came, it frightened me.” Jaime grimaced in sympathy. He could imagine that would be frightening and he hadn’t been there to hold Brienne’s hand. Both of the babe’s brothers had wailed their way into the world and it had been nothing but reassuring. A crying babe was a living one after all. “Still, the maester assured me all is well, she’s just quieter than her brothers.”

“Will you be our peacekeeper? Smoothing out all of the trouble your brothers make?” Jaime asked the sleeping babe.

“Just because she’s quiet doesn’t mean she won’t make plenty of trouble herself.” It was Jaime’s turn to smile. Perhaps she would be like Brienne, quiet but plenty fierce enough and leaving a trail of trouble in her wake. Gods, he hoped so.

“And does she have a name yet?” Jaime looked up in time to see the strange expression painting his wife’s face before she remembered to school her features. “Wench?”

“I do have a name I would like…” she trailed off, looking away for a moment to build her courage. Jaime was equal parts intrigued and perturbed. She took a big breath. “I would like to call her Joanna, for your mother.”

Jaime sat frozen in shock. That was about the last thing he had expected her to say. “What?” He asked breathlessly.

“Do you not care for it?”

“I… no, it’s not that. I just…” Truth be told he had expected she wanted to name the babe for her own mother, or perhaps for Lady Catelyn. But his mother - he hadn’t even considered it.

“You told me once that Casterly Rock ceased feeling like home after your mother died.” Brienne explained. He remembered that conversation well, it was during their time in Winterfell after the battle. “You told me no place had ever really felt like home since.” He had been trying to make her understand that for years he had made one person his home, and just when he was accepting that was not a good thing to do Brienne had let him into her bed that first night, and ever since his home had been starting to feel like a whole different person. But he hadn’t had the words for any of that then.

“This is your home now Jaime and I want you to feel that. I want you to feel at home every time you look at her or call her name.”

Jaime felt his eyes fill with tears again. What had he possibly ever done to deserve this woman? This woman who was currently looking at him still clearly unsure about his response, as if the response could be anything other than falling at her feet and begging her never to leave him.

“I already feel that.” He told her, sounding decidedly wobbly. “I feel that every time I look at you or the boys.” It was a plain and simple truth.

Brienne’s own eyes softened with emotion. “I know that. But Gal and Dunc are Tarth heirs and they are named for Tarth. But they are your children too. I want her to be named for you. Only if you want it of course.” 

“I want it.” He answered, surging forward to kiss her firmly. She laughed against his mouth as the babe, Joanna, started to squirm and fuss at being squashed between them.

“We’ve finally exhausted her endless patience.” Brienne smiled.

“Shh.” Jaime cooed. “Sweet Joanna.” He whispered in awe as he rocked her slowly.

As Jaime stood to walk around the room and bounce Joanna in his arms, Brienne pulled the cord by her bed and asked the answering maid to send for Gal and Dunc. By the time they arrived Jaime had managed to settle his daughter back into a peaceful sleep and was resting back on the bed.

Gal came charging through the door first, calling as he did: “Mama! Papa! We’re here!” He scampered his way up onto the high bed and immediately bent down over the side to lift Duncan up as well. Both boys huddled close to Brienne who kissed each of them in turn. Dunc stayed curled up into her side as Gal made his way over to Jaime and the babe. He stared down at her.

“Meet your sister, Joanna.” Jaime told him.

Gal leant down and kissed his sister on the head. “She’s small.” He informed them seriously as if they might not have noticed.

“She is but she’ll grow.” Brienne said, echoing what Jaime had told him about Dunc.

“Dunc, come see.” Gal instructed his brother who as usual when it came to Gal, obeyed. He shuffled over to look at the babe. He studied her intently for many moments, always more staid than the whirlwind of his brother.

Finally he reached down and ran his stubby fingers across her hair. “Like me.” Dunc said quietly, his voice sounding full of wonder.

Jaime met Brienne’s eyes over the heads’ of their children. Was he asking if Joanna was a dwarf like him or was he simply commenting they had the same colour hair? Did he even realise he was different yet? Jaime hoped not. Once Dunc realised he would never be able to go back to blissful ignorance, he would know it his whole life.

“Yes, she has hair like you. Both beautiful.” Jaime said at last. Brienne looked at him with gratitude.

“And me! Be-ti-fil too!” Gal protested.

“Oh yes you’re beautiful too.” Jaime agreed.

Dunc lent against Jaime’s arm as he continued to stroke his sister’s head and Gal had started poking at her legs under the blanket. Joanna slept on oblivious. When he looked at Brienne he saw her eyes had closed again. He didn’t blame her - they would need to reserve their energy anytime they could now they were parents to three children, the oldest of which had not yet reached their third nameday. Gods help them. But oh how happy they all made him, his heart was so full it felt as if it could burst.

“Joanna Lannister of Tarth.” He spoke to his daughter as his sons continued to acquaint themselves with her. “Welcome to the world.”

 

Chapter 4: Catelyn

Notes:

Trigger warning: descriptions of heavy blood loss in the first part of this chapter.

Something wasn’t right. That’s what Brienne kept thinking as the labouring progressed. She was not new to this anymore, she had done it three times before and she knew something wasn’t right this time.

She was lying in the bed. With all the others she had preferred to stay standing, swaying and pacing until the time to push had come. With Gal, her first, they had had a trouble getting her to lay down at all. Only Jaime had been able to persuade her to the bed. But this time she found she didn’t have the energy to stand. She had been lying down since almost the beginning.

Jaime was lying behind her as he had done when Gal had come. Though this time his stump in the small of her back was doing little to ease her pains. He was using his hand to wipe a cool cloth across her brow. She was so hot. Had she been this flushed and clammy with the others? Brienne didn’t think so. Something wasn’t right.

Everyone in the room was too quiet. Or was it that she simply couldn’t hear their voices as they talked amongst themselves? Everything did seem hazy and distant around her. Was she really seeing the furtive glances between the maester and the midwife or was she imagining that? Her head felt thick.

“Jaime-” she wanted to reach back for him but her arm was as heavy as a boulder.

“I’m here Wench.” He replied. He sounded far away even though he was just behind her.

“Something isn’t - hmmmm.” Her sentence was cut off by a long moan. The pains were different too, not as sharp as they should be but somehow worse than she remembered.

“Shhh. It’s alright, it’s alright. It’s going to be alright.” Jaime tried to soothe. Even through the fog that surrounded her Brienne could hear how scared he was.

“I love you.”

”No.” Jaime growled into her ear. “Do not do that. You are not going to do that. You are not going to say your goodbyes. You are not going anywhere.”

But she was. She understood that now. She was going to die in this birthing bed and she could only pray she wouldn’t take the babe with her. Brienne did not want to die but she would, without any fight, if it meant her child would live.

“Do not blame them. Do not be your father.” Brienne whispered. Forming the words took a great deal of effort but this was important. She was very tired and she wanted to sleep. She hoped Jaime understood what she meant as she didn’t have the energy to explain herself further than: “Love them. Love all of them.”

“Brienne, stop it.” Jaime begged. She was vaguely aware of a wetness against her cheek - was it her tears or his? She supposed it didn’t matter now. And then there was more wetness, a sudden gush of it between her legs, warm and sticky as it coated the bedclothes crimson.

There was lots of noise and lots of movement now but Brienne could not grasp what was happening. The pounding in her head was intensifying and her ears were beginning to ring.

“Please.” Jaime pleaded against her. What was he asking of her? Whatever it was she feared she couldn’t give it to him. “Please don’t leave me. Stay with me Wench. Stay with me, please. Brienne, please.”

She wanted to answer him but her vision was turning white. The ringing was louder than ever.

“Jai-” Brienne slurred.

The last thing she thought before succumbing to the nothingness that was pulling her under was that she had never felt so cold while being in his arms before.

*

Consciousness came to Brienne slowly. Her eyes opened and blinked several times against the harsh light of the room. She frowned, the realisation of where she was slow in coming. She knew these walls and the ceiling and the sound of the waves through the open window. She was in Evenfall. Yes that was it - this was her bedchamber in the castle and she was in her bed.

She turned her head and there was Jaime on her right as she had expected. Only he wasn’t lying in the bed next to her, he was crouched down beside it, his head bent low over her hand that was clasped in his. Now she thought about it she could feel his fingers curled around hers. His grasp was so tight it was almost painful. And he was speaking, a constant low murmuring escaping his lips.

“Please come back to me Wench. Don’t leave me.” No he wasn’t talking, he was crying. Brienne could feel his tears against the skin of her hand. “I can’t do this without you. I need you. The children need you. Please Brienne, you need to wake up.”

She was awake she wanted to tell him but she couldn’t get her voice to work. Jaime sounded so desolate, perhaps more so than she had ever heard him before, and she wanted to comfort him.

The hand that wasn’t being held felt heavy but she managed to raise it and bring it to the back of Jaime’s head, curling her fingers into his hair. Jaime jerked up immediately at the touch.

“Brienne?!” His face looked wrecked but it transformed at once upon seeing her open eyes. He lunged forward cupping her face with his hand and stump. The tears were still falling freely down his face. “Hey. Are you there? Can you hear me?”

Brienne swallowed thickly against her parched throat and tried her voice again. “Jai-me.” She managed to croak. His face erupted into the most glorious smile.

“Yes. I’m here, I’m here.” He started kissing all over her face, laughing and crying and sniffing as he went.

“Hmm.” Brienne hummed. It didn’t feel unpleasant.

“Gods you scared me. You have no idea how much I've been longing to see those ridiculously beautiful blue eyes.” Jaime told her, gazing into said eyes. She managed to bring her hands up to his face though it took a great deal of effort. Brienne ran her fingers through his beard as Jaime chased her fingers with his lips, kissing them when he caught them. “How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”

Brienne shook her head. She wasn’t in pain but she felt as weak as a newborn foal. She swallowed again, her throat still overwhelming dry. “Thirsty.”

Jaime leapt into action, leaving her side and returning almost instantly with a cup of water. He used his stump to hold her head up and brought the cup to her lips. She drank slowly, only coughing a little. When the cup was drained her throat was feeling a little better. Jaime took the cup away and pulled the cord by the bed. When the answering maid came he sent for the maester to come at once.

Then he settled again beside her, his fingers stroking across her brow and into her hair. He seemed to be unable to cease touching her face but she didn’t mind it.

“Wha’ happened?” Her voice was weak and slurring still.

“You don’t remember?” No she didn’t but she should, shouldn’t she? Brienne shook her head. “You lost a lot of blood and there was a fever. You’ve been asleep for many days.”

“Why bleeding?” Had there been a battle? But they were on Tarth and it was peacetime. Had someone come to the island?

“The babe-” Jaime started.

At once the memory slammed back into her. She had been in the birthing bed but something hadn't been right and then the blood had come and she’d felt so cold and Jaime had been holding her and begging her but she couldn’t help him.

The babe? Brienne tried to scramble further up the bed but her muscles held no strength. She pushed frantically at the bedclothes to get a look at her stomach. It was no longer full with child. Panic seized her. Where was the babe? What-

“It’s alright.” Jaime said at once, trying to keep her still. “She’s alright. She’s perfectly well. She’s with her nursemaid.”

“She?”

“Yes.” He confirmed.

“I want her. Bring her to me please. I need to see her!” She had to see with her own eyes that the babe lived and was well. Her daughter. She needed her daughter.

“I will. I will get her for you as soon as the maester has checked you over, I swear it.”

“No Jaime I need to see her now, please!” Brienne was desperate. Why didn’t he understand? And then she was bursting into tears - the memory of the pain and fear from before and the all-encompassing need she felt now was overwhelming. 

“Shhh, it’s alright, it’s alright.” Jaime tried to soothe her, his hand and stump encasing her face again. She slumped forward, pressing her forehead heavily into his and let herself cry.

That was how the maester found them several moments later. The maester seemed pleased. He told them there was no sign of the fever and she was healing well. Though she would be confined to the bed for many more days to come. She needed rest to gain back her strength but now she was awake there was no reason why she wouldn’t fully recover.

After the maester was done and had bid them farewell, instructing them to call if anything changed, Brienne turned to Jaime at once.

“I’ll go and get her.” Jaime smiled at her.

He returned a short time later with the babe in his arms. He laid her at once into Brienne’s waiting embrace. The babe was not quite asleep but getting there, she was blinking slowly up at her and was lax in drowsy contentment. Brienne ran a hand over her soft, downy head. The babe had a smattering of hair though less than her siblings had had. What was there was the same light blonde as herself and Gal but it was licked into soft curls like Jaime’s was if he grew it long enough. Both Dunc and Jo had pretty curls and this babe looked as if she’d have the same. Gal took after Brienne in his looks, Dunc looked like a mixture of Jaime and Tyrion, and Jo was all Jaime. But as Brienne gazed down at her newest babe she thought that she somehow looked like a combination of all of them. A perfect joining of their family.

“She’s perfect isn’t she?” Jaime said gently from her side as if he had been reading her thoughts.

“She is.”

Brienne started to rock her and she quickly fell into the sleep she had been resisting.

“We do make beautiful babes Wench.”

Brienne smiled. It had been the same with all of the others - every time she thought she couldn’t love her husband anymore they had another babe and she saw how much he loved them and her own love expanded again.

“How are our other beautiful babes?”

Jaime’s smile dropped a little. “They are well. Jo is blissfully unaware that anything is amiss but the boys know something isn’t right. I didn’t know what to tell them.” Jaime sighed despondently. Brienne noticed, not for the first time since she’d woken, how unwell he looked. He was ashen and the circles beneath his eyes were so dark he looked as if he had been struck. She wondered if he had slept at all since her pains started.

“I’ll see them soon.”

“Yes, I can call for them in a little while.”

Brienne looked back down at the sleeping babe, taking her time to study her features again. She had days to catch up on and wanted to look upon the child until her own eyelids drooped again. “Have you named her yet?” She asked suddenly. She hadn’t even thought of that until now.

Jaime looked at her sheepishly. “Well, yes.”

Brienne wasn’t surprised. Tarth’s naming customs were rather particular - you could not discuss it at all until the babe was delivered safely but then they had to be named before the first going down of the sun after the babe’s arrival. Jaime had been an inhabitant of Tarth for years now, it did not surprise her that he had followed their customs. “Go on then. Tell me.”

“Catelyn.” Brienne did not know what she had expected to hear but somehow it wasn’t that. Jaime was still looking unsure. “I thought you might…” He trailed off, unable to finish that thought. “That it might be the end of our story and so I wanted to name her for the woman that started our story.”

Brienne felt tears sting her eyes once more. Jaime had always been hopelessly romantic and what he’d said had moved her.

“Do you dislike it?” He asked, misunderstanding her tears.

“No. No, of course I don’t. Catelyn Lannister.” She smiled. “I’m sure her namesake would have had something to say about those two names being side by side.”

“Queen Sansa might have something to say about it too.”

Sansa would be touched Brienne thought but she knew Jaime would likely disagree and she didn’t have the energy for that conversation now.

Catelyn had awoken while they had been talking and was started to fuss. Her lips were smacking together tellingly. “She’s hungry. You better call for the wet nurse.” Brienne felt a pang of sadness that she wouldn’t be able to fed her herself. She had fed all of her other babes but it had been days since Catelyn had arrived and Brienne’s milk would have dried up by now. Even if her breasts felt deceptively heavy, it must have been a leftover from the birthing.

“Why don’t you try yourself first.” Jaime said.

“My milk will have dried up.”

“No, you’ve been feeding her sometimes while you’ve been asleep.” Brienne’s eyes widen in surprise. “The maester thought it a fruitless waste of your limited energy but the midwife suggested it. She said it might help. That if your body was mothering it might make it fight harder to get better. And I thought if you did wake up you’d want to feed her yourself and it would help your milk not dry up. And I also thought you would probably heed the advice of the midwife over the maester so I’m sorry if that wasn’t-”

“Stop talking and kiss me.” She commanded him softly. She smiled at the dumbstruck look that graced his face and then he was leaning over and kissing her soundly until the babe’s cries could no longer be ignored. “Thank you. That’s exactly what I would have wanted.”

Jaime helped her unlace the shirt she was wearing and move Catelyn to the right position. Catelyn latched on immediately, the room bathed in quiet once more. Brienne sighed and leant back against the pillows, her eyes closing in peace. 

“I’m so sorry.” Jaime said after several moments. Brienne opened her eyes and found him looking at her with such profound guilt. 

“What do you mean? This wasn’t your fault.”

“Of course it was!” He exploded. “The maester said it was the stress of four babes in four years and I’m the one that kept getting a child on you. I’m the one that couldn’t leave you be.”

“I wasn’t fighting you off.” She reminded him. She was always a more than willing participant. Hells, half the time she was the one that started it. Septa Roelle would have found her behaviour entirely wanton.

“You don’t understand.” Jaime insisted. “The maester said there… there was too much damage inside. You won’t be able to carry anymore babes. He doubts you’ll even be able to get with child but if you do it won’t take for long.”

Brienne swallowed down the sudden rise of emotion she felt at the news. Jaime looked as if he were ready for her to strike him or scream at him, banish him from the room and never let him return. Even after all this time he was still always so ready to receive punishments he didn’t deserve.

“Jaime.” She reached out and stroked his cheek. “Stop. We have four healthy babes. We are blessed, more than most.”

“I know but-”

“No. No buts. This is a happy day.” Jaime nodded but the movement shook free some more tears. He looked so, so tired. “When was the last time you slept?” She asked as softly as she could.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t remember.”

“You look like you’re about to fall where you stand. You need to rest.”

“I will. After Cat’s finished I’ll settle her and check on the others and then-”

“No.” Brienne interrupted again. If she had to pull rank on him and command him she would. “Now. Get under the blanket. You can sleep while Catelyn and I get to know each other. I can call for the maid if I need anything.” He opened his mouth to argue but she didn’t let him. “That wasn’t a request.”

Jaime’s tired smile barely reached his eyes. “Yes my lady Evenstar.” He mocked but he did as she bid. He stood and took off his outer clothes leaving him in his undershirt and breeches. He climbed under the blanket and turned toward them.

“Come here.” Brienne said. Cat was secure on one side of her and she wanted Jaime on the other side, curled up into her so she could prove to him that she alive and would soon be well again.

“I don’t think I should. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t. And if you do I’ll kick you.” Brienne smiled at him. After another moment of hesitation he shuffled towards her, resting his head into the crook of her neck. She felt him sigh in utter exhaustion. “Sleep.” Her fingers stroked their way through his hair and all it took was a moment for him to be breathing heavily against her, finally yielding to slumber. 

*

It was several hours later when Jaime roused himself and went in search of their other babes.

“Ready yourself.” Jaime said from the other side of the door when he’d returned. “He we come.”

At once the door swung open to reveal Jaime and the children. He was carrying a smiling and clapping Jo in his arms with the boys following behind. Even at only a moon after her first nameday Jo’s golden curls were thick and long. Of course Brienne thought all her babes beautiful but Jo was objectively so. Often Brienne wondered at how something so beautiful could have come from her.

Are you jesting? Jaime had asked when she’d voiced the thought. She’s all you. Brienne had reminded him their daughter looked nothing like her and Jaime had replied: perhaps not in features but have you seen the look she gives me and the boys when she’s finding us unamusing or tiresome? It’s so similar it’s eerie, like a tiny copy of you.

Brienne had to admit he had a point. In character she did seem more like herself. She was quiet most of the time and shy around anyone she didn’t know well. But she also loved to tumble around with her brothers, giving as good as she got. Brienne suspected she would take easily to swordplay and enjoy it immensely. As spirited as Brienne herself but with a face that could break hearts. Brienne wasn’t sure what the future would hold for her eldest daughter but it was sure to be eventful.

“Ma! Ma! Ma!” Jo chirped happily as they approached the bed but her brothers were strangely quiet. Brienne noticed their hands were clasped tightly together. That wasn’t so unusual, they were practically inseparable, they had been since Dunc’s birth. But she knew her children and she knew something wasn’t right.

“See there now.” Jaime said, a hand on Gal’s back edging him forward. “I told you - Mama’s well, just a little tired.”

They were frightened Brienne realised. Of course they were. She had been asleep for days and they hadn’t seen her - that was unheard of. Both were gazing upon her with tear filled eyes and her heart squeezed tight in her chest.

She leant down and placed a sleeping Catelyn in the crib that had been pushed up against the bed.

“Gal, Dunc come here.” Brienne said, patting the bed beside her. The sound of her voice seemed to be enough to jolt Gal out of it and he leapt forward at once, clambering up onto the bed. As always he immediately turned and reached down for Dunc. When they were both on the bed Gal wasted no time in flinging himself into her waiting arms and burrowing down.

“Gently.” Jaime reminded him but as tall as Gal was he’d not yet celebrated his fourth nameday and was light enough to not cause her any great discomfort.

Dunc kept his distance, still looking unsure with his bottom lip quivering. Brienne kept one arm around Gal and held the other out to Dunc. “Come on sweetling, it’s alright.” He came over slowly and settled into her other side, much more sedately than his brother.

“We missed you!” Gal declared.

“I missed you too and I’m sorry that you were frightened but Papa’s right - I’m well. Everything is alright.” Dunc started to cry from where he had snuggled close to her. Brienne held him tighter. Gal burrowed further in until his head was in the crook of her neck and then sighed in relief. It was so similar to what Jaime had down earlier it brought another wave of tears to her eyes.

From Jaime’s arms Jo was wriggling, clearly eager to join them.

“Come on sweet girl.” Brienne said but Jaime frowned.

“Are you sure - they might hurt-”

“It’ll be alright.” She reassured him. Jaime placed Jo down in the middle of them all as gently as he could.

“Ma!” Jo chirped happily, snuggling up on Gal’s side who had gallantly moved over to allow his little sister room. Brienne’s long arms held all of them easily. 

“You’re like the Mother made flesh.” Jaime said thickly from the foot of the bed. Brienne gave him a look, the precise one Jo had inherited from her, and Jaime laughed loudly in response. She was glad to hear the sound - he had been so tired and scared and worried when she’d woken but he was beginning to sound like himself again.

“Babe?” Dunc sniffed suddenly. He had stopped crying but his eyes were still red.

“You all have a little sister, Catelyn.” Jaime told them.

Dunc turned and looked down at her sleeping in the crib. He reached down and stroked her soft head. After a moment he nodded and smiled. “Gal, come see.” He instructed his brother. The older Dunc got the more the instructing went both ways.

Gal climbed over Jo and Brienne to get to the babe.

“Careful.” Jaime said again but as usual when it came to their eldest it fell on deaf ears.

Gal took his own turn gazing at his newest sister while Jo made the most of having her mother all to herself, cuddling up closer to her and looking decidedly as if she were going to join her sister in slumber.

“She’s small.” Gal told them as he had when both Dunc and Jo had been born.

“She’ll grow.” Jaime replied as he had before.

“Where’s her hair?” Gal asked next. Jaime and Brienne both laughed.

“That will grow too.” Brienne told him.

“I like her.”

”I’m glad you approve.” Jaime said as he met Brienne’s gaze and they both smiled.

“Can I hold her?” Gal asked.

“I’ll help!” Dunc added.

It took a bit of manoeuvring but they managed it in the end with Gal and Dunc sat back against the pillows between Jaime and Brienne, Catelyn laid across their outstretched legs and Jaime supporting her head. Jo, seemly unbothered by her new sister, had fallen asleep in Brienne’s arms and was snoring softly.

“I like her too.” Dunc whispered to Gal as if their parents couldn’t hear them.

“You want to worry.” Jaime told them in his most teasing voice. “Yours sisters match your number now - two of each - you’ll never get away with anything again!” All three of the boys giggled and Brienne was sure her heart had never felt so full.

She turned her attention to Catelyn who was still sleeping peacefully in her brothers’ lap. 

Her last babe. 

She still felt a pang of sadness at the thought. But what she’d said to Jaime was true, they were blessed. Brienne had never pictured herself a mother. The idea of marrying and making heirs for Tarth used to fill her with dread. And yet here she was, married with four heirs and happier than she ever thought possible. 

“Catelyn Lannister of Tarth.” Brienne whispered to the sleeping babe. “Welcome to the world.”

Chapter 5: Tyrianne

Notes:

Apparently I’m not quite done with this lil universe yet.

Jaime was in the training yard when the maid came to get him. He was sparring with Gal, their eldest, who having just celebrated his seventh nameday was proving himself to be a natural with a blade. Though that was hardly surprising considering who his mother and father were. 

His younger sister Jo, having only had four namedays herself, was not allowed to spar with the blunted training sword Gal had. She had to make do with a wooden one and she was entirely put out about it. She stood a safe distance away copying all the movements of her brother against an invisible foe. Truth to be told she was rather better at following her father’s precise instructions than Gal was, who tended to get distracted easily. Jaime did not point this out for fear of starting a battle so fierce as to rival The Long Night. 

Dunc sat on a nearby bench reading. This too was a surprise to no one - Dunc was always reading. Jaime jested that Dunc had had six namedays and read a hundred times that in books. He was not far off. Dunc’s current book was all about different fighting styles and their origins so he would occasionally shout out instructions of his own. Usually in direct opposition to what Jaime was saying. Needless to say this did not help with Gal’s concentration. 

Their youngest child Cat was the only one entirely unbothered by the whole thing. She sat by Dunc on the bench with her doll, happily playing and ignoring the chaos around her. With only three namedays behind her Cat was by far the most excited out of all of her siblings about the impeding arrival. That her Mama was to have a babe as small as her own doll was all she could talk about. 

“Ser Jaime.” The maid curtseyed as she reached them. “The midwife has just been to check on my Lady Evenstar. She says it’s time.” 

The news should not have been surprising. The midwife had told them a sennight ago it could be any time now. Still as he heard the words Jaime realised just how unprepared he was and just how scared. Both Gal and Dunc had snapped their heads in his direction upon hearing the news. The look of trepidation on their faces was surely reflected on his own. 

“Thank you.” He told the maid. “Please tell your Lady I will be along shortly.” 

“It’s happening now?” Dunc asked after the maid had left.

“No. It’s starting now. It might not happen for a long while yet. Gal go and put your sword away. Jo you too.” Jo pouted her famous Lannister pout but did as she was bid, as did Gal. 

Jaime scooped up Cat in his arms and the five of them started heading back towards the castle. 

“But all will be well.” Gal asserted as they walked. “Mama says it will all be well. Won’t it?” He ended sounding much less certain. 

Jaime swallowed down his own swell of emotion. What could he say to them? The boys were old enough to remember the last birthing and they were both older still now and too clever for their own good sometimes. And they most certainly had picked up on Jaime’s own growing torment at the situation. He suddenly felt decidedly queasy. “All will be well. I’m sure of it.” He said tightly. 

“No you’re not.” Dunc replied in a small voice. Sometimes Jaime wished his children could not read him so easily. He had always been such an open book with them about everything, so desperate to be the opposite to his own father in that regard. But now his eldest two had managed to soak up all the fear leaking out of him and he did not know what to do about it. 

“Papa, what is happening?” Jo asked from beside him.

“It is time for Mama to have the new babe.” Jaime answered. Cat squealed in his arms. 

“I want another brother.” Jo informed him. “A smaller one that I can spar with and win because I am bigger.” She was very serious about this. Gods, she was so like Brienne sometimes. 

“Noooo!” Protested Cat. “A sister. One to play dolls with.” 

“I am afraid it does not work like that. We shall have what the Gods see fit to bless us with.” Please let that be a living wife. He silently prayed. “Come, hurry along.” He told all of them. 

Gal silently knelt down for Dunc to climb onto his back. They walked the rest of the way in a tense silence. One of the children’s nursemaids was just coming out of the entrance courtyard as they entered it. 

“Ser Jaime, I was just on my way to collect the children.” She told him with the obligatory curtsy. 

Jaime thanked her and handed Cat over. “Be good all of you.” 

“You’ll send someone to tell us what is happening?” Gal asked as he turned to leave. 

Jaime had said he would do that after a particularly fraught conversation with Gal and Dunc that had ended in tears from both of them and Jaime had been desperate to do anything to comfort them. “I will try.”

“No, not try. Do.” Gal insisted. 

“You promised.” Dunc reminded him. 

“Alright. I will. Look after your sisters, both of you.” Both of the boys nodded. Jaime kissed each of his children in turn, reminded them again to behave and was off. 

*

Their bedchamber was already busy with bodies and motion by the time Jaime arrived. The Maester, midwife and her team of maids were all in attendance and flitting about in earnest activity. Two of the maids were helping Brienne change into a long shift, her birthing outfit of choice. She had done this enough times now to have such preferences. Jaime still found it strange sometimes - for so long she had been known all across Westeros as the Maid of Tarth and here she was now, heavy with their fifth child. Certainly a maiden no longer.

Another maid indicated to the bowl of water that had been set aside by the door for Jaime to wash the training yard from him. He did so - washing his face and hands thoroughly before stepping behind the screen to change into fresh clothes. He could hear Brienne speaking to the midwife as he did so, the low timber of her voice washing over him. She sounded decidedly normal. But then her pains had only just begun. He knew they had many hours to come yet. 

Once he had finished he stepped out from the screen to find her standing at the foot at the bed, resting against one of the end posts. She smiled when she saw him. 

He strode towards her and placed his hands on her hips. “Alright?” She nodded and then surprised him by kissing him on the mouth. 

Even after all the years they had been married Brienne was still not enamoured with displays of affection in front of others. She still held a certain shyness, afraid of what others would think. It was a delightful thing to tease her with sometimes but clearly not today. Today she was bold. 

“All will be well.” She stated. The mantra she had been repeating to him and the boys for moons now. He wished he could believe her. He could not get their last birthing to leave his mind - Brienne’s cold and limp body in his arms, the blood-soaked bedclothes, the frantic instructions of the Maester. 

As if she could see the turn his thoughts had taken she reached for his flesh and wooden hands and placed them both on her stomach. “Looks who’s here now. Here’s Papa.” She cooed to the babe. Her stomach felt taut beneath his fingers. 

Jaime knelt down in front of her and placed his lips to the babe. He took a steadying breath as Brienne ran her fingers through his hair. What a show he was making of himself but thankfully no one bar Brienne seemed to be paying him any mind. 

“Hello sweetling.” Jaime whispered to the babe. 

The truth was he felt a disconnect to the child that he had not with any of the others. With all their other children Jaime had felt he already knew them before they had arrived into the world. When they had come it had been less a meeting and more an assertion of the relationship that already existed.

But it was different with this babe. Jaime had never expected them to get this far. After Cat’s traumatic arrival the Maester had told them the likelihood of another child was small. And that if they were to get with child it would be lost long before the time of its arrival. Jaime had been waiting for this babe to slip away from the moment Brienne had told him. It had been there in the back of his head - a constant hum of worry haunting all of his waking and sleeping moments for moons now. 

“A boy or a girl, do you think?” Brienne asked, interrupting his spiralling thoughts.

She had asked him this a number of times since she had been with child and he had always avoided giving an answer. Truthfully he had not wanted to think about it but now he answered at once: “A girl.” He stated firmly. 

Brienne’s lips quirked. “You always guess a girl.” He did. He had guessed girl with all of their children so far. 

“And I have been proven right, more than once.” 

“You have also been proven wrong. More than once.” 

He shrugged his nonchalance and Brienne’s smirk grew into a full smile. “Jo wants a brother she can pummel in the training yard and Cat wants a sister to play dolls with or a sister she can tell what to do I think is what she means.” 

Brienne laughed. “And you’re going against Jo?” 

“She is not my favourite!” Jaime denied at once. He rolled his eyes for good measure. Not this again. He loved all of his children the same and did not have favourites, he was not his father. Jaime worried that Brienne thought he favoured Jo because she was the most Lannister-looking of their children. She looked so like Jaime which meant she looked so like Cersei. But if Jo occasionally melted his heart just a tiny bit more than the others it was only because she was so like Brienne. Like a tiny copy of her. All honour and earnestness and serious intent. 

“And what do the boys want?” Brienne asked as Jaime finally stood back up. She leaned into him and he rubbed his hands down her back. 

“They did not say. Only made me promise I would send someone regularly to tell them what was happening.”

“Is that truly necessary?” Brienne asked with a frown. 

“I assure you they will break the door down themselves if I do not.” 

“They get that from you.” She chastised but they shared a small smile. 

“They are worried. That is all.” 

“I know.” Brienne sighed. “I wish they were not. I wish none of you were. It is already different from the last time. Can you not see?” 

Jaime nodded. He could see. It was different to the last time where something had felt off from the very beginning. This time it was much more calm but it was early yet and he did not want to be lulled into a false safety. 

“My Lady Evenstar is right.” The midwife said from beside them. “No two birthings are ever the same and my lady is strong and well prepared.” 

“Was she weaker and less prepared last time?” Jaime snapped.

“Stop.” Brienne growled, grabbing Jaime’s chin and forcing him to look back at her rather than scowling at the midwife. “I will ask them to remove you.” 

Jaime felt his stomach drop in dread. She had promised him. After he had been denied entry to their chamber during Gal’s birthing Brienne had promised him she would not send him away again. 

“I love you but I cannot have you doing this for the next who knows how long. If you do not stop…”

“I will. I’ll stop. I’m sorry!” Jaime said, panicked. He could not wait outside the door, not knowing what was happening, hearing her struggle but not being able to touch her, he could not, he could not. 

Brienne took a sharp intake of breath as the next pain hit her. Jaime gripped her hands and breathed with her. She puffed out her cheeks as the pain eased. 

“I’m sorry.” Jaime whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry.” He butted his head against hers. 

Brienne stroked her fingers through his hair. “It’s alright.” She cooed to him as if he were one of the babes. Jaime huffed a laugh. He took a steadying breath. Enough now. Jaime vowed to himself. 

*

Jaime could not say that he relaxed in the following hours but he did not feel that acute panic again. Despite telling him that no two birthings were the same the midwife and Brienne both agreed this birthing was most similar to Jo’s: it was steadfast in its progress. 

While Brienne was tired and hot and uncomfortable she was in control. It was impressive. Jaime even left a couple of times to go and see to the children himself. 

When her pains started to intensify and Brienne doubled over with it, Jaime asked her if she wanted to lay down.

“Standing is good.” She told him. 

“You’re sure? You are not just saying that to prove a point?” 

She gave him a look. “Standing is good.”

But it was not too much longer before she went to the bed and the Maester and midwife declared it was time to start pushing. 

So here they were with Jaime taking steadying breaths and doing his best to keep calm as everybody around him started preparing for the arrival. Brienne held out her hand for him to take. He let her pull him for a kiss. 

“Let me guess,” he whispered as they separated. “All will be well.” 

She stuck her tongue out at him, a move so unlike his wife Jaime could not help the bubble of laughter that erupted out of him. How could she be so composed? So serene. He was in awe of her. 

They got into position with Jaime beside her on the bed, one of his arms around her shoulders and the other gripping her hand. “You can do this.” He said, trying to comfort her. 

“I know. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Brienne replied. He laughed again. Gods how he loved her.

“Here we go my lady.” The midwife said. “Start pushing with the next pain.” Brienne nodded and tightened her hold on Jaime’s hand. 

Brienne was nothing short of incredible through the birthing. She was strong and relentless as she puffed her way through it. She gritted her teeth, bore down and fought to bring their babe into the world. Jaime thought of Gal’s birthing, how difficult it had been for Brienne. She had been so convinced she could not do it but look at her now - commanding in her resilience. 

And then Brienne gave a final cry and the midwife was scooping up the babe from between her legs. Brienne collapsed back onto the pillows and Jaime burst into tears. 

“You did it Wench! You did it.” He kissed the side of her face and she gave him a tired smile. Tired but her eyes were clear and her cheeks flushed. There was no great pools of blood beneath them, no desperate shouts. He was lightheaded with the relief flooding into him. 

“Are they well?” Brienne asked. The babe was crying loudly, making their displeasure known as the maids cleaned them up. Jaime saw a couple of the maids share a meaningful look but they did not speak. Instead the midwife said: “It appears so. She takes after her brother my lady.”

Brienne turned back to Jaime. “A girl.” He gave her his best I told you so look and Brienne laughed, exhausted but elated. His wife, the warrior mother. 

Jaime disentangled himself gently from her on the bed and made his way over to the babe. The Maester was being slow checking over his daughter and Jaime was impatient for a look at her. He saw her hair first - ash blonde like Gal and Cat’s, like Brienne’s. Jaime looked down at her face, drinking her in so intently it took a moment for him to realise. 

“Is it Gal or Dunc she takes after?” Brienne asked from the bed.

“Dunc.” Jaime turned to look at her. “She’s a dwarf too.” 

“Oh.” Brienne replied and she was still smiling. They knew it a possibility of course and it made no difference at all to them. Brienne loved all of her babes fiercely and this would be no different he knew. Jaime wondered how Dunc would react. “Bring her to me please.” Brienne said firmly. 

He remembered how it had been when Dunc was born. The looks on everyone’s faces, the maid that had apologised to him as if some great tragedy had befallen them, Brienne’s fierce protection of him. This was not quite that but he knew he needed to get the babe into her mother’s arms. The midwife clearly felt the same as she brought the babe to Brienne at once. 

Brienne held the babe close to her, kissing her brow and rocking her. “Shhh, shh, it’s alright. I’ve got you.” She cooed. 

Jaime joined them on the bed, staring down at his daughter. She did look like Dunc had as a newborn, the same wide brow and soft little nose, but her colouring was decidedly Tarth rather than Lannister. Suddenly all of the love Jaime had been keeping back, too worried to feel it in case something happened to the babe or Brienne, came rushing forward. He gasped with the roar of emotions coursing through him. 

“Look at you.” Jaime whispered hotly to the babe, bending to kiss her brow. He did so and then kissed her again and again, breathing in her beautiful new babe smell. “Look how perfect you are. My darling. My sweet one.” He babbled, uncaring of who could hear. He was meeting his daughter and no one else mattered. 

“There’s Papa.” Brienne sniffed. Jaime realised she had started crying, he had too. “There he is falling in love with you.” He was. How could he not?

*

Later when both Brienne and the babe had been declared strong and healthy by the Maester, a newly washed and changed Brienne finished feeding their youngest for the first time. 

“A natural as always my lady.” The midwife praised. She had stayed to help Brienne through the first feed but all of the others had already departed. “I shall leave you be now but do call for me if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Brienne replied. “Please could you tell the children we’ll send for them soon.” The midwife nodded. 

Jaime had already been to tell them all was indeed well and they had a younger sister. Their desire to meet their sibling was enthusiastic to say the least. He had managed to keep them at bay for now. 

“Thank you.” Jaime said, placing his hand on the arm of the midwife as she passed him. He hoped she understood that he was apologising also. He had not been at his best earlier. 

The midwife smiled in understanding. “Ser Jaime.” She bowed her head and left, still smiling. 

“Will you take her? I think she wants to walk.” Brienne said. The babe was starting to fuss. 

Jaime scooped her up and started walking around the bed, cooing softly to her. It did seem to settle her somewhat. “Do you like to be moving sweetling? That will work well - there is not much stillness to be had with your siblings.” Brienne huffed in agreement. 

“We need to think of a name.” She said. 

“Hmmm…” Jaime replied still looking down at the babe. He remembered this now from the others - the feeling that he could not stop looking at her in case he missed something, anything. “Do you have any thoughts?” 

“One.” Jaime did finally look up then. “It was something your brother said when he and Pod were here for Dunc’s nameday.” That piqued his interest - what thoughts had Tyrion had about naming their child? “He was rather in his cups but he was talking about what would happen when he was no longer Hand. About how he would be expected to go to Casterly Rock and take up his place there. But he was sad about it. I think he was trying to tell me he would rather come here - be with us.”

Jaime remained quiet. He had many thoughts about Casterly Rock and few of them pleasant. It was a millstone around the neck not an inheritance but it was Tyrion’s and he would do what he will with it. 

“I fear we have been remiss in making it clear that he is part of this family. That he is welcome here always.” Brienne explained. Jaime felt himself soften. She was always so good. None of them deserved her. 

“Are you suggesting we name her Tyrion?” He teased. 

“No. But I was thinking of… Tyrianne. We could call her Anne for short.” Jaime frowned. Tyrianne. He let his mind form around it, testing out the letters. “Do you think he will like it?” 

“I think he will love it. You are too generous Wench.” Jaime replied honestly.

Brienne shrugged her shoulders. “You do not care for it?” 

He was not sure. “Tyrianne.” He tried out. At once the babe’s eyes opened and her gaze locked onto his. Jaime laughed out loud. “I think she has just decided for us, Tyrianne.” The babe continued to blink up at him. 

“Tyrianne.” Brienne confirmed with a smile. 

“Let’s make the most of this peace Anne.” Jaime said to the babe. “Before your siblings come rampaging in here.”

And rampaging in they did come a short while later, Tyrianne was back with Brienne in the bed by then meaning Jaime could scoop up Cat before she could fling herself onto the bed and flatten her little sister in her haste. 

“Hey!” She protested, struggling to free herself from his arms. “I want to see the new babe!” 

“And you shall. But you need to be quiet and calm.” Jaime told her. “Otherwise Mama will have you removed.” He shot a glance at Brienne. She rolled her eyes at him. He was not going to let her forget that anytime soon. “Boys, Jo - go on.” He encouraged their oldest three. 

Gal helped Dunc up onto the bed and then did the same with Jo. Gal, who would one day have all of his mother’s height and possibly more, stood behind them with a clear view over their heads. They all peered curiously at the babe. 

“Gal, Dunc, Jo and Cat,” Jaime said. “Meet your little sister Tyrianne.” 

“Sister!” Cat clapped in triumph. 

Jo huffed, making her feelings clear. 

“Joanna Lannister just because she is a girl does not mean you cannot spar with her.” Brienne said sternly.

“But sisters never want to spar.” Jo whined. 

“No, Cat does not wish to spar. Tyrianne is her own person and we will just have to wait and see what she likes to do.” Brienne said. 

“Tyrianne?” Gal repeated. “Like Uncle Tyrion?” 

“Exactly so.” Jaime confirmed. 

“I like it.” Gal said. “Can we name the next babe after me?” 

“No!” Jaime and Brienne said together. Gal tutted. 

While they had been talking Dunc had been sidling closer to Brienne and Anne. He looked at them with wide, astonished eyes. “She’s like me and Uncle Tyrion?” He asked in disbelief. 

“She is.” Brienne answered. 

“Oh.” And then he started crying. 

“It’s alright, it’s alright Dunc.” Brienne snuggled him up into her side. He was clearly overcome with surprise.

“It’s alright.” Gal said. He moved to stand next to Dunc and placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “She will be alright. She’s got all of us.” 

Jo and Cat both nodded in a rare show of solidarity. Jaime felt a surge of emotion swell in his chest. His wonderful family. He met Brienne’s eye and saw they were as wet as his. 

Jaime let Cat down onto the bed. “Gently.” He reminded her. 

Cat scampered up the bed and stared intently at Anne. “She has hair like me.” She said as she stroked said hair. “I hold her now.” She affirmed. 

“No, me first. I’m the oldest.” Gal argued.

“She’s going to be my sparring partner. Me first.” Jo said. 

“Dunc first I think.” Brienne said firmly. Dunc looked up from her shoulder. He sniffed loudly. “If you would like to?” Dunc nodded. 

They arranged them so Anne was resting peacefully in Dunc’s arms. The other siblings crowded around them. 

“She’s very small.” Cat commented seriously. 

“Do not worry.” Gal consoled. “She will grow.” He said as he was seven now and knew these things. 

Brienne and Jaime shared another look full of feeling. Looking at them all healthy and happy and together, gods, it was more than he had ever dreamed of. 

“Are you alright?” Brienne asked him. 

“More than alright. I was just thinking that for so long I thought I would never have a child that I could call my own. And you have given me five.” Jaime shook his head as if he could not believe it. 

“We are blessed.” Brienne replied simply. 

Yes they were.

Jaime went over and joined all of the children on the bed. They shuffled up to accommodate him, always magnanimous their babes. Well maybe not always. Jaime reached down and kissed Anne’s head for the hundredth time since her arrival. 

“Tyrianne Lannister of Tarth.” Jaime said. “Welcome to the world.”

Chapter 6: Selwyn & Podrick

Brienne watched as Jaime entered their chambers as quietly as he could. He smiled as he looked upon her and the two sleeping babes sprawled on the bed. Brienne lay on her side with her large belly protruding in front of her. Anne and Arthur were both tucked between her belly and shoulder, snuggled close together as they often were. 

“You were successful I see.” Jaime said, speaking quietly as to not disturb the slumbering babes. 

“We were. I’ll give you one guess as to who fought it more.” 

Jaime laughed and stroked his hand down Anne’s front. Their youngest was half way between her first and second namedays and was so far proving to be the most spirited of all of their children. Gods help them all.

Her eternal playmate Arthur was only three moons younger than Anne but was entirely different in character. Arthur was quiet and shy and often seemed unsure of how he had ended up in the midst of all of the surrounding chaos that was the other Lannister-Tarth children. In truth Arthur reminded Brienne so much of his father that it made her ache. She could not bear the thought of Pod alone in King’s Landing with his wife in the ground and his son across the sea. She and Jaime had taken Arthur in as Pod wished, loved him as they did their own, and waited for Pod’s term of service in the Kingsguard to be up so he could join them. Brienne wished time would pass faster so Pod could be with them now. 

“And were you successful?” Brienne asked, pulling herself from her mournful thoughts. 

“Four for four.” Jaime confirmed. “All asleep, finally.” 

Earlier that day Jaime had taken all six of the children to one their favourite places on the island - a series of caves and lagoons hidden away amongst the cliffs. He had wanted to give Brienne some peace, she still had a little way to go until the babe was due but she had been feeling especially tired recently. She had had a wonderfully quiet day but once they had returned all of the children had been so overexcited sleep was not easy in coming. They had divided in order to conquer with Jaime taking the older ones to their rooms and Brienne trying to settle the younger ones. 

“And how is this one doing?” Jaime asked, placing his hand on her stomach. 

“They seem to be settled too. I might even get some sleep tonight.”

“Such lofty ambitions you have Wench.” He teased her as he leaned down to kiss her. The babe in her belly was particularly active during the night at the moment - it was exhausting. 

“I’ll take these two back to the nursery.” Jaime picked up Arthur and settled him into one side. Arthur began to stir a little. “Shh, it’s just me sweetling.” Arthur slumped back down against him without further complaint. Brienne helped settle Anne in Jaime’s other arm and she, having thoroughly exhausted herself with the fight to stay awake, did not stir at all. Jaime left with a promise to be back soon. 

Brienne sighed and shifted further down into the bed. She would be asleep before he returned likely enough. 

Jaime had been much more relaxed this time than he had when she had been carrying Anne. Brienne had thought his worry would engulf him then it had been so strong. She did not want to do anything to bring back that fear so she had not said anything to Jaime but she was finding this time with child particularly trying. She was just so tired all of the time no matter how much rest she had. Perhaps it was that she was older than all of the other times and the midwife had told her that these things always get harder with age. Not to mention there were now six children to run around after and all of her duties as Evenstar still to see to. But Brienne was scared it was something more sinister. She had survived five birthings, that was more than a lot of women. It was more than her or Jaime’s mothers had managed. Was the sixth pushing her luck too far? 

Brienne sighed again, trying to push all of the negative thoughts from her head. She was just dropping off to sleep when she felt a sudden and familiar sensation pop between her legs. Brienne gasped, sitting up and reaching for her stomach as she felt the wetness seep onto the sheets beneath her. No, no, no. Not yet. It was too soon. 

Tentatively she brought her hand down and back up. Mercifully her hand was clear of the blood she feared to see. She puffed out in relief. 

“Wench?” Jaime asked from the doorway. 

“My waters…” she croaked. Jaime frowned as he came towards her. “It’s too soon.” 

He reached under the cover and felt the proof of her words. “It’s alright.” He soothed, clearly sensing her distress. “I’ll ring for the maester and send one of the stewards to the village for the midwife.” He said as he pulled the bell by their bed. He came back to her side and stroked his hand down her back. “Are you having pains yet?” 

Brienne shook her head. “It’s too soon.” She repeated. The dread in her stomach was not dissipating. 

“Perhaps the maester’s timings are off. They were with Jo.” Jaime reminded her but she continued to shake her head. 

“Jaime…” 

“It’s alright sweetling.” He brought his forehead to her own, his hand brushing her hair behind her ears. Why was she so scared? She needed to gather herself but all she wanted was for Jaime to climb into the bed with her and hold her. She was not ready to do this again yet. 

Brienne went through the following moments as if in a dream. She listened to Jaime as he calmly explained what needed to happen to the wide eyed maid who had answered the bell. She watched as he gently coaxed her into changing her clothes before stripping the wet bedclothes from the bed. The maester arrived a short time later with some more maids who quickly set to making the bed afresh. They had word the midwife was on her way from the village just as Brienne’s pains started. 

Jaime paced around the room with her, murmuring reassurances. How different it was from the last time when she had almost had to have him removed from the room. Now she was desperate in her need to have him near her constantly. This time was different from the others. She was sure of that she just did not know what it meant yet. 

“Brienne,” Jaime snaked his hand round to the back of her head to make her look at him. He only continued when she did so. “I need you tell me what’s going on. Does it feel like with Cat?” 

“No.” Brienne answered honestly. It did not but it also did not feel right somehow. “I’m scared.” She whispered. 

“Why?” The fear he’d been hiding so well suddenly flared in his eyes. She was not being fair to him. 

“I don’t know.” She sniffed. “I’m sorry.” 

“No sorries.” He chided her gently. “Just tell me what I can do.” 

“Hold me.” 

Jaime’s eyes crinkled with feeling. They settled themselves on the bed, with Brienne sitting between Jaime’s legs as she had done before with Gal and Cat births. Once again Jaime appeared to sense what she needed without her telling him and he wrapped his arms tight around her and held her close. 

“Thank you.” Brienne whispered.

“Better?” He whispered back, ignoring everyone else in the room who was giving them curious glances. Brienne nodded against him. She did feel better in his arms even when her next pain came. Jaime breathed through it with her and ridiculously she thought she was so tired she might actually be able to drop off to sleep between pains. 

The midwife arrived a short time later, clearly flushed from her haste to get here. She brought her usual bevy of maids with her. Gods alone knew how she had managed to gather them so quickly. 

“My Lady Evenstar Ser, Ser Jaime.” The midwife greeted, using their proper titles as she always did. “Your babes certainly like to keep us all on our toes don’t they?” 

Brienne gave her a wobbly smile. Just the other woman’s presence was relaxing her a little though clearly she was a terrible actress as the midwife started frowning at her immediately. 

“Are you well my lady?” The midwife asked, glancing to the maester who merely shrugged. Brienne heard Jaime tut behind her - she knew his thoughts of the maester and his usefulness or lack thereof. 

“She’s alright.” Jaime affirmed for her, tightening his arms around her again. 

“I’m so tired.” Brienne confessed. 

“Like before?” The midwife asked. She did not need to specify when, they all knew to what she referred. 

“No it’s not like that. I can’t explain it…” 

“There’s been no blood.” Jaime said tensely. 

The midwife checked her over and reassured them all seemed well enough. It was not time to push yet but things were progressing as expected. Brienne tired to relax herself into it - she had done this before, five times before, and she could do it again. She would have to. 

To everybody’s surprise but hers Brienne did manage to dose between pains. She woke once to find Jaime had removed his wooden hand and was stroking along her bump with his stump, talking encouragements to the babe. She smiled lazily. Jaime smiled back, his relief evident that she seemed to be rallying. 

It was only a few hours later when the time came to start pushing. Brienne found that she was still apprehensive but more than that she wanted it done now. She wanted her babe. 

“Remember,” Jaime said into her ear so only she could hear. “You can do this. You have done this five times already and you can do it now. I’m right here. We can do it together.” Brienne nodded. Together. They could do anything together. Like surviving bears and Long Nights and murderous Queens. “And I’m still guessing girl. Just so you know.” 

Brienne huffed a laughed. “Jo and Cat will be thrilled.” 

There had been a decided boy/girl split in the preferences of their children in regards to the new babe. With Arthur’s addition to their family their numbers were equal again. Gal and Dunc wanted to press their advantage and Jo and Cat wanted to regain theirs. Anne and Arthur were too young for an opinion on the matter though they both loved to pat Brienne’s stomach and babble ‘bab, bab, bab.’

“Here we go.” The midwife said. “We’ll start pushing with the next pain.” 

Brienne managed to forget each time just how much it hurt. It was still a surprise somehow, every time. She gasped and gritted her teeth as she bore down and started to push. She gripped Jaime’s hand and stump as he whispered praise to her. Between pains he would go back to stroking her stomach, twisting his head to kiss her face and neck even though it was wet with sweat. 

What felt like an age later the midwife told them the head was crowning. Brienne could have told her that from the familiar, eye watering burning. She heard herself give a shout with the next pain and was gripping Jaime harder than ever but he did not complain, just kept murmuring how incredible she was. Two pushes later and she did feel incredible because it was over - their babe was here and wailing loudly to announce their arrival. She slumped back in relief as Jaime’s arms encased her once more. 

“Are you alright? Are you pain?” He asked frantically. Brienne frowned. What was he talking about? The pain had finally abated. 

“Wha-?”

“Are you bleeding?” 

Oh. He was thinking of Cat’s birthing again. Of course he was. “No, I’m alright. I’m well I promise.” She tried to reassure him. Jaime let out the biggest sigh of relief she had ever heard. He butted his forehead against her and she felt his tears on her neck. “I’m alright.” She repeated.

“You did it Wench! You did it.” He sounded as awestruck as he always had. 

The babe was still wailing heartily from the other side of the room where the maester was checking them over. “Why are they crying so much?” Brienne asked. This babe was by far the loudest of all of them so far. “Are they well?” 

“Quite well my lady.” The midwife replied. “This one will take after his father I think. All golden curls and loud voices he is.” She said with a smile. 

“Hey!” Jaime protested loudly as if to prove the point. 

“A boy?” Brienne asked with tears in her eyes. The midwife nodded. Brienne turned her head towards Jaime who had wet eyes and a beaming smile of his own to match hers. He kissed her on the lips. 

“Gal and Dunc will be insufferable.” Jaime warned but Brienne only laughed. 

“Here we are.” The midwife said as she placed the still crying babe into Brienne’s arms. She was right - the babe did have masses of curly golden hair just as Dunc and Jo had had but even more so. His features were entirely Jaime too. 

“Shh, shh, it’s alright.” Brienne cooed to him. “Are you very cross at being disturbed? It’s alright.” She ran her fingers along his toes. 

Jaime reached round to stroke his soft hair, just as desperate to touch him as Brienne was. “Hello sweetling.” 

“My beautiful boy. Look at you.” Brienne said. He was beautiful. Beautiful just like Jaime. 

“He’s perfect.” Jaime said as he had done about all of their babes. Jaime as a father was the most beautiful Jaime of all. “Thank you.” He murmured seriously to her, kissing her neck again. Another precious gift she had managed to bestow upon him. 

Brienne hummed suddenly as another pain gripped her. 

“There’s the after my lady. Let me take the babe a moment while we sort it.”

Brienne’s instinct was still to deny her but she did not voice it this time. She handed the babe over to the midwife who passed him to a waiting maid. The maid rocked him slowly, his cries were still loud. 

The midwife chuckled. “Another lively one you’ve got there my lady.” How did their babes just keep getting more and more spirited with every go? 

The midwife, still smiling, checked between Brienne’s legs but then her eyes widened. 

Jaime instantly stiffened behind Brienne. “What is it?” He demanded. 

“That’s not the after my lady… it’s… it’s… there’s another babe.” 

“What?!” Brienne gasped, shock radiating through her. 

“No, that cannot be.” The maester said. He came over and checked for himself. He removed his hand and nodded solemnly. 

“There is not another babe, you said there was only one.” Brienne winced at the accusation in her voice but she could not help it. 

“I could only feel one my lady but it appears I was wrong. Perhaps this one was hiding behind their brother.” The midwife said.

Brienne became aware she was shaking her head almost violently. “No, no, no. It’s not twins.” Her fear was returning with lightning speed. She could not have twins. She would not survive it. Twins had done for her mother and it would do for her, she just knew it somehow. She could not die - she had too many children that needed her. 

“It’s alright.” Jaime tried to soothe. He brought his hand to her forehead to stop her from moving it. 

“I can’t do it! I cannot have twins.” 

“Yes you can.” 

“No Jaime, please!” She pleaded with him as if he could stop it. “I can’t, I can’t…”

“Stop.” Jaime said firmly. He so rarely spoke to her harshly these days it was enough to pause her spiralling. “You can do this.” 

“No-“

“Yes.” Jaime insisted. “You have to. We have another babe Brienne and they need you to do this so you will.” 

“My mother…” she croaked. Jaime frowned for a moment before his face melted into understanding. 

“You are not your mother Wench. You have survived so much and you can survive this. You are not going anywhere. I am not going to let you.” 

“Promise?” She hated how small her voice was. She wanted to disappear into Jaime’s arms as the babe wailed on from the other side of the room. 

“I swear it.” Jaime vowed. 

Brienne titled her head to lean against Jaime as she breathed through the next pain. Jaime stroked her face and breathed with her. When the wave had passed she nodded. Her babe needed her and she would not let them down. 

This birthing seemed much quicker and easier than the one that directly preceded it, as if her body had been suitably warmed up for it. Brienne’s muscles were already stretched and held the recent memory of what they needed to do. The main difficulty was trying to keep her breathing even, to not give in to the rapid quick breaths her panic wanted her to take. Jaime continued to be steadfast in his encouragements. 

When the babe was born with a final big push from Brienne he squeezed her as tight as he dared and said with evident relief in his voice: “Well done! That’s it - you’ve done it. I’m so proud of you.” 

This time it was Brienne that burst into tears. She had done it. Oh gods, she’d done it. Jaime kept holding her tight as she cried, rocking her slightly. She was more tired than she had ever been but it was over. It took several moments for Brienne to realise what was wrong - the older twin was still crying, though it had tapered off to more a grizzle, but his younger sibling was completely, terrifyingly, silent. 

“They’re not crying.” Brienne murmured as she realised. Jaime hummed to suggest he had not heard her. “They’re not crying. Why are they not crying?” 

Jaime sat up suddenly, pulling Brienne who was still in his arms with him. Brienne hissed in pain at the jolting movement. 

“What’s happening?!” Jaime demanded. 

The maester and midwife and several of the maids were all gathered around the new babe. The maester was doing something, Brienne could see a jerky sort of movement but nothing more. 

The midwife stepped away and came back to the bed. “Let the maester do his work.” She said kindly. 

“What’s happening?” Jaime demanded again. “Are they breathing?” 

“Let the maester work.” The midwife repeated. The answer was clear. 

“Noooo…” Brienne heard herself wail. “Jaime!” She cried. Jaime put his arms around her again but he did not offer any words of comfort this time, he did not tell her it was alright. She could feel him trembling all over. 

How had this happened? It was her that the birthing should have done for not the babe, never the babe. It was supposed to be her. They could take her, gladly, just let her babe live. 

Brienne barely registered the arrival of the after or the midwife and maids dealing with it, declaring they had all of it and Brienne should be alright. She did not notice the poultice the midwife put between her legs or the fresh towels she gently placed under her. Brienne was crying so hard her head was banging. She thought she might be sick. 

And then Jaime was suddenly shaking her. “Brienne, listen. Listen!” He urged her. 

There it was! The quiet, reedy cries of their youngest babe were softly filling the room. Almost at once the other babe stopped crying, instantly settled by the evidence of his twin’s life. 

The midwife sprung into action. “Here, your skin will help.” She said as she tore at the shoulder of Brienne’s shift, pulling it down to expose half of her chest. Brienne and Jaime watched her in a daze. 

She retrieved the tiny babe from the maester who looked most put out but did not make to stop her. The midwife placed the babe on Brienne’s bare chest. “Rub your hand up and down his back like this my lady.” The midwife said, demonstrating what she meant. Brienne did as she was shown and brought her trembling hand to the babe’s back. “Ser Jaime your hand please.” Jaime offered his flesh hand silently. The midwife brought it to the babe’s soft head. “Keep his head warm.” Jaime nodded and started to stroke through the babe’s golden curls. The midwife covered the babe’s body and Brienne’s hand with a blanket, tucking it in firmly around them. 

The babe’s small cries continued. Brienne was numb with shock. “He’s so small.” She whispered. He was by far the smallest of all of her babes, even Dunc and Anne who were dwarfs. He was like a tiny copy of his twin - the same golden curls and Lannister features - just much, much smaller. 

“That’s often the way with twins my lady.” Said the midwife consolingly. “One is often bigger than the other, nothing to say this one won’t catch up.” The midwife retrieved the bigger twin from the maid and brought him over. “And his brother can help too. They’ll recognise each other.” She placed the other babe next to his brother on Brienne’s chest. She readjusted the blanket over both of them. 

Brienne held a babe in each hand. The smaller twin’s eyes began to drift shut and panic seized her again. “His eyes are closing!” 

The midwife checked inside the blanket. “He’s well my lady just dropping off to sleep. His arrival was very traumatic for him, he’ll need lots of rest to recover.” Brienne nodded and breathed her thanks. 

“Twin boys.” Jaime whispered in exhausted awe. He sniffed loudly. “Can you believe it?” 

“No.” Brienne answered honestly. She was having trouble believing anything that had happened this night. 

“Jo and Cat are going to be livid.” Jaime chuckled. Brienne chuckled too and then started crying again. “It’s alright.” Jaime soothed. “You did it. They’re both here safely. We’re alright.” He promised. She prayed he would be proved right. 

*

Brienne came too several hours later. She was still in her bed though both her and the bed had been changed since the birthing. She turned her head drowsily to the basket that had been drawn up to the side of the bed where she had left the babes sleeping. Only it was now empty. She sat bolt upright in bed, wincing slightly as she did. 

“We’re here.” Jaime said at once from the other side of her. He was lying in the bed beside her with both twins propped up against his bare chest. The smallest was still sleeping but his brother was awake, blinking slowly and smacking his lips together. 

“He’s hungry - you should have woken me.” Brienne chastised more harshly than she’d intended. Jaime did not comment on it, merely shrugged.

“You needed your rest and we’ve been getting on alright.”

“How did you get them both on you?”

“Skill.” Jaime teased. “And a perfectly timed visit from a maid.” 

Brienne allowed herself a smile. She was still exhausted but she did feel so much better than she had before she’d slept. “Pass him over.” She took the older twin and brought him to her breast. He latched on at once as he had earlier - at least this was unchanged, all of her babes had been good feeders. “How is he?” Brienne asked of the other twin. 

“All good. Just still a little tired.” Jaime confirmed. The babe did look a better colour than when she’d last seen him. He was still breathing, that was all that mattered. “How are you feeling?” 

“Better.” Jaime gave her look but she held his gaze. “I am, I promise.” 

Jaime nodded, seemingly accepting her answer. “It’s almost sundown. We need to think of names.” He reminded her gently. Sometimes Tarth traditions were ridiculous even to her but she would obey them. All of her babes had been named by their exacting conditions and these two would be no different. “Two babes and two of us. One choice each?” Brienne suggested. 

“Very practical.” Jaime was teasing her again. It was how he coped she knew. They had all been terrified earlier and the feeling was slow in ebbing away. “You first.” 

“I was thinking if they were a boy I would name him for my father. Would you mind?” 

“Why would I mind?” Jaime asked, genuinely perplexed.

She smiled at him again, he was endlessly generous and he did not even realise it. “We do name a lot of these babes after my family and ancestors.” 

Jaime laughed aloud. “Well they are generally a more noble and nicer lot than mine are. And besides I’ve got Jo and Anne named for the only two redeemable ones of mine.” Brienne didn’t say anything because he was not wrong. “So this one will be Selwyn?” Jaime asked, stroking his hand down the belly of the babe that was still at Brienne’s breast. She nodded feeling suddenly emotional again. Another Selwyn of Tarth. 

“Do you have any ideas?” Brienne asked clearing her throat and gesturing to the sleeping babe on Jaime. 

“I do.” Though he did not elaborate any further. She gave him a look that showed her impatience and he laughed again. It was good to hear it after all that had happened this day. “Podrick.” He said simply. Brienne’s eyes widened, she had not been expecting that at all. “I was thinking we could call him Little Pod.” Jaime said with genuine affection as he looked at his small son. 

“Why?” 

“You wanted to name Anne for Tyrion to show him he was part of this family and I think Pod needs to be shown the same thing. And maybe he will finally accept that he is forgiven.” Jaime said referring to the incident in the training yard with Gal after the death of Pod’s wife. 

Brienne refused to think about that day at all - it was awful, truly one of the worse days of her life and she had had some pretty horrible days in her time. It was true Pod still believed Jaime had not forgiven him despite how many times Brienne told him he had. Jaime had been understandably angry when it had first happened but he had quickly calmed down when it became clear Gal was unhurt. Pod however was yet to forgive himself. If this could help with that she was all for it. And she admired Jaime endless for thinking of it. 

“I love you.” She blurted suddenly. 

Jaime smiled again. “I love you too. And shall I take that as a yes?” 

“Yes. And please kiss me.” Jaime obliged her happily. “Thank you for today. And for everything. Always.” She said seriously. She truly could not have survived today without him.

Jaime looked taken aback. “You do not need to thank me Wench. You’re my wife.” He said as if that explained it all. For him, she thought, it probably did. The only thing that exceeded his generosity was his loyalty. “And I should be thanking you for babes six and seven. My warrior Wench.” 

Brienne snorted. “I wasn’t much of a warrior today.” She was a crying, scared mess. 

“Yes you were.” He insisted and kissed her again. Little Pod started to fuss between them. “Are you hungry too sweetling?” Jaime cooed to him. He settled Little Pod on Brienne’s other side. The babe started to drink just as quickly as his brother. He might be small but his appetite was ferocious which was good as he had a lot of weight to gain. “There she is.” Jaime said misty eyed once more. “The Mother made flesh.” 

“This mother has enough babes now just so you know.” Brienne said with her eyes closed. She felt more than heard his responding chuckle as he kissed her cheek. 

*

It was not until the next morning that Brienne and Jaime sent for the other children to come and meet their new brothers. Jaime had seen them several times the day before and told them all about the twins but the babes and Brienne had both needed time to recover from the birthing before the chaos of a visit. 

Brienne had just finished feeding both boys, it was still a strange feeling to feed them both at once though she supposed she’d get used to it, when a gentle knock sounded on the door. 

Brienne looked at Jaime with a raised eyebrow. That was an incredibly sedate knock for any of one of their children. They must have received a stern warning from their nursemaids about behaving themselves. 

“Come in.” Jaime said from the foot of the bed where he stood with Sel in his arms. Little Pod was still with Brienne in the bed. 

All of their children filtered into the room quietly and calmly. Gal held Anne in his arms who, in complete contrast to usual, was still in his embrace, tucking her head under his chin. Dunc and Jo gave Brienne matching beaming smiles and Cat was standing with her hands clasped behind her back and was bouncing on the soles of her feet. She was clearly trying to stop herself rushing forward to get to the new babes. Brienne smiled to herself. This was definitely the result of a stern talking to. 

“Where’s Arthur?” Brienne asked, suddenly realising what was wrong with the picture before her.

“We wanted him to come Mama but he was not allowed. They said it was for family only.” Cat scowled, making her feelings on the matter known. 

“Arthur is family.” Brienne said fiercely. 

“That’s what we said.” Gal agreed just as fiercely. She loved how much they had all taken to Arthur. Brienne had promised Pod she and Jaime would love Arthur as they did their own and their own had kept that promise too. 

“They wouldn’t listen.” Dunc said. Jo shook her head to show her support of the statement. 

Brienne and Jaime shared a look. She could guess which nursemaid had banned Arthur from coming. There was one in particular that was very firm in her belief of how things should be done. 

“I’ll be right back.” Jaime said as he left the room still carrying Sel. Brienne did not envy the nursemaids when Jaime arrived at the nursery. As soon as Jaime and Sel left Little Pod started to fuss. 

“They’re coming back little one.” Brienne assured. Neither twin seemed to like it much when the other was not in the same room. 

The following wait for Jaime to return was evidently torture for their children who were all straining their necks to get a look at Little Pod. Brienne insisted they wait for all of them to be together before they were properly introduced. Though it did feel like Jaime was testing them as he took so long to come back. When Jaime finally entered the room again the reason for his lengthy absence became clear - he was still carrying Sel while Arthur toddled slowly in front of him being guided occasionally by Jaime’s wooden hand on his back. It must have been a slow journey all the way from the nursery.

“Come on Arthur.” Encouraged Jo. He reached out and took her waiting hand. 

“Right then time to meet your brothers.” Jaime said. 

He placed Sel down on the other half of Brienne’s waiting lap and then he and Gal helped Dunc, Anne and Arthur all up onto the bed. Jo, Cat and Gal remained standing but huddled closer to the foot of the bed. 

“Everybody, this is Selwyn and Podrick.” Jaime said indicating to each twin in turn. “We’re going to call them Sel and Little Pod so it’s not confusing when Uncle Pod comes to live with us.” 

“Little Pod is very small.” Jo said seriously. Her brow was drawn low in concern. 

“He is but he’s strong and very hungry so he’ll soon grow.” Brienne explained. 

“But why is he so small? He’s not like Anne and I.” Dunc said. 

“No he’s not. But sometimes with twins one is much bigger than the other. He’ll catch up though.” Brienne said. 

“I can’t believe there are two babes - again!” Cat said in awe. Brienne smiled. Cat would no doubt make a nuisance of herself in the nursery again as she had when Anne and Arthur were very small. She was naturally good with the babes but she did tend to get under the nursemaids’ feet. 

“I can’t believe Uncle Tyrion and Uncle Pod both have a babe named for them and I don’t. Please can we name the next one for me?” Gal said. 

“No.” Brienne replied at once. 

“So unfair.” Gal sulked. 

“You are already named for someone Gal.” Jo explained to her older brother though of course he already knew. “Uncle Galladon who is not here. Just as I am named for Grandmama and Cat is named for Aunt Sansa’s mother.” 

“And I am named for Duncan the Tall.” Said Dunc proudly. 

“We cannot have a babe named for someone who is named for someone.” Jo continued. Brienne smiled again - for one who was so shy around anyone who was not family Jo could certainly hold her own with her much louder siblings. 

“Why not?” Gal demanded. 

“Because it would be too confusing.” Jo said. 

“Anne and Arthur,” Brienne said, interrupting the older children. If she didn’t they would go on all day. “What do you think of the babes?” 

Arthur was cuddled into Dunc’s side, staring shyly at the twins. He did not answer. Anne however had no qualms about bouncing over to Brienne. She poked at both babes inquisitively and when neither responded she appeared to lose interest. She turned to Brienne instead. “Hah!” She said holding out her arms and making it clear she wanted to be held by her mother. 

“I don’t think I have room at the moment sweetling.” Brienne said. 

“Hah!” Anne repeated more insistently. 

“I can take a babe so you have room.” Cat offered sweetly. 

“And I can take the other.” Gal interjected. 

Their bed, though large, was not really big enough to fit all of them. Yet somehow they managed it. Jaime helped Gal and Cat to settle back against the headboard and then placed Sel into Cat’s arms and Little Pod into Gal’s. 

“Just be careful to not hold too tight.” Jaime said to Gal. “He’s still gaining his strength.” Gal nodded and did as instructed. 

Now Brienne’s lap was free Anne wasted no time flinging herself into it. Brienne squeezed her tight. Arthur looked at them with a touch of longing but did not move until Brienne held her arm out to him. Arthur crawled into the empty space beside Anne and sighed in contentment as he received his hug. 

Jaime somehow managed to slot himself in beside Gal on the far side of the bed. Dunc and Jo were apparently feeling left out from all the hugging as they both climbed into Jaime’s lap as soon as he was settled. 

“This poor bed!” Jaime teased. “We physically cannot fit anymore babes in it.” Brienne met his eye and he smirked. They’d both said no more babes before and look what had happened. They would just have to wait and see. 

“Selwyn Lannister of Tarth.” Cat said seriously to the babe in her arms. 

“And Podrick Lannister of Tarth.” Gal added. 

Brienne and Jaime looked down at their youngest babes in the arms of two of their older ones and said together: “Welcome to the world.” 

Chapter 7: Rohanne

Notes:

Okay this is getting ridiculous, I swear this is the last babe!

“Ahh, so there you are.” Jaime said as he finally found their eldest child Gal hiding in a back corridor on one of the upper floors of their home. He was sat slumped on the floor with his back against the wall. 

“Sorry Papa.” Gal replied. “I was just coming.” An obvious lie. “I’m sorry if you were worried.” He made to get up but Jaime held his hand up to stop him. Instead Jaime sat down next him, ignoring the way his muscles protested at the motion and trying not to groan aloud. 

“I wasn’t worried, I knew you’d turn up eventually. Though Dunc is ready to send a search party and Jo has volunteered to lead it.” 

Gal huffed a laugh in response as Jaime had hoped. But once it had passed Gal looked as downcast as ever. Jaime sighed. He hated it when one of his children was unhappy and he couldn’t fix it. It would only happen more and more as they grew. If only he could mould the world into exactly what each of them needed it to be. 

“Do I have to go?” Gal asked in a small voice. So Jaime wouldn’t have to pull it out of him like he would have with Jo or Arthur. Of course not, Gal took after Jaime too much, he couldn’t keep anything in for long. 

“No.” Jaime replied honestly. “But if you still want to be a Knight I would recommend it.” 

“Not all Knights go away to squire. Mama didn’t.” 

“True enough.” Jaime allowed. “But only because she was not allowed to. She had to stay here and be betrothed to horrible men instead. She would have bitten your hand off for the chance you’ve got.” 

“I know.” Gal said miserably. Jaime’s heart ached for his son. “And I know it is only Storm’s End. Dunc says he will visit often and Jo and Cat. Though I think Jo only wants to spar with the other squires there and Cat just wants to see the castle.” Jaime laughed. Gal had the number on his sisters alright, that sounded entirely accurate. “I just don’t like the thought of being away from here and all of you.” 

“I know.” Jaime soothed. He did understand, it was the only home Gal had ever known and unlike Casterly Rock when Jaime was a child, this home was a happy and safe one. Of course Gal didn’t want to leave. 

“And there’s the new babe.” Gal continued. “Mama will have them soon and then I’ll go and I won’t know them. When I come back it will be like I’m a stranger to them.” 

“Impossible. The rest of us will speak of you so often they will know you too.” Jaime promised. 

“But it will not be the same. I will not hold them and play with them and watch them grow like I have all the others.” 

“Oh Gal.” Jaime sighed again. “You are an exceptionally good big brother. There are six, soon to be seven, younger siblings and a ward that would all agree.” 

It was the truth. Jaime and Brienne had been incredibly lucky with their eldest; he’d never once been put out by the endless babes they kept having and had welcomed and loved each new one fiercely. He had set the tone for the others to follow and all love each other as well. Jaime didn’t think Gal realised just how much they all looked up to him. 

“I know I should go but I don’t want to miss out on everything here.” Gal sniffed as he wiped as his eyes with his sleeve. Jaime realised he was guilty of forgetting how young Gal still was. He had just celebrated his eleventh nameday. Only eleven. He was so tall already and so capable, almost taking on the role of a third parent to all of his siblings, but he was still so young himself. 

“Come here.” Jaime pulled Gal into his arms and held him close. Gal burrowed further into him, somehow squashing all of his lanky limbs into Jaime’s torso. Just as Brienne did when she was upset. His sweet boy. Jaime couldn’t remember the last time he’d held him like this. “I know you’re scared and that’s alright. But you cannot let that fear stop you. There is a whole world of adventures to be had out there and I think you’re going to love having them. And it will not be forever. You, more than any of your brothers and sisters, are bound to this island. One day it and all of its people will be yours to protect and care for.” 

“I know.” Gal sniffed against him.

“And those people deserve a good leader. One that has seen some of the world and knows how it works. One that knows what to bring to these shores to improve the island and what to keep away to protect it.” 

“I hadn’t thought about it like that.” Gal said, clearly contemplating Jaime’s words. 

Jaime did not want to send his son away anymore than Gal wanted to go but he knew it would be good for him and it would be good for Tarth too. Brienne was as good an Evenstar as she was precisely because of everything she had seen and done on her travels. 

“Thank you Papa.” Gal whispered, the words muffled against Jaime’s chest. 

Jaime stroked his fingers through Gal’s ash blonde hair. It was fine and soft just like his mother’s. “No matter where you go and what you do I’ll always be your Papa. This will always be your home.” 

Gal hugged him tighter still and Jaime hugged him back, letting him cry the tears he needed to. 

It was several moments later when a flushed and breathless maid came upon them. “There you are Ser Jaime.” She gasped with evident relief in her voice. “And Master Galladon.” 

“Is everything alright?” Jaime asked. 

“My Lady Evenstar’s pains have started. She is asking for you.” 

*

Jaime managed to persuade Gal to come with him to their chambers so Brienne could see with her own eyes he was well. Gal, with the rest of his siblings, having always been banned from the birthing chamber before, was nervous as to what they would find when they arrived. But it was early yet and even if this babe decided to come at the speed Dunc had they had time. 

Jaime was proved right in his decision by Brienne sighing in obvious relief when she saw Gal enter the room. “There you are. Are you alright?” She asked holding her arms open. Gal walked into them without hesitation. 

“I’m well Mama. Sorry for worrying you.” Brienne looked over Gal’s head to Jaime, a feat only just possible given his height. Jaime nodded in confirmation of Gal’s words. “That’s not why the babe’s coming now is it?” Gal asked suddenly, looking up in alarm. 

“No.” Brienne stroked his cheek. “They’ve just decided now is the time.” 

The midwife had said it could be anytime so it was not unexpected. Their babes did like to choose their moments at the most inconvenient of times though. 

Jaime came to Brienne’s other side and kissed her temple. “Are you well?” He asked. 

“I am.” She promised, an arm around each of them. The Maester, the midwife and the maids were all already present and making themselves busy as usual but Jaime, Brienne and Gal stood still in the middle of the room in a family embrace. “Woah.” Brienne said suddenly, puffing out her cheeks. “They are doing some serious moving around in there.” 

Both Jaime and Gal reached a hand to her stomach at the same time. Brienne smiled at them and moved both of their hands to the right place. 

“I think I can feel an elbow!” Gal gasped in wonder. He had always loved to feel Brienne’s stomach even with Dunc when he had been but a babe himself. “Hi little one, it’s me Gal. I can’t wait to meet you.” 

Brienne met Jaime’s eyes again and he could sense the emotion coming off of her. They were all having a hard time getting used to the idea that Gal would be leaving to squire soon. Their family wouldn’t be all in one place anymore and that was scary. 

“If your mother agrees, why don’t you stay for a little while Gal.” 

“Can I?” Gal asked at once.

Brienne looked at Jaime in surprise but didn’t object. “If you would like.” Gal nodded enthusiastically. 

Jaime heard the Maester tut from behind them. In truth Jaime had forgotten they were not alone. “First the husband, which is strange enough, and now the son. This is absurd! I will not stand for it.” The Maester said haughtily. 

“You’ll stand it or leave.” Jaime snapped back with enough bite in his voice that there were no further complaints. “If you’re staying we’ll put you to work.” Jaime warned Gal. Gal nodded his understanding. “Your first job is to find your siblings and tell them what is happening.” 

“Yes Papa. I’ll be back soon.” He said as he left the room. The Maester tutted again and Jaime eyeballed him until he went quiet. 

“Do you not mind, truly?” Jaime asked Brienne as he rubbed his hand down her back to ease her discomfort. They had done this so many times now he could read what she needed from her face. 

“Thank you.” Brienne said as he kneaded his hand into her lower back. “No I don’t mind.” 

“It’s just he was speaking of all the things he would miss about the new babe. I think he’s feeling like he is going to be left out of everything. I wanted to make him feel involved.” Jaime explained. 

“It’s a good idea.” She answered as she gritted her teeth against another pain. “I think this one is impatient to get out.” Brienne said to the midwife. 

The midwife smiled broadly. “Wishful thinking my Lady. You’ve a fair while to go yet.” 

*

The midwife was proved right, as she often was, and it wasn’t until many hours later that the time to push came. Gal had been remarkably helpful running and fetching whatever anyone needed, pacing with Brienne and doing what he could to ease her discomfort. He didn’t seem put off by anything and Jaime was honestly impressed. Gal was more than ready to go away to squire he just needed to believe it himself. 

Brienne seemed to be fairing better than the last birthing though Jaime wasn’t sure how much of that was true and how much she was putting on a good face for Gal. Jaime kept trying to catch her eye when Gal was busy helping somewhere else but all she did was nod at him reassuringly whenever he did. She had been so overwhelmed last time but things were almost calm now, like Anne’s birthing, though Jaime was not having a constant breakdown this time. Jaime kept waiting for the other shoe to drop as it were, for something to break the steady and serene progress they were making but it never did. 

As everyone in the room started to prepare for the birthing Jaime turned to Gal. “You’ve been amazing Gal.” Gal smiled widely at Jaime, proud of himself as he should be. “Time to say goodbye to Mama, you’ll see her later when the babe’s here.”

“I want to stay, please.” 

Jaime looked to Brienne who was arranging herself on the bed. She was breathing her way through the pain and could only shrug her shoulders in response. “I don’t think you’ll want to when it starts Gal. Mama will be in a lot of pain and she’ll shout out. It’s hard to watch and we can’t do anything to help.” 

“I know.” Gal replied. “You think we cannot hear from the nursery?” He made a good point, the nursery was only down the hall. Gal had heard seven birthings from there, he was not new to this either. “I can help.” He insisted. 

“Let him stay.” Brienne said from the bed. That earned another tut from the Maester and even the midwife had a look on her face though she was clever enough to not make any comment. “If anything happens you get him out straight away.” Brienne said sternly to Jaime. He wanted to retort that nothing like what she meant was going to happen but he resisted. “Promise me.”

“I promise.” Jaime vowed. Their babes came first, no matter what and no matter how hard. They had made that vow to each other long ago and Gal, as tall as he was, was still their babe. He was theirs to protect. 

Jaime and Gal got onto the bed on either side of Brienne. She lent her upper body back against Jaime who stretched his arms around her, kissed her shoulder and murmured his well practiced reassurances in her ear. Brienne smiled in response and turned her head to kiss him properly. 

Gal took one of Brienne’s hands in his own. “You can squeeze as hard you need to Mama, it won’t hurt me.” Gal said confidently. Sweet boy, Jaime thought, he had no idea. Brienne’s grip could break all of their fingers if she really tried. 

“Thank you Gal.” Brienne said. 

“Here we go my Lady.” The midwife said. “Again.” She teased. Brienne smiled despite her pain. How different it was from the last time. “You know how this works, we’ll start with the next wave.” 

Brienne was back to her Warrior Mother self that much was clear from the first push. She gritted her teeth, bore down and clutched Jaime’s hand much harder than she was clutching Gal’s on the other side Jaime suspected. He didn’t mind, much. 

Jaime breathed with her and whispered his usual encouragements, telling her how in awe of her he was. He wasn’t sure Brienne needed it but he carried on regardless. He needed to say it even if she didn’t need to hear it. 

Gal was holding up remarkably well too. His eyes were permanently a little wide, taking everything in, but he was steady in his support. Jaime was proud of him. He was proud of them both his tall, strong Tarths. 

“I can feel the head.” Brienne gasped before the midwife checked and confirmed the head was indeed crowning. 

“A few more pushes and we’ll have our babe.” Jaime reminded Brienne. She nodded as she puffed through the pain. “Our eighth babe. A dynasty.” He couldn’t help but tease. 

Brienne hissed a laugh. “Your father would be pleased for once.” Jaime laughed as well as Gal looked at them strangely. 

Four more pushes and their babe was born. Brienne melted back into Jaime in relief. Jaime went to embrace her but was beaten to it by Gal throwing himself over Brienne’s chest. 

“You did it Mama, you did it!” He cried against her neck. 

“Be careful Gal.” Jaime warned, worried about him unintentionally hurting Brienne. 

“It’s alright.” Brienne confirmed, she held Gal close to her and strained to look at what was happening on the other side of the room. The babe was crying heartily enough but Jaime couldn’t see anything. “Are they well?” Brienne asked. 

The midwife came over with the babe in her arms. “See for yourself my Lady. A beautiful girl.” She placed the babe into Brienne’s waiting arms. 

“A girl.” Brienne whispered. 

“A sister!” Gal said in a much louder voice as he peered over Brienne’s shoulder.

“A daughter.” Jaime said. He kissed the back of Brienne’s head. “Thank you.” He whispered as he kissed her again. “Thank you.” Another beautiful daughter. Would she ever stop blessing him? 

“Look at her.” Brienne said even though Jaime was already staring intently at his daughter. 

“She’s perfect.” Jaime confirmed. And she was. 

“Her hair…” Brienne murmured disbelievingly, running her fingers over the babe’s hair. It was unlike any of their other children’s - it wasn’t ash blonde like Gal, Cat and Anne and it wasn’t golden blonde like Dunc, Jo and the twins. It also wasn’t the dark brown of Arthur’s. It was red, a vibrant auburn covering her whole head. 

“I know. Red.” Jaime said. It was lovely and a complete surprise. “Has Tormund visited recently without my knowing?” He teased. 

“Stop!” Brienne slapped lightly at his chest but then she gasped suddenly in pain again. “That better be the after.” Brienne said to the midwife. 

“Why don’t you pass the babe to her brother and we’ll see.” The midwife said, smirking. 

Gal took the babe very carefully and stood to rock her into calmness. The babe responded almost at once, her cries tapering off gently. The midwife confirmed it was the after and Brienne and Jaime shared a sigh of relief. Every babe was a blessing but another set of twins might have finished them off. 

*

Jaime gazed down at the sleeping babe in his arms. He couldn’t decide who she favoured most, every time he looked at her he saw someone else. She seemed to somehow take after all of her older brothers and sisters combined and Jaime thought that was pretty perfect. Their amalgamated babe. She most certainly had Brienne’s lips though and loved that too. 

“When can the others come and see her?” Gal asked. He was lying in the bed cuddled up to Brienne while Jaime had a seat next to it. Everyone had left them to it once everything had been sorted, exactly as Brienne liked. “They are very cross that I was allowed and they were not.” Gal continued. Jaime snorted. He could believe that well enough. Cat in particular would be livid. 

“Soon enough.” Brienne promised. “We need to think of a name first.” She looked over to Jaime. “It’s your turn.” 

Jaime frowned. “Is it? I named Little Pod, technically the youngest until today. That makes it your turn.” 

“You have named Little Pod and Cat and I have done all the others. Five to two. It’s definitely your turn.” 

Jaime frowned again. He hadn’t been aware they had been keeping score so to speak. He looked down at the babe and tried to think what he’d like her to be called. 

“Can I suggest a name?” Gal asked. 

“Please.” Jaime answered. He felt like he could use the help. 

“Dunc was reading to me the other day.” Jaime smiled. Of course he was. “It was a Targaryen history I think but the bit he was reading was about Duncan the Tall.” Again Jaime was unsurprised. Their Dunc had developed a bit of an obsession with his namesake as of late. “There was a woman in it with red hair. She married a Lannister so she’s our ancestor.” Gal explained. “But it is thought she and Ser Duncan loved each other, they may have even had a secret babe. So she could be our ancestor again.” 

“What book was this? It does not sound entirely appropriate.” Brienne said in mild alarm. 

Jaime was unsuccessful in hiding his smirk. Brienne glared at him but he couldn’t help it. Their children were endlessly amusing to him. Such high spirits contained in such small bodies. Well, not that small in Gal’s case. “What was her name?” Jaime asked Gal, though he thought he knew the answer already. Brienne must surely know too. 

“Rohanne.” Gal declared. “We could call her Ro for short.”  

Jaime met Brienne’s eyes and he knew exactly what she thought without her saying a thing. It was his choice entirely. “A Ro and a Jo.” He said and Gal smiled. “And a Gal and a Dunc and a Cat and an Anne and a Sel and a Pod and an A-“ Jaime stopped suddenly. 

“An Arth?” Gal suggested. It sounded strange, nobody ever shortened Arthur’s name. 

“Just an Arthur I think.” Brienne said. 

“We should have told Pod to name him something we could shorten.” Jaime jested. 

“So Rohanne it is then?” Brienne asked. 

Gal looked at Jaime hopefully. Jaime liked the name, it sounded like a babe of theirs to him. And more importantly he liked that Gal had suggested it. He wanted Gal to feel as involved in this babe’s life as he had all the others even though he would soon be away from Tarth. Their youngest named by their oldest. There was a symmetry in that that appealed to Jaime. A full circle. 

“Rohanne it is.” Jaime confirmed. “A Ro.” 

Ro slept on through her naming, completely unbothered by it. 

*

The rest of their brood arrived later in much the same way they had arrived after the twins’ birthing. That is, after clearly having had a firm talking to about being quiet and calm. This time however all of them came the first time, Arthur included. They lined up dutifully at the end of the bed as if butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths. Gal went to join them and Jaime smiled, his lovely children all ready to welcome yet another. 

“Everyone,” Brienne said from the bed. Ro was sleeping soundly in her arms now. “Meet Rohanne. Ro.” 

“Rohanne?” Dunc asked at once, turning to look at Gal. 

Gal nodded and smiled smugly. “Just like you wanted.” 

Ah, so Gal’s spur of the moment suggestion had not been so spur of the moment. Jaime had suspected as much. Gal adored all of his siblings there was no denying that but there had always been a special bond between him and Dunc. They had remained as close as they had always been, different though they were. Gal was endlessly active and Dunc was endlessly still but they were inseparable and they never failed to listen to each other. 

Jo and Cat had continued on in the same way they had always had too - sometimes they agreed completely and other times they disagreed ferociously. There was rarely any middle ground. Cat tended to spend her time with the younger children, still loving to help look after them whereas Jo preferred her own company. 

Anne and Arthur remained inseparable. Wherever Anne went Arthur was still happy to follow. As they grew they only became more different - Anne louder and more confident with every passing moon and Arthur still quiet and staid but they seemed to balance each other out well. 

Sel and Little Pod were close as well, Little Pod was still smaller than his twin though the gap was getting smaller all the time as the midwife had promised. Sel was protective over his brother, all of the siblings were, but Sel and Little Pod were just as happy apart as together these days. They too were growing into their different, distinct personalities. Sel was as loud as any of his brothers and sisters and he loved to be in the middle of all the action. That usually meant being with the older boys or joining Arthur as he trailed Anne and watched her find mischief. Little Pod preferred a quieter life and was happy either on his own or following Jo around. Neither seemed to speak much to each other but that is obviously how they liked it and Jo never complained of his company. 

Jaime wondered how Ro would fit into the complicated dynamics of his children. He couldn’t wait to find out. 

“Ro is a lot like Jo.” Jo said interrupting Jaime’s thoughts. She sounded mildly put out by this fact.

“True.” Jaime allowed. “Fortunately I think we will be able to tell you apart.” Jo did not rise to his teasing. 

“She has red hair.” Was the next comment that came rather surprisingly from Arthur. Usually he couldn’t get a word in edgewise. 

“Indeed she goes. No flies on Master Payne.” Jaime tickled Arthur’s side and he giggled in response. 

“I can’t see!” Whined Anne. 

“We can’t see either!” Sel agreed, speaking for himself and Little Pod. 

Jaime bent to start picking up the smaller ones so he could put them on the bed. Cat interrupted him before he could start. “Are we going to do the thing now?” 

“The thing?” Brienne asked. 

“Where we all cuddle on the bed and look at the new babe together. I like it when we do that.” Cat explained. 

To Jaime’s surprise the older children all nodded in agreement. Jaime couldn’t help the tears that sprung to his eyes. He hadn’t realised that had become a thing but now he thought about it they had done exactly that after every birthing. And his children loved that apparently. How wonderful. 

Jaime met Brienne’s eyes and saw she was also emotional but she swallowed it down, clearly letting her practically win out. “I don’t think we’ll all fit.” 

“Come now Wench!” Jaime said. “We’ve solved bigger problems than this before.” Hadn’t they just. Brienne gave him a look that was all challenge and he never backed down from a challenge. “Right, ladies first I think.” 

Jaime scooped up Anne at once and delighted in her surprised squeal. Next he took Jo and Cat one under each arm which was not the best idea as neither of them were as small as they once had been. He dropped them on the bed unsteadily but they were still howling with laughter. The girls arranged themselves against the headboard beside Brienne, Anne in the middle of her older sisters. Jaime took Ro and laid her in Anne’s arms. He instructed Jo and Cat to help her hold the babe and they duly did. 

Little Pod was eyeing Brienne’s now empty lap with a fair bit of longing. Jaime suspected he had a feeling his place as the babe of the group had been usurped though he didn’t have the words to say it. Jaime picked him up and placed him with Brienne. 

“Gal.” Jaime called next. 

“No Papa!” Gal laughed as Jaime went to lift him. Jaime managed to do so but only because Gal helpfully jumped at the right moment. Gal sat next to Jo, bookending the girls with Brienne the other end. 

Jaime scooped up Sel next and handed him to Gal. “This one is yours to try and contain. Good luck.” Jaime said. Gal tickled Sel until he was laughing with the rest of them. Jaime picked up Dunc next and placed him at the foot of the bed, sitting opposite all of the others. “Your job is to make sure none of them escape this way.” Jaime informed him with mock seriousness. Dunc nodded. “That just leaves you and me sweetling.” Jaime said to Arthur who put his arms out to be picked up. Jaime obliged at once and settled next to Dunc at the foot of the bed. He gave Brienne his best I-told-you-so look. She rolled her eyes in response. 

“We did it!” Little Pod said in excitement. 

“Of course we did.” Jaime let his smugness shine. “But Ro really needs to be the last. We cannot fit another babe in this bed.” How many times had they said that before though? And sooner or later more babes always came it seemed. 

Jaime looked at Brienne again. The last few hours seemed to be catching up to her, she suddenly looked very tired. Little Pod was also settling himself down in her lap. The two of them would be asleep soon he thought and Jaime did not blame them. 

“She’s very small.” Anne said, looking down at Ro. 

“She’ll grow.” Brienne, Gal and Cat all said at once. Dunc snorted and Jo rolled her eyes. 

Dunc sidled up to Jaime and cuddled into his side. Still a snuggler, their second born, despite having celebrated ten namedays now. 

With Dunc at his side, Arthur in his lap and all of the others in front of him, in varying degrees of alertness, Jaime couldn’t remember ever feeling so content. Gal would be leaving for Storm’s End in a matter of weeks and before they knew it the others would be on their way too. But for now his whole world was safe here in this room, in this bed.

Jaime looked at his youngest child still sleeping peacefully in her older sisters’ arms. “Rohanne Lannister of Tarth.” Jaime said, more to himself than to anyone else. This was another thing they always did it seemed. “Welcome to the world.” 

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of My Love, My Life