Jaubert Hightower

**Jaubert Hightower** is Lord of House Hightower of the Hightower, is the Lord of the Hightower and head of House Hightower. His other titles include the Voice of Oldtown, Lord of the Port, Defender of the Citadel, and Beacon of the South. Leyton's flagship is *Honor of Oldtown*.

He is the second child of Ormund Hightower and Ellyn Beesbury. His older sister was Maelora Hightower and his younger sister Isabella Hightower.

Possessing a deep passion for knowledge, he has an inclination towards academic pursuits, especially in the fields of alchemy and writing.

## Physical Appearance

Jaubert Hightower has blue eyes flecked with hints of green, standing as silent testaments to his family's lineage. His thick, black curly hair falls just to his eyes, framing a face marked by defined lips, a sharp jawbone and usually a three-day stubble. He prominently bears the distinct eye color of his father, Ormund Hightower, and the raven-black locks from his mother, Ellyn Beesbury.

Jaubert's usual attire is a green emerald tunic, adorned with intricate embroidery in emerald satin, frequently accompanied by a deep green satin cloak with a large hood. For grand occasions, he shifts to a stately combination of deep green and gold, echoing the affluence of the Hightowers in Oldtown. A unique touch to his ensemble is a golden chain around his neck, resembling a small maester's chain, hinting at his scholarly inclinations. Beyond this, he keeps his accessories minimal, yet each chosen with purpose.

His weaponry, while not extensive, speaks of personal significance; he wields Vigilance, the ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Hightower. This blade passed down through generations, symbolises both his House's legacy and his martial prowess. It is embedded with an emerald on the hilt, an echo of his house's war colours.

## Personality

In essence, Jaubert is a thoughtful and wise soul, often seeking knowledge and understanding beyond the obvious. This wisdom is balanced with a touch of wonder and an ever-present curiosity that drives him to explore the hidden and arcane. Yet, he's also deeply attuned to beauty, both in art and nature, and has a unique way of expressing this through various mediums.

Although his introspective nature sometimes places him on the outskirts of bustling social circles, it's clear he values deeper connections, particularly with his sisters, Maelora and Isabella. Among his passions, he devotes time to various academic pursuits and has a noticeable soft spot for the silver foxes of the Reach.

Jaubert is often seen as a structured and brilliant individual, embodying commitment and discipline. However, there are times when his intensity can be overwhelming, painting him as stubborn and occasionally distant to social affairs. While martial prowess might not be his forte, Jaubert's affinity for alchemy sets him apart.

## Biography

### Early Life

Jaubert Hightower, a member of the influential House Hightower of Oldtown, grew up in a family known for its far-reaching power in The Reach. He is the middle child, his sister Maelora, the eldest, displayed early signs of leadership and a knack for diplomacy from a very young age. Isabella, the youngest, developed a keen interest in botany and spent significant time studying plants and flowers.

Jaubert's relationship with his sisters, particularly the maternal care he received from Maelora, played a crucial role in his upbringing. The late-night gatherings, orchestrated by Maelora, where the siblings would indulge in desserts and stargazing, were a testament to the close-knit bond they shared, fostering a sense of family unity and affection.

During his early years, Jaubert formed strong bonds with two childhood friends, Elinor of House Costayne and Emon of House Cuy, who were fostered at Hightower. Their shared adventures in Oldtown, from exploring hidden spots around the city to challenging each other to visit every sept and temple in a single day, are memorable parts of his upbringing. When he was 7 he spent a week hiding in the Starry Sept while playing hide and seek.

Jaubert's fascination with knowledge took root during his first visit to the Citadel Library where he was overwhelmed by the vast collection of books and the lack of time to read them all. With Maester Eldwin guiding his education, Jaubert showed exceptional aptitude in subjects like history, geometry, and astronomy. The incident that truly defined his interest in alchemy was witnessing in the middle of the Thieve's Market a maester counteract a deadly poison using a specific antidote and saving a man's life.

### **Pursuit of Knowledge**

As he grew, Jaubert sought experiences outside Oldtown. When he was 16 he spent a season learning about winemaking in the Redwyne and at 18 he was part of an intriguing journey with a group of maesters on a ship, mapping the coastline from Three Towers up to Sunspear. These travels added depth to his pursuit of knowledge and offered fresh perspectives.

While in Oldtown, Jaubert became deeply engrossed in studying alchemy, particularly the development of potions to enhance the body's abilities. This obsession caught the attention of a Red Priest, who extended an invite to Asshai to delve deeper into the mystic arts.

### **The Lady of the Hightower**

Jaubert Hightower's role within his family and House Hightower evolved significantly when his sister Maelora ascended to the leadership after overthrowing their cousin, Wilhelm Hightower. This shift in power dynamics necessitated Jaubert's presence in Oldtown, where he became an indispensable supporter of his sister's rule. His responsibilities grew further with the kidnapping of their youngest sister, Isabella, reinforcing his commitment to his family and their ancestral home.

In this new role, Jaubert took charge of managing the day-to-day affairs of Oldtown. His duties included overseeing the house's relations with the Citadel, a role that suited his academic inclinations, and supervising the trade of precious goods, ensuring the economic stability and prosperity of their territory. His engagement with the nobility of The Reach was also crucial; he worked closely with allies like his cousin, Lady Florus Tyrell of Highgarden, and fostered new relationships with important figures such as Senna Oakheart of Old Oak and the Garlan brothers from Bandallon.

Following the North's declaration of independence, a pivotal event that reshaped the political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms, Jaubert was appointed as the Hand on Lady Florus Tyrell's small council. This prestigious position was a testament to his diplomatic skills, intellectual acumen, and the respect he commanded across The Reach.

Despite these responsibilities, Jaubert remained vigilant, particularly regarding relations with other regions. His sister's engagement to Lord Tythus Lannister made him cautious of the Lannisters, a caution rooted in both political prudence and personal concern for his sister.

As Oldtown prepared for his sister's wedding, Jaubert oversaw the restorations of the Starry Sept, balancing his scholarly interests with his administrative duties. He played a crucial role in upholding and contributing to the legacy of House Hightower.

### The death of his sisters

The deaths of his sisters, Maelora and Isabella, were devastating blows to Jaubert. Maelora's tragic suicide, a result of her unbearable grief over Isabella's demise, left Jaubert grappling with profound loss. Isabella's passing, following her short-lived marriage and a brief period of happiness, was a harsh reminder of the unpredictability and cruelty of fate.

These events thrust Jaubert into a period of mourning and reflection. The loss of his siblings not only affected him personally but also had significant implications for House Hightower. Jaubert found himself navigating the complexities of grief while ensuring the stability and continuity of his family's legacy.

### Becoming Lord of the Hightower

With the deaths of Maelora and Isabella, the mantle of leadership within House Hightower fell to Jaubert. Assuming the title of Lord of the Hightower, he stepped into a role that demanded a balance of wisdom, strength, and diplomatic skill. This transition marked a new era for both Jaubert and House Hightower.

As the new Lord, Jaubert's priorities involved maintaining the strength and influence of House Hightower in the ever-changing political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms. His approach combined scholarly wisdom with practical administrative skills, reflecting his unique blend of interests and experiences.

Jaubert's leadership style was influenced heavily by the lessons learned from his sister Maelora's tenure and the values instilled in him during his upbringing. He continued to strengthen alliances within The Reach and beyond, ensuring the security and prosperity of Oldtown. His careful and thoughtful governance aimed to honor the legacy of his family while navigating the challenges of the present and future.