Samantha Westerling

Samantha Westerling - born in 78AC to Roland Westerling (52AC) and Myra Marbrand (53AC) - had every advantage growing up in the Westerlands. Her older brother Pyter (72AC) was groomed to one day take the reins of The Crag; but he was impatient; Roland was the indulgent patriarch and although he loved both children he favored Pyter for obvious reasons; he was the future of the Westerling line. Myra had her own ideas of furthering their house and taught Samantha the fine art of conversation, coercion and manipulation. Myra's mother Patricia had been widowed and lived at the Crag since before Samantha could remember and was instrumental in the education of Samantha. Perhaps men ruled Westeros but they did not do it alone.

## Appearance & Character

Samantha is 5’10”; with blonde hair, blue eyes and a knowing smile that she had perfected long ago to garner favor from her father. Roland Westerling favored his son to take over the family but he was as indulgent with Samantha in providing the finest gowns and Septas to educate her in being a highborn lady. Samantha took to it like a fish takes to water and excelled in all manner of being a true lady.

On her eighteenth name day her parents planned a ball; inviting all the houses from the Westerlands to attend to introduce her to eligible suitors; Samantha was in no hurry to marry the son of some miner or fisherman; she had her sights set far higher than that. Samantha had a grand time; dancing with the men and smiling; but not one interested her further than a dance.  Her Grandmother Patricia urged her to learn about Statecraft, managing a great house, economics and negotiation. Roland was too busy with Pyter to be aware of this and it was not mentioned. By her twentieth name day her parents Roland and Myra had given up on finding a match in the Westerlands and there were no more feasts for introductions. Samantha was quick witted, eloquent but impatient; she could be impetuous and short tempered when cornered.

## History

Samantha's days were filled with lessons; embroidery; the histories of the greater and lesser houses; sums and many other subjects; she had riding lessons every day and spent hours practicing and studying. Pyter was trained with a sword and shield as well as accompanying his father to the mines, there were two or three that were active on any given day. Samantha had asked once to go as well and was told that it was no place for a lady.

## ROSEGOLD REBELLION

When his liege called his banners Roland Westerling heeded the call; he was a pragmatic man and it would have been political suicide to do otherwise. He summoned his son, Pyter; house guard and 40 men to head south to Casterly Rock to prepare battle plans and overthrow the Crown. Once there, he listened to the long list of suggestions and secretly hoped that his ships would not be headed in to the fray.

Battle plans made; he sent word for his men to muster and meet him and the rest of the army headed directly for the seat of power in King’s Landing.

During this time Samantha stayed at The Crag with her mother and grandmother; Roland had directed a handful of soldiers to protect his wife, daughter and mother in law. Her studies continued and life went on.

After the stunning defeat of the Lannister/Tyrell forces her father returned a changed man; he was short tempered and kept to himself. Myra his wife was deeply troubled by this and many rumors say it is what ultimately caused her death in 98AC.

## Recent Events

Patricia Marbrand was never far from Samantha; she had her own "subjects" to teach Samantha; the fine art of listening was by far the most important she would say.

In Samantha's 20th year her mother Myra had fallen ill; the Maester had no idea what the affliction was but she could not breathe; Samantha could remember her raspy voice "Take care of your father, Samantha, he will need you now more than ever." She was heartbroken when Myra finally passed one warm summer evening; her father was devastated and stayed in his chambers for weeks after the funeral. Pyter took all this as a sign that it was his duty to take over the gold and silver mines for his father but his education had not yet been completed.

Samantha and Pyter were never close; he felt superior to her being a man and older he was entitled and he let everyone know it. Not well liked by the household staff but feared enough to be solicitous and genial to him.

On the other hand Samantha had a smile for everyone and remembered the smallest detail of what she was told. Ariana, her handmaiden was her friend since childhood, they had grown up together and one of her closest confidantes.

## FAMILY

* Horace Westerling (deceased)
* m. Patricia Marbrand
	+ Roland Westerling *(Current Lord of The Crag)*
	+ m. Myra Marbrand (deceased)
		- Pyter Westerling *(Heir to the Crag)* b. 72AC
		- **Samantha Westerling b. 78AC**