Alerie Oakheart

Alerie Oakheart is the wife of Desmond Oakheart, the current Lord of Old Oak. Born to House Yelshire in 416 A.C., she is the youngest of three children.

## Appearance & Character

Lithe in build, and porcelain in skin, Alerie is a beauty like only the Reach can grow. Though still young she already shows the curves, and confidence gifted her by motherhood. Atop her head sits sun kissed strawberry blonde hair, the delicate waves naturally flowing down to her waist, though often pinned up into one of the many playful styles worn by women of the Reach.

Born the youngest of three, Alerie was always a soft spoken girl. While her older brother, and sister spent their days fighting, and training, young Alerie decided instead to give her time to various studies, and worship of the faith. As she blossomed with age she found herself even more invested in the Faith of the Seven, and the duties she saw the Gods expected of her as a woman.

## History

### Childhood

House Yelshire was but a minor noble house, and one of the most humble in its position. Found in the beautiful green lands of the Reach, their family lived under the Oakhearts, and the protection they provided from their seat of Old Oak. Their families had been forever intertwined, and it was a fealty that would live on longer than Alerie was destined to.

Second daughter, and third child, the weight upon her shoulders was lighter than that her siblings held. Alerie lived happily in that privilege, enjoying her youth, and following her interests where they led her. With all her freedom she chose to stay close with her family, and act a lady long before she was old enough to claim such title. She enjoyed the many studies their septa presented her, and within her was born an ever growing love for the Faith of the Seven.

### Adolescence

As Alerie grew into a beautiful young lady, she found comfort and confidence in her humble station. While the women of the House remained at Yelshire, the men made themselves useful at Old Oak. The separation only brought their family closer, and there were very few bad memories from her growing years that could tarnish that closeness.

At Yelshire the two young girls played, and grew together, so close in looks and age, but so different in their desires. While Alerie often played the role of a lady, princess, or even queen, her sister was always happily taking the opposing role of knight, or prince. Both girls continued in this way, growing into exactly the kinds of people they wished to be. While Alerie’s development was encouraged, and celebrated, Megga’s was sneered, and shamed.

Despite the ups and downs occurring between her sister, and father, Alerie did not allow her relationships with either falter. She loved her sister for who she was, and respected the beliefs Lord Yelshire held. The girls consistently visited their father at Old Oak, spending increasing amounts of time with the children of Lord Oakheart as they grew older. These visits were not always pleasant as a whole, the wall of tension between Megga and their father ever present.

Although Alerie was not as interested in the boyish play the other children indulged in, she always took full advantage of the change in scenery. Old Oak was not by any means a major city, but it felt a world away from the small home she was used to. Most of all, she found herself visiting their sept, and joining in with the choirs of women who sang their hymns within.

The divide between her sister and father grew wider, and soon hateful. After a particularly major disagreement, sixteen year old Megga was expelled from their home, and ordered not to return. The loss broke the younger girls heart, and put a fear in her that she felt unable to share. Losing her only sister, she felt alone in the world for the first time. No news of Megga’s wellbeing was shared with her, and so she went on with only a hope that the Gods were keeping her safe.

When trouble struck during a hunt in 430 A.C., the girls were called to Old Oak to wish the injured Oakheart son well. It was then Alerie found herself seeing Desmond in a different light, no longer thinking of him as just another annoying boy she had to tolerate. She stayed at his side as he healed, and their bond began to blossom.

Years passed them by, and soon they were set to be wed. The convenient match was neither made by their parents, nor denied them. In 434 A.C. the two were married, and none might have guessed the ill events that would accompany their joining.

### Marriage & Children

Only hours after they were united under the Seven, their world was shaken by the unexpected loss of Desmond’s two older brothers. Three Oakhearts sons entered the woods that day, and only her husband returned. The truth of the exchange between the men was known to her, though she never truly pried into the details of what had taken place during their hunting excursion.

She had fallen in love with a third son, and come marriage she had found herself with the heir of a House above her own. With this new found power and position, she made her first move and hired men to seek out her lost sister, and fill the void she had felt for so many years.

By the time the couple’s first child was born in 435 A.C., Megga had returned to them, and a new family was formed. Lord Yelshire did not live to see either the birth of his grandson, or the homecoming of his abandoned daughter. Though lacking a grandfather on her side, Alerie’s son Arthur was showered in love by his paternal grandfather, the then Lord of Old Oak.

Two years later a second child was born to the couple, their first girl, lovingly named Leona. Days after the child came into the world, Lord Oakheart was lost, and their young family stepped into power at Old Oak.

## Household & NPCs

Maester: Orys

Septa: Alyce