Maelora Hightower

**Maelora Hightower** was the Lady of House Hightower the head of House Hightower. She wielded the Valyrian steel blade Vigilance.

She was the firstborn child of Ormund Hightower and Ellyn Beesbury. Her younger siblings were Jaubert Hightower and Isabella Hightower. She was married to Tythus Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Lord Paramount of the West.

She was known for her passion for both politics and combat and was said to posses great beauty and elegance.

## Physical Description

Maelora Hightower possesses a captivating presence that harmonises both her natural beauty and noble stature. Her features include sage-green eyes, reminiscent of a deep forest glade according to Maester Orvar. Her dark red wavy hair, cascades gracefully down her slender frame. She has a round face with rosy cheeks that accentuate her natural beauty. Maelora's resemblance to her father, Ormund Hightower, is a noticeable family trait.

When it comes to her attire, Maelora frequently adorns herself in various shades of green, a nod to her House's sigil. In courtly settings, she dons elegant dresses, but her everyday attire in Oldtown and Highgarden often includes more casual wear, typically with boots and slacks that reflect her practicality and love for riding. When she takes on the role of training the squires of Highgarden, she opts for simple clothing in shades of green and black, often paired with thick boots and a loose leather corset.

Her preference for expensive jewellery, ranging from earrings to necklaces featuring a variety of gemstones and exquisite materials, showcases her penchant for adorning herself with regal splendor, befitting her status as Lady of the Hightower and head of House Hightower.

She wielded Vigilance, the ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Hightower. This blade passed down through generations, symbolizes both her House's legacy and her martial prowess.

## Personality

Maelora Hightower exudes an effortless adaptability, always carrying herself with a natural and unyielding elegance that exceeds the boundaries of any situation. Her grace is seamlessly intertwined with her practical, intelligent mind, which thrives on the principles of order and equilibrium, both in her personal and political endeavours. She knows she is stunning and adores honing it.

Maelora is renowned for her unwavering respect for others, underpinned by a foundation of kindness and gratitude, making these virtues dependable cornerstones of her interactions. Yet, beneath her poised surface, there are glimpses of inner agitation, as she occasionally surrenders to her critical and anxious tendencies.

Her unwavering devotion to the Faith of the Seven serves as a pillar of Maelora's life, providing her with unwavering comfort and a moral compass to navigate the complexities of her daily life. This profound commitment is not confined to mere belief but is vividly reflected in her steadfast adherence to the principles of justice, kindness, and gratitude.

Maelora's love for her younger siblings, knows no bounds. She takes it upon herself to provide unwavering care and protection, sparing no effort to keep them from harm's reach.

## Biography

### Early Age

From her earliest years, Maelora Hightower displayed an exceptional blend of beauty and tenacity. Known for her striking sage-green eyes and fiery red hair, Maelora's presence was captivating. Her sense of style, even as a young girl, was impeccable. She had a fondness for dresses that featured intricate embroidery, often incorporating the green hues of her house. This early display of elegance was balanced with a keen interest in martial arts, a unique combination that set her apart.

As the eldest sibling, Maelora also took on a protective and nurturing role towards Jaubert and Isabella, especially after their mother's passing. She would often prepare special desserts for them, creating moments of warmth and bonding.

Her father, Ormund Hightower, recognising her potential, encouraged her to train in swordsmanship. These sessions not only honed her combat skills but also fostered a deep bond between father and daughter. Maelora's dedication to her training was evident in her swift progress, and by the age of twelve, she was adept enough to spar with the squires at Hightower.

Maelora's education extended beyond combat. She was tutored in politics, history, and the intricate dynamics of the noble houses of the Seven Kingdoms. Her tutors often remarked on her sharp intellect and her ability to grasp complex political scenarios with ease. These early lessons planted the seeds for her future role as a leader and strategist.

### Young Adult

As Maelora transitioned into her young adulthood, her elegance and combat skills became widely recognized. Her arrival at Highgarden for her role as lady-in-waiting to Florus Tyrell was marked by a grand feast, where her beauty and grace enchanted the court. She quickly became a trendsetter, her fashion choices admired and emulated by many at Highgarden.

In Highgarden, Maelora took on the responsibility of training the squires, instilling in them not only skills in combat but also the values of honor and loyalty. Her training sessions were rigorous yet inspirational, earning her respect and admiration from the squires and knights alike.

Politically, Maelora used her time at Highgarden to deepen her understanding of the intricate alliances and rivalries within the Seven Kingdoms. She often accompanied Lady Florus Tyrell in meetings with other nobles, observing and learning the nuances of diplomatic negotiation. Her insights and suggestions were always received with high regard by Lady Tyrell, solidifying her position as a trusted advisor.

Maelora's political acumen was further sharpened during her visits to various courts across the Seven Kingdoms. She embarked on diplomatic missions, representing House Hightower and forging alliances. Her natural charm, combined with her keen understanding of politics, made her a formidable envoy. Her efforts were instrumental in strengthening House Hightower's position within the realm.

This period of her life was a tapestry of developing and showcasing her multifaceted talents. Her journey from a young girl intrigued by swordplay to a young woman commanding respect in the courts of Highgarden set the foundation for her eventual rise to the leadership of House Hightower.

### New Lady of the Hightower

#### Path to Leadership and the Coup

Maelora Hightower's decision to lead a coup and take over as the head of House Hightower was not one made hastily. It was a culmination of events and observations that highlighted the instability under Wilhelm Hightower's leadership. Wilhelm had ascended to the position following Samantha's departure to the Wall, a move that was shrouded in controversy given Samantha's betrayal of her Lady Paramount. This transition marked a period of uncertainty and questionable decisions within House Hightower.

Maelora, during her time in Highgarden and her various diplomatic missions, had developed a keen sense of political stability and the importance of strong leadership. She observed Wilhelm's tenure as fraught with missteps and a lack of the strategic foresight necessary to maintain the influence and prosperity of House Hightower. His inability to effectively manage the house's vast resources and alliances was increasingly evident, leading to unrest among the vassals and a decline in Oldtown's prominence.

The turning point for Maelora was witnessing the direct impact of Wilhelm's ineptitude on the people of Oldtown and the overall standing of House Hightower in the realm. She realised that the legacy her father had worked so hard to build was at risk of crumbling. Coupled with her strong sense of duty towards her family and her home, this realisation propelled her to take action.

#### The Coup and Ascension

Maelora's military training and her understanding of the dynamics within Oldtown played a crucial role in the success of the coup. She leveraged her relationships with key figures in the City Watch and other influential allies within the Reach, who shared her concerns about Wilhelm's leadership. Her charisma and reputation as a fair yet decisive noblewoman garnered her significant support.

The coup was meticulously planned and executed with precision, showcasing Maelora's strategic brilliance. She ensured minimal conflict, prioritizing the safety of Oldtown's citizens and the preservation of House Hightower's assets. Her swift and decisive takeover was a testament to her leadership skills and her commitment to the welfare of her house.

#### Aftermath and Recognition

In the aftermath of the coup, Maelora's first actions as the new head of House Hightower were focused on stabilising the region. She addressed the concerns of the nobles and the common folk alike, reinstating confidence in the house's leadership. Her efforts to repair the strained relationships with other noble houses and to revitalise trade and defence strategies were met with widespread approval.

Her leadership style combined her father's wisdom with her own unique blend of charisma and firmness. Maelora quickly gained the respect of her peers and subordinates, demonstrating a knack for balancing the traditional values of her house with progressive policies that benefited Oldtown and its people.

As the new Lady of the Hightower, Maelora focused on strengthening the city's defences and revitalising its economic prowess. She initiated trade agreements with neighbouring regions, bringing prosperity to Oldtown. Her military expertise was evident in the efficient restructuring of the City Watch, making it a formidable force. She also championed the arts and education, believing that a well-rounded society was key to a strong and stable realm.

Following her successful ascension as the Lady of the Hightower, Maelora's expertise in strategic planning and military affairs did not go unnoticed. Her reputation as a shrewd leader and a skilled warrior led to her appointment as the Mistress of War on Lady Florus Tyrell's council. This role was a significant milestone, particularly as it coincided with the North's declaration of independence, a period that demanded exceptional military insight and diplomatic skills.

### Marriage to Tythus Lannister

The marriage of Maelora Hightower to Tythus Lannister was a tale of love interwoven with the complexities of politics. Their courtship, initially marked by formal interactions typical of noble houses, evolved into a profound and passionate connection, as evidenced by their heartfelt letters. The depth of their affection was a testament to a bond that transcended the mere alliance of powerful houses.

Their secret wedding in Baelor's Sept was a reflection of their desire to keep their personal life away from the prying eyes of the realm. It was a ceremony filled with intimacy and solemn vows, symbolizing not just the union of two individuals but also the merging of two great houses. The secrecy of their marriage added a layer of intrigue and romance to their relationship, further solidified by Maelora's pregnancy.

The news of Maelora's pregnancy was a source of immense joy for the couple. It symbolized a future where their child would bridge the legacy of Hightower and Lannister. However, this happiness was short-lived due to the tragic death of Tythus Lannister. The grief of losing her husband was compounded by the subsequent loss of their unborn child, a devastating turn of events that left Maelora in a profound state of sorrow.

The impact of these losses on Maelora was significant. She had envisioned a future filled with love and partnership, only to have it snatched away in a cruel twist of fate. The loss of her husband and child marked a dark chapter in her life, casting a shadow over her previous achievements and leaving her in a state of deep mourning.

### Death

In the wake of these events, Maelora became a shadow of her former self. Once a figure of strength and inspiration, she retreated into the solitude of her quarters atop the Hightower. There, amidst the silent walls that had witnessed her rise, she grappled with her despair, a stark contrast to the vibrant and ambitious woman she once was.

The news of her sister Isabella's death, struck down by a common cold, was the final blow that shattered her already fragile spirit. Overwhelmed by the cumulative weight of her losses, Maelora's despair led her to a tragic decision. In a moment of profound anguish, she ended her life, choosing to leap from the top of the Hightower, an act that was as dramatic as it was heartbreaking.

Maelora Hightower's death sent ripples of shock and sorrow throughout the Seven Kingdoms. She was mourned not only as the Lady of the Hightower but also as a symbol of unfulfilled potential, a life cut short by a series of misfortunes. Her end was emblematic of the harsh realities of the world she lived in, where even the strong and the mighty could be brought low by the whims of fate.

In death, Maelora left behind a complex legacy. She was remembered for her brilliance as a leader, her prowess in combat, and her contributions to the prosperity of Oldtown. Her story, a tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, became a poignant tale in the annals of House Hightower and the Seven Kingdoms. Her life, marked by ambition, love, and profound sorrow, remained a testament to the enduring spirit of a woman who navigated the turbulent waters of noble life with grace and determination.

The title of Lord of the Hightower passed to her brother Jaubert, a reminder of the transient nature of power and the unending cycle of life and death in the world of high nobility. Maelora's journey, from a promising child to a revered lady, and her eventual tragic end, continued to echo in the halls of the Hightower, a solemn reminder of the fragile balance between joy and sorrow in the game of thrones.

## Letters Exchanged with Lord Tythus Lannister

### *Through the quietness of her tender room, Lady Maelora Hightower finishes the letter, enclosing it with a wax seal of the Hightower emblem. The woman places the letter into the raven's beak, sending it off with a bright smile.*

> My Dearest Lord Tythus Lannister,
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> I pray that this letter finds you in the best of health and high spirits, as it brings both my thoughts and affections to you in earnest. Though the constraints of formal courting require that I maintain a certain level of propriety, I find myself unable to conceal the affection that courses through my heart when I ponder of you.
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> The stars above, those ancient witnesses to countless tales of love and desire, pale in comparison to the luminance of your presence. The piercing blue of your gaze, like the glint of sapphires in the depths of a mine, has the power to both bewitch and humble. The mere thought of your touch, as gentle as the whispering winds that caress the towers of Oldtown, fills me with a longing that defies both time and reason.
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> You have ignited a desire within me that has grown stronger with each passing day, and I can no longer deny the depths of my affection for you. Our few outings have left me here, in Highgarden, writing you this letter to ensure you are aware of such feelings. I await the moment you arrive upon the steps while holding the reins of our steeds for our next outing.
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> Yours with devoted affection,
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> *Lady Maelora Hightower*
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### *Receiving the raven near nightfall. Reading it within the confines of the chamber of the Hand, a fire crackling to his side. Immediately moving to write back, Lord Tythus Lannister finished his letter. Sealing it with crimson wax that would be stamped with the sigil of the mighty Lion of House Lannister. Handing it off to his trusted personal raven, fleeing from King’s Landing, to its recipient at Highgarden.*

> To my adored rose Maelora Hightower,
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> Even in the short span apart, my mind thinks only of you. Truth be it, I have not been able to get any work done in King’s Landing. Thoughts of our next outing have littered my mind. I, too, feel constrained by the formal courting, but I know in the confines of my manor, when I pondered your lips; there was no other woman I desired. The taste of your lips still linger on my own, as if a reminder to whom they belong to.
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> I feel like I’m back at Casterly Rock, trading notes behind my mentor’s back. But truly, there is no better way I’d express my affection and desire for you. I can still remember the days of our picnic; your slim, pale shoulders shining against the sun’s rays. Your hair, kissed by fire waving in the soft, warm gusts of wind that came over the hills and your beautiful green eyes, like emeralds, glimmering in anticipation. It was truly a day to remember, one that I cannot get out of my head to save the life of me. Your smell still lingers in the rooms I walk, your soft laugh plays like melodies in my head; soothing me in times of turmoil.
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> Perhaps you should come to King’s Landing for a few days, the desire to see you again is so carnal that I simply want to see you at every waking moment. I know there will be no objections to you staying within my chambers and so; I invite you to join me at King’s Landing, my Lady. My affection for you is too strong to be apart from you. I await your response, my elegant rose that ever flourishes in the realm.
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> Forever yours,
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> *Lord Tythus Lannister, Hand of The King, Lord Of Lannisport, House Lannister of Lannisport*
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