"Beauty has always been used as a weapon against me," Brienne said softly. "It's never been anything that is remotely positive when in reference to me."

You offered her an apologetic smile, not meaning an offense to her. Since you had first met Brienne, you had fallen completely and utterly in love with her. She wasn't the stereotypical beauty but there was far more than her appearance that made you fall for her. No matter what came up, she was always so headstrong and physically strong, regardless of other people's thoughts on the matter. Even with adversity, she was able to stay positive and prove everyone wrong in being able to do everything she set her mind to.

At every point you could, you complimented her on the elements that you admired about her, knowing that she struggled with self-image and you needed to prove to her how much she meant to you. Normally you kept with the things that truly mattered, her kindness, her strength, her loyalty or her perseverance, you never delved into her appearance as her personality meant more to you. For once you called her beautiful without thinking, as she was inside and out.

"I didn't mean to offend you," you smiled softly. "Unlike those before, I mean it genuinely and I mean it as a compliment."

She took a second to look at her feet, before looking up at you, her eyes glossed with the tears that she was succeeding to fight back. You knew that although she held up such a strong bravado, the cruelty of people throughout her life had left damage beneath the surface.

"I know you do not mean offence, nor is any taken on the matter," she said. "I just fear what has happened to make you think something so far from the truth."

You shook your head, taking her hands within yours, gaining her attention and coaxing her into keeping eye contact. You knew that you weren't going to be able to convince her how much you loved her straight away but the more you reminded her, you hoped the quicker she would be to believe you.

"The truest form of beauty is that which can be found within," you smiled, resting your hand upon her chest. "You have a pure heart and that comes out upon your face. Beauty is different to everyone and you cannot deny what another finds beautiful even if it isn't the same for you."

For the first time, she let a small smile curl upon her lips.

"You are too good to me," she smiled.

"I'm not good enough."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.