The Last Stag • Game of Thrones

17.

Chapter Seventeen.
Friends in Odd Places

"He's just so stupid!" Renfri paced around her chambers, fists clenched at her side in anger. "I mean, he hasn't said a word to me in a week! Seven whole days, I mean! And then they make him Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, that stupid, arrogant- argh! And he won't even look at me!" 

Goji grunted as if in agreement, watching her from their bed. 

"He's out there acting like some high and mighty King of the Wall, executing men who disobey his orders. And what's this about legitimization, I just-" Renfri flopped onto the bed beside Goji, staring at the ceiling, face contorted in anger. Goji nudged her and she looked at the bear, taking a breath. "Gods, I sound like such a girl."

Goji yawned, his hot bear-breath fanning across her face. 

She sat up, running a hand through her loose curls.

"I'm going to go talk to him." She decided. "Demand an apology in exchange for reconciliation. We're friends, right? I mean, I guess. Sort of. Friends do that stuff. I should talk to him."

She looked to Goji.

"Right?"

Goji said nothing, as he often did. He just blinked at her, eyes empty. 

Renfri stood off the bed, slipping out of the room without another word. The mid-day light flooded Castle Black, the blinding ivory shade of the snow resulting in an overpowering landscape of white.

She hopped down the stairs and crossed the courtyard, belly racked with nerves, a woman on a mission, ignoring the stares she got from Watchmen and soldiers alike.

Renfri came to a stop in front of the door just as Sam closed it behind himself. She pulled a face, moving to turn away, when he spotted her.

"Ah, Lady Renfri." Sam's voice was oblivious and chipper. He crossed to her, his hands clasped in front of his belly. "You're healing well, I see."

"Yes, Sam." Renfri nodded hurriedly. "Is Jon- erm, the Lord Commander, is he busy?"

"Well, the Lady Melisandre just went in to speak with him, but I don't suppose she'll be too long." Sam pursed his lips. "It is good that you're here. He's been wanting to speak with ye'."

"Right." Renfri frowned. "Thanks, Sam."

Sam bowed in parting and lumbered off, casting Renfri a glance as he went. 

Renfri did not let herself overthink it. 

She knocked at the door quickly, three quick taps, waiting for the wooden panel to open. 

It didn't. 

Renfri gave into her whim. She pushed open the door, stepping into the warm office. 

Her jaw went slack with shock.

Melisandre's back was turned to her, her head cast backwards in pleasure as she leaned back on Jon's desk, legs spread wide. 

As they heard her footsteps enter, Melisandre stood from the desk, wrapping her robe around herself, turning to gaze upon Renfri with sultry, smug eyes. 

"Renfri," Jon shot up from his chair, moving around the desk, wiping his hand on his pants. "It's not what you-"

"I'm...here at a bad time." Renfri nodded, dazed, her eyes flickering between Melisandre and Jon. "I should...go."