The Last Stag • Game of Thrones

18.

Chapter Eighteen.
"The Would-Be Stag Queen"

"There's still time to change your mind."

Renfri laughed, squeezing Davos hand. The icy wind bit at their noses as Watchmen and the soldiers assembled in the courtyard to see the travel party off.

"Davos, I'm sure." Renfri reassured. "If all goes well I'll see you in less than a fortnight."

"Still." Davos looked over Ren's shoulder, eyeing her traveling party. "Not a safe place for a woman, traveling with a group of men to a land where no laws protect her." 

Renfri turned, following his gaze. 

"The crows have their vows." She reminded. "And Jon's a good friend. He'd never let them touch me."

"And the Wildling?"

"Haven't spoken to him much, but I'm confident I could beat him if it came down to it. I have been known to bite, Davos."

Davos smiled half-heartedly, recalling the story.

"Right. The Karstark Lord." 

"Exactly." 

"Still."

"Davos!" Renfri laughed, playfully punching him in the shoulder. "I'll be fine. You're the one who should be nervous for your life. You don't feed Goji on time, and I won't be the only one with scars."

Beside Davos, Goji let out a long, forlorn call. Ren shifted, kneeling in front of him. 

"I know, berry." She sighed, scratching him behind the ears. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But you're safest here. Your leg hasn't healed yet, and I can't risk losing you for my own protection."

Goji's eyes were turned down, sad, confused. It was easy for her to pretend that Goji was a person, to fill in the blanks with his growls and grunts, to assume that he understood her always. But Renfri had to remember that he was just a creature who had no notion of wars and bloodshed and danger. All he had ever known was her, the woman who had raised him, bathed him, fed him his meals. He could never understand why she was leaving, understand that she would return.

Still, she told herself. It's not fair to him to force him to fight in a war he doesn't understand.

"You'll take care of him, right?" She didn't look up to Davos, staring into Goji's eyes. "This will be the longest we've ever been separated."

Renfri's gaze flickered up, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

If I don't come back, you keep him safe.

"I swear it, my lady. Once Stannis takes Winterfell I'll return north with him and wait for your return."

Renfri nodded, rising to her feet. She gave Goji a last, mournful look, turning away from him and Davos.

A little figure slammed into her, burying their head in her chest.

"Woah!" Renfri laughed, her hand landing atop the little girl's head. "What's all the fuss for, little stag?"

"I'll miss you." Shireen propped her chin on Renfri's chest, looking up at her with moonbeam honey-gold eyes. "When you get back, I'll teach you how to make muffins the way that Hobb taught me."

"Very well, little one." Renfri kissed the top of her head, releasing her cousin. "I've got to get going now. The others have already said their goodbyes, and they won't wait for me forever."