lover's mercy - jaime lannister

THIRTY-ONE

They were at the funeral for her grandfather, Hoster Tully. His body was sent down the river in a canoe and Edmure, her uncle, shot a flaming arrow to set the boat on fire.

               He missed.

               He tried again.

               He missed.

             Robb bit his lip to hold in the chuckle he wanted to let out. She gave him a look and elbowed him sharply. Now he bit his lip to hold in his pain.

               Edmure tried again.

               He missed.

              Then her great uncle, Brynden "Blackfish" Tully, shoved him out of the way. He nocked a flaming arrow and let it fly.

                It hit its target.

                 Her mother closed her eyes in grief. Cat could say her father was finally at rest. Elya locked hands with her mother to comfort her.

              They all walked solemnly back to Riverrun. Although, Elya lightened the mood.

               "We can all grieve for the dead..." Elya began but started to smirk. "But nothing will be as pitiful as that aim, Uncle."

                  Robb widened his eyes but let out a chuckle. He couldn't believe she was making jokes when she was the one who elbowed him.

                The Blackfish bellowed with boisterous laughter, "You'll have to pray to the Gods to recover from that one, nephew."

                Edmure shook his head with a small smile, "Is that anyway to treat your uncle?"

                "It's the way to treat a fool," the Blackfish commented.

                 Robb, Elya, and the Blackfish let out short chuckles while Catelyn and Talisa shook their heads. Edmure just sighed.

                _____

            They were now under the roof of Riverrun, discussing the war. Well, more like Edmure and the Blackfish were arguing.

           "If I may, nephew, I encountered a situation with one of my lieutenants at the Stone Mill which may have some bearing..." Edmure addressed Robb.

           "Why don't you shut your mouth about that damned mill?" Blackfish interrupted. "And don't call him nephew. He is your king."

              "Robb knows I meant him no disr..."

            "You're lucky I'm not your king. I wouldn't let you wave your blunders around like a victory flag."

             "My blunder sent Tywin's mad dog scurrying back to Casterly Rock with his tail between his legs. I think King Robb understands we're not gonna win this war if he's the only one winning any battles," Edmure stated. "No, there's glory enough to go around."

             "It's not about glory," Robb turned from the window.

                 "It's about family, Edmure," Elya backed him up. "We can't afford mistakes."

            "Your instructions were to wait for him to come to you," Robb continued.

         "I seized an opportunity.

        "What value was the mill?" Robb asked.

           "The Mountain was garrisoned across the river from it."