lover's mercy - jaime lannister

THIRTY-FOUR

Jaime carried her unconscious form as they walked. He spent three years in chains yet he did it without tiring, without losing strength. He would carry her until the day he died if need be.

Plus, he feared she would wake if he set her down. He did not want her to wake and remember all the horrors she just survived. He couldn't bare to see her cry.

As they walked, the wolves stayed close by. They all gave little whimpers like they could feel the sorrow in the air.

Then she woke.

Her eyes blinked open as he carried her in his arms. He noticed immediately and stopped. He hesitated on setting her down but she started to breath heavily. She was panicking.

Tears welled in her eyes, "I had a dream..."

She dreamt of Winterfell. She was back with Robb. With Mother. With Father. Everyone was home.

"But it wasn't real," she started to sob before she wailed. "Robb!"

Her legs went out from underneath her and Jaime caught her as his hands went to her waist. She continued to sob, "Did you see what they did to him? Did you see what they did to my brother?"

"I saw it," he said quietly.

Brienne watched in pity and Jaime's jaw ticked. He couldn't even believe he thought it but he did. He wished nothing ever happened to the Starks; he wished Elya was back in Winterfell with Damion. She'd be happy.

Elya pleaded with him as she cried, "Jaime, just kill me. I'm the reason your hand is gone. Please, just kill me."

His heart literally cracked at her homicidal request. He could hear Brienne draw her sword slightly from the sheath like he'd actually do it.

His eyes teared up as he shook his head, "Do you think I would ever let you die? Elya, I need you to live."

"Robb is gone," Elya cried. "Everyone is gone. There's nothing. No one. Please."

"My lady, your brother's last words were used to protect you," Brienne argued. "Do not let them be in vain."

Elya looked up at the sky like it was cursing her. She hated that she still saw it. She still cried but she nevertheless stood up.

For Robb.

                _____

                That night they made camp and built a fire. Elya sat against a log just staring into the flames. Rheina laid beside her and placed her head in her lap, letting out small whines. They mourned, too, for Grey Wind.

                Elya petted her fur and sniffled. The tears had stopped but all anyone could see were the stains they left behind on her face.

                 She felt dead inside.

                 Jaime watched her from across the fire. He watched the emotionlessness with a heavy heart.

                 "Keep your eyes on the flames, Kingslayer," Brienne said.

                 "I'll keep my eyes where I want to," he looked at her with a glare.

                 "She doesn't need whatever feelings you bare her. Not right now," Brienne said quietly. "She needs space."