The Lost Stag

Blackwater

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                    The night was still in Kings landing as the king's soldiers prepared for battle. Valen stood in her bed chambers as Juno helped her put on her brown and green leather armor with golden leaves reminding Juno of the forest. Valen straps her long sword Dreamshadow on her back and her curved short sword Stardust on her hip. Juno steps forward and places a helmet with golden antlers on Valen's head. "If I...die, I want you to leave kings landing with Sansa," Valen explained. Juno opened her mouth to protest, but Valen stopped her. "I know you wish to fight at my side, but I'm asking you as a friend to keep Sansa safe," she said, looking her friend in the eyes. Juno is hesitant at first but slowly nods her head in agreement. They embraced one another tightly like children saying goodbye.

                   At the Red Keeps doors stood Tyrion dressed in his own armor. He smiles at the sight of his eldest niece as she walks towards him. Many of the guards and soldiers halt at the sight of her looking utterly astonished by the young stag and how regal she looked in her armor. Valen held her head high showing confidence in such a fearful time. Many of the men straightened their backs and lifted their heads, wishing to follow her example. Valen stops in front of her uncle, "You look magnificent," Tyrion complimented.

                    She chuckles, "Even at a time like this, you are such a flatter uncle," Valen said.

                    Tyrion chuckled, "I only speak the truth, dear niece," he explained. Suddenly Sansa and Shae walk over. Valen looks at Sansa, but the young wolf wouldn't even acknowledge her. Tyrion notices the melancholy in his niece's eyes at Sansa's actions. This worried him a great deal. He couldn't have Valen distracted on the field of battle. "Lady Sansa and Sheila," Tyrion greeted.

                    "Shae," Shae corrected.

                    "Shae, yes. Surely my sister has asked you to join the other highborn ladies in Maegor's holdfast?" Tyrion asked.

                    "She has, my lord, but King Joffrey sent for me to see him off," Sansa explained, trying her best not to run her eyes over Valen. The young stag reminded Sansa of all her mother's stories about handsome warriors that fought to save beautiful damsels. Sansa knew that what she felt was wrong. Women shouldn't fawn over other women or daydream of them, and what made it worse was that her cruel handling of the maid only made Sansa want her more. How could she want someone that could grow so cruel and heartless in mere seconds? Shae lightly nudged Sansa as Joffrey and Sandor walked in.

                    "Sansa," Joffrey called out, fully dressed in armor though it looked more ceremonial than for battle.

                    "Always been a great romantic, my nephew," Tyrion said sarcastically.

                   "Sansa, come here," Joffrey ordered. Sansa turns and starts to walk away, but she suddenly stops and turns back to Valen and Tyrion.

                    "I will pray for both of your safe returns, my lord and Lady," she said, surprising Valen.

                    "Will you?" she asked, finally causing Sansa to look at her.

                    "I...Just as I pray for the kings," she said, then walked to Joffrey. Valen grips the hilt of her sword and walks away. A few minutes later, Shae walks over to Sansa as Joffrey storms off with his men.