The Lost Stag

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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                   Jaime stands in the Great Hall of Winterfell, "When I was a child, my brother would tell me a bedtime story about the man who murdered our father. Who stabbed him in the back and cut his throat. Who sat down on the Iron Throne and watched as his blood poured onto the floor," Daenerys explained in a cold tone causing Jaime to lower his eyes in shame. In the hall, there is a multitude of guards placed around the room and the many who ally with House Stark. Sitting at the head table is Sansa; Jon sits on the left of his sister with Daenerys, and Valen sits on the right with Robb. Jaime is standing in the middle of the room facing them. On the left of the room, there is a shorter table where Tyrion, Varys, Missandei, and Jorah sit. On the right is another table where Davos, Lyanna, Yohn, Alys, and Brienne sit. "He told me other stories as well. About all the things we would do to that man once, we took back the Seven Kingdoms and had him in our grasp.....Your sister pledged to send her army north, but we all know that was a lie, so why are you here?" Daenerys asked.

                    Jaime looks up, "She lied to me as well....She has Euron Greyjoy's fleet and twenty thousand fresh troops. The Golden Company from Essos bought and paid for. Even if we defeat the dead, she'll have more than enough to destroy the survivors," he explained.

                    "We?" Sansa asked.

                    "I promised to fight for the living. I intend to keep that promise," Jaime said. Tyrion steps forward towards Daenerys.

                    "Your Grace, I know, my brother. He came here alone, knowing full well how he'd be received. Why would he do that if he weren't telling the truth?" he asked.

                    "Perhaps he believes his little brother will defend him right up to the moment he slits mine and Sansa's throat," Daenerys pointed out.

                    "You're right. We can't trust him. He attacked my father in the streets. He tried to destroy my house, my family, and my consort the same as he did yours," Sansa said as she glared down at Jaime.

                    "Do you want me to apologize? I won't. We were at war. Everything I did, I did for my house and my family. I'd do it all again," Jaime explained.

                    "The things we do for love," Bran said. Daenerys, Sansa, Valen, and Jon all turn slowly to look at Bran, who sits to the side of Robb. Jaime looks at him, and Bran maintains eye contact.

                   "So why have you abandoned your house and family now?" Daenerys asked.

                   "Because this goes beyond loyalty.... This is about survival," Jaime explained. Tyrion turns to look at Daenerys. Brienne suddenly stands up and walks from behind her table to stand in the middle of the Hall beside Jaime.

                     "You don't know me well, Your Grace. But I know Ser Jaime. He is a man of honor. I was his captor once. But when we were both taken prisoner and the men holding us tried to force themselves on me, Ser Jaime defended me. And lost his hand because of it," she explained, then looked at Sansa. "Before we had known you were safe in Storms End, he had armed me, armored me, and sent me to find you and bring you home because he'd sworn an oath to your mother," she said. Sansa looks at Valen then at Brienne.

                    "You vouch for him?" she asked.

                    "I do," Brienne said without hesitation.

                    "You would fight beside him?" Sansa asked.

                    "I would," Brienne said.