The Iron Thorn | Theon Greyjoy

67.

Massey

What I found in the hall was not Theon, or even my brother, but instead, what seemed to be a small circle of people around the fireplace simply relaxing. At least, to the best of their ability. Ser Davos, Lord Tyrion, Brienne, Podrick, Jaime Lannister, and Tormund. Most of them had drinks in their hands, save for Brienne.

"I'm sorry, my lords. Brienne," I started as I stepped into the now silent room. "Forgive my intrusion."

"No intrusion at all, lady Massey. Please, join us for a drink," Lord Tyrion offered.

Podrick nodded in agreement off to the side, and I scanned the room quickly before accepting.

"Well...perhaps only half a cup," I decided.

Tyrion got up then, walking around to the lone table against the wall and pouring me a cup of my own. I thanked him and took a seat on the stone before the fire, both Pod and Lord Tyrion trying to give me their seat instead. I denied them both, and Ser Davos, too when he offered.

"I won't be long, my lords, but I thank you," I told them, sipping the strongwine and wincing a bit as it slid down my throat.

   "We were just speaking of how the lot of us have fought against the Starks at one time or another. But, not you," Lord Tyrion went on.

   "No," I chuckled softly. "No, not me. I'm afraid I've faltered a time or two, but ultimately, my loyalty lies within these walls. It has been a second home— sometimes a first, and the Starks a second family since my father brought me here all those years ago."

"Ah, yes. Raymun, was it?" He asked. Strangely, it felt foreign to hear my father's name aloud. "Your father was a good man from what I knew of him."

With his words, both Ser Jaime's and my own eyes instantly found one another's. My gaze was accusatory, though I tried to help it, and his— apologetic. Lord Tyrion must have sensed this exchange, because he spoke once more.

"As— as is your brother, my lady."

"He is," Ser Jaime agreed, his eyes still locked solemnly on mine, much left unsaid behind them.

"He is," I repeated after a moment, my voice tight as I forced the words out. I nodded, wetting my lips and forcing a half smile. "Broden says that you saved him. He speaks...highly of you, Ser Jaime. And, I...well, I trust him."

A breath of relief seemed to escape him with the silent understanding between us, which brought on one of my own. I didn't blame him after all this time, not really. I couldn't. Even then, perhaps, he was just the easiest face to put to the evil that was the War of the Five Kings.

   The conversation went on a bit easier, the wine washing down a few laughs shared with those around me. I spent most of it talking with Ser Davos, both of us catching ourselves when our conversation still found its way back to dragonglass and battles. In what concluded my time with them, Lord Tyrion requested that someone must sing a song.

   "That'll be my exit, then," I said lightly as I stood.

   Though they protested my departure, we all wished each other well should we not reunite before the battle. We spoke nothing of not reuniting after.

   As I stepped out into the cold again, I scanned the busy yard until I spotted Jon, who stood speaking with a few other men of the Night's Watch, including Edd and Samwell Tarly. I recognized the latter from long ago, at my brother's wedding to Samwell's sister. I greeted Jon happily, who met my affection with an exhausted smile. Then, I said hello to Edd before turning my attention once more.