Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 55 - The Crown accepts your truce

               We walk through the ruins of my past, moving amidst the spectres of those who once populated my life. If we had taken a right, we would have arrived at Baelish's brothel where my friend Ros used to work. On the opposite side lay Flea Bottom, where his investigation had led my father, always accompanied by Jory. I envision young Myrcella on her boat heading for Dorne, leaving her crying little brother on the shore, alongside a contemptuous and detached Joffrey. All these people are dead now.

               After a ten-minute walk, we encounter a group of Lannister soldiers at the head of which stands Ser Bronn of the Blackwater. I must restrain myself from throwing myself into his arms. He is the last person I spoke to before fleeing the capital, the one who convinced me to take control of my life again. I never thought I would see him again.

"Welcome, my lords," he greets us. "Your friends have beaten you to it."

               Behind him stand Brienne and Podrick. In these troubled times, I can only rejoice to find them in good health. It is nonetheless true that I would have preferred to see the Northern delegation presided over by my little sister, Arya. I dream every night of our reunion.

               The Dothraki pass before us to reach the Dragonpit. Nowadays, nothing remains of it but ruins. A hundred years ago, it was the most dangerous place in the world. When the Targaryen dragons became a problem for the population, Jaehaerys I had the Dragonpit built. Unfortunately, the years spent locked away stunted their growth. The last dragons were no larger than dogs.

               At the rear of the troupe, Bronn wraps his arm around my shoulders.

"You've lost weight," he notes.

"And you've gain some!" I reply defensively, though a smile forms at the corner of my lips.

"That is the trade-off of a peaceful life."

"A peaceful life? I am sure you are bored to death."

               I remember that Bronn did not answer Tyrion's call to be his champion during the trial. The Lannisters had promised him lands and a good marriage. He had preferred a life of luxury over that of his friend. At the time, I held it against him. Since then, I've realized I cannot blame him for failing to act when I did nothing either.

               We finally enter the ruins of the Dragonpit and slowly take our places, awaiting Cersei and Daenerys. I watch Bronn and Podrick walk away. I dream of being able to join them, no matter how important my presence is. Varys is quite right; my place is not here.

               I have patience. Just never enough for a heated discussion around the Small Council table. I can remain serious, unless the scent of ale reaches my nostrils. I am a good strategist, right up until the enemy acts unfairly. I fully intend to flee all forms of responsibility once this war is over.

"Diana."

                Jon, surely worried that my attention is turned toward my friends and not the lords accompanying us, takes me by the arm.

"What is happening is very serious."

"Because you don't feel like being anywhere else but here?"

"This was your idea."

               He already resents me... and the meeting hasn't even begun. This bodes well.

"Very well," I admit. "You just do the talking. It seems to matter so much to you. I will content myself with flying to your rescue when Cersei eats you alive."