Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

35. A New Beginning

Joellyn opened her eyes and surveyed the room she was in without moving.  She fought very hard to focus on the details of the room rather than what she saw as Jaime was taking her away from the trial today...Had the trial been today?  She didn't actually know.  Taking in her surroundings, she realized that she was in Jaime's room.  She supposed that Jaime had been worried about taking her back to her room after losing Oberyn at the trial.

Thinking about Oberyn, she felt grief and anger well up inside of her, but she quickly pushed those emotions down as she sat up.  She would not let herself wollow in her grief.  She jumped in surprise as she turned to look to her right and saw Brienne sitting at her side.  She yelped a little then said, "Brienne, excuse me.  I did not know anyone else was in here."

Brienne shook her head, "There is nothing to excuse," then paused a moment as she looked over Joellyn before saying, "Ser Jaime thought that it would be better for you to not be alone when you woke."

Joellyn bit the inside of her cheek to keep her emotions in check, "I'm sure you would be happier doing anything else."

Brienne looked sadly at her and Joellyn felt herself resenting the pity that Brienne's eyes held.  Brienne again shook her head, "You are mistaken, my lady.  You and Ser Jaime are good people.  I want to help, however I can."

Joellyn hung her head.  This was how people were going to be treating her for a while.  As if she was broken.  Joellyn felt grief filling her again, so she quickly thought of a way to change the subject, "Now that my brother's trial is over, how much longer until you leave to begin your search for Sansa?"

Brienne looked hesitant to answer, so the two of then sat in silence for a few moments before Brienne replied, "Lord Tyrion's execution will be the day after tomorrow.  Podrick and I will take leave of the city tomorrow morning."

Joellyn nodded, fighting back tears, "Podrick does not want to see the execution?"

Brienne nodded in reply and silence fell over the two of them again.  Joellyn got herself out of bed and walked over to a window that had a view looking out at the sea.  Staring out over the water, Joellyn began thinking.  Oberyn was gone, Brienne and Podrick were leaving tomorrow, then Tyrion would be executed the next day.  The only person Joellyn really had to care about in King's Landing anymore was Jaime, and he would always be busy with his job in the King's Guard.  Her father would give her time to mourn and grieve, but he would begin trying to find someone else to marry her off to.  The time her father gave her to mourn would likely be just a few weeks, not nearly enough time for Joellyn's liking.

So her thoughts turned to what Brienne and Podrick would be doing.  They would be searching for Sansa and Arya, but Sansa and Arya had no reason to trust either Brienne or Podrick.  Sansa had only seen Brienne a few times and knew Podrick as her husband's squire.  Arya didn't even know who the two of them were.  But they both knew her.  If they were able to find the Stark girls, having Joellyn with them might encourage the girls to trust them.  It would also get her out of King's Landing, away from her father's influence over her life, and away from memories of Oberyn and Tyrion.

Joellyn hugged her arms around her stomach, as if holding tightly to herself could keep her from falling apart, and turned around to face Brienne.  Of course, Brienne had been watching her, so Brienne smiled softly at her.  There was no way she was going to agree to Joellyn's plan, so Joellyn had to be smart about how she was going to get out of the capital with them.  Joellyn let out a deep breath and asked, "Brienne, would you mind escorting me to my chambers?  I have things I need to gather and a letter I need to write to Prince Doran.  I would rather get this over with quickly."

Brienne stood as she said, "Of course, but are you sure you need to do this now?"

Joellyn nodded slowly, "Oberyn wrote his brother yesterday.  I do not want Prince Doran to have to wait in anticipation any longer than necessary."