The Dance of the Ocean and Moon [Book One]

Chapter Six | Brienne

BRIENNE

Brienne awoke everyone early. Saga hardly moved through the night-she slept as if she were dead. And when she was finally awake again, she hardly looked like she had slept at all. When Brienne attempted to offer her food again, she refused. They got back on the road quickly. Brienne kept a weather eye for The Others, and kept a warry eye on Saga. She hadn't spoken a single word the entire day. She was slumped over in her saddle, looking like she was one of The Others herself. The only time she noticed Saga move, was when she took out the crystalized piece of her brother's shattered dead body. She held it in one hand, gazing down at it, as if it would turn back into her brother if she stared at it long enough. But it wouldn't.

They traveled in good time and made camp early in the evening; everyone was drained and Brienne figured the Night's Watch could wait just a small time longer; they could wait a small time longer if it meant more rest for Podrick and Saga especially. Brienne tried to give Saga some food for the third time but she did nothing to try and take it, she didn't even refuse this time; her eyes were glued to the flame as she blatantly ignored Brienne's outstretched hand. Brienne sighed and said, "You have to eat eventually." Saga nodded, "Eventually." But still she did not take the food. Brienne stood up and walked over to the horses. She wanted to be mad at Saga but she really couldn't be.

Brienne wanted to take care of Saga, like Catelyn Stark had taken care of her. But if Saga continued to refuse her help, well, Brienne didn't know what else to do. She had never handled a situation like this before. After Brienne had calmed herself down she went back to the fire. Saga fell asleep fairly quickly, as did Podrick, and Brienne spent the night taking watch again. Though, she was certain that if The Others hadn't caught up to them yet, they weren't going to. Besides, the more she thought about it, the more she began to believe The Others had allowed them leave the mountains. She was certain they could have caught and killed them, had they really wanted to; Saga and Brienne spent way too long fighting in the snow.

Brienne tried to keep an eye on Saga through the night. She held on to the shard with her life, even while she slept. She fought off the sleep as best she could but eventually it came for her. The next day they traveled again, silently, until nightfall. Saga continued her routine of refusing food and water, Brienne continued to have her patients tested. The routine continued on the third day as well. This time they reached the intersection in which they could change over to the King's Road.

They didn't travel far down the King's Road before pulling off for the night. Brienne determined they had earned another long night's rest, since they were a whole day ahead of where they were meant to be anyway. Brienne sat only a foot or two from Saga as she was dealing out their rations. She took out a large piece of bread and dried cheese then extended her hand to Saga. Brienne turned quickly when she felt her hand move; at first, she thought she had dropped the food but was surprised to see that Saga had finally taken it from her.

Podrick also raised an eyebrow in surprise. Brienne glanced at him and he gave her a smile filled with hope. She gained an ounce of hope as well; she hoped this would be the end of Saga's protest. She hoped to get Saga back soon. Brienne preferred being annoyed by incessant questions, being called Briennaye, and Saga's laughter over her dead silence. This was a good start. Brienne couldn't help but smile as well, she knew Saga would come around when she was ready. Brienne grabbed the flask of water and handed it over next. Saga took it without issue.

She nibbled on the food slowly and when she was done with the water she handed it back to Brienne. Neither Podrick nor Brienne wanted to push the issue so they let her be without a word of it. She spent the rest of the night gripping the shard and staring into the fire, rather than make an attempt at sleep. She said nothing to Brienne but she understood what she meant. Saga was relieving Brienne from look-out duty for the night. She was still concerned about her effectiveness, but ultimately decided to trust her. They were up early again the next morning and on the road quickly.