Game of Thrones: Season 8 and Beyond

Hands of Gold

A/N: Y'all remember that scene with Ed Sheeran singing? That's where I got the title.

Jon

Jon sat across from Jaime in his tent. He still felt the sting of pain in his arm where a lion had bit into it before getting beheaded by Lightbringer.

He sipped some water from a mug and gave Jaime a questioning look. "So, what was it you wanted to speak with me about?"

"I'd like to go South," Jaime stated, eyes shining. Jon was confused. And a bit offended.

"Why? To go join up with Cersei again? I hope not," Jon asked. What other reason did Jaime have to go South?

Jaime shook his head. "Sorry, I shouldn't have started by saying that."

"What is it you're trying to say?"

"Well, let's look at this battle we just had today," Jaime began. "More than twenty thousand lives lost in total. But for what? We're all fighting and dying because of Cersei, who's just sitting back on her throne and relaxing. That just doesn't seem right."

Jon nodded, he had given some thought to what he said earlier, but there was no time to do anything about it. He was facing an upcoming battle. "I'm aware of this. I'm not very happy about it either."

"Then why let it go on?" Jaime asked. "I'm asking you to let me go South, to end this war once and for all. Cersei must die."

Jon took a moment to think about Jaime's request. Should he let him risk his life? Cersei has a lot of protectors in Kings Landing, including the Mountain. He could very well die.

"It's too dangerous," Jon told him. Jon didn't want to lose anymore friends than he already has. And that's what Jaime was, a friend.

"You're afraid of me dying. But I'm just one person. What of the rest of your army? And Winterfell? There's a chance that Cersei's army will win, and all of us will die anyways. Let me go, I'll bring Bronn for protection." Jaime seemed very passionate about going and killing the Mad Queen. Jon sighed, caving.

"Alright. We can go tonight."

"We?"

"Do you expect to get there within the month on foot? Rhaegal will get you there by tomorrow morning," Jon stated. He stood up. "We better start riding back to Winterfell."

Jaime looked at him, alarmed. "Give me a few minutes. I need to say my potential goodbyes for if this all fails."

Jon nodded, solemnly, and let Jaime exit his tent.

Jaime

He found Brienne inside a different tent, after asking around about her whereabouts. She was bent over and splashing water over her face from a bucket. She grunted in frustration.

"What? A little dirt too much for a lady?" Jaime teased, not meaning it.

Brienne snorted. "Please, we both know you're more of a lady than I am."

Jaime put his hands up in defense. "Ouch, that really hurt."

"What did you and Jon have to talk about?" Brienne questioned, wiping a cloth over her face to dry it and clean any remaining dirt. When she turned to face him Jaime noticed some cuts on her face. He took a step forward and lifted a hand up to her cheek and ran a thumb over the scratch.