Lone Wolf || Tyrion Lannister

Chapter Four

Things were tense ever since the trial. The once amiable air around the entire party had dissipated. Hardly anyone spoke, and if they did, it was a quick conversation that ended almost as soon as it had begun. Though, perhaps the biggest shift was the tense air around the Starks and the Royal family. Everyone knew what had happened by morning, yet no one dared speak of it.

With her friend gone, Arya saw no reason to continue riding with the Butcher and the other servants. So, Arya rode near Anari and Marleya now, though the girl didn't speak to either of them. Anari knew Arya was hurting, and that Sansa was as well. This trip so far was filled with nothing but goodbyes and heartache. For, if Anari wasn't saying goodbye to someone, then something happened that would cause an even bigger rift between the Queen and her family.

Anari had no issue with Robert, as she was certain that if Cersei hadn't insisted on there being punishment, however cruel and unfair, Robert would have left Lady and Shadow be. The party continued on, however tense the journey now was. Anari and Marleya attempted to lift Arya's spirits, but ti was clear the girl was still upset. So, during one of their stops, Anari sought her youngest sister out to speak with her in private.

Anari was the only one who truly understood her sisters here, and she wanted to ensure that Arya was alright. She knew that Sansa was still quite upset with both of them, so Anari would wait for Sansa to come to her when she was ready. However, knowing Arya, Anari knew she would appreciate the more direct approach. So it was, that the two sat together on the grass. At first, neither of them said anything.

Anari was quiet as she mulled over what she wanted to say and Arya was quite because she simply didn't wish to talk. "You know it wasn't your fault," Anari said at last. "Right? What happened there wasn't your doing."

"It feels like it is," Arya mumbled. "Maybe if I didn't insist on Mycah sparring with me, then that wouldn't have happened."

"It isn't a crime to want to learn how to fight," Anari replied. "If Joffrey hadn't been cruel, then the incident wouldn't have happened at all." Her words didn't seem to placate Arya's feelings, though and Anari seemed to know. "Don't blame yourself,"

"I blame Cersei," Arya all but spat. "It's all her fault, if she didn't raise a coward then this wouldn't have happened."

"Arya," Anari soothed. While she was alright with Arya letting out her frustration freely, they didn't have the luxury of having privacy out here on the road. Unwanted ears could be listening and could take Arya's words for treason. They were already in enough trouble as it was, they didn't need to add anything else to the list. The conversation furthered a little, and once they were back on the road, Arya was feeling marginally better.

Anari always was good at getting her to feel better, and for that the young girl was thankful. Though, too soon for Anari's liking, they would soon be coming across Deepwood Mote, which would mean Anari would have to say goodbye to her handmaiden.

While on the road after the trial at the inn, Marleya didn't tell Anari that she had been able to free Shadow. It was to be a burden she would carry alone, a secret she couldn't let anyone find out about. The girl felt guilty for the death of Lady, as she hadn't been able to get her chains off in time.

Ned kept a close eye on Anari and Arya, knowing that Sansa was still in the caravan. Ned knew they were approaching Deepwood Mote, which would mean that Anari would be sending away her handmaiden. Anari had told him her reasoning and held hope that Marleya would be able to return to her. He thought that now, possibly more than ever, Anari could use a friend. Ned knew his daughter and her handmaiden had grown extraordinarily fond of one another, and that they were good friends.

She had to say goodbye to her mother and brothers, had to say goodbye to Jon, had to deal with the mess by the river, and now had to let go of her handmaiden. So far, this trip has done more harm than good for his girls.