Gold

In recent years it had became a habit of his to caress with weather worn fingers the links that made up his Maester's chain. After loosing his son he had escaped to the citadel and had spent two decades trying to forget. He had immersed his troubled mind in scrolls and teachings, it was either that or take the black and everyone knew no more so than himself that the latter was impossible. He was a coward. He would remain branded one for the rest of his lifetime. He pushed his hair from his eyes to look up at the interminable Eyrie. Its stone trunk lifted high up into the grey clouds of dawn. His hired sell sword companion, the bane of his journey spat mucus at his feet and rubbed the snot that ran down his face in the bitter wind.

'You truly disgust me.' He complained his sibilant Celtic drawl more prominent when he was angry or frustrated.

'Don't worry Maester Gold the feeling is mutual. You'll be glad to know that I'm not going any further than this.' The sell sword replied and shoved a moth-eaten gloved hand in his direction. 'I'll take my payment now.' Maester Gold reached for his leather pouch that hung under his tunic. He might have despised the very presence of this man but there was no doubt that he had got him here safely. No other man would take him as far. It was too big a risk. He greased his palm with gold and with a curt nod turned from the man and walked toward his new home.

By the time he had reached the living quarters of the Eyrie he shook with nerves. His hand had continued to shake after the perilous journey up. The most horrific having to cross the narrow path that could only be travelled on a sure-footed donkey. Despite being in a young girl's capable hand he had nearly thrown the contents of his cold breakfast on his donkey's mane. He expected to be greeted by Lord Arryn upon arrival but the cold walls of the Eyrie were drenched in silence. His shoes echoed on the flagstones as he wandered the corridors in search of his new Lord. The Arryn banners flapped against the walls and Maester Gold thanked the Citadel silently for being stripped of his previous titles. A hasty cook bustled into him as he admired a tapestry.

'Watch where you're going you lumbering oaf.' She cursed when the sack of potatoes she was hauling tumbled to the floor.

'Excuse me, let me help you with those.' He said humbly and as his chain clinked when he bent the cook's anger turned to guilt.

'Oh forgive me Maester. I was in such a rush I didn't, if I knew…' He hushed her with a wave of his hand.

'No matter but do you know where I can find Lord Arryn?' He asked. He was exhausted after his journey and wished for the comforts of a bed and clean clothes.

'He is away on business but Lady Arryn his daughter is still here.' She picked the last dusty potato from the floor and planted it back inside the hessian sack.

'Can you point me in the direction of Lady Arryn? I would like to introduce myself.' His stomach unsettled once again at the prospect of introductions. He might have gained confidence through his years of learning but he still cowered when bundling into the unknown. The crow's feet that sagged beside her eyes danced as she laughed hoarsely.

'You find a book, you find Lady Arryn.' She continued chuckling to herself as she walked away. Maester Gold went to ask for an explanation but she had already waddled off. Having never visited the Eyrie before he had no clue where he was or where he could find, as the delightful woman called it, a book. As he made his way around the tower on blistered feet he stumbled into numerous rooms. The kitchen was dreary and the staff had stared at him with tired eyes, the study had been empty apart from dried up ink wells and various other rooms only contained empty musty beds. Yet he was still no closer to finding Lady Arryn. When the raven had arrived with the news of his referral he had at first disliked the idea of living in the Eyrie due to the extensive journey. He couldn't however, complain of its safety as the Eyrie was renowned for being impregnable and the Arryn's for not interfering in the scuffles over the throne. Exhausting of his own useless endeavors, Maester Gold tried a door that he had found at the top of a spiral staircase. The iron studded door was heavy and opened into a circular room. The room was respectfully warmer than the rest of the tower which was helped by the shelves of tomes and scrolls that lined the walls. Wheeled ladders were perched against them for the unreachable shelves that towered above him. He rounded the corner and there on top a ladder was a young woman balancing four books in her arms. He smiled as he remembered back to his days studying and stepped toward her. As he neared the young woman caught him out of the corner of her eye. Startled her feet slipped on the ladder rungs with the books crashing to the floor. The ladder wobbled underneath her and she gripped it too hard the weight of her making the ladder part from the shelf. Maester Gold ran toward her snatching her from the air as the ladder fell beside them. She looked up at him and his heart stopped. She was beautiful.

'Oh thank you…' Her voice brought life back to him. He put her down awkwardly her feet clopping loudly against the floor. His chain caught around a ribbon that had come loose from her dress. She chuckled at his shyness and her eyes widened when she saw his chain. 'Thank you for coming to my rescue Maester…?'

'Gold. Maester Gold and the fault was all mine Lady Arryn.' He bowed his head respectfully. She smiled and curtsied back which confused him as such manner was not needed for a humble Maester.

'Nonsense. I am lucky that it didn't happen sooner. I find it so laborious climbing up and down. I try to get as many books down at once but…I'm mumbling, I apologise. My father is away on urgent matters but I'm sure I can answer any questions you might have.' Her voice was so illuminating, humble and fresh. He had never met a woman so confident and yet curious.

'I would only trouble you on the whereabouts of my quarters.' He inquired politely and she laughed which he found oddly curious and infectious.

'Of course but you need not worry, you are in them. In one half of them anyway. The doorway through the back there is you're sleeping quarters. I promise you that I won't be intruding any longer.' She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and started gathering the fallen scrolls and books.

'Oh please let me.' Maester Gold insisted and hurried to clear them away before her. 'Let me assure you also that you are more than welcome to return here. Let not my coming heed you from your desire to read. In fact I would be intrigued into your thoughts on some in particular.' He was out of breath by the very presence of her and despite being Lady Arryn she held no difference toward his position.

'Well, thank you. I'll leave you rest now. I'm sure you are tired after your journey.'

'Then I bid you goodnight Lady Arryn.' He bowed once more and she smiled before she left which had left a permanent sear on his mind and heart.