Out in the air of the courtyard of Rose Hall, tiny bubbles of soap could be seen floating up into the sky from beside the stables. Despite the weather that grew colder every day there in the dust sat Lady Emma, Clara Flowers, and a giant tub filled with water and bubbles. Right in the middle of which sat a soaking wet Pepper biting at the air as the bubbles floated up. From over his shoulder, the Stable Master, Karamore, could hear Lady Emma giggling as she kept getting a face full of wet fur. In truth it was nice to see the two getting along so well, the captain did not care for Lady Emma's new deformity or that she was only fourteen and Lady Emma never once gave thought to Clara's birth. It was if two long lost sisters had found one another just through a silly dog. The stable master would smile fondly over at the two, perhaps lingering a bit too long on the archer for comfort to anyone watching, and then turn back to the horses. As he brushed out one of the mules he could hear the shouts and running of men that were still being assembled. The man hunt for the person who had orchestrated the heist that crippled Lady Emma was still underway and showed no signs of stopping until the person was either in a cell or dead. Lord Thermos thought the man behind it all had simply escaped and was not a threat anymore. Rodrik on the other hand believed that the person was still at large in the surrounding area, and so with his cries of justice he roused the soldiers into a fury rarely seen in them. Patting the mule down he'd start walking back towards the back of the storage shed. As he slipped safely between the stables and the wall he couldn't help but smirk at how well it had played out; if only they knew just how close the man they were looking for chose to hide.
Rodrik had been nervously pacing on top of the gates of the house for what seemed like hours as he waited for any kind of news on the bastard who had crippled his dear sister. They believed they had apprehended both of the men who had carried out the task, but thanks to the seconds untimely death and the first resisting their interrogations they had no idea who had actually hired them. Slowly shaking his head he leaned back against the front of the rampart, rubbing his temples as he tried to sort through everything. He could understand why someone might want to injure Emma, it would only raise tensions between the Briars and the Ravenholts and could potentially restart the war between them. What he didn't understand, was the cryptic message one gave before he was silenced. Who was the many faced god, and what did he have to do with anything? He could only assume it was some up and coming faction in Essos, but to subscribe to that idea meant he only had more unanswered questions, and he could barely keep his thoughts on his tasks as it was.
As much as he hated sitting at the gates this round of boredom did serve a purpose. If any of his riders came back with news they could report directly to him instead of having to find him or go up the chain of command. Then there was the more important reason, and the one he was most dreading. When Emma had been blinded it had brought all of the Briar children save one back under the same roof. Until of course Thermos decided to send word to have that last missing piece come home. Whether it was a desire to have all of his pawns neatly arranged on his chess board again, or more Thermos testing his oldest son's word Rodrik would never know. Whichever the case may be one thing was certain and the idea of it thrilled the sentinel. Warren Briar, heir to Rose Hall and the oldest of the legitimate children of Thermos, was returning from his four year trip to Essos.
Rodrik had only been four when Warren was born, and his birth coincided with the first anniversary of the now Sentinel's arrival to his father's house. After the death of his mother and of Myria's first husband she brought the boy back to her brother's house with her, figuring he was better off with his father than he would have been in an orphanage. Though when Warren was born the situation ended up better than anyone could have hoped. The lord's first wife Helena had possessed one of the kindest hearts anyone had ever seen, and despite Rodrik being her husband's bastard she took him in as her own son. For those short ten years Rodrik had not one, but two mothers, in Myria and Helena. He remembered each of the two births after that and how special Helena had made him feel when she insisted he be the best big brother again. When Evelyn was born two years later she'd made sure Rodrik knew he had to teach Warren how to be a good sibling, and for the most part it had worked. For the next four years Rodrik and Warren became as thick as thieves, and on the fourth year when Helena announced she was expecting again both of them geared up to become the best big brothers they could to the child that would come, but little did they know how much Emma would change all of their lives.
It was then that Emma's peals of laughter caught his attention, and Rodrik couldn't help but wonder what could have her so happy all of a sudden. Pushing up from his post against the front of the ramparts atop the wall he'd turn, and start scanning the courtyard until at last he saw Pepper running about the courtyard with Emma tossing a stick about for her to chase. As he kept switching his gaze between the duo he was both unable to keep the smile from his face and unable to hear the light footsteps that snuck up behind him. Just as his inner child was about to win and he was about to go down and join in the game of fetch he'd hear a voice just over his shoulder. "You know I've been trying to get that dumb dog to fetch arrows for two years now. Do you think she ever listened to me? All I ever got was a bark or a snore", a voice he recognized to be Clara would hush just behind him.
With a chuckle the Sentinel would pat the stones next to him, beckoning his second in command forwards to talk with him. "Emma has always been good with animals, it was something she inherited from her mother so don't take Pepper's treason personally. Besides, we could always train one of the scouts to retrieve your arrows", he'd tease before sparing a glance over her way. Every time he looked at Clara part of him swore she only got more beautiful by the day, and didn't bother to switch his gaze back to the duo playing below them. Unlike usual today she didn't bother with her armor, instead wearing a plain light blue dress with the sleeves replaced by a halter that was secured by a silver necklace. When he noticed her hair tied up into a bun atop her head he had to resist the urge to reach out and free a few loose curls from behind her ear and instead focus on her response. "That's alright, I was starting to think it was time to pass Pepper on to Emma's ownership anyways. I wonder if I could train a sentinel to chase arrows for me as well", she'd retort before turning to look up at him.
Unable to hold back his laughter or keep his hand still any longer he'd reach out as he spoke, and make sure those few trapped curls were unleashed in the process. "Mmm.. I think sentinels can be trained, but it might take a lot more effort. My question is why would you ever want one when you could have so mu- What happened to your arms?" he'd ask suddenly when his gaze drifted down to her almost completely black and blue inner arms. Almost as soon as the question was out of his mouth Clara was backing off, using her hands to cover her arms and starting up with an explanation, that charming stammer of hers slipping in every so often. "Oh.. Its nothing. Really nothing of c-concern. I uh.. I j-just misplaced my bracers." she'd mutter, but in one swift motion Rodrik had grabbed hold of her wrist and tugged her in closer.
As a blush crept over Clara's cheeks he almost felt bad for embarrassing her, but before Rodrik could take pity on his shy little captain, all of his selfish ways had taken over and he would lean down to whisper in her ear. "Misplaced them, Captain? That's a shame. Perhaps I'll stop by your quarters later and help you look for them. Then perhaps we can go over plans for our annual trip to Dorne in a few months without prying ears", he'd hush almost missing the sound of hoofbeats approaching the front of the gate over the spell her stormy grey eyes had him under.
It was the shouts of "Commander" that brought Rodrik from his brief daydream, but he didn't relinquish his grip on his second in command yet. Instead he found himself letting his fingers trail down over her wrists before he'd took Clara's hand within his much larger one, and gently lead the way back down to in front of the gates. "You found them?" He would ask as the men rode up to the gate, their horses darkened with sweat and quiet save for their heavy breaths.
After a few more moments of silence the Sentinel would once again speak up, this time his voice thunderous as he practically growled the words. "If one of you doesn't speak up I'm doubling tomorrow's training time." Instantly the men began to dismount from their horses and kneel in front of their commander and his second. "No my lord we double checked the paths we traveled yesterday on top of the new areas. It is as if all trace of the one who wounded Lady Emma has disappeared as if they were a ghost. Though you should know...". Whatever else the man said was drowned out by Rodrik's shout of rage as he threw up his hands, and Clara's left hand, in frustration as he took up post with his back against the gate once more.
"All of you go get some rest you've earned it. I'll tell him the other part when he's done brooding", he'd hear Clara announce. Not even noticing the men bow and leave he would continue to rub at his temples with his free hand. "Brooding am I, Captain?" he'd growl, but deep down Rodrik knew she was right. It was even something she confirmed when again she spoke, "You think too much like me to get away with it. You blame yourself for Emma losing her eye, and finding this man would be your repentance. It's just too bad you're the only one that thinks so". Huffing he'd finally look back up at Clara, spotting what he could have sworn was a smug smile starting to form. It wasn't the first time she had read him like an open book, and he doubted with how similar they were it would be the last.
Yet even so he was half tempted to put her back in her place for that remark, but there was some part of him that loved seeing her be so assertive with him, and he was tempted to see if he could replicate it without her blushing. Before he got the chance she was moving again, repositioning to lean on the wall next to him with her shoulder brushing against his arm. "They said they ran into a courier while searching. He reported Warren should be here very shortly. Is there anything I should know about your brother before then?" Clara would ask, and just like that Rodrik was back to his trip down memory lane, but this time he actually bothered to narrate it so Clara didn't have to sit a bored silence.
"Warren's mother was very dear to all of us, and when she died giving birth to Emma none of us were the same for a long time. I don't think Thermos ever recovered from it actually. After Helena died he took up drinking and his already bad temper only got worse. He manipulated us where he saw fit and when we didn't comply he'd strike where he knew it would hurt us the most. Warren was different from us all in that his father couldn't ever get leverage against him as he was the only male heir Thermos had. In a way I respected him for it because I knew it was something I'd never get to do, say no to Thermos." he'd explain, pausing to look down when he felt her hand tighten around his, the first acknowledgment that she knew about the contact.
Encouraged to continue, Rodrik would slowly run his thumb across the back of Clara's, and carry on with the need to know information. "Anyways when the Paramounts stepped in to solve the situation between the Ravenholts and the Briars they suggested a ward exchange, and most everyone figured it would be me to go. When Thermos selected Emma instead everybody was outraged, but nobody more than Warren. He swore to his father that if went through with it he would leave the house until Emma came home for good. Sure enough, the day the papers were signed Warren and his best friend Dorian Tyrell, the youngest of his brothers, both ran off and joined a mercenary company in Essos. Nobody has seen either of them in four years, and it is thanks to the excitement of their son coming home the Tyrells haven't encouraged us to send Emma back. To be honest I'm just as nervous as you are, Clara. We were once so close you would have thought us joined at the hip, but I hadn't received a single letter from him before he wrote agreeing to return" he'd finish, looking to Clara for answers but her gaze had shifted to the top of the hill a mile away from the gates.
As he started to slowly turn his head in that direction he was almost dreading seeing the lone chestnut mare riding up to the gates and the rider in the black cloak sitting atop it. What would he even say to Warren after so long? As the man drew closer and closer he'd feel Clara's hand slip from his own, and see her walk out a few paces in front of the gates. As she waited for lose last few moments Clara would move to grip her wrist behind her back, standing still with her head held high. Rodrik knew he should have followed her, but he wanted to see how well she'd handle this, and he couldn't presently force his feet to move past the outer gate. He was stuck fast as the cloaked man stopped a few feet from his captain and dismounted, his breath catching in his throat when the hood was removed and he could finally take in the face he'd been wondering if he'd ever see again.
Standing not even a foot from Clara was a man who looked so similar to the faces she already knew, she knew his name before he even spoke it. Offering a quick bow of her head she'd skim over his outfit for obvious weapons out of instinct before she remembered there was no use to it. When Clara stood straight again, she was pleased to find out he shared the same round pixie like face and blue eyes that Emma and Evelyn sported, but missed out on their chestnut colored hair, and instead wore his dark blonde hair up into a bun as she had done with her own hair. Though no matter how much he resembled his other two siblings, the only thing about him that could be compared to Rodrik was his height and the build that naturally came with training. Which lead her to wonder just who Rodrik's mother had been to grant him such unique characteristics.
Before she could travel too far with that line of thinking she'd realize that Rodrik wasn't standing right beside her to welcome him, and a silence had just started between them all. In a panic she would clear her throat, and try to remember exactly what her uncle usually did. "Ser Warren, we welcome you back to House Briar. I'm the captain of the archery division and the second in command just under Ser Rodrik. Your room has been readied once more and Lady Emma informed me she would wait for you there. However your father requested you see him at your earliest convenience. Was there anything you needed from me before then, Ser?" she'd ask, hoping she did most of that right.
To her surprise Clara was not met with a simple nod or a dismissal, but instead saw Warren flash her a smile that could have made most women swoon. "If my father wouldn't chew me out for ignoring him, I'd tell you that I needed a long night with a few bottles of wine. Then again, with the way your blushing it might take more convincing than just a little wine." a voice smoother than honey tease, and to Clara's horror she could in fact feel her cheeks getting hot. Just as she was about to stammer her way through some excuse she'd feel a hand come to rest between her shoulders, and thankfully a deeper voice responded for her.
"You've been gone for four years and your first order of business is to seduce my captain? Were there no women in Essos?" Rodrik would chide, though thankfully it only seemed to make Warren laugh. "Of course there were, but I don't remember any of them looking like that or being good enough with a bow to impress you into giving them a position in your chain of command." Warren would return, winking at Clara before walking forwards and clapping his older brother on the shoulder. "It's good to be home, Rodrik. How have things gone since I left? I heard of Lorgan's passing during Aunt Myria's wedding. I'm sorry I couldn't make it back in time for the funeral", Warren hushed, his voice taking on the same twinges of pain Rodrik's had when the death of their Master at Arms was still fresh in everyone's mind.
Though Clara hadn't known the man personally she had heard enough about him in the stories they told during dinner to know he'd been a father to them all where Thermos hadn't been. In a way she understood their connection as she'd had her own misfit family help raise her when her Uncle turned sour, but she wouldn't claim to know the pain of losing a parent. As the duo continued to speak about everything the other had missed over the years, she'd excuse herself to take Warren's horse to the stables and inform Lord Thermos of his son's arrival. Before she could get more than a few steps away with the destrier she'd feel a hand on her arm again, and look up just to see Warren smiling at her again. "You can have Karamore put her in with your horse, I'm sure like their riders they'll get along just fine." he'd chime. Though all she would give in return before she walked off was a coy smile and a quickly replied, "It is a shame I don't have a horse. Your mare will have to spend the night alone".
Leaving both men laughing and picking up on where they left off she'd head towards the stables to do as she was told. Though as she handed off the mare to one of the stable boys she'd turn back to look at the duo she had left behind, both of them laughing as they started an impromptu wrestling match near the gates. Mere months ago she was certain the sight of two grown men rolling in the dirt and trying to grapple one another would have given her a heart attack, but now it was simply another part of her life. After all they weren't really hurting anyone and it was nice to see everyone smiling and laughing. The only time she'd ever been truly opposed to the random athletics contests was the one time Rodrik had roped her into a spar with him, and she'd had to show that without a sword or a bow she was completely useless. Then again him holding her back by simply placing a hand on her forehead was pretty funny.
Shaking her head Clara would turn from the view with a smile and start heading back towards the keep so she could talk to their Lord. She'd already decided that she'd leave out the bout of flirting from the report, just sticking to the bare minimum to save face. Besides, the archer was certain Warren would change his tune the minute he found out she was a Flowers. Though if push came to shove she assumed Emma would step up and inform poor Warren of who she wanted Clara to end up with. Not that Clara minded Emma having already decided that she would be her sister in law, but she assumed that even with all of his teasing Rodrik might have a few things to say about it.
Reminding herself she didn't have time for anything trivial at the moment she'd pick up her pace and hurry through the halls to get to the Lord's office. However just as she was about to knock on the door she'd hear shouting, and suddenly the door would swing open in front of her. Standing before her was just the man she wanted to see, but she would have given anything not to see him like this. As her eyes settled in on the man the first thing she noticed was the pommel of a dagger sticking out of his throat just below his adam's apple, and the trail of blood that leaked down his neck. As all the blood rush from her face she could still hear the commotion behind the man, and as she looked over his shoulder she could see Evelyn laying over the desk while Carth was engaged in a swordfight with a man who looked strikingly similar to Arabel.
Forcing her limbs into action Clara would start to move, only to be stopped by Thermos suddenly collapsing and falling against her. As the blood began to ooze onto her, she struggled to keep her resolve and her lunch. With his weight suddenly falling on her, all she could do was catch him, trying to keep him upright as she watched the unthinkable play out in front of her. The blonde attacker suddenly jumped to the side just as Carth lunged forwards with his rapier, and time slowed just enough for her to see the attacker's sword leave a clean cut along Carth's chest. Without realizing what she was doing, her mind ripped control of her vocal cords away from the icy cold fear that held them still. "Rodrik!" she'd scream out as loud as she was convinced she possibly could, but to her horror the attacker only turned to stare at the unarmed woman holding a corpse. With another prang of fear Clara realized she was the only thing standing between him and freedom.
As she saw him rush towards the door she made the only choice she could think of, and that was to reach up and tear the dagger free of Thermos. As her Lord's body dropped to the floor she stood holding that bloody dagger and waiting for her chance. The initial impact of the blonde man's body against her own was hardly noticeable when compared to the sting of his sword jabbing into her arm. Though no matter how badly she wanted to jump away, she knew this pain was the only reason her plan was going to work. Sucking in a deep breath to give her the strength to go through with this Clara would wait until he was ramming into her to raise the dagger, and use his own momentum to dive the short blade between his lower ribs. It did not stop him from slamming her back into the cold stone walls of the house, but as she heard the thundering of feet running through the halls she was content with the knowledge that justice would catch up with him soon.
Sure enough, the moment the man reached the stairs leading up into their bedrooms Rodrik and Warren came running down the hall with swords drawn. She could see the horror on their faces as they passed the woman coated in blood, but neither could afford to stop the chase now. Once they had rushed past Clara moved forwards once again, stepping over the body of Thermos in order to get to Carth, who was just now getting back to his feet. "Captain his blade was poisoned. I fear I am unable to carry my dearest niece alone. You will aid me in getting her to the Maester", Carth announced, swaying as he stood and moved towards the desk and the unresponsive Evelyn.
In truth the fact he was so easily able to shrug off whatever poison had been used was more than a little impressive. Considering even the secondary dose Clara had gotten when he'd stabbed her arm was making her feel a bit dizzy already, she had to wonder if Carth had tested his own luck a few times before now. Without an argument she almost effortlessly lifted her half of the teen, and with some careful maneuvering and a few shouts to move faster they managed to relocate Evelyn into the Maester's tower. It wasn't until they laid her on one of the tables that Clara realized just how bad the injury was, the hole in her side from where she was stabbed leaving nothing of what innards might look like to the imagination. As Clara's stomach began to twist and turn from just the sight of the wound Carth and Maester Jared would step forwards at the same time, both of them worrying and fussing over the wound. "I'm going to go fetch the body and start maids on the clean up and preparations", Clara would announce, receiving only a wave from Carth before she turned and slipped out the door.
The walk through the courtyard was not the moment of silence she had wished for, instead it was full of guards rushing about and the shouts of men from somewhere high above her. "Calvary to your horses! Run that man down! I will not have him escape", a voice that sounded to be Warren's would shout. Though before she even made it a few steps out of the Maester's tower she was surrounded by archers. The most notable was her lieutenant Jeoff who needed to be assured she was indeed going to survive before settling down enough to listen to her orders about pairing off with members of the cavalry and riding together so they could take shots at range. Even once a squad of her archers had hurried off towards the stables she was still surrounded by people, but this time they were the faces of servants and maids. In truth they were the people she was most comfortable speaking with since it had been the ones at Horn Hill who had raised her, but having to order them around like a lady would while in her state was more than a little disorienting. With more than a little effort on her part she managed to sound moderately sure of herself when ordering a group of them to begin building a pyre, and ensuring another group would instruct the chefs to hold off on the feast and instead prepare something that could last through all hours of the night. With that she'd make sure the rest intended to follow after her to clean up the mess of blood that coated the Lord's office.
As they made their way down the cold stone halls again Clara began to dread the idea of seeing the room once again, and hated the fact she was going to have to carry the corpse back to the Maester and end up coating herself in more blood. Just as her stomach was about to give more people requested orders and it gave her a moment to compose herself before going any further. Though as they entered the study once more she realized just how bad it had been, and her eyes struggled to see a single piece of furniture that hadn't been moved about in the scuffle. The only thing she as sure was exactly where she left it was Thermos. As servants set about their tasks around her she'd swallow her fear and pick up their late lord, but as his body shifted and more blood ran out of his neck and onto her she felt another wave of nausea hit. Forcing herself to try and focus her brain on other things, she'd start moving back towards the tower, but with every corner she turned or door she went through the dizziness only got worse.
By the time Clara reached the table in the back of the infirmary she very nearly dropped Thermos, and only barely got him on the table before she collapsed into a nearby chair and closed her eyes so she wouldn't have to watch the world spin around her. As the voices warped and echoed around her she found it hard to focus on any of them and get a decent bit of information. Just as she was about to give up she'd feel cool fingers brush over her burning skin and manage to open her eyes just enough to see Arabel cleaning and bandaging the wound on her arm. "Evelyn.. How is she?", Clara asked as she finally managed to keep the world from spinning around her. "She'll be just fine. Jaered tended to the wound while I identified the poison. It's just sweet sleep, which is great news for you and Carth" Arabel would chime before gesturing over to the snoring swordsman in the corner. "Clara… Is it true the killer was my brother?" Arabel would inquire, her green eyes filled with pain as they looked up at her. With a heavy sigh, the archer would only shrug. "I honestly can't say. I thought he looked very much like you when I first saw him, but I've never met him to be certain." she'd reply, wincing as the bandage was tightened and Arabel's sorrowful face only fell further. "You should head upstairs. I had servants draw a bath for you and lay out a mourning outfit." the herbalist would instruct with her normally musical voice now flat and lifeless, and before Clara could reassure her that Arabel was still family to everyone else she was running back towards Evelyn's side.
With a sigh Clara would stand from her seat, swaying as she regained her balance and tried to focus on steadying the world around her. The day wasn't even half over and the pile of things she still wanted to do for the house was overwhelming. Not that anybody would have asked her to complete most of the tasks, but in the chaos that was going on she knew the gesture would be appreciated. It took a concerted effort to climb the stairs without falling back down them again, but she realized it was all worth it when at last she sunk into the tub of hot water and let her mind go blank.
After spending the rest of the day in the in search of yet another escaped assassin, Rodrik was starting to consider just giving up. No matter how hard they looked, what precautions he put in place, how trained his men were, the only thing that came was him being out maneuvered by assassins. Annoyingly the moment they had finally found Roland Ravenholt's tracks leading away from their house, they'd been so close to the Dornish border that they ran the risk of an attack simply by being there. Left with no option but to return to the house, they'd spent the better part of an hour ordering men into position, but now they were alone with the promise Jared would be up soon. As he growled out his frustrations in the top room of the maester's tower, Warrengave the last few men orders for new stations. "Didn't think I'd be the Lord of the house until I was thirty", Warren joked once everyone else had left. In response Rodrik spun about to start venting his frustration on his younger brother, but was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the pain plastered on his face. "Nobody did, but here we are with another death and nothing to show for it. The Stranger keeps getting his way and there's not a single thing The Warrior can do to stop him." Rodrik would reply, moving over to set a hand on Warren's shoulder. For what felt like ages they stayed perfectly still and let the silence envelop them until at long last Maester Jared stepped through the doors.
Both men stood to attention at once, uncertain eyes pleading with the old man for a hint of guidance. As Jared moved across the room and took a spot at his desk he'd breathe out a sigh and pour himself a glass of wine. "I suppose you want a status report?" he'd ask, pausing only to let the two boys relocate and take seats in front of the desk. "Thanks to a dagger in his throat Thermos died before anyone could be alerted, but Evelyn, Carth, and Clara all suffered wounds from the ensuing fight. Evelyn was the worst off, but she's doing fine and sleeping it off in her room. Carth and Clara both had to deal with a poison known as sweet sleep, but the minimal doses they received mean both will be just fine. Other than your normal duties I have nothing left for either of you", he'd announce before lifting the goblet and downing it all in one gulp. Sharing a glance between them they assumed the old man had simply forgotten there was more to a death than just a report. "I wish it was that easy, but I've got a huge list. I'm going to need to write to the Tyrells so they can crown me lord, there have to be war meetings, a funeral planned, and a feast arranged for when I take control", Warren would start to explain. Before he was halfway through his list Jared would hold up a hand and cut in, "Captain Flowers already handled most of the things you're about to say. The feast we had planned for tomorrow was moved to four days from now, pyres are are being built as we speak, the letter to the Tyrells has been written and waits only for me to send it, and the captains of all divisions have been informed of the meeting tomorrow after breakfast. Now you two should head to bed, and get ready for tomorrow".
With sighs of relief, both men stood from their chairs and with a few parting words began the trip back to the main hall and their rooms on the top floor. Though Rodrik thought they'd make the trip in silence Warren surprised him when he asked, "Who is Captain Flowers? We should honor him in some way". With a snort Rodrik would elbow his side, "-She-is my archer captain that you insisted on flirting with. It didn't dawn on you to ask her family name?" he'd tease as they stepped out into the night. "I was more focused on some of her better assets to bother. I simply figured her name would be Briar one day and left it at that." Warren would retort, prompting a glare from the Sentinel. "Though based on the look you're giving me I'm starting to think she might be more than just your captain." he'd finish with a smirk crossing his features. With Rodrik turning red his brother would simply laugh, "I thought that might be the case. Why haven't you gone after her yet? Is there some horrible secret about her I don't know that's stopping you from admitting you want to do more than spar with her?"
Breathing out a sigh Rodrik would stop them in front of the doors to the keep, shaking his head before he tried to explain just what stopped him. "If anything it is the opposite, she's too perfect for me. She's almost as kind as Helena was, funny, smart, a hell of a shot, and damn near the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Why would she ever want someone like me? She should be marrying a damn Paramount not the bastard son of a reach house who is going to leave her a widow too early." he'd admit. Though as he began to turn and enter the hall it was Warren's turn to stop him. "You think Thermos was even a tiny bit worthy of Helena? None of that matters when it comes to love, Rodrik. What if she loved you in return? Can you imagine how badly it would hurt if all you keep doing is pushing her away and that was true? If you don't want to confess, then start by courting her and see where it goes. I'll write to Dorian and tell him to bring a destrier with him when he comes in four days. After that it is up to you to take her riding and get the ball rolling. Otherwise someone far worse than just your brother will come along and steal her out from under your nose." he'd warn before patting the Sentinel's shoulder and vanishing into the keep.
For a long time he was frozen solid, staring up at the star filled sky overhead. He was right of course, just as Lorgan had been when he'd scolded him just before his death. There couldn't be anymore holding back, he knew that now. With a renewed ambition he'd take the stairs two at a time, eager to reach Clara and give her the thanks she deserved. As he drew closer to Clara's room he could hear her speaking in what sounded like Dornish, but there was never any reply. When he turned the corner to push open her door he could see his archer curled up in the bay window with a book, Emma sleeping soundly against her chest. With his heart melting he would step quietly into his own room and take off his armor, setting each piece on the stand before moving back across the hall. From his open doorway he could still hear Clara's quiet reading and with near silent footsteps he would try to sneak into her room, only to remember the squeaky board half a second too late. Hearing her voice cut off he would wince and rush forwards. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you. I was just going to check on Emma. Let me take her back to her room, but please don't move I'll be back to speak with you in a moment." he'd hush before gathering the girl in his arms and taking her to her own room. Thankfully he managed to leave her sound asleep and had her tucked in to bed in no time. When finally he returned to Clara's room she was busy snuffing out candles and gathering her blanket to put back on her bed. Leaving his inhibitions at the door he'd walk right up to her, and in one quick movement he would pull her into a hug with one hand lacing through her hair. "Thank you for everything. For taking care of the funeral and the feast, for helping Emma, for setting up the guard; just thank you." he'd murmur against her ear. Eventually he would feel her arms wrap around him in return and feel her head come to rest over his heart. "You don't have to do it all alone you know." she'd hush back, her voice quiet even given their closeness. For what felt like hours to him they would stand in their embrace before he would hug her tighter. "Please come with me tomorrow, I don't think I can stand there alone." he'd beg, and when he felt her nod he would sigh in relief. Before he knew what he was doing or could stop himself he would find himself kissing her hair and wishing her a good night. It wasn't until he was in bed and half asleep that he realized his mistake, and then he was cursing himself for not seeing her reaction to what had to have been his bravest moment all year.
After the four days Warryn was named the new lord and just as promised Dorian had brought along an extra horse. Now all that was left was for Rodrik to keep up his end of the bargain. In less than a month's time he would lead his men off on the yearly patrol of the borderlands and the passes that led from their land into Dorne. Knowing he would be spending more and more time with her planning and drilling, he estimated this may be his last chance to actually spend meaningful time with Clara. Knowing her archers had already been released for the day, he was hoping to catch her just as she was about to leave her room and go observe the scouts. Rushing up the stairs he made it to her room in record time and before he could urge himself to slow down he was knocking on her door. Thankfully it took her more a moment to answer, giving himself time to straighten himself out and to run a hand through his hair. Though even with the time he had to prepare he still found himself speechless when Clara answered the door in a light green dress that hung just off her shoulders. Thankfully he was granted a few extra moments to consider what he would say when she flashed him a smile and stole the first words.
"Hello Ser Rodrik, did you need me? I was about to go make sure the scouts were actually getting things done." she'd chirp. After taking a moment to return her smile he'd simply hold up the scrap of fabric he'd brought with him and give her an ultimatum. "The only thing I need from you is for you to put this blindfold on and follow me. Either that or I lift the prank ban I put on the scouts". Taking her laughter as acceptance he'd make quick work of tying the cloth over her eyes, and ever so carefully lead her through the hall and out towards the stables were his gift awaited her new rider. As he looked over the tall white destrier he wished he'd had time to have a stable boy plait the creatures light grey mane just to add to the appearance, but he was certain she'd love her anyways. Stopping Clara a few meters from the stables, he'd hold out her hands and set a few sugar cubes in her palm before instructing her to hold perfectly still. With his heart pounding in his chest he'd take the rope attached to her halter and gently lead the creature over to her new owner, praying their first meeting went well.
To his absolute joy the mare quite happily accepted the sugar cubes from the archer's outstretched palm, and then stepped forwards to rub her cheek against Clara's head. With a squeal of laughter Clara pulled the blindfold off of her head, both of her hands moving up to rub the mare's neck. "Do you like her?" Rodrik asked, unable to keep himself quiet any longer. "Like her?" Clara questioned, her face lighting up as she ran her fingers through the horse's mane. "I love her! She's beautiful, Rodrik, but is this Warren's 'welcome to being a Lord' gift?" she'd ask, now turning her head to look up at her commander. Forcing himself to keep a similar smile from his face he'd shake his head and reach for her hand once more, setting the rope into her palm as he spoke. "Not quite, she's yours Clara. Though I took the liberty of naming her for you, I hope you don't mind." he'd announce, almost instantly being wrapped in a hug by his captain. With a breathy chuckle he squeezed her tight, listening to her say thank you with every other word. As he waved over a stable hand to take the mare to be saddled for an afternoon ride, he'd stop her mid sentence with a finger to her lips. "Don't thank me yet, you haven't heard her name." he'd remind, smirking as he saw confusion flash across Clara's face. "What did you name her?" she'd ask as they watched the mare be lead back to the tack room. "Salt", he'd get out before he felt the swift retribution of a light punch to his shoulder and was rewarded with her fit of laughter.