"Quickly get him in!" Aragorn shouted to his men who held the litter Faramir lay upon.
"My love!" Arwen ran from the halls, embracing her Lord husband in relief. "What has become of Faramir?"
Sighing, Aragorn shook his head. "Tywin Lannister united a group of riders with the Tyrells against Stannis and us. There were too many of them, strong and unfought. Our forces were divided…Faramir and the Rohirrims couldn't hold them up. That was when he was injured." He turned slightly to Princess Eowyn by the door, watching the healer rush to Faramir over the bed, examining his symptoms. She had insisted of bringing him back herself, while her brother and men had asked to return to Rohan.
"I couldn't do anything," Arwen whispered, "only a few moments after you and your men left, a letter was sent from Legolas. He had warned us of the Tyrells, and bid you to be more careful. There was no way to send you his message. I was afraid he had guessed it right…now it seems, indeed he did." Her eyes turned slightly, seeing a familiar face run past Eowyn's shoulder.
"Faramir!" Daenerys burst inside the doors to where Gimli stood near Faramir's bed. "How is he?" she whispered hastily, calling out to the healer. "What say you?"
"His wound has been infected by the poison the arrow bore," the old doctor answered, "there are few antidotes to cure such strong poison. If we do not find a cure to it, I'm afraid the captain would have no longer than two days until now."
"There must be something you can do!" Daenerys called dourly. Stroking Faramir's sweaty forehead, the sight of Khal Drogo, laying before her before his last night of life flashed before her eyes. She would not allow something like that to happen again upon her, upon someone she cared for.
"There is a way," Arwen called from behind, stepping inside with the most solemn expression. "My folks, my Lord Father Elrond had once told me that we own a sort of remedy, a cure to all kinds of poisons. Yet none of my people have remained in Rivendell as far as I know, after they all sailed across the Seas to the place we came from long ago. I was the only one to stay behind. It is more than a day's ride to Rivendell just to get there, and I fear I do not know where the antidote is kept in our old houses. If I were to go, then I fear I would take longer than the time Faramir has."
"My lady you must try then," Eowyn ran beside her, startling Daenerys from her own meditation. "We cannot give up upon him so easily…I'm sure there'll be some way to extend Faramir's time, long enough for your return. You're the only one that has a chance to find the remedy…Faramir's life depends on it."
"I will do my best," Arwen nodded, leaving the room rashly, bidding her husband a brief farewell before grabbing a gray cloak by the doorway, trotting down the halls towards the stables.
Dany's face was full of surprise. She knew for an instance that the beautiful lady warrior before her eyes was Eowyn, the Princess Faramir had once loved. She did not say a word while placing a cold cloth among Faramir's burning brows, whispering soothing words into his ears. She knew that the Lady Eowyn was staring, yet she cared not of any matter other than Faramir's welfare at the moment. "What can you do," she said towards the physician, "to give him as much time as possible?"
"There is nothing in my power," the old man suggested, "however, it was said that the venom of a dragon can act as a deadly poison, but also a cure to many illnesses. If I am able to measure the right amount, it may give Captain Faramir a day longer to await for Her Grace's return."
"My dragons' venom?" Dany's eyes shined with hope once more. "I'll get some now."
"Beyond that Khaleesi," the old physician added before she left the room, "I must warn you of the risk I take of using such a thing. The slightest overuse, a drop or two used more or less as reasoned, can act oppositely. If the medicine is not measured accurately by the amounts requested, it might as well kill Captain Faramir even faster."
"We'll risk it then," Aragorn pulled a hand over Daenerys' shoulder, walking forward, "Let us prepare this liquid for later, if Arwen does not come back soon enough within Faramir's remaining time. Only use it when there is no other way."
"Yes sire," the old man nodded, "and if will you be most kind Khaleesi, of filling this vial with some venom of your dragons?"
Danny pulled the container inside her hands before nodding. She flew away through the halls back towards her chambers as Ser Jorah followed right behind her back. He hadn't seen her so concerned with any matter ever since Drogo's death.
...
It was against the custom to ride among horseback within the throne room before the King, yet Tywin Lannister was granted the right to do so after his on-time rescue for the King's Landing.
Legolas stood solemnly behind Joffrey over the iron throne, while Cersei Lannister sat right beside him on another. All the lords were gathered below the stairs and at the up left corner's balcony was where the ladies watched.
"I, Joffrey of the House Baratheon," the boy King called among his people, "the first of my name, the rightful King of the Andals, and the first man, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, do here by proclaim my grandfather, Tywin Lannister, the savior of the city, and the Hand of the King." He handed the squire boy the pin, the symbol of the Hand, dropping it over the pillow the boy held.
Accepting the piece from the pillow, Tywin Lannister looked up proudly at his nephew as he managed a small bow above his white horse. "Thank you Your Grace," he answered formally. He was said to be a man who never smiled.
Legolas had no heart to watch the old man ride away. His eyes moved away unnoticeably, falling among Sansa between the crowd of ladies over the balcony. She was so beautiful, he once again realized. He hadn't had the chance to talk to her since the battle ended.
"Lord Petyr Baelish, step forward!" Joffrey commanded, calling for Little Finger.
"For you good service," the boy continued as the middle-aged lord kneeled to one knee, "and ingenuity in uniting the Houses of the Lannisters and the Tyrells, I declare that you should be granted the Castle of Harrenhal, with its attendant lands and incomes, to be held by your sons, grandsons, from this day, until the end of time."
Raising his head, Little Finger smiled. "You honor me beyond words, Your Grace." Standing up from his knee, he nodded. "I shall have to require some sons, and grandsons." The whole throne room rang with laughter after his words, while Lord Baelish stepped aside back to his place. Even Joffrey himself had a grin on his serious face, as he let out a light chuckle.
"Ser Loras Tyrell!" he gestured towards the Knight of Flowers, a boy not older than seventeen. He was one young man all the young girls of the Seven Kingdoms dreamed of.
Loras stepped away from his sister towards the center, getting down to one knee.
"Your house, has come to our aid," Joffrey spoke, "the whole realm is in your debt, non more, so than I. If your family would ask anything of me ask it, and it shall be yours."
"Your Grace," the Knight of Flowers answered with a clear voice, "my sister Margery, her husband was taken from us before," a sadness rose to his face, yet he still continued. "she remains innocent, I would ask that you find it in your heart of joining our Houses."
Frowning a bit, Joffrey rose slightly from his throne. "Is this what you want, Lady Margery?" he asked towards the auburn-haired girl behind the young knight.
As the girl stepped forward, Legolas noticed the beauty she bore. She was maiden in her youth, yet tall, and elegant. Her silky hair was combed behind her shoulder neatly, yet not covering the pale whiteness of her skin, and her intriguing eyes. However, he couldn't find the same feeling other men would have found for the rare beauty the maiden bore. He glanced up at Sansa among the balcony again, letting out a slight smile as she found him staring.
"With all my heart Your Grace," Margery Tyrell stood below the boy King, smiling sweetly, "I have come to love you from afar. Tales of your courage and wisdom have never been far from my ears, and those tales have taken roots deep inside of me." She paused for a brief moment, seeing Joffrey's pleased expression from her praise.
Legolas knew clearly then, by the next moment, that Margery was the love that he would never crave for. If beauty was the word to describe her appearance, than cunning and sly would have fit to describe her nature.
"I too, have heard tales of your beauty and grace," Joffrey replied slowly, "but tales do not do you justice my lady. It would be an honor to return your love, but I have promised to another, a King must keep his word."
"Your Grace," Queen Cersei smiled beside her son, "in the judgment of your small council, it would be neither proper nor wise for you to wed the daughter of a man beheaded for treason, a girl whose brother who is in open rebellion against the throne as we speak. For the good of the realm, your councilors beg you, to set Sansa Stark aside." She turned coldly towards the little bird over the balcony with a glimpse. The whole throne room rang in mumbles, while a few men had actually had the courage to scream out their wishes. "We want Margery!" "Give us Margery..."
Rising from his throne immediately, Joffrey raised an arm to silent the voices. No one noticed that Legolas had actually smiled at such a thought. Sansa would be so happy if she were not to marry the boy King anymore.
"I would like to heed your wishes and the wishes of my people," Joffrey spoke among all the others, "but I took a holy vow."
"Your...Your Grace," the old Master Pycell stammered with a cough, moving his feet slowly towards the center to face Joffrey, "the gods do indeed hold the betrothal solemn, but…but your father, King Robert of blessed memory, made this pact before the Starks of Winterfell had revealed their falseness. Their crimes against the realm free you from any promise you have made to them, in the sight of the gods."
Standing high before the iron throne, Joffrey was quick on switching sides. "The gods are good! I'm free to heed my heart. Ser Loras, I will gladly wed your sweet sister." The room was filled with jubilant before the Knight of Flowers even rose from the floor. Margery's face brightened with the most satisfied and joyful grin, as Joffrey spoke the sweetest words. "You will be my Queen, and I will love you from this day, until my last day." The whole room exploded with applause.
Only then, did Legolas notice the Lady Margery's eyes, moving away towards Sansa briefly. It seemed for somehow, that she had actually felt sorry for the girl. He was the only one who would feel happy for the little bird, while he clapped after the crowd, grinning as he looked up at Sansa again.
She didn't dare smile, before all the people still watching her. However, Legolas knew, she was the one who felt better than anyone else did inside the whole throne room, before she stepped away from the ladies to exit.
...
Galloping beyond the rivers towards the plains and forests, Arwen whispered among her gray horse's ear. The Elvish folks were known in the myths to have the talent of having a language to communicate with the horses. They could talk to them, and tell them what to do. All Arwen wished was that she would run faster.
It was noon already. She left before first light and did not take a single stop throughout the journey. She knew that Faramir's life was at stake, and she would do her best to give him a better chance.
...
Dany along with princess Eowyn were the only one still inside the room where Faramir lay in. Aragorn had left after a night of exhaustion. It was past day break already, yet the whole castle was silent.
Jorah had asked that she at least get some sleep, for Dany had not closed her eyes ever since the night the army left Minas Tirith for the attack.
Dany would simply smile, and keep at Faramir's side.
"The wound isn't deep," she said before Eowyn as she wrapped her arm, cut by a soldier's dagger in the battle.
"I appreciate everything you've done for me Khaleesi," she smiled softly, smoothing her blonde hair away to reveal her brown eyes. The princess seemed more beautiful by then, after she had unarmed her armor and helmet. Her skin was yet dusty and sweaty after the long night's ride back to Gondor.
"You should get some rest," Dany gave her shoulder a light pat, "you've been through a lot since the past two days. Leave Faramir to me, if he has any changes, I'll be sure to let Doreah give you a notification."
Nodding a little, Eowyn glanced at Faramir over the bed, pursing her lips. "Faramir would like it too, if it is just you and him…throughout the whole returning journey, he called your name Khaleesi. You must mean a great fortune to him."
"He called for me?" Dany's eyes widened unbelievably, "For what reason might he do that?"
"I don not know," Eowyn smiled a little, shaking her head. "He just...couldn't stop."
"I don't understand..." Dany mused over herself quietly, frowning, "I've heard your story…Faramir told me, that it was you whom he love."
"Loved," Eowyn corrected calmly, "he once did. I cannot deny that I had never actually loved him, but I can say truly that I did care for him. I know how he is when he has fallen for another…and if you feel the same of him Khaleesi, if you too love Faramir, you should cherish him. I was a stupid girl, longing for a man who didn't love me back. Even now, I still can't get him out of me…perhaps I'm fated to stay like this, a warrior, a woman soldier. It is never easy to find a man who you love who also loves you back…but when you do, you best not miss the chance with him, or nothing will be the same without him." She rose from her seat with the most thoughtful expression, "I'll leave him under your care now Khaleesi."
...
Strolling along the halls with countless columns, Sansa could feel her own joy. For one whole year she had never felt so happy before. She was free of Joffrey…she grinned over herself, letting out a silent chuckle before it turned into a gasp. A hand grabbed her waist suddenly, pulling her behind a column.
"You startled me..." she muttered while Legolas pushed her shoulders against the column, his blue eyes right before her face.
"You could do better on hiding your emotions my lady," Legolas teased, "your face gives a clear sense of how glad you are to not be the King's betrothed anymore."
"And you Ser," Sansa shook her head playfully, "you could do better on hiding your feelings. The last time you kissed me…someone could have noticed."
"And you did not reject," Legolas laughed. "Does that grant me the right to do it again?"
"It does," Sansa smiled, as she felt him closer to her. Letting her eyelids drop closed, she enjoyed the softness of his lips and its warmness. It was no passionate kiss, yet a winsome one.
As she stared upon Legolas' blue eyes above her, Sansa felt the peace she had never owned before. Laying her head closely over his chest, she ran her arms around him, feeling as if the moment would last forever.
