Chapter 26

One More Day

"You know…" Alton first started.

"Hmm?"

"My father… he used to lock us up in our quarters for days when we were little… few of the times because we weren't following orders… most of it were causing an embarrassment to the… well the family."

"Oh, and?"

"I have a fashion to… sort of get used to it," He then looked at me and contemplated carefully on his words. "… You… well, my lady… you don't."

Turning my head sideward from an extremely uncomfortable position and then rolling myself upright on my cot, I growled at him. "I do not."

Things were starting to settle down after the incident, but it still had caused an abruption among the ranks. I clearly remembered sometime around the afternoon when I woke up, that Robb was supposed to march down to Harrenhal that day, but it was postponed for another few sunrises because of the what happened with Jaime. The Baratheon Prince took a lot of convincing for him to agree with the delay, he didn't like it, but eventually he did relent after a few attempts of persuasion.

But, in whatsoever case, I was stuck in this semi-lonely tent. With nothing but Alton staring back at me and then towards an empty space and then back at me again over the course of a few days. It was creepy, but I shrugged it off as a bored-paranoia thing… And to be honest, I was feeling bored as well.

We haven't talked that much, really. It was always, "go pee in there", "don't look while I'm changing my clothes", or the common "no funny business" usually before I go to sleep for the night. I didn't know what he was expecting, but I'm sure as hell's stubborn when it comes to forgiving people— especially when they were in the wrong.

And surprisingly, even if he was chained up by his wrists, not with his feet, mind you— he didn't attempt to escape at all after what had happened. The guards were somehow skeptical about it, but I dismissed them, stating that I'd mind-controlled Alton into doing my bidding. Of course, they, Alton included, were all giving me this weird look when I said it, but much like all of my crazy sarcastic insights, they just didn't try to push on after that.

But going back, we haven't talked, and this was the first time he opened up a lengthy conversation. Not by much, but it was a relief from being imprisoned here for God knows how long already.

"I did not mean to offend my lady," He looked away by ducking his head. "It's just that I worry that—"

I snorted, cutting him off. "You worry?"

"… I know I have done you wrong by letting the Kingslayer go but…" He first trailed off. "I still do think that maybe I was just pretending not to believe the whole thing, even when Jaime uttered those words before we were held away…"

"You heard that?" I asked. I remembered he was sort of unconscious back then. He was awake, but he was still groggy, and probably had a hard time understanding everything around him.

"Bits and pieces," He sighed disconcertingly in reply. "I tried to rearrange my memories when I finally came to, and when I remembered him claiming his deed… it's… it's still hard for me to accept, my lady. But I'm trying. I guess I should've believed those stories of him being a traitor..."

"He's not." I quickly replied back. He was surprised by the tone of my voice, and I slowly crept back by curdling myself behind my legs. "He was just pushed into situations he didn't ask for." I then defended.

"And yet, you do not trust him. You defend him, and yet you deny the nature of what he's truly capable of when he's pushed to the limit." He pointed out. "He tried to kill me."

… I hate to say it, but he was right. I couldn't trust Jaime— at least, not completely. There was just this air surrounding him that tells me that he wasn't completely evil, yet at the same time, he wasn't entirely good either. It was a simple conclusion as that.

"There's punishment, and then there's inhumane punishment." I crossed my arms while I was sitting. "Back in my world, you can't kill someone just because he tried to kill you. That's just barbaric."

He tilted his head. "Your world?"

I widened my eyebrows for the slip of the tongue. Ugh. Stupid. But I dismissed it and thought that might as well be done with it than to circle around the topic later on. "Long story."

Maybe it was because he thought that I was too mystical beyond his reach, he didn't think about the issue too long and just nodded in reply. "Wherever it might have been, but that's not what we have in here. This world is much more brutal than you've probably seen."

"And what makes you think I haven't seen anything yet?" I retorted, slightly annoyed.

I wanted to tell him how I got almost raped by a dozen people, or how about the time when I got my leg massacred which was the reason why I wasn't able to walk properly ever since, or maybe the time when I got stabbed in the stomach by a shadowy figure. If those weren't brutal to his eyes, then possibly, I don't know what could be worse.

"Look. I know that you're angry. I get that. You could take it out on him, have revenge or whatever, I don't care. But when does it end? It's just one more life taken for some stupid excuse. I'm trying to save innocent lives here, not turn them into murderers."

This gave him another moment to pause. With his primitive way of thinking, he had then realized what I just said and he bowed ruefully.

"You're right. I apologize, milady." He then spoke. "I shouldn't have taken advantage of you. I've spoken out of turn…"

Oh, wow. Now I feel like he was talking to wise-old Gandalf, and it somehow took form into a barely twenties something-year old girl who wore breeches in front of a guy. And he's more likely older than me, just to let it out there.

But by the way that I was gauging him with my conversations, I'm starting to realize that Alton's personality spoke that he didn't really stand up much to himself. I could undoubtedly see his Lannister appeal and he can make up a bit of confidence when he's spoken his words, but he lets his opinions slide without too much of an effort on his part. I don't know if it's because of the distant relations to the main Lannisters (so he said), and heck, I certainly don't know the hierarchy scheme of families here, but, he was just… different. Far different than those Lannisters I commonly knew.

My hands slumped down to my sides again, and reverted back to a regular sitting position. My hands were now on my lap and my feet were touching the pebbly floor.

In an immediate dismissal of the previous one, I then opened up another topic to avoid the awkward staring at each other.

"Do you know how to wield a sword?" I asked.

He nodded his head, agreeing to the course of the conversation. "I had a trainer my father bought that Lord Barristan himself trained with. Trained me for six months, I believe. Many years ago." He reminisced. "I never had proper training after, but I keep my learnings sharp by participating in some of the tourneys held by our branched family members over at Lannisport, given the occasion."

I hummed. "Must be exciting."

"I never won."

"Still, that's something. I haven't even touched a sword since…"

I remembered the rudimentary trainings back when I was at the Wall. I remembered Jon's face again, and it brought back a slight ache in my chest. It didn't hurt as much as it used to, but thinking about those peaceful and happy moments and having no care in the world on what's going to happen, it just made me feel melancholic.

"… Well, since months already."

Alton thankfully didn't notice (or at least maybe he tried to ignore) the pause that I made, and instead wore a bemused look on his face. "You've wielded a sword?" He then asked.

"Contrary to popular belief," And essentially to every girl thrown off into a world in many a story, "Apparently yes. But with a pipsqueak like me, I rather tend to the back of a fight… you know, pelting them with rocks or bolts or something." I then shrugged with a small smirk.

"It's not unheard of," He then retracted quickly, as if he said something offending again. There was an inquisitive look on his face, weirdly similar to what had Jaime did. "Is that why you're not able to walk properly? Because you've fought with someone?"

"Try being ganked by a couple of no-do-gooders." I huffed. He again looked at me skeptically, but I just shook my head. "It's not that relevant anyway."

Although to be fair, I didn't technically use a sword that time. Not that it mattered anyway. I was hoping if I could've sparred with anyone. Not because I wanted to win, gosh knows all the time my butt fell off the ground… but I think of it as a habitual routine exercise, perhaps? You know, keeps the blood running and all that. It's been a while since I've ever done training, and with all the everyday ones that the Wall had me have, I kinda got used to it. And now, without its presence, I somehow have gotten antsy without it all of a sudden.

"I was just thinking, if maybe I could somehow wield a sword again." I then stated after the pause. "It's not that because I wanted to train or become better at it, or anything remotely close to that." I rambled next. "I just… needed an outlet, that's all. Somehow, sparring with someone keeps my nerves in check. It's been a stressful couple of weeks, and I think I maybe in need of a beating or two."

There was a slight cringe that creased in his face. "You doubt yourself of your ability to fight."

"I can tell you honestly that I'm never good at it." I replied. "Matter of fact is, even if I have some kind of mysterious and awe-inspiring title behind my name, doesn't make me a demi-goddess-warrior-of-light-conqueror-of-worlds type of person. I'm no Kingslayer or a Khaleesi, I'm just a run out of the mill teenage girl who somehow just got lucky I even had to dance around a spotlight, even for a short time."

He didn't get the entirety of it, but I could see that he somehow got the gist of what I said. It seemed that he was contemplating on what to say again, and then opted for one after a few seconds of a pause.

His cheeks flamed and he ducked his head. "… I still wouldn't try to underestimate you. You are, after all, the Fate-Changer."

…

Awwww…

Well, wasn't he a charmer. Guy at least know how to give compliments to a lady, that's for sure. Though I know just by looking at him that he could kick my butt any day, it was a bit sentimental that he would still give out a small moment to let me shine, even if I didn't want to.

Still, he was still shy about it though. I did a quick happy dance in my head and smiled at him. This was the first time we ever had a hearty conversation, and I was somehow proud of both ourselves that we're slowly getting past the incident that happened.

The flap of the tent waved, and we both looked at the person who entered, revealing Robb Stark in a less than going-to-combat attire. He still wore his trademark fur cloak and sword under his belt, but he had a leather vest instead of a chestplate filled with straps and other weapons.

"A moment of your time." He said, giving me his smallest of hints.

I didn't bother replying, but I immediately went on and grabbed my long dress and coat by the table. I caught the usual routine of Alton when I was getting dressed, and somehow, everything didn't feel right all of a sudden.

"Is it okay if he could come?" I pointed at Alton. He stopped moving from behind the pole and turned his head. It was obvious he was flitting his eyes towards us and down, not approving of the attention. "He could also use some fresh air for a bit."

Robb looked directly at him and Alton reacted by looking away, Robb still thinking about his decision. "Didn't you think he's going to make another attempt at escaping if we made it happen?"

"He won't."

Robb looked at Alton thoroughly. His lips were still contemplating it, but after a few moments of eye-staring, his attention went back to me.

"I'll have a few guards tend to him." He then spoke. "We also have to move somewhere else more private. I don't want him getting picked off by my bannermen."

He took a glance on the dress and then gave me a short nod, leaving the premises so I could do my lady thing. When he was gone, I breathed out a sigh of relief. I panned my head back to Alton, but he was already behind the huge post and didn't utter any comment on the issue.

Looking at the flap again, I had briefly wondered why Robb had asked for me again, even if I knew I was currently on detention. I had a feeling I knew though, but I bet there was something more to it than I realized.

We were strolling along a foothill overlooking some of the expanse of the camp. The place was a bit quiet save for a few whistling of the tree branches that were layered in front of us. I imagined it would be a good place to scout a small area of the camp there, as it contains some of the pivotal spots like the medical ward section just underneath us and the war tent a few yards away.

Robb and I were walking side by side, my hands in front and cupped with each other, like a proper lady next to a King, and a few feet behind us were a few of Robb and I's entourage of guards. Two of them were gripping the shoulders of Alton, who didn't have any cuffs or links bound to him right now. He felt small, but that didn't bother him; I could see that he had his brows furrowed, and I could assume he was still thinking about why he was there.

"You sure you're right to trust him?" Robb who was beside me, started off.

"He's good." I replied.

"I can't say what you're doing is whether good or not, I only know that he will be your responsibility."

"I know… He's not part in all of this, but I believe in his worth. He didn't have to suffer because of his bloodline."

"You always believe there's worth in everyone." He then said.

I chuckled. "It's not a healthy trait to have in this world, I know, but I liked to think of it that way."

He only did a slight smirk, but I take it that he accepted it too. I looked back at the road we were following, only to be but an endless path in my view. The feeling subsided and my intuition told me that the light conversation would come by later.

"I'm sorry that I delayed your march. We would've been halfway through Harrenhal by now if I thought of how to deal with Jaime." I ruefully apologized.

"But it bought us more time with your plan." He then said. "I might even be here when it all carries out."

"Good. I… I didn't want to be alone when I do it anyway."

"My mother will be kept safe from harm. What you told me of my family is all I need to know. If everything goes right, we'll have them back in no time."

I didn't spoke right after. There was an eventual pause that hung in the air, but we were still moving listlessly towards the gravel road. I looked towards my right, where the busybodies of the camp lurked. The ward was there, and I saw faint view of Jeyne tending to one of the injured persons…

I stopped in the middle of the way and turned my direction towards the overlook.

Without looking at Robb, I had a thought that came out of my lips. "How are things with you and Lady Jeyne?"

Suddenly, his footing stopped as well, and a moment of surprise was caught on his face. "She…" He then trailed off.

This time I looked at him, a small smirk trying to escape. "You know you can't really hide anything from me. Especially this time around."

"I… yes. You're right." Funny though, he still wore that impassive gaze the Stark men used to love to do all the time. It's like they became more steel-hard than ever before when they're stuck in a vulnerable spot. "I'm… fond of her. Though I doubt she could say the same about me."

"That's an understatement." I told him. "For a moment there, I expected you to describe her to a million things."

"Not likely," He then replied. "We became… closely acquainted at first, even before you came along, but…"

His eyes darted somewhere, as if he didn't want to speak about it on a personal scale. Though something inside my head flickered like a bulb turning on, when a thought slowly crashed waves upon waves.

"You're never up front about courting her, aren't you?" I suddenly realized.

Robb turned his head rapidly, eyes looking slightly offended. "What? Do you think we we're going to get married?" As if he said like it was the last thing he'll ever do, until…

It dawned on him.

I instantly grabbed a hold of Robb, not wanting him to fall down or anything like that. Maybe for some comfort? But either way, I wanted to explain it to him properly.

"Look Robb, I'm not forcing you to do something just because you got the hint of what's going to happen. It's just… I didn't know what happened. I had always thought by now that you two would be… together, or something."

"But that would still be good. Maybe. I don't know…" I then continued. "I'm not making any sense, am I?"

He shook his head. I noticed that he was still a bit bewildered at the revelation. Something about the start of the conversation didn't come out right, so I had little else to do but to start over at the beginning.

"You and Jeyne… you two became close when you two first met. It usually revolves around the encampment really, and you doing favors for her…"

"I've done it by giving her the medicine she needs for healing." Robb clarified.

"Yes. That. And because of that, you became each other's solace and company. You're each other's companion during either's vulnerable moments, and slowly, feelings just erupted… Look, I'm sorry that I'm telling you this. I can't play who you're going to give your affection to, but I'm only saying what it is, as it is."

"All of this… this is again what is of my fate in the future?" He then concluded.

"Supposedly… But like Renly's, you still have a choice."

Again, he looked to his side. I didn't know what he was thinking. All of what I'm saying to him recently usually just pisses him off, but it's the sad truth. I promised. I would never hide anything from him. So long that the situation calls for it, I know everything would be told to him soon. But one moment at a time.

And if he gets pissed off all the time, at least what I'm telling him would eventually make him safe. I'm not saying that Jeyne was a danger to him, but… it causes conflicts. I would very much like to see what happens if he waited. If somehow, he could've thought about the decision much clearer than what's supposed to be. Before he runs off with her into the night.

"I'm… fond of her." He then finally swayed back. "That is true, but I should not act too brashly. I am still betrothed, after all."

The word "betrothed" was the first time he ever spoke of it to me, I realized. But then again, I should've already noticed before because I knew those bridge-thing sigils floating about the camp were so undoubtedly familiar.

"The Freys?" I awkwardly mentioned.

He nodded his head. "It was a proposal way before I ever met you. Though I assume you already know."

"It was… an essential part they emphasized on... well," I trailed off, shifting myself as I did rather become uncomfortable. Was it because of what I was about to tell him as well? Would he take it as treason? But he needed Walder's armies for the upcoming battles… I couldn't ever take his playing cards without ever giving something back, and all I have were nothing helpful to his cause.

But still…

"You shouldn't trust the Freys."

Again, he fixed his eyes on mine, but this time he was a bit perplexed. He didn't expect that coming off my mouth, but there it just went. I have to keep my promise, that's what I kept on repeating in my head.

"I can't… I can't make you believe that one unless I have proof, but please hold on to that word." I hurriedly said.

He regarded my words for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"It's just… they're important. To you now more than ever. They're your gates back and forth the North, and they have armies that would help. You could use them. But don't let them use you." Then again, I was beating around the bush with this topic. I hated this part. I was sounding too vague aren't I? But I couldn't help it. I know I promised, but I was also too scared that I was just worming my way around it. "I promise I will explain everything to you. I would need it so you could tell you men all about it once I have proof." I then continued.

"I… I understand. You must keep your secrets. Until you know it's the right time."

Another deja vu moment tingled within my bones, and I was suddenly caught on an onset of tears waiting to break like a dam. I remembered back in the North, back when Benjen didn't even spoke by keeping my secrets and lying, and he just simply nodded and understood the whole situation. Same also goes with his brother, Bran. And Jon… until, when…

I still know for the fact that the Starks all have something in common. They're kind and patient enough to let someone they trust keep a secret. They shouldn't though, not in their world, but I was glad that there's still a tinge of hope that there might be at least some goodness in this world, even on the account that there were very few that exists anyway.

It made me think about how they were so used by that kindness and diligence. It felt like it was so unfair, like even in my world, you can't hide the fact that there's still some hint of corruption somewhere out there, even in a world so fully advanced and morally upright by some standards. And it was worse here. Nothing is ever as it seems, and there are so many who would build up with lies and deceit to achieve the greater goal, and seeing Robb survive all of that…

"I'm putting a lot of pressure to you into this, aren't I?" I then said. There was a surge of something that rumbled in my heart. It was beating fast, I was breathing rapidly as well, and I was startlingly becoming hyperaware of things. "You should be mad at me for not saying things to you, not when I know that you need all the help you could get. I'm betting on you to win. You and Renly. Whoever… just, I want it someone who could reinstate peace. But I want you, because you're a Stark, and I've met plenty of Starks before, and I just know…"

"My lady—"

"I know you can do it. But I don't know right now if I'm helping or not. Especially with the plan…" I listlessly trailed off, my eyes blinking owlishly. Then, I finally came into a revelation. "Robb, if you think that I'm going way too far with this, tell me to stop, and we'll just forget the whole thing."

He stopped and turned fully towards me.

"Look, I know it's wrong to keep appearance to the folks around you, but I can't let anyone know what we're doing. I know that it's not your thing, and I'll probably make it worse just by taking a wild guess at the future, but we'll call it off if you want to—"

"Look at me."

My ramblings stopped.

Slowly, he crept one hand on my shoulder, another slid in to caress my cheek. My eyes widened and I felt a blush heat up my starting-to-wet-cheeks. He stared at me— practically gazing at my soul, with those bright Stark eyes.

"I made the decision because I trust you. I left the fate of my family into your hands, and if you back out on this, then it will all be for nothing. You shouldn't have persuaded me in the first place if you believe it wasn't a good plan."

I nodded, shaking my head up and down. Yes…. Yes, he was right.

…

I didn't know why doubt overtook me for a moment there… maybe it was because I was stressing out too much? I had gotten used to predicting things that eventually would've happened, but never it went too awry for this. I guess it had something to do with Jaime and Alton altogether, but they were an unavoided mishap. I should've mustered up my own words, "Suck it up and move on."

"Do what you feel is right." He then said. "I won't blame you if anything goes wrong. I don't feel pressured. I just want my family back. I would do anything to ensure their safety, And if I could do that by believing in you, then I will."

I nodded, still somewhat a bit confused. I tried to calm myself, but it wasn't really working. So here I was, exposing my vulnerable side again. To the eyes of some of his men, and to Alton.

"Right… right." I pulled away from him, wiping off any liquid that was starting to break through, and then backing a few feet away, not wanting any kind of instigation that might start because of this. I didn't want men starting to hear whispers about this incident, but I doubt there still might be one or two going to happen.

With one last huff of breath, I mustered up my confidence, or whatever's left of it, back. "Okay."

I switched instantly back to the road, and the silence beckoned again for at least a few minutes.

And in those silence, it made me thought about another sensitive change that pulled the threads away from its course: Robb and Jeyne. Talisa. Whatever. Either of the two, I assumed that there was supposed to be something going on between them. It may not be public info, but it didn't feel like he was professing his love when he told me about it. It was more of like a schoolboy crush, pressing down the feelings that weren't supposed to be there.

I mean, there is something there, just not viable enough to go marrying her out of the blue. I still don't know though, there might be an off-chance that it still might happen, and when it comes, then we all have to be prepared for the consequences. Luckily, I have a chance to prevent the Red Wedding from ever occurring if I play the Game very carefully. With Robb still having the better odds of winning in the latter end.

But, what did I ever do to even prevent the blossoming feelings of Robb for her? I didn't even mind if the two of them end up being together, I had already set that expectation in my mind already. And if I do believe, everything should've flown normally like it did, but why did this just stopped all of a sudden?

I didn't know, and I didn't like that it irks me to think about it. I had gone all out passive, but I could still make influence… and should I even begin to mind that there might be others who could've also brought him out of the path? There were many possibilities, and I'm clearly not a genius to solve the questions themselves.

Shaking my head, I'm pretty sure that I'm sidetracking the important conversation at hand here. We've been talking for quite a while already, and we still haven't gotten to the main bit as to why he even asked me to come out here in the first place. I looked back to Alton, catching him staring at me, and then he ducked his head down in embarrassment. There was a second there that I would've commented that look, but I dismissed it altogether and matched my gaze towards the rest of our companions. The rest of the soldiers were just looking ahead and absent-mindedly marching to follow their King.

I noticed we were in a heap of distance and so I began.

"So, what news of your forces?" I began, not looking at Robb.

His face hardened, and after that, we both knew what's going to happen next.

"The delay's expected, as you promised. We will not march Harrenhal until we are fully prepared for either the Lannister forces, or Stannis'. Even though we already are." He then said. "But…"

I titled my head only slightly, not to cause unwarranted attention. Uh-oh.

"It shouldn't take this long. Our forces are already ready, and we're only waiting for Renly's command, but he hasn't shown up to any of our war meetings as of late."

"Is he alright?" I then asked, worry starting to crawl its way to me.

"He is fine. He's just… forced to absent himself as of late."

If this was his thing going on with Ser Loras, then I would slap him in the head for being such a twat. Although, if I remember correctly, it was Renly himselfwho's very eager to already go south, so it can't be that. Then why a change of plan all of a sudden?

"Any ideas why?" I simply asked.

"I don't know." He then eyed me. "I was hoping that you could provide the answer to that question."

I just shrugged. "Renly's a big change in the Game being alive. All the things I know are focused to the part where he isn't."

No luck, he probably would've thought. Although he probably knew it might be another off-chance, it wouldn't hurt asking. I was still worried though about Renly. What's he hiding in all of this..?

"I'll have my spies be on alert. They'll have that information we need soon enough." He then assured me. "This… is why I've come to ask a spare of your time. Unfortunately, in this situation, I might have to seek elsewhere for aid."

"It's good that I still know." I informed him. "I'll fill you in case I could find something in my memory that might be important."

"You do that." He replied. Looking around, he seemed to have noticed that time have passed already, and I'm pretty sure that he actually needed to be elsewhere. "Perhaps it's time for us to head back?"

I nodded. "Okay."

And then we walked on.

We were slowly walking past the medical ward, and I observed the many men who were suffering from their pain and illnesses. It was fine at first, when we first got down the hilltop. We just saw a few people who only got scratches and bruises and casts, but as we went deeper, that was the horrific part.

There were pained screams and muffled noises everywhere. In every small tent you could see either soldiers who had their limbs amputated— worse, still being amputated. Gruesome, I know. Some I saw that they didn't have any injuries; they were just sickly and pale to look at. One time, I even caught this guy who was hallucinating and barking like a madman from an ill-fated disease. And there was a couple who were just staring at the sky… juices coming out of their mouths.

But most of them, dead.

I never visited the ward before, much because of the sordid detail that was going to visit in my sleep later tonight. I mean I expected it. Watching History channel and all the war-documentaries back in the high school taught me how explicit wars could be, especially when it comes to the fact that there really is no one coming out as a winner on either sides. Everyone was to expect a loss at some point, in some other way. And this is the main source of it all.

We saw Jeyne Westerling half of the way, tending into some old man who was resting on a poorly tarnished rag who didn't even make it to his feet. Robb and I both looked at each other, and we both agreed with our minds that we should at least lend some assistance.

She saw us approaching, and then bowed curtly, while still crouched on the man and rubbing the blood off the large stitch-gash located on his lower abdomen. It seemed that he wasn't bleeding much already, but by looking at him, he still looked sickly. Or maybe there wasn't too much blood for him left to bleed out of anymore. I could also tell that he was of old age. Still ripe for war I guess, but not with the evident white-grayish hair and the wrinkled-spotted hands.

"Please, my dear… Just one more day… it's all I need…" I could hear him hoarsely request by the time we were close enough to hear their conversation.

"Yes. One more day." She soothed almost robotically. I could daresay it was almost as if professional, what she's doing. Like she knew the words to say to him that could ease his delusion.

It was a few minutes until she was done, and she rubbed off the blood and dirt on her apron, and then carried the bucket she had nearby and tossed the cloth inside. Almost hurriedly, as she'd have no time to dilly-dally, she had already approached us in record time.

"Can we be of help?" Robb then motioned with his hands.

Jeyne tilted her waist to the man and then back to us again. "One of Manderly's men, he claimed. Got caught with one of a sword that drove all the through his back." I winced. She eyed me for a second but she still continued. "From a skirmish near Pinkmaiden."

"But that was days ago." Robb commented.

"His wounds have festered, and he was caught by a disease. That's why he's still here."

"Can't you give him something? You know, that milk, puppy thing?" I lamented.

"You mean milk of the poppy?" She asked. I then nodded. "We have been. But his case runs our supply dry. He's been already here for six days."

Six days? That's… almost impossible.

"He should've succumbed to any one of his troubles already." Robb commented.

"He should." Jeyne agreed. "… I was thinking that he shouldn't have one anymore."

"What?" I butted. I swear I was almost surprised as to what she'd said. The tone of my voice obviously indicated that I didn't like the idea, but she was persistent.

"Like I said, our medical supply of the milk is running low. We can't afford to give him some more for the rest of the day." She then argued.

"I could have my scout go for a supply run in The Crag." Robb insisted.

"Which would take a couple more days. I cannot allow to reduce any more than we have right now needlessly if we could afford to give it to someone else worth saving." Again, Jeyne argued.

She was… no doubt right about her argument though. I understand what she's been coming from, but I have a sinking feeling that the old warrior wouldn't have a better opportunity to ease his pain by succumbing if there wasn't a good reason. It's… hard to tell, really. But I just have to rely on my gut on this one.

"Please." I implored at Robb.

He looked glassily at me, as if he was trying to search for something in my eyes, and then he finally found it.

Robb finally looked at Jeyne after. "Just this once."

I sighed in relief. Jeyne, on the other hand, wasn't entirely too pleased. Nonetheless she relented.

She caught one of the medic passerby and approached him. "One bottle of the milk, please."

"Coming right away, my lady." He then bowed curtly to her, to me, and then to Robb.

She looked at the two of us again, a slight curve of her lips flitting on one side. She crossed her arms, as if she was defending herself from something, but then dismissed it and then walked right past us.

In that moment, I had a thought that came in my head.

Maybe… just maybe, I was the reason they weren't together.

I… I admit that I've been taking Robb's attention for quite a while. I cannot deny that. But there was nothing really going on between us. I wanted to tell her that. I didn't want her to feel that she's being played on. She was beautiful in her own way, I wasn't. Robb showed affection towards her ways before I was brought along in the picture. I noticed that back when I first met the two of them.

Now… Now I think I just ruined it for them.

I'm… sorry, Jeyne.

I wanted to tell her that.

In a last ditch effort, Jeyne turned towards us to explain.

"I… also wanted him to survive. Even for just a day. I wanted you both to know that." She ducked down her head and sighed. "But I've seen so many of it already that it doesn't really matter anymore. Sometimes, in the end of the day, what matters more is the people you'll end up saving."

Jeyne ended up walking away and then busied herself by tending more to others.

"You couldn't have been more right." I murmured.

Robb looked at me and I just shook my head in answer. I eventually left his side and went right next to the old man. He was breathing, although somewhat erratically, and when I touched his forehead, it was perspiring in cold sweat.

"I… I heard what you did, my Lady…" I then faced him. He was looking skyward, as if he was someday ready to meet it. "I thank ye…"

I gently gripped his hand, offering him whatever comfort that he needed. "No need to thank me, good Ser." I gave him a small smile.

It should be I that was supposed to thank him. I should've been proud that he still answered the call even though his body didn't want to anymore. What could bring better glory than to have fought bravely in this war?

"Just one more day… My son… A skirmish a few days after mine… He would return… tomorrow… I know it…"

My heart broke. I knew that one. It was somewhere near the river of Red Fork. Another battle, and another victory for Robb, but the losses were one the greatest ever recorded. The chances…

"Just one more day…"

I soothed him and shushed him, but I didn't know what to say.

A few minutes have passed and he was eventually put to sleep but the dose of the milk that was given to him when the herbalist arrived. He was sleeping soundly, but with all hope, I prayed that he would still wake up, looking at the eyes of his son.

"It's time to go." Robb then mentioned.

I'd forgotten that I was still under jury of Robb. I couldn't spend my day looking out for this man; My punishment from the public eye was still under duress. I gripped my hands as hard as possible, wincing at the white hot flashing pain in my chest for the poor man.

If only I could ease one more pain in him with hope, then it wasn't truly a lie to begin with.

I approached Robb once more, this time, tears were starting to well up my eyes.

"Just one more day, Robb. Just… one more day."

A/N: Okay, sorry for going all Les Miserables on you with the last bit. Also, I know that alot of you guys like a Robb and Rory (Robbry...? Eheh), but as of now, with everything's that's been happening, it's unlikely YET that feelings could be developed... She's still not over the whole Jon thing... *elbows Jonry fans*, but, like I've said everytime, her romance is still undoubtedly open. Possibly even Game-of-Thrones-you-would-never-expect thing. I haven't totally decided it yet, so I'm making things up as I go. However, plotline is still going as planned, and what? Another hidden plot inside the Renly's as well?! Plot bunnies, plot bunnies everywhere.

Keep posted! Few chapters remaining! I hope I could make it as fun and as surprising as the Episode finale, which is just... wow. Keep up the support as well! Hope to see you guys soon again!