It occured so naturally Brienne hardly took notice. She might have scoffed if it had not been brought to her attention by such a close friend. Even she had not realized how easily the habit had come upon her, or how much enjoyment there was to be found in the simple comradery. What began as one timid but revealing conversation between herself and Ser Eyan soon became an unspoken ritual of sitting beside the hearth in The Round Room, ending their evenings in jovial companionship. Brienne had not realized how much she looked forward to the familiar knocking upon her open door frame each night until Ser Podrick happened to mention it off-handedly as merely a contented observation one morning as they left the Small Council Chambers.

The King was preoccupied with matters for Lord Tyrion and had given Podrick leave to see to his own affairs for a while. As they rose to leave the young Sword glimpsed The Lord Commander in mid-smile, her good wishes directed toward Ser Eyan Ripleigh, The Master of War, who was returning her sentiment with a happy nod. Falling in step behind Brienne, Podrick hurried to keep pace with her purposeful stride. He could not help but feel pleased at the change in her of late.

"It is nice to see that you and Ser Eyan are getting along better." He complimented.

Brienne expression froze. She stopped dead in her tracks. "What?" She stammered. "What do you mean?" She demanded, stunned. As if he were her shadow, Jaime stilled beside her. He had long since realized, as he watched on those carefree evenings she spent with Eyan Ripleigh, that slowly her joy seemed to be returning, perhaps even her faith.

Podrick tried his best to hide the caring grin that tugged at his lips. "I mean that you seem to be friends now." He elaborated, choosing his words carefully.

In truth, part of him did hope that The Lord Commander might someday be able to put her relationship with Ser Jaime behind her and find some peace perhaps with someone worthy of her. For all he had seen, Ser Eyan's honor was second only to Brienne's own. Of course he knew he could not tell her that. He valued his neck too much.

"When he arrived, I thought you might never have a cordial word for him." Pod reminded Brienne of her behavior towards Eyan when first they met.

Brienne could not help but feel a twinge of shame run through her heart for having acted so abominably. But, she was not about to tell Podrick of her regret. "Ser Eyan is a skilled knight, and an exemplary Lord Master. Brienne replied. "A fine addition to the Small Council. The King chose his advisors well." She said, little too defensively Pod thought. Jaime studied Brienne's face as she formulated her hastey answer. He had seen the unspoken turmoil behind her eyes before, when a sword and quest were the only declarations they could make to each other. Perhaps as it was for him then, Brienne did not yet realize her feelings for Ser Eyan were taking root.

Pod was finding it more difficult to conceal his wide smile with each passing moment. "Of course he is Lord Commander." He nodded innocently.

Brienne rolled her eyes, losing patience with her young friend's gentle teasing. "If you will excuse me. I need to see to my Guard." She mustered seriously. Jaime would have found her reaction delightfully amusing if he were not sure Brienne's affections were turning in Eyan Ripleigh's direction.

"Of course, Lord Commander." Podrick bowed as she turned to go.

Brienne had only made a few paces progress when Pod called to her. "Lord Commander." His word again stopped her. Brienne looked back at him, her eyes pleasant and void of any annoyance or anger. She knew whatever he had to say to her came from his good hearted compassion. She would allow him his words.

"It is good to see you smile again." He offered understandingly. Silently, Jaime had to agree.

Brienne graced him with a kind and grateful nod. Whatever Podrick thought her time with Ser Eyan truly was, she knew that it would never be more than friendship. It did not matter how pleasant her evenings with Eyan had become or how much she laughed when she was with him, at the end of the day she still returned to her empty chambers. Brienne felt that she would always fall asleep with cold sobs echoing in her frozen heart. And when sleep at last found her she would always dream of Jaime.

The Council Chamber had not yet cleared when Bronn saunterd up to Ser Eyan, his eyes merry with irony. "Let me tell you The Kingslayer's shoes will be hard to fill." Bronn could barely keep his laughter in check as he eyed the path upon which Brienne had exited.

Eyan looked up, a wary expression of caution on his face. "Yes." He agreed. "Lord Tyrion has informed me that Ser Jaime would have likely been awarded my seat on The Council if he had survived." His tone held the appropriate amount of reverence.

Bronn almost seemed startled at Ser Eyan's mention of the position. "Oh yes, Master of War." He chuckled.

"Is The Council not what you meant, Ser Bronn?" Eyan inquired, almost daring the man to say more.

Unconcerned whether his comments insulted, Bronn continued. "When I say what Ser Jaime left behind will be hard to fill, I'm not talking about The Small Council." He laughed, jabbing Eyan in the ribs with his elbow, and throwing a sideways glance at Brienne's empty chair.

"Just exactly what you talking about, Ser?" Eyan bristled, fairly certain he knew where the surely Master of Coin's innuendos pointed, or rather to whom.

Never one to mince words, or care much if he offened, Bronn saw no reason he for a ruse. "The Lord Commander." He eyed Eyan as if to say that surely there could be no confusion.

Eyan straightened and squirmed uncomfortably at the turn of their conversation. "Lady Brienne." Eyan confirmed unnecessarily, and then glared threateningly at Bronn, suddenly feeling the need to defend her. "I understand that Ser Jaime loved her very much." He stated plainly, not wishing to give away too much of his own emotions.

Bronn's amusement faded, becoming uncharacteristically serious. "That man died for that woman." He glowered at Eyan, his jaw steeled in humorless sincerity. Strangely enough, it was now he who would preserve Jaime Lannister's honor, at least until he was assured this newcomer was worthy of The Lion's woman. He knew better than anyone the oddity of his defense, however he felt he owed Jaime that much.

"That woman?" Eyan sneered at the thought that Jaime's motivations could have been selfless. "You mean the lady he abandoned to return to his…" He stopped himself, unwilling to divulge the depth and breadth of those things he had heard The Kingslayer had done to Brienne.

His glare growing even more serious, Bronn's voice turned to gravel in his mouth. "You have no idea what your Kingslayer did for Ser Brienne." He stared somberly at Eyan, his brow raised in challenge. "All Jaime Lannister did, was to protect her." He avowed.

Eyan squinted in confusion as he collected his things and headed for the door. "Was Lady Brienne not safe?" He questioned almost rhetorically. "She was in the North, she was Queen Sansa's Sword." He recalled. "It seems she could have been safer nowhere else." Ser Eyan pondered as he walked.

Keeping pace steadily, Bronn was undaunted by Eyan's attempts at fleeing from his company. "She would not have stayed so for long." Bronn attested. "Not with Cersei Lannister on the throne." He revealed.

"It would seem you know the situation better than I." Eyan answered sternly, becoming acutely aware that Bronn's purpose in seeking him out involved more than just small talk or idle gossip about Brienne.

A low chortle arose from Bronn's throat. "There is much more to their story than those cruel slanders whispered behind Ser Brienne's back, Ser Eyan." He growled as the two men emerged from Maegor's Stronghold into the courtyard. Eyan paused to study Bronn. The bright sunlight drained the color from Bronn's eyes making him seem almost an apparition. The rough angles of his features cast rigid shadows over the man's face. The corners of his mouth drew upward in a ghastly smile, making him almost seem a demon. There was clearly much Bronn kept hidden. Eyan stared warily at him, wondering if the man himself might pose a threat to Brienne.

Eyan met Bronn's glare with an imposing stone face of his own. "Is this conversation to be of scandals or of threats?" He accused, fearful not for himself, but for Brienne.

Ser Bronn read the apprehension in Eyan's countenance. "I believe you will find the truth far less scandalous than the rumors." Bronn relaxed a bit, trying to show at least some good will. "As for threats." He scoffed. "You have nothing to fear from me." Bronn chuckled. "I already got what I wanted." He grinned opportunistically, thinking for a moment of Highgarden, the grand castle he now barely had the time to visit. "Those days are past." He stated. Something in his tone made Eyan believe him.

"Very well, then." Eyan acquiesced, swearing to himself that he would keep an eye on Bronn. Regardless of what the hero of Blackwater Bay claimed, Eyan felt there was reason not to lay too much trust upon the man. He felt somewhat like a voyeur discussing Brienne's past without her knowledge, but he needed to know those things he feared she might never tell him. Against his better judgment, Eyan decided to steer the discourse back to their original topic, eager to learn more of Brienne's time with Ser Jaime. "You were speaking of…" He began.

"Of Jaime Lannister." Bronn relaxed a bit and motioned for Eyan to walk with him, feeling that being in motion would counter the anger he still felt, at Jaime, and perhaps at himself. Bronn had noticed the growing attachment Ser Eyan displayed for The Lord Commander. Perhaps he might be of some assistance in aiding that relationship along. He scarce believed it was him attempting to bring some happiness into the life of another. Perhaps he felt a pange of regret. Perhaps it was a debt he owed to her as well.

"Yes, and his sister." Eyan redirected Bronn's thoughts.

"Aye." Bronn scratched the growth of stubble that seems permanently adhered to his face. "Queen Cersei." He nodded. "That heartless bitch." He sneered. "Oh yes. There is far more to tell." He shook his head in disgust. "Do not believe all you hear about Ser Jaime returning to his sister to die in her arms, or of his undying love for that vile demon." Bronn snickered. "That's all a pile of horse shit." He proclaimed. "It was Ser Brienne that he loved, her he sacrificed himself for." Bronn dipped his chin almost in respect.

Eyan could no longer hide his frustration. He had so far discussed Ser Jaime with Lord Tyrion and Brienne, the two people left alive who knew him best. Eyan well understood that the task of winning The Lord Commander's heart would be daunting to say the least. He did not need to be reminded daily of that fact. He felt he was more than up to the job. "I am well aware that Ser Jaime and Ser Brienne were deeply in love, and that despite his abandonment she continued to champion him." Eyan conceded resentfully.

Ser Bronn seemed not to recognize Eyan's annoyance, or if he did, there was little concern in his manner as he continued. "Abandonment?" He shook his head. "If you will allow me a few moments, I think you will find that Ser Jaime's return to King's Landing was not exactly what the history books will recall." Bronn's eyes glinted as though he had been dying to relate his tale. Eyan's curiosity was suddenly piqued. He knew he should not be partaking in such loose talk about the woman he hoped to court, but there may be cause to need all the information he could get if he hoped to turn her desires to him. And so he gave Bronn more latitude than perhaps was prudent, and listened to the man's tale.

"The world will remember Ser Jaime as the man who fucked his own sister. That is true." Bronn reported, shaking his head. "He actually even believed he loved that harpie at one time." Bronn explained. "But I knew him for quite a while before his untimely death, and let me tell you when Jaime Lannister set foot back in this city, his heart was taken by only one woman, and it was not the Queen." Bronn smiled. "That Son of Bitch loved Brienne of Tarth more than I have ever known any man to hold a woman dear." Bronn proclaimed. "He came here to make sure that cunt sister of his would never harm her." The Lord of Highgarden expressed with certainty. "Trust me, Ser Jaime returned here to kill Queen Cersei." Bronn's testimony was so dire and humorless that Eyan nearly shuddered from its weight.

Eyan's eyed widened at Bronn's assertion. "How do you know this?" He questioned, his tone skeptical.

Bronn's eyes narrowed, his voice grew unmistakably sober. "Because I was the bastard she sent north to kill him and his brother." Bronn admitted.

"And Lady Brienne." Eyan surmised chillingly

Bronn nodded coldly. "Her death would have significantly upped my bargaining price, and kept my neck intact." He stretched his chin outward and brought his hand up to stroke the very place against which he could almost feel the blade The Queen would have surely ordered for his reward.

"Ser Jaime knew that." Eyan replied hoarsely. The scope of Ser Bronn's mercenary nature chilled him to his very core. The truth of what his assertions meant to Brienne, stole Eyan's breath from his lungs. His heart broke for her.

Bronn eyebrows raised as he cocked his head to the side. "I alluded to that fact when I found him." He answered, picturing the dark northern tavern where had nearly completed his mission.

"Why did you not make good on your threat?" Eyan scowled wondering what might have stayed Bronn's hand.

Bronn grinned wickedly and laughed with self-satisfaction. "I am nothing if not flexible." We waved his hands generously, as if benevolence were one of his virtues. "The Lannister brothers had a better offer." He smiled proudly.

His mind at once reeling and racing from Bronn's revelations, Eyan concluded what could be the only thing in the world for which Bronn might risk his own execution. "You were not high born were you?" Eyan asked, already certain of the answer.

"What gave me away?" Bronn laughed heartily. The man's mannerism, his way of speaking, his entire countenance was the epitome of one born into the ranks of the smallfolk. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater, Lord of the grandest manor in The Reach, King Bran's Master of Coin, had Flea Bottom written all over him. It was also clear that making the contradicting bargains between The Queen and the brothers she had sent him North to kill was not the first time Bronn's wits had kept him among the living. He had more street smarts than most men had common sense. Ser Eyan merely rolled his eyes at Bronn's droll question.

"Highgarden?" Eyan discerned. "That was payment for your services." He put the nasty business as politely as possible.

"No." Bronn looked over his nose haughtily. "My dear ancestral castle was payment for not killing Ser Jaime and Lord Tyrion." He informed Eyan as if the man's misinterpretation had wounded him deeply. "The brothers offered me a better deal." Bronn explained. "I knew Cersei Lannister would not have upheld her part of our bargain." He recounted. To his credit Bronn's estimation of the results of dealing with Cersei Lannister was probably all too accurate.

"How do you know Ser Jaime had not planned to return to his sister the entire time he was with Lady Brienne, or that he had not experienced a sudden attack of brotherly conscience." Eyan was still not ready to completely absolve Jaime from his sins against Brienne.

"Because Jaime Lannister was in love with Brienne of Tarth." Bronn proclaimed. "Those two were in love before even they knew it. Although it was pretty clear to everyone else." Bronn's smile was almost affectionate before it turned hateful. "Cersei knew it. There is no way, if that woman remained on the throne that she would have left alive the very one who stole her brother from her." Bronn said knowingly. "Queen Cersei would have gotten to Ser Jaime's Lady Love. She would have tortured Ser Brienne, slaughtered her. And she would have made Ser Jaime watch." Bronn guaranteed.

Eyan stepped away and looked Bronn over judgmentally. "I supposed you would have eagerly volunteered for that job." He accused.

"I do not deny that I have done much in this life to increase my own good fortunes, and most of it has guaranteed me my own little corner of The Hells." He conceded. "But I saw no glory in that particular inevitability." Bronn shook his head. "I warned Ser Jaime the best I could, without implicating myself of course. The rest was his doing." Bronn's tone was almost innocent.

Bronn lowered his eyes and laughed at the ground, as if amused by his own thoughts. "Before the Battle with The Dead, after the Targaryen girl brought her dragon to town, Jaime Lannister left Kings Landing and hightailed it North to fight by Ser Brienne's side while the Queen was loosing. Cersei was in desperate need of his protection, and his military expertise to lead her troops, and Brother Dear just rode away to the woman he really loved." Bronn recalled, "He only returned South once Cersei's army had ambushed the Targaryen troops and killed one of those creatures of hers." Bronn's eyes gleamed at Jaime's so obvious motivatives. "He only reunited with Cersei once the tides had turned and she no longer needed him." He detailed.

His brow furrowed in confusion, Eyan attempted to make sense of Bronn's story. "Ser Jaime stayed with Brienne while the queen was losing and left only when she was winning?" He questioned, shaking his head at the absurdity of what Bronn had just been explained.

"It was the threat." Bronn continued. "Ser Jaime knew that if I could find him in the North, and get close enough to nearly put an arrow through his thick skull, then Queen Cersei could kill Lady Brienne anytime she wished." He said slowly. "Cersei had spies and agents everywhere. I was one of them." Bronn conceded. "It was only a matter of time, before either I or someone else made an attempt on her life." His tone was remarkably guiltless as he spoke. "Ser Jaime knew his lady knight would never be safe while his sister lived." Bronn asserted.

Then Bronn's eyes grew almost whistful thinking of his one time fencing student, the man he had fought beside. They had nearly both lost their heads in Dorne. Bronn had saved Jaime from his own ego when the knight had nearly been roasted by one of Daenarys Targaryen's beasts. If he were a different sort of man, Bronn thought that he might have considered Jaime Lannister a friend. He understood better than most, that once Jaime's course was set, nothing could dissuade him. There was no doubt in his mind that if The Lion of Lannister had meant to escape from the Red Keep as it crumbled around him, he would have fled The Capital alive, with Queen Cersei in tow. He knew exactly why Jaime Lannister had died with his sister in that rubble heap.

"Trust me." Bronn assured Eyan. "Ser Jaime did not leave Ser Brienne out of any desire to live a life with his sister." Bronn glared. "He left to make sure the Queen would never hurt the woman he truly loved."

"Many people died that day." Eyan reminded Bronn. "Perhaps Ser Jaime was simply an unfortunate casualty." He suggested. "Even if he did love Lady Brienne." A cry of jealousy echoed in Eyan's heart at the thought.

"That fucker charged a dragon on the Gold Road." Bronn affirmed. "No pile of bricks would have taken him out…unless he wanted it to." Bronn swore. "If he was bent on saving that whore of a sister of his he would have. The two of them would be living the high life somewhere in Essos." Bronn imagined. "Nothing ever stopped him, unless that was his goal all along. He would never have just stood there and let himself be crushed by a pile of bricks." Bronn knew that was exactly what Jaime had done. "He returned here for a bigger purpose, to keep Ser Brienne safe." Bronn gave away Jaime's secret.

"He killed his own sister?" Eyan questioned, shocked but grateful.

Bronn grunted lowly at Eyan's indignation. "Wouldn't you?" He challenged. "For Her?" His reference to Brienne was obvious.

"The man loved deeply." Bronn described. "He once said he wished to die in the arms of the woman he loved." Bronn recounted a long ago conversation. "He did." Bronn nodded. "The real Jaime Lannister died at Winterfell when he bid farewell to Ser Brienne. What showed up here was nothing but a shell, a carcass as dead as those things he fought in The North, a killing machine." Bronn seemed almost proud.

As he pondered all Bronn had revealed to him, the pit of dread in Eyan's gut grew. "Should Ser Brienne still be concerned for her safety?" He bristled, his hand going for his sword.

"Do not trouble yourself." Bronn laughed. "I did not make good on my threat then, and I have no need to now." He waved off Eyan's distress.
"I honestly feel quite regretful at forcing Ser Jaime hand." He shrugged at the ironic reference to the golden ornament Jaime wore in place of the hand he had also sacrificed for Lady Brienne's safety.

Eyan accepted the scoundrel's not so heartfelt contrition. "One could say all of it was your fault." He charged. "If you had not gone North, or made that threat, Ser Jaime might still be alive." Eyan told him. 'Brienne might never have known the torment of a lost love.' He thought to himself.

Bronn nodded in agreement. "Oh, Undoubtedly Ser Jaime would have never left Ser Brienne. That man loved that woman. I'm quite sure he would have married her." Bronn agreed. "Ser, it seems you should thank me." He grinned suggestively.

"I would sooner see her wed to Ser Jaime than watch the pain in her eyes." Eyan ignored Bronn's innuendo, thinking only of Brienne.

Bronn reached and clamped his hand over Eyan's shoulder. "That's how I know he would approve of you." He complimented. Ser Bronn then bowed to The Master of War, and walked away, confident he had fully scrutinized Jaime's rival for Brienne's affections, and found him worthy.

Eyan stared bewildered after Bronn as the man strode across the courtyard. For some reason he felt as though he had just been interrogated by Brienne's own father, yet there had been no questioning of himself, only confessions of the past from Ser Bronn. What he heard left a bitter taste in his mouth for the conspiracy and secrets that had ruled Westeros in his absence. It also made his heart ache for Brienne. Jaime Lannister had loved her with all of his heart, and had sacrificed his own life for her protection. The man was no Kingslayer after all. He truly was the most honorable knight in The Realm.

"Ah! Lord Commander!" Ser Eyan beckoned with a smile that rivaled the rays of the sun which lit the sky above, Brienne caught herself noticing as she looked up from her thoughts.

Eyan eagerly guided his gray stallion through the crowded Kings Landing street until he sat facing Brienne astride her bay, their knees only a hair's breadth from each other. "I see you are taking advantage of this lovely weather." He eyed the sky jovially, trying his best to hide his giddy nervousness. "What brings you out on this fine day?" He asked, and then wanted to disappear at how trite his greeting sounded in his own ears.

Brienne returned his kindness, without even a hint of being offended at his question. "Ser Eyan." She acknowledged, readjusting the reins in her hands, attempting to mask her uneasiness. "I am making my daily rounds, inspecting the perimeters of The Keep." She stammered breathlessly, glancing over her shoulder at the sturdy castle wall nearby.

"Of course." Eyan smiled. "All is well, I presume?" He all but croaked, fighting the swelling in his tongue which threatened to render him speechless in her presence.

"Yes. Yes it is." Brienne reported. "And you?" She inquired, immediately certain she sounded foolish. Taking a moment to draw a breath, she tried once more. "Do your duties have you about this afternoon?" Brienne smiled squeamishly, internally wanting to cringe. Surely it should be none of her concern whatever his business was this day.

Eyan took no insult in her inquiry, far from it. His smile grew wider at her interest. "I am on my way to the docks, meeting the new recruits." He explained, ignoring the urge to ask her to join him.

Brienne met his explanation with a warm and genuine appreciation. "How kind of you to greet them personally." She gazed at Eyan as if seeing his selfless caring nature for the first time.

Suddenly speechless, Brienne could not determine why it should be that she had been able to sit with this man by the hearth in The Round Room each evening for moons, discussing every subject known to man, and yet to see him here in such a natural commonplace setting should agitate and provoke to point of rendering her as apprehensive as a girl. There had been few times in her life she had found herself in such a state. It reminded her of the way her heart fluttered whenever she stood guard over Renly Baratheon, or those fleeting moments in her chambers at Winterfell after the feast when Jaime had found her alone, just before they…

'Absolutely not!' Brienne chided herself as she stifled a gasp. The very idea was ludicrous. Jaime had been the great love of her life. This man was a valued friend, but certainly no more. Eyan simply continued to stare, seemingly lost in his study of her.

The two had little time to ponder further the meaning of their individual reactions to each other. Before either could draw another breath a commotion only a few paces from where they rested upon their mounts brought them back to reality. A pair of shaggy bone-weary work horses which were tethered to a rickety farm wagon became suddenly spooked by a group of rowdy men far too drunk to balance upon their own legs as they careened through the crowded streets. A particularly loud inebriated lout tripped over his own feet and slammed headlong into one of the equine's shoulders narrowly missing the animal's flailing hooves as it reared into the air. The cart lurched forward with its team, dragging the rear axle from its reach, spilling the crop of plump red apples in the bed over the ground. Still skittering the work horses took off through the jumbled masses at full gallop.

Considering Brienne above all, Ser Eyan reached for her reins and steadied her horse. Then, almost as reflex, he spurred his gray to the chase mindful of preventing injury to innocent bystanders. Brienne stared after him for a moment, taken by his noble concern for strangers. Without regard for his own safety, Eyan had willingly charged forth into danger. Brienne had known few in her life who would have been as selfless. Although on any other day, her thoughts would have teemed with Jaime's honorable deeds. This day, however, all she could think was how proud she was of Eyan. At last she caught glimpse of him jumping from his own well trained steed and landing atop the stampeding horses, drawing them to a halt, ending their rampage and saving countless citizens from being trampled.

At last able to move again, Brienne brought her breathing under control, and hopped hurriedly from her saddle. Her eyes shot to the disabled cart and worried face of the elderly farmer who stood with his head in his hands beside the spilled cargo. Quickly she ran to survey the damaged wagon. Kneeling she found the bars and the rigging fortunately intact. All that needed to be done was to resettle the axel beneath the bed of the cart and tighten the bolts. As Brienne's eyes darted for something to use to hoist the wagon, Ser Eyan came sauntering nonchalantly up the path, guiding not only his horse but the runaway team as well, his smile gleaming in the bright sunlight. He looked as though he had taken a pleasant stroll rather than having just made a daring rescue.

"Looking for this?" Eyan asked Brienne charmingly, halting the horses and stooping to retrieve a length of board from the road as he approached.

For a moment, a dazed and astonished gawking stare was the only answer Brienne could force to the surface of her confusion. "How did you…?" She gestured down the road to where Eyan had caught the paniced horses. "What…?" She stammered glancing at the now calm equines. "Where?" Brienne gapes at the thick timber in Eyans's hand.

Eyan glided past her, dashing, and barely out of breath. "It seems I was in the right place at the right time." He smiled at Brienne, his gaze lingering for a moment on her brilliant blue eyes, before turning his skills to the damaged wagon.

Brienne stared open mouthed as Eyan placed a gentle calming hand upon the elderly farmer's arm. She gaped in wonder as he spoke to the old man, kindly listening and comforting. The knight empathetically nodded and moved the apple merchant to the side of the roadway. In one calm smooth motion, Eyan wedged the pole he carried beneath the wagon frame and leaned his weight upon it.

Shaking herself back to action Brienne ran to join Ser Eyan in his attempts to help the unfortunate farmer. Rooting her feet in the dirt behind him, she reached and caught the long thick piece of timber just behind the place where Eyan's hands grasped purposefully. Feeling the force of his effort aided, he looked behind him and thanked Brienne with a cheerful, enthusiastic grin. Together they worked to lift the toppled cart.

Once enough space had been cleared beneath, Eyan bid Brienne to hold the lever steady, and quickly rolled the seperated wheels back into place at the rear. Brienne let the cart down to rest upon it's retrieved axel. Working as one she and Eyan gathered the scattered bolts that had held the wagon together, and matched them to the holes left in the planks. Brienne held each pin in place while Eyan used a link of chain from the horse team's broken harness to twist them back into position. Neither could ignore the closeness of their fingers as they worked, nor the way his hands inadvertently brushed softly against her as he tightened the bolts back into place. Brienne could not pretend that her blood did not flourish through her veins at the sensation of his touch,

It was not long before they had righted the wagon and repaired it at least well enough for the old man to make his journey home. Once both stood to survey their handiwork, Eyan and Brienne at last noticed the mounds of spilled apples on the ground. Nearly half of the farmer's cargo had already been stolen by local beggars, children, and other hungry citizens. It was useless to try to stop them. The farmer could only watch as his tiny profit disappeared into the pockets and down the gullets of strangers. Without hesitation, Eyan ripped a small leather pouch from his belt and tossed it to the devestated farmer. The gold coins jingled like music as they fell into the old man's calloused hand.

"Thank you, Ser." The farmer gasped, a smile at last lighting his wrinkled face.

Eyan simply tipped an imaginary cap to the man, and bent to pick a plump red apple from the pile. His gaze framed Brienne as he returned to her side, the crowd all but disappearing. To him, she was the only living being in the world. She was caught in his adoring scrutiny, unable to look away. For a moment they stood face to face, each unable to find words. There was something to say, something just beyond Brienne's understanding. Perhaps Eyan knew what it was, however he did not make mention of whatever it might be. All she could do was force herself to breathe as she looked deep into his eyes, and found that mysterious something beckoning her. It seemed…wonderful.

"For you, My Lady." Eyan offered, holding out the perfect fruit he had plucked for her.

Brienne accepted his gift sweetly, her fingers lingering over his before she took the apple for his hand. "That was so very kind of you." She motioned toward the farmer, her eyes never leaving Eyan's own.

"Oh." He lowered his eyes bashfully. "A small gesture to make up for the value of his fair." Eyan replied gallantly." I was glad we were here to help." He told her, refusing any praise for himself.

"I don't think many would have been as generous." Brienne reminded him, unconsciously pressing his gift close to her heart.

"I guess there are not many men like me." Eyan's expression as he held Brienne in his stare was warm and kind. Brienne bit her lower lip considering that very idea, captivated by him. He made no move to leave, and none toward her. Eyan simply watched Brienne wishing nothing more than to remain their with her for eternity.

"I will see you this evening?" Brienne asked at last, hopefully.

"Of course." Eyan answered as if no other thought had occured to him. "I'm thinking a game of Cyvasse." He suggested eagerly.

Suddenly Brienne anticipated their usual night by the fire more than usual. "I cannot think of anywhere I would rather be this evening, Ser Eyan." She replied breathlessly, her brilliant eyes sparkling.

Happily, Eyan bowed to Brienne as one would a queen. "Until then, Lord Commander." He graced her with a bright smile before climbing back onto his waiting horse and guiding the animal toward the harbor at a good natured canter.

As she watched Ser Eyan disappearing in the distance, it seemed to Brienne that the very rays of the sun itself lit his way. She did not understand why she should be so taken with him, especially now when her own heart still grieved for Jaime. The only thing of which she was truly aware was how much she was looking forward to sitting later with Eyan, by the fire, enjoying each other's company. For some unknown reason, the thought gave her a rush of joyous excitement.

By Brienne's side, on the rustling of a breeze, stealing no more attention than the song of a bird, Jaime appeared like the subtle reflection of a sunbeam. He stood as close as if he were her own flesh, his gaze caressing her features. For an instant she shivered in the warm afternoon air. Unsure why her body reacted so strangely, Brienne assumed it was the effect of her thoughts of Eyan as she watched him go. Jaime stared at her, stricken by the happiness he saw in her eye which had been placed there by another. His heart felt like a stone in his chest, save for the life she would always bring to him. Unseen in the middle of a crowded street, standing so near to the woman he loved more than life itself, Jaime could feel Brienne already slipping from him and he mourned for what he knew must occur.