~Elena~
The night air was warm as I sat in the gardens, fully exhausted after a months worth of practice had been crammed into a single day. Podrick sat beside me, his mood somber as he sipped from his cup of wine.
"Tell me what's bothering you." I spoke softly as I lay my head on his shoulder. He sighed as he rested his cheek on my head, looking out at the flowers.
"I know Tyrion isn't guilty, and I can't help but think there is something we're all missing. I just don't know what it is." I've had this same feeling, but kept that to myself.
"The Gods will take mercy on Tyrion. Of that I'm certain." It was whether or not he was given mercy while he was still alive that I was worried about.
"There's a lady knight here. Her name is Brienne. She's going to teach me to be a knight while I help her find Sansa." I paused, cup poised in mid sip as I looked at him.
"You're leaving?" Of all the people I'd worried about leaving, Pod had been the very last on the list. He took my hand in his, intertwining our fingers.
"I have to. Being a knight is all I've ever dreamed about. Lady Brienne is my best shot at making that happen. Especially since-" He didn't finish the sentence, but I knew what he wanted to say. Especially since Tyrion might not live past the trials.
"When will you be back?"
"I don't know. It could be a long time from now." I nodded my understanding. This was his mission.
"I will miss you. There aren't many people I can have a drink with peacefully." It was meant to be a joke, but my voice cracked and tears burned in my eyes. I'll be alone soon. Or would I? What happens to me now that Sansa was gone? What was my mission now?
"We'll see each other again. Just you wait. I'll be a knight and you'll be the beautiful maid I come save from the bad men." I laughed as I pictured Pod riding to my rescue only to trip over his own feet during the charge.
"Just promise you'll stay sweet." I finished as I leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Promise."