BELLE

'Tell me more of your chain Maester.' The forever curious Belle Arryn asked, forgetting the strict formalities of highborn life and leaning against the palm of her hand. Her goblet was still full with the wine which accompanied their meal and the flames of the fire flickered in the purple liquid.

'I am sure that you already know of the links that forge a Maester's chain milady.' He answered assuredly. It had been nearly a week since his arrival and Belle had enjoyed his easy company. The man was full of the knowledge that she craved but she had yet to crack into the intriguing man's past. A Maester's past was usually a close guarded secret but she was thrilled by a challenge.

'I may…' Belle trailed off biting her lip before it formed a small smile. 'I would still like it if you told me.' She persisted, her smile growing with warmth. She had grown fond of the soft rumbling tones of his voice.

'There's isn't much to tell I'm afraid. Each link was spent in between tomes and scrolls and a life's worth in candles.' Maester Gold replied simply. She narrowed her eyes before rising from her chair. He went to rise also but she moved quickly around the oaken table to sit him back down.

'I won't have you leave the table until you tell me.' She teased playfully with her hands on his shoulders before seating herself beside him. She could see he was hesitant with that rather awkward smile that he managed and the faint but notable stiffness when she touched him. Belle paid no heed however and continued by leaning in and selecting a ring. She mused as she tried to recognise it, turning it in her fingers.

'Black iron,' He said quietly, quiet enough to become a whisper. 'I spent several months in the raven tower for that one. Not the most peaceful of places in the Citadel.' His guarded brown eyes were becoming weaker as he watched her. Her eyes were downcast on the link in her fingers but he knew the colour of the summer sky was hidden behind those lashes.

'I have always been in two minds on the subject of ravens,' She mused idly. 'They're our messengers, our source of political knowledge and communication…'

'But?' He urged curiously.

'But that power is more than often abused. I wouldn't like to count how many innocent lives have been taken over words on parchment,' She sighed and looked up to him for him only to avoid eye contact and select another link. 'Silver.' She stated knowing exactly the purpose of that one.

'The link of healing.' He started with a small clearing of his throat. 'It is considered to be the Maester's necessity. Of course it is classed as our main purpose by the houses of Westeros.'

'Our Knights of the Mind,' Belle smiled and she was rewarded with a faint laugh from him. He had barely laughed during his time in the Eyrie so far and she had taken to the task of coaxing them from him. She didn't think he was aware of it but his hand travelled absently to a link and she took his hand that held it in his. 'Valyrian steel? You studied the magical arts Maester?' She gasped in awe. It was a rare and yet not very sought after link.

'Y-Yes indeed I did…' The man stammered slightly at her touch before recovering. 'If I care to admit it, it was the most fascinating and out of all the courses I studied my most favourable.'

'I have only glanced upon the poetic scriptures that discuss such a thing. My father's books tend to focus on the foils of war and historical accounts. Not that I mind reading them.' She shrugged.

'It is frowned upon by most and isn't considered useful. Well, that can only be said of those who haven't mastered it.' His words were slow and purposeful but his usual calm exterior was becoming slightly flustered.

'It seems that it is even a difficult concept to grasp even for the broad minded,' Despite her eyes being solely focused on the specialised metal, she found her thumb gently circling the worn skin of his hands. A small but not uncomfortable silence fell between them before she let go and stood up, flattening the creased folds of her blue dress. 'Forgive me Maester; I have spent too long under lock and key in this dreadful keep. I bid you goodnight.' She inclined her head before hastening out of the room not daring to look back.

Once she had escaped far enough, Belle placed a hand on the thick stone walls to gather her muddled thoughts. What had she been thinking? Was it her fault that she had been captured into the lulling of his voice or had been overcome with the challenge of him? She was acting most inappropriately with the Maester…the Maester! A man sworn into learning to protect and advise the realm. It would have to stop…if she could help it that was.

'Lady Arryn, a messenger from Castle Black wishes to seek audience with your father.' A servant from the guardhouse gushed as he found her. 'I have told him that Lord Arryn isn't present but he insists. What shall I tell him?' It was rather late to be taking meeting but Belle wouldn't mind. A man of the Night's Watch should be commended and respected.

'I will meet with him in my father's study.' Belle answered and without a moment more she made haste toward it. Once inside she lit the candles at his desk and sat in the high backed chair waiting for the arrival. The knock came not long after, strong and steady and she bade him entrance.

'Apologies milady. Yoren of the Night's Watch. Had I known I wouldn't have requested such an inconvenient time.' The man with a grizzled beard and blacks greeted as he entered, closing the door behind him. Belle waved off his apology with a smile.

'Be seated Yoren, what is it that you wished to discuss with my father? As his daughter and heir of the Eyrie I think it only fitting that I attend his duties in his absence.' She said with confidence. She had to be strong when dealing with matters of the realm.

'I am a recruiter milady. I humbly request any men for our cause. As ever the strength is needed to protect the people of Westeros from what lies beyond the wall.' He spoke the words as if they had rolled from his tongue countless times.

'There are four men in the sky cells facing death for their crimes. You are welcome to them ser. Will that be all?' She asked, desperately holding back the urge to yawn.

'Gracious thanks milady. The men will be put to good use at the Wall.' Yoren began and he seemed to pause as if in two minds whether to speak again. 'Before I bid my leave, I happened on your Maester on my way here…'

'Maester Gold has only just recently joined us. A fine addition to our House I would say.' She had pleasure in saying it although judging by the look on Yoren's face he didn't seem to think so. 'You think not?'

'I do not wish to speak ill of a Maester but before that he was a man. A man I knew and wouldn't care to know again. Be careful milady, a snake lies beneath those chains.' He rose and bowed his head respectfully. 'With your leave?' He asked not wanting to elaborate on the matter. Belle nodded wordlessly and the recruiter left the study leaving her in silence.