"The main attraction finally arrives!" Talia greets you by linking arms. "What's all this?" You asked, confusedly. You should have known something was going on when you were asked by Rodrik personally to visit the main House that night.

"Well, someone decided to throw you a two year anniversary party!" Furrowing your brows, you tried to think of who - other than Talia - would host such a thing, and what it could be for.

"Second anniversary of what?" You ask, finally giving up after about a minute of Talia staring at you till she went cross-eyed.

"Do you not know? Oh dear! (Y/N), today marks two years since you became the deputy commander of the guard!" Itching the back of your neck awkwardly - a habit you had picked up from Royland - you sat down at the nearest table. "(Y/N)? Aren't you going to greet the guests?"

"Later," was your dismissive reply. "right now, I need a beer, and seems as I'm the honoured guest and all..."

"Fine! I'll go buy you one. Just make sure you stay here, okay? I'll be back in a few minutes." Nodding to her irritated babble, you lean back on your chair and scan the hall. There are lots of people here, from young to old. Everyone was dressed up, and you felt rather out of place. Surely they did not come here for you; it was just another party, after all. What would the Forresters have done if you hadn't showed up? It's not like they could advertise it without you finding out about it. Oh well. None of that mattered now anyway.

"Good day Milady," Shifting in your seat, you turned to see the man you'd harboured feelings for, for nearly three years now. "Royland. What a pleasant surprise."

"Hey! Who do you think organised this?" You were dumbstruck. Had he really? But why? Pulled away from your racing thoughts, you felt his bare, calloused hands touch yours. "Will you give me the honour of a dance?"

What could you say? Your heart was pounding rapidly, as you became more aware of how out of place you felt, more aware of your feelings for him, and more aware of how bad your dancing skills actually were. Noticing your discomfort, Royland released your hands (making you almost want to protest) and sat opposite you at the table.

"I understand. Let's get some alcohol in our systems. What's a party without that, eh?"

"Actually, Talia was going to get me a drink."

"Hey, don't worry about it. Besides, wouldn't you rather have two free drinks than one?" You shrugged awkwardly. You never liked 'free' things. There was usually a catch. But you knew you could trust Royland. The worst issue was how you became more conscious of how attracted you were to him. His rugged jawline, his facial scars, his slightly weathered characteristics, and small laugh lines that came with age. You wanted to kiss all of them.

"Will you come up to the bar with me?" Royland looked worried, as if he'd asked you multiple times without a reply. "Sure, but why?"

Royland itched his neck. "I don't want to leave you alone. I know that it may sound stupid, but there are a lot of people here - many of which do not know you - and I am afraid that if they do, you'll be taken away from me."

"What do you mean by that?" You asked. This was extremely out of character for your commander. Did he really want you for himself? Even if it was in a colleague sort of way.

"I'll tell you in due time, Milady. Now, onto the drinks. What would you like?" He changed the subject with such casual ease. Hopefully this wasn't something he was used to.

"A beer, please." Royland smiled at that. "Ah, yes. I take it you're no lightweight?"

"What gave you that idea?"

"Just a hunch." Says Royland, tapping the side of his nose, as if he was keeping a secret.

Returning to your table, you see Talia out of the corner of your eye, waving you over.

"I'm sorry Royland, but may I be excused for a moment?" He nods and then chuckles. "Of course. As long as you come back."

Leaving your seat, you walk up to Talia. In one fluid motion, she pulls you by the wall, and you both blend in with the wallflowers. "(Y/N)! I can't believe it!"

"What?"

"Royland is finally making a move! He sure took his time."

"What do you mean, Talia?"

"He's the one who suggested this party, (Y/N)! And he's finally approached you. That must count for something, right? He's actually trying to get to know you." Taking time to process her words, your eyes began to sparkle.

"Talia. Do you really think I have a chance?" She gives you a forceful 'pat' on the back.

"Of course! To me, it's as clear as day that he likes you! I've been so frustrated for these past two years because both of you are too timid to approach each other for casual talks. I know the troops gossiped about you, but that was years ago! They're over it. And those who aren't are isolated by the others, so it isn't a problem." You shrugged.

"Okay. I'm going back to the table now. He said I seem like I can hold my alcohol; we'll see."

Sitting in front of him, you sipped your tankard of beer. "So, Royland, where are you from? It's hard to believe I've been working with you for nearly three years, and I barely know anything about you." A sadness glazed his eyes. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." You remarked quickly. He shook his head.

"No, you have a right to know." Quirking an eyebrow, you leaned your elbows over the table, chin cupped in your hands. "A right?" You teased. "From who?"

"From me." Royland answered dryly. "I'm giving you the right to know about me." You chuckled at that.

"I'm flattered." Were you trying too hard to flirt with him? Oh well, he didn't seem to be catching on, either way.

"I grew up in Westeros, by the sea. We moved around a lot, because there was never any work. Even if there was, it would always run dry eventually. Kayce was the last place we moved to. We stayed there for many years. Then, during Balon Greyjoy's rebellion, they were murdered by Ironborn raiders. No, that's not even the right word; they were defenceless in their own home. It was slaughter." He took a swig of his drink, and then held his head in his hands.

"Ever since then, I've always wished I'd stayed home that day." Reaching over the table, you rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. "I'm so sorry, Royland... But I'm glad you're safe. And, it's not your fault the raiders came, or that you weren't there. You didn't know." He pushed your hand away. "It's fine. I've heard it all before. I'm a grown man now; I need to leave the past behind me." He looks into your eyes earnestly, his coffee-coloured irises glazed over with tears. "I had been taught swordplay in Kayce. If I was home, I could've saved them." As much as you wanted to console him, you could tell that it wouldn't do any good. He wanted to vent to you now, plainly and clearly, without being served up a platter of lies to make him feel better. He'd heard it all before anyway.

Chugging down the rest of his beer, he stands up. "Another?" He asks. You nod, and stand up to go with him. "No, I'll get it, (Y/N). You stay here. Mingle with the guests, if you want. I understand I haven't been the best company tonight."

You shake your head in protest. "That's not true. I'm glad I've learnt more about you." Royland laughs weakly. "What, that I'm actually a boring old man after all?" Prepared to say he's wrong again, you stop yourself when you feel his hand touch the top of your head.
"I'm joking. Thank you for listening, (Y/N)."

Watching as he walks away, you sigh. You could barely believe it. He had been through some serious hardship in his life, but he didn't let it get in the way of moving forward. Even if he still blamed himself, he had ended up being knighted by King Robert I Baratheon, and had become Ironrath's master-at-arms at the request of Lord Gregor Forrester. He must've had a lot of visible potential and skill to get so far in so little time - a tragedy followed by a blessing.

"Good evening Deputy Commander," Looking up, you saw the naturally beautiful face of Elaena Glenmore, Rodrik Forrester's wife. "Good evening Milady," You bowed your head to her. She smiled warmly. "How are you enjoying the party? It is being held in your honour, after all."

"I am enjoying the atmosphere, Milady. It is still hard to take in how many people have showed up." Nodding kindly, she placed her small hand on your shoulder. "I would like to congratulate you on being the first female deputy commander in all of Westeros. You truly are an inspiration to all the women out there who are downgraded for what they were born with - and I thank you for taking the time to train Talia. She may not make it obvious, but you are her hero." Her words bring a small smile to your lips.
"I'll keep that in mind, Milady."
"Well, I bid you farewell, Deputy Commander. I hope you enjoy the festivities." Before you can respond, Elaena had disappeared into the crowd. Come to think of it, no one had approached you tonight other than Talia, Royland and Elaena - but there were so many people! Were they really here for you?

Royland returned shortly after, with four tankards in hand. "What's all this for?" You asked, taking two from him. Settling in front of you, Royland smiled unusually impishly. "I decided after our tense chat, we could have a drinking competition."

"Fair enough." You reply, shrugging. "How do we know when someone's won?"

"Whoever collapses first, of course." You smirk at that. "You're on."

"And the loser has to pay for all the drinks."

So much for free drinks.