Chapter Text
The sun beamed down on the harsh Dornish landscape, and Robb Stark thought not for the first time that he really needed to find himself a hat. The Dornish people he had seen sometimes wore scarves over their heads to shield themselves from the blazing sunshine and he thought that might be a good idea as well, although his own scarf wrapped around his neck was nowhere near big enough. Had his mother been around he imagined she would have told him he should have bought a hat all the way back in Nightsong, but then again if his mother had been around then he wouldn’t be on this journey in the first place.
“See that, White Knife?” Robb said, leaning forwards on his horse. The stallion’s ears perked up and Robb was convinced at times that he understood him. “That must be Starfall.”
The city that stood before him was a modest one, although like many of the other places he had across on his travels it looked like somewhere that grown a great deal in a short space of time. People from all across Westeros were migrating to Dorne, and this particular city was yet another popular destination even though it required travelling a bit further south. The most appealing feature of all as far as Robb and he was sure many others were concerned was the fact that it stood on the banks of the shimmering river Torrentine.
“Even if we hit yet another dead end at least you and Grey Wind can have a long drink,” Robb commented, “I wouldn’t mind one either.”
All of a sudden, the relative calm was disturbed by the sound of a gunshot, and both Robb and his horse lifted their heads. Fear struck Robb and he glanced behind him, but couldn’t see his dog anywhere nearby. “To me, Grey Wind!” he called out, only to feel relieved when he soon heard the soft padding of his dog’s paws. Grey Wind looked troubled, however, and Robb arched an eyebrow as he looked down at his companion.
“What’s the matter, boy?” Robb questioned. By way of answer, the large hound circled his master’s horse then set off in one direction, looking back over his shoulder to see if Robb was following him. Robb himself hesitated for a moment before he decided that whatever Grey Wind had to show him was probably important, and he turned White Knife to go down the path the dog had indicated.
Robb had only been riding for about five minutes when he heard the sound of raised voices, and his brow furrowed as he realised some kind of argument seemed to be taking place. He slowed his horse down to a very gentle walk, and inched closer to find out what exactly was going on and why Grey Wind seemed so concerned about it.
Margaery hadn’t planned to get into an altercation with Sheriff Tarly when she woke up that morning; in fact, she hadn’t planned to speak to anyone but a shopkeeper in Starfall to see if she could sell the throw blanket she’d been weaving for the past week. She tended to keep to herself when she went into the city. Her father had chided her once or twice for becoming so reserved since they’d moved from the Reach to Dorne, telling her she wouldn’t catch the eye of any suitors if she kept her nose in her work and didn’t bother to socialize and act friendly. But the move had hardened her, and she wasn’t particularly interested in courting drunkards or cravens or anyone she couldn’t trust. She’d seen her brother’s best horses die on the journey, seen her mother fall ill, seen bandits run off with half of their herd of cattle - the least of her concerns was finding a man.
So she’d kept her head down as she passed the saloon, clutching her bonnet so that it didn’t blow back in the breeze. No one had said anything to her as she dismounted her horse and tethered it to post in front of the bank - the only place she felt the mare was safe. But much to her dismay, she didn’t even make it past the building when a gunshot rang out and several women screamed.
She spun around to see Sheriff Tarly holding a Dornish man by the collar of his shirt, his other hand waving a gun in the air. “This man came in to Dake’s bar to have a drink today,” he announced to everyone around him, his mustache twitching slightly as he spoke, “He offered up three copper pennies to pay for his beer… And what do you know? Dake saw that they weren’t minted. Now, normally I wouldn’t be making such a fuss. I’d take this man in for using fake currency and call it a day. But he claims that one of you gave him these coins as an act of charity… So we’re gonna find out who that was.” He positioned the whimpering man in front of the steps of the saloon. “Speak now or forever hold your peace,” the sheriff said with a gleaming smile. No one said anything. He brought the man’s head back with his hand and then smashed it into the wooden steps. He yanked the Dornish man towards him again, and when everyone stayed silent, he made to hurt him once more.
“Stop it!” Margaery shrieked, rushing forward and holding her hands out, “He didn’t know any better! He doesn’t use our currency.”
Sheriff Tarly quirked a curious brow. “Miss. Tyrell, do you mean to tell me that you were the one that gave our friend here the fake coins?”
Robb soon realised Grey Wind had led him into the centre of Starfall, and the voices were coming from the local saloon. Robb had been hoping to stop by there to get a drink, but at the moment it seemed as though the sheriff was commanding everyone’s attention and particularly concerned with a Dornish man who was apparently being accused of something.
“Grey Wind, stay!” Robb hissed when his dog hurried ahead of him, but Grey Wind paid him no mind. It was then that Robb’s eyes fell on a young woman who looked to be about his age and who seemed to stand tall before the sheriff despite being at least a head shorter than him.
Margaery looked around her, quickly realizing that no one else was going to speak up for the Dornish man as they all averted her gaze. He was bleeding from the head, and she could see a purple bruise already forming under his eye. She swallowed the lump in her throat and then gave a vehement nod, her eyes meeting the sheriff’s. “Yes, I gave him the coins,” she lied, “I didn’t have any spare change of my own to give him, so I used the ones the bank had thrown out. I didn’t think anyone would notice. Now just… let him go. It’s my fault.”
Sheriff Tarly unceremoniously let go of the Dornish man, letting him fall limp to the ground so that he could step forward and take Margaery’s arm. But before he could get to her, a large, grey dog came bounding forward, causing some people to shriek in alarm. He growled menacingly, forcing his way between her and the sheriff.
Robb didn’t hesitate in following after Grey Wind after he saw him take off, and quickly dismounted his horse so he could continue on foot. He knew somewhere in the back of his mind that analysing the situation before deciding to jump in might have been better, but once what was happening had sunk in caution had become the furthest thing from his mind. Robb rushed over to the Dornish man to help him to feet, safe in the knowledge that Grey Wind would keep the young woman from harm.
“Sorry, sir,” he said to the sheriff, though he didn’t sound particularly sorry, “My dog doesn’t take too kindly to what he perceives as injustice.”
Margaery looked over at the young man who had intervened on her behalf, her mouth falling slightly ajar. She didn’t recognize him from around Starfall, and he had an accent that wasn’t at all similar to those who lived in the south. She briefly wondered why a stranger would bother helping her out, but then Sheriff Tarly shot his gun at the ground, interrupting her thoughts. The bullet came close to hitting the stranger’s dog, and the hound recoiled slightly, low on all fours.
“Don’t hurt him!” Margaery yelled, throwing her arms up in the air, “I submit.” She inched closer to the sheriff so that he could take her into custody. “It’s alright, boy,” she told the dog softly, “I’m okay.”
“What’s going to happen to her?” Robb demanded, looking between the woman Grey Wind had been so quick to defend and the sheriff, “You can’t lock her up, surely. What’s she even done wrong?” He saw Grey Wind seemed to agree with him, taking a few steps forwards and still eying the sheriff warily.
“She had fake money, that’s what’s wrong,” Sheriff Tarly answered, his eyes narrowing at the stranger, “I’m taking her in to spend some time reflecting on what she did… Now I’d mind myself if I were you, boy. You don’t look like you’re from around here. I’m in charge of this city.” He took Margaery’s arm once she was close enough, latching his handcuffs around her wrists.
“I’ll be fine,” she told the young man as earnestly as she could, “You should go.”
“Are you certain?” Robb asked, his brow creasing. All he knew from the little time he had spent around this sheriff was that he didn’t trust him and he didn’t like the idea of anyone going with him. He had a chance to meet the young woman’s eyes for the first time when she addressed him, and somehow it only convinced him further that there was something very wrong about this whole situation.
“How much is it to post bail?” he asked the sheriff.
“Five gold dragons. Which, from the looks of it, you don’t have,” Sheriff Tarly answered, shaking his head, “Run along, boy. You have no business here.” He gave Margaery a small tug in the direction of the jail.
“Just take care of him,” Margaery said with a nod towards the Dornish man, “I’m… I’ll sort things out. Someone from my family will be along to bail me out when they get word.” She was being pulled by the sheriff and didn’t have much time to say anything else, but she mouthed a ‘thank you’ to the stranger over her shoulder.
It frustrated Robb endlessly that he could only watch while the woman he’d met was taken away, though he knew that there was very little he could do up against the local sheriff. He did have a gun on him, but it was a puny thing compared to the other man’s, and he was smart enough to know shooting it would probably only make matters worse. The sheriff had been right in assuming he definitely didn’t have five gold dragons to his name, so he had to figure out another way to help the young woman. As he helped tend to the wounds of the newly-freed Dornish man, Robb began to mentally run over his possessions in his head, trying to think if any of them could be considered particularly valuable.
“I could probably get quite a lot of money for a horse here, don’t you think?” Robb asked, dabbing at the man’s head wound with a cloth from his bag, “Mr…?”
“Andrey. Andrey Dalt, but you can call me Drey,” the man replied, “And yes, I’d reckon so. Maybe even ten gold dragons if you know how to bargain.”
“I bet you do,” Robb commented, giving a small smile before extending his hand to him, “If you help me I’ll split whatever we get with you. What do you say?”
“You’ve got yourself a deal,” Andrey replied, smiling in return and giving Robb’s hand a shake.
Margaery was placed in a dingy cell in the local jail just as soon as Sheriff Tarly had carted her in. There wasn’t a proper place to sit, just the hard wooden floor beneath her feet. She rested her head against the wall as she thought about how long she’d have to wait for bail. Her family would be suspicious if they didn’t see her home in time for supper and most likely send Loras out to look for her. And then she would be certain get an earful from her father upon returning home and receive a lecture on butting into business that didn’t concern her - never mind the man whose face was about to be smashed in.
She gave a small sigh, yanking her bonnet off and hitching her skirts up slightly. She figured she might as well make herself as comfortable as possible if she was going to be there for a while.
Robb parted ways from Andrey an hour or so later with another friendly handshake and five gold dragons in his pocket which the other man had helped him get for White Knife. It had hurt him to give up the horse who had served him so well on his travels from much further north than he imagined most people in this city had ever been, but somehow Robb felt it was the right thing to do. The young woman hadn’t deserved to be put behind bars any more than Andrey had deserved to be beaten up by the cruel sheriff Robb had come across, and he had to make things right. As Robb glanced at Grey Wind trotting at his feet, he briefly wondered what his father would have done in such a situation. He liked to think that he would have done the same.
“Excuse me,” Robb spoke up as he stepped into the jailhouse, doing his best to sound older than his sixteen years. He knew he didn’t look like a child because he’d always been able to get drinks in bars quite easily without being dismissed, but he still felt slightly nervous. “I’d like to post bail for…I actually don’t know her name,” he said, “A young lady with brown hair who was brought in here today for the possession of fake coins.”
Margaery had very nearly fallen asleep in her cell until she heard the same voice that had defended her that morning. She sat up slightly, peering through the bars to see the stranger with his dog talking to the deputy. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him pass over some coins that could only be gold dragons.
Deputy Rykeer raised his eyebrows at Robb but took the money anyhow, slipping it into the strongbox under his desk, his keys jingling on his belt as he walked over to Margaery’s cell. He unlocked it and opened the door for her. “Miss. Tyrell, you’re free to go,” he told her, giving a small nod of his head.
She stood to her feet, her head dizzy with confusion as she made her way over to the young man who had bailed her out. She had noticed he was handsome before, but she hadn’t really let herself get a proper look at him in the midst of the uproar. Even in the dim light of the jailhouse, she could tell her had dark auburn curls and his eyes were the deepest shade of blue. Her stomach gave something akin to a flutter as she reached out to gently take his arm. “Come… Let’s talk outside in the fresh air,” she suggested, giving him a small smile.
“Aye, that sounds good,” Robb agreed, smiling in return as the newly freed brunette took his arm. She was even prettier up close than she had been at a distance, and her smile made him feel unexpectedly shy all of a sudden.
“Are you all right, miss?” he asked her, looking her up and down, “The sheriff didn’t hurt you?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Margaery replied as they made their way outside. His dog gave her knees a small nudge with his head, and she laughed, barely having to bend to scratch behind his ear. “I don’t know how to thank you for your kindness,” she said softly, looking up to meet the young man’s gaze again, “You didn’t have to do that, especially for a stranger… I don’t even know your name.”
“It’s Robb,” he replied, giving another smile, “I’d love to know yours, Miss. Tyrell.” Grey Wind had closed his eyes in contentment at being petted, and it made Robb give a small chuckle. “There’s no need to thank me,” he affirmed, “That sheriff seems like a real piece of work.”
“He likes to terrorize people because he thinks it’ll earn him more respect,” Margaery remarked, “And he’s prejudiced against the Dornish as all get out.” She flushed pink, realizing that she was getting a little preachy. “I’m Margaery,” she informed the young man, extending her hand to shake his, “It’s nice to meet you, Robb.”
“Then you were brave to stand up to him, Miss. Margaery,” Robb commented, shaking her hand warmly, “And you have a beautiful name. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Should I…may I kiss your hand? I was always taught to do so to a lady but I’m never sure around these parts if it’s customary or not.”
Margaery blinked several times, feeling her cheeks go hot once more. Robb’s hand was big and warm and calloused in hers, and his request seemed so innocent, unlike the men who would jeer and ogle her as she passed by the saloon on outings. She nodded her head in consent. “Gentlemen do so around these parts,” she told him, her lips turning up in a smile again.
Robb smiled too before bringing Margaery’s hand up to his lips to press a gentle kiss to it. Her skin was beautifully delicate and soft and he could swear his nose caught a whiff of the smell of flowers. When he pulled back for a moment he found himself tongue-tied, and all that came out was the first piece of information that popped into his head. “I…I think you’ll be glad to know the man you helped is fine,” he told her, “His name is Andrey and he now has five - real - gold dragons to spend.”
Margaery took a few seconds to process Robb’s words, her heart speeding up a bit at the feeling of his soft lips and scratchy beard against her hand. “You gave him five dragons?” she queried, her eyes wide, “That was very kind of you… Surely you must be hungry or parched? You look as though you’ve been traveling a long way. Please, let me cook supper for you and make you one of my peach pies. It’s the very least I can do after what you’ve done for me.”
“No, miss, I didn’t give them to him. He helped me earn them,” Robb explained before raising his eyebrows slightly at Margaery’s offer. He didn’t want to impose on her, but at the same time he had to admit he definitely wouldn’t mind spending more time with his newly-made acquaintance, and the prospect of a meal he hadn’t killed and cooked himself did sound very appealing. “If it’s no trouble for you,” he ultimately said, “It would be a pleasure to spend more time in your company.” Grey Wind gave an eager bark, and Robb’s face turned slightly red.
“It’s no trouble at all, trust me. I have to cook supper for my family anyhow. I’ll just add an extra place setting,” Margaery informed Robb, her smile unfading, “My farm is just east of here, about a five minute ride. You can follow me if you like… Where did you hitch your horse?”
“Well, you see, I…don’t exactly have a horse at the moment,” Robb answered, slightly sheepish, “I’ll happily lead yours, though. Most horses tend to get skittish around Grey Wind - that’s my dog - so it might be a good idea anyway.”
“You don’t…?” Margaery trailed off, her brow furrowing in confusion. She supposed the young man before her could have taken the train south, but his clothes looked weathered, and it was a long way from the Reach to Starfall where the railroad hadn’t been constructed yet. Still, she didn’t wish to pry, changing the subject.
“My horse, Rose, isn’t too bad around other animals,” she told Robb, “I wouldn’t make you walk all that way, and she’s big enough to carry two people.” She flushed pink again, pursing her lips together slightly. “If you wouldn't mind riding with me, of course,” she added.
“I don’t mind if you don’t mind,” Robb answered, his laugh coming out slightly nervous. He had shared a horse with his younger siblings before and with his mother on occasion, but riding with a young woman he’d just met would definitely be a new experience for him.
“Please, lead the way,” he bid her, “Would you prefer to ride up front or shall I?”
“It might be best if I did, simply because I know the way. Grey Wind will be alright running alongside us, then?” Margaery asked, leading Robb over to the bank where Rose was tethered. She reached into her dress pocket to pull out a carrot and feed it to the mare. She still had the blanket she’d woven folded up in her satchel, and she took it out to drape over Rose’s back.
“Aye, he ought to be. He seems to have taken a liking to you so I reckon he’d follow you with or without me,” Robb teased gently, giving another small laugh. He took a few steps forward once Margaery had placed a blanket on her horse’s back and ran a hand gently over it. “This is beautiful,” he remarked, “Did you make it?”
“Yes, I did,” Margaery replied, her smile growing brighter, “Thank you. I was going to sell it today before… the altercation. But now it’s coming in handy.” She bounced on the balls of her feet a couple of times and then hoisted herself up onto her horse. She offered her hand to Robb after, scooting forward so that he’d have room.
Robb was quick to take hold of Margaery’s hand but slightly cautious as he pulled himself up, taking in a deep breath. He was very aware of just how close he was to his companion as he settled behind her on her horse, and he liked being so more than he’d care to admit out loud. He caught the same flowery scent from before as he reached out to place his hands gently on either side of her waist.
“Are you comfortable?” Margaery asked, looking over her shoulder. She could nearly hear her own heart beating, and she only hoped that Robb didn’t notice how unnerved she was. He smelled of cedar and smoke, and she found she rather liked it; there was nothing in Dorne that had a similar scent. His hands felt warm against her waist, and for a fleeting moment she wished that he was closer and would wrap his arms around her. She shook the thought, realizing how mad she had to be to think such things about a stranger, even if he had shown her kindness.
“Aye,” Robb assured his companion, giving her a smile and a small nod. He almost added ‘Very,’ but was grateful that particular thought remained only in his mind. “I really hope your family won’t mind my intruding on your dinner,” he told her, “Food is a pretty valuable resource these days.”
“We have enough to go around on our farm. Really, it’s the least I can do,” Margaery assured Robb, turning around once more. She kicked the flanks of her horse and they took off with Grey Wind running by their side.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you around these parts?” she asked her companion as they galloped away from town, “Are you all by yourself?”
“Well, I have Grey Wind here,” Robb noted, glancing over at his dog who was running beside her, “But other than that I suppose you could say I’m by myself for now. I’m…not from around here, as you’ve probably already noticed, but I’ve come down here looking for someone.”
“Oh?” Margaery queried, not wanting to press further if Robb didn’t want to tell her any details, “Well, I hope you find whoever you’re looking for.” She noticed he had relaxed slightly since he’d first jumped onto the horse, his grip on her waist a bit tighter now that they were moving. The heavy feeling of his hands sent goose-flesh up and down her arms, making her glad she wore a dress with long sleeves despite the heat.
“Thank you,” Robb said earnestly, leaning forward a little, “I’m glad to have found you at any rate, and I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my troubles. What can you tell me of you? Are you from here in Starfall or did your family have to move here?”
“We moved here from the Reach… Winter came, and our crops started dying,” Margaery informed Robb, worrying her bottom lip as she felt his breath against her ear, “We shipped a lot of our goods out from Highgarden, but our resources kept depleting, and we weren’t growing enough to sustain our family, let alone the rest of Westeros. Dorne is beautiful, but… it’s not home.”
Robb’s brow furrowed. “I’m sorry,” he said gently to her, “I know from experience how difficult it is to just leave your home like that. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss…well, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it, but I’m from a place very far north called Winterfell.”
“Only from the maps I made my father buy me when I was younger,” Margaery admitted with a small smile, “I used to want to be an adventurer and go on an expedition all across Westeros. I can’t imagine how cold Winterfell is at the present.” She could already see her house in the distance, and she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, wishing she had more time with Robb to talk.
“Would you want to wash up when we get to the farm?” she asked, “We’re right on the river. Or I could draw you a bath… And then, perhaps you might join me in the kitchen? I know it’s not customary for men to be there while the lady of the house is cooking, but it would be nice to continue our conversation.”
“There’s no need to take the trouble of drawing me a bath. The river will suit me just fine to wash up,” Robb affirmed, smiling warmly, “And I’ll happily join you, miss. I’d like to continue our conversation as well. I think you’d make a grand adventurer, personally.”
“Well thank you,” Margaery replied, a smile on her face as well, “I don’t know if I’m quite cut out for it.” She was glad that her brothers were nowhere in sight as they neared her house, knowing they would have a lot to say about her sharing a horse with a near stranger. “If you walk a bit down the river there’s an area with trees that’ll give you some privacy,” she told Robb as her horse slowed down.
“Thank you kindly. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a chance to go for a swim in a river,” Robb admitted, already looking forward to stepping into the cool water. He only wished Margaery might join him but quickly dismissed the thought, knowing it wouldn’t be right or proper. As Margaery’s mare came to a halt he carefully got down off the horse, then offered his hand up to help her down as well.
Margaery took Robb’s hand and hopped down as gracefully as she could, glad for his help. “Thank you… I’ll let everyone know you’re here so that they don’t get a surprise when you come back to the house after your bath,” she remarked, still holding onto his hand and giving him a smile, “I will see you again soon.”
“See you soon, Miss. Margaery,” Robb said, smiling at her in return. He held onto her hand for just a little bit longer before gently letting go and watching as she made her way to the farmhouse. It was only when she was a fair distance away that he turned to Grey Wind and raised an eyebrow.
“You heard her, right?” he said, “Race you to the river.” Grey Wind gave a bark in approval, and Robb let out a laugh before the two of them took off for the water.
Margaery was in bright spirits as she made her way into her house and told her family members that they would be having a guest for supper. She didn’t specify too many of the details, only that he’d helped her out of a bind while she was in town and wanted to repay the favor by giving him something to eat. Her father looked pleased to hear she’d made an acquaintance and invited him to dinner, but she ignored his smug grin as she set off to work in the kitchen preparing a meal of fried chicken and potatoes. She only hoped that Robb would enjoy what she was preparing, a smile growing on her face when she thought about him.
“So do we know anything about this young man? It’s not like Margaery to just invite a stranger to dinner.”
Robb didn’t recognise any of the voices he could hear as belonging to Margaery he stepped into the Tyrell farmhouse, where the front door had been left open. He’d made sure to clean himself up properly before dinner and had even washed his hair, which was still a bit wet despite him having spent some time out in the sunshine to dry himself off. He just hoped he looked presentable enough for her family, three members of which were in the living room apparently discussing him.
“This is a good sign,” Garlan was saying to his brothers, “She’s been so reserved lately… I was really starting to worry.”
“I was as well,” Loras admitted, leaning back in his chair, “But we all know she wouldn’t bring someone home who wasn’t worthy of our respect. He must be a good man.”
“Yes, i trust her judgement,” Garlan agreed before giving a small chuckle, “I just think… she must have really taken a liking to him if she just met him today and invited him here for supper.”
Robb was glad the three men talking hadn’t caught sight of him yet as he felt his face flush slightly, and he bit back a broad smile. Unfortunately Grey Wind gave him away moments later as he came bounding in eagerly through the open door.
“Gods, that’s a very impressive hound,” one of the three men commented as he stood to his feet. Robb thought he looked older than him, with a square jaw and a kindly expression, and as he stood Robb realised he carried a cane with him.
“Sorry. We didn’t mean to intrude,” Robb spoke up quickly, making himself visible, “I’m Robb Stark. Miss. Margaery asked me to meet her in the kitchen once I had finished washing up and I was wondering if you might be able to point me in the right direction.”
Garlan bit back a knowing smile of his own, stepping forwards to shake the other man’s hand. “I’m Garlan, this is Willas, and this is Loras,” he introduced them, “We’re Margaery’s brothers… I understand you got her out of a bind today. It’s much appreciated. We all know our little sister can take care of herself, but sometimes I do think she could use some help. She takes on too much for someone so young.”
“It’s good to meet you,” Loras remarked, standing to his feet to shake Robb’s hand as well, “ The kitchen is down the hall to your right. I’m sure you don’t want to keep Margaery waiting. We can all talk later.”
“Loras is right,” Willas added, “We would all be very interested to hear more about you over supper.”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you and you truly do have a remarkable sister,” Robb affirmed, “I only had to get her out of a bind because she helped another man get out of one herself.” He gave a small nod of his head, then made his way down the hall and took a right through one of the doors which sure enough led to the kitchen.
“Whatever you’re cooking smells delicious, Miss. Margaery,” Robb commented, giving a smile upon seeing her again.
Margaery looked over her shoulder as she heard Robb’s voice, a smile appearing on her face thanks to his words. “Thank you,” she replied, flipping the chicken over on the stove and then turning around so that she could offer her guest a seat. “You look nice and refreshed,” she commented, laughing as Grey Wind made his way over to her and nuzzled her knee. She grabbed a chicken bone from the pile she’d made while she was working and tossed it to the hound.
“You don’t have to call me ‘miss’, you know,” she told her companion, “Margaery suits me just fine.”
“Sorry, Miss…sorry, Margaery,” Robb corrected himself, taking a seat and keeping his eyes on her. If someone had asked him what the Tyrells’ kitchen looked like he was certain he wouldn’t be able to tell them, for all he seemed to be able to see was the young woman before him. “I met three of your brothers just now,” he spoke up, “Is it just them or do you have other siblings?”
“Just them,” Margaery answered, her cheeks flushing pink under Robb’s gaze. She turned to the table behind her to open the jar of peaches that was sitting there and layer them over the pie crust she’d already rolled out. “They’re trouble sometimes, but I love them just the same. My mother was quite joyful when I was born; she didn’t want to be the only woman in the house,” she explained softly, “Do you have any siblings?”
“I can imagine. It must have been nice to have a girl after three boys,” Robb commented before answering Margaery’s question, “I have four, actually. Here, I have a picture…” He rummaged around in his pockets and soon found a faded photograph, which he stood up to show her. “It’s a couple of years old, but…that’s me of course, and then that’s Sansa, that’s Arya, that’s Bran and that’s Rickon,” he said, pointing out each of them in turn.
“They’re lovely,” Margaery said with a warm smile, studying the photograph for a few seconds and trying to memorize the names of Robb’s siblings as he told them to her, “You must miss them… So you’re the eldest, then? They all look so young, especially little Rickon. He has curls like you.”
She placed the pie crust on top of the peaches and slid the tin into the oven before facing her companion once more. She took one of his hands in hers, quietly examining his calloused fingers and palm. “I have some oil I can put on these to help them heal,” she told him softly, “You have the hands of a hard worker.”
“I should hope so,” Robb commented quietly, feeling his heartbeat speed up just from Margaery’s gentle touch, “My father used to say there were few things more honorable than hard work.” He had been about to say something else about his brothers and sisters but whatever it was quickly vanished from his mind. “I would appreciate some oil, though,” he remarked with a smile, “Will it make me smell as nice as you do?”
Margaery’s face burned red from Robb’s comment, and she had to stop herself from grinning like a fool. “I’m not so sure I smell all that nice,” she remarked, “But the oil does have a faint flowery scent. I hope you don’t mind.” She opened a drawer in the cabinets beside her, pulling out a small glass vial with a pale lavender liquid inside, uncorking the cap and sprinkling a few drops onto his hand. “A little goes a long way,” she told him with a smile, gently rubbing the oil over his callouses.
“Thank you. I actually rather like the smell,” Robb said, his own face turning slightly red as Margaery rubbed the oil into his hands. “You don’t have to do all this for me,” he commented, “I feel as though the gods must truly be smiling upon me today.”
“You showed me kindness that I wouldn’t expect from someone who knew me, let alone a stranger. I want to do the same for you,” Margaery explained quietly. She finished massaging Robb’s hands, giving them a small squeeze before she let go to check on her chicken. It looked brown and crispy, so she took it out of the pan and sat it on a plate beside the oven.
“So, I was thinking…” she piped up again as she began to set the table, “I know you’re on a journey to find someone, and that’ll be mighty difficult to do without transportation. My family isn’t exactly in a position to give money away, but if you have a week or two to spare on your trip, we can give you a roof over your head and a fresh meal every night if you did some work for us. I know my brothers could use a hand with making improvements to the barn and herding cattle, and we could pay you with a horse for your troubles. Willas breeds the fastest, most beautiful stallions.”
Robb’s eyes went wide at Margaery’s words, and his first instinct was to shake his head almost immediately. “No, Margaery, I couldn’t possibly…that’s far too generous an offer,” he told her, “You barely know me, and you already have…four, five mouths to feed? Truthfully I would be glad to spend more time in your company, but…what would your father say?”
“He’d be happy to welcome someone into his home who was kind to his daughter,” Margaery replied, her face falling slightly at Robb’s response, “I don’t know how any of us are going to make it out here without helping each other out… It’s true that we just met, but… I don’t want you to get hurt out there, Robb. You’re different to anyone here, and I can’t in good conscience let you leave without offering you something.”
Robb’s brow creased in thought and when he glanced over at Grey Wind he saw his dog had gone so far as to lift his head from the chicken bone he was gnawing on. He could most definitely use a new horse after having sold his own, and he rather liked the idea of working on Margaery’s family’s farm and seeing her every day, but he still felt that she was being far too generous. “May I ask you something, Margaery?” he said softly, “Your brothers told me out there that you take on a lot for someone so young, and I noticed you’re doing the cooking by yourself…is everything all right with your mother?”
Margaery stopped fixing the tablecloth, turning once more to face Robb. “She’s sick,” she informed him quietly, “Her jaw locks and she shakes. The doctor doesn’t know what’s wrong. She’s been like that ever since we came here.”
Robb’s face fell as his fears were confirmed, and he reached for Margaery’s hand. “I’m sorry,” he said to her, giving it a gentle squeeze, “I…I know what it is to fear for your mother. I’d like to help you and your family. If you see fit to give me a horse after I’ve completed my work, I won’t lie that I’d be most grateful. I insist I help with as much as possible though if I’m to be here eating your food and staying under your roof.”
Margaery gave Robb a small, grateful smile, placing her free hand over his. In truth, she was lonely in Dorne. She had her brothers, but often they were working, and she didn’t have anyone outside of her family to confide in. She missed her friends in Highgarden, and Robb was the kindest soul she’d met in a long while. She wanted to make sure he was safe and had a horse to get to where he needed to go, but she also secretly wanted him to stick around for while so that she could learn more about him.
“Thank you, Margaery. I look forward to meeting your parents because they must be very special people to have raised you,” Robb commented, holding on to Margaery’s hand for a bit longer, “I ought to start right away.” He broke from her to make his way over to the stove and help her ferry the food over to the table.
“Thank you, Robb,” Margaery said softly, smiling again as he started to busy himself with helping her, “I’m going to make up a plate for my mother. I always take one to her in her room before we eat. If you want, you can come with me so that you can meet her.” She moved to grab a plate from the cupboard and add some chicken and potatoes to it.
“I’d like that very much,” Robb said, smiling and giving Margaery a nod, “What does she like to drink?” Grey Wind lifted his head, seemingly wanting to join in with whatever was going on. “Does she like dogs?” Robb added hopefully.
“i don’t think she would mind Grey Wind,” Margaery replied with an encouraging smile, “There’s some soda water in the ice box… And glasses are in that cabinet there. I suppose you ought to get used to where things are if you’re going to be here for a week or so.”
“I’m keen to learn as much as possible,” Robb affirmed before busying himself with making his way over to the cabinet to fetch a glass of soda water for Margaery’s mother. “There’s plenty I’ll be able to get on with by myself, though,” he added, “I grew up on a farm, too.”
“Really?” Margaery inquired, raising her eyebrows, “Garlan and Loras will be so glad to have help from someone who knows what they’re doing… Willas got into an accident with a horse when he was younger and can’t do too many physical things. He’s become the brains of the family. I don’t know what we’d do without him.”
“He has that air, somehow. I knew just by looking at him that he was far more clever than me,” Robb commented with a grin, “All your brothers seem nice. I’m looking forward to getting to know them as well.” Truthfully, besides his family the other thing Robb missed the most about home were his best friend Theon and his cousin Jon. It was lonely on the road with nobody but Grey Wind to talk to, and he was glad that by the looks of things he’d have Margaery’s brothers as well as her to spend time with.
“Anything else we need to take to your mother?” Robb asked, approaching Margaery again with the glass of soda water in his hand.
“I think that’s it,” Margaery remarked, taking the plate in her hands and carefully carrying it along with her, leading Robb to her mother’s room. She’d tried her best to make it as homey as possible, leaving the curtains open to let sunlight in and covering Alerie in blankets she’d woven herself. The shelves were stocked with books, and she made sure there was a jug of fresh water close to the bed at all times.
“Hello, Mama,” she said softly as she and her companion entered the room. She placed the food down on the bedside table and knelt down to take her mother’s hands in hers and press kisses to her knuckles. “This is my friend, Robb,” she informed her, “We met in the city today. He’s going to be staying with us for a while to help Garlan and Loras around the farm.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Tyrell,” Robb said politely, making his way over to leave the soda water on the older woman’s bedside table. She had long silver hair unlike his mother’s which was still her natural deep auburn, but he thought Margaery’s mother beautiful like his own whom he missed dearly.
“You met a young man in the city? Your father will be pleased,” Alerie commented to Margaery, giving a small smile, “Thank you, Margaery. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Robb.”
“You’re welcome, Mama,” Margaery said with a smile of her own, trailing her hand over her mother’s hair, “Don’t be afraid to ring the bell if you need me, all right? I love you so much… I made you chicken and potatoes tonight. And Robb brought you some soda water.” She stood to her feet and kissed the top of Alerie’s head. “Do you want anything else? I want to make sure you have everything before we eat supper,” she added softly.
“I’m fine, thank you. Today’s been a good day so far. No spasms, as Willas calls them,” Alerie reassured Margaery, moving her hand to rest gently on her arm, “I love you, too, darling.”
Robb smiled warmly as he watched the two women, thinking back to his own mother. He had no way of knowing if she was even alive but in his heart he refused to let go of the idea that she was and that he would eventually find her.
“You look rather young to be all by yourself, Robb,” Alerie commented to Robb, glancing over at him.
“Thankfully I’m not by myself anymore,” Robb commented with a smile, “I think the gods must have sent your daughter to me, Mrs. Tyrell.”
Margaery’s cheeks grew pink again, directing her smile at Robb this time. “I think it was the other way around,” she amended softly, then turning back to her mother, “I’ll be back to check on you after supper. I think Father might come join you if he’s not too curious about Robb. Have a good meal, Mama. I will see you soon.” She gave Alerie’s hand a small squeeze and then walked with her companion out into the hallway once more.
“She has the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever known,” Margaery told Robb, blinking back tears, “It’s not fair that she’s sick.”
Robb found himself reaching for Margaery’s hand again, unsure of what to do but hoping he could at least provide her with a bit of comfort. “It most definitely isn’t. What are the doctors saying? She said she was feeling better,” he said, “Maybe it’s a good sign.”
“They’re just not sure,” Margaery replied, shaking her head, “A few people have the same symptoms as her, but they haven’t found much to help… I’m sorry. I’m sure you have problems of your own. I don’t want to place my burdens on you. But thank you for listening.”
She gently threaded their fingers together, unable to help but think about how much she loved the feeling of Robb’s large hand in hers. “The gods sent us each other, perhaps,” she murmured, giving a small start as she heard Loras calling out her name. “Oh, I hope I didn’t burn the pie,” she remarked, her eyes widening in alarm.
“Oh, no, I’m sure it’s fine,” Robb reassured Margaery, but he picked up his pace nonetheless alongside her in the direction Loras’s voice was coming from, “And even if it’s a bit burnt I promise you I’ll find it delicious. I can’t even remember the last time I had a slice of pie.”
“You’re far too kind,” Margaery said, reaching the kitchen where her brothers and father were standing at the table hovering over her pie.
“I took it out for you… I nearly burnt myself in the process, but at least I saved the pie,” he jested with a smile.
“Why don’t you come have a seat by me, Robb?” Garlan suggested, quirking a brow, “You can sit on his left, Margaery. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t be cruel enough to separate you two.”
Margaery narrowed her eyes at Garlan but didn’t say anything, walking over to sit in her respective seat.
“Thank you,” Robb said, his face flushing slightly as he too hurried over to his seat. He cast eyes upon Margaery’s father for the first time, and gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Tyrell,” he spoke up, “Thank you for allowing me to share your dinner.”
“Say, Robb, where’s that dog of yours?” Willas wanted to know, “I wanted to get a better look at him. Does he have any wolf in him perchance?”
“I’m not sure. We found him and he’s…not here,” Robb realised, then giving a small laugh, “He must have stayed behind with Mrs. Tyrell.”
Margaery gave a warm smile. “He’s a gentle giant in some ways,” she remarked, reaching to spoon some potatoes onto Robb’s plate for him, “I’m glad Mama has some company.”
“It’s good to meet you as well, Robb,” Mace piped in, giving the young man a smile and raising his eyebrows as he noticed Margaery serving their guest, “You’re most welcome here.”
“Thank you,” Robb said to Mace and also to Margaery, giving the latter a smile as he turned to glance at her. When he had arrived in Starfall that morning he couldn’t possibly have imagined that he’d wind up having dinner with a family he had never met, and all set to work for them for a few weeks to earn himself a new horse. The part that made him happiest was that he’d met Margaery, with whom he truly couldn’t wait to spend more time.