[D7 EE] Holding On (Sickroom)

[Ser Harben Varner]

"I don't believe that Lysa would do this," after all, it was her idea, "but if someone close to Lord Olymer learnt of the truth, they may have seen fit to dispose of me before the rumours could proven true."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari frowned. The Tyrells must have worked fast, considering they arrived the day before yesterday. I will get revenge for you, Harben. I will get to the bottom of this... somehow.

"Perhaps. It's not impossible that it could be one of them." She held back a sigh, doing her best to be strong and reassuring for Harben. This isn't what she wanted to happen on her first tourney. "I will see what I can find out, Harben. I don't want whoever did this to get away with it."

"But for now... I can stay here as long as you want me to. If you want company, that is."

[Ser Harben Varner]

Harben strained, brow furrowed deeply. Sweat beaded at his temples, but he could not so much as twitch a finger. "I... I'd like your company." He paused, "I don't deserve your forgiveness, and the Stranger might take me yet."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari leaned closer and pecked a kiss on his cheek. "Then I will stay," she smiled. "Because you already have my forgiveness, Harben. You might think you don't deserve it, but you do."

"Ah, you're probably thirsty, or hungry?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

"I am thirsty, constantly." He didn't want to admit that he was trying to avoid drinking anything, hoping to save them both some embarrassment.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"We'll get something to wet your throat, at least, then," she gave him a reassuring smile, and brushed her hand over his hair, smoothing it out.

For the rest of the evening, Mari couldn't care less if tongues were wagging over how she had stayed by Harben's bedside for so long. He had nearly died, and suffered so much - the least she could do for him was to keep him company, in the hopes that it would raise his spirit. She did most of the entertaining when she was there, so he needn't strain his voice and throat too much; she told a few stories that she remembered from her mother, and shared a few songs after she had her small harp brought to her.

When she left later that evening, the young Tremaine heir sincerely hoped he would feel better. And she had something to work towards the following day.


/scene?

[Ser Harben Varner]

Harben listened gratefully to Mariessa's stories, and when she played for him, he pretended that the few tears that escaped his eyes were just beads of sweat running across his face. He wished only that he could squeeze her hand, to show her how much he appreciated her presence. As the evening wore on, he began to tire, and the Maester came down from his study to say that the boy needed rest; but he, too, thanked her for visiting, even as he ushered her away.


/scene