LABYRINTH | JACAERYS VELARYON

v.

Aelyra was all snotty as she clung to Ser Harwin, begging him not to go back to Harrenhall. She didn't want him to leave them. She didn't think it was fair, that he was being sent away whilst Ser Criston suffered no punishment for starting the fight.

"You can't go," she argued weakly as she held onto his shirt. "Who will look after Mother? Surely something bad will happen if she doesn't have a sworn protector!"

Ser Harwin sighed and patted her head, sounding tired and sad as he ran his hand through her hair. "I'm sure that someone will take my place," he told her softly. "You needn't fear, Princess. I'll write as soon as I arrive."

"But I don't want you to write!" Aelyra argued, a fresh wave of tears washing over her as she gripped onto him tighter. "I want you to stay! Why can't you stay?"

"I must learn how to take over my duties as the future Lord of Harrenhall, sweet one," he murmured in response.

All around, people were watching them. Her mother cradled little Joffrey in her arms, looking close to tears herself. Jace was trying to appear unaffected, but he was clearly crushed by Ser Harwin's planned departure. Luke had been sniffly himself, rubbing continuously at his eyes and mumbling that he wasn't crying.

Jodan was present as well, his shoulders slumped as he stood in the corner. Eventually, he approached and helped Ser Harwin peel Aelyra away, murmuring soft words in her ear as she tried to hold on.

Ser Harwin stopped Jodan before he could retreat again with Aelyra under his arm. "I need you to look after them, lad," he said firmly. "All of them. I'm depending on you, Jodan. Can you do that for me?"

Jodan tightened his grip on Aelyra and took a deep breath before he nodded. "Yes, Ser," he said quietly. "I'll take care of them. I swear it."

Ser Harwin smiled and ruffled Jodan's golden hair before he hesitantly leaned down to press a kiss to the crown of Aelyra's head. It just made her cry harder, trying to make grabby hands as he turned away to crouch down beside Luke. They spoke in hushed tones for a few moments before Ser Harwin squeezed his shoulder.

"Be good to your mother, lads," he requested softly. "I'll visit when I can. But that may be some time."

Aelyra was almost insulted that she wasn't included in the instruction, then realized that Ser Harwin likely didn't expect her to be anything but good. Worse was his confession that he would not be able to visit soon.

The knight took a deep breath and went to stand in front of Jace, who was stubbornly avoiding eye contact. He swallowed hard as Ser Harwin stopped in front of him and retreated to their mother's side. She sighed as he pressed himself against her, her hand moving to stroke his hair as she gently said his name. Not quite a scolding, but a clear request.

Ser Harwin wasn't deterred, continuing to approach Jace. He raised a hand to gently tilt Jace's chin upward so he could meet his eyes.

"I will return," Ser Harwin told him. "I promise."

Jace nodded quickly in response, not a shred of doubt in his eyes that the man would keep his word. Still, he inched closer to Jodan and Aelyra. Jodan silently squeezed his shoulder, and Aelyra reached forward to hold his hand. Jace glanced at her and sighed as he saw the tears still streaming down her face. He paused a moment before he pulled her forward to wipe them away. He held her face for a moment, clearly trying to show her encouragement despite his own obvious pain.

Aelyra glanced back at Ser Harwin, who was standing in front of her mother. He didn't seem to know what to say for a moment as they stared at each other. Now, they both looked like they were close to tears.