Gardens

[Marie]

The ornate formal gardens of the Red Keep

[Marie]

Lord Hightower enters the gardens and walks alone in silent thought.

[Viea Greyjoy]

He heard a quite vivid argument from ahead and a scream before he was nearly bowled over by a young, delicate looking girl.

[Marie]

He put his hands out to steady the girl, holding her gently so she didn't fall. "My lady, what's the matter?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

She was shaking and glanced the way that she had come fearfully. "Let me go please Ser..." She said, shying away from his touch. Her dress had been ripped and her hand went to where it was damaged to keep her modesty.

[Marie]

He relaxed his hold but didn't let her go yet. He knew something was wrong here.

"Tell me what happened," he said. "Are you in danger? I am a knight. I can protect you if need be."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Her bottom lip quivered.

"He was nice and wanted to walk and... and..." She teared up and he noticed that she had big warm brown eyes. "Why would he do that?" She asked.

[Marie]

The girl looked young and vulnerable. Gwayne had a weakness for a damsel in distress, so it was impossible for him not to want to help. "Some men don't treat ladies right," he said. "Would you like me to walk you home? I can't risk the bastard - I beg your pardon, my lady - catching you again."

[Viea Greyjoy]

A tear ran down her face silently and she shook her head. "I dont want to be seen like this." Her voice was quiet. "I cant go home."

[Marie]

"Then what? Where can I take you until you will feel safe enough to let me take you home? I've a home in the city, and my sister can play chaperone if that will make you comfortable. Or we can find a maester here in the castle?"

He released her, very gently, glancing around to make sure they were not observed.

[Viea Greyjoy]

She brushed her hair out of her eyes and looked down.

"I dont know." She said.

From his look round he could see someone watching the two who disappeared very quickly.

"I dont need a Maester."

[Marie]

"Then why do you not want to return to your home? You will be safe there. Here, will you feel better if i give you my cloak?" He asked. "It will cover the tears in your dress."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"He will follow." She said in a voice barely above a whisper, then looked down as if realising just how bad her dress was and nodded. "I thank you Ser, you have been most kind."

[Marie]

"Well then, best we go either into the castle, or I take you to my own home," he suggested. "The man who is chasing you cannot follow you forever. Do you know him?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Not really." The girl said. "We have met a few times but I dont know him... He said he wanted to marry me, but that we couldnt tell anyone because he has no name."