The Gardens - 598

[Marie]

"Alright. None of your acquaintances in the West have since moved to Court then?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"No. I came a-wandering here, completely by foot, with few knowing what I was doing."

[Marie]

"Would any of them vouch for you if you were to write them?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"My father, perhaps. He is the only one that knew."

[Marie]

"Then do so, Ser Kyle, it's your best policy. I could recommend you to the king or a senior member of His Grace's household but you seem unclear as to the role you wish to fulfil. I don't think Queen Joanna is in want of a guardian - she has me, after all - but Her Grace might be willing to speak on your behalf to the King. So, you had best choose if you will be soldier or courtier or something else."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle stared off pensively for a moment, then spoke. "A guardian, then. If I am to make a name for myself and my family, then I shall do so by protecting one of the members of this household with my very life." He rose and extended a hand to Benjen. "Thank you, my friend."

[Marie]

Benjen shook Kyle's hand.

"I'll take you to meet the Queen as soon as I can. She's awaiting the birth of a child so she may not see you now but a little patience will surely reward you. Where are you lodging?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"I am staying in an Inn just outside the Keep's walls called the Dragon's Breath. I shall be there when I am not allowed in these gardens." Kyle took another deep breath, and left.

[Ser Kyle Payne]

/////

Kyle returned to the gardens the day after he completed his letter, waiting for Benjen to show. He told the man that he would wait there for him so Benjen could introduce him to the queen as promised. He found a large, sturdy tree and sat at its base, leaning against it. He closed his eyes and gave a contented smile, pleased at being one with nature.

[Marie]

Eventually, Kyle felt a poke in his back.

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle's eyes shot open and he stood up, spinning around and placing three of the five segments of his spear together, keeping it short enough to be effective in close quarters.

[Marie]

Benjen Blackfyre stood behind him, laughing.

"Very good, Ser Kyle. You'll do well as a guard for someone, I think. Did you write the letter?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle glared at Benjen, then disassembled his partially-formed spear and replaced it in his pouch. "Aye. I sent it out to father last night."

[Marie]

"Good. Are you still enjoying the city?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle shook his head, his thick brown hair swinging around his face. "I am here on business only. The only pleasure I shall find in the city is the joy that these gardens bring me. Until, of course, I find a line of work for one of the nobles."