The Saltpans

I look down, ashamed of myself for getting caught in the fight.

Thank you Ser. I am in your debt.

I wince as I press a hand against the gash across my stomach. It is shallow, but bleeding freely.

There is another shift that can be torn and used for a bandage.

I'm sorry about my previous hostility. It's easier to be so harsh and not have someone look at you that closely.

"Think nothing of it. You wear your armor in layers. No one can fault you for protecting yourself."

He tears a bit of the shift and hands the linen to the lady for her wound.

I nod.

Thank you kindly ser. Cadmon, you said? You deserve my name since I was so rude before. Lorene.... Lorene.... Flowers.

He nods, standing and turning a bit to one side in a gentlemanly gesture of affording her privacy.

If you prefer, I won't use that name in mixed company. I won't pierce your armor without just cause.

I blush.

Thank you again. [i]I try to bandage my wound and fight of a cry of pain.[i]

Ser.. Normally I would not ask... but could you possibly assist me?

Nodding, Cadmon turns and kneels to gently lift the blue traveling blouse away from the wound to allow her to work.

"There's no need to call me Ser. I've taken no oaths. Cadmon is fine, or Cad."

I press the shift against the wound to try and staunch the bleeding. I'm fighting off tears of pain.

So, what brings you to the Saltpans?

He shifts, taking the ends of the makeshift bandage and pulling it around her to tie a shank at the small of her back, speaking as he does.

"A ship. I've been in Braavos for quite a few years now."

I grew up in the Reach, near Highgarden. I'm related to one of the Tyrell sons, or so I'm told. I worked for a smith for 5 years as a maid. That's who made my armor.

Nodding, Cadmon checks to make sure the 'bandage' is secure.

"I was raised in Storm's End, but my father actually hails from the Reach, himself."

Satisfied, he gets to his feet and offers the lady his hand.

"Do you need help getting back into your armor? Or do you feel more comfortable without it for now?"

I fear the armor would aggravate the wound too terribly.
...Would you mind if I ride with you for a ways?

Cadmon smiles.

"It'd be my pleasure. The road can be lonely enough when you have only a garron for company."

I smile back, and try to stand. I fall to my knees and cry out in pain.

I'm not sure I can get on horseback today. Perhaps we should camp here for the night? I have food in my packs.

He nods.

And I have a tent. It's small but comfortable. I'll fetch Zephyr and return quickly.

He stands, heads back through the wood and unties his garron from the tree. He leads the steed back to the clearing, removing the tent from atop his backpack and beginning to set it up.

I gaze at him as he works to set up the tent.

I never thought a man could move so gracefully...

I shake my head to snap myself out of those thoughts. I have already insulted him too greatly... why could he possibly consider me interesting?

Cadmon... why did you help me after I was so cruel to you?

He glances over his shoulder before he responds, continuing to set up the modest soldier's tent.

"Three reasons. First, a gentleman of any honor or repute never leaves a lady in distress if he can help it. Second, kindness is a sweeter drink than cruelty or neglect, and I'd rather your first sip from my cup be a sweet one. Finally, if we all dealt with others the way we are initially dealt, there would be fewer friendships and more casualties. We're both alone out here, and it is more beneficial for us to be helping each other than trading insults about what bastards we are."

He checks the tent's poles and strings, stepping back to nod and wipe his brow.

"It's no palace, but it will keep the wind or rain out."

I blush shyly. I can't help but think to myself how nice it'll be to sleep so close to him, then I force myself to snap back to reality.

It will work well. Thank you again for such kindness.

I get up and hobble over as best as I can to the tent.

He smiles, offering his hand to steady her so she can settle in the tent. He then tends to his garron, making sure it has fresh water to drink during the night.

"You worry about resting and letting your wound begin healing. I'll take the first watch."

I am grateful that the tent is dark so it hides how deeply I'm blushing.

Thank you, please wake me up when it is my watch. Goodnight Cad.

I lay down in the tent and I can't sleep. All I see is stormy grey eyes...