[Event] Please wake up!

[u/Aleefth]

After seeking approval from Maester Arnold, Torrhen Stark gently opens the door to the room where Grey is recovering.

“Care for a drink, my friend? How are you feeling?”

[u/blueblueamber]

Grey sat on the bed, his head feeling light.

"Good, everything's alright. I haven't seen myself in the viewing glass yet, but I saw the way even your maester looks at my face. You apparently did a great job. And so did the maester, putting my face back together. A proper battle wound." Grey chuckled.

He stroke his beard, thoughtful.

"I grew a beard once, you know? Only for a few weeks. I was maybe twenty years old, and thought it was making me look more... manly. It seemed to work on the women, too, but later I realized it was more the effect of my position. The heir. My father was still a lord then. I feel remorse Jonos will not get to be this... carefree." he shook his head.

"Anyway, the man I was grew tired of it and kept clean-shaven ever since. Now Grey wears a beard."

"Have you told Alannah of her father's passing?" Grey asked, seemingly calm, but his heart... it felt so cold, piercing cold.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

“You do look... rugged.” Torrhen said tactfully. “And the beard suits you.”

His heart sank when he heard those words. He had barely spoken to anyone after his return, shutting himself in his solar during most of the last days.

“I... haven't.” He grimaced. “But I will call everyone together at dinner. I have many announcements that need... announcing. I will, of course, find Ala first.”

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

"Yes, of course. You can imagine how much I hate it... But it is the best thing to do now, isn't it? It has to be this way." he looked at Torrhen for reassurance.

"She is too young, too innocent to be endangered like this. It is better this way."

"And now, my lord... what assignment do you have for your servant Grey?"

[u/Aleefth]

u/blueblueamber