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[his shrug is somewhat dismissive. In his experiance - women who talk when they have little sense what to say are foolish.] Then do not speak?

How can I answer you without speaking, your grace?

[She shifts his arm closer to the fire, where the light is better and she can more clearly see the wound.]

I am afraid to tell you what you do not want to hear, but what I suspect you already know.

Some women speak volumes through the eyes, as do men. [he shakes his head slowly.] Go on, regardless. I dislike riddles.

[She sighs, then looks up at him, sympathy in her eyes.]

The wound has festered. You're burning with fever, and the only way you will heal is with rest and careful tending. Even if you do everything I say, I still cannot guarantee that you will recover.

[Her voice changes slightly, taking on a softness it did not possess before.]

I would like to help you, if you will allow me.

[he supposes she must have some inner relish at this, shutting his eyes as he staves off a grunted sigh of pain that wishes to pass.] It is no good for a King to succumb and die so. I have yet work to do...

[a glance.] Help me how?

[She stayed knelt at his side, leaving a respectful distance between them. She had surprised herself, offering to help him. She should hate him for storming her family's castle. Perhaps seeing him in a weakened state appealed to her kind heart.]

We are too small a keep to warrant having a Maester. My mother has trained me in the ways of healing. I could treat your wound, should you wish.

[he liked her manner - she hardly showed what she was thinking in her expression and looks. But it was also a little unnerving and dangerous, given his situation. He didn't doubt her words. The pain he had suspected on from the start. But the cold feeling of dread that was slowly slicing through his whole body... Robb nodded, his voice soft and no longer the tone of a commander, a captor.]

I wish it... please. If you can help, do so. Only hurry -

[The 'please' surprised her even more than the change in his tone. He'd seemed hard and cold, qualities surely required of a king at war, but this change made her wonder more about the man underneath.]

You should stay here, in my chambers. Let me help you to the bed.

[She hoped she wouldn't have to explain her reasoning. If he stayed there, his men would simply assume he was taking advantage of the spoils of his conquest, and his weakened state could be kept a secret. She stood and offered him her hand.]

Your chambers... [the words trail off, with his frown of confusion, some slight disapproval. There would be talk, no matter how discrete they were. Even if this were completely innocent, he was yet a man, and she a maid. Although, no one would dare insult the King face to face, just knowing what was said behind closed doors, the edge of cloaks...

Even if he were entitled, there was enough known of Robb's manner to suggest he held no interest in such activities. Besides. It was also known he had been promised beforehand, to allow them to even get this far.]

Is there.. no other place.

[She is surprised at his hesitance. She realizes she has assumed too much about this man, this king. Could it be that he is more concerned about her honor than himself? He might be surprised that she cares nothing about rumors or the people who spread them. She knows who she is and feels confident in that. People can gossip about the existence or absence of her maidenhood all they like.]

It seemed logical to me, your grace. Many of the herbs I will need are close at hand here. And, if I may be frank with you, I am concerned that trying to move you further than across this room would take the little strength you have left. Strength that you will need if you are to recover.

Logical - [he tries to smile past the wince, to cover it up and fails. Cursing under his breath, now he does want to hurry this.] Very well.. but do't fast!

You didn't get in this state overnight, I can't heal you of it that quickly. Your highness. But we should get started right away. Can you make it to the bed on your own?

[he bites back a retort, he knows for he is the one suffering. This was frustrating and so, Robb's temper wasn't at its best or more tolerent. He nods mutely, tightening his lips as he moves a little forward without her. Stumbling but valiently refusing to fall back, only more on his feet. Ahead of him to where he could rest. It occurs to him she could easily overpower him for a few moments like this, attack and he smiles grimly to himself.]

[She waits, making sure that he can make it on his own, before beginning her preparations. She fetches wine and sets it over the fire to heat, then begins assembling herbs in a bowl. She had to help him remove his layers of clothing to inspect the arm, but did not know if he needed assistance removing his boots as well.]

Your highness, I feel I must warn you that this will be quite painful. I need to completely clean out the wound, and you know better than I how deeply the arrow traveled. I can prepare some dreamwine, or even milk of the poppy, if you would like.

[She looked over to the corner, warily, where Grey Wind was lying. The enormous wolf frightened her but she did her best to hide it.]

I already know of this - don't waste time with chatter. [he frowns darkly, the blue of his eyes flicker with irritation and he can sense her fear. But he won't call off Grey Wind when he aims not to harm her. He isn't a 'pet', nor tame in such a way. He shook his head, refusing the droughts.] I prefer pain.

As you wish.

[She continued with her preparations, checking to see if the wine was boiling yet. She looked at the direwolf again, then turned back to the king.]

Your grace... will it, I mean, he... will he attack me if I am causing you pain?

Perhaps he will. [he says, lightly. Watching her face for a clearer sign of her fear.]

[Her hands begin to tremble, and she drops the bowl she's holding. She kneels down to pick it up, taking a moment to take several deep breaths and try to steady herself. Could he ask for a clearer sign than that?]

[he gives a sharp nod and Grey Wind's growls that had started to rumble a little more at her clatter - die a little. He locks eyes with his direwolf, smiles slightly.] At ease, my friend.

[turning to her, he lifted his hand, waving it.] There.

[She looked from him to the direwolf, then back again.]

Would he be more comfortable outdoors? We do not have an overabundance of game but he could run and hunt to his heart's content.

[She would not beg. Ladies do not beg. She feared for her safety, and her ability to do all that was needed to Robb's wound if she was too afraid to hurt him.]

...Subtle of you. [he remarks. She doesn't cease to amuse him without meaning to, he sees. Robb shrugs.] It is for him, if he wishes to go. I don't command him. [-if it could be helped. He leans in to her slightly.] Why not.. just say you are afraid.