[D7 EE] Holding On (Sickroom)

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari did feel a little grateful to the interruption, and took a moment to turn away and wipe her eyes.

"It's alright, really... I just wanted to visit ser Harben, in case he wanted company. Ah... goodbye?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

Harben turned his head once more, though the effort was exhausting, “what in the Seven hells are you talking about?”

[Squire Derrin]

“I’m going north, to the Wall,” Derrin answered, rushing on before either Mariessa or Harben could react, “I told Lady Kylie what I done, and by the Mother’s mercy, she ain’t told Ser Kenway yet. Or she did, and he’s giving me this chance. It’s the executioner’s block for me if I’m arrested, but the Wall always needs men.”

He gulped, and pressed on, “I figure if I get killed by Wildlings, then at least me Mum don’t have to be ashamed.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Wait, what... what you mean 'what I done'? What did you do?" Had he willingly and knowingly given poison to Harben, she thought, as he spoke of execution and arrestation.

[Squire Derrin]

The squire looked between the two of them as Harben waited expectantly. “I wanted to tell you myself, Harben, that I was going, and I swear on granddaddy’s grave I never meant no harm.” The young man looked miserable, “I know that don’t undo what I did, but maybe you and the Seven might yet find some forgiveness for me, if you knew how sorry I was.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Did you know it was poison?" Mari's gaze hardened.

[Squire Derrin]

“No, never,” Derrin exclaimed, panic in his voice, in his expression. “I would never have done nothing to hurt anyone. No,” he shook his head insistently, “on granddaddy’s grave,” the boy repeated, “I never would have done it if I’d had any idea it would hurt him.”

[Ser Harben Varner]

“Mari,” Harben broke in, hoarse and weary, “I believe him.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

It was very tempting to just lash out and blame the squire, but Harben's words made her think better of it.

She nodded. "... I believe you. Sorry, I'm just... I can't believe someone would do this to ser Harben. Who would want to try to kill him?"

[Squire Derrin]

“I couldn’t say, milady. I truly don’t know.” He moved closer to the bed, looked despairingly at Harben, but found nothing else to say.