Note: Sorry on these slow updates, guys! I've been having writer's block lately XD

Darkness descended on us in the deepest part of the forest. The trees loomed up around us, making me feel closed in. I looked over as Brienne warmed her hands over the fire she had built. She'd insisted we stop to rest for the night. I was glad she did because I was exhausted after the many miles we'd walked today. Sighing, I sat down on the ground and rested my back against one of the many trees.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jaime watching me. I wriggled uncomfortably beneath his gaze. He hasn't quit looking at me since he rescued me from the men...since he put his arms around me. Was it possible...that Jaime felt the same as I? That he cared for me? I shook the thoughts away almost as soon as they'd come.

No, that was ridiculous. He didn't have any affections for me. He loved Cersei...had children with her. Not to mention the fact that he paralyzed my brother for life. That's just something I could not forgive...or forget. Besides, nothing would change anyway.

It's not like I could be in a relationship with him. He was the King's guard - the infamous Kingslayer. And he could never take a wife. There was no point entertaining the idea. I tore my gaze away from him and lied down on the forest floor. I head Brienne moving around and a strong burnt smell filled my nose as she stamped the fire out with her boot.

"Here, Kingslayer," she said gruffly and I heard the distinct clank of metal, "I'll take them off for now. But don't try anything or they won't come off again!"

Jaime sighed then and I discerned what I assumed to be the thud from his chains fall to the ground. Not long after that, she lied down and I assumed Jaime had as well. A cold breeze swept through the trees then, rustling the leaves above me. I let out a shuddering breath and pulled my cloak tighter around me. It was so cold out here. That was one thing I'd never gotten used to - the bitter cold.

One would have thought that growing up in Winterfell would make one immune to the frosty air. But I'd never been able to stand the cold. A sudden swish of clothes behind me made me jump.

"Shh, my lady, it's alright..." a masculine voice said in the darkness, "It's just me..."

I turned my eyes to where the voice came from and let out a breath when I saw Jaime's face in the moonlight. Rolling back over, I lifted my eyes up to the night sky. Millions of stars hung above us, each one different from the rest. Jaime laid down beside me and I tried to focus on anything but his closeness.

"I wasn't aware there were so many stars..." I mumbled, my voice coming out hushed.

There was a moment of silence before he spoke up.

"You can't see them in King's Landing. Too many torches burning brightly that you can't see them," he said softly.

I hummed in response before continuing, "I guess that's the same way with Winterfell. It's so cold, we need the torches lit up...so the stars end up being blocked from our view..."

Silence ensued once more between us, the only sound to be heard were the crickets chirping. I closed my eyes briefly before opening them again. Everything was so peaceful out here. It almost made me forget these awful past few days...almost. Usually, at night was when my nightmares came - terrible dreams of never seeing my sisters again...or my mind replaying when I heard about father's death. My heart beat faster and tears began to prick my eyes.

In the day, when the sun shone brightly and life went on as before...I could deal. I could forget for a time...But the nights I'd never seemed to be able to handle. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks and I tried not to sniff so as not to alert Jaime to my cries. But the tears kept coming and I unwillingly let out a hiccuping sob.

I clamped my hand over my mouth to hinder it but the memories kept coming in flashes - riding horses with Robb and Jon, father teaching me how to shoot an arrow, playing in the garden with Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. All things that I'd never get to do again - people I loved with all of my heart that...that I'd never see, never hug, never touch, never talk to again... I took in a ragged breath then. A rustling sound came from behind me and slowly, I was turned onto my side to face Jaime. His hands held my arms gently and my dark eyes met his emerald green ones. Those normally serious eyes softened once he took in my crying state and he brought me into his arms.

I buried my head into his chest and wept - wept for them all. Every single person I'd lost - whether to distance or death. I squeezed my eyes shut as he rubbed his hand up and down my back soothingly. The tears came slower then and for the first time in months...I felt safe. Safe in Jaime Lannister's arms.

He took away the suffering, if only for a little while. He dulled the pain that was hidden deep within me. My breathing slowed down to normal and the tears subsided. Maybe Jaime was my safe haven - the one person that could make me feel secure. As these thoughts filled my head, my cocoa-brown eyes gradually fluttered closed and sleep overtook me.