"Galladon! There are so many people here. We arrived two days ago and couldn't even find your family's banner. I didn't expect to run into you like this!"
Baelor stepped forward with a wide smile and clasped Galladon's arm.
"You've grown so fast!"
It had only been two years, yet Galladon was already nearly as tall as him—more refined, more composed.
"I was just looking for House Hightower's banner," Galladon replied with a smile. "Is Lord Leyton here?"
"He is. Father didn't trust me to bring Helena, Alerie, and Lynesse alone."
Baelor laughed.
Galladon returned to his camp briefly and retrieved several gift boxes before accompanying Baelor to the Hightower encampment.
Reunion with the Hightowers
The white tower banner stood tall among orderly rows of tents. Servants moved efficiently.
Alerie Hightower emerged first.
Tall, silver-haired, emerald-eyed, graceful.
"Good brother?"
Her tone held both surprise and delight.
"Long time no see, Alerie."
Behind her, Helena stepped out.
Light golden hair. Deep purple eyes. A tall, elegant figure dressed in chiffon.
Their eyes met.
"Galladon…"
"Helena."
For a moment, the noise of the camp seemed to fade.
Then a small figure burst forward.
"Good brother!"
Lynesse collided into Galladon's waist, hugging him tightly. He laughed and embraced her.
Soon, Lord Leyton Hightower himself appeared, smiling warmly.
"Galladon, welcome."
They entered the spacious tent.
The Gifts
Galladon distributed the gifts carefully chosen for each of them.
For Lord Leyton — a pair of finely polished crystal spectacles in a silver frame.
Leyton placed them upon his eyes.
His expression froze.
Then changed.
The world sharpened into clarity.
He removed them. Put them back on. Repeated the motion several times before letting out a breath.
"You have my gratitude, Galladon."
For Baelor — sharkskin gloves.
For Alerie — a beautifully crafted ladies' handbag.
For Lynesse — a colorful bracelet of precious stones.
Finally, Helena opened her own box.
Inside lay a sapphire necklace—deep blue gems framed in silver and crystal.
Gasps filled the tent.
"Good brother is biased," Alerie teased, smiling.
Helena's cheeks flushed crimson.
Baelor grinned. "You must put it on her yourself."
Lord Leyton nodded approvingly.
Galladon stepped forward.
Helena lowered her head, trembling slightly as he fastened the necklace around her slender neck.
The cool gem brushed her skin.
She leaned back slightly—almost into his chest.
The tent erupted in teasing cheers.
The sapphires rested perfectly against her fair skin, elevating her already noble beauty.
Helena's heart was filled with quiet joy.
This was not merely a gift.
It was intent.
Lord Leyton watched carefully—and approved.
Alerie's Envy
Amid the laughter, Alerie remained smiling.
But something stirred within her.
She was betrothed to Mace Tyrell.
A great lord, yes.
But lacking the quiet strength and depth she saw in Galladon.
Watching Helena's genuine happiness—watching Galladon's composure—she felt something unfamiliar.
Envy.
"If only I had been born a few years earlier…"
The thought flashed in her mind.
Her heart skipped.
She flushed and quickly dismissed it.
He is Helena's fiancé.
He is my Good brother.
Yet the feeling lingered.
After lunch, Galladon prepared to leave.
"Lord Leyton, may I invite Helena to walk by the Gods Eye tonight?"
Leyton smiled knowingly.
"Return her early."
Galladon nodded.
A private evening beneath spring skies would be far better than another crowded feast.
Meeting Robert
Later, after searching among the sea of banners, Galladon found the stag of House Baratheon.
"Galladon!" Robert boomed, pulling him into an embrace.
Robert had grown enormous—nearly two meters tall, broad and powerful.
"You should've come sooner!"
"And Ned?" Galladon asked.
"With the Starks. Brandon, Lyanna, Benjen—all here."
At the mention of Lyanna, Robert's eyes softened.
Galladon watched him quietly.
Poor Robert.
He did not yet know how fragile dreams could be.
(End of Chapter 29)
A/N:
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