(Ellion's POV)
"Ser Ellion....!" I heard Lady Joanna call out for me as she was walking up to me in the hall, "Is everything okay? You're covered in blood!"
I had walked back inside the keep, allowing the others to deal with the cleanup. I had already done my job, so I didn't want to stay outside and listen to Aerys's shouting and complaining.
"My Lady." I said as I looked at her, "Are you okay?"
She reached me, a look of concern on her face, "Y-Yes...." She said, "I heard some commotion, I was worried something had happened to you. Surely, you are okay."
I nodded, "I am." I said, "This is not my blood."
"Oh...." She said, her eyes widened a bit in surprise, "That is good....I suppose."
She eyed me up and down, a bit taken aback at the sight of the blood on my clothes. I must admit, it was rather sloppy of me to let this much blood splatter on my clothes. I should've been much cleaner than that but when men's bodies are so fragile when swinging my sword through them, I cannot control where their blood splatters on.
"Everything is under control now." I said, "I've dealt with the threat. But we do have another problem."
She looked at me, "What do you mean?"
"Your Husband and his men had conveniently left to the Kingswood right when before the attack. As well as the Hightower forces." I said, "I don't know about you, but I would be suspicious about such actions."
"You don't think that Tywin...." She started, "No, he wouldn't. Tywin would never...."
"I'm not saying Tywin is responsible, I am just stating that it is rather convenient." I said, "Why would I accuse him of something like this? He's not the smartest, but he's not an idiot either. But it wasn't just the Lannister forces, but-"
"Don't you dare accuse my father of anything." I turned to see Malora walking up to me with a scowl, "He would never betray the Crown!!"
"Lady Malora." Joanna said as she reached us, "I do not think that Ser Ellion is accusing your father of anything."
"That is what he is making it sound like." Malora scowled, "If does that to his face, Father will not approve of us marrying."
Joanna looked taken aback, "M-Marrying....?" She said, "The two of you....?"
"It's nothing official." I said, "I must go and clean myself up."
Malora grabbed my sleeve, "I would do it myself, but I am rather annoyed that you would insinuate House Hightower would ever betray the Crown." She said with a serious scowl, pulling me closer to her, "Do you want me to be labeled a traitor, so we have no chance in being together?"
"That's not what I meant." I said, "I'm only pointing out the fucking obvious. Your Father and the other two lords leave the Keep and all of the sudden, it is attacked? You're not stupid, Lady Malora, you know how that looks."
She clutched my chin, "You should have faith in my family." she said with a serious tone, "Do not forget your place, Ellion."
"And what's my place?" I asked with a raised eyebrow
"Your place is by my side." She said with a soft whisper, "You know that. Do not make me remind you what you want in front of the Lady Joanna."
Joanna cleared her throat, "I...." She said, "This is rather awkward."
I pulled away and looked at her, she was blushing slightly as she looked at me. She had her hands in front of her as she shifted on her feet.
"Right...." I said as I looked at Malora, "We will speak later."
Malora turned around, flicking her hair and having it hit my face, "Hmph!" She said, "Yes, we will."
I sighed as she stomped away, "This woman...."
"I will have you regret even thinking that!" Malora stomped away, "You foolish ingrate!"
As she walked away, Joanna looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"What is it?" I asked her
"I....." She said, "Well, I know your nature and all, but I am still surprised that you and Lady Malora....I mean, I heard the rumors but it's still surprising to see it with my own eyes. And well, seeing it up close and direct, it's a bit heartwarming...."
"Oh." I said, "Well...."
She gave me a slight smile, "She is young, like you." She said, "Mayhaps it is best if the two of you continue what you have."
I focused my Observation Haki to surround us, making sure that nobody was eavesdropping on our conversation.
The coast was clear.
"What does that mean?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow
She looked to the side, blushing slightly, "Surely, you wouldn't want to continue a relationship with an old woman like myself." She said, "I mean, Lady Malora is a beautiful young woman. She has a fierce personality and maybe that is what you need in a woman. And-"
"Don't speak like that." I said with a serious tone, "I will never discard you for a younger woman. You know the kind of man I am, Joanna. I would keep you in my arms all the same, even if I somehow end up with Malora."
She looked down, "My goodness." She said, "There has just been an attack on the Red Keep and all we could speak about is your love life, Ellion. Don't you find this ridiculous at times?"
I patted her cheek, "I should go and clean up, My Lady." I said, "But I would like to visit your bed later tonight. I am glad that you are okay, that is all that matters to me."
She closed her eyes, leaning into the touch, "Oh, Ellion." She said softly, "Do you truly want to be in my bed again?"
I nodded, "What do you think?" I said, "After a fight like that, I yearn for the warmth of a goddess. And that goddess is you."
She opened her eyes and looked at me, "Your words are too sweet, young man." She said,
"Especially for a time like this."