The docks outside Harrenhal held barges carrying supplies year-round, and the air smelled of river water and damp, musty wood.
An unremarkable midsized sailing ship was preparing to depart for Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
Stannis Baratheon had changed into plain black leather armor.
The lines of his once stern, cold face had softened considerably, as though its hard edges had been worn away.
Davos Seaworth carried a bundle.
Inside were several thick winter garments and some provisions that would keep for a long time.
"My lord, it will be colder at the Wall."
He handed the bundle over.
"You'll need these on the journey."
Stannis took it, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rough weave of the cloth.
"I'm no lord anymore."
"Davos."
Stannis's voice was low.
"I... I owe you an apology. Those fingers..."
Davos Seaworth looked at the man before him.
His face was still sharply defined, but it had lost some of its old severity.
He had witnessed Stannis's obsession with ascending the throne, and had felt the chill of his belief that the law came before everything.
"You needn't say that."
Davos shook his head, gazing calmly into the distance.
"The past is the past."
"You used to have no warmth in you at all. Now you seem like a living man."
Stannis trembled slightly.
After a moment's silence, he stepped forward and opened his arms.
Davos froze for an instant, then embraced the former king in return.
This was no ceremony between king and subject, but more like two old soldiers saying farewell at the edge of a battlefield.
"Lord Lynn still needs me."
Davos spoke softly.
"Once he has finished his campaign in Essos, I'll go to the Wall."
"Perhaps that's the best place for us two old fellows to end our days."
Stannis pushed Davos away.
He