reserved @ ataraxion

[mockeries]

I believe we have already discussed my opinions on the matter.

Still, my prospects don't seem to have worsened since the last two pools into which I dipped my toe.

Comments

[wont]

[ She looks properly chastised, though in secret her heart beats against the cage of her chest — both in relief and trepidation. ]

Do you grow tired of it, father? Being sent after me, always.

[mockeries]

[ His expression softens almost immediately, the line of his shoulders taking on a slight curve. ]

If I had, sweetling, I would have refused outright.

[wont]

[ Alayne wonders if he means to placate her, or if the softening of his expression is genuinely wrought. Petyr, Littlefinger — he could move swiftly from one to the other without so much as a second thought, and so Alayne has learned to be mindful of the seam where one ends and the other begins. She lowers her gaze. ]

And if She did not heed your words?

[mockeries]

I have yet to find out, [ he says evenly, head tilting slightly in an attempt to keep her gaze. ]

But you needn't worry of that. It would seem I will be joining you shortly.

[theimp]

It's strange. You seem to make the best of whatever you're handed. I must admit I admire that.

[mockeries]

[ Littlefinger inclines his head, feigning modesty for just a moment. (Tyrion Lannister, after all, probably has a better read on him than the whole of King's Landing combined. There's no use in pretenses.) ]

My lord. That's a compliment I ought to repay, it would seem.

[theimp]

But cannot, apparently. Well, that's fair, Littlefinger; the gods know there's reason enough.

[The unspoken addendum being "such as yourself," but these things haven't actually happened to Tyrion yet, and he can't quite reproduce the necessary bitterness.]

[mockeries]

[ That prompts a smile, one born out of both amusement and foreknowledge. A smile, however, is the extent of it, as Littlefinger changes tack. ]

I suppose I can assume you have suffered a fate similar to mine?

[theimp]

It's a lovely place when the sky isn't ripping open and monstrous creatures falling out of it to eat people and knock over buildings.

I have my brother to protect me, fortunately. But perhaps gold will serve you and the lovely Alayne just as well.

[mockeries]

— For a certain definition of lovely, certainly.

I'm being told gold won't be of much use, either, but I suspect my wits may serve me well enough.