at magicdraft; post may contain spoilers for ASoIaF

[kindlymeant]

It is not that I am ungrateful for your attention, my lady, though I cannot share in your renewed enthusiasm. I would have you remember, please, that even away from my lord father - especially then, perhaps - I must be careful to conduct myself as is befitting. I will not give him reason for disappointment, least not when I walk alongside such noble names.

As for - circumstances as they are, it is far better this way. That door may be closed now, as it should be, and so it shall remain.

Comments

[groosed]

[He follows the line of her gaze, also looking up.]

Hey, I have an idea! [And then he whistles.

[kindlymeant]

An... idea? [Repeating all the questions (like a little bird) does not sit well with her, but she is admittedly curious.]

[groosed]

[The abrupt whistle causes the small bird on his pompadour to flutter off and fly away, but it also brings down something larger - Groose's deep blue loftwing. The bird settles beside them, and he reaches out to pat its head.]

This is the guy.

[kindlymeant]

[She backs away, naturally, and in lieu of saying anything, simply stares at it.

Is it just her or does it have the same haircut as him...]

[groosed]

Do you want to ride him?

[I can show you the woooorld... ♪ ♫]

oh my god

[kindlymeant]

Ride him? I can't - I've never...

♥♥

[groosed]

It's okay! Not by yourself. I'd be, ah, with you. You won't fall off or lose control or anything.

not enough hearts in the world

[kindlymeant]

[She looks from the bird, to him, to the bird, to him.

There is a part of her (the part that has wished for wings) that almost wants to throw caution to the wind, and she is curious, certainly - especially having seen people fly on broomsticks.

But it's an unwise notion, not least of all because she knows nothing of this man.]

It - He does not look as if he could... [spindly bird legs omg]

Have you slept at all? Go to bed!

[groosed]

He's stronger than he looks. [Groose gives the bird a playful swat on the back, and its only response is to buck playfully.]

I DID A BIT I might nap...

[kindlymeant]

[Alayne draws back a little more at that, but - it seems friendly enough. She thinks of the reliable old mules on the mountain, and takes a step closer, tentatively reaching out with intent to pat it. Or something.]

This is my last tag for you until you get a good night's sleep. (nottalking)

[groosed]

[The loftwing lowers his head, gently nudging the underside of her hand.]

omggg I CAN ONLY NAP FOR A LITTLE BIT

[kindlymeant]

[Slightly emboldened by her success, she takes another step, so she doesn't have to reach quite so far, running her fingers over his beak and then (surprisingly) soft blue feathers.]

[groosed]

[The loftwing trills a little, feathers puffing outward with pride.]

I think he likes you.

[kindlymeant]

He is a - very noble steed, my lord. [And not too frightening once you're up close, but still.]

[groosed]

So, up?

[He's not forgotten!]

[kindlymeant]

[Oh.]

To where? [so unsure sbshddh]

[groosed]

How about - around the garden? You can see the trees from way up there.

[kindlymeant]

[her uncertainty does not ebb as she looks around, but deciding that staying here is safe enough, she gives a decisive nod.]

If you're certain, my lord.

[groosed]

[His hands move, then stop.]

Do you need a leg-up?

[kindlymeant]

[her feet move to step forward, and then stop.

This, if a little informal, is not too much of an affront. (She blushes, all the same.)]

If you would be so kind.

[groosed]

[He sets his hands at her waist, doing his best to be gentle despite the difference in their sizes. In one smooth motion, he lifts her and sets her atop the bird's back.]

[kindlymeant]

[He lifts me near as easily as the Hound did. The thought rises unburden and she crush the memories down, shifting for a more secure seat. Birds are rather different from horses, she quickly realises.]

[groosed]

[He runs a hand up the bird's scruff, giving her a moment to get acclimated.]

He's comfy, right?

[kindlymeant]

He's - [She attempts not to hold on for dear life, because the bird is stationary and by all accounts quite placid for now.] - He is quite different from what I'm used to, my lord.

[groosed]

[And then, with a bit of a grunt, Groose heaves himself bodily upward to land on the bird, in front of Alayne.

Maybe he flexes a little while he's doing it.]