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.

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[kindlymeant]

[She raises her eyes to meet his, measuring, but there is little there for her to find.]

Then I pray that I may find that courage, my lord, to gird what strength I may be able to possess. [Which is little indeed, by her estimations, but perhaps it's a start.] ...You speak as one experienced in this might.

[Hands neatly clasped and head demurely bowed, then - ]

I hope never to give him reason, and so it would not do to be complacent.

[fleija]

[ the doors are tightly locked from his end, as are the windows to his soul. ]

Perhaps I am. [ though, thinking it through, it's not merely courage he possesses. to him, there is more to things than simple bravery. ] Would that comfort you to know?

[ he smiles then, minutely - but it is hollow. ]

You speak from experience.

[kindlymeant]

I do not see why it would be of comfort to me, my lord. [She says, simply.] There is no other that could ensure such seals remain.

[There is a sharpness in his smile that she catches, just, as morning sun might gleam across ice.]

All are complacent at one point or another, are they not?