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

Can't I have them too.

[kindlymeant]

[She nods against his back, the newfound speed alarming, but something she can get used to. Alayne Stone is braver than a young highborn lady, after all. After nodding, however, she realises it isn't the most effective way to answer.]

I'm - [but her voice sounds small to her own ears, so she makes effort to speak up] - Yes, my lord. I'm - I'm quite fine.

You're - a very skilled rider.

... If I say no, which will you choose?

[groosed]

You bet I am! I trained on Skyloft.

[He pumps a fist into the air, and maybe his pompadour stretches a little straighter with pride.]

I mean, uh.

Thanks.

...why do you ask me these things. I GUESS IT WOULD BE...

[kindlymeant]

[She finds herself smiling.]

I am sure it is reason enough to be proud.

... Yes? Go on. :)

[groosed]

Do you want to see the waterfall?

[There's a waterfall now, you know.]

........the heartbreakers

[kindlymeant]

[Turning her gaze from him to their surroundings once again -]

I would like that, my lord.

I wouldn't make you choose. But aw. :D

[groosed]

[He pulls on the reins a little, veering the bird left and over to a flowing falls, hovering in mid-air when they're close enough to feel the water's faint spray.]

as if there was really any question :|

[kindlymeant]

It's so lovely. [She says, with a sigh in her voice.] Like Alyssa's Tears in summer.

[swoon]

[groosed]

Alyssa's what?

B)

[kindlymeant]

A waterfall, near my home, my lord, named for an old story. They fall from so high, the water never reaches the valley below.

[groosed]

Really? [He looks over at her, his brow furrowing.] What happens to it?

[kindlymeant]

It's lost to the wind and amidst the mountains, my lord, and trickles to nothing. [Her voice becomes a mite softer.] Long ago, a lady of the Vale was forced to endure the sight of her husband, her brothers, and her children all slain before her eyes. But she swallowed her grief, and would not cry. The gods condemned her to weep until her tears watered the lands of the Vale, and so she weeps still.

[groosed]

That's... really terrible.

[Your story gives him feelings, Alayne. :(]

[kindlymeant]

[Your family all dead and your grief locked up within, that must be terrible indeed.]

It is but an old story, my lord.

[groosed]

Hey, you can... call me Groose, you know.

[kindlymeant]

Would you prefer I do so?

[groosed]

Well - yeah. I mean, I guess so. Sure.

[He's trying to play it cool.

It's not really working.]

[kindlymeant]

Then it would be my pleasure, Groose.

[She's somewhat used to this now, as first names happen to be par for the course in Hogwarts. It's because of this that she tentatively offers - ] You may call me Alayne then, if you wish.

[groosed]

Hey, Alayne... it kinda sounds like Alyssa.

[kindlymeant]

[She smiles.]

Then I shall hope I have no reason to grieve so.

Hi I'm alive

[groosed]

[He rears up the bird's reins, landing them near the top of the waterfall's ridge.]

Wanna get off?

:D

[kindlymeant]

[The landing is smooth, but she still tightens her grip for a moment, tensing - and then when they've stopped, relinquishes her hold and sits primly.]

If you'd like.

:DDD

[groosed]

[He sets off the bird with a bit of a flourish, but his feet still hit the ground thickly and with a bit of a clamor.]

Can you, uh, get down?

[He is blushing so hard again.]

[kindlymeant]

I think - [After swinging her leg over with as much grace (and modesty) as she can, it's easy enough to brace her hands on the saddle and then slip off. (Perhaps with a bit of a squeak, unused to this as she is.)

She smiles once again, stepping away from the bird to smooth her skirts before she takes a look around herself.]

[groosed]

[He's already peering over the waterfall's edge, waving an arm for her to come look.]

[kindlymeant]

[She comes closer somewhat tentatively, and some distance away from him, too. Just incase. Infact, she's not very fond of being on the edge like this, and that's clear on her face for a moment before she swallows, steels herself, and yields to curiosity to look over.

And, honestly - ] It's so beautiful...