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

[kakolookiyam]

My lady, were every youth to hold their own conduct in such care, the gods themselves would snatch youth from men, as a gift squandered.

[kindlymeant]

[Her lips curve into a smile, brief as it is.]

I will not disgrace his trust in me, nor his guidance, my lord. Youth I may have yet, but I am a woman grown. [And I have learned not to bite the hand.]

[kakolookiyam]

Then you do your lord father a greater service than I afforded my own.

[It's troubled, somewhat. But a distant trouble, something accepted that nevertheless stings.]

Forgive me if I have offered offense. I only meant to -- [He starts again.] The greatest folly I have ever known was in pursuit of glory and prestige in my father's eyes. There is no harm in wishing to please him, but do not discount your own interests merely for the sake of his. Your life is your own to discover, and walking a path that is laid out before you will only lead you to despair.

[longshanks]

Strong words spoken from a brave heart.

[robb]

And the cause of your renewed enthusiasm, Sansa?

[ He'll admit that you referring to the wrong Lord Father is putting him off a tad ]

[kindlymeant]

[Her face stiffens a little, her eyes lowering.]

You mistake me, your Grace. [Call me not by that name.] It is not my own enthusiasm, but that of my lady's. She says that she is grateful for the change in scene.

[kindlymeant]

I - only seek to make him proud, my lord. It is no great feat of bravery.

[groosed]

Hey.

[kindlymeant]

None, my lord. Your words are fair. [And foolish.] My wishes are not so great... only a daughter's duty, and the least I could give.

[kindlymeant]

[She eyes his hair in quiet amazement curtsies.]

My lord.

[groosed]

[His pompadour is worth ten of Eddard Stark, okay!]

Don't worry.

[kindlymeant]

[I don't see it catching on in Westeros...]

...Worry, my lord?

[robb]

[ But Sansa, it's not as if anyone is watching. ]

My lady likewise expresses the same sentiments.

This treatment after so long? I have missed you, you know.

[groosed]

You just. Seemed worried, up there. I guess.

[He's so not good at this, okay.]

[seabitch]

[ Asha does not recognize her face, but one only has to listen to those words to name this girl a southron lady, a soft creature from the green lands. ]

Will it? That sort of door needs to be held shut with your own hands, not those belonging to someone else.

[kindlymeant]

[You don't understaaaaaaaaaaaand YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE --

Her expression, eyes still downcast, twists a little, shame weighing heavy on her brow before it is dismissed. There is much she could say to him, much she could explain, about how he makes her simultaneously elated and uncertain, but she will not say a word of it.]

What - treatment? You are a king, it is - befitting. [But oh, she missed him too. Far more, she'd willingly bet.]

ilu jes

[kindlymeant]

[She looks at him a moment, measuringly, before giving a soft, reassuring smile.]

I am alright, my lord - simply far from home.

i miss you, eilidh :<

[groosed]

You should -- yeah -- let Lord Groose cheer you up!

[With a flick of his hand, he presents her with a tiny white flower.]

[kindlymeant]

And so it will be, my lady. Only I can be sure of the lock upon it. [And sure she must be, if she is to succeed.

There's something strangely, distantly familiar about the woman's face, enough to draw Alayne's attention but not enough to explain why.]

(cozy)

[kindlymeant]

[Her smile grows - part feigned to appease, and part in spite of herself at the simple show of courtesy.]

I am honoured to meet you, Lord Groose.

[robb]

[ ONLY BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T TOLD MEEE HUFFF.

He eyes her, his eyes filled to the brim with concern. He strides over to her carefully. The wall she had put up was thick. All he sees in her is the need to protect her, make sure she comes to no harm. What need did she have to put up guard when he was there? ]

Before I am a king, I am a Stark. Just as you are. We are family before anything else, and there is no need to keep guard around me.

[groosed]

[And his blush only grows at her smile, shoulders pinching together almost childishly in a flicker of glee. He straightens the moment he notices.]

Don't mention it.

So, uh. Do you like birds?

[kindlymeant]

[AND I HAVE NO PLANS TO EITHERRRR.

And again, she is torn. When he moves closer, does she run to him, or back away? Her legs feel unsteady at the thought, but she stands still and tall, and braves looking into his eyes.

I am Stone, but I am a wolf still. Somewhere. She knew it, in her heart of hearts. But it was easier when she could lock that away, and be rid of it.

Robb's presence would not allow that, and she was simultaneously grateful and frustrated by it.]

I must be careful, still. [She says, barely above a whisper, somewhere in-between.]

[kindlymeant]

Birds? [The question is relatively inane, and she welcomes such a subject. But she will dismiss nothing as trivial, and her guard will not lower.

A bastard girl has no reason to hawk as highborn ladies might, but she nods.]

[longshanks]

Many grown men steep their past in disregard. Great men, those in seats of power and respect, it is a rarity to discover one that upholds the honour of his bloodline.

Yet here you stand, little lady, doing just that for your lord father. Unprompted.