⊰ oftarth ⊱
“ not often, ” comes the answer, quick && unchecked in the woman’s throat that she finds herself swallowing back what other words she had been about to give voice. there is no solace in her words. the events they had both surpassed seem to trump every other thought in her mind. even through dreams do they return to her now, a flicker of light ‘cross a vast expanse of darkness. that flicker of light: jaime lannister. his scream had been because of her. it echoes in her mind. wave ‘pon wave of that shrill cry, layer 'pon layer of volume till she believe her ears may bleed. && she shakes her head to clear those thoughts for her mind. mayhaps it is no matter to her, yet it overcomes all others. again, her mind’s eye forces her senses to relive the tugs: knuckles in her stomach: blood at the edge of her lip, corner torn by keen, unkempt nails, just like the rest of the cloth: shells discarded somewhere unknown —- by the river they may still lay.
this warrior —- no lady by any means, though neither a man: perhaps a sow in silk —- knows all sacrifices. has only recently learned to have a one for herself, && it pains her. “ our travels afforded no time to speak of family. ” the lannister family. of his father she had heard the one-handed threaten, but it had not come through since fever overtook his body && turned his skin hot. is tyrion like his older brother? does he know of sacrifice? does he know of pain? she would like to know. “ i would like to hear of him. he has graced you well? ”
Discomforted swallow met such terse dismissal, the girl’s eyes briefly averting with silent apology. Throughout her time in Joffrey’s court she quickly learned how best to tell when offense was offered and, most importantly, how best to make amends. So long spent in close company with Lannister kingslayer surely tried this woman-knight greatly, a stress no doubt compounded by the wrongness of his freedom. What madness had entered her brother’s mind?! None should ever know, alas, that Frey treachery stealing from Robb any chance to explain, to change, to win. His last lingering act in this world an unchained captive, delivered unconventionally, death removing all inclination or need for reciprocation.
“Of course. Your weeks upon the road must have proved quite trying, my lady; I cannot imagine what difficulties and horrors you surely encountered along the way.” Demons that remove hands. For certainly when Ser Jaime Lannister came calling upon Winterfell all those moons ago, it was with two hands that he arrived and left. Auburn brows furrowed. Had Lord Tyrion graced her well? Did it recommend a man, to not fall into what sadistic cruelty so delighted former betrothed? Ought she not expect gentleness from any lord or lady of good breeding? “He has respected my mourning nobly,” she admitted. “And takes no undue pleasure in what horrors these battles and conflicts have birthed.” But oh, how I wish to return home! “He says we are to visit Casterly Rock when this wedding has passed; though ‘tis far larger than my father’s keep, I do wish Lord Tyrion might allow me to see it once again…someday…”