[ She feels Koby tense and relax under her hand, like her Aemond in this way and no other: Unused to tenderness, at least of this kind. She resolves to offer it more freely, more regularly, for as long as she can. As such, Alicent lingers, allowing him to lean into the cup of her hand.
(Part of her believes she will be targeted next, for leading a block to vote even though it was Baela who commanded the floor. Paul and Alina’s words have assured all know her role in cementing their alliance. If not her, then she fears for Baela. If not her, then she has no choice but to consider the role of her closest friends, who might spare her and her son out of love even if they are wolves.)
Her mouth quirks, a wobbly thing, no more capable of accepting Koby’s kind words than he sid her soft touch. The Hightower beacon guides ships to safe harbour, tis true; it also calls its banners to war, glowing green as her verdant gowns. She would like to be the former. She fears she is the latter. ]
[ her tone softens, matching his thoughtful lilt, ] When there is a child born outside a noble house in Westeros, a bastard in true, we name them for the land of their birth. Snow, in the north. Stone, the mountains. Sand, the desert.
[ The smallfolk do not claim any name, but it matters not. Koby deserves all. A name, a family, a home. ]
Perhaps you are Koby of the Seas, without need of a traditional House or its constraints, brave and free as you have become. [ ignoring the manor, he seems to have made a worthy life for himself among his crew. ] As you will be again, when this is done.
[ Something she would like to believe, if only for Koby’s sake. She and Aemond will return their ends, if they leave this place, but Koby — he might find more adventures, brighter shores, an endless blue expanse. She prefers that, for him. ]
no subject
(Part of her believes she will be targeted next, for leading a block to vote even though it was Baela who commanded the floor. Paul and Alina’s words have assured all know her role in cementing their alliance. If not her, then she fears for Baela. If not her, then she has no choice but to consider the role of her closest friends, who might spare her and her son out of love even if they are wolves.)
Her mouth quirks, a wobbly thing, no more capable of accepting Koby’s kind words than he sid her soft touch. The Hightower beacon guides ships to safe harbour, tis true; it also calls its banners to war, glowing green as her verdant gowns. She would like to be the former. She fears she is the latter. ]
[ her tone softens, matching his thoughtful lilt, ] When there is a child born outside a noble house in Westeros, a bastard in true, we name them for the land of their birth. Snow, in the north. Stone, the mountains. Sand, the desert.
[ The smallfolk do not claim any name, but it matters not. Koby deserves all. A name, a family, a home. ]
Perhaps you are Koby of the Seas, without need of a traditional House or its constraints, brave and free as you have become. [ ignoring the manor, he seems to have made a worthy life for himself among his crew. ] As you will be again, when this is done.
[ Something she would like to believe, if only for Koby’s sake. She and Aemond will return their ends, if they leave this place, but Koby — he might find more adventures, brighter shores, an endless blue expanse. She prefers that, for him. ]