I had thought about that, but I can see the attempt at wisdom here. This way, he will grow to know and respect me. Or, I hope he will.
( Given that he is currently wriggling free of her arms to pounce upon a cushion beside her, turning over onto his back. Myrcella shakes her head, and laughs a little for the first time since she'd been resurrected.
How fitting it is now, while speaking with her father. Looking back up at him, her gaze is warmer as she makes use of her left hand to pull back her hair as he's suggested, and nods thoughtfully thereafter. )
That's a good idea. Is there anywhere nearby I might take him hunting when he's bigger? I don't think that instinct will simply not manifest in him because I feed him by hand now.
( Sighing, she relaxes back against her sofa, and meets his gaze quietly. )
How have you fared of late? Could we have dinner together one day this week? I find I'd like very much to know you better.
The one thing this country does have is a surfeit of open land. Once you are outside of these cities, you're sure to find hunting ground for this beast of yours. I would not suggest going too far out with some sort of escort. Besides your lion, I mean.
[Although--]
Did you happen to receive instructions on... training a lion?
[Which is maybe a question better discussed over dinner. She looks a little more like Cersei with her hair tied back, with a softer cut to her face. Perhaps because she is so young. That means she resembles him, as well, of course, which is a fact Jaime has little considered. Cersei discouraged even the thought, to protect our secret, when it was written all around us on the faces of her children.
Dinner. He casts a glance beyond his device, taking stock of his surroundings.]
You'd mentioned that, yes. Knowing me. [It's meant as teasing. Hopefully she reads it as much.] I have time and more for dinner. Which city are you living in?
A wood may serve well, but I believe his ilk live on grass plains in the wild. I shall have to locate the nearest one so he will not be confused. And I will, worry not. Would you wish to accompany me for this?
( She might have mentioned that before, too, but he makes her feel safer than she has in her life. )
Ah—no, I have not. I will need to see if this world has any books written on the subject. Or improvise.
( Dinner, yes. There is excitement in her for that, when she has felt the sentiment for little else since her arrival. It may be a difficult journey finding her way back to herself after her ordeal, but with him here? It seems eminently easier to fathom doing.
She lights up, cheeks warming at the gentle teasing. )
I have, haven't I? I, ah, suppose I am simply that eager to try. ( Her smile is gentle and a little shy as she meets his eyes, feeling her chest tighten with emotion. If she'd doubted at any time she were alive before, the pounding of her heart proves otherwise. ) Good, I find my circumstances to be the same. I'm residing in De Chima. What of you?
I've never tamed a lion, but I can safely say that improvisation would not be wise. Knowing the mind and temperament of the beast will be important when it is no longer of a size you can easily subdue. There are likely books written on the subject of lions, though I can't say whether or not they will include a section on training them.
As to the question of taking the creature hunting--if I have the time, it would be my honor to escort you. [For Cersei's sake, as much as Myrcella's. For his own sake, as well? Perhaps a little. At least it is a task easily accomplished. A knight is often called to such tasks. For all the hunting Robert did, Jaime accompanied him few enough times. Deliberately. Still, it is a task easily managed, and whatever uncertainty he might feel can be kept at bay.] And if his appetites prove to be too voracious, we'll figure something out. Above all, you must take care.
[De Chima is unwelcome news. Jaime's smile dips, slightly.]
Maurtia Falls. I was originally assigned to De Chima, but I found it too full of Starks and their allies. I can easily come to your city, and we can dine there. My registration with the government of this country allows me to use the porters to travel between the cities. You'll have that same right when you register.
You're right, of course. I'm sure books on lions are easy enough to find in De Chima. I would do right by him, and understanding how his wilder kin are in the wild should help.
( She knows it's a contentious thing; her mother has borne a hatred for that House for years. Joffrey had continued it because he could. Myrcella herself has no part of it, and doesn't wish to.
Especially not here. She meets his eyes carefully, and then breaks into a small, gladdened smile when he assents to escorting her. )
The honour would be mine to be escorted by you. ( That much is the truth; entirely for their sake, she is happy. She thinks that a second life merits a chance to know her father, and that in this life he should be afforded an opportunity to know one of his children. ) I know we will. If you are with us, I know we will be well. And I shall if you will do the same.
( Ah. Her own smile fades to hear it. )
If you're certain, then I would enjoy that very much. There is one restaurant I have walked past more than once and the smell coming from within is incredible. None shall interrupt us, I won't allow it.
( There's some fire in her still, apparently. Myrcella inclines her head, humming thoughtfully. )
Tell me the name of this restaurant that has entranced you, and I will meet you there. Unless you'd prefer an escort?
[How closely should he watch her? Close enough to keep her safe. This is not Westeros, but there are dangers and threats all the same, in stranger colors and fashions. She will have been given a godsgift of her own, besides this lion cub, but that is no guarantee of safety.
Should he insist that she move from De Chima? In that city, she is closer to the Starks, and to Daenerys Targaryen--but farther from Littlefinger. The Starks have their honor. Littlefinger has none. In that way, she is safe. Gods be good, why is he here alone, trying to work through all of this?
Not precisely alone. There is now Myrcella--a child, but not quite a child. His own child, at that. The thought is becoming a little easier. To protect is a simpler offer to make than to trust. She is sweet yet, raised in safety and in beauty, sometimes by the sheer will of Cersei. Untouched by the many corruptions. Let her stay that way, Jaime thinks, half a prayer. He knows it cannot come true.]
We can speak more of this city of yours, and of registration. But you must leave your lion at home. I doubt he would be much welcome--though if you have coin enough, you can enjoy the pleasure of watching the servers pretend he is welcome.
( Nobody has made her smile like this, bright and warm and vivid. She even manages a soft laugh. Keeping close to him is not simply something she wants but needs as well. He's good for her. )
I think I would prefer an escort if you don't mind. I'm located in the apartment complex, but I can meet you outside.
( To be apart from him is both strange and familiar; he'd always been there, throughout her childhood. Ever watchful, but never allowed to be present. She only wonders now whether he's ever wanted to be.
The way he'd spoken to her on the ship had given her hope. And kindled in her a caring for him, regardless if others see him as a traitor or hero. Now, she would be closer to him than not.
He is alone and so is she, and that will not do for her, one way or the other. She worries, but does not want to fuss. As much as he would keep her safe, so would she do for him.
With a graceful dip of her head, she continues to smile. A miracle, she thinks privately. )
Yes, we should. I have here a 'dog crate' which I hope will hold him long enough for us to dine in peace. I'll leave him food and water.
And some rope. ( Her mouth quirks in mild, shy amusement. ) If you let me know when you arrive, I'll come down and meet you.
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( Given that he is currently wriggling free of her arms to pounce upon a cushion beside her, turning over onto his back. Myrcella shakes her head, and laughs a little for the first time since she'd been resurrected.
How fitting it is now, while speaking with her father. Looking back up at him, her gaze is warmer as she makes use of her left hand to pull back her hair as he's suggested, and nods thoughtfully thereafter. )
That's a good idea. Is there anywhere nearby I might take him hunting when he's bigger? I don't think that instinct will simply not manifest in him because I feed him by hand now.
( Sighing, she relaxes back against her sofa, and meets his gaze quietly. )
How have you fared of late? Could we have dinner together one day this week? I find I'd like very much to know you better.
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[Although--]
Did you happen to receive instructions on... training a lion?
[Which is maybe a question better discussed over dinner. She looks a little more like Cersei with her hair tied back, with a softer cut to her face. Perhaps because she is so young. That means she resembles him, as well, of course, which is a fact Jaime has little considered. Cersei discouraged even the thought, to protect our secret, when it was written all around us on the faces of her children.
Dinner. He casts a glance beyond his device, taking stock of his surroundings.]
You'd mentioned that, yes. Knowing me. [It's meant as teasing. Hopefully she reads it as much.] I have time and more for dinner. Which city are you living in?
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( She might have mentioned that before, too, but he makes her feel safer than she has in her life. )
Ah—no, I have not. I will need to see if this world has any books written on the subject. Or improvise.
( Dinner, yes. There is excitement in her for that, when she has felt the sentiment for little else since her arrival. It may be a difficult journey finding her way back to herself after her ordeal, but with him here? It seems eminently easier to fathom doing.
She lights up, cheeks warming at the gentle teasing. )
I have, haven't I? I, ah, suppose I am simply that eager to try. ( Her smile is gentle and a little shy as she meets his eyes, feeling her chest tighten with emotion. If she'd doubted at any time she were alive before, the pounding of her heart proves otherwise. ) Good, I find my circumstances to be the same. I'm residing in De Chima. What of you?
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As to the question of taking the creature hunting--if I have the time, it would be my honor to escort you. [For Cersei's sake, as much as Myrcella's. For his own sake, as well? Perhaps a little. At least it is a task easily accomplished. A knight is often called to such tasks. For all the hunting Robert did, Jaime accompanied him few enough times. Deliberately. Still, it is a task easily managed, and whatever uncertainty he might feel can be kept at bay.] And if his appetites prove to be too voracious, we'll figure something out. Above all, you must take care.
[De Chima is unwelcome news. Jaime's smile dips, slightly.]
Maurtia Falls. I was originally assigned to De Chima, but I found it too full of Starks and their allies. I can easily come to your city, and we can dine there. My registration with the government of this country allows me to use the porters to travel between the cities. You'll have that same right when you register.
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( She knows it's a contentious thing; her mother has borne a hatred for that House for years. Joffrey had continued it because he could. Myrcella herself has no part of it, and doesn't wish to.
Especially not here. She meets his eyes carefully, and then breaks into a small, gladdened smile when he assents to escorting her. )
The honour would be mine to be escorted by you. ( That much is the truth; entirely for their sake, she is happy. She thinks that a second life merits a chance to know her father, and that in this life he should be afforded an opportunity to know one of his children. ) I know we will. If you are with us, I know we will be well. And I shall if you will do the same.
( Ah. Her own smile fades to hear it. )
If you're certain, then I would enjoy that very much. There is one restaurant I have walked past more than once and the smell coming from within is incredible. None shall interrupt us, I won't allow it.
( There's some fire in her still, apparently. Myrcella inclines her head, humming thoughtfully. )
I intend to do that.
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[--He commends, with something more of a smile.]
Tell me the name of this restaurant that has entranced you, and I will meet you there. Unless you'd prefer an escort?
[How closely should he watch her? Close enough to keep her safe. This is not Westeros, but there are dangers and threats all the same, in stranger colors and fashions. She will have been given a godsgift of her own, besides this lion cub, but that is no guarantee of safety.
Should he insist that she move from De Chima? In that city, she is closer to the Starks, and to Daenerys Targaryen--but farther from Littlefinger. The Starks have their honor. Littlefinger has none. In that way, she is safe. Gods be good, why is he here alone, trying to work through all of this?
Not precisely alone. There is now Myrcella--a child, but not quite a child. His own child, at that. The thought is becoming a little easier. To protect is a simpler offer to make than to trust. She is sweet yet, raised in safety and in beauty, sometimes by the sheer will of Cersei. Untouched by the many corruptions. Let her stay that way, Jaime thinks, half a prayer. He knows it cannot come true.]
We can speak more of this city of yours, and of registration. But you must leave your lion at home. I doubt he would be much welcome--though if you have coin enough, you can enjoy the pleasure of watching the servers pretend he is welcome.
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( Nobody has made her smile like this, bright and warm and vivid. She even manages a soft laugh. Keeping close to him is not simply something she wants but needs as well. He's good for her. )
I think I would prefer an escort if you don't mind. I'm located in the apartment complex, but I can meet you outside.
( To be apart from him is both strange and familiar; he'd always been there, throughout her childhood. Ever watchful, but never allowed to be present. She only wonders now whether he's ever wanted to be.
The way he'd spoken to her on the ship had given her hope. And kindled in her a caring for him, regardless if others see him as a traitor or hero. Now, she would be closer to him than not.
He is alone and so is she, and that will not do for her, one way or the other. She worries, but does not want to fuss. As much as he would keep her safe, so would she do for him.
With a graceful dip of her head, she continues to smile. A miracle, she thinks privately. )
Yes, we should. I have here a 'dog crate' which I hope will hold him long enough for us to dine in peace. I'll leave him food and water.
And some rope. ( Her mouth quirks in mild, shy amusement. ) If you let me know when you arrive, I'll come down and meet you.