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[paged]

hit me with your best shot ❢ meme continuations ❢ aus ❢ idek

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[ She shakes her head, ]

No, it is far lovelier than I ever imagined it would be. People speak of how beautiful the people of Dorne are but very little of the land itself.

[endlesswar]

The people are part of what makes the land so beautiful. Though that was before you had stepped into it.

[Spoken as a Dornish would.]

Have you seen the Water Gardens?

[paged]

[ It's not the first compliment she has received but it's the first one that makes her cheeks warm. She ducks her head slightly, shaking it again, ]

Only at a distance, from my room. After traveling, I wasn't keen on leaving it.

[endlesswar]

[The expression on her face, ah it gives him a thrill.]

I'd be glad to take you. When you're more keen.

[Surely she saw that coming. And surely she knew that being here, being as beautiful as she is there would be attention given to her, invitations. The longer Frank stands with her and is in the radiance of her smile, the more he craves it.

He takes another sip of the wine.]

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[ She did and it's why she laughs once again, nodding and straightening her shoulders back. ]

I wouldn't be opposed to going now. While the light is still with us.

[ And she wouldn't mind getting some air -- and away from the eyes of the court. ]

[endlesswar]

[No time like the present is there. He's mildly surprised. Frank drains his wine and sets the goblet aside.]

Best make the most of it then.

[He extends his arm to Karen.]

I swear my intentions are honorable.

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[ She doesn't drain her cup but does take his arm, her hold gentle and loose. ]

I should hope so.

[ She's smirking as she says it but adds, as they began to walk, ]

I hope I am not keeping you from your admirers...

[ It's hard not to notice them, watching with dark eyes as they walk by. ]

[endlesswar]

[He notes her soft hands and careful touch. Very much a lady. She's aware of the game and careless, cunning ways of men. It only makes her more interesting.]

My--?

[Frank turns his head as they continue to stroll.]

Ah. In time I'm sure you'll have your own share of friends.

[Friends.]

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[ She raises a brow at the word, certain he's just being polite. But she can't help the bitter taste that forms in her mouth at the thought of those she once thought as friends. She takes another sip of her drink, her voice takes on a colder edge. ]

I thought I had those at Casterly Rock. Can't say I'm willing to open myself to more after that.

[ She's not sure why she's sharing that with him other than the fact that she has yet to speak openly about such things before now. It seemed selfish to do when her parents had already been through much in the past several weeks. ]

[endlesswar]

[Friendship has so many meanings in Dorne. And feelings tend to be sensual and intimate. The turn of conversation has the airy, playfulness subsides.]

That is a wise way to start. Though it seems your lord mother and father have alliances here that are forged from other bonds.

[His pace is casual, leisurely. Guiding her through the very familiar halls of the Sunspear keep.]

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I suppose so.

[ She concedes, looking at the mosaics on the walls as they pass them, ]

I didn't pay much attention to such things, trusting him to do the right thing.

[ Which is why this whole thing still felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her. ]

[endlesswar]

[She takes in the scene as he watches her.]

He took his family to safety with him. So far, so good.

[Though that is not to speak of the deep seated issues that some Dornish have with Casterly Rock's great and noble house.]

You're still grieving for the lifestyle lost.

[That much is apparent.]

[paged]

[ She nods slowly at both, not able to deny the truth he speaks. ]

It was the only life I had ever known.

[ A beat. ]

Before now.

[endlesswar]

And no bodily injury to speak of, I've noticed.

[Which is uh the bright side. Frank slows as they approach an elaborate, marble set of stairs leading down. There's a lush, garden and the bluest pool spread before them.]

What did Casterly Rock promise you, milady?

[paged]

[ She tries not to roll her eyes at that though she knows she should be grateful all the same. They were quite fortunate to escape with their lives and what belongings they could carry. Far more generous than most that were considered "enemies" of House Lannister.

But the sight before them is enough to leave her speechless for a long moment, staring at the beauty close up now. ]

A future. Stability. Security.

[ All those things that were prized in a world as cruel as theirs. ]

[endlesswar]

[The response gets a laugh low in his gut. Frank chooses to say nothing. This time. The response intrigues him. There have been other pretty, painted birds from the other six kingdoms to come to Dorne. All of them sing pretty songs and put on pretty airs while leaving their true feelings a mystery.]

And do you believe those things are gone forever?

[They keep walking, closer still. The trees are providing shade to walk through and the air is fragrant with jasmine. Beautiful, white cranes flutter to splash down at the far end of the pool, the ripples cascading outward disrupting the mirror like surface of the water. A tall, solid figure like the man beside her only seems more harsh and out of place were it not for his collected, lordly behavior as her consort.]

[paged]

[ She doesn't appreciate his laughter, taking it to mean that he's laughing at her and the concerns she has. It's enough to make her mad. Mad enough to be blind to the beauty around her, ]

I suppose if I were a man I wouldn't have to worry about such things.

[ She withdraws her arm from his, thank you. ]

[endlesswar]

[Frank relaxes his arm and folds them in front of him. His expression is plainly puzzled.]

Though our backs are strong and our shoulders are broad, we have the same burdens. I do not think that being another sex would suit you. Women are more cunning and careful then men. We charge like bulls and are undone by the smallest of things.

[Which sounds very, very contradictory from a man with the edges of scars visible in the long, open neck of his garb.]

My world has changed a time or two. So few a time with my will.

[paged]

[ She noticed the scars briefly but she still purses her lips, ]

And yet women are not treated in such a way.

[ At least not where she comes from. Women are only heard when they are in a well enough standing or have enough power behind them. And even then they will always be seen as lesser. ]

They are considered emotional and weak-willed.

[endlesswar]

[She is the one to lead where they go. His steady steps trail behind.]

In Dorne, women hold equal standing. I don't know the ways they carry on in the other kingdoms.

[In Westeros. Essos is... always it's own story entirely.]

Any who think so ill of women don't deserve their company.

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[ Her brows go up at that and she stops long enough to turn and look back at him, ]

Do you truly believe that?

[ Because, if she were honest, she would state that he doesn't look the type. He looks like one of those Essos warlords out here, among the green and water. ]

[endlesswar]

[Ah. Finally she's looking at him again. Frank looks back. Most men would take in the moment to posture, to puff up, to grin back. He meets her gaze the way one would with a wild horse, gaining mutual respect and trust. Except Karen is a lionness. And he has never had experience taming a lion. Just killing one.]

I do.

[About his land and how to treat the fairer sex.]

[paged]

[ He is different from what she had expected, she can't deny that. Though she still has her reservations. She gives him a once over after holding his eyes for a long, silent moment and then turns, walking again.

She heads over to the pool, careful in her movements so she doesn't upset the birds in it. It's a delicate sort of beauty she had never expected in the desert. ]

[endlesswar]

[He assumes that she has a vast experience with men. She has to. She must. Eyes like that. A body like she does. Frank is in for a shock. Following her step for step like a shadow. While her presence doesn't disrupt the birds they do get more active in the wake of his presence. Just a little. They're familiar with visitors.]

You can bathe in the Water Gardens. I would recommend to have it reserved or else risk sharing it. When the summer sun is high it offers so much comfort. This is one of the many pools.

[And there is an intricate pipe system that sprouts at set hours. It truly is a triumph of architecture.]

[paged]

[ Experience in watching them, hearing how they talk and treat other women. But personally? Very little. Intimately? No. It's why it's such a wonder so is still out here alone with him.

Her cheeks go warm again as she watches the birds bathe in the water in their own way. ]

I don't think I could ever do that.

[ The very thought makes her body feel hot all over. Especially if the man beside her were to watch... ]