Brothel AU for draconita

[darotisentys]

[It's only been a day, but he is anxious to get back to her. He won't say he's desperate to go to the brothel, because that's not the case. He would want her no matter where he found her.

The brothel is it, however, and once he's gathered with his men and orders given for the day, meals taken and a bath, he manages to sneak out once more and go to where he knows he'll find her.

His Alys.

He doesn't take his time. He's at the door as soon as he can and enters as quietly as possible, not wanting to draw a scene. He doesn't stop until he's found her.]

Comments

[darotisentys]

[He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. Not because of her, but due to her story. Fucking men.]

They will be alright, then?

[Watching her work is easy enough. Looking at her face, not so much. So he doesn't. Once she's done, he nods.]

I will. Thank you again.

[draconita]

The ones who put the hatchet to the tree won't make it past the night.

[ She looks at him easily enough though. Silence holds for a few seconds, before she's taking out a gold pouch - one of his.

She leaves it on the table. ]

The last one, I return to you. The two others I'll keep, as a Maester's fee.

... Be well.

[darotisentys]

How many?

[He can't really afford to be losing soldiers.

He nods toward the pouch.]

That seems more than fair.

[Another moment of silence, then, quietly:]

Alys...

[draconita]

Three.

[ She is making for the door already, before she stops to look at him again waiting. ]

[darotisentys]

[Three is acceptable.

He clears his throat, his hands clasping behind his back.]

I apologize for our last meeting. I meant no insult to you.

[draconita]

You already apologized. Why bother again?

If it is my silence what worries you, there is no need.

[darotisentys]

I care not for your silence. I care about--

[He stops himself, and turns away.]

Never mind.

[draconita]

[ A forlorn look that goes unseen.

Silence stretches, broken by her steps. ]

Goodbye, then, Aemond Targaryen. May fortune be with you.

[darotisentys]

Will you come tomorrow? Check on the ill?

[draconita]

I left enough medicine made, and taught the old women how to make it. I have also instructed the kitchens on what meals to prepare for the next week.

I will send out more of the prescription if you need it, but unless I am specifically summoned to look at them...

[darotisentys]

[He nods.]

Very well.

[draconita]

[ A trace of unhappiness, then. Something brittle, like hurt, fleeting and mad, gone before she turns to leave, hair trailing after her.

Foolish boy. But worst of all is her own stupid, tender heart. ]

[darotisentys]

[He feels foolish, not knowing what to do. How to act. What to say. Though he tries.]

Please stay.

[draconita]

[ She stops, though she won't turn to face him, nor will she enter the room. ]

... Your men will be fine, Aemond.

[darotisentys]

[He stares at her back, not moving from his place by the bed.]

Not for them.

For me.

[draconita]

For you.

[ She barely moves. Just a glimpse of her profile, serious eyes, flushed cheeks. ]

... I'm sweaty and disheveled. I've been toiling all day.

[darotisentys]

[And she's intoxicating. At first he thought it was more the place, but no, it's her.]

I do have a jug and basin. I simply want you to-- be here.

[draconita]

[ A long, tired sigh before she's stepping back in, closing the door behind her, leaning against the wood as she wills herself to unwind. ]

Sit down to eat before I decide to force feed you. You look terrible.

[ And just like that, she's making herself comfortable, ignoring him while she undresses partially to freshen up.

She closes her eyes at the feel of the wet cloth against her neck, sighing sweetly at the relief it offers. ]

[darotisentys]

[He can't ignore her like he is him, but he does as he's told. He sits, at least, staring at the food without interest. He reaches for the drink instead. She did say it should be first.

He drinks it quickly, only making a slight face as it goes down. Now his appetite is truly gone again. So he watches her, as she undresses, as she wipes the cloth over her skin. Listens to the sound of relief she makes.]

I will have someone fetch a new dress for you, if you prefer.

[draconita]

It's fine. Stop fretting and eat.

[ Droplets of water falling down the planes of her stomach, an arm raised as she continues to relief herself from her discomfort. ]

I have held down men twice your side, don't think I won't pin you down to that table to shove the porridge down you throat.

[darotisentys]

[He's too busy staring at those droplets running down skin he knows is so soft. It takes him several minutes for her words to sink in, and he believes her.

He takes a mouthful and almost gags. It's hot and sticky and he hasn't eaten regularly in weeks. He manages to swallow it down, but pushes away the bowl afterward.]

[draconita]

[ She knows that reaction.

She stops, dropping the cloth to approach the table, taking his face between her hands to inspect him as one would a patient.

She makes a displeased sound before letting go, moving to open the door again -barely remembering to put on her shift in time- to reach one of the guards and give some instructions. ]

When was the last time you took a proper meal? How many hours did you sleep last night?

[darotisentys]

[He scowls at her, standing.]

I do not remember, I do not know. These are not things I keep track of. What are you telling them?

[draconita]

These are the things that keep you alive and well.

[ She ignores his question. Instead she marches back to the table, hands on his shoulders to push him back on the chair with surprising ease. Is it that she is that strong, or that he is more weakened than what he considered? ]

So stop it. I am too tired for rebellion.

[darotisentys]

[He has lost weight, barely eaten or slept. Training is difficult due to the exhaustion and lack of energy. He is weak. He simply didn't realize by how much.]

Damn you, woman. I do not need to be fed like a child.