Gardens of the Red Keep, Red Keep - King's Landing, CrownLands
The weather was welcoming and warm, the sun gracing them with light and the garden still held a lot of life. The bushes were green, the roses and flowers blooming and the trees had yet to lose their leaves.
Not a lot of people were present around that hour and it allowed them some privacy, which they were thankful for. Although, with the topic of discussion they were too focused on one another than to truly care or pay much attention to those around them.
"...my aunt Genna has helped raise me, especially when my mother was busy with the affairs of the Westerlands. She tutored me on fabrics and colours for a while before my parents found out..." he had started to explain as they walked slowly, their hands no longer interlocked. "She would always say how a good husband should know what dresses and colours would suit his wife."
Sansa listened carefully, surprised by that piece of information but accepted it nonetheless. "Did your parents stop her after they found out?"
"My mother did not seem to mind, finding it useful to have a multiple set of skills. As for my father..." his steps were slow, confident and his hands were behind his back. "He did not protest or say something. Although, between you and me; he was the one to upgrade my mother's wardrobe along with my aunt," he confessed, making her chuckle.
She could not imagine that terrifying Old Lion knowing about fabrics, let alone being the one to help the Dragoness wear such styling and beautiful gowns. Yet again, this family was full of surprises.
"Honestly, I wish more men were tutored and were like you and Lord Tywin," she confessed, walking next to him in a more relaxed manner; immersed in the topic of their discussion.
He nodded his head. "I agree, my lady. If a woman can sit down and listen to their Lord husbands talking about hunting and battles, then they should listen to their Lady wives about embroidery, poetry and so on."
Sansa nodded her head, agreeing with his opinion while hiding her surprise as well. She did not expect Trystan to be so open-minded, compared to all the men and young boys she had met; her brothers included.
Yet he seemed to be a breath of fresh air, so unique compared to everyone around him. It was clear that when he was raised and tutored, a lot of things had been chosen correctly but a part of her suspected it was his character that way as well.
She did not comment on it for she saw him taking a few steps to the side towards a bush of roses. He picked a bloody red one and handed it to her with a charming smile.
"The most beautiful of flowers with the strongest scents and the most vibrant colours grow in the toughest of places. This is because it was meant to outshine and stand out from the others," he quoted, as if he had a poetry book in front of him.
She looked at him, both having stopped walking while she gently took the rose from him. Her cheeks had a small flush, her eyes wide as she looked at him; clearly mesmerized and charmed by his words.
She cleared her throat to bring back her composure and glanced down at her feet for a moment. "Thank you, Ser Trystan," she said, a smile playing on her lips without her control.
"My apologies, my lady. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable," he confessed, making her look back at him.
"Oh, not at all, Ser. On the contrary... your words were beautiful," she confessed as the hue in her cheeks remained and she noticed that small smile of embarrassment upon his lips. "Did you think of them yourself? It sounded very poetic."
He shook his head faintly. "I am afraid I cannot take credit for it. I had read it somewhere and my memory was jogged," he explained. "I would not say I am a lot into poetry. My cousin, Rhaegar, used to be the more... romantic one of our family; according to my mother at least."
Sansa understood that he was talking about the deceased Crown Prince, who was killed by Robert all those years ago. She remembered reading about him, many books referring to his talent playing the harp or his way with words; specifically poetry.
They started walking again, continuing down the path they were on.
"Did your mother teach you?"
He fell into sync by her side, his steps calculated so he would never be too fast or too slow but always by her side. "She would read me poetry sometimes and then make me read it myself. It was to help me learn how to speak properly," he explained. "Although, she did also believe it would be good to know a few verses so I could make a good impression in an important event, like finding a wife for example."
She understood, showing it with a few nods of her head. It made sense to her and truth to be told, if her supposed suitor would come to her and quote poetry; she would easily fall victim to their charms and even in love with them.
"Lady Visenya does seem like a woman talented in a lot of things, whether it be tactics, history or politics," she pointed out, voicing her latest thoughts.
She had read about her while being tutored by her Septa as a child and got a proper idea of the mighty Dragoness when they spent time together a few days ago. It was evident that she was well travelled and experienced, apparently possessing a lot of skills.
Her posture was always perfect and she ate with the finest of manners. She knew how to command a room and talk with Lords, even use her charms and words on Joffrey and succeed.
One could also not ignore the fact that she had been in combat on multiple occasions and it had been said that she led troops and even made battle plans. She had mastery of the bow and the sword, while she could ride her horse as good as the Dothraki; at least based on what people seemed to say about her.
"Well, from what I know; she was mostly self-taught. I am not exactly sure why but I know one of the most basic influences was her upbringing as a member of the royal family," Trystan commented, voicing his thoughts on the subject.
"It is still admirable. I wish I had the chance as well," Sansa confessed, her tone a little lower while she kept holding the rose in her hands.
"I do believe you are talented, Lady Sansa," Trystan said, looking at her with a confident smile and a soft gaze. "You just need the right environment to show it."
His words made her blush but also smile, her head lowered faintly. There was still this little awkwardness around them, although the more they talked and walked; the more it seemed to disappear.
Both were a little more relaxed next to one another, enjoying the company and the discussion after everything that had taken place in their lives so far.
They kept walking, discussing different topics with one another, stealing glances occasionally. Slowly, they were making their way to the patio with the view of the sea; where they planned to enjoy the unique sight.
They were focused on one another and they did not notice that Margaery had spotted them from the other side of the garden. She had hidden herself and spied on their conversation, hearing bits of what they were discussing but taking notice of their interaction; pieces falling more and more into place inside her head.
Godswood, Red Keep - King's Landing, Crown Lands - Sometime in the Evening
Overlooking the Blackwater Rush, one would find the little Godswood within thick walls. Its trees varied and one could recognise elm, alder and black cottonwood. It was meant to have a weirwood but due to the rarity of that tree and its colder climate, its place had taken the heart tree.
It was a large brown oak tree without a carved face. Its old limbs were covered with smokeberry vines, and the dragon's breath grew nearby.
It was a rather isolated and empty place since few truly worshipped the Old Gods to visit it. The trees all around offered privacy, shade and even some security; being a nice change from all those stone and brick walls one would see while residing in the Red Keep.
It was a place Sansa would visit often to pray, although lately she had also been visiting to hide a few sets of clothes for her to take with; should the moment for her to escape arrive. She did not have the utmost faith in this secret benefactor but Dontos had reassured her he would help her.
However, that evening she just chose to visit and try to pray. Pray to the Old Gods for her family that was no more, pray they protect her from the shadow that had been reaping the Starks one by one.
Her eyes were closed as she was on her knees in front of the heart tree. A part of her was thankful the faces were not carved on it, for she was afraid they would judge her for her actions.
She did everything she had been told to do, in order to survive.
However, she also made mistakes like telling Cersei of her father's plan to take her away or believing Joffrey was the prince in her story.
A part of her mentally asked to be forgiven because while she should despise the Lions, she could not stop thinking about one; for a single damn Lion had left the best impression in her mind and if she dared to admit it... her heart.
Trystan had been nothing but kind to her, caring even. She felt like he had no ill intentions unlike the rest of his family, save his mother of course. He was a true white knight or a noble prince like in those childhood stories her Nan would read her when she was younger.
The sound of steps made her snap her eyes open and turn her head in fright, fear visible all over her face as she thought Joffrey or someone else had found her. However, her expression soon changed upon seeing a familiar face.
"I'll apologize, I did not wish to scare you," Visenya said, her expression much softer but her eyes seemed to be more tired than they used to be.
She still stood with all the grace of a princess, her back not once slouching. Her hair and clothes always reflected her status but her eyes did not hide the mental exhaustion she felt.
Sansa felt bad for her, realizing she must have had a lot to deal with lately; with all the chaos going on about the wedding. She remembered how happier and less tired she looked when they were in King's Landing or playing the game by the docks.
She suspected that it was not easy being the grandmother of the prince and also the Lady of the Hand. It was clear that she had a lot more responsibilities than one would expect and she would never suspect that the mental strain was more because of stress and personal guilt than of anything else.
"It is alright, Lady Visenya. I was just startled," Sansa said and went to stand up but Visenya placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It is okay, you can stay down," she told her and took a seat by her side, leaning back on the heels of her feet.
"Did you come to also pray, my lady?" Sansa asked as she studied her.
She shook her head faintly. "I am afraid the Old Gods are not my religion. I do sometimes come here when I wish to find some peace. It is rather isolated here," she confessed, offering a small smile.
Sansa understood what she was implying. The Red Keep sometimes could be asphyxiating and there was not really any place one could go without having people spying on them.
"What is your religion, if I may ask?" she asked rather boldly, somehow not feeling worried or stressed when around her.
She offered the girl a small smile. "My family is loyal to the Seven... both families but I have found my calling in the Valyrian Gods instead," she confessed. "I wanted to apologize, for my latest disappearance after our time exploring King's Landing. I am afraid I have had my hands rather occupied by handling different events and guests of the upcoming Royal Wedding."
"You do not have to apologize for anything, my lady. You do not have to spend time with me when other things are of priority," Sansa said, quickly rushing to defend her.
It was odd, hearing the mighty Dragoness apologizing to her as if she had to spend time with the Stark girl. She did not have to, especially when she clearly had to deal with a lot of other things.
Visenya offered a small sweet smile at Sansa's innocent and gentle nature. "I did wish to, I still do. Mayhap, after the wedding," she suggested, her smile dropping soon after. "I do though, wish to offer my condolences about your family," she continued, her voice lowering and her eyes softening; hiding guilt behind their amber orbs.
Sansa's smile slowly faded away and bowed her head. "Thank you... it has not been... easy..." she confessed, glancing up at her.
The Dragoness nodded. "The loss of family never is, especially when so little remains of it," she voiced out, looking up to the sky for a moment.
The direwolf parted her lips and took notice of the more relaxed but also odd tone of her voice. Then she realized Visenya talked from her own experience as the last of her family. She was the last Dragon, the last one with silver hair that could ride dragons; if they were alive and existing.
She felt bad, not being able to truly imagine how that must feel like. Growing older, knowing that your family name will die along with you when the Stranger comes. Knowing that only then you would be able to reunite with your family after spending the rest of your life all alone.
At least Sansa still had Jon at the wall, if he had not died yet. There were some relatives of hers from the Tullys and Arya was just missing, not dead; from what she had heard.
"I am sorry, my lady. I did not wish to bring you back memories," she said, feeling compassionate but also sympathy for the older woman by her side.
Visenya looked back at her. "You apologize too much, Sansa. You have done nothing that I have not done myself when I wish to remember," she explained, using her hand to push a strand of reddish-brown hair behind the girl's ear. "Apologizing too much in court is not a wise choice. It shows uncertainty, and fear and makes you an easy target. Better stand your ground and if conflict ever arises, charm your way out through talking; never violence and never bowing your head." She slowly withdrew her hand.
Sansa paid close attention to her words, understanding that the older woman was offering her advice on how to survive as a lady in King's Landing. If her benefactor had saved her soon, such advice might not have been needed or even put into action but she memorized them none the less.
The court here was far different from what she had witnessed while in Winterfell, far different from what she had been taught while growing up. There, she was taught to be timid and graceful; not causing any trouble.
Here, everyone was lying and were easily targeting the weaker ones. Only a few were truly kind and untouchable by the others, those being Margaery and Visenya. Sansa doubted anyone would try to harm them in any way but they seemed capable of handling things on their own.
Margaery was always sweet talking, being kind and complimenting Joffrey or others. While to most she might do it from her own good heart, Sansa had noticed that on certain individuals; she was merely lying. Like Joffrey, she thought.
Visenya seemed to be far stricter but she was also far more powerful with the Old Lion by her side. She had her own accomplishments and experience that also helped but she did use her words when she had to; like when handling Joffrey at Sansa's wedding.
Either way, the Stark girl nodded her head a few times to indicate that she understood what the older woman was trying to teach her. This seemed to please the Dragoness.
"I know it seems tough now but I can see that you will grow to be a very powerful and strong woman in the future," she said, offering some hope to the timid girl, who truly wished to be capable of defending herself and not having to live in shame or fear.
"I do hope so, my lady," she confessed, offering a small smile of her own to the kind woman that had gone into all this trouble to look after her; in her own way.
Sansa was thankful that she was around, since it did seem to make things better and like Trystan had told her; things had changed ever since she arrived in King's Landing. She was also thankful that Visenya was not how the books described her.
History said that the Dragoness was a cold and calculating woman, who talked of honey but dropped venom. She was a woman who had killed men in battle without remorse and had burnt them all the same when they threatened her family.
Yet the Dragoness she had met was far kinder than one would expect. Sure she had her strict moments and she could easily be cold or threatening to others but she was also caring; motherly even.
This was something Sansa would have never expected but appreciated deeply, finding some solace and peace in her presence; something truly needed in this cursed place.