driftfleet | ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ, sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ɪs ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛ-ᴀɪʀ ( ᴏᴘᴇɴ )

We have a name for what you're doing right now, in my world. It's called 'victim blaming' and it's wrong - Margaery this is not your fault, ok? None of it is. You did nothing wrong - we're all from different cultures here, of course we're gonna have some clashes, and you're doing so well with adjusting to it all. You have every right to choose when, where, what, and who you talk about which parts of your life with.

[ he's sure kitty doesn't expect him to announce to every person he meets that he's the son of a murderer. oh god no, he does not need his head going there, not when it might slip through to margaery. to her, he wants to be a rock, someone she can depend on, someone she doesn't have to worry about or spare. of everyone he's met here - margaery and sascha are the people he most wants to keep away from his past, from his fears, from his ugliness. he feels protective of her, and now more than ever, when he can feel her fears slipping through her front.

the memories, the feelings - they're overwhelming, and it takes all his years of repressing tears to bite them down now. he's angry - furious that this guy would put her through this, and that she's forced to relive it now. ]

Listen to me - you are no trouble. You will never be trouble to me, ok? You're my friend, and I love you like family. And what you're feeling - Margaery it's completely legitimate. You're just trying to survive, I understand that. Kitty would too, I'm sure whatever happened there was a misunderstanding and we can straighten it out. If he ever shows up here - it wouldn't matter that he doesn't care for politics, because neither would we. We care about keeping you safe - Kara, me, and Kitty too, she'll be in your corner. [ his faith in kitty comes through loud and clear; kitty is a hero. even if, for whatever reason, she an margaery would come to hate each other - which he honestly believes could never happen, they're both so wonderful - he truly believes she'll still do the right thing, still protect her, because that's what heroes do. ]

And a lot of other people will, too. You don't have to worry about me, not about this, not about anything. I'm here for you. I want you to do what's best for you, not for me. You've been putting other people before yourself for way too long. But -- I do think you need to talk about this. With someone you trust. Because it's hurting you to bottle it all up, and the longer you repress it, the worse the explosion will be. [ he lets go of the embrace the moment the image of his dad - as he was dragged off to jail - pops into his mind. that deranged man who was shoved into a squad car had nothing in common with the loving man who took him to his workshop and taught him how to work with his hands, build cool toys.

it will kill him to see it happening to margaery. ]

This isn't Westeros, and it's not National City. None of our rules apply, but that means his won't either. You know what's a king with no army, no followers? A brat with a tantrum.

Trust?

[ she breathes. there is only one she truly, entirely trust and that's sansa, sweet sansa stark who promised her house will stand by her and margaery believes her, she believes in robb stark but the starks may disappear on the morrow, some returning to deaths, others to hidden corners in the world.

and Margaery will remain with the understanding that this game might already be lose to her, that two dragons, a king and a queen to be, are a force joffrey or tommen would not be able to handle.

that she might yet lose and if she loses, what shall happen to house tyrell the day the dragons find out they have been siding with the lions of Lannister?

if they lose, she loses her life. her houses loses everything. ]

-- of course.

[ she smiles, reaches back for her flowers, for the work. there is still time, time to try and change things before it's entirely too late. perhaps it is now time to make herself more acquainted with the dragon queen so that she is not burned when the day comes.

she has to believe it can matter. for her house. ]

Yes, he will probably look like that and Robb Stark does despise him terribly, all Starks do, I am certain they would not let him harm a soul. I am simply being silly, goodness, what you must think of me! and I was looking forward for such a pretty, sweet day. This is not the sort of day for troubles or worries.

[ her fingers work tirelessly on the flower crown ]

It shall all be alright. With some luck, the Gods will hear my prayers and send me Loras so I could introduce him to everyone. They say we look quite alike, myself and him. He would have loved to climb up the mountains here and ride by the seaside. Whenever I watched him ride, he would always give me a flower, naming me his favorite lady and I had no knight that I have loved more, none by far.

[ a pain deep inside his soul forms when she writes her worries off like that. maybe he's playing it wrong. trust is, after all, a two way street. maybe it's not strength she needs - but someone who can understand weakness. but selfishly, pettily - he doesn't want to change his game.

he sighs. ]

You're not silly, not even a little bit, and you don't have to smile for me - I know that trick, I am that trick. [ conceal, don't feel is how he's tried to live his life for the longest time. he still does it now, except now he knows it's wrong. he's trying to do better. ]

I know what it feels like, to be afraid of someone. I know what it feels like - to have no one understand. I want to understand, I want to be there for you. I don't mean to belittle your experiences - I can't imagine how difficult it must be to live on this delicate balance between trying to make things better and not evoking this monstrous rage - I wouldn't have a clue how to do that. I think you're an amazing person, strong, and smart, and wonderful. But I just - you know, this place is so different from your home. In a lot of ways it sucks - I know you miss your family and it has to be so confusing, the way some of us talk and behave - but in a lot of ways it's good. Because we're all on equal footing. There won't be any king here. You're safe here. And if - if you want - I know you have your family and your people and you want to make it better for them and I admire that but - when we find our way back, if you want to...you're always welcome to go with me and Kara.

I do not think you belittle me, not at all. There are certain truths of Westeros known only to those who have lived there and I would not wish these sort of truths on anyone else, they're a terrible burden. You are already far too concerned for my sake as it is.

[ she has to smile a little ]

It is very sweet. I must return home, however, to see this through, whatever it may bring. Either a grand victory or a grand downfall, we all take these risks, I have no right not to stand by my house when it is all decided.

[ she offers him one of the flowers ]

Mayhaps I will visit more, as long as I am here. I have never been to the Tourist, I would like to.

You're my friend, there's no such thing as too concerned.

[ see he thought as much, but he had to make the offer, to give her an out if she ever needs it. that's the trouble with loving heroes - they always put everyone else first.

he takes the flower, and, deciding to relent and not ruin this beautiful day out they're having - (after what she just felt from kitty, he wants her to know he won't pressure her, or give up on her. it's a delicate balance, and he's not the most delicate of men - but he'll try his hardest) - slip it into his hair with a smile.

see it's behavior like that that may make people think he does't count as a man. ]

You're always welcome. We've got music, and for now - some real food, too. Are you staying on the Windrose, or getting yourself a place on the planet? Cuz I got a room at one of the inns - but I'll hop on the Tourist to give you a tour anytime you want.

I am currently staying at the Windrose but most of days are spent outside as it is. I found work with this wonderful lady who runs a flower stall, she asked for capable hands to arrange them in bouquets. It does not give me much in the way of acorns but I do love listening to her tales and sneaking off flower crowns to the native children. I have quite a band of them now, we share our sweets and I teach them to dance.

[ this is her forte, charming folk, old and young to her cause. ]

Whatever other time I have I spend with my friends. I met Kara and me and Sansa went to the seaside and I did have this wonderful trip to the stores with Lady Riona and lord Tyrion was very kind. He is helping the locals to improve their living.

[ a kind man, she does pity him and sansa being tangled in their odd loveless marriage. ]

You must have seen, he knows the entire history of our realm, a very well-learned man. I think many have gained from his lessons.

[ she does bother to blush prettily ]

I did scold him terribly for naming me the most beautiful woman in the Reach.

[ that is so sweet. she keeps reminding him of kara, with her relentless goodness despite all the adversary she constantly has to overcome. it makes him believe in her all the more - if anyone can fix that messed up realm of hers - it's margaery. ]

You should learn to take a compliment. [ she gets a cheeky smile to go along with that cheeky comment. ]

The most beautiful! Lord Tyrion never visited Highgarden to meet all of my cousins and my ladies in waiting. They are all lovely and that aside, my scolding only led to the declaration I am the loveliest being in the seven kingdoms. Any more of that and the other ladies might find me vain. They would think I am paying you all to give me such honors.

[ but her smile turns sharper ]

I am glad that you are taking to teasing me, however.

[ finishing her careful work on the flower crown, she places it on his hand ]

I cannot knight you. I am not a queen, not yet but I may name you my favorite and that shall have to do for now.

I dunno, it's pretty obvious that you don't have to resort to that. And besides, beauty's subjective. I gotta go with my man Tyrion here.

[ because she's his little sister and he loves her. that instantly makes her a million times more beautiful.

now if you were to expand that definition to other worlds, or judge attractiveness instead of beauty - that'd be a different story.

he smiles when she crowns him, and even more when she proclaims him her favorite. for a moment, he's just rendered speechless; because how could words even begin to explain how he feels? they can't possibly. ]

I'll take that over knight any day. [ he'll take that over most anything, he's so moved, his voice is actually a little choked there. ]

It does not requires fighting any battles, there is a merit.

[ a second favorite here, after Sansa. She seems to do well with those who do not see their full potential yet, who are not entirely confident. One day they may see in themselves what Margaery does and on that day, how fortunate the world would be and how foolish would be those who mocked them. ]

Do you know who started naming my brother Garlan the Gallant? You must think it was after some grand battle or another. In truth, my brother Willas named him so. When Garlan was but a child he was plump in his appearance and there were those who were quick to mock him as he rode his horse or practiced his sword. He feared he would be awarded a terrible nickname - we do have an uncle some call Garth the Gross so Willas named him Garlan the Gallant, to protect him and he grew to be handsome and strong, able to fight four man at once, one of the best knights of the realm.

[ she gives him a little look ]

Foolish men would mock others without seeing all they could be. If there is every anyone who would ever name you less than a great man, then they are terrible fools and we have so very little time for foolishness and we must not allow it anywhere near our hearts.

[ they're the type of people least likely to take any form of affection for granted.

he smiles at the story, and the look. he knows he should be paying attention to the lesson but he mostly just finds the story - and the fact that she's trying to teach him these lessons - unbelievably adorable and endearing. ]

Every story you tell makes me more and more certain that Willas is my kinda guy. [ that's clever. and sweet. ]

That's true, I'm allocating all my foolish time to myself. [ he really has no idea what to do with her kindness, so as usual - he defaults to a joke. he does do a lot of ridiculous things though, especially around cisco. ]

He used to read to me. I was restless as a child as difficult as it may be to imagine.

[ said with a little grin, acknowledging the jest; she has not changed, not one bit. there is the image she must keep at the court, there is her wisdom and her sharpness but beneath it all, margaery tyrell still favored sneaking into her cousin's bed to gossip the night away, to eat snacks beneath the covers and play card games.

wise and queenly, but a girl of six-and-ten still, she allowed herself these little indulgences. ]

He used to come into my room and read me wonderful stories of old, of king aegon who came to conquer Westeros riding a dragon as big as a hundred ships with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, both dragon-riders as well and both his wives. They have conquered nearly all of Westeros, save for Dorne.

You? Restless? You're pulling my leg.

[ he smiles, and settles in comfortably, like a child at story time. he wishes she would allow herself more indulgences, that she'd allow herself to act her age.

that her world would allow it to her. ]

Those sound like great stories - I'd love to hear them if you remember.

It is the history of Westeros. Lord Tyrion is much more suitable to tell you of such, he is very well-learned yet I shall try. Before King Aegon the Conqueror, the seven kingdoms of Westeros were divided, there was no king. The Targaryen line - you remember? Fire and Blood? They have come Valyria and settled in Dragonstone, lord Tyrion was discussing that in his lesson.

[ she smiles. that was a good review of Westeroi history ]

Valyria was once a great empire off the shores of Westeros but one day it simply sank into itself in terrible flames, the earth itself swallowed the city down, it is named the Doom of Valyria. None dares sail close to it now, they say the very water are cursed, so Willas told me.

[ but the dragons! ]

Aegon married both his sisters, it was very common among Targaryens and they came to Westeros to conquer it, riding their dragons and soon they united it under his rule. Now, when they came to Dorne to tell them to bend their knees or else, there will be fire and blood they were told that their words are very pretty but those of house Martell are unbent, unbowed, unbroken and that they have no king. Much blood was spilled in the deserts of Dorne but they have never bowed to Aegon and were never ruled by a king, the only house in Westeros, they were. Very stubborn, proud people and good fighters, to best such a strong warrior-king.

-- Westeros really needs some serious marriage reform.

[ marrying children, relatives, he's so glad that's not where he comes from. ]

[ she has to chuckle, at that. he is right, of course. the tales of his world where women from any status can marry according to her will sounds both odd and wonderful to her ]

In Westeros, such things are -- considered quite scandalous and it is said it is against the will of the gods. There are rumors of siblings marrying but I am certain it's no more than that.

[ except for one specific case ]

The Targaryens married among themselves as they were among the only ones who survived the Doom. They cared to preserve their line and the blood of Valyria. That is why so many of them looked quite alike, silver hair and eyes of purple.

The Targaryens need a genetics lesson - nothing good ever comes from in-breeding.

[ he will never be ok with the thought of her going back to that world. ]

You are not mistaken, there is a reason it is forbidden in Westeros. It caused some of their children to be quite - mad.

[ she doesn't know what to think of the dragon queen in that regard, she looks quite stable and kind but there is always potential. ]

The last Targaryen king before the uprising was named the Mad King for a reason.

Considering what I've learned about the way other worlds work - I feel pretty comfortable saying it's the same reason it should be and is forbidden most places.

[ there's something comforting about knowing some scientific facts hold true no matter where you are. imagining what her land had to endure because stubborn nobles think they're above the laws of nature is less so. ]

How's the one who's here?

[ he knows she told him good things before, but she also spoke kindly of joffrey. maybe now she'll feel more comfortable confiding in him. he just wants to know that she's safe, that she feels safe. ]

Queen Daenerys?

[ she always makes sure to give the queen her proper title, funny perhaps, as they are speaking of the same crown and the same title. However, in Daenerys' presence, Margaery will never claim the title for herself. She is not a fool, the return of a dragon queen could mean the ruin of house Tyrell if she clings to the title of queen. She had wanted power to protect and elevate her house, not to bring it to a blazing end. ]

I only spoken to her once or twice, she seems kind - she told me she herself had been sold to marriage before when she was much younger than I only she had loved her husband. He is dead, however, so she says. She had said she will protect me from Joffrey if she could. My house was very loyal to hers until the very end, I think she is aware of that.

[ a hum ]

Tyrion is quite fond of her which is telling. He is not a man to favor the mad.

[ the mention of tyrion does put him more at ease - the man seems to practically be a telepath. he can see right through winn, that's for sure. ]

He's a good judge of character. Though - I might be biased saying that, since you know, he likes my friends. [ and him too, he hopes not just because he's kitty's man as he puts it. ]

He is an excellent judge of character, he is well-learned perceptive.

[ she nods ]

if he favors queen Daenerys, then she must have left quite an impression on him. She is very beautiful and she seems -- to want to do well for our realm. Taking the throne will require a war, however and we are all quite tired of those.

[ she's very beautiful -- that might be reason enough for tyrion, by his own admission. but winn wants to think that was just a joke, he seems to smart to fall for just a pretty face, and he knows better than anyone that looks can be deceiving. either way, as long as he's not given a reason to mistrust her he'll choose trust. ]

I can imagine.

[ it breaks his heart over and over again, thinking of her going back to a world so dangerous. he desperately wants to take margaery back with him, even as he admires her for all the reasons she won't go. his friends need a touch more cowardice and selfishness. ]

ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ, sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ɪs ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛ-ᴀɪʀ ( ᴏᴘᴇɴ )

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