there’s not a flinch, not even a step back taken, as if a sword was not aimed at his throat : how many times did his life nearly end ? too much. but he is still here, breath steady && gaze unflinching, unafraid of girl with weapon though shadows itch at fingertips, wishing to show her power is more than a blade. but the young girl is nothing but worthy of his attention, strong will && unwillingness to bow : there is spirit there && it is REFRESHING. grey hues are clearer than hers though dark hair could be mistaken for the other’s, she has a drop of wolf blood he knows, her value keeps going up. gaze doesn’t leave her face, studying her bravado, knowing exactly what are the feelings that inhabit her : to fight for herself, to rid herself off her sex’s obligations, to be her own person && as he builds her in his mind, weaknesses appear.
❝ what i mean is that you have been taught as a man would be. but you’re shorter and smaller, ❞ gloved fingers push blade slightly away, ❝ you should use it to your advantage instead of fighting in spite of it. ❞ respect for women is deep, he has been raised by one, baghra most often than not knocking him on his back, using iron && shadows better that he could : but he has learnt since her death, he’s had centuries to become better, to fight in every corner of the world && learn.
an eyebrow arches, waiting though he knows none of his blood will be shed. the stark girl is still a lady && he knows enough about her father to be certain she’s been taught of honor, she would not hurt an innocent stranger. still, his shadows itch, always to show his true self, always to make brave people face the truth of who he is : shadow summoner, starless one, morozova. but there is something in the fire of her gaze that tells him that maybe, maybe this girl would not be appalled or scared. that’s what scares him, keeping his power hidden beneath layers of skin.
she has known many men && all of them have sought to press mark of ownership into her flesh . all in different ways , of course , given the variety —-- father && brothers , vassals && those who imagine pressing her beneath them so that they can devour her in the most painful ways imaginable simply because they can . because they are men && she is but a girl && girls are meant to own && sell to the highest bidder . ( no matter how much a girl is loved , no matter how close to is to fathers knee && brothers hearts , in the end they are useful pawns . it is one of the first things she ever learned [ ... ] words whispered to her by a mother whose face she no longer remembers . )
she knows this man is the same because they are always the same . that is the world she lives in —-- she accepts it even as she laments how she will one day be buried beneath actions of possession in one way or another . perhaps that is why she was so keen to get her fingers around the hilt of a blade : to give herself a fighting chance before she sunk down .
lyanna , allowing blade to drift without fuss : that's what happens when there's no one willing to teach a girl .
no , that's not entirely true . her brothers had given instruction out among the trees beyond the keep , away from a father who wanted none of it but brandon && ned were fostered away with returns home few && far between && she's more likely to teach benjen than the other way around . indeed , in the long run [ ... ] she is mostly self taught .
lyanna : what do you want ?