Tormund seemed to sense Brienne's discomfort, and he didn't address her directly again as they sat in the common room; rather, he turned his attentions to Bran and Jon, and began discussing details of the trip they were planning. But every time she looked up from her plate, he seemed to be watching her out of the corner of his eye, and when she announced she was retiring for the night, he sent her off with a wink and one of the lascivious grins she recalled from their previous encounters.
She fled from the common room, and made her way to her quarters, wondering what was wrong with her. Brienne was a Knight of the Six Kingdoms, strong and stoic, and she was baffled at her reaction to this man. Ten years ago, he had been nothing but a bother to her, though she had admired his strength and stamina in battle; but in truth, no one – not even Jaime Lannister – had ever looked at her the way he did, with what she could only describe as naked lust. He clearly remembered her, and despite her fears, she wondered what would become of them on this journey to the cave with only a few companions.
She thought of her dreams, where her unconscious mind was free to envision things she never would have dared to ponder in her waking moments. She wondered if Tormund's touch would be as electric in reality as it was when she slept. What would it feel like to have his hands on her, touching her in the places she only touched herself? She buried her face in her pillow and growled in frustration, knowing she would have to give in to these fantasies if she had any hope of finding sleep tonight. But how could she bear to imagine the things they might do together, knowing she'd have to face him the next day?
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Startled, she leapt to her feet and grabbed Oathkeeper, wondering if Bran had some emergency that required her attention – but when she opened the door, it wasn't Podrick or any of the Night's Watch, or even a serving girl. It was Tormund.
She gulped. She was very aware that she was standing in the door wearing nothing but her night shift and holding her sword, and she found herself blushing again as she met his gaze and saw the combination of awe and naked hunger that must surely be reflected in her own eyes.
"Can I come in?" he asked gently. She nodded, and he entered the room and closed the door behind him.