Dragons and Thrones: Rising Tensions – Breaking of Bonds

Chapter 37 of my crossover story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin. Dragon Age belongs to Bioware.

Jaime

Jaime sighed as he made his way to the palace bathhouse; he had been shown it by the Chamberlain when he made a request about somewhere he could bath, in private and be able to relax. The Chamberlain had been as disdainful as ever, but showed Jaime nonetheless.

The bathhouse was large and divided into two section, one featuring larger tubs and such that were considered public areas. Then the private areas, the tubs were smaller but still large and latticed off.

After yet another day spent in the Orlesian court, witnessing their day to day lives and schemes, all the while getting more information for Celene, sharing his own with her and trying to find a way for him and Brienne to get home, Jaime felt unclean.

'Just being in that toxic atmosphere makes me feel unclean.' He thought angrily. 'King's Landing and it's Game is nothing compared to this. I just want to get in that bath and wash the stains of the Orlesian court away.'

So worked up was he that he simply entered the private section of the bathhouse, choose one and stepped inside, shutting the door behind him, without bothering to look or listen first. He began to undress, stashing his clothes in the small cubicle set at the side of the latticed area and, once he had done so, he began to make his way to the bath.

The tub was full, the water clearly hot, the steam rose and just looking at was enough to make him feel warm. He began to approach, only to hear a gasp and froze. Looking up he saw he wasn't alone.

Standing there, trying to cover herself with her hands, blushing furiously, was Brienne. Instantly Jaime felt his own face heat up and his body reacting, he bit his lip, uncertain. It was clear Brienne had the same idea he had.

"Brienne..." He choked out.

Still blushing she looked away. "I, I just thought I'd…"

He nodded slowly. "Me too..."

The uncomfortable silence remained; yet neither of them left, despite their shock at each other's presence. It was strange for Jaime, especially how his body had reacted to seeing her, another thing that disturbed him, especially after having more of those dreams.

Yet now, here they were, in an Orlesian bathhouse, both clearly having had the same idea. Jaime was certain he couldn't feel more awkward if he tried. Despite himself, Jaime felt his gaze pulling back to Brienne.

'This isn't, what am I…?' He wondered but then froze.

He was not prepared for what he saw when he finally beheld her properly, without her clothing. It was not the usual things a man would notice on a woman, in Brienne's case normally to mock her. No, what he saw was something which had a profound effect on him.

What he was seeing was Brienne's back, she had turned away, on her back, a myriad of deep welts, scarred into her flesh, many of the intersecting with each other, also, here and there were visible burns, when she turned around, he was so transfixed he couldn't look away.

He could see her eyes widen, see her blush and shift; but even her front hadn't been spared, whip lashes had struck there too, and there were even more burns, on her belly, her legs. It was then he saw her chest and froze.

'What in the seven hells!?' He thought enraged.

For there, on her chest, burned into her sternum was some kind of mark, branded into the flesh, a mark which he guessed was their torturers symbol.

Just the sight of it enraged him. 'Those bastards, if I could I'd gut every one of them and hang them from the walls…!'

It was only then he realized just what he was thinking and was confused.

"Jaime..." Brienne whispered.

He realized he had practically been starting at her and quickly averted his gaze. "Sorry."

He retreated into his thoughts, still confused by his reaction. 'What is the matter with me, such, such anger, at how Brienne was treated...Yet, I would've reacted that way for a friend no doubt, but it was still, so strong...'

He knew his rage was stronger than that he would have felt for a friend. He couldn't understand it.

Glancing back in Brienne's direction he saw her trying to cover herself again; only to realize it was more her injuries she was trying to cover. She was clearly self-conscious about them, he recalled how she had shied away from him looking at them.

He knew he had to reassure her. "Brienne, it's alright...I can understand your...concerns about, what they did to you. But there will be justice for this, I believe that."

Brienne nodded. "I know but, you understand?"

"Yes, you're not the only one they tortured remember, Briala...Me..." He replied, gesturing to his own burns, his own scars.

Brienne bit her lip but then nodded. "Ah, yes, of course..."

There was another pause and then Brienne finally spoke again.

"Jaime, I think perhaps, we better make use of the bath, before it goes cold."

He laughed but climbed in, the bath was still hot. As she also climbed in he explained.

"No danger of that." He shook his head. "I got the full lecture from that Chamberlain, don't know quite how they do it, but they have a method to ensure the baths stay heated at all times."

Brienne raised an eyebrow at that but then nodded. "I see."

They lapsed into silence again, savoring the warmth and began using the bath. As they did so, Jaime couldn't help but wonder at his current position. Here with Brienne, he couldn't fathom it, how he somehow ended up becoming so comfortable around her.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.