Its so hard trying to write Sandor in correspondence with Tarynn. I still want him to be the angry, drunk, cursing man that we've grown to love but at the same time I want him to show his softer side. Frustrating! But still here is another chapter!
Slightlynerdy.
Wolves and Hounds.
Chapter 17.
His kiss was harsh and unrelenting. His hands were tangled in the hair at the nape of her neck and her body was pressed closed to his, her breasts heaving against his hard chest. The air around them was still, but the croak of crickets and the hooting of owls was the symphony which accompanied the heady summer night. When she withdrew from him in order to breath, his hand fell to the small of her back, rubbing it idly in small circles.
She struggled to catch her breath; the corset was crushing her ribs. When her body had calmed herself, and the warm night air was once again entering her lungs properly. She sighed, looking up at Sandor.
"What have we done?"
He looked away from her, above her head and into the foliage, when he responded his voice was distant, his eyes betraying nothing.
"Something incredibly foolish... Seven hells, your father will have my head for this, not that he doesn't already want it."
Yes, you murdered Mycah. Ran him down in cold blood, and yet here I am, in your arms. I swear I should be running at the sight of you but I just can't bring myself to do it.
Her voice was quiet when she responded, "No-one can know of this, of us."
"Embarrassed are you wolf? For kissing a maimed dog?" His laugh was deep and cruel, "Lions kiss better is that it?"
"Don't you understand what my father would do to you if he found out? By the Gods you can be so frustrating. We can't be open about this…"
She was cut off by Sandor's warm, rough lips upon hers again. When they parted he practically growled at her, "I don't care what people may think Tarynn. If people know that you belong to me, they won't mess with you. And that little fucker Toby would leave you alone."
She smiled at Sandor's simple way of looking at it, "You better start discussing with my father the dowry you'll be giving him for me then." She touched his scar, her fingertips gently caressing the burned skin, he leaned into her touch slightly, "I won't be able to belong to you."
He said nothing but after a little while he reached up and covered her hand with his own. "Maybe not, but I'll try my hardest to make it so." She smiled sadly, and he gripped her chin, pulling her closer before placing a searing kiss against her lips, he mumbled, "You should return, before someone realises your missing."
"I thought you didn't care what people thought?" He looked down at her coldly, and she laughed. Her fingertips brushing back a strand of his hair that had fallen out of place.
"Well until I can be free with my affections for you," He swept her feet out from underneath and caught her in his arms, hoisting her up. "You need to play the part of a noble Lady of the King's court, and that means being in bed at the proper times."
"I've well and truly broken my curfew then," She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her out of the Godswood, looking over his shoulder she said a final silent prayer to the solemn white tree that had watched over the beginning of hers and Sandor's relationship.
When they reached the yard, Sandor put her down, his hand resting on her hip a little longer then necessary. "I don't want you to go back to them."
She kissed his cheek, "I have to, as you said I have my part to play, as do you."
He took her hand, holding it up to his chest. "Don't become like your sister, don't start repeating what they say. You're a wolf, not a bird." The air was eerily silent, and Tarynn half expected someone to see them. "Promise me. Don't fall into their trap. Not like I have done, or how Sansa has. I see her looking at Joffrey. He is not the prince that she is expecting him to be. "
"You fear for her?"
"I have seen the prince grow up, he is my 'master," He said the word bitterly; "I've seen what he is capable of. He is a little shit to put it lightly."
Tarynn looked down, "Nothing I say will change Sansa's mind, she is enamoured with him, head over heels in foolish love for the boy." She could feel the irony in her words, she could also claim that kissing Sandor was foolish as well, foolish and dangerous.
"Just watch her, watch him. I'll do the same." She went to kiss his cheek but he stopped her and chastely kissed her on the lips instead. "If you can slip away come to the Godswood. No one goes there once the sun is set."
"How do you know?"
"Where else am I supposed to drink in peace? Old Gods scare those who follow the new. But I've seen enough horrors, so a couple of spirits aren't going to scare me."
She smiled, "If I can, I will. But I can't promise it."
"Well go, wolf. Go to your bed and your dreams."
She squeezed his hand once more before letting go of him. She felt a sudden emptiness at not having him close to her as she ran briskly across the yard and to the Hand's tower. When she turned to glance at him once last time he wasn't there. Her heart slowed as she opened the door, the taste of Sandor still on her lips, and his scent still on her skin.
"Sandor"
When he had kissed her, taken her into his arms and kissed her, a fire had raged; burning his skin, crawling up his spine. He hated fire and yet she was fire, she was dangerous and uncontainable, but she made him feel alive. She could never be solely his and he almost punched a tree in frustration as he walked back into the Godswood to retrieve the flask that he had tossed aside. He had caught wind of Lord Stark's plans to wed his daughter to a Tyrell, or even worse Renly Baratheon. King Robert had a loose tongue when drunk.
He had just gone and made everything even worse, which he was often prone to do. Why did he have to start to have feelings about a woman he could never lay a claim to? Tarynn had joked about him giving her father a dowry for her hand but he had seriously thought that maybe it was possible. As he held her in his arms he began to plan how he would ask, what he could offer Lord Stark in exchange for the hand of his eldest daughter.
A loving relationship with a killer, a tiny room in the Red Keep, grandchildren that would bear the name of Clegane and be shunned for the rest of their lives just because they were related to the House that wasn't really a house in all honesty and had sired brutes such as myself. Oh yeah, and a monster of an uncle who's a maniac and got his fucking kicks out of torturing people.
He had nothing, he was nothing. When he had kissed Tarynn, partly because of impulse another because of the drink, he had not expected her to return it. The last time he had tried to she had rejected him, and that had made him angry. So unexplainably angry but he had managed to control it. Tarynn had a strange calming effect on him.
The flask was in the grass; he stooped and picked it up.
What does she see in me?
He caught a glimpse of his reflection in one of the ground pools; his face hideously scarred stared back at him. He laughed hollowly. Even when he paid for prostitutes they always insisted in pleasuring him with their backs to him. He lifted his hand; the ghost of Tarynn's touch on that side of his burned face still remained. She hadn't been repulsed that he had kissed her. She was a strange one, but he was glad that she reciprocated his feelings.
He sighed.
And wouldn't old stick up his rear Stark want to see Tarynn happy? Even if it meant having her married to a lowly Clegane?
He stretched his arms, strangely happy about how tonight went, but at the same time worried for the future.
Since when did the monster get the girl? Oh yeah, he doesn't.
*Tarynn*
They had been in King's Landing for a six days and her father had still not granted her permission to explore the city. He kept on telling her that she had a duty to attend the Queen and help with the preparations for the tourney and festival. When Tarynn had learned that the King was planning on throwing a tourney in honour of the Starks and her father's position as the new hand, she had almost groaned in despair. Tourneys were long and arduous affairs, dragging on for days, even weeks. And she would be expected to attend every single one.
She knew that her father didn't want such a ceremony, he didn't think that wasting thousands of dragons would solve anything apart from raise the moral of the people who dwell in the city. He was right of course, and Tarynn wholeheartedly agreed with him. Northmen were strong, hardy people. They did not hold tourneys or festivals because there was no point, there main focus in life was preparing for the inevitable cold seasons, winter is coming after all.
Arya was also growing restless, Tarynn had promised to take her to the markets that were held in the poorer districts of the city just to appease her. But still Arya's insistent questioning followed her, "When are we going" was a favourite and Tarynn simply did not have the answer. Still she saw her chance today, Sansa had gone with the Queen to pick out banner colours, and she had been left in charge of Arya. She saw an opportunity, and she took it.
"Father, I am sorry to bother you." Her father looked up from the missive he was reading gave her a wary look before returning to whatever news the piece of parchment contained, "Is it possible for Arya and I to go to the markets, after all I did promise her, and since we have no other obligations…"
"Yes, yes fine, take a few guards however." Her father waved his hand and she left promptly so that he didn't change his mind.
As she half ran half walked along the corridors to Arya's chambers her mind flickered to Sandor, they had spoken very little since their meeting in the Godswood but not a minute went by when she didn't think of him. They had stolen a couple of moments, a chaste kiss in an empty corridor, or a quick embrace in a secluded alcove but apart from that she hardly saw him. It was also becoming increasingly frustrating that her father was still pushing suitors and marriage onto her.
"Seven hells!" She half turned towards her father's rooms but changed her mind, she would have to try and squeeze Renly into her very tight schedule, he had something that he had wanted to show her later this evening.
Right, Arya can have me for the day, Renly for dinner and the beginning of the evening and Sandor…
"They had not really discussed when they would next meet; he had said in the Godswood but she just wanted to double check that he would definitely be there. She needed to speak to him at some point. Tarynn changed direction; instead she headed to the servants rooms.
"Bronte?"
A small voice answered from within one of the rooms, "I'm in here my Lady."
It was the girl's day off but Tarynn had one small errand that she wanted her to run.
"Sorry Bronte but could you please tell Arya to get a satchel and ask some guards to accompany us through the markets, she is to wait for me near the main gate. Also get her to bring my own bag."
"Yes my Lady." Bronte curtseyed before rushing off, her long blonde hair streaming out behind her. Tarynn sighed, running her hands through her hair as she decided to take the servants staircase in order to avoid anyone. She prayed that he would be in the yard, watching the soldier's drill, if not, then on the battlements. She also hoped that Joffrey would not be with him.
When she reached the bottom she burst through the door and scanned the bustling area, soldiers drilled against stuffed dummies, servants went about their daily chores and Sandor was no where to be seen. She sighed in frustration.
Please be on the battlements, please, please, please.
She ran across to the large stone steps that wound up to the raised stone platform. Guards manned the wall religiously yet there was a secluded area from which you could see the whole city, this was one of Sandor's favourite places to drink. She had spoken to him briefly about the amount of alcohol he consumed but he had shrugged it off. Dulled the screaming he had told her.
When she reached the top she took a right and then crept around the corner of one of the guard towers, into a deserted part of the battlements, no one could see you up here and the entire city of King's Landing stretched out in front of you. It was a fantastic view.
Luck was with her when she turned the corner and saw Sandor sitting on the edge of the wall. Wine bottles littered the ground.
"Sandor?"
He turned to look up at her, his scarred face turned into a grin, anyone else would think it menacing or frightening, but she had grown use to it. She went to him, standing beside him. He pressed his face into her skirts, against the top of her legs. She almost blushed as a spike of desire ran through her being.
"Seven hells, you know I don't like you seeing me like this." She ran her hands through his hair, it was slick with grease.
"When was the last time you bathed?"
"I don't know… Can't remember."
She crouched, taking his face in her hands, "Go to the baths later, and then tonight meet me in the Godswood." She kissed him lightly before standing.
He caught her hand, holding it in his tight grip, "No. Meet me at the stables near the east gate. There is… Something I want to show you."
You have something to show me as well?
"Yeah, okay I think I can manage to get there without being seen."
He turned her hand around and kissed her palm, "Good, I'll see you later wolf." His voice was gruff and raspy.
She smiled before leaving him to his excessive drinking, she wanted to try and help him cut down. Maybe she could find some sort of incentive.
When she reached the gate, Arya was standing impatiently. Tarynn's satchel dangling out of her hand, with her was a couple of her father's personal guards and…
"Toby?"
"My Lady."
She kicked herself for not being more specific to Bronte about who she wanted guarding her and Arya as they walked the streets of King's Landing. And yet he was there, his arms crossed lazily like he didn't have a single care in the world. Hung loosely around his waist was a belt, attached to it a long sword. His grey cloak flowed over his shoulders, gracing the floor. She needed, wanted, an excuse. Anything to get rid of him, Sandor hadn't spoken much about Toby during the times that they had spent together but she knew that he hated his guts. And what with Toby's behaviour towards her especially in that storage room, Tarynn had reason enough to dislike him as well.
"I fear that we have enough guards as it is." She gestured to the other two northmen waiting patiently; she had grown up with these two, Desmond and Harwin. Both were more then capable of guiding Arya and herself through the streets. They did not need Toby to accompany…
"Toby told me that he knows a really good Blacksmith, he said he would take us to him. I want to see if any of the swords are better than my… Better than father's."
Arya…
Her younger sister looked up at her expectantly. The transition from Winterfell to King's Landing had been hard on her. Arya was expected to act like a lady even more now that she was constantly surrounded by the noble ladies of the court. She hadn't blended in well; Tarynn and Sansa on the other hand had been more or less smoothly accepted into the King's court. Sansa with her natural prettiness and charming countenance, and Tarynn because she knew how important it was to make friends with those of other houses so she had made the effort; it meant more support for the Starks. But Arya had been somewhat of an outcast these few days, constantly picking on Sansa, ignoring Tarynn whenever she asked for her to recite her Myrish alphabet over breakfast.
She used to love our lessons together. But now she has become wild, like a caged animal desperate to be released.
She straightened Arya's braid before looking up at Toby. He stared back at her, his gaze even, green eyes alight. He had won, and he knew it. "And who is this renowned Blacksmith?"
"The one and only Tobho Mott."
"Even his name sounds cool, we have to see him definitely."
Tarynn rolled her eyes before turning to Desmond, "Please, go tell the stable boys that we'll be needing an extra horse." Desmond nodded curtly, threw a glance at Toby before moving away towards the three stable boys who were busy harnessing and saddling the horses.
"So Lady Arya, are you excited for your trip to the markets?"
Tarynn turned her attentions back to Toby, she restrained herself. Half of her wanted to tell him to stay away from her little sister, the other wanted her to rise above his stupid game of trying to worm his way into Arya's good books. Her little sister was always too trusting of outcasts and bastards, no wonder she was so close to Jon Snow.
Just thinking of Jon Snow reminded her of home, and in turn her thoughts turned to her mother, Bran, Rickon, Maester Luwin, Nan, Gerta, all of them. Her heart ached to return, but she had to stay here. She had an obligation to see through the season and to get married if someone asked for her hand and her father accepted, she also had Sandor now. She couldn't just leave him. She didn't want to leave him. One day she knew she would have to, but hopefully that was at some point in the distant future.
She had written two separate letters, one to Maester Luwin, Gerta and the rest of her friends. The other to her Mother and family, she had also included a letter written for Theon only. Against her better judgement her father had forced her to settle whatever dispute they held between them.
"Even if you cannot stand the sight of him at this moment in time Tarynn, the future may be different. Don't judge a book by its cover."
His words had been salt in her wounds, and she had half a mind to tell him exactly what Theon was capable of. But she hadn't, mainly because what good would it do now? Unless Theon rode down to King's Landing to 'claim' her and then drag her back kicking and screaming to the Iron Islands, then there was no point in retelling events that happened in the past when he wasn't even around.
"Yes, I am. I want to buy a whetstone."
"A whetstone? What would a young lady need a whetstone for?"
"Uh, to… Uh… Add to my… Collection."
Toby crossed his arms and leant back, "You collect stones?"
"Uh huh."
Tarynn smiled despite herself at Arya's obvious lie, her eyes met Toby's and he grinned. In that brief moment she remembered why she had befriended Toby in the beginning. The care free attitude, the lazy grin, he had been so very different to the Hound and it had been a refreshing contrast. She had also needed a friend in King's Landing, one that wasn't sworn to protect the bratty Prince. Toby had been the perfect answer. But now she had Bronte, and the new woman that she had recruited from off the streets.
She was still getting used to her new maid, she spoke very little but Tarynn understood. It was intimidating being around those who you always thought were above you in life. She felt the same way whenever she met a Maester; she truly respected them and was awestruck at their vast amounts of knowledge.
"Maybe I'll help you look for one."
Harwin stepped forward, resting a hand on Toby's shoulder, "You're stepping out of line, a guard's duty is to guard. Remember that."
Tarynn looked at Arya who had narrowed her eyes at Harwin, and she sighed, she waved Harwin off. "Please, its quite alright. It's as much your day to experience the city as it ours Harwin. I will not hold it against you if you wish to interact with us, after all our guards are our friends, not our vessels or servants. We are northmen no? Lets not full under the influence of Southrons and how they treat their soldiers and guards."
"My Lady?" She turned and accepted the reins that Desmond held out to her. She had a bay roan, a beautiful creature, the colour of rich brown. Arya was given a dapple grey pony. She had wanted a horse, and Tarynn wouldn't have minded her riding one but their father had insisted that even though Arya could ride as well as Tarynn she would still remain on a pony whilst travelling through the city.
She mounted the horse and turned it round to face the direction of the gates. When Arya, Toby, Harwin and Desmond were also mounted she gestured for them to make a start for the markets. Harwin signalled to the soldier in the gate tower and the heavy wooden gates creaked open slowly. Once there was room for a couple of horses to past side by side, Tarynn urged her horse into a brisk trot before galloping out of the Red Keep and into the winding streets below.
The sun streamed down them as they entered the city of King's Landing. Tall houses teetered above them, and scantily clad women stood outside some of the doors. She averted her eyes, yet she knew that Harwin. Desmond and Toby would be openly gawping at them. Yet when she looked at Toby briefly he wasn't looking at the whores that were calling to them, he was looking at her. His green eyes alight.
She shook it off. And instead thought of what Sandor might be doing.
Drinking and following Prince Joffrey around most likely.
She spurred her horse on and away from Toby, maybe the wares and hustle and bustle of the markets will distract her.
*Sandor*
"Will you ride in the Tourney of the Hand dog?"
The one and only Prince Joffrey was sat on a wall watching the guards practice their drills. His faithful dog stood next to him, his voice raspy when he responded.
"Might be that I will, my Prince."
The little shit's eyes sparkled with mischief as he stared at the men fighting, "Do you have a lady to give you a favour? My father says that all the noble ladies threw themselves at him just in the hopes of him taking their handkerchief as his good luck charm. What about that eldest Stark girl? Tarynn is it? Not a real beauty like her sister, but fair and pretty enough, mayhap I'll give her to you, as a reward when I'm king. You spent a lot of time with her on our journey home." Sandor clenched his mailed fist, "But then again what would she see in a hideous mongrel like you."
Sandor ignored the boy's words; his mind was elsewhere on the girl that was constantly in his thoughts day in day out. Maybe he will take part in the tourney, maybe he'll challenge Toby Hill to a joust and put an end to him that way. But would Tarynn hate him?
"Dog, fetch me Sansa Stark. Mother told me that I must spend more time with her."
Sandor dipped his head before stalking off to search the halls for Tarynn's younger sister. The little bird was beautiful, he gave her that, but she lacked the determination and intelligence that her elder sister possessed. She was also very keen to repeat whatever the Queen said, and hang onto Joffrey's every word. In all honesty he thought the girl selfish and extremely easy to fool, but he had promised Tarynn that he would watch over her.
He moved down the corridors, his footsteps heavy because of the iron boots he wore. In fact he was head to toe in armour, and that was how he preferred it, it made him more imposing, aggressive.
He found her sitting in one of the many courtyards. Swatches of fabric covering her lap, he cleared his throat.
"Prince Joffrey requests your presence."
She looked up at him, her eyes large and scared as she took in his appearance. He could see no trace of Tarynn in her face apart from the eyes. They were the same shade of blue. He laughed roughly and bitterly.
"Having a good look are you?"
"N-n-no! I wasn't… I apologise if I offended you ser."
"Ser? I am no knight. Don't ever call me that again." His voice was threatening her and violent
Her face paled and she nodded mutely. He gestured to her to follow him. He left the room, not bothering to check if she was following. He had promised Tarynn that he would watch her, but that was all, he had a reputation to uphold.
A reputation that I'm going to end up ruining in order to be with Tarynn.