A Holiday by Decree
~~ Day 4 ~~
With the last of their coffee, the staff offered them fried fritters that tasted like honey. Then, while their plates and cups were cleared, Tyrion relaxed at the table in a patch of sunlight that had made its way into the courtyard. He watched Sansa, as she went to look at the birds in their cages, when the housekeeper passed through to check on them. Tyrion took the opportunity to ask who the bird keeper was.
While the housekeeper had excused herself for a bit, she soon bustled back with a second person. Identified to them as the groundskeeper, as well the keeper of the aviary, the man was still considerably fit despite a limp and other signs that he was clearly on in years. Through one good eye (the other was patched), he looked invitingly at Sansa and Tyrion, who had moved near her, as they took an interest in his birds.
"Do you ever let them out to fly?" Sansa asked, admiring a tiny bird with light green and red coloring.
"He does allow the small ones out, but only in covered areas, because they are domesticated and this property keeps ravens," the housekeeper explained. She was translating for the groundskeeper, who did not speak the common tongue but was glad to share information about the birds. "He says that the pigeons are different though. Most of them have had wing injuries or don't fly well. The locals like to race this type of bird but often cast them off, if their wings get damaged or the birds get too old. He has enjoyed caring for pigeons like this since he was a boy."
"That's very admirable. The first time I saw them, I noticed how well the birds are kept. They seem content here," Tyrion complimented the man, who smiled toothily before replying animatedly.
"He would like to know if you would like to try to hold one. Certain of the pigeons that don't fly anymore are very tame, and enjoy companionship," the housekeeper translated.
"I've never touched a bird other than a messenger raven, which are sometimes not so nice. If these are more gentle, I think I would like to try," Sansa volunteered, and a moment later she had a beautiful bird with white and brown brindle coloring perched upon her right palm. The plump little creature warbled and looked around where it stood on its tiny legs on her hand, allowing its keeper to scratch its chest.
"Incredible!" Sansa breathed, carefully following the keeper's lead to pet her feathery new friend.
Tyrion was more than happy just to watch, taking in Sansa's happy, excited expressions, as she admired the bird she held. The warm brown in the bird's feathers contained hues reminiscent of her red hair. She made a lovely picture, like a storybook's gorgeous, woodland fairy in his mind, when her dark, long-lashed gaze jumped enthusiastically his way.
"Tyrion, it's so soft, won't you have a try?" she asked.