A Holiday by Decree
~~Day 10~~
Tyrion came over, and Sansa handed him a shallow basket from the larder. Inside, they placed a hunk of cheese, marbled sausage, and two buns toasted with breadcrumbs.
They also found a cheese knife, fabric napkins, two cups and a small flagon of red wine before leaving the kitchen. Having previously noticed rain blowing into the grand dining area, they took refuge in the breakfast room together.
While Sansa arranged their small spread and poured them each wine at the farm table, Tyrion found a tinderbox in the sideboard. He used it to light a stout candle on a bronze platter. Carefully, he brought it to the table, its small, golden flame dancing in the shelter of his hand.
Tyrion sat at the head of the table, while Sansa sat at his right. Feeling cozy, they ate to the dance of rain against the window. Thunder still rumbled, but the lightning had gone.
The cheese they ate was deliciously creamy, the sausage had the right snap to it, and the well-baked, airy bread paired perfectly with both. Their conversation started light, and Sansa noticed Tyrion trying to cheer her up. Feeling better, she finally asked curiously, "So how did you know to get to my room tonight?"
Tyrion described Hirat's role. "Please don't be mad at her," he concluded, still aware of his and the maid's taboo.
He was relieved by Sansa's automatic reply: "No, goodness - how could I possibly be with how obviously concerned for me she is?"
Tyrion looked back at her warmly. "To no surprise it would seem. You know, you have a remarkable capability of attracting people's adoration, my Lady. Even long ago, my brother was fascinated by the total loyalty you inspired in your Ser Brienne."
"Thank you, I'm only too lucky for that," Sansa flushed thinking of her dedicated friend and also giving the man across from her a meaningful look.
Mention of Brienne gave her an opening to a topic she had long wondered about. Voice soft, Sansa hoped Tyrion would not be put off: "Speaking of Brienne, I think you're probably aware she was madly in love with your brother. Being honest, knowing of him as I did, I could not pretend to know why.
"Maybe, if you'd be willing, could you please tell me more about him - the side that both she and you seemed to know?" she asked.
A surprised look crossed Tyrion's bearded face, disturbing his curls in the candlelight at the rise of his eyebrows.
"Well, there've been few who have wanted to hear about him since he became the 'Kingslayer', and even fewer who knew him well. And yes, I knew about Brienne, because Jaime told me he loved her too," Tyrion began.
He was maudlin for a moment but put out his hand. "If you will, please pass me the wine, and I'll pour for us. Jaime was a complicated man, but in the end, he was fair, and I wouldn't ask for a different brother."