The Hound, the Imp and the Cripple // Tyrion Lannister

prying ears and eyes

"so," Tyrion began once they were far enough away from jons prying ears and eyes.

"So," kitty repeated with a grin.

"I wish to know more about you my lady."

"Well my lord," she began but he stopped her.

"Please, call me Tyrion."

"Then you must call me kitty or kat or katarina even... I like when you say it." She whispered. Katarina had always seemed so elegant which is why after she was named she was rarely called katarina. Kat or kitty better fitted a woman of her... predicament. As she grew though, weather it be because of her nickname or just because they didn't have any cats in winterfell her curiosity for felines grew and became a bit of an obsession.

"Well Katarina..." she was glad for the nightfall because the moon wouldn't allow him to see her blush. "I want to know everything about you."

"Well, I'm 20 almost 21 and I share a direwolf with jon. His name is ghost and we trained him, he is very obedient... so much so that if jon said go follow kitty he would." Tyrion didn't know why she was saying this until she stopped and turned around. "Come here." She demanded sweetly. And the wolf came galloping towards her. "Jon is silly." She told Tyrion as she pet the wolf and he kissed her hand. "Ghost meet tyrion, Tyrion, ghost."

"hello." Tyrion said extending a hand. Ghost looked at kitty waiting for a command, he stood protectively next to his master. She gave him a simple nod and he rubbed his nose against Tyrion. Tyrion smiled at the dog. He was almost eye level with the beast. And if ghost wanted Tyrion was sure he could rip him to pieces with those fangs of his. Tyrion pet his head awkwardly as he gestured to the path. This time ghost stayed in between them.

"What do you like to do for fun around here?" Tyrion asked.

"Well the boys like to-"

"No my dear what do YOU like to do?"

"Oh right," she had never had someone take such interest in her before. "Well I love to read and I'm quite good at needlepoint... I um..." she didn't know if she should boast about her dress. She loved it. She was proud of her work and she thought Tyrion might appreciate her hard work.

"What is it my dear?"

"Well I made this dress... well I modified it. I added the trim at the bottom and the flower detailing throughout and I adjusted the top, it went up to my neck previously and I couldn't really breathe."

"It is stunning on you." Tyrion said with a smile. It looked as though a seamstress did it.

"Thank you my lord"

"Tyrion." He reminded.

"Tyrion." She repeated. She didn't know why she was so damn flustered. As soon as someone shows genuine interest in her she turns into a blushing mess.

"What do you read?"

"Everything. History, adventures, romance-"

"You like romance?" Tyrion teased.

"I like the idea of love. And how two people can be perfectly made for one another. I like the thought of having someone that loves you more than anyone else in the world and would do anything to protect you... have you ever felt like that before?"

"No I'm afraid I have not. But we are both still young. There is plenty of time for love."

After a while of walking kitty started to slow, the cold metal piercing her leg causing it to throb. She paused leaning on ghost for support. Tyrion stopped and ran to her side holding out a hand for her to lean on.

"My dear, what happened? How can i be of assistance?"

"No, its just my leg. I'm not used to walking this much without my cane..."

"I didn't realize, you could have told me and we would have returned." Tyrion looked around. They were deep in the woods now. He could run back but that would take awhile and he could yell but no one would hear them over the noise of the party still in full swing.

"I didnt want to be rude. Besides I am enjoying your company Tyrion." He looked at the pained expression on her face and saw sincerity. She was actually enjoying time with him.

"And I you Katarina... I'm afraid I am not the strongest man in the world. If I was I would carry you back in an instant..." Tyrion had never hated being little more than he did right now. This woman, this sweet woman was in pain and there was nothing he could do to ease it.

"I just need to rest a moment and then I should be fine." She told him trying to keep a smile on her face as her leg continued to throb and scream out at her to stop moving.

"Will your dog get your brother?" Tyrion asked looking to the wolf snuggled up next to kitty's feet as she sat down on a fallen tree.

"Yes, that's a good idea. Ghost. Get jon. Get jon." She repeated and ghost was off at a sprint.

"Next time you are in pain and need to rest please tell me." Tyrion begged as he moved to rub her back hoping to distract her from some of the pain.

"Next time?" she questioned with a smile.

"Well I most certainly hope there will be a next time." He smiled down at her and she up at him. Tyrion wanted to lean in and kiss her but the thundering off footsteps came faster than he expected.

"Kitty!" Jon called out as ghost lead him to them. "Love what happened?" he shot Tyrion a glare.

"I just walked to far, my leg is throbbing. Don't blame Tyrion I didn't say I needed help it is my fault I'm in this predicament." Jons gaze softened as he looked to his sister.

"Alright," he reached his armed out and scooped her up.

"I just meant to use you are a crutch jon." Kitty laughed in his arms.

"This is easier and better for your leg." Jon explained as he walked at a brisk pace leaving Tyrion to try and fail to keep up.

"Goodnight Katarina." Tyrion called through the darkness.

"Goodnight Tyrion." She called back and even though he couldn't see her, he felt himself blush. She was perfect. Perfect for him. He just had to figure out how to make it happen.