Lancel Lannister Imagines

The Faith P3

It was almost shameful how quickly he prepared himself the next morning, rushing through prayers and fasting. He was like some teenage boy anticipating a visit from a pretty girl in his bed.

He sat in the sept, in the North Sept in fact, waiting. The morning light streamed in through the windows. The Sept was empty beside him. And he waited. He waited with an eagerness he knew was sinful but he couldn't help this feeling.

The north door opened and Lillyanna sneaked herself inside, making sure to be quiet, she wore a sweet light green dress with very little embroidery or thrills to it, her curls pulled back in a tight bun with a headband in her hair and a veil across her hair and back, a seven-pointed star necklace hung down her chest, her hands clasped together as she took a few short steps. She has worn the colours of the maiden in the faith colours. She spotted him and briefly smiled but didn't speak or go closer not wanting to disturb him

As he saw her he tried to keep a calm expression on his face, but couldn't quite hold back his surprise. She was wearing the colours of the maiden...

"You.... came," he said in a whisper. He had tried to keep his voice even, but a sense of disbelief and relief entered his words. "You wore the colours..."

"of course I did,"

He looked over her form, taking stock of her dress. She was a beautiful woman, with flowing hair and captivating eyes. But today was different. She was radiant, and it was not just the way the light streamed upon her from the east. "Why wear the colours of the maiden today?" The question was filled with curiosity; her choice was unexpected.

"She protects all unmarried women so I pray for myself and of course the many innocence and Virtus young ladies in the capital"

He nodded, it made sense. And yet it also made him smile; she seemed so innocent and chaste in her Maiden's colours. He looked at her, and a part of him... wanted to touch her cheek. Take her hand... but he dared not. Instead, he stood up, and gestured for her to take the seat beside his. "Would you like to pray together? Perhaps I could bring you some light today."

"I'd like that very much" She smiled she took the seat beside him having to adjust her dress a little as she did, as he sat with her he could feel her dress against his leg, and he could smell her lavender perfume, the scent of her hair, her eyes glimmer with gold from the candles, she pushes her sleeves a little to reveal her hands and wrists both pale and scarred, she takes a small reed from the side and giggles as she taps him on the nose with it

All of it combined to create a strange sense of warmth. To create a strange sense of... longing. But he pushed that feeling down when it came. For this was a test of faith. "Close your eyes," he whispered. "Follow my lead."

"of course" she nodded she took the reed into a candle flame and lit herself five small candles before she closed her eyes and clasped her hands in prayer

He looked at her as she closed her eyes, and the image of her lit the candles in prayer seared itself into his mind. This... woman... this... sinful woman... why did she fill him so? He forced himself to close his eyes. "Bless us maiden, bless us. Guide us to the light. Guide her..." The words were rushed and whispered. He was more focused on the presence of Lillyanna by his side, and the heat that had come from the touch of her dress against his leg. He went on with the prayer, all the Seven were mentioned. But it seemed as if every time he addressed the Maiden his voice wavered... and his words were a bit more forceful. There was an edge of desire, even lust as he spoke to the maiden. Her touch, her scent, and her very presence assaulted him. Even her dress was a sin against the eyes of the Gods. It was chaste... And then... the prayer ended. And there was silence. He forced himself to hold still. To not just look at her face. Those eyes... or even touch the skin of her arm as it sat exposed and yet right beside him...