"Another round, milady?"
You look up to see a tavern wench, scantily clad and with heavy rouge on her cheeks as she enthusiastically holds a pint of mead. You give her a gold coin and in return she gently places the foaming drink on the wooden table.
You look around the dusty inn. Dimly lit and smelling of sweat, many of the inhabitants are already drunk, eyeing you aggressively. You are the only female patron.
Oh, is that a woman?
Although dressed in men's clothes and hair short and dirty, you can see the hidden beauty beneath the hardness there. She doesn't eat pretty though, digging in aggressively to the pie in front of her, and chastising someone for drinking. It is then you notice him.
Handsome dark hair and sparking eyes, he's the image of beauty to you.
He stops drinking his ale and looks over to glance at you, and you immediately turn away in embarrassment, but out of the corner of your eyes notice him smile.
You start drinking your ale, content with the silent occasional flirtation where you steal glances from each other. By now the woman has caught onto the game and looks at the man with raised eyebrows and a smile.
Just as you begin to raise your hand to wave gently, you feel something grab your wrist. A calloused, dirty hand engulfs your tiny hand, and you look to see a drunkard. He has few teeth, near closing eyes from drunkenness, and he holds your wrist with an aggressive grip.
"What is it?" You ask angrily, furrowing your eyebrows as you stare into his glazed eyes.
"Ami innerupting you?" He slurs as he nods his head to the table with the man and woman. They are now looking at you in confusion and caution.
You look back to the drunk, and state, "What's it to you?".
At this he grabs your other hand and tries to lift you into the air to stand, but you rip your arms away, your lavender dress rippling with the sudden movement.
"What? Is just one dance? I know I can dance better than that boy can!" He giggles as he again tries to lift you up, but this time grabbing towards your behind. You push against him angrily as you feel him begin to touch the beginning of your upper thighs, and look up to see him laughing; that is, until you see a flash of movement towards his head before he falls limply to the stone floor.
You look up to see the handsome man from before, holding your pitcher of ale, broken and dripping with remnants of your drink. He has an expression of relief on his face as he offers you his hand.
"Sorry, milady, I should have come over sooner." He states as you grab his hand gladly.
"Well I think you came at the perfect time." You smile and follow him as he leads you back to the table where he sat previously. The woman has a smile on her face, and her mouth full of pie when you walk over. She's not beautiful like many maidens you've seen before, but there's a distinct aspect of beauty to her. Her eyes cerulean and sparkling as her lips turn upwards in a friendly manner, she's beautiful. Freckles decorate her face, and she finishes chewing her food.
"I told him to go to you the third time you both gawked at each other, but I guess he decided a rescue would be better." She smiles as she welcomes you to the table.
"Thank you both so much for your kindness. I'm y/n by the way." You state as you join the bench next to the mystery man.
"I'm Podrick. You have a beautiful name, y/n. It fits you well, as you are just as breathtaking." He whispers with gentle eyes and a smile. You gaze at each other for a few moments before Podrick places his hand on yours.
"Well, I'm Brienne, and I think this is my cue to leave." She laughs as she slides from her bench.
"Oh my! Where are my manners! You don't have to leave!" You stumble over your words.
"Fear not, you display not rudeness, y/n. I simply am ready for sleep, and I know Pod will be alright with you to keep him company." She winks as she heads towards the stairs and ascends them.
You then look to Podrick and see him smiling, embarrassed, but smiling.
"Well, since your drink came in handy earlier before you finished it, can I get you another?" He smiles.
"Of course, Pod." You annunciation the nickname the woman gave him as he summons the bar wench for a drink.
She sets down two pales and he gives her the money.
Before you are able to take a sip of the frothy refreshment, you see that Podrick stops your hands once it reaches your mouth.
"My beautiful y/n, surely you do not forget the traditions of my people?" He says in mock surprise.
"I don't know your people! What is it?" You ask, curiosity obvious in your voice.
"Well, there are games we must play before we sip casually. The first is a two pint chug!" He smiles as he pushes two pints in front of you, laughing as you open your eyes and mouth in shock. He takes two more pints for himself before he shouts, "You will respect my people, won't you?"
In answer, you take a mug and down it quickly, the contents bitter but refreshing after all the commotion from earlier. Dribbles of the mead run down your chin as you set the pale down. You release a sigh and wipe the remnants from your mouth as you see his eyes wide with surprise.
"What? You plan on losing?" You laugh as you take the other pale and begin chugging. Out of your peripheral vision you see him grab his pales and begin to chug.
You set them both down at the same time, and already begin to feel a slight buzz.
"What game now?" You ask.
"Next, we play darts..."
"How is that a drinking game?"
"Patience, my dear. Every time you fail to make it in the center, you down a swig. First to make a bullseye wins!" He states.
You walk over and begin playing. With the effect of the mead already impressive, your aim is terrible. You barely make the outer circles, and Pod is laughing at your efforts. Soon, you both are absolutely hammered.
"I have a confession." He says sadly with a frown on his face.
"What is it?" You turn serious.
"There are no drinking traditions with my people. I just wanted to spend time with you." He mutters as he has a look of embarrassment.
"I know." You smile.
"You what?" Now he turns to pure shock.
"I knew you were bluffing. But I wanted to spend time with you." You giggle as he brings you into a hug. He kisses your forehead chastely, and you look up to see him smiling.
"Gods, y/n, you've made me the happiest man tonight. Could I have the honor of this dance?" He states as he offers his hand to you.
You accept with a smile, and bring your bodies close together as you sway back and forth across the stone floor. You feel his hand gently rubbing the small of your back, and you wrap your arms around his strong back.
You soon release a yawn, and he steps back with a smile. "Is my lady getting sleepy?" He mocks as you giggle.
"Very sleepy." You mumble as you grab his hand and lead him to the stairs.
He stops outside of your room.
"It's been a wonderful night, y/n, thank you." He states as he kisses your lips.
"Pod, will you stay with me? I mean, just stay with me, like just sleep with me? Well, not sleep with me! I mean-"
"I know what you mean, and yes." He smiles as you lead him inside of your room and to the bed. You slide under the blankets and furs as he joins behind you. He wraps his arms protectively around your waist as he sighs in comfort.
"Goodnight, my hero." You says with a smile, warning you a kiss on you cheek.
"Goodnight, my beauty."
