I cleaned the area with some soap and water and kept it covered with a bandage once it dried, to keep it from rubbing against my clothes or something when I walked.
[She stares at her arm for a moment]
Is there something else I need to do? I'm afraid medical techniques were practically nonexistent in my world.
[She realizes a moment later that he must be worried about her or something and softens, smiling a little at the message]
It's very sweet of you, but I'll be alright. I've had much worse than this, I can still continue so long as you're willing to. Though perhaps we can cut the lesson short if it starts to bother me or something?
[too late he's never mentioning a feeling ever again
it is a mark of a poor teacher to not mind the limits of his students, and aemond is loathe to sour this instruction against someone who is willing to learn. his father had done it too many times against him, spurning his questions or simply refusing to answer. ]
We could improve on other aspects in the meanwhile, as you heal. You can still draw the bow without loosing the arrow, and your posture we could improve.
[poor aemond it’s too late for u, now she knows you have emotions. Rip.]
I’d like that!
[She hesitates, but only for a moment. It’s gotten easier to talk about such things and much, MUCH easier to do so through text]
In my world, I was one of the wives of a warlord. He kept us in a gilded cage, away from the horrors of the wasteland, the desert that stretches the world, but the cage had its own horrors.
He would brutalize us often. We had 3 chances to birth him a healthy son, a nearly impossible task given how my world was. Most children are born deformed or stillborn.
If we failed 3 times, we were thrown from the citadel into the Wasteland, or we became one of the milk mothers. I can’t tell you which fate was worse.
But me and the remaining wives escaped into the Wasteland. It’s been rough, but freeing. The conditions are harsh. The bruises and cuts are different, but at least they are there because of me, because of actions I’ve taken myself.
[ she is as a salt-wife to the iron islands' reavers — taken as prize, and forced into brutality. aemond understands now why she insists on learning to protect herself. ]
I swear to you, I will never touch you without your leave. You have my word. It is a grave offence that has been done upon you, and you should not have had to suffer even the idea of it.
Does he die? Your warlord captor? Do you wish for his death?
It's more touching than she thought it'd be and she smiles warmly at the screen]
Thank you. That's very kind of you, and it means a lot to hear. It's been something to get used to here, where everyone is so free with themselves. I've been getting comfortable with it. Thank you, for understanding.
For a while, I didn't know what I wanted. I thought it'd be enough to just escape, but he'd given chase to us. This won't end until he is dead.
The woman who helped us escape, Furiosa, is also here, and from a time later than when I came from. She said that she killed him, and it brought a lot of comfort and relief.
But if he ever showed up here? I wouldn't mind the chance to put an arrow or a knife between his ribs. For myself. For my friends I've lost because of him, and those he's brainwashed along the way.
You will have deserved it, to plunge your weapon into him as he has done with his body against yours.
[ he would offer to help, if only to hold the man down. violence begets violence, aemond more than understands this, but some forms of brutality are unacceptable entirely. capable deserves her revenge. if he could aid her in some way, then he will have done a great and honourable service. ]
I have spoken with Furiosa once. When she was younger. Her arm was already missing even then, young as she was. Were you both brutalised by the same man? Had he taken her arm for himself, too?
[She'd never wanted to be someone capable (ha) of murder, nor someone who would relish in it, but this? This was justified. This would be an understandable diversion in it.]
I don't believe so. I believe it was from another warlord. She was not one of the wives. At least, I don't believe so. She wasn't there when I joined, and she was already Imperator by then and assigned to protect us.
You've made me realize I never thought to ask her before. She'd done so much for us, and I never got to know her fully. I'll have to change that.
When we first met, I hated her. I was so angry. I thought as a woman she should be more sympathetic to us. She thought we were spoiled brats. We both changed a lot since then.
[ delivered early in the morning, before capable might have woken: a small cake box with a generous slice of a blood-orange creation, as well as fresh slices of the fruit on the side. written on a plain card in green ink is a brief message: ]
[ he's agonised over this gift, because he has no idea what to get her beyond what he's also given. capable is true to her name; capable and willing to learn, and strong-willed, like his mother made feral and wild but no less graceful.
[It takes her an embarrassingly long time to figure out why she's getting these gifts--holidays and festivals rare survived the passage of time and war--but when she does, she's absolutely delighted.
She sends a selfie of herself bundled up in the jacket, grinning in delight. Who taught her to do selfies? dont worry about it. It's also easy to figure out who it might be, thanks to the brace and the fact that this is the second time in a month he's sent her things.]
I adore it. Thank you so much, I'll get a lot of use out of them. I'll treasure them. The brace is for the archery? I'm looking forward to using it!
[And then, a minute or so later, she adds:]
Do you think there'll be a time when I won't need your instruction?
[ he doesn't mind speeding up, though he thinks he'll feel disappointed to end their training lessons sooner than he thinks she's ready. he runs a thumb over the screen where her photo is brought up, traces the line of the green patchwork wrapped around her shoulders.
it looks good on her. he chose well, and he warms at the thought. ]
The coat looks good on you. I'm glad it suits you.
You did say you like the histories, and we have many texts here that we could learn together.
[ pity that the library closed unceremoniously; he'd wanted to read about the other countries' wars, the deaths that have stacked up in the world wars. how strange for a world so connected to be constantly at war with one another — though aemond supposes that's no different from westeros, in truth. as some of his guards might say: men will feed, fuck, or fight.
I'd love that! I can tell you more of the history of my world too, what I know from the History Men and Women.
[it isn't much, but she knows some things, she knows enough to give a lesson on the Citadel, Gas Town, the Bullet Farm. The Green Place/Place of Many Mothers.
And oh good, he took the bait! Now that she's there, she feels her stomach flipflop and she clears her throat. She's no stranger to sex and sexuality, of course, but innocent flirtation, the quiet building up to something... That's new. It's thrilling, and a little frighting.]
Well. I was hoping you'd help me take things off, once in a while. Unless you're not interested?
[ oh. don't mind him. well, truthfully, who would mind? no one's here to see him, aegon is passed out somewhere, he's all alone in his rooms and his thoughts are—disorganised. disordered so simply by the insinuation of interest.
what do you say in these moments? ]
Would you be comfortable with that? You do not owe me anything, if you feel you must offer. These are gifts to you. If they've pleased you then that is all I intend for them.
[ he's not saying no. he just wants to be clear about what he's given, and that he expects nothing at all in return. ]
[She smiles warmly at the message as it comes in, pleased at his clarification]
Yes, I'm aware. It's not to repay you, I'm going to try and make you something instead. I didn't know gift-giving was such a big thing with this holiday, so that's my repayment, because I want to.
And this is because I want to, too.
I didn't know if I'd feel comfortable with sex again. Back home, it was power and procreation. It was painful and humiliating. But in this place, people seem to enjoy it a lot. They have fun, they seek it out. I've talked to Furiosa about it before, and she said it can be very fun with the right partner.
You've been kind to me, Aemond. You've been patient and understanding of my circumstances. I've never felt unsafe or pressured with you about anything. The archery lessons were--are--real and no pretense and you treat me no differently during them. You're actually teaching me, and well.
I feel safe and comfortable with you. I trust you not to hurt me, and to stop or be slow if I need you to.
it's a scary thing, to be trusted by anyone. aemond knows how difficult it can be to place trust in a stranger, harder still to try when intimacy comes into play. aemond can find himself in someone's bed and not trust a single inch of their body at all, never mind their intentions; he grew up in a pit of vipers and rats, the red keep's courts overfull with ambitious sycophants who would willingly tear each other down for a scrap of royal favour.
and capable has had it worse, having been used for her womb as so many women have suffered. his mother had suffered it, as had his sisters. he doesn't want to add to their hurts, and he doesn't want to add to capable's own hurt. ]
I'd like it for you to be certain. Is that too forward to ask? I do like you, Capable, and I'm like to accept what you mean to give. But I don't want to hurt you either, even if I mean not to.
We could try slowly. With touching, first? Is that all right?
[It's possibly the sweetest thing a man has ever said to her, she almost wants to cry. Splendid would like him, she thinks. The other girls too. She swallows around a lump of emotion]
Yes. That's more than alright. In the end, probably the smarter choice too.
I look forward to it.
[She feels a bit ridiculous, her stomach full of butterflies and all giddy. She rubs a hand over her face and pinches her cheek a little, laughing out loud at herself.]
I feel so silly. But I'm looking forward to trying.
[ he feels a bit silly himself, but it won't do to admit that now; one of them has to seem confident, at the very least self-certain. aemond doesn't mind standing in its place for now. ]
When you're ready, or when you feel comfortable enough to try with me again, I'll receive you happily. We can always shoot arrows in the meantime, even while it's cold out.
Be welcome, Capable. I look forward to your decision, too.
Archery would keep us warm at least. I've never been so cold in my life.
[It's fascinating and amazing but still bewildering. The water just...freezes like that sometimes? And instead of raining hard ice it's delicate snow?? Weird. So weird.]
Let's enjoy it while it lasts. Maybe by the time the warmth comes back I'll be hitting closer to the center of the target more consistently.
[She's at least hitting the target way more often than not now. But still, she looks forward to the time spent and on catching up afterwards]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text — un: aemond_
text;
no subject
[ he may be slightly concerned. just a bit. ]
How are you caring for it?
no subject
[She stares at her arm for a moment]
Is there something else I need to do? I'm afraid medical techniques were practically nonexistent in my world.
no subject
I only meant that
Do you need more time? I can wait until you're feeling better to continue your instruction. It would not be any trouble.
no subject
It's very sweet of you, but I'll be alright. I've had much worse than this, I can still continue so long as you're willing to. Though perhaps we can cut the lesson short if it starts to bother me or something?
no subject
too late he's never mentioning a feeling ever againit is a mark of a poor teacher to not mind the limits of his students, and aemond is loathe to sour this instruction against someone who is willing to learn. his father had done it too many times against him, spurning his questions or simply refusing to answer. ]
We could improve on other aspects in the meanwhile, as you heal. You can still draw the bow without loosing the arrow, and your posture we could improve.
When you speak of worse, what do you mean by it?
no subject
I’d like that!
[She hesitates, but only for a moment. It’s gotten easier to talk about such things and much, MUCH easier to do so through text]
In my world, I was one of the wives of a warlord. He kept us in a gilded cage, away from the horrors of the wasteland, the desert that stretches the world, but the cage had its own horrors.
He would brutalize us often. We had 3 chances to birth him a healthy son, a nearly impossible task given how my world was. Most children are born deformed or stillborn.
If we failed 3 times, we were thrown from the citadel into the Wasteland, or we became one of the milk mothers. I can’t tell you which fate was worse.
But me and the remaining wives escaped into the Wasteland. It’s been rough, but freeing. The conditions are harsh. The bruises and cuts are different, but at least they are there because of me, because of actions I’ve taken myself.
no subject
I swear to you, I will never touch you without your leave. You have my word. It is a grave offence that has been done upon you, and you should not have had to suffer even the idea of it.
Does he die? Your warlord captor? Do you wish for his death?
no subject
It's more touching than she thought it'd be and she smiles warmly at the screen]
Thank you. That's very kind of you, and it means a lot to hear. It's been something to get used to here, where everyone is so free with themselves. I've been getting comfortable with it. Thank you, for understanding.
For a while, I didn't know what I wanted. I thought it'd be enough to just escape, but he'd given chase to us. This won't end until he is dead.
The woman who helped us escape, Furiosa, is also here, and from a time later than when I came from. She said that she killed him, and it brought a lot of comfort and relief.
But if he ever showed up here? I wouldn't mind the chance to put an arrow or a knife between his ribs. For myself. For my friends I've lost because of him, and those he's brainwashed along the way.
no subject
[ he would offer to help, if only to hold the man down. violence begets violence, aemond more than understands this, but some forms of brutality are unacceptable entirely. capable deserves her revenge. if he could aid her in some way, then he will have done a great and honourable service. ]
I have spoken with Furiosa once. When she was younger. Her arm was already missing even then, young as she was. Were you both brutalised by the same man? Had he taken her arm for himself, too?
no subject
I don't believe so. I believe it was from another warlord. She was not one of the wives. At least, I don't believe so. She wasn't there when I joined, and she was already Imperator by then and assigned to protect us.
You've made me realize I never thought to ask her before. She'd done so much for us, and I never got to know her fully. I'll have to change that.
When we first met, I hated her. I was so angry. I thought as a woman she should be more sympathetic to us. She thought we were spoiled brats. We both changed a lot since then.
delivery. ( seventh of december. )
We'll meet on the morrow instead. Rest and heal.
delivery, morning of the 25th.
in the end, he decides on three things: a plush cotton coat to keep warm, a leather brace in green for their archery lessons, and an ornate hairbrush. practical things for a practical woman.
he includes a note in the gift box, writes his message in green ink: May these all find good use in your capable hands.
is that embarrassingly earnest? a little. but he's keeping it so. that said, aemond doesn't sign the note, as is his habit. ]
text
She sends a selfie of herself bundled up in the jacket, grinning in delight. Who taught her to do selfies? dont worry about it. It's also easy to figure out who it might be, thanks to the brace and the fact that this is the second time in a month he's sent her things.]
I adore it. Thank you so much, I'll get a lot of use out of them. I'll treasure them. The brace is for the archery? I'm looking forward to using it!
[And then, a minute or so later, she adds:]
Do you think there'll be a time when I won't need your instruction?
no subject
[ he doesn't mind speeding up, though he thinks he'll feel disappointed to end their training lessons sooner than he thinks she's ready. he runs a thumb over the screen where her photo is brought up, traces the line of the green patchwork wrapped around her shoulders.
it looks good on her. he chose well, and he warms at the thought. ]
The coat looks good on you. I'm glad it suits you.
no subject
But then, if it happens, then I'll simply have to find something else for you to teach me!
[She thinks it'll be a long ways off, though.]
You did a really good job. I'll wear it almost all winter. [the almost is important there]
no subject
[ pity that the library closed unceremoniously; he'd wanted to read about the other countries' wars, the deaths that have stacked up in the world wars. how strange for a world so connected to be constantly at war with one another — though aemond supposes that's no different from westeros, in truth. as some of his guards might say: men will feed, fuck, or fight.
that said— ]
Why only almost?
no subject
[it isn't much, but she knows some things, she knows enough to give a lesson on the Citadel, Gas Town, the Bullet Farm. The Green Place/Place of Many Mothers.
And oh good, he took the bait! Now that she's there, she feels her stomach flipflop and she clears her throat. She's no stranger to sex and sexuality, of course, but innocent flirtation, the quiet building up to something... That's new. It's thrilling, and a little frighting.]
Well. I was hoping you'd help me take things off, once in a while. Unless you're not interested?
no subject
what do you say in these moments? ]
Would you be comfortable with that? You do not owe me anything, if you feel you must offer. These are gifts to you. If they've pleased you then that is all I intend for them.
[ he's not saying no. he just wants to be clear about what he's given, and that he expects nothing at all in return. ]
no subject
Yes, I'm aware. It's not to repay you, I'm going to try and make you something instead. I didn't know gift-giving was such a big thing with this holiday, so that's my repayment, because I want to.
And this is because I want to, too.
I didn't know if I'd feel comfortable with sex again. Back home, it was power and procreation. It was painful and humiliating. But in this place, people seem to enjoy it a lot. They have fun, they seek it out. I've talked to Furiosa about it before, and she said it can be very fun with the right partner.
You've been kind to me, Aemond. You've been patient and understanding of my circumstances. I've never felt unsafe or pressured with you about anything. The archery lessons were--are--real and no pretense and you treat me no differently during them. You're actually teaching me, and well.
I feel safe and comfortable with you. I trust you not to hurt me, and to stop or be slow if I need you to.
I like you. I'd like to try with you.
no subject
it's a scary thing, to be trusted by anyone. aemond knows how difficult it can be to place trust in a stranger, harder still to try when intimacy comes into play. aemond can find himself in someone's bed and not trust a single inch of their body at all, never mind their intentions; he grew up in a pit of vipers and rats, the red keep's courts overfull with ambitious sycophants who would willingly tear each other down for a scrap of royal favour.
and capable has had it worse, having been used for her womb as so many women have suffered. his mother had suffered it, as had his sisters. he doesn't want to add to their hurts, and he doesn't want to add to capable's own hurt. ]
I'd like it for you to be certain. Is that too forward to ask? I do like you, Capable, and I'm like to accept what you mean to give. But I don't want to hurt you either, even if I mean not to.
We could try slowly. With touching, first? Is that all right?
no subject
Yes. That's more than alright. In the end, probably the smarter choice too.
I look forward to it.
[She feels a bit ridiculous, her stomach full of butterflies and all giddy. She rubs a hand over her face and pinches her cheek a little, laughing out loud at herself.]
I feel so silly. But I'm looking forward to trying.
do u wanna action?
When you're ready, or when you feel comfortable enough to try with me again, I'll receive you happily. We can always shoot arrows in the meantime, even while it's cold out.
Be welcome, Capable. I look forward to your decision, too.
only ALWAYS
[It's fascinating and amazing but still bewildering. The water just...freezes like that sometimes? And instead of raining hard ice it's delicate snow?? Weird. So weird.]
Let's enjoy it while it lasts. Maybe by the time the warmth comes back I'll be hitting closer to the center of the target more consistently.
[She's at least hitting the target way more often than not now. But still, she looks forward to the time spent and on catching up afterwards]
text. un: fool.
furiosas teaching people how to fight
get her to teach you how to use a weapon too
but you practice on me not her
text; un: capable
Against you? I've been learning archery from Aemond. I suppose I should learn something for closer up? But why against you?
no subject
[Something he wouldn't be able to promise if she hurt Furiosa instead.]
you need to learn without having to hold back