randomosity | [For Will - Westeros AU] Northern Hounds and Southern Flowers

[For Will - Westeros AU] Northern Hounds and Southern Flowers

"I don't see why hunting hounds should be of any interest to me," Margaery Tyrell took a bite out of the apple tart she'd procured from the kitchens. "That's Loras's game. Loras and Willas are the hunters, you know father never approved of my learning to hunt."

"It gets you out of the Red Keep and away from the lion's den," Olenna Tyrell pointed out. "Can't say no to that, can you?"

"True enough," Margaery had to admit, popping the last bit of tart into her mouth. "But all the same, I don't know the first thing about hounds."

"Then it's a bonus," Olenna laughed. "You'll get out of the Red Keep, and you'll learn something new. Now, go on, get down to the courtyard, I'm told the Kennel Master from the North is setting up his hounds as we speak."

"You're not coming?" Margaery's question was answered by how the older woman shooed her off. She all but swatted Margaery in the rear to get her to go.

Margaery rolled her eyes, but smiled all the same and made her way down from the gardens and through the halls of the castle. Finally she made her way to the courtyard, following the sound of dogs barking. Jaime Lannister was already there, looking at a few hounds, pointing out what he was looking for in a hound and what he expected for his nephews' hunt. Margaery, in the meantime, took to looking over some of the pups that had been brought along that were tumbling over each other and nipping and yipping aloud. Margaery smiled as she reached down and stroked her slender fingers over the soft fur of one of the female pups. "Hello there, aren't you sweet." She laughed softly.

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There was an almost adorable quality in Will's expressions and how he wore them on his sleeve. It was obvious his disappointment at the first part of Olenna's statement. Margaery attempted to brush her fingers against his wrist nonchalantly in an attempt to soothe him. But then came her grandmother's second statement, and Margaery's eyes lit. Will seemed so happy! The spark in his eyes made her smile broadly. She enjoyed seeing him so happy.

She was happy too - at the prospect of a hunt in general but also at the prospect of a hunt virtually alone with Will. Margaery smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "I'd like that. Forgive me if I seem naive, but I've never been on a hunt before." There was excitement in her voice.

Raksha gave a sharp yip beneath the table. Margaery looked down to her and picked up the pup, lifting her into her lap and stroking over her soft fur. "Would I be able to bring Raksha? Or would she be underfoot?" She wanted her pup to know how to hunt, but she was still young. Margaery yielded to Will's expertise on this matter.

"If not, I'd be willing to watch her for a time," Olenna sipped her tea.

"Thank you grandmother," Margaery smiled.

Margaery was unaware of Will's ability. But she inherently felt a protective sense over him already. She didn't want him near Cersei. She didn't want him interacting with the Lannisters. Margaery made it her goal to do whatever she could to keep him away from them. But she would need to avoid arousing suspicion with her own actions.

At his last statement, Margaery smiled and Olenna gave him a wink. Silently answering the statement-question.

As sad as the statement is, Will wasn't happy often. No, fear, regret, and sorrow normally filled his days and nights. He preferred not to get involved with many people, it was just better that way. If he had no one to let down or be let down by, then it reduced the emotional turmoil he would have to endure or inflict. It was nice, it truly was, being around the two women, they made him feel carefree and dare to let his emotions move freely through him. It was dangerous and exciting and Will wanted to fee like this more often.

"I'll take good care of you. You've never been on a real hunt until you've been on one with a member of the Graham clan!" His excitement still raw and true as he smiled wide and nodded to confirm. "No harm will come to you and I assure you I will let you get as involved as you wish."

As Margaery asked her question about the pup, Will found himself wanting to give in to her. He wanted to let her have her way and bring the pup to the hunt, despite it not being for the best, he didn't want to break it to her that it wouldn't be for the best. So, with a heavy heart, Will gently shook his head. "I'm sorry but it just wouldn't work. She would be too small to make it as a hunting dog anyway, she's the run, albeit a cute runt, a runt all the same. She's still of an exquisit breed and would produce some fine hunting hounds, but I think being your company and protector is her calling in life." The statment was something Will was jealous of, he only just realized that as the words left his mouth. The idea was a silly notion. That someone like him could be with someone like her! Obscene!

Ah, hooray for good old Olenna. Her offer to mind the pup put Will's mind at ease. "There then, all sorted I'd say."

He could sense something about her, it was as if she was trying to protect him? Yet Will couldn't' quite put his finger on what it was that the Queen Regent wished from him. It was troubling and he didn't want it to spoil their evening. So, in a bold sort of request, Will sucking in a breath and puffed out his chest. "My Lady." He addressed Margaery. "After tea, would you be so kind as to escort me around the gardens? I've never seen some of the flowers I spotted in bloom before. I'm very curious as to how they smell."

Margaery smiled, finding herself overjoyed and anxious to hunt. Did they have to wait? Did she have to be patient? She would if she had to.

"I'm confident you will take care of me, Lord Graham," she said, her tone a bit darker, more velvety than usual. Enjoying the idea, seeing him in her mind's eye with a sword at his hip, or a crossbow on his arm - ready to defend her from any beast or prey that dared appear. "I have no fear, with you beside me."

She didn't want to wait. She didn't want him to only be by her side on a hunt.

When Will asked her to guide him on a walk through the gardens, Margaery's anxiousness and unwillingness to wait for tomorrow for the hunt was abated. If she had to wait for the hunt, she would do so. It was easier to wait, knowing they would have a little bit of time alone in the gardens.

"I'd be honored," she replied, smiling broadly.

"You couldn't have picked a better guide," Olenna added. "Margaery spends most of her time in these gardens, I daresay she knows them better than the King's Landing natives. Of course they're nothing compared to the gardens of Highgarden."

"Grandmother," Margaery scolded her playfully.

Margaery was indeed disappointed that Raksha couldn't come. But she knew Will was the expert. She knew it was for the best. She smiled down to the little pup and even plucked up a small piece of fruit for her to eat. "That's all right. I'm fine with you being my protector. When you're bigger Raksha, if I ever go on a hunt again, you'll be able to go. I'll need someone to protect me."

She glanced up to Will shortly after she spoke. Her gaze sought his for a moment, focusing on his eyes, the light behind them - and the darkness. After a long moment she glanced up to Olenna and smiled.

"Thank you grandmother, I'll see that her food is brought to you - I hope she won't be any trouble," Margaery smiled.

"Please, child - I've been watching you and your brothers since before you all could walk. If I could handle your mischief, I can handle a small pup!" Olenna scoffed. Margaery laughed and waved her hand at Will, dismissing her grandmother's comment.

"Ignore her, Lord Graham!" Margaery continued to laugh.

"Seven hells with that!" Olenna snapped. "You were the most mischievous of them all!"

Will couldn't help but laugh. It was nice to see the two women reminisce the joys of a mischievous childhood, Will thought back to how much of a handful he was at times and it was easy to imagine Margaery in the same kind of situations.

As tea started to come to an end and the three were sipping various teas and water, letting their food rest, Will smiled. He'd enjoyed his time here with them, in all honesty he didn't want it to end. "Would it be permissible to take you for archery practice, just before first light? I suggest we at least let you have a go at the actual hunting, you never know when you might be able to partake again... And I want you to enjoy the experience as much as you have made me enjoy this experience."

Will stood soon after, addressing Olenna. "My Lady." Taking her hand lightly once more and kissing the back of it. "If you will allow it, may we take our leave now? "He turned to look at the gardens behind them. "It's only, the air is at it's warmest and I wish to smell the flowers while they're fully opened and enjoying the sun." It was an honest request, he really did want to wander the gardens, but he was also keen to get to know Margaery a bit better, on their own. The thought made him anxious, a bubbling in his stomach, what was that?

Turning to Margaery now, readying his arm for her to take. Is that what you do? He wasn't used to escorting Ladies around, the last noble woman he'd escorted anywhere, was the young Lady Mormont and Lyanna was a lot smaller that Margaery, he had the feeling it wasn't going to be the same as taking an 11 year old girl hunting grouse in the woods.

"My Lady." He offered, with a little nervous bow of his head, hoping that Margaery was ready to be his guide for the rest of the evening.

Margaery blushed, but she was indeed enamored by his laugh. His smile alone was infectious enough, but the laugh he had, it was sweet and dark - from deep in his throat and she couldn't help but enjoy the sound.

They continued with tea, drinking hers and finishing it off with another soft honey cake. But she was anxious for tea to be over, so that she could enjoy some time with Will by herself. When he offered to take her out for archery practice, Margaery smiled, but laughed softly and adopted a sheepish expression. "I'd enjoy that very much, but I fear you would find me a very poor student. Father never approved of such skills for me, it was unladylike, he said."

"He'd know all about being ladylike," Olenna grumbled, finishing off her tea.

When Will rose and asked to excuse himself and Margaery, Olenna tipped her head and smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Aye, off with you both, then. Enjoy the flowers while you have the opportunity," the smirk on her face indicated a double meaning to her words, but Margaery hadn't the time to deduce it. She too was a bit nervous, her stomach fluttering as she stood up. She set Raksha on the ground, and the pup followed dutifully after her.

Margaery smiled and eagerly took Will's arm, looping hers with his and even leaning into him a little. It was more natural for her than she could have figured. He had a stronger figure than he let on, very solid and sturdy, Margaery felt safe and secure being so close to him.

Off they went then, away from the courtyard and into the intricate maze of gardens that Margaery could navigate easily. "I hope you don't intend to leave too soon, Lord Graham. It's nice being candid with someone for a change."

Edited 2016-11-04 01:12 (UTC)

Will was too embarrassed by the way Olenna spoke, he could sense a double meaning to her words and it made him coy beyond belief. Deciding a polite smile and cheeky grin of his own was the best answer before he escorted Margaery off into the winding rows of bush and flower.

He wasn't all that worried that Raksha had decided to be a thirdwheel, confident that the pups nose was good enough that it could sniff it's way back out, should she become lost.

As they turned round the first few corners, Will took in all the beautiful colours and scents. He smiled as Margaery as she reviled how she didn't want him to leave, but it was her comment about being candid that drew a curious knot to his brow. "It's hard to be honest with people here? I'm sorry to hear that... I'm always available to lend an ear or shoulder for you."

The more they became surrounded with breath taking colours and petals, the more Margaery just seemed to put them all to shame with her own beauty. Will slowed them, pausing for a moment to cup a rose and draw it to his nose to smell. It was then that he pricked his finger on a small, almost hidden thorn. Pulling back quickly, popping his hurt digit into his mouth to stop the bleeding. "Why is it always the pretty things come at a painful cost?" More of a musing to himself then meaning to be spoken out loud.

Raksha was in little danger of being lost. She followed close behind Margaery's heels, even walking beside her for a little while.

Margaery smiled at his offer and gave his arm a little squeeze. "There are all kinds of traitorous sorts here. Lannister spies, lesser lords looking for ways to advance their station. It's difficult to find someone to trust that you're able to confide in." She leaned into him a little more, her shoulder pressed softly against his, letting her bare upper arm feel he softness of his own clothes. "Your offer is much appreciated. Thank you."

When Will paused to partake of the roses, Margaery smiled, of course having her own special connection with the flower. There were all sorts of colored roses that surrounded them; white, red, pink, sunburst orange. The latter of that list was always Margaery's favorite. When Will pricked himself on the thorns, Margaery couldn't help laughing softly.

She reached out carefully, two fingers slipping beneath the bulb of the flower to tilt it so that she might smell it as well. "With fair and pretty things, the key is to know how to handle them. One can't just grab something so lovely and delicate as a rose and not expect to be cut. They must be handled gently and with care."

Margaery released the flower and smiled up to Will. "The Queen Regent tried to have thornless roses developed, but such attempts were fruitless. As we told her they would be."

The physical contact was slight but it grew and it grew. Their forearms already touched, now their upper arms and Margaery's shoulder too. Will turned his head a little in her direction, inhaling and catching the sweet scent of her bare skin. She smelt just as good, if not as wonderful as the rose he'd just been scorned by.

Her words on the topic of trust had him slightly concerned. Still, if needs be, Will had his way of finding one's true intentions, he just hoped that he'd not have to use it on the Lannister's themselves. It could prove tricky.

That soft laughter of hers drifted like music on the wind. Filling his ears with delight and joy. If only he could make her create such a sound more permanently, it would be a song that Will would never tire of. He watched as she took the rose without harm and enjoyed it's smell, yet it was her words and the way she spoke them that had him captivated. Hanging on her every breath.

"Gently.... And with care..." Will repeated, his eyes trailing over her hands, up and along her arm. There was clear temptation there, to take her in his hands and feel her skin as smooth as stems, watching her petal soft lips turn into a smile. He had to shake the desire from the front of his mind and concentrate on what she said last. "It would be a shame had they succeeded... I think the sting of a rose reminds up that we can't just take what we want..." He neared her face with his. Whispering through gravel and darkness in his voice. "... No matter how sweet the temptation of nectar might be."

His scent by comparison was musky and like oak. He had a very...northern smell to him. Margaery enjoyed it to the overperfumed men of the south. Renly was particularly guilty of this; though whether it was from his own doing or from vigorous contact with Loras was unknown. It was only just then in thinking of Renly that she noticed the similarities between him and Will - along with the glaring differences.

Both were tall, strong men. Dark of hair, stubbled chins with strong jaws. But Margaery had known all along that it wasn't her Renly had wanted.

As Will leaned in a bit just then, with his voice so dark and primal, it seemed pretty clear that he didn't share Renly's proclivity for Loras. Margaery bit her lower lip, her eyes flashing to his own as they formed the words he spoke. "The sting of the rose reminds you that it is not completely helpless," she added. "A rose may yet bring pain if not handled to her liking."

Was she still talking about the flower? Even Margaery herself wasn't sure. She didn't move away, she couldn't move away. She had to be right there, she had to be there. If she moved away, then he might do the same. And somehow, deep down, she didn't want that. She wanted him right where he was. No - that wasn't quite true either.

"Have you...no flowers in the north, Master Graham?" She whispered, her eyes flickering down and back up again, focusing briefly on that granite jaw and the curve of his lips. How would it be to feel his stubble against her cheek?

Was she talking about herself now? Will wondered curiously so. All the slight touching and brushing of hands, was that a hint too? Will was more than observant, he couldn't help but to start to figure people out. He couldn't turn his empathy off, he picked up on her every move, the movements that her body made to give her away. He noticed when she looked at his face when she bit her lip and lowered her eyes. It made her look beyond attractive, almost wanton but still refrained.

He smiled, raising a hand and gently he brushed a curtain of her soft curls back, away from her face and delicately over her shoulder. The backs of his fingers stroked her jawline and the bottom of her ear as he moved them. Thumb resting near her temple, fingers splaying out to explore said ringlets. Will paused like that for a moment, his eyes studying her face, his own lips parted and plump. Wetting them with his tongue momentarily in a slight lick before closing them and swallowing.

"No." He answered, breathy and low. Letting his fingertips caress the side of her neck as they returned. Curling them under her chin to tilt it up slowly, his thumb softly and bravely dared to brush over her bottom lip, pulling it down just a fraction only to let it bounce back in place once the contact broke. "None like you. Our flowers are faint and void of vibrancy." Will neared a little more until she could feel his breath against her face. "I'm about to be pricked by a thorn... Or take the sweetest thing in this garden for my own."

Was she dreaming? Was this happening? Margaery felt her whole body tensing. A tingling sensation started at the tips of her fingers and small of her back. It spread through her body, up her spine and down her limbs. Margaery worried, was age so obvious? Had she dropped her usual veil that kept her emotions hidden? If so, why?

The feeling of his fingers moving over her cheek and the sensitive skin of her neck made Margaery tremble just a little. His touch, though his fingers were slightly calloused from work and the bitter wind that blew in the north, he was surprisingly tender. The gentle brush of his touch conveyed a certain reverence and desire. He seemed a different man from when they had met this morning.

Ah! They had only just met this morning, hadn't they? How could he be so brazen? How could he already be so forward? How could she already want to melt and moan to feel that touch again? The way his thumb pursed and pulled her lip, Margaery just wanted to wrap her lips around his finger, why indeed was that her first instinct? But she resisted all the same.

"You flatter me," she could only whisper. She shouldn't be here, they shouldn't be doing this. She was due to marry Joffrey. She was supposed to be queen. But right now, no one could be further from her mind than Joffrey Baratheon. "This rose wouldn't hurt you...but I doubt you would be satisfied with just a taste alone."

Margaery felt her heart in her chest. Heavy-lidded eyes glanced from Will's lips, to his eyes, and back again. Yes, Joffrey was long forgotten.

Will wanted so badly to capture her lips, to draw her near and hold her there among the pretty flowers. He wanted to stay like this for the entire time that he had left, there was no thought of preparation for his hunt tomorrow, no thought on why he'd been called to the Queen Regents council. No, right now, there was only one thing Will was thinking about, one thing he desired, and it was her.

His eyes flit from hers to her mouth, then to her eyes again. Taking in how beautiful she looked in this moment, remembering it in the back of his mind so that he could close his eyes later and see it all over again.

She was right, though. There was no way Will would be satisfied with just a taste. When Will set his heart on something he wanted, he'd find a way to make it his, no matter the cost. With his hand still cupping her chin lightly, his other delicately took her small hand in his, raising it to his lips and kissing the back of it, yet still, his face was so close to hers. "If I were to capture your lips... Would you think me a fool?" Husky and low, an octave deeper than earlier, talking with pure primal desire now, yet at least he was decent enough and respected her enough to ask.

Will wasn't stupid, he knew her name and who she was sworn to wed. That didn't stop his heart from yearning for her thought. It might have only been a day that they had known one another, but Will was convinced they were supposed to meet for a reason. The anticipation was almost too much for him to bear and Will almost moved of his own accord, stopping himself just as he'd closed his eye and leant in for a kiss.

Before the kiss could connect, Will spoke, breathless and true. "Stop me... Before I can no longer stop myself."

Margaery's breath was caught in her chest, for a moment she forgot to breathe, with how close he was. When he lifted her hand to kiss the back of it, her eyes watched, studied his movements as he did so. He asked his question, but she didn't hear him. It didn't register at first.

But then she realized she had paused a little too long. Margaery swallowed hard to quench the dryness in her throat, to allow herself to speak. "No. I wouldn't think you a fool..."

She was anxious now. Did he mean to kiss her? Was he going to close that gap between their lips and partake of her taste? Margaery couldn't bear the waiting. But she wasn't about to move first. She wanted to see how he meant to proceed.

Then he leaned in closer and her heart skipped a beat. Her chest swelled just a bit, a sharp intake of air as she began to close her eyes, as soft pink lips began to part. But then he stopped. He didn't close the distance. She was disappointed for a fleeting moment, then his words came. So close...

"What if I don't want you to stop?" She whispered, her tone a bit more desperate and needy than she intended. "You won't take anything I will not give you." She would make sure of that. If he moved to take too much, if he became too bold indeed, she would find the willpower to make her displeasure known.

But for now, there was nothing more she wanted than to feel the warmth of his lips over hers. To taste the heat of his mouth and to feel his stubble scratch against her face. To feel the strength of his arms around her and the pressure of his chest against her own.

That was all Will needed to hear. He could feel the warmth coming from her skin as the heat in her blood rose. A moment's thought of doubt bloomed in his head, but Will shot it down before it could fester and spread. He'd been guilty of letting opportunities pass, of just stepping back and watching as others claimed the things he'd longed for. Not this evening.

Will gently set both palms to her hips. The shape of her curves felt easy under his large hands and within a few seconds of having set his hands in place, Will lifted her up off her feet. One hand slide up and over the small of her back to support her, the other skillfully hooked under the bend of her knee to hike her up and set her softly onto the small wall behind her.

It was bold but Will made sure that he only touched her on top of her clothes... Though he did inadvertently impose between her legs, causing them to spread a little to house his body as he moved in as close as their bodies would allow. The hand that had lifted her knee was now set protectively and possessively at the side of her on the wall, he didn't want her to go anywhere, he wanted her right there with him.

"I can't think clearly around you... You cloud my mind..." Speaking against the corner of her mouth as he pressed his lips lightly there, his nose grazing the side of her nose, the corner of his bottom lip sticking to hers for a second. Will inclined his head, letting his cheek rub across hers, his breath passing hot by her ear. He licked his lips in anticipation, the tip of his tongue smoothed onto hers briefly from the action. That was it. That was when he finally kissed her.

Opening his mouth slowly and bringing it down over hers. His tongue darted out and pressed flat against her lips before his bottom lip pulled it back in and across hers. Will wasn't like the typical men from the North, no, instead of ravaging here there and then, he wanted to savour her. He wanted to marinade his lips with the taste of hers, he wanted his juices to stew and overflow. Raising the hand from her back to rest at the back of her head, tangling fingers in her thick curls, his teeth bumped lightly against hers as the kiss opened up while he deepened it as much as he could, feeling for her tongue with his as he invaded her sweet, warm, mouth.

Margaery had not been expecting him to lift her so suddenly. She gave a sharp gasp when he lifted her, but rather than squirming to get away, her hands shot up to grasp his shoulders, fingers pressing insistently against him, gripping to keep her steady. But he was strong; a true son of the North. Will handled her with ease, Margaery blushed at how his hands moved over her body, but in truth, she enjoyed it deeply. She wondered how else he might move her or hold her.

But she could focus on her fantasies later. For now, she had the real thing, and she intended to enjoy him. Her legs spread for him, accepting him between them easily, as Margaery brought both hands to trail over his vest and shirt. Deft fingers traced the intricate hound patterns, leading up to the clasps, trailing over them and flirting with the idea of opening a few. But she refrained. For now.

"Have I bewitched you already?" she couldn't help chuckling softly as he stood so close. She couldn't stand the waiting, she was almost trembling from anticipation. How badly she wanted to feel his lips move, just ever so slightly in the opposite direction - wanting to feel them close over hers.

Until finally he pressed a kiss over her lips. The feeling of his tongue moving across her lips and the soft, slightly rough nature of his kiss - Margaery wanted to melt. Her hands moved up, soft palms gently cupping either side of his jaw to keep him there; to keep him right where she wanted to deepen the kiss. She welcomed the pressure of his tongue, and her lips parted to squeeze his lower lip softly between them. While his tongue retreated, Margaery suckled softly on his lower lip before letting her own soft tongue pursue his. Her body arched against his as his hand carded through her hair and his tongue tangled with her own.

He tasted faintly of the tea and honey cakes they had eaten. But beyond that, Margaery could taste the musk of the North on him. She couldn't help moaning softly into the kiss.

Most people don't expect Will to do the things he winds up doing, so it would have been no surprise to him when she was startled by him lifting her. Will was strong, he had to be. Working outside in the North did one of two things to you; killed you, or made you who you were. Will was lucky in that his jobs outdoors both involved with physical labour.

Margaery felt like a woman who never had to work, and that was how it should always be. She was too fine and elegant to be put to work, she would make a wonderful Queen someday, a thought that was probably best not floating around Will's head right now, with all things considered.

If Will could talk now, he would answer 'yes' to her question about her having bewitched him, yet his actions spoke volumes louder than any word could. As they kissed Will noticed little things about her that he would otherwise not have. Things such as how soft and small her tongue were. As it followed after his back into his mouth, Will sucked down hard around it, then playfully trapped it with his teeth, a laugh escaped on a breath at that.

His hands, for the most part, remained gentlemanly enough, only touching her in places that could be touched, though he craved to feel those that would have been forbidden for now. The feel of her warmth rising up through the soft silks and cotton of her dress. Will leans in more so, his knee pressed a little too keenly between her legs. It was only natural, he was lead in by the heat from between them. Oh how he longed to push her back over that wall, tumble with her into the grass behind it and have his way with her.

A deep tingle pulled at the base of his spin and the very same formed in the pit of his stomach. He was aroused and pretty soon would have no way of hiding it. Will broke the heated kiss in a gasp, pressing his forehead to hers and placing smaller kisses to her lips. "I can't draw back..." He panted. "You taste so divine..." Opening his dark eyes, glazed over with lust as he stared at her. Will would say that the eyes give too much away and yet not enough at the same time, so he stared into Margaery's seeing his own heated reflection in them and knowing then that she was the one he wanted, there could never be another.

Margaery could feel that Northern strength within him even beneath his clothes. Her fingers grasped and pressed insistently against his shoulders. It was a strength that she had never felt from Joffrey, or Loras, or even Renly. No, there had been no other man that Margaery had known that could match Will's strength. True enough, Renly and Loras had been capable and even excellent fighters, but there was a more primal need in Will's strength. Something they never had.

His actions said more than his words ever could, eloquent though he was. The pressure of his teeth upon her tongue made her nervous, and Margaery did tense a bit. But she trusted him, he wouldn't hurt her. It was that sort of exhilaration that made him so alluring; there was a danger in him, but deep down she knew he wouldn't hurt her. When he released her tongue she returned the favor, pinching his lower lip between her own teeth; not quite hard enough to break the skin, but just enough to give him a jolt, and remind him that there could be a slight delight in the pain her thorns promised.

Feeling his knee between her thighs was met with a soft sigh. Margaery could feel the heat rising in her body, up from her core along her spine and down to the tips of her fingers and toes. It was easy to feel temptation, to let her fingers do more exploring than she would normally permit. As it was, they were already carding through his hair, grasping slightly at his dark curls while the kiss deepened and grew more heated. But Margaery resisted the temptation to let her fingers slip beneath his shirt and vest, to explore his skin beneath and feel for herself more directly the muscle and strength beneath his skin.

In time, perhaps. But not now. This was not the time nor place.

She was almost disappointed when he broke the kiss, but she remembered then that she needed to breathe. Margaery's chest heaved up and down as she recovered her breath, and she looked up to his gaze when his forehead pressed to hers. Each kiss he peppered upon her lips was met with a returning kiss, puckering of her own soft, warm lips. Margaery smiled at the lust in his eyes, unaware that the same look was in her own dark doe eyes.

Rather than reply just yet, Margaery brought a hand to the side of his jaw and leaned up to kiss him again, capturing his lower lip between hers and suckling slightly upon it for a long moment before pulling back and breaking the second kiss.

"I told you, a mere sampling wouldn't satisfy you," she whispered with a knowing smile. She pressed a smaller kiss again to the corner of his mouth. "But a sampling is all I will offer you...for now."

Why had she said that? What had possessed her? 'For now'? What could she offer him that was not already promised to Joffrey? She didn't know, but she didn't want to think of consequences now; she just wanted to bask and enjoy the moment while it lasted.

Will chuckled a little bit at her words. She'd offer him more? When, later perhaps? Or was that her way of blowing him off? Her way of letting him down, deciding she'd made a mistake? Will was used to being a mistake, he'd only ever loved one woman and she toyed with his heart. Was Margaery going to do the same? Well then, if that was so, he might as well enjoy it while it lasted.

Her little sucking and nipping of his lip were well welcomed, a rose, true to her name, sweet and delicate yet with a little prick of thorns hidden under her petals. What else did she have hidden under those pretty petals of hers? Will cupped her face with both hands, pulling his own back and staring into her large, doe eyes. "How is it that something as pretty as you, could wish to let something as rough as me touch you?" He was amazed by her, by everything about her. Such a beautiful spirit, if he closed his eyes he wold swear she would still be there, lighting up the darkness.

Will leans in for another kiss, he'd found a new candy and couldn't get enough of it. Taking her lips, again and again, all the while softly caressing the back of her neck, to the small of her back. He imagined other places he'd like to kiss her, places that if spoken would make one blush. As his arousal grew, stronger and harder, Will had to pace his kisses, he didn't wish the embarrassment if it was discovered, though he doubted she would mock him, but still, it grew uncomfortable for him and as he pressed his body flush against hers, there was no way he could hide it.

A finger trailed down the back of her neck, feeling the slight bumps and spaces of her spine to the neck of her dress. Smoothing hands over soft as silk skin, over her shoulders down and taking her arms. Will murmur into the kiss, need and desire pouring out into their mixed wetness, tongues lashing and twisting in a dance with one another.

He knew this couldn't last forever and that soon enough he would have to escort her back to her Grandmother and himself back to his chambers. He didn't want this moment to end. Will fantasies in his head about sneaking out and seeing her in the night, like a lovesick boy, foolish with desire. Yet he knew better than that... Still, Will was unpredictable and nothing was ever entirely impossible when it came to him.

Breaking the kiss, but leaving his lips resting against hers. "I don't believe in love at first sight... I think we were meant to meet for a reason."

Margaery would not have kissed him again in such a manner were she trying to blow him off, nor would she allow him another kiss after. Her fingers wrapped around his vest and pulled him in a bit more. She could indeed feel the pressure of his erection between her thighs, but rather than shy away, she reveled in it. She enjoyed it. She wanted more of it, and the thought of that made her blush.

When he pulled back and posed his question, Margaery smiled and brought both of her hands up to squeeze gently over his shoulders. Slowly she leaned in and let the heat of her breath touch over his lips as she replied. "Maybe I like rough. Maybe I enjoy it when a man shows his strength."

She met his kiss and returned it, her lips pressing into his, her own hands sliding down his chest and pausing at his hips to hold him fast there. She wanted to keep him close, and feel his arousal. While in the back of her mind, she heard Olenna's voice yelling at her to stop - that these sorts of touches should be reserved for her husband-to-be, not some lesser-born lord of the North. But Margaery was not about to heed such words. Not now.

Margaery wondered how Will might attempt to continue showing his feelings for her, after that confession. Would he come to her in the night? Would he try to do more with her during their hunt? Would he take her on horseback and spirit her away to the North like a solitary invader claiming the spoils of war?

"The Gods brought you here," she replied. "The Gods brought me here. Then they put us together. I agree, I think it was for a reason." She smiled and pressed her forehead to his again.

There would be time enough for this again come morning, or whenever he stole another moment with her. "We still have our hunt tomorrow, do we not?" Margaery couldn't help herself, or her mischief. Her hand splayed across his lower abdomen, just above his manhood and pressed slight pressure. "Will you teach me to handle that knife of yours?"

It was hard to pull back from something as sweet as Margaery. Will could have very easily taken her back to his sled and set off until they were hidden away in the cold of the North. No, no he couldn't think like that, such an act as that could be the cause of war and Will was more of an observer than a fighter.

He smiled warmly at her, enjoying every little touch and sensation she graced him with. It wasn't fair! Why couldn't he have been highborn? More than just a lord from the North? If Will had his way, he would have asked for her hand and started courting her properly, yet desire and temptation tugged at his heart.

Her confirmation that this was supposed to happen only deepened his ever growing feelings for her. How was he suppose to concentrate on the hunt tomorrow? How was he suppose to concentrate on anything now that he'd had a taste of true beauty? Smiling, kissing her again, this time lighter and with more feeling. "Tomorrow then... My Lady. " Kissing her cheek, smelling the delightfulness of her perfumed hair. Will was about to suggest he should escort her back and out of the gardens, yet when he moved his mouth to talk, Margaery moved her hand to touch.

A deep hue coloured his cheeks as he felt her fingers splay over his abdomen. A soft little twitch pulled at the base of his arousal, just from her being so close. Was she talking about the knife he'd used to peel her plum? Or was there more suggestion hidden in her words? "I will. And if at first, it's too much for you to get a grip on... We can keep trying, again and again until you get it." There it was again, that low gravel in his voice, he couldn't help it, she made him want to purr and moan.

Margaery was happy to see such a reaction from him. Already he seemed to be addicted to her, and she to him. Only too willingly would she have allowed him to carry her off to the North, to hide away and work off the cold of the North together. The fact that he wasn't highborn was...well, it would not be accurate to say that Margaery didn't care - she did. But not as much as her father, not as much as her grandmother. She wanted to be queen, but she wanted Will too. A true regal attitude, she wanted her cake, and she wanted to eat it too.

She saw that he had been about to speak when she touched him. That made her chuckle. She leaned up and kissed him back, that quick, playful peck that sealed their affection. That low rumble in his voice made her sigh in delight - but it was a conflicted sound; so badly she wanted to give in to that rougher side, to let his more primal instincts take over and let him do as he pleased with her.

In time, she thought to herself, in time.

"I'll be careful in my grip," she replied. "Not to hard, not too soft..." her fingers pressed more insistently, moving ever so slightly, inching down, but not by far. And soon enough she pulled her hand back from his body and chuckled up at him.

Once more she kissed him and let her tongue drag over his lower lip. Slowly she leaned back again and let her fingers play over the clasps and ties of his shirt. "We will see," she purred and gave him a playful wink. "If we stay here much longer, we may never leave."

She knew her grandmother would be wondering where she was, and what was keeping her. If they were gone for too long, they would draw suspicion before they were even able to enjoy what time they had together.

"Well then, shall we?" Will pulled back from her, but as he did so, he heaved her up and into his strong arms. Carrying her as one would carry their new bride... Something Joffrey wouldn't be able to do, what with his small and pathetic stature. Will lifted her up and off of the wall he'd placed her to sit upon earlier. Giving her a little playful spin, watching her hair splay out and twirl around her before bounding back. He kissed her once more, how could he not!? Before setting her to her feet.

His mind recorded every encounter they had, from the little teasing touches of her hand to his body, to the smiles and slight glances she'd passed him over the table at tea. Will was afraid to admit it to himself, but he may have been smitten.

"Which was did we come from?" He turned around looking a bit lost in the beautiful maze of flowers and hedge. "I feel like we've only shared a few passing moments... Though I bet your Grandmother is ready to send out a search party of squiers." He laughed and took her hand gently. Would she permit him to hold her hand as they made their way back through the maze? or would that be too much? Will thought it cruel of his heart, to fall for someone he knew he couldn't possibly have, yet his brain was convinced that they could somehow find a way.

Margaery smiled but as he lifted her into his arms she cried out sharply in surprise. He lifted her with such ease! Renly had done so when they were wed, but not with much enthusiasm. This was so much better. She wrapped her arms around his neck to stabilize herself in his arms. When he spun her so playfully, Margaery laughed and her head tilted back as her hair flourished all about her in the air. She was only too willing to kiss him back before he set her down, savoring the taste of his kiss.

She was almost disappointed when he released her. But she smiled all the same and kept close, reluctant to truly admit that their encounter had to come to an end. Margaery just wanted to forget everything else; let the whole world melt away and leave them for each other.

Margaery glanced about their surroundings and tilted her head in one direction in particular. "This way," she replied, her fingers lacing with his when he took her hand in his. Margaery smiled, happy for the contact. "Our time here was indeed far too short. But, luckily for us, we have future plans, and we will be able to spend such time together again."

Margaery did indeed hold his hand, her fingers remaining laced with his as she reluctantly tugged him after her. She started back the way they had come and slowly, very slowly, went back towards the courtyard where her grandmother would await her.

As she pulled him along and lead the way out of the gardens, Will looked around. It was indeed very pretty, he could see why she liked it here so much, far better than some of the gardens he'd been to in the North.

Will looked down at their hands as her they walked. It was a bittersweet feeling that washed over him and took root in his chest. Their time together truly had been wonderful and he didn't wish it to end, yet her telling him that they had future plans pained him the most. Oh, he knew she was talking about the hunt and possible trips to the North with her family, but Will couldn't help thinking that the future was a more permanent thing and he knew that she could never truly, solely be his.

"You'll have to try not to scream like you did just then. "Smiling and placing a finger to her lips. "Whatever will you grandmother think caused you to make such a sound?" He was playing, poking at her side to see if she would laugh, he just enjoyed touching her and found any excuse to do so. Pulling her close and waltzing a few steps with her, turning them around to walk backwards then sidewards. He was so merry, felt such joy and wanted to get lost in her eyes as well as the maze so that they would have longer.

Margaery smiled, giddy and smitten and overwhelmed with happiness. She hadn't felt this way in so long. Margaery was reluctant to let it end. But she knew it had to, so that new memories could be made for them. Raksha followed close behind, silent and obedient as they returned. Each way he spun her and turned her made Margaery smile and grin.

She smirked playfully at Will and pursed her fingers against his finger. "Mmmm, she'll think the truth, I presume. That I encountered a wolf in the maze."

For he was a wolf indeed, and she his willing prey. When he took her in his arms and did the minor dance steps through the maze. "So light on your feet, my lord. We should have a dance of our own before you return North."

Margaery didn't want to think about him leaving. She wanted to savor all the time they had together.

[For Will - Westeros AU] Northern Hounds and Southern Flowers

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Yaaaay!! <3 <3 Glad to see you again!

<3!

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