randomosity | [For Hannibal] Alliance of Fire

Hannibal was very possessive of his things. Margery was included in that list currently. He would not allow anything to happen that would harm or maim her. He gave her a short bow before ringing a bell. Soldiers from his personal guard came in to move the tub into her chambers. The men came in groups of three with buckets of hot water. One to carry and two to guard it. It was a matter of 15 minutes before the bath was filled. Three serving women arrived, meek little things. Hannibal placed a variety of sweet oils and scents into the water. Each of the three maid stuck their hands in without hesitation or complaint. Not a single one was marred by the water or the oils. The bath was safe for Margaery.

The soldiers were gone in a moment leaving the three girls, Hannibal, and Margaery. "Enjoy your bath My Lady. The girls are excellent seamstresses and can adjust the dress you are wearing while you bathe. Once you are prepared for dinner, ring the bell." He said before bowing and making his exit. One of the girls locked the door immediately after he left. All three of these girls were trusted by Hannibal. None of them did tasks for Ramsay, as was evident by some scars on their bodies hidden by their clothing.

There was indeed a lot more to Hannibal than met the eye. He did a variety of tasks to keep his father pleased with his work. That way his father would not uphold the one tradition of marriage his family still practiced. He had a plan to ensure that Margaery would be his and his alone. Once he had Margaery, he could make more decisions on his own and finish what his father started with this war. Hannibal had his own intentions for the Iron Throne, and he knew how he could win it...after he removed the teeth from the lioness and her cub.

Margaery paid very close attention to the movements of the soldiers and maids as they prepared her bath. Such a fuss to make over her. Margaery began to wonder if Hannibal was indeed that paranoid over his brother. But he had every reason to be; Ramsay seemed a proper lunatic.

When it was deemed safe and the door was locked, Margaery let the maids take her measurements and undress her from the gown. As she settled into the bath and let the sweet oils melt into her skin, Margaery sighed in delight. She could very well have been at Highgarden for this luxury.

The maids spoke softly to her and told her of Winterfell while she bathed. Margaery asked that the heavy lining of the gown be altered just slightly to allow her more movement. The maid obeyed, of course, and altered the gown so that the back was open as well, per the lady's request.

Margaery wasn't worried about her back freezing; she had long enough hair for that. Once she was done the maids helped dry and dress her once again. The maid finished the dress by altering the neckline and giving Margaery the more plunging cut of gown that she was used to; not terribly dramatic, but enough to show off the swell of her full bosom. Once she was properly perfumed and her jewels decorated her fair throat again, Margaery did as commanded and rang the bell.

Somehow the thought of him being angry with her and scolding her again made her uneasy.

The maids also spoke of the Bolton's and how they interacted. The youngest of the girls seemed to be the quietest when they spoke. The older two said fair things of Hannibal, but nothing about his personality.

The youngest helped to put Margaery's jewelry back on. The elder two waited at the door for the signal that Hannibal was on the other side of the door. The youngest spoke softly. "He is a good man m'lady. He only shows it to someone he can trust with his life." She said softly.

There was a firm knock on the door and the maids opened it. Hannibal was standing there in one of his finer suits. "Dinner is ready My Lady." He said as he waited for her to step out of her chambers. He was curious how the maids had been able to alter the dress.

Margaery listened as the girls spoke. But to be honest, she wasn't certain if they spoke of their own free will, or if they had been told to do so. So she wasn't certain she believed them. But the youngest...the way she was so timid and sweet, Margaery tilted a brow.

There was perhaps a pang of jealousy in her eyes, but she knew not why. She smiled though and treated her kindly all the same.

As Hannibal called to her, Margaery left her small room, tugging at the sleeves of the gown. She never wore sleeves. This was a strange sensation for her. She looked up though, and smiled, a picture of loveliness with the gown adjusted to suit her figure and tastes and her hair cascading in brunette waves down her back, just barely showing the flash of soft skin exposed by the new cut of the gown.

"Well? Does it suit me better now?"

The maids had not been put up to anything by Hannibal at least. The youngest would speak more to Margaery if she requested it of her. The young girl was indeed shy, but sweet.

Hannibal saw how she tugged at the sleeves, but he immediately noted the changed neckline of the gown and how Margaery seemed to move in it better than before. There was genuine attraction in his eyes as he offered his arm. "Indeed it does. It nearly looks like the style they wear in the south. You might start a new fashion trend here in the North." He offered as a complement.

The additional skin was nice, but also tasteful. Hannibal would enjoy this evenings meal quite well. Hannibal offered his arm and led her back towards the main dining hall. Along the way, she would see the men outside preparing a small caravan for the trip south. Roose Bolton was not bluffing when he said they would return her to Highgarden to have a wedding and to pack her clothing to move North.

Margaery saw that glint in his eye and it gave her confidence. Gladly she took his arm and let him lead her to the dining hall.

"Thank you, my lord," she smiled and even leaned into him as she took his arm. "You're kind to say so."

Margaery saw the caravan preparing for a long journey. That put her mind at ease. They would go to Highgarden and her grandmother would sort all this out. But...at the same time, this wasn't so bad.

When they arrived at the dining hall, Roose and Ramsay were already there. Ramsay gave a haughty sneer upon seeing Margaery. But Margaery, having no time for him, lifted her nose in the air and ignored him. "Good evening, Lord Bolton," she greeted Roose with a smile and a bow of her head.

Hannibal noted her gaze at the caravan and saw the conflict within her eyes. He would test her honesty before leaving Winterfell. She would have to show some trust before he would be willing to let her see glimpses of his true nature.

He led her into the hall and also ignored his brother.

Roose gave a nod of approval, but his face remained as stoic as before. "I trust you saw the caravan being prepared? We have heard rumors of a large snow storm. My scouts are checking those reports as we speak. If the storm is mild we will leave in three days time. However, if the storm is a threat to our safety on the roads, we will wait for it to pass." He explained.

Hannibal said nothing, but he gave her hand a gentle pat. He led her to their seats. Margaery was sitting next to Hannibal on the right of Roose. Ramsay was sitting on the left of Roose. Two guards brought the girl from the kennels in to stand off to Anne's right. Hannibal nodded to the girl. "She is to be your food taster." He explained.

Margaery nodded to Roose as she sat down. She wasn't necessarily disappointed that it would take time to leave for Highgarden, and it was easier for Ramsay to travel with a small band of guards than it would be for all of them. "I understand, there's no need for senseless risks, after all," she nodded.

When they brought in the kennel master's daughter, Margaery gave a satisfied smile. Ramsay didn't find it amusing. He hadn't poisoned Margaery, oh no, he had bigger plans. She would suffer for irritating him if he had any say about it.

"Is that really necessary?" Ramsay grumbled as he took a gulp of wine. "Such high maintenence, this girl."

"I was not the one who requested it," Margaery pointed out as she lifted her wine glass to the girl for her to test. "Clearly your kin has no trust for you. That is your doing, not mine."

But she was determined to be ladylike and civil at the table. Ramsay, however, did not share that view. "I've never understood the point of tasters," He sighed as Margaery drank her wine when it was deemed safe. "If you know the taster, you could always just, help them develop a tolerance for the poison you plan to use on you victim. Lull them into a false sense of security when the taster eats the food and deems it safe....or drinks the wine."

Margaery glared over the rim of her cup a day slowly set it down. Ramsay hadn't poisoned her, but she didn't know that, and the suggestion had her uneasy.

Roose ignored the presence of a taster and ate his meal in silence. Ramsay's last comment drew a turn of his head towards the bastard. "Stop pouting that your little whore is checking the food for poisons and rotten meat. Regardless of what you do to her, you would never risk building her tolerance for poison. Now eat and stop this idle prattle to make our guest nervous." He said cooly.

Hannibal saw the interaction and reached slowly to take Margaery's hand. He motioned to the wine. "It is perfectly safe My Lady." He said. He knew any hesitation from the kennel girl would be a warning sign of foul play.

Hannibal had built up an immunity to all poisons to extend his life. Ramsay had poisoned him a number of times, but Hannibal had not even had a mild stomach ache from the various poisons.

Ramsay grumbled when his father scolded him, but he continued to drink and eat his meal. He made it a point to note this night as another reason to kill Margaery, slowly and painfully. He considered pulling out her fingernails, her teeth and eyes and tongue - take away her beauty, and what was she? Nothing really.

Ramsay smiled to himself, which was unsettling for Margaery but she took to ignoring him. She drank her wine as the girl tested her food. When it was deemed safe, Margaery ate slowly, almost reluctantly. It was good food, but Ramsay had put her off and made her nervous.

She tried not to let it show, but had minimal success.

Hannibal noted how slow she was eating and set his utensils down. He summoned one of his men forward and gave silent commands. The man nodded and bowed before stepping out of the hall. Hannibal stood slowly as he looked at his father. "Thank you for the fine meal father. My Lady has requested a tour of the grounds." He said as he turned to Margaery and offered her his hand.

He could tell she was not comfortable and he was not going to let his brother sour what he had begun building with her. The young maids brought an extra thick fir coat to place upon Margaery's shoulders as Hannibal's men placed a dark black cloak upon his broad shoulders. He led her out the main doors and towards his kennels. He knew some of them had birthed pups. He wanted her to grow fond of them and for them to take in her scent to protect her should he not be around.

They did bark a bit and a few let out some growls, but Hannibal calmed them with a single whistle. He summoned the top alpha male to inspect
Margaery. The wolf took a few moments before licking at her hand. Hannibal have a smile. "The alpha has accepted you. My wolves will be an added level of security for you." He said.

Margaery was surprised when Hannibal stood up so suddenly and excused them from the table. Ramsay snorted and took a long drink from his cup, but said nothing. Margaery stood and when the maids put the cloak of fur about her shoulders she looked to Hannibal with grateful eyes.

She followed him out, and when they were out of the castle and into the courtyard Margaery leaned into him. "Thank you..." she whispered.

Though once they were in the kennels though, she was afraid. She looked to the dire wolves with wide eyes. They were beautiful, but terrifying. When he exerted such control over the wolves, Margaery looked at him in awe. It was not any man who could control those animals so fully, even more impressive that he wasn't a Stark.

When the alpha came forward Margaery held her hand out strongly, but cautiously. When he licked her she sighed in relief. When he spoke, she looked up to him with her dark eyes wide. "...will you show me? The commands you give them, will you teach me?"

Hannibal gave her a hint of a smile at her show of gratitude. He saw how she handled herself around the wolves. He felt a stronger sense of attraction towards her when she requested to learn.

He gave a nod of his head, "I can teach you. However, until they trust you...it might not work as effectively as you desire." He said. He knew that once his scent was on her the wolves would obey. However, now was not the time for that.

He taught her simple things to command them such as sit and stay. She had limited success with the females, but many of the males went along with her commands. He saw how they wagged their tails and he mused quietly in his mind that she might be in heat and not even know it.

He led her towards the small pups who eagerly bounded over to lick over any part of them they could reach. "Would you like one to train?" He asked her. Tying her to a small dire wolf pup would likely open her heart to staying here quicker than him only seducing her.

Margaery nodded in understanding. And when he taught her some basic commands, she was overjoyed when she was successful. She praised the wolves when they listened and couldn't have worn a bigger smile if she tried.

She was almost disappointed when he led her away, but when she saw the pups Margaery couldn't help crying out in delight. She knelt down to run her fingers over their little heads, giggling when they nipped and licked her fingers. Then when he made her the offer, Margaery looked up with wide eyes.

"Really? You mean it?" She grinned from ear to ear. "I would love that!" Having a pup she could train for herself, Margaery loved the idea. She might train it to pester Ramsay and bite his kennel girl.

Hannibal saw her delight and stood behind her with a smile of his own. Most women would have run away in terror at being surrounded by a pack of dire wolves. She was quite strong, like the reports of her grandmother. Hannibal found himself growing more attached to her as the day wore on than he should be.

He gave her a nod, "I truly do. We can even take the one you pick up to your chambers tonight. There are a few that are weaned from their mothers and ready to come inside for training. I take them in small groups of three at a time." He said. Some of his men were waiting outside to collect the pups he would choose and assist by carrying two while Hannibal carried the third. He motioned at a group of four. "These are the ones who are ready for training. Which one would you like My Lady?" He asked her.

Margaery thought long and hard about how to make her selection. She tilted her head at the four pups and examined them. Margaery had never dealt much with the Highgarden hounds. That was for Loras and their older brother.

But she knew what she wanted in a dire wolf. Strength, fearlessness, but affectionate and obedience at the same time. Margaery stood before the pups and loomed over them two whimpered and stepped back, another sprang forward and barked. The fourth sat down and wagged his tail up at her. Margaery smiled and reached down to pick up the pup.

She turned and looked over her shoulder to Hannibal. Margaery smiled. "He'll do nicely."

Hannibal watched as she chose her pup. He collected the other three and gave her a nod before chuckling. "That is a female pup, but she is the leader of this small pack of four." He said in amusement.

He kept the one that had barked at her and gave the other two to his guards to carry as he led her back up towards the tower they were staying in. They passed by Ramsay and all four pups growled and bared their teeth at him. Hannibal trained them to hate his brother from the moment they were born.

Once they were at the top of the stairs there were two small fish, a chicken, and a small side of beef. All were dead and skinned. "What would you desire to eat My Lady? I will cook the food for you personally over the fire in my chambers so you." He offered. He said a command to quiet the pups from the sight and smell of fresh meat.

Margaery was embarrassed, she hadn't examined the pup closely enough. She'd made herself look foolish, as though she couldn't tell the difference between male and female. But she said nothing and cradled the pup in her arms as they walked. She noted Hannibal's choice in pup. When the pups growled at Ramsay, there was satisfaction in her gaze.

Margaery wasn't expecting the meat when they returned, and it only dawned on her then as to how hungry she was. She blushed at the slight rumbling in her stomach. "The chicken looks good."

Hannibal saw how she reacted to the pups growling at Ramsay. He continued to walk alongside Margaery and set the pups down in the corner of the room. When she chose her meat, he signaled for the guards to take the remaining meats away. He did slice off a few chinks of the beef to feed the wolves. He closed the door to his chambers and moved to begin seasoning the chicken. He set the meat to cook before washing his hands off in the basin near his bed.

He removed his cloak before setting it across a bench and moved to take her cloak as well. "The fire is quite warm My Lady. There is no need for this cloak here." He said as he took the cloak.

He set two chairs before the fire and motioned for her to take a seat. He whistled for the pups to sit around them. The one Margaery had picked rested its head upon her feet. "She likes you." He noted.

He stayed still for a moment before turning to look at her. "Would you like some ale? Or perhaps water. I am afraid we do not have wine to offer. Our stores are quite low from the war." He explained.

Margaery watched with interest as he expertly seasoned the chicken. She was impressed. It wasn't many lord who could prepare his own meal. She rolled her shoulders and let him remove her fur cloak. Then she settled in the chair next to him and smoothed her skirts beneath her in the chair. She watched with delight as the pups toddler over one another and sat down at their feet.

Margaery smiled down at her pup. "I'm glad. I shall have to think carefully of a name for her." She reached down and smoothed a hand over the pup's head. She considered her choices of drink and smiled to him. "Ale will do, thank you."

Margaery watched as the chicken cooked over the fire. "Do you often cook for yourself here?"

Hannibal nodded as he stood to pour them both ale and brought the flask back to easily refill their cups. He gently touched their cups together before taking a drink from his cup.

He watched the meat cook for a few moments before shifting his chair to look at her better so that they could hold a conversation. "I have gone on many hunts. The men who travelled with me as protection taught me how to cook over an open fire. I don't often make my own meal. However, there are times when stew is not appetizing and I desire something better." He said.

Margaery touched her cup to his in turn and brought it to her lips to drink the ale. When he adjusted his chair, Margaery turned as well to face him. She nodded in understanding before taking another sip.

"Well, that's a great deal better than I am able to do," she admitted. "I can dress and undress myself as necessary. And I can sew well enough and other womanly things. But nothing like this."

Margaery had been raised and groomed to be queen, but not anything she deemed truly useful, like swordplay and hunting. She could be arm candy for a hunt, but not participate. She envied her brothers, that they had been taught such things.

Hannibal watched her as she spoke and there was a brief glint of amusement in his eyes. "With how complicated those gowns are, I suspect that is quite a skill. There are many noble lady's who do not possess such a skill, so I've heard." He said.

He saw the spark of jealousy in her eyes as she thought of the things she couldn't do. "You are very different from other women My Lady. Your eyes focus on a target and you are very driven to reach your target. I believe you would be quite the hunter. I would be willing to teach you out in the woods. Can you ride a horse?" He asked. In the North it was better for the women to know how to hunt and cook. Snow storms could cause death if all of the hunters were out to war.

Margaery gave a crooked smile and rolled her eyes. It was a skill, to be sure, but not one that was worth praising so. At least in her mind. But she inclined her head in thanks for the compliment all the same.

His offer made her pause.

Learning to hunt in the forest with a Bolton. It seemed like a...very bad idea. But at the same time, Margaery trusted him. More than the other two Boltons, anyway. Slowly she began to nod.

"I think I would like that, my lord. I can ride very well," though after her older brother's accident that left him crippled, Margaery was reluctant sometimes to get in the saddle.

Hannibal watched as she considered his offer. He checked the chicken before turning to her with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I always take a few of my wolves with me." He said. "We have a few days before the storm hits or we find ourselves on the road. Would you like to go tomorrow?" He asked her.

The chicken was soon done and he pulled it from the fire. It would take a few moments to cool before she could eat it.

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