A Bird in a Cage (w/Sailor Arti) - Concluded

[Ritual Lobotomy]

HAGEN GREYJOY

Location: The Dungeons
Time: Seven days since the incident
Interaction: Kaylee Lannister - @Sailor Arti
Facelaim: Carlnes by 'aenaluck'

Titan let out an aggressive huff, shaking off the sensation of reigns against his mighty neck that brought the animal to an immediate halt. Much to the stable boy's dismay, lord Greyjoy left him to figure out how to handle the animal. Without a formal acknowledgment of the staff's insecure greetings, Hagen paved his way decisively. It has been a long seven days, and even with many protests, he would no longer stay away.

The fact that, for nights on end, a shut-eye was an unknown term to him meant that his tolerance level was lower than usual, even with Maya's warnings still ringing loudly in his head. The vision of guards challenged his heavily practiced neutrality. Those same bloody bastards that took her away in such a despicable, unforgivable manner. Seeing the large ironborn storming towards their ranks was enough for every guard present in the vicinity to stand up, alerted of his every move further.

"Lord Greyjoy," he was greeted formally by one of them. Hearing a cold, indifferent reference while being close enough to rip the man's head off of his shoulders took every last bit of Hagen's self-control not to act on impulse. But it was as far as it went. The evident spite in his voice was a clear enough message on its own.

"Where is she?" he barked out. More details would have been needed in any other situation, but the man already had a good idea of whom the ironborn lord was inquiring. A brief glance at his friend granted him a nod of approval, and the guard's attention went back to Hagen.

"I have to ask you to give up your blade before you enter, m'lord." Dozen of heavy swears rushed through Hagen's mind as he observed the armed guard elite that now surrounded him at a respectful distance. While their presence felt more aggravating than intimidating, he had to make peace with the fact that Maya had laid out so clearly: he is no good to Kaylee behind bars.

A moment later, and the large Kraken sword left Hagen's side. As soon as it did, men around him seemed to have relaxed too much for his liking.

"Very well," the guard nodded as the escort party of three more guards approached behind the ironborn. "This way, m'lord."

************

Descend to the cold halls of the jail felt like an eternity. Even more so since the leading guard dictated the pace, and it felt to the ironborn that they truly are doing everything in their power to infuriate him more.

"I can take it over from here," he said impatiently, as soon as the checkpoint has been reached.

"I'm sorry?" the guard stopped and turned briefly. But Hagen did not repeat himself. He remained silent, face to face with the guard for a moment before he made his way around him.

"I will have to ask you to stop this instant," a warning was issued to no avail. "Lord Greyjoy," the guard called once again, sternly. "I will be forced to remove you if you don't comply!"

It hit the correct string. Hagen halted and turned back with a spiteful scoff, struggling to maintain his anger on a manageable level. He would be seeing her alone, even if by force. "Don't think you have an advantage in your numbers or your blades," he replied impatiently. "Many have made that mistake, I assure you. I do not need my sword to rip you in half like a fucking pig!"

"We do not take kindly to threats, lord Greyjoy," the man responded, supported by the sound of his comrades reaching for their swords.

"Neither do I," the ironborn fired back, resuming his march decisively. "So you just keep your fucking distance, and neither of us will have to act on it."

************

The closer he got, the more hesitant his step became. An unnatural environment he couldn't imagine Kaylee being in messed with his head further, persistently insisting that there's been a mistake. It was impossible. The woman he knew wouldn't do anything to deserve any of it.

The cell was on his left, and he had almost missed it, taking a step back when the figure in a corner registered with him. Filthy, ragged cloth barely covering her milky skin riddled with a sinful amount of cuts and bruises. Her face was a barely recognizable vision of defeat covered with tangled silver strands of hair.

A sudden boil in his blood sent a wave of red across his vision. In the moment of realization that he was looking at the Lioness, he grabbed at the bars tightly before his head dropped, leaning against the rusted metal.

"Kay..." he identified her breathlessly while his whitened fits continued gripping at the door as if a single yank on them could finally set her free. "Kaylee. I'm here," he spoke up again, an audible note of fury parrying insecurity in his voice.

"What have they done to you?"

 

[Sailor Arti]

Kaylee Lannister, Prison Dungeons, New King's Landing

Tags: Hagen Greyjoy - @Ritual Lobotomy

Seven days. Seven long days of staying locked here in her cell. Seven unbearable days of dealing with the disrespect and humiliation in the way they treated her down here. She was exhausted, mentally and physically, but she wouldn't allow herself rest. Kaylee needed to get to the bottom of all of this. She was close, she could almost taste how close she was. If only she could leave this place and find out things on her own.

She shivered as curled up in a corner, pulling her knees closer to her chest. She'd been forced to change from her regular attire and they refused to let her wear things that were comfortable for her. They also took it upon her to physically and verbally abuse her. She couldn't resist, it'd be no use. Beside, her defiant gaze was enough to push some of the fragile masculine boys over the edge.

No, as much as she hated all of this she needed to endure so that she could get to the bottom of this. It was cold and damp in these dungeons and she had no warmth. Her body was bruised and cut all over and they barely allowed her a meal and water a day. She didn't get that much sleep, afraid what would happen if she did.

She was currently drifting in and out of sleep when she distantly heard her name. "Kay..." it sounded like Hagen. She had to be dreaming. How cruel of her mind to play tricks on her once again. Knowing the only thing she wanted was to be in his arms again. "Kaylee. I'm here," Wait...Kaylee groaned and opened her eyes.

"What have they done to you?" That's when she realized Hagen was actually here. "H-Hagen?" she managed to get out weakly. She attempted to stand up but stumbled instead. Catching herself on the ground she crawled her way towards the bars and and touched his hands. She feels her chest tighten and her eyes begin to prickle. "Oh, Hagen." she said softly.

Kaylee shook her head, she didn't want him to worry or to cause issues for himself. But she also didn't want him to see her like this. Shaking her head she placed her other hand on his. "I'm...I'll be fine."
--

but the aftertaste is
- b i t t e r s w e e t -

 

[Ritual Lobotomy]

HAGEN GREYJOY

Location: The Dungeons
Time: Seven days since the incident
Interaction: Kaylee Lannister - @Sailor Arti
Facelaim: Carlnes by 'aenaluck'

Never before had he seen her crawl her way through, and he wished it remained so. Yet, his thoughts of her did not change. Even as she desperately crawled her way towards him, all he saw was a fight in her. She was humiliated and bruised, but she persistently held on.

Without hesitation, Hagen descended to the ground to welcome her against himself. At least as much as a row of metal bars would allow. He kept his comforting firmness and focus all the way through the touch of her cold, frail hands that broke his heart in two. The entirety of his fury was summed up in a painful clench of the jaw.

"Oh, Hagen," the Lioness called out to him again as he took her hand and pulled her through the bars, laying a comforting kiss on the bloodied skin. The desperation in her voice was a knife to the chest.

"I will fix this," the ironborn mumbled from the opposite side, still warming her hand between his palms.

"I'm...I'll be fine."

Who was she trying to convince, he wondered. Him? Herself? Both?

She was crushed even while stubbornly keeping up with that small amount of dignity she had left, and that hit the hardest. He did not know whether he would prefer if she didn't. All he could be follow what saved her from deteriorating further.

Gathering what courage he had left in the light of things, Hagen looked up at her exhausted face and the glossy sheen of her eyes. He said nothing at the fact that he knew that things were far from alright, but a deep frown held more to it than any word would. Exhaling lightly, he pushed his hand through, gently moving silver locks away.

"You will be," he confirmed, tracing her cheekbone and allowing his palm to rest against the side of her head. "I promise."

While shallow promises were the easy way out from admitting hopelessness, Hagen's was a firm conviction making up for all the time he was kept away. Still, the feeling of needing to do more crippled him with guilt.

"I am so sorry," he breathed out, leaning his forehead against hers. "I am sorry I wasn't there. I would have ripped their filthy fingers off their fucking hands one by one had I known they did this to you," words continued pouring through clenched teeth as he held Kaylee close.

All of his sadness and anger finally formed a single question:

"Did Baratheon order this?"

That he would restrain himself if her answer was positive wasn't something he could promise her as her arrest alone already cause him to create a mess. The only regret he had from it all was that his first fist connected with the young boy that did nothing wrong.

"I need to know."

 

[Sailor Arti]

Kaylee Lannister, Prison Dungeons, New King's Landing

Tags: Hagen Greyjoy - @Ritual Lobotomy

He promised that he would fix things, she was sure he would do everything in his power to. Unfortunately the forces at play here might be more than he can handle at the moment. Not to mention, her hotheaded lover wasn't in a proper place to be able to deal with these cunning folk. No, the way things were being carried out currently let her know that someone was experienced in the way of the 'game'.

While that didn't mean they were good, they at least new how to manipulate things on a base level that required Kaylee to answer back with more tact than she would normally give. She would get to the bottom of this, she was certain of it. "You will be," Hagen said as he gently traced her cheekbone with his thumb while his palm rested against her cheek. "I promise."

It was good to see him, she had missed him terribly during all of this. She knew things would be troublesome. She just hated that it had to be when she finally got to enjoy Hagen. When they had finally gotten over their difference and the error in communication between them. When she could finally share her heart with him and he her.

"I am so sorry," Hagen breathed as he pressed his forehead against hers. Or at least as close as he could against the bars. His tone and facial expression broke her heart. She knew this was tough for him, seeing her like this. There was nothing she could do and she was extremely upset about it. "I am sorry I wasn't there. I would have ripped their filthy fingers off their fucking hands one by one had I known they did this to you,"

Kaylee knew he would. She offered him a weak smile while her small hand pressed his hand closer against her cheek. "You and I both know fairly well that would only cause more problems." but her heart still felt warm at the thought of him wishing to protect her. His teeth were clenched and his saw rigid.

"Did Baratheon order this?" his tone was dark and serious. A deep sigh escaped her lips, just the mention of the name Baratheon caused her stress nowadays. "I need to know." With another sigh she turned her icy gaze to him. "Of course, he didn't." Kaylee frowned as she continued. "He's my brother-in-law. He wouldn't hurt me. Not...not intentionally." she believed. But even she couldn't deny how that statement didn't sound very convincing she he was the one that sent her to these cells in the first place.

"Someone is manipulating this behind the scenes. This much is obvious. I haven't been able to narrow down who. " She said turning her gaze back to him. "Maya is supposed to be helping with that." she said before taking his hand and bringing it to her lips. "That's also why I need you to promise me you won't do anything rash. No matter what." she said as she stared back at him.

She knew it was far fetched but she needed him to not do anything that could jeopardize the progress of information for her. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this. You just need to trust me. And give me some time." she continued.

but the aftertaste is
- b i t t e r s w e e t -

 

[Ritual Lobotomy]

HAGEN GREYJOY

Location: The Dungeons
Time: Seven days since the incident
Interaction: Kaylee Lannister - @Sailor Arti
Facelaim: Carlnes by 'aenaluck'

"Of course, he didn't." Hagen couldn't determine whether how he felt about her response was a relief or concern. It was a relief to know that his assessment of Stag's malice was potentially wrong. On the other hand, it concerned him to know that it could have been more complex than simply making a bad decision. Maybe there was no need to differentiate the complex emotional sensation of both at the same time.

"He's my brother-in-law. He wouldn't hurt me. Not...not intentionally." Kaylee wasn't hopelessly delusional nor naive, but a claim as such sounded off.

"And yet, here you are," he mumbled, mildly disappointed that she wasn't just as furious.

"Someone is manipulating this behind the scenes. This much is obvious," the Lioness proceeded, cutting the ironborn's bitterness short. "I haven't been able to narrow down who." Her sudden - albeit mild - change in attitude lured out a lukewarm smirk from Hagen. Being as beautifully stubborn as always, she was capable of putting her own misery aside and fight for the sake of helping herself.

"Maya is supposed to be helping with that."

"She is. Her presence in Starks' residence, which I can only imagine had something to do with it all, is the sole reason why I got to walk away." Hagen admitted solemnly, giving in to her touch without hesitation. He understood he was a handful and that he would continue to be one. In Kaylee's and Hawke's absence, Maya learned well how to deal with it, even though it was never meant to be her obligation. It was shameful admitting he never openly thanked her for any of it.

"That's also why I need you to promise me you won't do anything rash. No matter what." Somewhere between a plea and order, his reply got lost in her gaze.

"I..." he hesitated. "Kaylee, I can't just-"

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this. You just need to trust me. And give me some time," Kaylee pressed on. Feeling the pressure of such promise, Hagen's eyes remained fixated on her, searching for any other way out that would have been a healthy compromise between her wish and what he felt was his duty.

Icy orbs, mesmerizing as they always were, paradoxically melted his defenses with each moment he spent staring at them. A sight of a bittersweet defeat escaped the ironborn as the tip of his finger gently explored the cupid's bow of the Lioness' alluring lips, pausing on a small cut that broke the consistency of their shape.

The promise he was about to give her went against every part of his being.

"I promise," he nodded hesitantly.

Hagen was yet to develop any patience for long games where a bit of force made the path. But being on such an unfamiliar field where Kaylee excelled was enough of an argument to let her take the lead, even when everything seemed to tease him into forcing it instead.

"But I am only doing it for you, Lannister." It felt like necessary clarification, but not because she did not know that already. He needed it to remind himself of the fact that someone else other than himself can suffer his bad choices.

"I trust you, but I do not trust them." Yes, he was aware of how clichè it sounded as soon as it left his mouth, but it made the statement no less accurate.

"If your brother-in-law honestly would do no such thing as to harm you, then he will be disappointed at the state of you. And I will make sure he is aware of it." While decisive, the tone of Hagen's voice remained steady and pragmatic. "And if I am not the one that can do so in a diplomatic manner, I know someone who can." He could play nice, and Kaylee had every right to demand that from him, but sitting it out was never a part of it.

"I would have some peace of mind knowing their dogs are leashed in the meantime. I am not leaving here knowing I did nothing to protect you. Don't ask that of me." A quiet plea was the only condition he had to compromise the Lioness' request.

"Other than that, Maya will have mine and Hawke's full cooperation and the upper hand in decision making until we weather this through."

 

[Sailor Arti]

Kaylee Lannister, Prison Dungeons, New King's Landing

Tags: Hagen Greyjoy - @Ritual Lobotomy

Kaylee knew she was asking a lot of him. But she needed to make sure he understood the gravity of the situation they were dealing with. Playing the 'game' even if it was being executed poorly, needed to be taking serious or lives could be at risk. "I promise," he said after a moment. Kay breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "Thank you." and she meant that.

"But I am only doing it for you, Lannister." Kaylee knew, and she appreciated everything. "I know, my love. I know." she said with a somber expression. "I trust you, but I do not trust them." such was Hagen's normal outlook. This was nothing new to her. It brought a brighter smile to her face just to see some things never changed.

"If your brother-in-law honestly would do no such thing as to harm you, then he will be disappointed at the state of you. And I will make sure he is aware of it." She nodded, "That's fine. I'm sure he doesn't know." There was no way he knew otherwise she was sure she wouldn't be here. She'd already identified most of the guards but just who was controlling them she hadn't gotten down to.

"And if I am not the one that can do so in a diplomatic manner, I know someone who can." That was true, people like Maya or maybe even Vis or Cat would be able to do something. Then again, it's been seven days and barely any progress. She wasn't quite sure what her family was doing anymore. It was a little late to be counting on them to do anything.

"I would have some peace of mind knowing their dogs are leashed in the meantime. I am not leaving here knowing I did nothing to protect you. Don't ask that of me." Kaylee felt a pain in her chest just looking at his face and hearing his plea. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way." she apologized. "I just...I don't want you here, locked up with me. Or worse. I just need you to be careful. That's all." she admitted softly.

"Other than that, Maya will have mine and Hawke's full cooperation and the upper hand in decision making until we weather this through." That was good, Maya would need all the help she could get. Once she had something solid she'd make contact with Kaylee again and she'd finally be able to get out of here. "Thank you. Make sure you look out for her too while I'm away." Kaylee said with a small smile.

but the aftertaste is
- b i t t e r s w e e t -

 

[Ritual Lobotomy]

HAGEN GREYJOY

Location: The Dungeons
Time: Seven days since the incident
Interaction: Kaylee Lannister - @Sailor Arti
Facelaim: Carlnes by 'aenaluck'

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

"No. That's not-" the words escaped Hagen, and he shook his head, even before she got to see the sentence through.

"I just...I don't want you here, locked up with me. Or worse. I just need you to be careful. That's all."

"There's nothing to apologize for," he replied decisively. "You've been made to apologize for things you shouldn't apologize for enough. And you are in the right to remind me of my own temper."

In a brief moment of silence between them, his thought went back to days before. He had lost his temper again, and he once again provided Maddock with more fuel to wage a war of wits Hagen was still learning about. Seeing the lengths that such game went did not help his already deeply-seeded spite towards Westeros. A complex game of wealth and influence he needed to be directed through. And the fact that he was now at least able to recognize such instigations, he owed entirely to Kaylee.

"Thank you," the Lioness spoke humbly. "Make sure you look out for her too while I'm away." Even remotely managing to brighten up her face gave Hagen a needed boost of confidence. He responded with a mischievous chuckle as he comfortably leaned against the bars next to her, the weight on his chest lifting slightly.

"Oh, don't worry, beautiful. Maya is in good hands. Hawke seems not to mind keeping an eye on her, and her keeping him occupied means one less nagger for me," he jested. While Hagen insisted on seeming annoyed by it, it was evident to all around him that such nags worked the best. "She won't lack a single hair on her head," he added on a serious note. "Keeping you safe is without compromise. Even though I am falling a bit behind," he jested bitterly.

"There's just one issue with progressing this," the ironborn proceeded, his frown directed into the ground.

"I don't want to leave you alone."

 

[Sailor Arti]

Kaylee Lannister, Prison Dungeons, New King's Landing

Tags: Hagen Greyjoy - @Ritual Lobotomy

The mood lifted slightly and Kaylee was glad for it. Deep down she had a desire not to see Hagen suffer. But in her mind she knew that there wasn't much she could do about that while she was trapped here. She would have to do her best with what she had. So she tried to make him more comfortable. If he believed she was doing okay then maybe he could focus enough to progress some things properly.

Kaylee also wouldn't have to stress herself out, worrying when she might hear word of Hagen putting his hands on a Lord or Lady, she could relax somewhat. "Oh, don't worry, beautiful. Maya is in good hands. Hawke seems not to mind keeping an eye on her, and her keeping him occupied means one less nagger for me," Kaylee smiled again, even though it hurt. Maya was strong, she's always known that, but it did her heart good to know she had people out there to protect her.

Maya was often like Kaylee, putting her own needs and safety to the side to better approach an objective as a whole. People like them always needed people who's eyes were on the present while they looked to the future. People to keep them grounded in reality, to let them know when they're doing a bit too much.

If Hagen could joke about being nagged by her then that meant things were going okay. "She won't lack a single hair on her head," his tone was more serious this time. "I know, I trust you." she said softly. If anyone had her back it would be Hagen and his crew. Should anything happen to her at least Maya would be safe there. The thought comforted her. After all, Kaylee couldn't afford to lose another person she deeply cared about.

"Keeping you safe is without compromise. Even though I am falling a bit behind," Hagen teased bitterly. Gently patting his hand Kaylee gave him a sympathetic look. "Ah well, you know me. I have a habit of dancing with danger. I'll be fine." she teased, attempting to lift his spirits once more. She hated seeing him like this but she also knew that he felt the same.

"There's just one issue with progressing this," Hagen said as he turned his gaze downwards a frown still plastered on his face. "I don't want to leave you alone." Kaylee offered a sad smile as she reached through the bars to gingerly touch his lips. She was going to say something cliché but she needed him to understand that she would be okay.

"I love you, Hagen Greyjoy." she said softly. "I know it's hard for you right now, but you're strong. One of the strongest people I know. We'll get through this together we just have to endure." she encouraged as she drifted closer to the bars. She wanted to embrace him if only for a moment. She wanted to feel his warmth for just a second but she couldn't and her heart ached with longing for him.

Kaylee closed her eyes as she pressed her forehead against the cool steel bars. Her small hands gripped the bars so tightly her knuckles turned white. "I just wish..." she said so softly it was practically a whisper. "I just wish you could hold me again." the last part was so faint as she breathed it out. Kaylee rarely had moments of weakness like this but she'd learned that being more honest with Hagen and how she felt was always a better thing.

She wasn't a pro at it yet, when it came to sharing her thoughts and feelings but she was making improvements for sure. The silver-haired lioness bit back tears as she heard plated boots marching down the hall. It would seem her time with him was up. She wanted to cry, to scream, to rebel and ask Hagen to get her out of here by any means but she knew it wasn't possible. "I love you." she said again as she looked at him. Her eyes glistened as they threatened to spill over with tears.

Kaylee wouldn't cause any trouble for him or the other people she cared about. So if she had to endure this hell a little while longer she would do so in a heartbeat. She slowly pulled away from the bars, not retreating to her cold damp corner just yet, but giving him space so she won't cause an issue when the guards finally approach to take him away.

but the aftertaste is
- b i t t e r s w e e t -

 

[Ritual Lobotomy]

HAGEN GREYJOY
Location: The Dungeons
Time: Seven days since the incident
Interaction: Kaylee Lannister - @Sailor Arti
Facelaim: Carlnes by 'aenaluck'

"I love you, Hagen Greyjoy." A brief sentence had great success - even if only briefly - in distracting him from the self-loathing.

"I know it's hard for you right now, but you're strong." He scoffed lightly but said nothing to parry it with. "One of the strongest people I know. We'll get through this together we just have to endure."

"And we shall," Hagen responded, acknowledging her presentation of will to fight what was meant to crush people far more resilient to such treatment than she was. It was an embarrassment to think that he had any well-defined reason not to get a grip on himself and do the same. Or at least do his best.

Regardless of the cursed metal bars in between, he had welcomed the closeness of her body. If she was to ask him to stay while her breath was dancing on his face just out of reach from a proper reciprocation, he wouldn't have thought of denying it to her even for a moment.

"I just wish..." she started quietly, resting her head against the bars just shy off his shoulder. "I just wish you could hold me again." The whisper sent chills of dread down his spine. He was losing her to hopelessness.

"Look at me," he ordered softly, wrapping his hands over Kaylee's fists clenched around bars. Once he found her pained gaze, he paused and sighed, measuring out his words before speaking. "This all has been a tragic misunderstanding, and even though I am struggling to justify Baratheon's decision, let alone forgive him for it, he will listen."

It was a bold claim to make for a man he hadn't known well enough. But after seven days of being forced to sit and think, he understood that an objective judgment was the first to go with such a difficult situation at hand. From pure rage through vengeance, the ironborn decided to try the elusive art of conversation. Kaylee's wish not to stir the matter further encouraged his decision.

"And once we get you out of here," Hagen proceeded, tenderly cupping Kaylee's jaw, "we will make up for the time they took from you if it's the last thing I do."

The sound of steps startled him for a brief moment before a thought occurred to him: There was nothing left to hide. Perhaps, it was the only bright point in all of the debacle. Or, perhaps, more problems await Kaylee because of her heart's desires. Be that as it may, the most notable names were now aware of where both of their fidelities laid. A simple guard's acknowledgment was hardly an issue.

"Lord Greyjoy," the same guard from before addressed the ironborn after a brief pause he took to assess the situation. Whether such physical closeness was not allowed or not expected was up for debate as he hadn't mentioned anything further, and Hagen appreciated the respect for the moment. Two men exchanged a brief glare, and Hagen nodded with a grunt. His time was up.

"I am not far and not sitting with my arms crossed," he felt the need to say even though there was absolutely no reason for Kaylee to believe he did. Guilt was a powerful thing. Even if it wasn't necessarily your own.

"And I trust you to come out of this a victor. Even if the burden now feels too much to bear, you are never alone."

Hesitantly, the ironborn caressed the lioness' face once again before he forced himself to move it away.

"I love you," she repeated again, fixated on his face in silent desperation. He knew her heart, and watching him go away, he knew felt like a dagger through it. But he had to see her. Keeping away felt equally devastating to his own.

For the final time, Hagen embraced her small hand protectively and brought it up to his lips. So many things had changed because of her. So many times, he avoided those words. They always, without fail, made him run away and never come back. But this time, they came to him as natural as any other.

"I love you too, my lady. And I will see you again, very soon. You have my word," he smirked as charmingly as he could muster. This time, he allowed Kaylee to move away before he straightened up, giving her an intense glare and an encouraging nod to verify his promise.

************

The only thing that effectively put his misery aside as he walked away was concerning himself with the next step he would take. Deep in his thoughts, he shared no word with the guard that escorted him until the man spoke on his own.

"If I may, my lord," he stated politely, marching behind Hagen.

"Yes, you may," Hagen responded with audible fatigue, instinctively rather than of interest.

"We are here to serve and protect. We are not here to execute any unnecessary violence."

Hagen halted for a moment, tightly clenching his fists before deciding to bite the bait. "Conversation," he had to remind himself. "You are conversing."

"Bold fucking statement to make after I've seen what I've seen. How does the violent approach look like, I wonder." While his anger was barely contained, he genuinely did his best, and it seemed to have resonated with the guard.

"It is why I felt the need to address it, my lord. The good name of Stark's guards is being spoiled by a few heavy-handed Stormlanders. Quite determined to make the questioning as...persuasive as possible, if I may add."

The ironborn scoffed. A brave and persistent man, he had to admit.

"I do not see how your complaint of Stormlanders to me helps in any way. Arley Baratheon is the one you should be complaining to."

For a moment perplexed, the guard paused to think about his reply carefully as the ironborn seemed to be growing more and more impatient with his engagement.

"Forgive me, my lord. I perhaps too hastily assumed that it would concern you as well. Taken how the heavy-handedness seems to be a preferred method in your own ranks."

Hagen came to an abrupt stop, swiftly turning to the man that stepped backward alerted. They kept the love of his life away, his silver-haired siren. And if that alone wasn't disrespect enough, this man now dared insult his roots.

"He is mocking you. They all are mocking you, you pathetic excuse of a man."

"What I wanted to-"

"I will warn you again before I decide to show you," the ironborn growled, his patience tested beyond the already low tolerance he stretched for as long as he could. "You are in no position to provoke me any further!"

"Y-your advisor, lord Greyjoy," the guard spit out in haste, doing his very best to avoid the conflict with the ironborn lord at the edge of his nerves. But instead of acting on his words, Hagen's glare sharpened.

"What did you just say?"

"A tall, dark man arriving with you, my lord. The one with the scar. He recently took great interest in lady Lannister's status. On your behalf, it was said."

Hagen remained motionless, reading every word directly from the man's mouth. Dead silent.

"We've alerted him of the Stormlanders' methods, but no concern was ever expressed."

Seven days, Hagen's mind added.

Seven bloody days...