Waking up turned out to be, let's say affectionately, not an easy one.
The morning sun sent down its rays on the earth, slowly warming the sinful one, and the little birds cheerfully and fervently sang hymns of awakening. Fine. But no matter how beautiful this pastoral painting was, unfortunately, it did not save from a wine hangover. His head crackled with intracranial lightning bolts, and his mouth seemed to have a week-old cat litter. And my body was sending rather strange signals to my brain, as if I were naked and not alone.…
Mmm... déjà vu. Really not alone. And fortunately, despite all the stories associated with me (so far), this time there is a lady next to me. And which one…
He opened his eye. With some effort, he opened the second one, after which he carefully looked around. Asha and I are wearing a negligee, under a very thick and warm raincoat (by the way, where from?) we were lying on our clothes in the roots of a weirwood tree, while the long and graceful leg of the islander rested on me, and strong arms wrapped possessively around my neck like vines. The warm raincoat definitely saved us, because it's already early in the morning, and even here in the south, it can cause a lot of cooling discomfort. A cold mist had already risen from the artificial ponds in the godswood, covering almost the entire area. It might have seemed that we were sleeping in some kind of cloud.
Lifting my head slightly, I could see our savior– my squire. Marik, overwhelmed, apparently, by his duty to his overlord, saw the girl off and rushed to help. He approached the matter wisely, carefully grabbing (or then going) for very important things. Now I could see a young man snoring and wrapped in his own woolen cloak, who staunchly guarded the sleep of his lord and his companion, leaning against one of the neighboring trees.
Yeah... "a dream." It just happened, didn't it? Why, of all the girls I've met in this harsh world, am I attracted to this pirate? And it's unbearably longing... and why? She is not a beauty – compared to Cersei or many other court ladies, Asha, frankly, does not shine. I'm not even talking about Margaery, whose youth and beauty are already being celebrated by many impressionable young men. But damn it all, she's got a temper! The core, the will. She won't be sitting in a castle and languidly sighing while waiting for a man. She will not bow her head to fate, obediently waiting for her fate. No! She will join the battle, rush into the thick of the enemies, trying, if not to win, then to sell her life dearly. Asha is a warrior, and charismatic at that, you can't take that away from her. In the book, she was followed even under the most unfortunate circumstances and gloomy prospects. A natural leader and a really strong girl. How can you not fall in love with someone like that?
He will stop the horse at a gallop, enter the burning hut (and in the beginning, most likely, he will set it on fire himself), board the ship, cut the throat of the enemies, and even bring trophies to the house. Stay in your castle, make plans to take over the world, and raise your children. A dream, just a dream, not a woman.
And yet, as for the gesheft? What kind of marriage without profit? And she just has something to offer. The High Lord's daughter, after all. The Lord, though probably the poorest, is definitely not the weakest and most hopeless. Not at all! Perhaps the Lord Reaper has the most valuable treasure in his personal possession right now-ships and crews. Ship, two, five, ten! That's something. And if they can be snatched away with their crews? Who needs a company of Russian paratroopers there to take over the world? Don't you want a couple hundred desperate sea thugs? It should not be discounted that there are now enough noble representatives of the younger generation on the Iron Islands who do not disdain cooperation and trade with the continent, which, in turn, can be quite easily attracted. Although... if you think about it, then nothing and no one prevents me from doing it now. It will be necessary to probe the question…
And all this, of course, is great and wonderful, but there is one "but" named Bailon Greyjoy. For the old kraken to give up his youngest beloved daughter for the younger brother of the man he fought with, and even in the war where his two eldest sons died... unlikely, extremely unlikely. I'm already silent about their dichotomy of "black" and "green". However, do not forget about the prevailing maritime law in their region. The fact is that the captain of a naval vessel is a free man in all respects, and absolutely. The latter, of course, if you are not bound by vassalage oaths. But in terms of social… Asha is a full–fledged and capable person, that is, emancipated. First of all, in the eyes of the Ironborn themselves.
I remember that in the books, no one ever challenged Asha's right, not only to control a ship or an entire fleet, but even to his father's throne. If you think about it, a woman led an entire fleet of Ironborn into battle, and this was perceived by everyone as absolutely normal. This also applies to the veche, where she was overthrown from the throne. Asha was not chosen queen not because she is a woman (although this could have been and most likely played a role for one of the secondary reasons) – she lost stupidly because she did not have the means for a bribe significant enough to block the gifts of the local Glitchy-eyed. Yes, she didn't impress anyone with rutabagas and turnips. But none of the local lords doubted her right to nominate, because they recognized her as their equal. A free and independent iron captain. I think if she had two or three chests of gold piastres at the right moment, she would have been quietly elected to such a high and equally lucrative position.
Conclusion: it is possible and necessary to act through Asha herself. Questions: "but how?!" and "how can she be interested in this?".
At that moment, I had no time for questions. At first, Asha's measured breathing faltered, which indicated that she was waking up, and then my right side of my face began to burn unbearably with her gaze. However, no one was in a hurry to pull away and free me from my pleasant captivity. Slowly turning my head, I met the surprised, shocked gaze of dark eyes.
"Good morning, beautiful." – He said kindly with a sweetly hungover smile.
"So it wasn't a dream. Asha's voice was a little hoarse, but he was able to convey the shock of the hostess.
- Fortunately, no.
Asha thought for a long time, trying to put her broken thoughts in order, but she had to postpone this idea. The girl quickly examined herself, me, and fully realized the situation we were in. Her eyes were open even wider than before (although it seemed much further away), and the girl began to rapidly rummage under the cloak, sometimes glaring at me angrily.
- That's carrion, they tore my shirt.…
Marik also woke up to Asha's not-so-quiet grunts, instantly jumping up to us with a truly magical and much-needed object in his hands at that hour.
- Mr.…
- Well done, Marik! – He unceremoniously interrupted the guy and accepted a waterskin from his hands. – I praise you, you will be rewarded for your... foresight.
Marik smiled faintly. At the same time, Asha, exhausting her reserves of Andalusian mat and switching to other languages, had already jumped out of our makeshift love nest. Pulling on her trousers and throwing on a really torn shirt, she began to put on her boots. Marik, who blushed and hurried to turn away from this action, pulled a short laugh out of Asha. I'm... what am I? After taking a couple of sips of fresh water, I handed the wineskin to Asha. She literally tore it out of his outstretched hand and eagerly took a bite.
- Haaa... now the morning is getting good.
How little is needed for happiness sometimes.
"May I ask, my lady, where are you going in such a hurry?"
"Away from you, my lord.
Oh, that "my lord" was uttered with such an expression and tone that even a fool would understand that I was not her lord.
"Am I really that terrible or bad?"
I asked with a smile and a rather warm tone of a man who was not offended by such an answer. Of course, plus or minus such a repulsive development of events should have been expected with such a special one. Of course, she was actually hooked by her answer, and my question was fraught with genuine interest.
- Oh, quite the opposite... - Asha stopped and, shaking her mane of short, unruly hair, deigned to respond normally, - I just don't want my uncle to worry. I promised to meet him after the feast, but no one knows where I am or with whom.
She finished the sentence with a sly squint in her eyes. Indeed, the Greyjoy delegation rents an inn and does not live in the castle, as do most of the courtiers.
"It's nothing, my lady. I chuckled, getting up from our couch of things, wrapping my cloak around me like a Roman patrician. "Now my squire will share his entire shirt and cloak with you, and we will proceed to my chambers, where I will give you a hearty breakfast." We'll send a messenger to your uncle there so that he doesn't worry himself unnecessarily.
"My Lord." Asha pretended to "purr" and approached me without haste and swaying her hips. –Aren't you afraid of rumors about us by bringing me to your chambers?"
"Not at all," Asha saw my impudent grin in response, "my reputation as a tyrant and a degenerate is no longer in danger, but so... let them envy." You can defend your honor yourself, tea is not "green".
We locked eyes. They stood there, smiling, looking at each other under the weirwood trees. They are young, strong and ambitious. The moment was calm, but it was difficult to tell if it was a fleeting genuine peace or a lull before something scandalous and, most likely, painful. Alas, we won't find out anymore, because everything is in moderation.
- Marik. The harsh voice startled everyone present.
"Yes, my lord?" – My faithful squire looked at me attentively with a question in his eyes, waiting for orders.
"Take off your clothes."
O_O
Asha laughed romantically like a seal, except that she didn't slap her flippers on her belly.
***
Quickly packing up, we went straight to the Kitchen Castle, where my chambers are located. Even though it was early in the morning, the west courtyard was full of all sorts of people. Servants, guards, royal officials, and courtiers are early risers. We could only put on a proud face and go ahead, not paying attention to anyone, as if that was the right thing to do. In general, this was the best strategy, because there would be gossip anyway. That's what I told Asha, as soon as we went up to the apartments assigned to me and went into the living room, where I receive guests and petitioners.
"And what do you care about my reputation?"
Asha began to walk around and explore the rooms, examining my things while waiting for breakfast.
- As a well-mannered man, I consider it unacceptable that anyone's reputation should be tarnished because of me.
Standing next to a high armchair, I folded my arms on its back, watching the feline grace of the guest with some pleasure.
"Come on," Asha examined with interest the cones of overseas perfumes and Miirin antiseptic (aka Miirin fire) that I had placed, as well as all kinds of antiques bought at the city market, "we have always been wild pirates for you, smelling of fish tripe. Funny renegades, another reason to gossip and laugh at the stupidity, barbarism and clumsiness of our manners at court. Or do you think that I don't see, hear, or know anything? Wouldn't it be said that the brilliant handsome Renly Baratheon dragged another girl into bed by confusing Balon Greyjoy's daughter with a maid? "Great achievement."
Asha gave me a searching look full of ridicule, and her last words were filled with sarcasm and venom.
- They will gossip, how can it be without this? But quietly and, of course, admiring my courage. – He replied rather grandiloquently.
- Courage! Asha exclaimed indignantly, stretching out the word and frowning. – Do you think I'm that scary?
"My Lady," my voice took on a conciliatory tone, "you're good-looking and you know it perfectly well, and you have a hundred dashing thugs at your fingertips, the likes of whom still need to be looked for. Not every knight would dare to approach such a beauty.
Coming out from behind the chair, I stood next to Asha, looking straight into her eyes without a hint of a smile.
- And how can they surprise you? The ability to wield a sword? I'm sure you can handle an axe just as well. Horse riding? Is it possible to surprise a sailor with this when he daily conquers the sea element? Beggars, homeless mongrels, feeding from my brother's table, drinking from his cups, with obsequious smiles on their lips. They can only whisper in the corners and spit envious bile when it comes to me. Now you will be added to this list.
The silence was short, so I decided to clarify my position a little, so as not to cause unnecessary thoughts.
"I'm not worried about myself, my lady, I'm worried about you. And just in the key... won't you have problems with, say, your father or uncle because of me? How will your relatives react, not if, but when, the rumors about us will get to Pike.
Suddenly, Asha rolled her eyes, and then smiled lightly.
"Your Grace, you've heard enough songs about knights and princesses. What do I care what my uncles or father think of me? Abruptly throwing out the last words, Asha continued to explore the rooms. – I paid an iron price for my right, my fate is in the hands of the Drowned god, not anyone else. "Green"... what to charge you. You pay too much attention to clothes, jewelry, and other people's opinions. For us islanders, the opinion of only the crew of your ship, your true family, is important.
"Well, yes, well, yes," it was my turn to roll my eyes, "of course, Asha Greyjoy doesn't care what her lord father says to her after traveling to the capital. Have you been flogged long, my lady?
The interlocutor, apparently, got used to our mutual injections. I received no reaction to my words– no anger, no laughter, no genuine or feigned indignation, and she just continued to study and already went to the next room in line. Following the guest, I entered my study, combined with a bedroom. Then Asha's chill dissipated, and she hurried to the weapon rack. Something had clearly caught her attention.
- Wow! A girl with sparkling eyes snatched an ornate scimitar from the counter. – Arakh!
She's clearly at peace with her inner child... or she hasn't grown up somewhere else. But she handles guns well, even professionally. The movements are well-honed, the stance is correct. After making a couple of confident swings, Asha began to examine and study the weapon more carefully.
"Clearly not a Dothraki job. – The guest said with obvious disappointment. – The brand of Qohor.
- Of course. - I was a little surprised, doesn't a sea traveler know about trivial things? "The Dothraki are only good at three things: horse breeding, making bows, and killing. They buy or loot everything else.
"My father used to say," Asha ran her hand thoughtfully and with a touch of sadness over the Arakh blade, "that Ironborn and Dothraki are similar to each other. We sail the seas as they sail the steppe, and both nations pay an iron price for the glory of their Gods.
- Comparing the Iron Islands with the Dothraki, in my opinion, is the same as comparing the Ghiscari Empire with the Lhazars.
Under the surprised gaze of the girl, he approached, taking the overseas blade from her hands. Unable to resist, I also made a couple of passes. It's not my weapon at all, but there's something interesting about it.…
– Your people have a specific code of honor. Developed traditions. You have mastered shipbuilding, metal smelting and processing, and castle construction. You live in harsh conditions where every day brings challenges, and you overcome them.
Asha continued to look at me, without lowering her piercing gaze, with... incomprehension. But although... no, it's more like disbelief. Apparently, her worldview hardly fits that someone from the "greens" can be worthy of compliments to her homeland.
"And the Dothraki are banal savages," he said, as he snapped. Reaching out, he took out the Arakh scabbard from behind the weapon rack, putting it in them, but not letting go of his hands. – Pieces of culture, bloody traditions, stolen from each of the neighboring peoples in pieces. The "old Law" carries with it a civilization... unacceptable and alien to many, but a civilization. The Dothraki bring only death, destruction and enslavement, leaving behind a desert. They are locusts, nothing more. And also rare hypocrites.
I silently hand Asha the weapon. With two hands, as it should be. The girl accepted it, but there was only a question in her eyes now.
"Why hypocrites?"
- The Dothraki are terribly fond of talking about their strength and power, as well as their superiority over settled peoples. They just love it. But that doesn't stop their strongest khals from maintaining lavish palaces in Pentos. You must admit, it would be strange if your father had an estate near the capital, dressed in magnificent and colorful outfits, but at the same time talked about the "iron price".
"I'd like to see that!" - Asha burst into a fervent laugh, smiling broadly. –Father and the feathers! That's hilarious!
- I hope you will accept this gift from me. He nodded at the arakh in the girl's hands. "Or do the Ironborn not accept gifts?"
I don't need this wrong scimitar, but girls like beautiful things.
"They're accepting,– Asha smiled mischievously, jumped closer and practically pecked me on the lips, "they're really accepting!
Suddenly. And just as unexpectedly, Asha looked behind me with interest and, bypassing my figure, walked briskly to the balcony.
- what is it? - My little observation post appeared in front of Asha. Several spyglasses of different sizes on homemade tripods.
- Spyglasses. With their help, you can look at very, very far distances. Sometimes I look at the ships in the port or on the roadstead, the capital and the surrounding area.
"I've only heard of them!" I've never seen any.
Asha, of course, immediately wanted to try it and, with my unobtrusive help, began to examine the surroundings through the tube.
- It's strange... it's a very useful thing at sea. By placing an observer with a pipe, you can see danger or an enemy from afar. I thought that if not everyone, then many captains have a similar thing.
Asha took the phone away from her face and looked at me with irony and a heavy sigh.
- I disappoint you, not every captain can buy them. Moreover, there are not so many of them. And even then, only in the world. It is you, my lord, who eat and drink from gold, while the rest of us snatch pieces of stale bread from the clutches of fate, and are content with that.
"Poor guys," he couldn't help but sound ironic, "should I already be mourning the fact that I was born into the wrong family?" You overwhelm me with wealth, Lady Asha, even though my ancestors paid, as you say, an iron price for the right to own and command. Not by guile and subterfuge, but by force. If necessary, I'll pay for it.
"How formidable you are, my lord. – Asha came close, whispering right into his lips. "I'm already afraid of you." Perhaps such a great lord... would finally deign to feed the lady?
The last sentence confused me noticeably. I thought I was ready for a provocation, but the blow landed where it was not expected. Clever.
- Of course. Surely, everything is already ready.
Returning to the living room, he found that the table was quickly being set by Lady Serena's daughters, who quickly exchanged purely feminine appraising glances with Asha. Today, my favorite hearty English breakfast is on the menu, fervent greetings from a previous life. A fried egg replaces a tender omelet, ruddy sausages, bacon and baked beans. Tragically, there is no coffee here, unfortunately. Oh, for a couple of mugs of it, I'm ready to bite anyone's throat. Local "tea", in turn, is almost impossible to drink. Hay with hay. But I still can't get around to trying the overseas one, because it costs an indecent amount. So, as everyone is used to, Lord Renly drinks freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning.
"Phew, it's delicious." Asha leaned heavily back in her chair. - I wish I had breakfast like this every day. Maybe I should steal your cook.
"I hanged five people for the sake of Lady Serena," he whispered conspiratorially, leaning towards the girl, "although technically... one alive, but can you imagine what I'll do to you?"
"And what's that?" – Asha leaned against the table, almost lay down on it, and also switched to a whisper.
- Let's omit this, albeit intriguing, moment ... - disappointment flashed from the girl at my surrender of flirtatious positions, - however, in order to pamper yourself with delicacies from my kitchen, there is no need to kidnap my chefs. It's enough to get married.
"Are you at it again, Lord Renly?" – Asha pulled herself together and sat down normally, began to speak quite seriously. – Sometimes I doubt if you are in your right mind. Is it okay, after knowing each other for less than a month, to talk to me about something like this?
- And how should I behave? - I did not remain in debt, having discarded the laughter. – Should I write to your father and negotiate the price?
Asha finally got caught up on the last words. The family-class lever still works flawlessly, no matter how she tries to ignore its existence.
- Why delay? Why wait? Your candidacy is no worse than any other, and in some places," he couldn't help but glance at the figure of the guest, "even better.
- What a frankness. Greyjoy said sarcastically. - "Candidacy"... I suppose you're counting on a large dowry, gold or silver. I disappoint you, my lord. You won't get a barrel of fish oil from my father.
- You are very hard on yourself. You're worth a lot more than a barrel of fish oil. – I responded with a calm smile to the face twisted by the negative emotions that overwhelmed the girl. – Don't doubt it for a moment. And I assure you, I don't need any gold or silver.
- And how do you assess my "value"? "That's a poisonous sea snake.
- Let's say in ships. Asha lifted her brow condescendingly. –Let's say... ten ships. With a gang. Plus your ship. And, I think, among your entourage there will be a couple of brave, not mossy commanders who will follow you into my service.
- I see that you have already calculated, evaluated and even touched the goods with your hands. But what about love?
The question is a mockery, mixed with anger and coldness. It's kind of cute.
"My Lady," my words flowed softly, if not languidly, "what makes you think I don't love you?" I saw you steamed up with a shirt on your naked body in that brothel and fell in love that I can't even eat.
It was obvious that Asha was confused. No one had ever talked to her like that, and it showed. And this is to be expected, because I sometimes get out of the local rules, both, ahem, "due to circumstances" and with a specific purpose. Surely, no one talked about this topic with anyone in those days. And I'm doing great... Why all this talk and baby talk? Why the haste? I don't know. Is it really worth it to break all the local wedding traditions over your knee? Even if it's worth it... well, why these afterthoughts? As I said, there are still thirty-two letters left. I don't care anymore. You need to go all the way, but you can also change tactics.
"My Lady... forgive me," Asha jumped up in surprise, "I'm really behaving very strangely in your presence. I didn't want to embarrass you. The circumstances that prevail over me force me to make quick decisions, and for many, let's just say it looks strange. By and large, I don't need gold, silver, or ships. I miss friends and allies.
"Friends and allies?" Anger and indignation subsided, and Asha became interested in my words. This time, without any deliberate pretense.
- That's right. I am alone, my lady. And there are a string of enemies and detractors around, ruining my plans and weaving endless intrigues. I am entwined with them from head to toe, and you can watch me flutter in this canvas in an effort to escape. When I saw you, I saw a beautiful girl. When I spoke, I saw her clearly. I also saw a chance in you. Don't hold it against me, my lady. I didn't mean to offend or hurt your feelings.
Asha continued to look at me with a long, searching and, at the same time, interested look. She was obviously weighing and comparing something in her bright and exuberant head.
"You can surprise, my lord." Asha smiled softly and patronizingly. – Moreover, it is quite pleasant. But I'm not ready to have conversations like this, and I don't know when I'll be able to. You'll have to find another bride. It won't be difficult for you.
That's what you all say.
But never mind, honey, we'll see if you're ready or not. Don't you, who has gone to sea so many times, know how quickly things can change?