𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 . . . the exterior courtyard by the stables , staerdale , new valyria . 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 . . . alerie tyrell ( @glvrious ) .
as a younger man, matters pertaining to the care of his trusted steed had been entrusted into the hands of the stablemaster in lannisport as he lacked the patience that it took to untangle each knot and check each one of the four hooves ─ with the boisterous cajoling of his companions, lyonel had possessed little time to shower affection on the loyal beasts that carried him across westeros and to victory upon the tourney grounds yet he seemed to have nothing but time of late, the group of boys - turn - men that had followed him from childhood to adulthood scattering to the wind with the actions of the formerly beloved lord brax. though tedious, the act of tending to his horse allowed him to lose himself in the mindless repetition and his horse ( an affectionate creature named ❛ honor ❜ ) did not mind if he sat quietly in one corner, feet kicked out from under him as he hid from his family and the isolating ache that he had knowingly chosen when he rode to genna’s side all those months ago.
he had just emerged from the stables of staerdale, missing his quiet steed but finding comfort in the demanding mules that nosed at his hands in search of a treat, when his gaze rested on a familiar face attached to an unfamiliar figure ─ almost immediately, the constant furrow between his brows softened up at the sight, her condition twisting at his heart. alerie had written to him around the same time he had been off fighting in the riverlands and though he had not been able to visit highgarden as promised, the two had kept correspondences which was how he learned of their expectant state. ( if things had not been as tense in the westerlands, he would have ridden to her, instead, to serve as a friend and a comfort. ) ❝ my dear lady. ❞ he approached with long strides, fondness compelling him to tease her gently with a deep bow. ❝ my dear, sweet alerie. ❞ a hand extended, as though to pull them into an embrace, arms kept spread to allow them to initiate contact, if they wished. ❝ am i the first to welcome you to staerdale or were you hiding from me for the past few days ? ❞