[center][h1]Afternoon Flirtations [Present time for Gwen flashback for Ashton][/h1][/center][hr] Arranging to find Beylee and Sasja wasn’t that hard. Sasja Reed was a small thing and very pretty. She’d be where Beylee was, attempting to talk Mathias into them squiring for him. Gwendolyn rolled her shoulders anticipating that Beylee was going to annoy her till her temper flashed. Looking around and not seeing Luci or Quinn right away Gwendolyn sighed and thought they had gone to lay down for a nap much like their Uncle was doing at present. Catching sight of a page Gwendolyn beckoned him over. [color=DCD0FF]“Have you seen Lady Beylee or Lady Sasja recently?"[/color] She smiled as he nodded. “I ‘ave. They be o’er at th’ lists wi’ th’ gian’ in fur." His accent was thick and utterly adorable. [color=DCD0FF]“My thanks."[/color] Gwendolyn handed the boy a groat and he grinned while running off. Sighing, Gwendolyn knew that she’d have to go get the girls. If she remembered correctly, which she almost always did, then she'd have to go past the Redwyne Pavillion again. While part of her did want to stop in and enjoy herself more she knew it would disappoint her Uncle. Disappointment and or disapproval was far worse than him being upset at her. Swiftly walking in the direction she needed to go, Gwendolyn made her way to the lists in between tents. Picking up her skirts she dashed looking in between tents in case Beylee and Sasja had given up on nagging Mathias. Seven hells, why were there so many pavilions strong? Barely did Ashton manage to jump and dodge the variety of straps and ropes all tying down fabric of all colors. He needed a break. He had traversed these tents many times already, having been at Summerhall for some time already and being present when the first tent came up. But everyday now more and more added to the flood of color on the grounds. Stumbling, much like he had earlier near the lists he looked for feet and giggles but he heard nothing, it was his own clumsiness. Luckily he was able to keep his feet, a testament to his training, but his head was still spinning as he mentally tried to remember his shortcuts through the maze. Sighing, and with great internal strife, Ash turned to continue on his way toward his 'secret spot' which was little more than a tucked away hill where he liked to watch the sun set and relax for a small moment or two before he got to work on getting things prepared for the next day. She had barreled into someone. Of all the luck trying to catch a glimpse of either of the cousins. This is what she gets for being even close to disobedience. Not to put too fine a point on it but she was in between tents and no one would check back here for a while. She had turned a corner and ran right into a solid wall of muscle. Gwendolyn's breath left her in a rush as she tripped and was on her way to the ground. She was going to hit hard when suddenly a solid pair of arms wrapped around her and her descent to the ground was halted. There was a soft 'oof' followed by a quick inhale and gasp as Ashton realized someone had just run straight into him. And judging by the dress it was a Lady. [color=B0C4DE]"Oh! By the Seven, are you quite alright?"[/color] Ash exclaimed as he suddenly had a five foot ten woman in his arms, preventing her fall. It wasn't every day when a woman would just sort of fall into your lap, or arms in this case, and it never happened to Ash. In fact he was quite positive he had never even dreamed of such a scenario happening. His younger brother perhaps had, but that was because he was in Essos. [color=B0C4DE]"Um."[/color] He looked around to see if anyone was watching and raised an eyebrow. When he was certain she wasn't going to fall and he couod habdle her weight he chuckled. [color=B0C4DE]"Got to watch that rope there. Whoever put that tent up decided to use way more ropes than was needed. I'm Ashton by the way, Ashton Hightower."[/color] Gwendolyn stifled a giggle as she sat up and looked up and up and up at Ashton. [color=DCD0FF]“Pleased to make your acquaintance My Lord or is it Ser Hightower? Excuse my lack of a curtsy but I find it rather difficult to curtsy while being held. I’m Gewndolyn Carmyne."[/color] She smiled up at him. Automatically, Ash straightened and pulled her up with him to her feet while smiling. [color=B0C4DE]“Just Ashton or Ash. I’m the third born and still a squire so i'm not really anything important.”[/color] He shrugged off any remaining awkwardness and finally got a look at the person he ran into. His cheeks were burning a bit as he did so, embarrassment now taking the place of awkwardness. [color=B0C4DE]“I er- hope that you’re enjoying the uh."[/color] He looked around again, finding the words to describe the busy pavilions. [color=B0C4DE]“Uh, city of tents?"[/color] Gwendolyn brushed off her dress and shook out his skirts. [color=DCD0FF]“It rather seems like a city doesn’t it? Well Ash you can call me Gwen. A squire is still something."[/color] She tapped her lip. He sounded like he was a poor sheltered lad. Accidents happen because Ashton definitely wasn’t capable of having engineered their meeting. She needed to put him at ease. [color=DCD0FF]“A city without a repository of knowledge is such a shame. I suppose that a tent city is too fleeting to include one of those. But such is the price we pay for watching men bash each other on horseback with sticks. Skills used in war made to entertain."[/color] Gwendolyn shook her head, her hair swaying back and forth. She itched for a comb, she was sure there was something in her hair; a piece of grass, a twig something. Rather than dancing about like a rasher of bacon being cooked she stayed still. [color=DCD0FF]“Oh I’m sorry I just insulted what you’re working toward in life. I didn’t mean… oh bother."[/color] [color=B0C4DE]"Gwen it is then."[/color] His goofy smile widened a bit as he rhymed and then shrugged as she mentioned that he was at least something. [color=B0C4DE]"I suppose I really can't complain, I was lucky enough to be born into the family I was and to be trained."[/color] As she spoke he found himself nodding along with her and quickly put out his hands and shook them in a rapid gesture of negative. [color=B0C4DE]"No, no you're right. I've always found the tourneys to be weird. They're nothing like real combat, but all you can do is train and try and prepare as best as you can. I see it, if anything, as a way to meet new Knights and a very good opportunity to learn. From them, my defeats, my victories. Everything."[/color] He realized he was talking. A lot. And the Hightower had to blink at that. He never spoke like this to anyone, let alone a relative stranger. But, his filter was gone. [color=B0C4DE]"You should come to Oldtown. It has a rich history and the Citadel is one of the greatest areas of education in the 7 kingdoms. You may be too pretty for it though."[/color] He smiled as he said it but when his brain caught up to his words the smile became one of embarrassed horror. Gwen raised an eyebrow. [color=DCD0FF]“You think I’m pretty? And what am I too pretty for?"[/color] She smiled at him, teasing him. He was endearing. Sputtering a bit, Ash quickly tried to explain. [color=B0C4DE]"Oh! I just meant that you'd be the prettiest Maester or uh, scholar there. And that it would be a shame that no one else got to see it since you'd be inside and reading all the time like my brother Leo."[/color] The lad had no idea that he was being messed with, the poor squire was entirely out of his depth and was feeling the rush of adrenaline. [color=B0C4DE]"So, what exactly were you doing running through the tents instead of the perfectly good worn travel path out there? Are you also an introvert who despises social interaction?"[/color] Gwen smiled at Ashton. [color=DCD0FF]“Well you see I was on my way to find my cousins. So I really needed to find them, but I didn’t want to be obvious because I didn’t want to wait for an escort. Unless you’d like to escort me? Older or younger brother? You don’t enjoy reading? What about riding?"[/color] The questions came in rapidly and Ash barely could prepare one answer before the next question was fired. He let her finish and then attempted to go one by one. [color=B0C4DE]"I hate reading, or at least normal reading. I struggled as a child so the Grand Maester developed a way for me to read as I trained. He called it a sort of meditation. As for your escort, I will be delighted my Lady and do so solemnly swear that you will not run into anyone else on my watch. As for riding, I do plenty of it here with my Knight, Ser Ryon Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Oh, and older, I'm the third born son. I'm only older than my youngest sibling, my brother Gerold. My twin doesn't count."[/color] As he finished speaking he was heading off towards the lists. Gwen walked with Ashton in the direction she was hoping to go. At least she remembered from the walk-about she had done with her Aunties. [color=DCD0FF]“It must be nice having siblings. I had one but he and my mother died when he was born. And with me being the oldest they sent me to my grandmother’s family, the Starks. Ser Ryon Dayne is your Knight? Only the best of House Dayne carry the title. You must be proud of your Knight. Tell me does he win tournaments often? I should think that if I bet on him that I could see a great return. Do you think he’ll win? If he does not, whom do you think will? Does he carry a Valyrian steel blade? I would like to see another at some point and compare it to Ice."[/color] Looking over at him as she followed. Gwen had noticed the sword, rather hard not to when she was positively itching to test it out, and this was a ploy to see it without coming out and saying that she’d like to see it. Southern men didn’t like women that were ‘too’ interested in blades, or bows, or anything that didn’t fit in their ‘women’s things’ box. Box ha. More like thimble. She would also need to be careful. As Heir to a house she would need to make a solid decision on whom to marry or her Uncles would do it for her. That much was evidenced by her Uncle’s comments this afternoon. Glancing up at the sky Gwen noticed that it was probably about a quarter of an hour since she left the Stark tent. She’d better hurry or someone would come looking for her and Beylee and Sasja. If they were with Mathias it was not an issue but Ashe… by the Seven that boy. She still remembered the time he tied a stick to a goat’s forehead and called it a unicorn then ran it around the courtyard. Uncle was furious but he couldn’t hide the twinkle of laughter in his eye. She smiled widely flashing her dimples at Ashton, she knew it would make it easier for her to get her hands on the sword. She didn’t want to take it, she just wanted to see it. The more excited Gwen seemed to get Ashton matched equally and he answered her questions easily. [color=B0C4DE]"I'm sorry about your mother and brother, and yes Ryon is my Knight and also the best in my own opinion. I suppose I'm slightly biased but I trust him unconditionally and am proud. As for tournaments, he's not showy so he doesn't enter them all the time, just enough to get some practice in. We've had to deal with bandits though and of course tensions have been rising on the borders. I hope to be like him and the Dragonknight, that's my goal anyway. Pretty lofty sure, but shouldn't goals be lofty?"[/color] As the conversation moved to swords, Ash couldn't help but look to Vigilance. He smiled a bit and even as she was talking took it and respectfully offered it to her. [color=B0C4DE]"This isn't as storied as Dawn but is still Valyrian steel. This is Vigilance, the Sword of the Tower."[/color] Ashton wasn't like most Southern lords, a fact that he had been aware of most of his life. He was happy to see someone enjoy quality craftsmanship. He wasn't concerned she would go out and steal it, or hurt herself as she seemed quite capable. When she smiled at him, his stomach did a backflip and he gave an exaggerated swallow while his eyes widened. He had already been handing the sword over so all it served to do was knock the poor boy off his feet. This time, luckily, not literally. Taking Vigilance from Ashton she treated it with the reverence it deserved. Taking a good look at it Gwen noted that this was an amazing sword. [color=DCD0FF]"Thank you. It's beautiful."[/color] She stepped closer. Ashton was harmless, he was a gentleman. Not that it was bad or wrong but rather boring. But boring was fine. Boring, she had the upper hand. Gwen reached out and grabbed the sheath at his hip to the sword. She fitted the sword in and slowly stepped closer as she simultaneously slowly slid the sword back into the sheath. Her lavender gray eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement. Ash was no stranger to court, he had been plenty of times and had watched his father countless times. He knew about the game but was probably one of the most abysmal players of that game in Westeros. Mostly because he didn't care. He had no ambitions other than to be the absolute best swordsman he could be and to strive to the tenants of knighthood. Girls however, scared him. Not his twin, she didn't count and now standing here with Gwen, Ash was entirely under her power and he knew it. As she stepped closer, Ash held in his next breath and looked down to her. He didn't have to look down much, being only a few inches taller than she, which he found he liked. Eventually he croaked out. [color=B0C4DE]"Thank you. So are you."[/color] He smiled then, his brain not exactly functioning correctly. There seemed to be some sort of interference. That warm smile bubbled up and Gwen blushed at the compliment. [color=DCD0FF]"Thank you. You're not bad yourself."[/color] She attempted to keep it light and fun. [color=DCD0FF]"I should let go of the sword and step back…"[/color] Stating the obvious as she watched Ashton. [color=DCD0FF]"Blue. Like the sky on a clear day."[/color] She murmured about his eyes. Ash was hooked and he couldn't help but blush as well. [color=B0C4DE]"Guess training pays off…"[/color] He considered for a few moments and thought about what his older brother once said about women. 'Don't think, just do. If you try and think you'll screw everything up like you usually do.' And so, Ash didn't think. As she murmured about his eyes and before she could actually step back, whether she ever intended to or not, Ash closed the short distance and went to kiss her quickly. The kiss came as a surprise and Gwen gave a little sound of surprise as Ashton kissed her. She had never been kissed before. His lips were soft and warm. Letting go of the sword fully, her hands found his sides. She didn't know what to do. No one mentioned what you're supposed to do now. This wasn't covered in a book or lesson that a Maester had given her. Were bells ringing somewhere? Or perhaps lightning had struck him. Ashton wasn't sure but his first kiss had surely sent the Hightower into a shock. His skin filled with gooseflesh and heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. He had closed his eyes but opened them, irises widening as he felt her hands on his sides. He wasn't sure what to do next and his rational brain started sending all the what ifs. He leaned into the kiss just a moment before breaking it and looking at her. [color=B0C4DE]"I… sorry. I-..."[/color] Blinking Gwen looked at Ashton in a bit of a haze. [color=DCD0FF]"Sorry? Sorry!"[/color] Her lavender gray eyes snapped with temper. [color=DCD0FF]"Of all the things to say to a girl after her first kiss you picked 'Sorry'?! Why did you do it then?"[/color] Blinking, Ashton opened his mouth to speak before closing it again even as a perplexed expression shot across his face. [color=B0C4DE]"I-er. I only meant… I should have…"[/color] Wincing. He realized big brother was right, thinking only resulted in him looking stupid. [color=B0C4DE]"I'm not sorry actually… I just felt like I should've apologized for just randomly kissing you, but I'm not. Honestly, I think that was the first time I did something outside of the practice field without regretting it. And I'd like to do it again."[/color] Gwen blushed and touched her mouth, her temper falling away. [color=DCD0FF]"Oh… again? I…"[/color] Now she didn't know what to say. [color=B0C4DE]"You certainly don't have to. You seem to be quite intelligent. But you have the final say, and I'll respect whatever decision you make."[/color] He glanced over toward their path to the lists and was glad that it at least appeared to be empty. Ashton was giving her time to think. Gwen appreciated the time normally but she found in this situation she didn't want time to think. That scared her. She took a step back. [color=DCD0FF]"While I wouldn't mind, I think not having been caught by anyone the first time is pressing our luck after that."[/color] She blushed deeply. [color=DCD0FF]"My Uncle, Brandon Stark, will not be pleased if he finds out. Nor any of my male relations. I'd rather they didn't for your sake."[/color] Ash nodded slightly and sighed softly. He had a feeling that he had enjoyed the moment a bit more than she and while it may have been just because of the wine he recognized his position and an honest retreat was needed. [color=B0C4DE]"I suppose you are right, My Lady. It wouldn't do for either of us to be the talking points of gossip tomorrow morning. Please, allow me to continue my escort of the Lady to the lists."[/color] He offered his arm and straightened fully while offering a small smile. [color=B0C4DE]"And I thank you greatly for the small sliver of time I managed to have with you."[/color] Biting her lip Gwen reached out. Ashton pulled away from her and that hurt. Perhaps her meager attempt at protecting him was not what he wanted. Violence because of her behavior was not something she was keen to witness. She was trained to protect herself and while she knew she didn't have to rely on others it was nice to have someone offer to be there. She curled her hand into a fist then relaxed it. [color=DCD0FF]"You have my gratitude My Lord."[/color] She curtsied and put her hand lightly on his arm as propriety dictated. [color=DCD0FF]"I would have it last at least a while longer."[/color] As Gwen reached out Ashton sighed and gave her a soft smile. [color=B0C4DE]"I'm not the best at this, and I'm afraid that I'm not exactly your type anyway, not that I know you have one. I just… I REALLY like you, and I hardly know you. And I'm afraid because of it. I don't trust my own actions or emotions. Please don't think less of me for it. And the last thing I want to do is to cause you any distress or grievances with your family."[/color] His eyes were soft and clouded with confusion, curiosity, and a small bit of longing. As they walked to the lists Gwen replied. [color=DCD0FF]“As you stated we hardly know each other. I don’t think less of you Ashton. Truly you have risen in my estimation. You could have ignored your gentlemanly behavior and blamed it on myself for being there. Truly this gladdens my heart and do you want to know a secret?"[/color] She leaned in to whisper to Ashton. With a raise of his eyebrow, Ash listened and walked. He was careful this time, not wanting to fall AGAIN as that seemed to be something that was becoming a habit. [color=B0C4DE]"I suppose secrets are to be shared by those who can trust each other… I can trust you?"[/color] He looked at her then, his eyes now searching and seeking with their glint, sunlight just catching his face. Tilting her head Gwen didn’t flinch from the question. [color=DCD0FF]“I am willing to be the one to share my secret. I do not need one in return."[/color] She smirked and paused them in their walk. [color=DCD0FF]“No you’re right I do need one in return. However I will collect it at another time. I enjoyed our kiss more than you think."[/color] Grinning, she let go of his arm and winked at him over her shoulder, tossing back at him. [color=DCD0FF]“Am I escorting you or are you escorting me?"[/color] There was a distinct lack of any mention of trust. And yet, Ash couldn't help but be drawn in. The promise of another meeting both exhilarated and terrified the Squire. [color=B0C4DE]"I am glad that I did not make a fool of myself then. As for the escort, I made a vow to see you safely there. A Knight does not break their vows."[/color] He caught her stride and leaned toward her more closely. [color=B0C4DE]"And I vow that when I fight in the melee to come it will be your beautiful face that spurs me forward."[/color] Raising her eyebrows. [color=DCD0FF]“For shame Ser Hightower! It should be the Queen of Love and Beauty you fight for, not I."[/color] Gwen tried to look serious, she really tried but the sparkle in her eye and the slight knowing smile that lightly pulled her mouth up just the slightest gave the game away. Ash chuckled a bit, this time letting go of any potential mask. It was a light smile, showing his own dimples and perhaps giving back as good as he got finally. [color=B0C4DE]"Any who even attempted to name someone other than yourself for that title doesn't see what I see, My Lady. Now, the lists are right. Around. This corner."[/color] He gestured to the last pavilion, a ghastly green and tan and then sighed. Gwen laughed freely, the music of it sweet and pure causing more than one male head to turn her way, all of whom she did not notice. [color=DCD0FF]“Whoever told you that you are not enough is more than incorrect Ashton Hightower. I fear for their soul for they have committed a grave sin against the Seven."[/color] She didn't know it, but she had just given Ashton the largest compliment of his life. He stood at the very edge of the last pavilion and simply glowed. [color=B0C4DE]"Thank you Gwen. Hope guides me. It will be what gets me through the day and night. The hope that after you are gone from my sight that we will see each other once again."[/color] Dipping a curtsy Gwen blushed prettily. [color=DCD0FF]“I can but count the hours Ashton."[/color] Ash gives a full bow, his eye glinting as he straightens and turns, going back the way he had come. [hider=TLDR] [list] [*]Gwen and Ashton run into each other [*]Bit of flirtation [*]Scandal!!! [*]Escort [/list] Will he or will he not be gobbled up by wolves? Or will the tower stand [i]strong[/i]? Find out next post… (Maybe) [/hider] [hider=Credit & Tags] Credit: [@Almalthia] Tags: Mentioned; [@Apollosarcher][@Espada Emi] [/hider]