Starlit Lullabies

Kian walked fastly along the roads at the port. The ship had arrived later than expected. But he knew, the sea was never to be trusted anyway. He should know. He hadn't become merchant without knowing all the risks. But that wasn't his major problem. The bundle in his arms was. It was far too late for the small thing he carried in his arms.

Kian sighed and hurried. He had wished for, no normally he would have already been at an inn so the little girl in his arms could sleep in a bed. The ship should've been arrived before two days. It wasn't that he disliked her to sleep on the ship. Just thought it would be better for her to sleep in a real bed instead of the uncomfortable cabins on a ship. The girl in his arms moved and sighed in her sleep but her eyes stayed closed. Even better if he had awaken her now.

Kian calmed down his pace and stopped in front of an inn. The owner knew him for a few years now. There was nothing to be suspicious about. And the owner knew he'd lost some of his clients if Kian would leave and use a different inn. A small shake with his head and the brunette man stepped into the house.

He nodded towards the barkeeper and got a nod back. Slowly and carefully walking to a bench, he layed his daughter on it beside him and wrapped the blanket tighter around her. He wouldn't bring her upstairs yet. It was time for a meal and for rumours. Nothing was better than sitting in a dark and quiet corner of an inn and listen to the people's talks. It helped getting the merchandise sold out and be up to date.

The merchant wasn't poor. He could even buy a house, get a bigger family. But he didn't want to. The lands always called him, his soul. Kian hoped his daughter wouldn't end up like him. That she would find someone she wanted to belong to and build up a home. Since then, he would keep her with him. Safe and sound.

Aurora had heared word of her merchant being back in town. So she travled to him. Usually he'd come to her. But she was eager for her new wares. Or atleast word of it. Obviously she paid him well. At first she was unsure about him. But he had gained her trust. He really had. His wares were of good quality. She got into his regular bar. Finding him in his observation spot. She took a seat. "Hello Kian.." She said with a little smile.

Kian lifted his head, as he heard a voice address him directly. He smiled back shortly and nodded politely. "Good evening mylady.", there was no need to stand up and bow in front of the woman before him. It would give them more attention, then he wanted to gain, and for sure he knew her very well.

He leaned back, one of his hands softly stroking over the blanket next to him. Kian smirked. "What brings you to me at such a late time? It's not that I wouldn't have been at the fortress in the morning. Shouldn't you sleep already in sweet dreams, missy?", he liked to tease her from time to time. How long had it been that he came to Lannisport and met one of the Lannister family? Quite some months he guessed.

"I do not believe 'missy' is the right way to adress me.." she said with a little smile. Before she shook her head. "You know I'm not a patient woman.." She said. It was simple. She was curious. They both knew she was an eager customer. Always wondering what kind of goods he'd bring with her. Looking at the small girl next to him. He wouldn't go without his daughter. She never asked what happened to the mother. But Rose guessed something bad..he loved his daughter. Something that seemed rare in this world sometimes.. "How is she?" Rose asked. Referring to his daughter.

"I didn't thought it would be already rumoured I'm back. We just arrived a few hours ago.", Kian stroke through his brunette hair. "Oh yes, I know your temper very well, mylady. You do have to wait till tomorrow though, before you can see the newest dresses and cloth for them.", he took the glass in front of him and took a sip. "I told the captain that they shall get some sleep after the long trip. However they spend their free time now."

He took a quick glance at Malea and then back to Rose. He gave her a warm smile. "She's exhausted and sleepy, but well."

She nodded. "Then I shall wait..." feeling a bit sad that he couldn't show her. But if he couldn't there was nothing to do about it. Smiling when he said that his daughter was alright. "That is good to hear... And you?"

Kian smiled. "No need to be sad. You're the first one to see them. As always.", he looked around, seeing that a lot of men already filled the inn. It would get complicated for her to go home without getting harrassed by men, if she came alone indeed.

"Me?", he looked at her slightly surprised. "What about me?", he smirked again and shook his head. "It doesn't matter. It's like always."

Aurora nodded. "I take it you are well then." She said with a smile. Also noticing the men gathering. She gave Kian a charming smile. "Would you mind.. Bringing me home...?" She asked. Looking at the little girl. "Do you have a better place for her to sleep at?"

Kian tilted his head. It was indeed too dangerous for her to go home alone. And he was a gentleman. He looked at his daughter for a short moment and thought. It was against his father feelings to leave her at this place. Malea was too young to stay alone for some hours. And he knew if he weht with Rose, he might not be back soon.

But he had no other place to bring her, all his family was in Braavos and even there he wouldn't dare to leave her alone. "Give me a short moment, I'll be back in a few minutes, mylady.", he took the  little girl in his arms and left the table.

He went to the bar and talked to a young woman. She had been looking after Malea earlier. She bowed in front oft him and nodded smiling at his request. Kain went upstairs with the bundle in his arms, while the maid followed him.

After a few minutes Kian walked back downstairs. His arms didn't hold the little girl anymore. " I'm sorry for the wait, mistress. I hope I didn't took too long.", he offered her his arm. "Shall we go?"

She shook her head. "Do not say sorry. I would not want to be responsible for harm on your daughter.." She answered. Taking her cloak and then his arm. "Thank you Kian." She smiled.

They went outside. "You don't need to be early tomorrow. Take your time with your daughter.. If you want I could have Olena entertain your daughter while.. I'll try the dresses.."She smiled. "Would that be alright with you?"

Kian took his cloak from the bench, when she took his arm. He smiled at her. "I'm responsible for you now, mylady, since you came all alone just to see me."

Outside the inn he stared at the stars for a moment, before Kian turned his head towards Rose. "That sounds alright for me. Maybe Malea will enjoy it, having some time with a girl nearly her age."

He nodded towards the Street leading it's way to the fortress. "Shall we return? I'm sure your father doesn't like it to see you outside this late and all alone.", Kian liked her father but he didn't want to be an object of anger. Especially because he liked the friendship to Rose and the predjudices he had because oft his relationship with the wealthy Lannister family. Indeed he wouldn't mind not to have them. All had it's own difficulties.

" Did something interesting happen, while I was away?"

She continued to walk with him. Smiling a little. Strangers would see this as perhaps two love interests walking arm in arm. However they both knew such a thing would never happen. Not that Rose never thought of it. Obviously she did. But she would never have any interest in a romantic relationship with him.

Rose pursed her lips when he asked if anything interesting happened when he was away. "Not that I can call interesting... My uncle married a girl of only sixtheen years old.." She sighed. "It was a rather disguisting display." Rose shook her head. "Sadly we do not have any say in our marraiges. It is a matter of state. Not a matter of age and love." She said. "However when your love for the state is big.. I can see some engagements work the way marraige is actually supose to work. Which is a good thing." She walked with him.

"I do not see myself married.. Or engaged soon. It doesn't seem like my father has any interests in that yet. After all... Some men might be frightened. I do have a high title. Unless.. He's a king or had my occupation so to say... I doubt he'd be worth marrying me. For me it would be a step back.... Do you see yourself married Kian? I can see why you'd have interest in marraige considering you have a daughter."

Kian walked next to her and carefully listened to Roses words.He felt anger rising up in him, while listening, but stayed calm. "I hope it sounds not to rude to say, that I'm not sad I missed the wedding.", he would never urge his daughter to marry a man at his age or older. Even if it would help raising her state. It was like selling a slave to his new master.

He chuckled at her last words. "No, I don't have any intention to marry soon. It would be better for Malea though, but no, thanks. I raised her the last five years on my own, I think I can handle the rest of her life as well."

"You should call yourself lucky." Rose smiled. "It was rather disgusting..." She shivered. Before looking at Dimitri. "Her whole life? You don't want to out live her now do you?" She asked raising her eyebrow.

Kian looked at Rose and smiled amused. "She's only five years old. I want her to be a child as long as she is one. I'm not much into these strict rules how to raise your child so you can get the best profit with a marriage later.", he shook his head. "I don't need to have her married for profit. I gain enough with my profession. Malea has the freedom to marry whomever she wants later. Well, I won't let her marry a bandit or someone who wants bad for her, but I won't give her hand to someone who could be her grandfather."

No, being a merchant opened his world to a great spectrum of people and contracts without selling his daughter to someone. He hated this part of the royals. His friendship to Rose showed him, that deep bounds could be made without such disgusting things.

Rose sighed softly. "I hope she'll find someone worth her while." Smiling. "Not everyone has that luck." they arrived at her housing. "Thank you for walking with me Kian." Rose smiled softly. Giving him a soft peck on the cheek. "You are a good man Kian. Let the gods give you many riches in your business..." She caressed Kian's cheek. "Perhaps one day you'll be able to fetch me a wedding dress." she laughed. Taking several steps back. Giving him his space again.

"At your service, mylady.", Kian bowed in front of her. He was a bit sad the walk ended so soon, it was always nice to be in Miss Lannisters accompany. "I'd be honored if I'm allowed to get you the dress you dream of for a marriage. But I also hope you'll get one, you're happy with. You deserve such a wedding, Rose.", he smiled warm. Then he leaned forward, tending to give her a kiss on her forehead.

Rose smiled brightly when he bowed. He was always so nice and gracefull. When he moved to kiss her forehead she felt her smile widen. "What have I done to deserve such a dress?" She asked. Looking up at him. "I do not believe I deserve certain things without a reason." She said. Before she thought about it. Their walk had ended pretty soon. "Would you want to take a longer walk through our gardens? I understand you want to go back to you daughter however.. You can say no." Smiling. "After all we'll meet tomorrow again."

"Why shouldn't you deserve something just because you are who you are?", Kian tilted his head. "There is nothing bad, when it's giving to you freely. You don't need to follow rules you learned on how to behave, when you are around me.", he shook his head. Dragging woman to behave and suppress their character was obiviously sad. It was normal, but Kian liked those who acted just the way they were. Like the girl he met on the corridor, before leading Rose home.

He smiled warmly. "If you won't get in trouble, I'd like to spent more time with you. I still have some time left, before I need to be back at the inn, and Malea is in safe hands with the maiden."

Rose listened to his words. A bit surprised when he talked about her deserving the dress freely. ''We'll see..'' She said with a soft smile. Not disagreeing with him. But also not agreeing with him. She took his arm. ''I won't be in trouble. Those who start rumours should know better not to mess with a Lannisters.... as my grandfather's brother once said. Lannisters always pay their debt.'' She said with a proud smirk. ''I always have time left for you Kian. You are one of my best friends.''

Kian nodded. "If you say so, mylady.", he presented his arm again. "Lead me the way Miss Rose.", he had nothing to say against her attitude. The Lannisters had always been a stubborn and proud royal house. He won't mess with them.

They walked through the gardens. Rose held Kian's arm. "What's it like? Across the seas? Traveling the world like you do?" Rose asked as she looked at him. "You must meet many men and women. Many different cultures aswell.."

"Yes, I do.", Kian nodded. " But even with all the new and interesting things you can learn and learn, there is still danger out there. Not all of the people are friendly at first and sometimes just behaving like we normally do, can be wrong and cause death.", he smiled. Indeed he would always learn his profession again. It was some kind of freedom and therefore power. Power like the Lords would never have.

"As woman more dangerous than if you are a man. But I think that's not different here."

She listened to his story. Smiling a little at his last words. "This world wasn't made for us women.. We are good for three things, sex, having children and raising those children. I disagree to that. And it seems some men have joined that side but it is still not a women's world." She sighed. "However I have the feeling some women can be much more dangerous than men.." She joked. "Though I must admit. If I were to have to fight a man.. I'd lose. I was born of higher grounds so I should call myself lucky. But other women cannot say so. Those who have to work as slaves.. Or in brothels. Those who are sold off... I can only imagine the ... Pain... And rape.. The violence. They must go through...." Rose took a deep breath. "The only violence I will most likely encounter is my bedding ceremony.. Which I would prefer to be cancled. But that is not for me to decide.." she said looking at him. "It also depends on what husband I'll have. Some hit their women." Rose looked away. "You won't ever hit a woman.. I'm sure. Many men pretend to be gentle. But you're not a pretender Kian.."

Kian listened to Roses words carefully and nodded. "There are always some men who care for their women and who try to give them as much freedom as possible. Mostly on the inside of the house. The higher society doesn't like to see women to have an own opinion or stand for their own.", he tilted his head from side to side. "Yes.... and no. Sometimes it's the only chance for those women to even have something they can call home. Someone who and even if it's just the slightiest gesture, is caring for them. I don't deny it's hard work and a lot of pain, mostly for the slaves, but yes, they don't always have something they could return to if they were free. Or they can't even remember something like having a family."

He smiled. "I have seen enough. More than most people. I made my own opinion about things, others are just speculating with their words. They assume a world that doesn't exist, or just in small parts of the world. I can't pretend to be someone else by the way I've seen things, learned things."