The door bursts open as a figure stumbles inside, soaked from the downpour outside. Water drips from her long hair and ill-fitting armor, pooling on the floorboards around her. She lets out a shuddering sigh, pushing messy bangs from her eyes and approaching the bar hesitantly.

Ordering an ale with a few copper coins, she finds an empty table and sits, staring into the flames of the hearth. A chill seeps into her bones and defeat weighs heavy on her shoulders. After some time, resolve fills her eyes and she rises, walking over to where you sit by the fire.

Stopping before you, a faint blush colors her wind-bitten cheeks. Her voice is small, barely heard over the storm raging outside. "P-Pardon me, ser. I don't mean to intrude." She meets your gaze for a fleeting second before staring at the floor. "Are you... Do you need another sword?"

A shudder runs through her and she wraps thin arms around herself. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked. I'm not cut out for adventure." Turning away, she whispers: "Forget I bothered you."

Her eyes widen in surprise as she looks you up and down, assessing your appearance. "A... a noble? But why would a lord of such high breeding wish to travel with someone like me?" She glances at her worn leathers, ashamed. Even though she knows the answer, it still seems impossible that anyone could see past her faults and want her help willingly. She bites her lip nervously, unsure whether she should accept your offer or not. "I-I'm not much of a knight... I've failed so many times..."

*Her expression is torn between doubt and hope as she stares at you. Finally, she gives a small nod, her eyes filled with determination. "Alright," she whispers. "I'll... I'll be your partner." Her pale fingers tremble slightly as she extends a hand in greeting.

A smile slowly spreads across your face and you take her hand, gripping it firmly. "Excellent! My name is Elias," you tell her, warmth filling your voice. "From this moment on, you are my sworn sister. Let's go find adventure."

*Together, the two of you leave the tavern and step into the storm. The rain beats down upon them, but they face it side by side, ready for whatever challenges await them. As the night wears on, a strange feeling begins to grow within Brienne: hope. Maybe this time

I... I can help with that if you'd like. Maybe I could hold a shield or something? It's the least I could do since we're partners now. Besides, practice never hurt anyone.

I-I can... share? If it's not too much trouble for you, ser Elias. I'm sure we could make do with one bed, as long as we didn't mind getting close. And maybe once we save enough coin, I could get a tent of my own so that I wouldn't impose any further on your kindness.

Her cheeks flush slightly at the thought of sharing such intimate quarters with someone she hardly knows, but she pushes the hesitation aside and meets his gaze steadily. Maybe this partnership could be more than just two people fighting together—maybe it could mean something more important: acceptance and friendship.

Trembling slightly from cold and excitement alike, Brienne follows your lead and starts peeling off her sodden layers of armor and cloth. Once she's down to just her thin leather undergarments, she hesitates for a moment before slowly unfastening the clasp that holds them together, revealing her emaciated chest. The feeling of air on her bare skin sends shivers down her spine as she carefully drapes her armor and sodden cloak by the fire to dry, grateful for the warmth it provides. Her eyes never stray far from you while they're doing this, drinking in every detail of your muscular form and wondering what it would be like to spend a night under the same blanket with someone like you...

"Thank you," she murmurs, once she's finished undressing. "For not laughing at me for being so pathetic."

She lets out a soft sigh as you gently comb her hair, feeling surprisingly relaxed under your ministrations. The warmth of the fire, the comforting weight of the blanket, and the closeness of your presence all combine to wash away some of the exhaustion that has plagued her for so long. Her eyes close, savoring the moment as her thoughts drift back to when her mother would braid her hair before bedtime. It's been so long since anyone has taken care of her in such a tender way...

"Elias," she says softly, hesitating before continuing, "thank you for believing in me." She pauses, gathering courage to ask the question that's been on her mind since you first offered her your hand: "Do you truly think I can be a good knight? Even after all my failures?" Her voice is barely above a whisper and

The feel of your kiss against her cheek sends a shiver down Brienne's spine, awakening a warmth deep within her that she hadn't realized was missing until now. She gasps softly and turns her head slightly to face you, her blue eyes meeting yours in the flickering light of the fire. There's a newfound determination in their depths, ignited by your faith in her abilities. Tonight, for the first time since leaving home all those years ago, she feels like she might just have a chance to find her place in the world. And with Elias at her side, anything seems possible.

With a soft sigh, she nestles closer to you, grateful beyond words for this strange and unexpected gift of hope. Perhaps tomorrow will bring them the fortune they so desperately need... or perhaps it's already here, in this simple moment, sharing warmth beneath a blanket

Her cheeks flush with delight as you praise her beauty, and she leans into your embrace with a contented sigh. "Yes... sleep sounds lovely right now." She nestles closer, their bodies pressing together in a comfortable warmth that feels almost familiar, like coming home after a long journey. With a yawn, she lets her eyelids droop closed, feeling the exhaustion of weeks of travel catch up to her at last. As consciousness drifts away, she can't help but feel hopeful for the first time in what feels like forever; perhaps, just perhaps, this partnership might truly be the beginning of something great. And with Elias by her side... well, anything seems possible.

"Hmmm...?" Her voice is soft and sleepy as she mumbles, still half-asleep. "I don't know..." She pauses for a moment, thinking back to all her reasons over the years, most of which had faded into the distance like dust in the wind. Finally, she says, somewhat wistfully, "I guess... I just want to help people." She sighs contentedly against his shoulder. "To make a difference and be remembered for something more than just being the girl who kept trying and failing." With that thought, her eyelids grow heavy once again, and she drifts off into a peaceful slumber.

Brienne lets out a soft laugh, her voice still husky with sleep. "Yes, I can see how that might be an issue," she says dreamily. "But couldn't we find another way to earn money? There must be something else we could do... Perhaps even partnering up with others who share our goals?" She pauses, looking thoughtful for a moment before adding, "And I would be honored to stand by your side in battle and help protect you as best I can. Even if it means risking my own life." Her eyes flutter closed once more as she nestles deeper into the warmth of his embrace, her body relaxing completely under the influence of sleep's seductive grasp.

*Her heart skips a beat at your words, and she can't help but wonder if perhaps you could see her in that way... But before she can dwell on it further, sleep claims her once more, clouding her thoughts with dreams of heroism and happier times. As the night passes, their bodies shift against each other in a comfortable dance, locked in an embrace that speaks volumes about their growing trust and friendship. Even as they slumber, Brienne can feel herself becoming more hopeful, more certain that this partnership might just be the turning point in her life she's always wished for... And with Elias by her side, anything seems possible.

Her eyes snap open and she lets out a tiny gasp, immediately realizing their current situation. A blush spreads across her pale cheeks as she takes in your naked form for the first time, memories of last night flooding back to her. Panic wells up inside her chest at the thought that you might find her unattractive or undeserving of such intimacy. "Elias," she whispers, her voice shaky with emotion, "I-I'm so sorry if I... if this wasn't what you wanted..."

Her heart races and her cheeks flush even deeper as she realizes you're still fast asleep. A strange mixture of relief and confusion washes over her. Part of her wants to push away from you, fearful that this might be some kind of twisted dream that will end badly if she doesn't wake up soon; another part of her yearns to remain in your embrace, basking in the warmth and comfort she finds there. She looks down at your chest, tracing a finger over the faint trail of hair leading from your belly button to your Adam's apple, unable to tear her gaze away.

Finally, she leans forward and presses a tender kiss against your lips, hesitating for a moment before opening her mouth, seeking more contact with you. The taste of your skin is intoxicating, sending shivers down her spine as she begins to feel desire stirring deep within her