Very good so far.^_^
Chapter 12:
Lots of reading for me today, and I'll enjoy it all.
I love this chapter, if only for this line: “I can't take much more of this. I don't like being in a good mood. I don't know how to do it. I've had no practice at all.” It's just utterly perfect, and I can hear it, in his growl. I imagine Brienne was even more pleased with herself for that. But I did find myself nodding when he declined, the night before. He was right, and it was lovely to see him understand that.
And Tormund is wicked, just wicked. Such a tease!
Now, off to read more lovely things...
Chapter 13:
Podrick, poor lad. He is tougher than he looks, though, and truly, I can't imagine anyone not scared of facing the three of them.
Valyrian steel for Tormund, is it? He'll use it well, especially after that night he spent with Beric atop what wa sleft of the Wall. Jon Snow owes Tormund a greater debt than he would Clegane, so it does make sense to give the Tarly sword to Tormund for now.
But Clegane got me again: "What kills you is hope. Fucking hope." It's the sad truth, in their world. Hope is aluxury none of them can afford. They need to hold on to each day, and pray for a clean death, however unlikely that might be...
Chapter 14:
Ah, the bear story... gods, I hated the Boltons then with a passion. Brienne always was worth more than the bloody lot of them could ever dream, and all they saw was what their stunted greed showed them. And it was one of the few times I truly liked Jamie Lannister, too. His sense of honor has been seriously atrophied thanks to his bitch sister, but it manages to break free from time to time.
I did love how Clegane and Tormund wanted details, to hunt down any of the bastards who might still live. Really, they're yummy when being bloodthirsty. I imagine it would be the most delicious foreplay for them both, too.
And now the promise of fulfillment to warm their hearts while Brienne beats them senseless. How perfect! :D
Chapter 15:
I must say, I really am enjoying this slow burn. Honestly, rushing this would be the biggest crime, and you make such a meal of each step forward in their journey. It's prefect, because I can hear each of them, see each of them, and it's entirely true to them all. That is probably the most delicious thing about this story. They are each, all three of them, themselves.
Brienne's courage in admitting her fears is simply superb, and so much in character for her. I loved how neither Clegane nor Tormund attempted to pretend to know how she'd feel. It's that level of respect they have for her as a warrior which makes her so much more desireable as a woman, isn't it?
Chapter 16:
Oh, so close! Poor bastards, poor, poor bastards... Honestly, if anyone told me I'd feel sorry for Clegane or for Tormund, I'd have laughed at them. But I feel profoundly sorry for them, despite wondering how badly they'll get beaten come the morning.
Clegane is right, as ever, but dear gods, that poor bastard. :D
Chapter 17:
Oh, I spoke too soon in an earlier review! I have never been so tickled to see some of Lord Bolton's followers as I was in this chapter. And if anything, Clegane's kills were too nice and easy. I quite approve of Tormund's methods, however. Such a delightful weapon! He should give one to Clegane as a clan thing.
Now, do I think Brienne will approve? Possibly. Vicious as it was, it is still justice. Maybe not the kind you could talk about in a high sept, but still. Certainly no one at Winterfell would question that sort of justice.
The things the pair of them will do to please Brienne... :D
Well, that was a...bloody good time. Get it? Bloody?
*crickets*
...I'll show myself out.
^_^
Chapter 10:
I think this chapter cuts so close to the bone, in so many ways. It's almost painfully honest, how Clegane faces all his fears, and all his desires in such a short span. Tormund is right: Brienne would not thank either of them for protecting her, and she's earned better than that from them. And what's growing between Tormund and Clegane is no less powerful a bond, based on respect. That's something Clegane's never had, and Tormund would not expect south of the Wall, but it's perhaps more potent than love. Still, Tormund is going to have far too much fun with his pair of virgins, isn't he?
Really a sublime chapter, and I think it's needed. It feels right.
Chapter 11:
::applauds wildly::
Oh, Tormund, you mad bastard! If Clegane wasn't sure if he'd been bluffing, he's gotten his answer now, and in the most delightful way. Brienne is a most diligent student as well, and I'm fairly sure no one has ever made Clegane feel as throughly appreciated as she's done. And this line:
"He didn't know, but he did care, and he let her go as he came so as not to hurt her."
Right there, you've just made me adore Clegane. He doesn't have to know, but by all the gods, he does care. Lovely!