I Am The Brightest Amongst All

Someone else's boy You've had it so hard Will you grow up to be you? Or are some of your parts just hanging in the air? Trystane Martell 19 More than capable

[ababyviper-blog]

mail → daenerys targaryen || throughout 2008

[ofdragonblood]

May 5, 2008

Dear Trystane,

  Or would I address you as Mister Trystane Martell? I don’t think I’ve ever recieved a real letter before, handwritten or anything, everyone uses facebook these days. You do have facebook in England right? My brother Rhaegar? I don’t really know him. Of course! Viserys isn’t old enough to marry, or he is he just anyway, sorry. I don’t know how to write letters!

  I’m sixteen too!   When is your birthday? I don’t think we are really related, your aunt died, right? I think she had kids too, other cousins but I’ve never met them. I’ve never met anyone.

  So, I don’t know, I’ve never had a cousin. I guess it’s alright if you want! Though I think it’s rather special, only cousin in America, well there’s always Viserys. Yes, I go to school, I’m in high school do you call it high school over there? I don’t think you do, but maybe. I’m a sophomore, that’s 10th grade only two more until I graduate.

  It’s not too cold here, Connecticut only gets cold in the winter and now that it’s May (sorry I took so long to respond by the way!) it’s getting warmer every day! I’m glad you like real school, how tall are you?? I’m not too tall at all, and I don’t think I’ll get really tall, Viserys says I’ll be a small mouse forever. I don’t mind that too much, it’s easy to keep out of things when you’re small. I’m so glad to have heard from you, it is such a nice surprise! I don’t know Doran, but he sounds like a good dad, you’ll have to thank him for me for letting you write to me! 

  What’s it like to have a dad like with you all the time? I’ve never even met my father.

  I’m glad I have other family, Viserys always said there were people across the ocean for us, we just can’t go back. Anyways, I really hope you write back, how’s England? Is it really rainy all the time? My toes will stay really warm as summer gets here! I hope you don’t get too wet since it probably rains all the time. :)

                                                                                                                Daenerys

   PS. I’ve thought about it and it is definitely alright to call me cousin!

[ababyviper-blog]

May 18th, 2008

Dear Daenerys,  

   You can call me Trystane, Mister Trystane Martell would take up too much space. Well, this is my first or well, second time sending a letter, I hope I'm not doing too shabbily! I would have poked you on Facebook but I didn't want it to be weird and sudden. Then again, I suppose writing a letter was a little sudden. Is Viserys nice? I have two older siblings, but Quentyn and Arianne have always been too smart or too busy for me to tag along with. Still, they're really nice, I hope one day you'll be able to meet the Martell side of your family. Even if we aren't related in a proper way, you're still family :)

Well, if you're in high school, I guess secondary school is just the UK equivalent of high school? I'm not entirely sure, but we have forms here, not grades. Once I take my exams, I guess I can start interning at Martell Inc. 

   It must be nice! It's been warmer here as well, but still damp on occasion. The flu has been setting in, I got myself a slight case of the sniffles, but hopefully it's just that and nothing worse. Well, the last time I measured, I was somewhere around six feet. But that was months ago. I hope I don't grow anymore, it's a little weird. But the other boys are catching up, so everyone will forget about my height eventually. I'll be sure to pass on the sentiment. He seems pleased that I'm reaching out to you, anyway :)

Oh, I'm sure you can come back, if you want to! I asked my father about it, but he didn't say much, so I suppose there is some reason why you can't come back yet. Adults are very confusing but I guess it's for the best. I hope you'll be able to return soon though! I can show you around and teach you how to play video games. Do you like video games? My toes appreciate the concern, but I've forgotten about wearing socks entirely nowadays. It drives my teachers absolutely bonkers. Do you have a dress code at your school?

   Trystane

PS : I'm glad! There's no such thing as too many cousins :D

[ababyviper-blog]

mail → daenerys targaryen || throughout 2008

April 18th, 2008

To Miss Daenerys Targaryen,

   That started off a little stiff, didn't it? Sorry, I'm nervous. And I probably shouldn't have written that, but I've done it in ink and I can't find another paper that's decent and clean enough.

Hello! I'm Trystane. Martell, Trystane Martell. Your brother married my aunt, so I think that makes you my aunt-in-law, but that's a bit silly. I think you're around my age. I'm sixteen, how old are you? Would you mind terribly if I called you cousin? I already have plenty of those, but none in America.

  Is it cold there? It always rains here and the nights get chilly, but it's alright. Do you go to school? I was homeschooled for a bit, but now I'm in a proper school and it's alright as well. It's a little weird, being the tallest in class, but everyone's been nice. 

I'm sorry if this letter is a bit weird, but I got your address from my father! Doran Martell. He was a little confused, but I hope you don't mind me reaching out. 

   Hope your toes stay warm.

Trystane Martell.

[tysand]

the nearest famous city middle / trystane martell / sept. 12

Sterile walls, modern art: she sees her reflection in every purely decorative chrome corner and thinks she’ll go mad if she spends another minute in that apartment. It’s nice, of course—nice in that corner-of-the-mouth coo, nice like an upscale hotel with too-stiff sheets—but home, well, home is sunny estate full of black-haired children and fountain gardens and Doran’s call to supper. Home is a memory.

"Melodramatic," she mutters to the empty dining room, and before the word has a chance to echo, she’s digging through her closet for her latest pair of Saint Laurents. Her outfit choices for the gala dominate the spare surfaces of her bedroom: it’s only just occurred to her that her relatives might not be so inclined to preparation. Not that Obara would take her fashion advice. She had given up on that front years ago, albeit reluctantly and with much ado. Trystane, however? Color her shocked if her little cousin had so much as looked at a tie in the past six months. And he actually might appreciate her efforts, if only because Doran had made more of an effort to instill manners in his children than Oberyn had ever cared to.

The doorman hails her a cab outside of the apartment building. She feels a palpable relief upon exiting into the murky city air, reminding her for the thousandth time that while taking an apartment after university may have been the adult thing to do, she is not—and will never be—a creature of solitude.

And so when she arrives, her impatience leads her not to knock so much as crash through the door, although she tempers the graceless entrance with a dramatic curtsy. “You.” It’s a little breathless from the charge. “You need something to wear to the gala. It’s in three days!”

The last bit comes out as something more of a wail than intended, but she figures the occasion merits the drama. Nothing impassions Tyene Sand quite like a fashion emergency.

[ababyviper-blog]

Trystane isn't quite sure when he decided that getting a place closer to school would be wise, but the decision quickly turned sour and it only took him a good two weeks before he turned tail and returned home. Of course, there was still a small place for him in the city, for when school got too difficult and driving home was just out of the question. Even that was grudgingly accepted. If he could go home and come back in the morning with sufficient amount of sleep, he would do so. 

That attitude lead to a lot of sleeping in during the weekends and whenever his classes were cancelled. Today was such a day and thankfully the house was void of any cousins for now. He knew it wouldn't last too long, there was always someone there, but most nights were silent, lonely. He did miss the company of his father, sitting in the large armchair by the window, reading the day's newspaper or sipping on his strong black tea, but it was easy to bring the images back to mind, to pretend and he was getting very good at pretending.

Of course, it was still too earlier in the morning to even considering getting up. After a long night of programming, a cancelled day was somewhat of a blessing, since waking up mid-afternoon could be considered normal. Or would have been considered normal, had it not been for the sudden interruption that came in a form of his favorite (though that matter was up in the air at the moment) cousin, crashing through his room door without so much as a knock.

He briefly sends a pray of thanks to whatever God that was up there, because he was still dressed and not in his Spiderman boxers. 

"Wah..." His eyes narrow, ringed by dark circles, hair sticking up in odd places. There is a little bit of saliva drying on his chin, and he rubs at it sleepily, frowning at the dramatic image his cousin currently portrayed. "Three days is plenty of time." Apparently she did not think so. "I can just use my old tux and that orange tie I got for Christmas." He drops his head back onto the pillow, staring at her under the arm he had thrown over his eyes. "Orange is a nice color, right?"  

[ababyviper-blog]

phone call → rhaenys (september 19th)

[thefangsareback]

[Rhaenys bit her lip and stilled. She wasn’t exactly the spontaneous type, and she hadn’t prepared herself for a visit to the company’s headquarters today of all days. The rational part of her mind told her it wasn’t a big deal — just say yes, meet the family, get it over with, have a nice day. But it was fairly obvious that the dominant part of her mind wasn’t rational, which only meant she had to work harder to keep herself reasoned.]

Sounds grand. [It sounds forced even to her, and she’s barely listening to her own voice. She’d had to spit it out before she could change her mind, which was already happening. She considered an “Oh, actually, I can’t today …” but knew it wasn’t going to happen. What was the worst that could happen? She ends up severing ties with her family? It wasn’t as if she wasn’t used to that.]

One o’clock then? [Pounding on the keys yet again, something she was sucre Trystane could hear due to the trepidation in his voice, she quickly searched the address of Martell Steel Inc., narrowing her eyes at the faces that came up in correlation.] I’ll meet you there?

[ababyviper-blog]

[ Had he just imagined the tone of her voice? It lacked excitement, almost as though she was battling herself to agree. He wasn't sure what had come up when she searched his name, but Trystane was sure it couldn't possibly be as bad as what he had read about her. Still, even if his smile looked a little too false as he chanced a glance at his reflection, it was enough to push what little courage he had out, before it was swallowed by nerves. ]

Great! [ How could something he had been planning, practicing over, turn out to be so awkward so quickly? Most things did go tits up when it came to Trystane, and only a chosen few stuck around long enough to realize that underneath the stammering, unsure young man, was something interesting enough to be friends with. 

Just friends. 

He was too shy to actually approach a girl, and the last time he had tried, it ended up too embarrassing to even bring to mind. ] One o'clock sounds about right. Just ring me up if there's any trouble, I'll wait by the front desk.

[ A pause, followed by a brief gnaw on his bottom lip before he pushes the words out. ] See you later then, coz. 

[ababyviper-blog]

phone call → rhaenys (september 19th)

[thefangsareback]

[She tried to picture the face on the other side of the line — stern and serious? Friendly, even? She had no way of knowing, save for his welcoming tone. While he spoke, she punched his name in on her laptop keys, scrolling through the results like a jungle cat on the prowl. There were articles, interviews, quotes. She clicked images. She could see his silhouette captured in window frames, blurry motion-shots taken by reporters, an unassuming stance in the back of Martell family photos as Arianne and Oberyn took up the frame with their presence. After some digging, she found photos of him face on and up close — taken in what she assumed to be Martell Steel Inc. But even though they must have been taken in the last few years, they didn’t seem genuine enough for her to connect them to the voice that had — ah, shit. He’d stopped talking.

What had he been saying about a tour?] That sounds grand, Trystane. The jet-lag’s just about gone, so I’d be happy to stop by whenever you’d have me.

[ababyviper-blog]

[ Perhaps it was the volume level on his phone, but Trystane is almost certain that he heard the tapping of a keyboard. It was a sound that he heard very often, working for Martell Inc. and being one of their best computer engineers available, so perhaps it was just his ears playing tricks on him. Or maybe, Rhaenys was doing a search on him. 

Whatever it was, she would be sorely disappointed. Compared to his siblings and cousins, Trystane has lead a rather quiet life, only ever seen at his father's funeral, though even then, he stayed in the back, escaping during the memorial to hide in the kitchens. He had left Arianne to do the talking, representing both Quentyn and himself, since she was the best. The strongest. She could handle it.

Cowardly, but he never liked dealing with his emotions. 

Still, he couldn't let such thoughts sour his attitude regarding Rhaenys, especially since he was excited to have her back. ]

Well, it's still a bit early. [ What was it? Ten in the morning? And he had only just showered and brushed his teeth. ] If you're feeling up for it today, I could take you around after lunch? In three hours or so.

[ababyviper-blog]

phone call → rhaenys (september 19th)

[thefangsareback]

[She picks up on the fourth ring; it’s the first time someone’s called her on her London number, and she hadn’t recognized her own ringtone. The number wasn’t one she recognized, but that didn’t mean much. Surely she would know who was calling; some forgotten relative that would induce memories long supressed.

Trystane Martell — she couldn’t deny that the name rang a few bells. The recollections came back in a vague swarm, like a far off buzz of hornets, each individual indecipherable from the group. Son of Doran, wasn’t he? Nineteen? Twenty? She couldn’t say she was surprised that the first relative to call was one who couldn’t possibly remember her. All he’d know of her was what he’d seen in newspapers and articles. Yet he’d called anyway.]

Trystane Martell. [She didn’t have a Russian accent like her brother did, but her English sounded foreign all the same.] I — pleasure. I’ve been settling in alright. London’s been — [She cleared her throat selfconsciously, letting it harshly echo into the receiver.] London’s been treating me well.

[ababyviper-blog]

[ He had only ever heard of Aunt Elia, who had died before he was old enough to remember her and of his cousins, who had moved to Russia when they were young. Trystane was never quite sure of where he stood with the Targaryen relatives, but before this, he had left all the pleasantries to Arianne. He knew he wasn't worth much when it came to making his family proud, but he was well liked and less intimidating than some of his older cousins.

Maybe he could get Rhaenys to like him. She was still family, even if he didn't grow up around her like he did with the other girls. It was never too late to try and if he failed, at least Arianne would be there to fix things either way. 

Her English is rough, almost foreign to his ears, but he has watched movies and recognizes what a Russian accent sounds like, though the movies have highly exaggerated the sound of it. ]

That's good. [ He doesn't hold back the brief squeeze of the eyes at her throat clearing, but chooses smartly, not to comment on it. ] I'm sure it's not as cold as St. Petersburg. [ He reads the place of her previous life from the computer screen, before leaning back against the chair. ] Has Arianne contacted you yet? I think there were talks to showing you around Martell Inc.? If you're interested, of course. And not too tired. [ He is beginning to ramble, a little bit, out of nervousness. ]

[ababyviper-blog]

phone call → rhaenys (september 19th)

[ The news of his cousin's return had been accompanied with homicide accusations and though Trystane was no stranger to his family making the front headlines with a variety of scandalous actions, it had taken him a while to pluck up the courage to actually inquire about her. As far as he was concerned, the family was giving her some time to unpack and settle down, which was perfect if he only managed to get over the irrational fear of rejection and make the call.

She was still family, after all, even if he didn't know her that well. And he wanted to mend that, what with family drifting apart and dying. Inhaling deeply, he sat at the kitchen counter, tapping against the screen of his phone until Rhaenys' name popped up. A brief clench of the eyes, fingers hovering over the call button before he pressed it, lifting the device to his ear.

A ring, once, twice, thrice, cutting off just as the fourth started.]

Hello, Rhaenys? It's Trystane, Martell. [ He added on quickly, just so she wouldn't mistake him for anyone else. ] Welcome back. Have you settled in yet?

[myabaratheon]

when the levee breaks | trystane and mya [september 15]

[myabaratheon]

"No, you can’t." She agreed with a nod of her head, "Well, if you do, just say your date was a right complainer, and so you took her home, I don’t mind." She smiled, and looked around the room. "Of course I can drive, come on, we’ll go get something to eat." She put a hand on his back, and lightly pushed him forward. 

Was there a valet? She couldn’t remember, but once they had arrived at the car, she held her hand out for the keys, “Keys please, Trys.” She wiggled her fingers impatiently, the smile still firmly on her face however. Her stomach was growling now, she hadn’t even had any of those fancy party foods.

[ababyviper-blog]

Trystane could only offer her a slight quirk of the lip at her suggestion as she lead him out, chancing one glance behind him at the mingling crowd before they were out of the ballroom. He wasn't sure if she had been serious in offering to take the blame if anyone were to complain about his early leaving, but he would never shift the fault either way. He did want his family's approval of Mya. She wasn't like the usual type of friends he mingled with and perhaps that was why he was so worried about their approval.

She wasn't important, but if she were to use any information against him... 

He shook his head firmly, almost stumbling off balance for a second before he rummaged around for his keys. The valet had dropped the keys into his pocket some time earlier, after telling him where the car was positioned. "It's just a little further down." For a quick escape, in case there was a repeat of Sansa Stark's birthday disaster. Placing the keys in her hand, he returned her smile. "Even if I did blame you, I'd probably make up something gross so no one would talk bad about you. You're a friend, I don't like people talking bad about friends." 

[myabaratheon]

when the levee breaks | trystane and mya [september 15]

[myabaratheon]

Mya still smiled quickly, at Trystane’s remark. I should get him drunk more often, she thought amused, meaning well despite it all. Not plastered, or trashed, just giddily drunk, like he was now. Mya lightly patted Trys’ shoulder when he apologized for his cousins. Had she seen them around? They were…Like Trys, right? She looked around, and saw some other people who in theory looked like Trystane. Those had to be his cousins, right? Or was she just being racist?

"That’s alright, I can understand, adult stuff. Very….important.” She rolled her eyes, humour still lacing her voice and actions just from Trystane’s presence.

Finishing off the glass and setting it down on the nearest available space (which happened to be a chair), she furrowed her brow at her friend. “You don’t need to justify it, Trys. You’re an adult, you’re allowed to drink…” She shrugged again, “And so what if you do drink a lot, nothing wrong with that.” She couldn’t see a problem with it, she knew that some people had problems with alcohol, but what did that matter? It had nothing to do with Trystane.

"Good, I’d think you’d leave at least some to me anyway." She gave him a cheeky grin and nodded tersely. "God yes, fuck. I don’t know how you lot can survive on bloody finger sandwiches. Are you allowed to leave though?" She looked with narrowed eyes around the crowed, "Your cousins won’t be too cross at you if you do, right?"

[ababyviper-blog]

It was easy to see why he had liked Mya in the first place. Girls in general made him uneasy, especially if they weren't related to him, but Mya always knew what to say. She was funny to the point where it could be bitingly truthful, at least to Trystane, and he liked that. She didn't powder herself up either, so it was easy to be himself with her. "Never really understood adult stuff." he said softly, more to himself than to her, though he was sure she had heard it. Trystane did not mean to say it out aloud, but his tongue was frighteningly loose right now. 

He was worried about what his cousins would say. About what his sister would say. But Trystane had been sitting (or standing and talking, but that was for a good fifteen minutes or so before he crawled back to the shadows) here for a solid two hours or so. That was enough to count as attendance. "I'm so hungry. I could eat all of those sandwiches, but I can't. This wouldn't be a problem if I could just eat them all." He would probably get sick, but those fingers sandwiches were addicting. 

"I...I dunno." He didn't care. Did he care? A little bit maybe, if he wasn't so fuzzy. But now he was just hungry and his stomach was put first. Trystane could deal with the consequences later. "You can drive? I don't wanna accidentally hit something or someone. "

[myabaratheon]

when the levee breaks | trystane and mya [september 15]

[myabaratheon]

Mya gave him a smirk, rolling her eyes as she sipped from her own glass. “A lot of a few, yeah?” She had to admit, it was quite funny, seeing Trystane a little giddy. She still didn’t know him terribly well, but he always seemed to be tightly wound up. 

It was a welcome change, she thought. That was, until he continued speaking. It wasn’t his mostly correct assumption that she had a problem with, it was the words he said after. It helps, drinking because it helps.

Helps what? She wondered. It wasn’t her business though, what Trystane did with his alcohol, but she still was curious if not a bit concerned. Not that she’d tell him, or even act like it.

Mya shrugged, “No, not really. It’s just grown up fizzy drink in truth, Trys.” She smirked with a laugh on her lips. She sobered up, just a bit, and addressed Trystane again, “So, you need alcohol to help? Champagne isn’t going to do shit for you, mate. You’d have to drink the rest of the glasses here.” 

[ababyviper-blog]

Trystane nodded his head at her question, missing the amused smirk she sent his way as he stifled a small yawn, quickly glancing around afterwards to make sure no one noticed. He didn't want anyone thinking that the event was so bad that he was drinking his boredom away. He was drinking for an entirely different reason, somewhat related to the event but also not. The yawning was just from a tiring day. "Grown up fizzy drinks are fun, then." he said smartly, giving her a quick smile.  

It was nice to see Mya happy, even if it was at his expense. Trystane had been worried about bringing her as his date, worried that people might snub her or that they might be mean to her. He liked having her as a friend since she reminded him a lot of his cousins, who liked mess with him whenever he had girl problems. Or just problems in general. He knew it was all in good fun though, and it was the same with Mya. "Sorry you didn't get to see my cousins. They're all busy, doing adult stuff."

He waved his hand, dismissing the thought. "I don't drink a lot." he said, like it was a fact that needed to be stated. "And I could totally drink all of those glasses. But I'm a nice, considerate person. So I won't." Besides, he was getting a little sick of champagne, hungry for some Pepsi and pepperoni pizza. "I'm hungry. Are you hungry?"

[myabaratheon]

when the levee breaks | trystane and mya [september 15]

Not much had happened after the impromptu meeting with Myrcella. Though Mya had to say, it was quite interesting. Seeing Trystane blush, and stammer his way through a conversation with the lass was quite humourous.

They had parted ways however, and for the remainder of the night, she saw Trystane with a glass of champagne, always differentiating in amounts. When she looked one time, it was half, and then it was full, another was empty. She herself had kept to at least two…maybe three, but this was her first Gala. She was going to have fun. Most likely, she’d never step foot back in one of these functions again. 

And that was okay, to Mya. Seeing the high society life tonight just made her realize how ok she was with being normal, or at least unknown. Though she was a bit annoyed with some of the looks, whether they were wondering how she got in here, or why she wasn’t wearing a dress, Mya wanted to sock them all in their pristine upturned noses. The nobles in Wales never scoffed at her, or sneered. Perhaps that was because of the Arryn household looming over her head. These people didn’t exactly know she was their’s. And then, she truly wasn’t. 

She was just a simple maid’s daughter, so she let them roll their eyes, or throw her questioning looks, it didn’t bother her one bit. 

"How many have you had?" She said, previously noticing that Trystane had wandered off again. He was doing that, she noticed. Maybe he didn’t want to be seen with her, or maybe he didn’t want Myrcella seeing him with her, or at least give her the impression that they weren’t "together". Mya had given herself a smirk as she spotted him. 

"It better not be more than me, I won’t have you showing me up in champagne drinking." She laughed, looking at her friend. To be honest, Mya hated champagne, she prefered her liquors to be a bit harder, even a stout lager would suffice.

[ababyviper-blog]

Trystane wasn't exactly fond of alcoholic drinks as a rule, excluding the occasional beer or three with the mates whenever he could. But even with the hired security at every entrance, looking sharp in their pressed suits and weapons ever at the ready, he still felt a bit worried. Paranoid would be another word for it, choking him until he felt nauseated. The only time it would ease off was when he was drinking and though there was some blood-orange punch mingled with some sort of soda water, he still wanted to seem grown up with the champagne flutes and little sandwiches he popped into his mouth every once in a while.

He wouldn't lie and say he was completely sober, but he wasn't embarrassingly drunk either. Trystane wasn't an idiot; he knew that if he made a scene at the party, either his sister or his cousins would get photographic evidence of it and possibly never let him live it down. He very rarely lost control. No, he had enough in his system to relax, and if it made him a little more vocal with his feelings than usual, he saw no harm in that. Trystane only just hoped that he wasn't going to walk up to Myrcella and ask her what he did to give her the impression of being 'just friends'. 

Making sure to stick close to Mya (except for when he wandered off), he felt the tips of his ears turn slightly hot at her question. "A few." he managed to squeak out, not really wanting her to know he wasn't exactly in top form right now. "A few. A lot. A lot of a few." he said, grinning at her. 

"You don't peg me as a champagne girl." Trystane wanted to punch himself. He didn't want to assume he knew Mya and he was sure she preferred him keeping those assumptions to himself. She hardly seemed like the type to let him pass judgement (even if he was right) without much comment. "I don't even like champagne. I'm just drinking cause it helps. A little. Which is why I'm drinking a lot."

[ababyviper-blog]

text message → lancel (september 22nd)

[lannisterlancel]

message: hey, good to hear from you! pizza and movies sounds perfect right now. + i’ve some beer in the fridge i could bring over

message: i’m good! i mean i had a gf now i don’t and it sucked but I’m over it

message: how about you? what have you been up to?

[ababyviper-blog]

Message : beer would be the best thing ever, tbqh. all i have is girly pink champagne that i got for myrcell

Message : o man, that sucks D: should i bring out some consoles then? nothing a good game can't fix

Message : eh, nothing much. back and forth with work and school, i need a break

[ababyviper-blog]

text message → lancel (september 22nd)

Message : hey man, you wanna come over for pizzas and a rambo marathon?

[He waits for a moment, frowning. It's been a while since he's spoken to Lancel. He had seen him, briefly at the gala, but had been preoccupied with keeping Mya entertained]

Message : how are you, btw? haven't spoken to you in a while

[myabaratheon]

man, look what we found here einstein | trystane, mya and myrcella [dialogue; september 15 (martell gala)]

[myabaratheon]

[It’s nearly instantaneous, how quick it takes for Mya to be out of the loop. Martell Steel, she didn’t exactly know what that was, only that Trystane’s family ran it. Obviously. She busies herself, looking between the pair as they chat about things she’s not involved with. It doesn’t bother her, at all, in fact. It’s a welcome relief that they have something to talk about together, even if she’s not apart of it. 

She watches Trystane’s face react to Myrcella’s words before switching to watch Myrcella. She’s a little more than gorgeous, standing there in her dress and her air that speaks of royalty. And how lucky is Mya to be friends with one of these people? To gain entrance to events and the doors that her mother and probably her father would never have dreamed of. 

Though all too quickly, the conversation includes her again as Myrcella talks directly to her.] Oh, that’s nice. We just met at university. [She watches Myrcella’s face, maybe she was expecting something else, or maybe she has another idea, but that’s just it. There aren’t any other ideas. It was university, and they’re friends, but it was funny to question how they ‘met’ for some reason.] I had been out of sorts, looking for the art department. He took it upon himself to assist me. [She lightly rolls her eyes and smiles before asking Myrcella,] Do you go to university?

[ababyviper-blog]

Security? [He grins, amused at the thought, though Trystane didn't want to voice his opinions. For all he knew, Myrcella probably had a black belt in some defense class] I think IT would suit you, the boy wouldn't mind.

[The boys would probably take to teasing him, but they knew better than to mess with Myrcella. Thinking of Myrcella working next to him, with him, was a bit nerve wracking though, since that office was where he was allowed to relax, to play video games and just brush off responsibilities for a moment. If she saw him like that, would she think him a slob?

There is a brief sense of relief and perhaps a tad bit of embarrassment when Myrcella shifts the subject over to Mya again, asking how they met. Going so long without talking to Myrcella (he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by texting her silly things like he used to do; just friends, she had been clear), it was easy to slip back into his old skin, rubbing the front of his shoe against the back of his pant leg, an old habit that betrayed his emotional state] 

In my defense, she looked lost.

[He throws him hands up slightly, shrugging his shoulders with a small smile on his face, fond and slightly cheeky. The initial worry he had of Myrcella and Mya not getting along was slowly disappearing, though he hoped no awkward questions would arise] I proved to be a great friend though, didn't I? [He directs the question to Mya, glancing over at her]

Not so much a good guide though.

[myabaratheon]

man, look what we found here einstein | trystane, mya and myrcella [dialogue; september 15 (martell gala)]

[myabaratheon]

myrcella-lnnstr:

[ababyviper-blog]

Thanks. [She turns to smile at him before dusting the lapel of his suit with a slight brush of her fingertip.] You clean up well too, Martell.

[Friend. It’s a word that rings too loudly in her ears. Friend. A friend like herself, Myrcella wonders. Did she and Trystane eat lunch together too? He probably told her that sushi was an original fancy picnic food in Japan too… ‘

Trystane’s friend’ does nothing to ease her but she smiles anyway and offers a hand towards Mya] Myrcella. [She says, holding a firm grip on Mya’s hand as she shakes it.] Pleased to meet you.

I… I did actually. [It’s a simple reply to his question; half tempted before to lie and say she had not gone with anyone that night. But she knows better. Trystane will see it for himself the next morning. Her name printed next to Viserys’ and Trystane will have to deem her a liar then.So, instead she leaves Viserys’ name unsaid. After all, he’s… somewhere within the crowd inside the Water Gardens; not here beside her] But just a friend, too.

[You could have asked me, she thought. And yet -

And yet, he had asked Mya instead. And she, Viserys. 

She can’t fault him for that. Besides, she had seen little and spoke only every so often to Trystane since the summer had ended. Him and Mya must have known each other longer; must be closer to one another]

That’s a lovely suit. [Myrcella says brightly, tilting her head to the side as she looks at Mya’s outfit.] Interesting choice. [A beat. Myrcella clears her throat.] Care to share that mad idea? I’d love to hear it.

[She doesn’t know why it bothers her, that Trystane grabs her hand, maybe it’s that he’s still holding her hand, even after they ended up in front of Myrcella. Nevertheless, she hides her discomfort behind that smile, and shakes Myrcella’s hand. She’s impressed by the grip, strong, and firm. Looking to Trys, she gives him a small smile.

Standing among them, she notices a faint tension between the two. Something that would allude to feelings, but mostly, for Trystane’s sake, she hopes that Myrcella feels jealous. It would be…interesting, to see them interact after tonight. Obviously, it seems like it was a missed opportunity that they didn’t just ask each other. Though Myrcella has brought someone as well, so there are plenty of things to feel on both ends. 

Mya looks down, at her ensemble before giving Myrcella another warm smile. The complement sounds genuine, but Myrcella wouldn’t have a reason to lie, right?] Thank you, I’ve never really liked dresses. [She pauses, looking at Myrcella’s pale pink dress.] Though yours is nice. 

[She asks about that ‘mad’ idea, and Mya can’t hide her smirk. Maybe it’s because, the truth was in fact, funnier.] Oh, just coming over here, Trys didn’t really want to. Dunno why, you’re rather lovely. Besides, I was looking forward to meeting you. [Mya raises her eyebrows, and looks back and forth between the pair of them.]

[Myrcella's finger brushes against his suit and a breath catches in his throat before Trystane coughs slightly, drawing a bit of attention from a few people around them. The tips of his ears burn with embarrassment and he manages a small smile in return for her compliment. It does worry him a bit, because now there were a few people sneaking not so discreet looks at their way, but Trystane had bounced back from that minor incident without much problem. Now it just looked like a bunch of teenagers talking to each other. 

The girls shake hands and he tries to see if there's any hostility in Myrcella's gaze. But Trystane hasn't never been too good at reading people and she looks pleasant enough. Mya just looks amused and he wants to pinch her for that but he settles with squeezing her hand. Don't say anything to embarrassment me, he wants to say, to kick his feet and grumble because she is obviously finding much more joy in his distress. But Mya is smiling and so is Myrcella, so Trystane can't bring himself to ask who Myrcella's date was. No use spoiling everything]

Oh. 

[It sounds a bit silly to his ears, but it's better than coming off as some sort of nosy friend who once had feelings for her. That probably would sent wrong vibes to her. He nods in agreement with Mya's words when she says that Myrcella's dress is nice, his head bobbing up and down so quickly that his neck begins to ache. Myrcella looks like a princess]

I didn't want to make things weird. [He said, face pulling into a comical sort of pout, nudging Mya. He feels a bit more at ease now, so his grip on her hand loosens for a few seconds before he lets go altogether] I am glad Mya dragged me over here though, it's been a while. [He sounds mature, grown up, so Trystane manages a grin, boyish and cheeky]

Will you be coming back to Martell Steel, Myrcella? [He doesn't really know what to ask but it seems like an alright question to his ears] 

[myabaratheon]

man, look what we found here einstein | trystane, mya and myrcella [dialogue; september 15 (martell gala)]

[myabaratheon]

Shh, this is a great idea! [She says in a whisper, whipping her head back to give him a look where her eyes were glaring, but she was grinning at the same time. As they get closer, Mya can see her better. She’s all fresh-faced, light warmth in her cheeks, bright eyed, and very pretty. Mya smiles warmly at her, watching the way the light catches the curls in her hair. She holds herself up good, which is good, means she wasn’t a pushover. Not that Mya knew for sure, Trystane only ever said good, pretty…kind things about her.

Mya didn’t know that she had heard Trystane. She gives him a slap on the arm and grins at the boy. Of course he’d be dreading this, but should he? No, he shouldn’t. Maybe of what the girl would think of her, or…them going to this gala together. There’s a brief moment of stupidity, in which Mya thinks maybe Trystane would be emba- but that escapes as quickly as a light switching off.] 

Bad idea? No, no. Mad! Mad idea, he said. Always mumbling… [Her eyes go wide and she shakes her head, laughing a bit.] I’m Mya, [She introduces, holding out her hand. It isn’t something she normally does, the formalities and everything. Of course she’s been exposed to it, through the Arryns, but none of it truly ever stuck. She only does so now because Trystane is her friend, and she definitely wouldn’t want to make him or herself look bad.] Trystane’s friend.

[Just want to clear that up right now. She thinks, knowing that Trystane likes her. Even though messing with him would be fun, she wouldn’t want to do it to ruin his chances with this girl. Though from what he said, he’d been reserved for lunch dates and the like. Friends who go on lunch dates... pitiful.]

[ababyviper-blog]

[The closer they got to Myrcella, Trystane couldn't help but notice the way she smiled, all practiced and beautiful and though his heart sank to his stomach, his footsteps weren't all that hesitant anymore, just a bit slower. To know that she heard his exclamation was a bit embarrassing and he managed to put on a grin just to play along with Mya's idea.

He knew that if he didn't, Mya would probably stab him with her glare again. She was actually quite scary. Again, he couldn't help but think that she would fit in perfectly in a Martell dinner party]

Hey Myrcella. [Suddenly he is the shy nineteen year old that tentatively messaged the girl with the bright gold hair. Mya seems to have no problem with introducing herself though and he feels a bit silly for not doing it for her. Thankfully she adds on 'Trystane's friend', which does little to ease his worry but at least it clears things up.

He didn't want Myrcella getting the wrong idea.

But he did. 

Just to see if she was going to be jealous.

Inhaling softly, he squeezed Mya's hand lightly, just to let her know that he wasn't going to run away, not now] You look very pretty today. Not that you don't look pretty everyday. [He adds on quickly, though a small, spiteful voice in his head adds that he hasn't seen her in a while anyway]

Did you come with anyone? 

[myabaratheon]

man, look what we found here einstein | trystane, mya and myrcella [dialogue; september 15 (martell gala)]

[It seems to Mya that the hardest part of the night had been over. Coming into the place was much more nerve wracking than actually being here. She can blend in, she supposes…and everyone is too high up on themselves to notice her anyway. She reminds herself that she’s no one to these posh people, and that makes her walk more confidently, back straighter. She’s a common folk to them, and yet she stands among relative royalty of the London’s elite. She’s drinking their champagne, and touching their chairs. 

She finds herself at a small table, standing with a glass of champagne in one hand. The other grasps the edge of the table in a vise like grip. Trystane is next to her, looking rather lost, even though his family is hosting this. She wonders if she’ll get to meet any of them, if he’ll think to introduce her. Though it’s been awhile since Trystane has said anything to her, or anything at all. He keeps staring off, eyes wandering. She wonders if maybe he’s looking for family until he finds him staring straight ahead at a girl for much too long.

She looks at him, fixes her eyes in the direction he’s starring in and yep, totally staring at that blonde girl. But wait, she- no, she couldn’t be.] Who’re you staring at? [Then it clicks. She gives a laugh, putting a hand lightly on Trys’ forearm. Mya shakes him out of the stupid gaze he’s fixed upon her]

That’s her isn’t it? We should go say hello! [She grins, more amused than anything and twists him about, aiming to head for the girl.]

[ababyviper-blog]

[The whole thing is rather uneventful, the lull of voices talking over voices and women who smelt like they've spilled perfume on their dresses was not what he had expected. Of course, there were family members and the people were mingling. Perhaps if Trystane actually said hello to someone, his opinion of the whole thing would change, but from his seat in the corner, nothing seemed to be interesting.

Nothing but a familiar face (bright green eyes and golden hair, a dusting of freckles and a cutting smile that makes his heart beat a little faster and his stomach sink at the same time) keeps him occupied. It's probably a little weird, staring at Myrcella and looking away every time someone noticed, but it had been a while since they last spoke.

A small part of him feels guilty for not really keeping his promise to Mya. He did promise a fun night, but so far she had dutifully stood by him, sipping her champagne. He had seen Tyene's smile when he had entered, Nymeria had given him a wink, Uncle Oberyn was here somewhere and Rhaenys showed up as well. There were plenty of people to talk to, plenty of people to introduce Mya to. He wishes he could find it in himself to joke or to lean over and whisper, because he wants Myrcella to see him, he wants her to see him with Mya, but he doesn't want her to get the wrong idea.

It's all very confusing and the only thing that snaps him out of his thoughts is Mya's hand on his arm] What? [He blinks and glances over at her, ears growing hot at the fact that he was cause staring at someone] 

No, Mya, this is a bad idea. [He puts a little more pressure on his feet but Mya is surprisingly strong for a girl. She tugs and he skids a little against the carpet. A few people turn to stare so he huffs softly and stands up a bit straighter, letting her pull him to his doom.] This is a bad idea. [He grumbled under his breath, knowing she could very well hear him]