lady alia

[rowlinstafford]

Sibling Affections | Rowlin & Alia

[rowlinstafford]

“Get up, you stupid girl.” He commanded her, kicking her with his foot, “And stop your crying. I can’t stand the wailing of women.” As she rose, he realized he liked the look of her. With her eyes downcast, face tearstained, and her cheek already turning a bright red, she had the look of someone who had been defeated. And defeated by him. 

“You are lucky that I am such a good brother,” He began, “I will not strike you again. Not now anyway, nor ever again if you prove to be agreeable.” That he he expected that to happen. Sometimes her very presence annoyed him. He saw that many preferred this sad excuse for a woman to him. What merits did she possess? He would show them all how weak and stupid she really was. 

“You are nothing but a pretty face,” He sneered, aloud, “Ha, soon you won’t even have that,” He continued, smirking, “Once that cheek begins to swell.” 

He took the only seat in front of the fire and leaned back in it. He absentmindedly rubbed his forefinger and thumb together as he thought. “Now, dry your eyes. We have your future to discuss. There is still the matter of your future husband. You cannot stay here and rely on my charity forever.”

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia flinched when he kicked her before gathering what little strength she could muster and pushing herself upward, clamoring to her feet. She quickly wiped at her cheeks, trying to pretend like she hadn’t been crying--she didn’t need to be slapped on the other cheek for disobeying his commands. She fixed her gaze intently on the floor, too timid to look at him. “I am,” she said meekly. “I will be the very definition of agreeable, dearest brother. You shan’t hear another complaint cross my lips, for I am positive I will have nothing to complain about whilst I reside under your roof.”

She wanted to touch her cheek, to console herself because there was no one else here to do it for her, but she was too frightened of him to move. She merely nodded her head slowly. “Surely it was my own doing,” she whispered. “I should have known better than to speak ill of my kind brother.” Where in the world is Isolde?

She stepped back and out of the way as he took her seat, clasping her hands over her skirts as he spoke again. “I will stay here no longer than my sweet brother allows me to,” she said softly. “Have you begun searching for my husband, my lord?”

[renfrymoran]

Roses & Spiders | Renfry & Alia

A less extreme man would have considered Alia Stafford as a useful pawn long ago, but Renfry Moran wanted what he wanted and nothing less. Still, even he knew that winning the North for himself would take ages, if nothing was to be suspected. And in the meantime, if he could see Rowlin and his brother out of the way, Alia would be heir to the North and her husband would rule in her name. 

Of course, he would have to find a young man as easily manipulated as Alia herself should prove to be, but that was not something he worried over. The North was filled with idiots. And while he had no desire to be a puppet master behind the scenes, it would serve until he could make the North his own. 

In the meantime, he supposed he ought to start by being nice to the girl.

He groaned internally at the thought, but straightened and smiled when he saw her come down for dinner.  “Ah, there you are, my pretty little niece,” He said, “You’ve certainly grown up, haven’t you?” Renfry truly hadn’t noticed until he looked at her now. When he thought of her, he still imagined her to be a young girl of one and ten - if that - but it seemed she was more like twice that as she stood before him now. 

He had lived with her at Castle Stafford for years, but had never had any reason to give her a second look until this moment. She was a very quiet sort of girl and she tended to blend into the background, especially when surrounded by her rather loud family. 

“I don’t think I should have known you, if you did not look exactly as your mother used to.” He offered her his arm, “Will you allow me to lead you into the hall?”

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia wished Isolde could accompany her at all times. Perhaps if she were a lady, she would not have to disappear into the belly of the castle at random times throughout the day. She had the power to bring Isolde with her to dinner, she knew, but she also knew how much that would displease her brother and she was trying to do all she could to stop drawing his ire. She wanted to keep her face and body in one piece if she were to every marry and escape the hell she’d been left in. Apart from dear Isolde’s presence, of course.

Isolde had left for her own dinner, promising to return the moment she had finished eating, so Alia was on her own. She made her way down the staircase when she heard a voice call out to her. She turned her head to look and see who it was, a look of surprise crossing her face when she realized it was her uncle. “Uncle Renfry,” she said, curtsying before him. “Well--yes, I suppose I have,” she replied confusedly. She’d seen this man on a near daily basis for years, and he was just now noticing her growing up? She wasn’t too surprised, if she were to be honest with herself. She lifted a brow as he offered his arm before nodding--who was she to refuse him. “Of course, Uncle,” she said, pushing a smile. “I should be delighted for you to escort me to the hall.”

[danylreston]

Keep it Secret | Danyl & Alia

Danyl had spent the night out drinking with Roderick Fray and all he wanted to do was sleep. But the constant bustle in the kitchens made it difficult to get a moment’s rest and in the end, it only contributed to his headache. 

Castle Stafford was one of the biggest castles in Aragoth: the Staffords tended to breed like rabbits and the stronghold had to be able to hold all of them, as well as the many guests that the Warden may have at any given time. The last lord and lady had died off before they could have more than two children and so the place was looking a bit empty. Not that Danyl minded. There were stretches of empty rooms where no one ever went. 

He picked one such room and lay down upon the sofa, which was more comfortable (hard as it was) than any bed he had ever slept in. He didn’t know how long he had been sleeping, when he jolted awake, suddenly aware that someone else was there.

“Ah, my lady!” He said, jumping up as quickly as though it had been Lucian Moran or Rowlin Stafford who had found him. He bowed low, “Forgive me, I – well, I only meant to rest for a moment. Please, I beg you, don’t tell Lord Stafford about this. He’d surely have me dismissed and I – well, I have many mouths to feed,” He lied. He didn’t want Rowlin Stafford to ever see him: he would surely know Danyl for the thief he is. 

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia had taken to a walk about the castle, needing some time alone to clear her head. Rowlin was out doing--well, whatever it is that awful boy did, and Alia couldn’t have been more grateful. Still, the threat of her brother’s return loomed, and she decided hiding out in a wing of the stronghold her brother rarely visited was a good way to hide from his ire. Hiding, it seemed, was her only form of defense when her aunt and best friend were nowhere to be found.

Besides, Alia found great joy in wandering the out-of-use halls and rooms where she lived. She liked to think on the people who came before, what they might have done and seen in these rooms. She liked to imagine the happiest stories she could think of: lovers meeting for a secret tryst, mothers doting upon their children, men celebrating after returning from war. She was about to sit down on the couch when she realized someone was already there. She gasped, startled, then jumped when he man suddenly bolted upright.

“I--” she began, offering a small smile. “I won’t tell my lord brother,” she assured him, giving him a quid curtsy. “Your secret is safe with me, dear...?”

[rowlinstafford]

Sibling Affections | Rowlin & Alia

[rowlinstafford]

“Indeed. Let you think on that the next time you decide to speak that way to me. Upon your nameday, I should have you cast into the snow like the ungrateful little halfwit that you are. But I won’t do that. I would never do that, I promise.” He smiled softly at her for a moment, as though he truly cared about her. But even Rowlin knew that casting her from the castle would afford her a more comfortable home than she had here. She may not have her feather beds and fine gowns, but surely that silly little Martel girl would house her and Rowlin suspected that Alia would much rather live in a little cottage tucked away from him than here with all the benefits of being Lady Stafford – which is why he would always keep her close. 

She was his, after all, to torment. 

“Good. You and the rest of our family should do well to remember that.” Alia hadn’t been the only one to give him such an unfortunate gift. But this year would be different. Last year he was a child still, but now he would be a man and lord in the north. 

“That will leave a pretty bruise,” He said, grinning to himself as he bent over her. “Shall I give you one for the other cheek to match?” He asked, tauntingly. “Or perhaps you won’t care to show your face at all now? What will you tell them all when you show up looking like an uncooperative whore? Will you tell them how you displeased your brother, their lord? Or will you lie and say how slipped on the stairs? Either way, I can’t imagine it will gain you many admirers. Not that you would have any, without it.” 

[aliastafford-blog]

Maybe if I stay down here, she thought. He’ll stop. Maybe he won’t hit me again if I try not to fight back. Apart from the fingers on her cheek, Alia laid completely motionless against the floor, frozen with fear by her brother’s actions and words. The slap to her face felt as if it had traveled all the way into her cheekbone and she thought of Isolde, and how Isolde was always trying to get her to show them off. She’d need to see if she could pull a veil or two out of her wardrobe to cover her face. “Th-thank you, my lord, my dearest brother,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I am forever grateful for your shelter and protection--I will never forget all the wonderful things you have done, so many things many sisters cannot say of their brothers.” Her mouth hung open as if she were going to say more, but the words caught in her throat--the lies she was spewing to save her skin made her sick, but it was better than being bruised from head to toe because his ego wasn’t sufficiently stroked.

She choked out a sob, desperately trying to cover it with a cough as she cowered from her spot on the floor, pulling a hand protectively over her head, her whole arm shaking with fear, as if this were the first time Rowlin had ever striken her. It will not be the last, she reminded herself. “I b-beg you, my l-lord,” she stammered out, her voice thick with emotion. “Have mercy on your p-poor, lost sister. Take p-pity on me, for I am only a s-stupid, he-helpless woman in desperate n-need of your g-g-guidance.” She sent a silent prayer up to the Gods, begging them to send someone to her aid. “I would n-never tell the people you hit me, for what could be further from the truth?” She doubted very much that Rowlin cared what people thought of him, otherwise he would not behave as he did, but just in case, she knew better than to place blame on him.

[rowlinstafford]

Sibling Affections | Rowlin & Alia

[rowlinstafford]

He stood close to her for a moment, his face unreadable. He let the moment last as he savored her words. She was weak and she was afraid of him. There were few people who cowered before him as she did, but when he was warden, he would watch them all grovel. He broke into a smile suddenly, watching his face as he did, “I’m so glad to hear it, sister. It is my fault, I suppose. Sometimes, I mistake your weaknesses for something far more sinister. But you would never disobey me, would you?” 

Part of him knew what she was doing, but he couldn’t resist the urge to brag. “Yes, yes. You are right. I have been extremely busy. My nameday is in less than a fortnight,” He announced, proudly, “Have you given any thoughts as to my presents?” He asked, “Surely, I don’t need to remind you of last year’s fiasco.” 

Alia had presented him with a priceless book that had recounted the tales of the kings of old, but Rowlin had thrown it at her feet in front of everyone, asking her what he was to do with that. 

“But I shouldn’t worry, sweet sister. I will always find time for you.” 

He turned on her quickly when she began to plead with him about Remembrance Day and the next moment, the back of his hand flew across her face with all of his strength, knocking her to the floor. “You stupid, stupid girl!” He yelled, “How dare you talk back to me! I am your Lord and you will show me the respect I deserve. This will be the last Remembrance Day, I swear it. And if you wish to attend it, you will learn to be seen and not heard.” 

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia quickly shook her head, knowing better than to wait too long to answer her brother. “No, my lord. I would never disobey you, not when I live in your castle and under your most generous protection.” Her voice shook as she spoke, nearly mimicking the shaking motions of her body. She bit her lip after she finished speaking, trying to rein in her fear, though she knew without Aunt Sysley or Isolde that her fear--and Rowlin’s tongue--would roam free until he decided to leave her at peace.

Alia kept her gaze down as he spoke, hoping he would take as a sign of respect instead of fear. “No, dearest brother, you need not remind me,” she said gently. “My gift to you will be infinitely better this year than the last. Allow me to apologize, again, for presenting you with something so displeasing to you.”

The only thought that ran through Alia’s mind as she flew out of her chair and hit the floor was: I should have known better. She should have known better than to say such things--thinking them in the privacy of her mind was one matter, but voicing them, giving them life and letting them fall upon Rowlin’s ears? She would be lucky if she were able to show her face at the Remembrance Day feast in a fortnight after he was through with her. She fell flat on her face, too stunned to catch herself before she hit the floor. She didn’t get up; she didn’t stir. She merely laid there, whimpering, tears flooding her eyes from shock and the pain of hitting the floor and the sting in her cheek. Lightly, she pressed her fingertips to her cheek, her pale skin turned pink by the contact. “I-I’m sorry,” she whimpered, her voice meager, weak, defenseless. “I apologize, my lord, for forgetting who I was talking to and addressing you in such a disrespectful way.”

[rowlinstafford]

Sibling Affections | Rowlin & Alia

[rowlinstafford]

“Indeed, you should.” He said, stepping close to her. “And as much as it pleased me to hear you say it, sometimes, I wonder if you truly are.” He sneered. “When I come to seek you out, you are almost always hiding behind our aunt or that silly serving woman.” 

One day, he’d take them both from her. One day, she’d have no where to hide.

“You wouldn’t want things to become worse for you, would you?” He asked, taking a step back, his eyebrow raised. “I would advise you not to avoid me in the future, sweet sister. Is this not much more enjoyable?” He questioned. “We never spend much time together anymore, just the two of us.” Rowlin hated his aunt and he hated Isolde Martel. They both had different ways of doing it, but in the end, Rowlin often left before he could speak much with his sister. 

And she was stronger with them there, he had found. He liked her as she was now: someone who would bend easily to whatever he said. 

“Are you looking forward to Remembrance Day?” He asked, smirking, “How happy you will be to mingle amongst the peasants. They are too simpleminded to see your all of your flaws. Enjoy it while it lasts, I mean to do away with the tradition, when I am warden in the north.” 

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia cowered as he drew nearer, internally hating herself for being unable to make herself impervious to Rowlin’s words. Her defenses were down--Aunt Sysley was nowhere to be found, and the Gods only knew when Isolde would return with their tea. Her gaze found her shoes as she spoke. “I am grateful,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “How could I not be with such a caring and devoted brother at my side?”

She swallowed hard, feeling her body relax just slightly as he stepped back. Rowlin didn’t usually strike her--he used his guards for that--but any figure hovering over her in such a manner still instilled the fear of being beaten in her until they retreated. She looked at him briefly before turning her eyes back to her book. “I dearly miss spending time with you,” she lied, knowing better than to tell the truth. Rowlin need only step into the hall to draw a guard in and within moments, she would have a bloody lip. “I assure you, dearest brother, I have not been avoiding you. I believe your increasing responsibilities have kept us apart.” While she was grateful for the distance, she knew he would be no warden she wanted to live with.

She smiled to herself, careful to conceal it from Rowlin. “I am, rather. I--” She cut herself off, turning her gaze upon him, her brows furrowed together. “You--You’re going to do away with Remembrance Day?” she breathed. “You can’t! You know how important the celebration is to the north!”

[roderickfray]

OOC | Roderick & Alia

[roderickfray]

When it comes right down to it, I think Roderick is ultimately not a bad person but he just has alot of baggage and he’s just idek he’s a total mess HAHAHAHAHA and he does aloooot of bad things and is just like, “Not my problem,” and yeah that makes him fun to play but he’s def a piece of work hahahaha

Uggggh, poor Alia, though!  *huggles*  Yeah, tbh, Roderick wouldn’t want to hurt her at all and I mean, LOOK at her, he’s def v attracted to her, he just has emotional ADD and can’t stop and look at one when there are soooo many skirts out there to chase, and Alia’s great bc she’s kind, beautiful, and also comes w a hell of a lot of political perks, so Roderick’s like, “There’s literally no downside here.”  That being said, I think he’d make a TERRIBLE husband.  He literally has no idea about anything in marriage or like healthy relationships????  What even are those?????  Roderick doesn’t know.

Her being startled and following him around tho, ughhh, bb <3333333  He’s a mess.  He’d at once love that and probs be a little frightened by it.  Like, he wants to feel like his existence is worthwhile but deep down he kind of doubts it is, so I think her attention would be incredibly validating, but at the same time, I can see him kind of wanting to run from it bc he’s not sure what to do with it.  Like, he EXPECTS to be insulted and looked down on and he’s not really sure what to do when he’s not fighting for his own standing but, more than that, I think the idea that anyone might rely on hIM for anything is kind of overwhelming, like, he does NOT know how to give, emotionally, so I feel like he’d probs be v confusing bc he’s one minute laying it on thick and the next like, “Whoa, I just remembered I’ve gotta be…somewhere else,” basically bc he’s afraid that if she puts herself in his hands, he’ll drop her, and then he’ll be responsible not only for ruining himself, but for cracking her and he’s like, “I’ve got too much at stake trying to prove myself, as it is,” basically and yeah I feel like I’m making NO sense, whatsoever?????  It’s that whole, “Don’t follow me: I don’t know where I’m going,” kind of thing.

[aliastafford-blog]

That sounds so interesting though! Like, I can’t wait to see Roderick and Alia interact because of how complex of a character he is. I think their interactions are going to be fun. :D

Ahaha, yeah, I think if Alia saw him (maybe in town or something?) flirting with another girl, she’d be suuuper hurt, because I imagine her not to have that much contact with men at all, with Rowlin being her brother. I bet he’s run off just about every guy (and I don’t imagine there being that many to begin with) that has shown the slightest bit of interest in her to help him validate his tauntings, cuz if no one’s there to tell her she isn’t ugly, who’s to say Rowlin isn’t right?

SHE WILL BE SO CONFUSED AHAHAHAHA It’ll be great. But yes, I see her trailing after him and awkwardly trying to flirt back but stammering over her words and being completely taken aback when his attention is suddenly withdraw, which will only make her wonder if Rowlin was right about her all these years and yeah. I’ll be fun to throw these two together. And yes! You’re making total and complete sense. :)

[roderickfray]

OOC | Roderick & Alia

So this is Kate with yet another character, hahaha!  Roderick is the fully acknowledged Bastard of Faintree, so he’s in the rather unique position of being baseborn nobility.  Unless his father marries and produces a legitimate heir, Roderick will inherit everything.  Otherwise, he gets nothing, so his situation is precarious.  He plays life off with a devil-may-care kind of attitude, but he’s def aware of his situation and wants to make sure he doesn’t get left in the dust by some squalling babe his father might produce, not to mention everyone around him believes him to be of tainted blood, due to his illegitimacy and he wants to prove he’s worth the air he breathes, yknow?

In any case, Roderick is ambitious and he wants to marry Alia, a match which would propel him to the highest parts of the North and, provided Rowlin has no kids, would make Roderick his heir apparent.  Tbh, I think it’s probably an unrealistic dream, but anyway, he’s basically like, “There’s a chance I could marry the most beautiful woman in the world and rule the North.  Why wouldn’t I risk everything for that chance?” basically.  Hahahaha  So yeah. 

I also think, in a more personal way - and therefore one he’s less likely to openly discuss bc he tries to forget his feelings as much as possible, since they’re a crushing weight to him - he also sort of understands how she might feel, dismissed and looked down upon by her own family, expected to never come to much.  I def think he’d def be kind to her and also he’d def flirt and do his best to charm her, ofc hahahaha  So yeah.  idk how she’d feel about any of that, but anyway, that’s Roderick ;DDDD

[aliastafford-blog]

Ahaha, Roderick sounds like a winner! xD No, I’m kidding--he sounds great. I bet he’ll be an awesome character. :D

As far as Alia’s reaction to him...Hm. I feel like she’d welcome the attention but not really know how to respond to it? I’m sure in Rowlin’s taunts, he’s told her how ugly she is and whatnot (which she’s come to believe to a certain degree) and how worthless she is and yadda yadda. So if Roderick flirted with her, I could def see her being like “Omg wow a boy is being nice to be--where am I did I die none of this makes sense”. At the same time, because he’s paying her the slightest bit of attention, I can see her following him around like a little lost puppy--depending on how he approaches the flattery. She’s such a kind person, and I don’t think she’d look down on him just because he’s illegit. And also because she’s so kind, I don’t know if she’d suspect anything sinister behind his motives for flirting with her. She’d probably just be so excited that someone outside of her family is paying attention to her that she’d go with it, haha.

[lysanderstafford]

OOC | Lysander & Alia

Ok, so Lysander’s currently in the East, and has spent most of his life out of the North, and there are like 34456785435467 Stafford cousins, but anyway, Lysander and Alia are cousins :3  I know he def cares about her and he def does NOT think it’s ok how Rowlin treats her and just gets away with it, but there’s not much he can do about it.  Lysander tries to be as kind and just as he can be and probs hopes to write something and basically shame Rowlin into changing (tho Rowlin’s conceited enough it probs won’t work) so, although they haven’t met terribly often, I know Lysander will always treat Alia with the kindness she so deserves

[aliastafford-blog]

Aw! What a sweetheart. And that will earn him Alia’s eternal love, haha. I feel like that happens with just about anyone who shows her the slightest bit of kindness--she’s so eager for someone to care for her that she’s willing to take the affection wherever she can get it. He’d def be one of her fave cousins. :)

[rowlinstafford]

Sibling Affections | Rowlin & Alia

This will be the last year for this silly tradition. He had always thought that celebrating Remembrance Day was a waste of time and money. Who cared if hundreds of years ago, the city saved the life of their lord? He had been an idiot, anyway. Anyone who thought that servants should mingle with their lords like that (even if it was only for one horrible evening) should have been left to die in the snow. 

His uncle valued tradition and had kept this one alive, but Rowlin would see it die when he held the North. 

The Ball wasn’t for another fortnight and yet it seemed that everyone was busy with preparations. Rowlin hated it. There was no where to go where he wouldn’t be reminded of it. 

And that was why, on this particularly cold spring day, Rowlin wandered into the library. He wasn’t looking for something to read (he had finished his schooling and never intended to pick up another of the boring things again), but rather something to do. 

When he realized he wasn’t alone, he smiled to himself. There, sitting by the fire, was his sister. “Ah, there you are, my sweet sister,” He said, mockingly. “I see you are alone?” He asked, pleased. She was alone less and less, anymore, between her lady-in-waiting and their irritating aunt. They both had an especially annoying talent of coming to her aid, but they couldn’t do that, if they weren’t here. 

“I hope you don’t feel neglected,” He continued, fingers tracing the molding over the fireplace, “I promise you I have not forgotten you. Everyone will leave you, sooner or later. It’s only a matter of time before they find out that you were so much less than they thought. But I never will. I will always be near.” He said it like a promise, but it was clear that it was more than that: it was a threat. 

[aliastafford-blog]

Alia had awoken in high spirits that morning, excited for the Remembrance Day Ball, though it was not for quite a while yet. The cold didn’t dampen her mood either; she had climbed out of bed and was waiting by her window when Isolde came in, ready to help her prepare for the day. Over the years, Alia had come to think of Isolde like a sister, because she was certainly much kinder than the only true sibling Alia had: Rowlin. Just the thought of that monster made Alia retreat into herself--something she knew pleased him immensely, but she could not help it.

Alia and Isolde walked through the castle that morning arm in arm, discussing the Ball that was to come. Alia promised Isolde she would enjoy herself more than she had last year, no thanks to her meddling brother, of course. All they had to do was avoid him, and all would be well. Which was why, in fact, Alia had suggested they take tea in the library that day. They entered together and Alia picked out a book for herself while Isolde prepared a space for them to sit before setting off to the kitchens to fetch the tea. Alia took a seat by the warm fire, cracking open an old, musty book she’d read far too many times before, but it was one of her favorites.

She was so lost in her book that she didn’t hear anyone enter until a voice called to her--Rowlin. She slowly closed her eyes, her head hanging for a moment when she remembered she was alone. Gods help me, she thought. She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him, trying to force a smile that would not come. The years of torment had nearly made her unable to put on a facade to protect herself. Her throat tightened at his last statement--that was the absolute last thing she desired. She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her, as they did so many times before.

“I...I should be grateful to have such a caring brother,” she said meekly, her gaze dropping to the floor. “A brother who will never abandon me in my time of need.”

[sysleydufey]

Sweetling | Sysley & Alia

“Oh good heavens!” Sysley exclaimed, coming upon her niece and nephew, “If you keep on like that, you’ll talk yourself to death.” She said to Rowlin, “And the gods above know we shouldn’t like that,” She added, with a hint of sarcasm. She did her best to keep them apart: Rowlin was a horrible child and his sister had no doubt, suffered countless abuse at his hands. 

Sysley wished she could have come to them sooner: when she might have done some good. But Rowlin was almost a man, grown and he the only person he would have to listen to was their Queen (not an especially comforting thought). So, she did her best to shield Alia from him when she could. 

“Your uncle requires your presence in his chambers,” Sysley said. “I’m sure whatever business you have with your sister can wait until later.” She added. Rowlin seemed like he wanted to make some sort of retort to show he was in control of the situation, but his uncle only summoned him when there was something important to attend to and he stomped past them. 

When they were alone, Sysley took Alia’s hand. “Come, my dear. Come take a turn with me in the courtyard. It will do us both some good to get some fresh air, I think.” 

[aliastafford-blog]

Rowlin had engaged Alia in another round of let’s-see-how-worthless-I-can-make-my-sister-feel-today, his favorite game to play. His usual taunts were not good enough--when she ignored his snide comments about her boring personality, her unfortunate failed engagement, and her boring past, he started his next round: commenting on her appearance, her least favorite thing of all. Alia did not fancy herself to be the prettiest woman in the North, but she didn’t think she was as bad as Rowlin made her out to be--until he started talking, that is.

When her aunt Sysley’s voice rang through her ears, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was one of the few who seemed capable of taming the beast he had become, especially when he was in range of his sister. She watches Rowlin apprehensively as he walked off, half waiting for him say something else about her. When he’d finally rounded the corner and disappeared, she relaxed.

She offered her aunt a cautious smile as she took her hand, rushing to her side as if she were afraid Rowlin would return, despite their uncle’s wishes. She threw a glance over her shoulder to ensure he was truly gone before looking to her aunt. “Yes,” she agreed quietly, nodding her head gently. “I think that sounds like a lovely idea. Thank you, Aunt Sysley, for coming to my aid once again.”

[rowlinstafford]

ooc | Rowlin & Alia

SO. MUCH. LOVE. <333

Hahaha, so Rowlin is literally the WORST brother and I think he became that way b/c no one who had any control over him ever really stepped in and curbed his behavior. I was talking to Kate and their guardian and uncle, Lucian Moran, just kinda tucked them away when they were kids and never thought about them and now he wonders why Rowlin is such a delight to be around. 

Rowlin loves tormenting her and it’s god awful I’m so sorry. He’s definitely very emotionally abusive (and probs physically abusive at times as well, but he def would pull a Joffrey and have his guards do his dirty work for him). 

aLSO (I think this is mentioned somewhere in Alia’s bio but I’m not 100% sure and too lazy to check) she was engaged to marry a Mortain (basically the Staffords of the south) when she was a girl but he died. They never met each other but even though he was like 20+ years older than she was, i can promise that she would have been wayyyy happier with him than here at home with Rowlin. Anyway, even though he died like ten years ago, Rowlin def still brings that up like “remember how you were gonna get married but he died? that was fun.” 

Also he’s def looking out for someone for Alia to marry. He wants someone that’s awful (b/c he’s such a nice bro) but that’s also of high enough rank b/c they would be his heir until he and Lyna have a kid.

tl;dr: rowlin is a horrible person who will constantly put down his sister in every way 

[aliastafford-blog]

My poor darling! Ughh Rowlin. I’d slap you for her if I could. xD

Yes I can see her harboring a lot of hatred towards him, but also because no one was there when they were growing up, she probably hates herself to a degree and believes whatever he says about her because, you know, she didn’t know any different until Isolde came into her life (we’re still looking at that timeline, but we’re thinking Isolde has been working for Alia for at least 5 years).

Ahaha, I’m sure, somehow, Alia finds a way to blame herself for his death. xD Or perhaps she sees it as her only way out of this life she’s stuck in. I think her friendship with Isolde has helped greatly, but at the same time, Rowlin can still put her back in that dark place she was in as a child with just about anything he says.

And this is where Alia hopes Sysley finds her a husband before Rowlin does. xD

[renfrymoran]

ooc | Renfry & Alia

So this is one of Alia’s wonderful uncles #not. Uh Renfry is so special how even to describe him?? IDK I don’t think he’s ever really paid much attention to her until recently b/c he HATES kids and is just like “ew”. Both now his niece is grown and he’s def keeping an eye on her because he wants the south for himself and unfortunately there are about 2093843 staffords that need to be removed before the south would be his and he means to eliminate all of them including Alia. #fantasticfamilytimes 

ANYWAY, if killing all these people proves to be too hard for him, I can see him trying to push one person or another to be Alia’s husband (someone Renfry woulc easily control that is) so that he only needs to get rid of his brother and Rowlin. I also think he sees Rowlin’s treatment of Alia and wonders if he can play on that somehow and idk I basically think that he might try to act v nice to Alia all of a sudden after years of ignoring her and try to get her in his corner b/c she might end up being a very important piece for his plans in getting the north. (idk that he’s gonna be at all sucessful with this but yeah that’s pretty much his only life goal.) 

[aliastafford-blog]

Ahaha, oh Lord. Alia’s got a lot of wonderful people in her life. xD

Oh jeez. Well, I’m glad Alia’s uncle only wants to have her killed off. xD

I think Alia’s too good-natured to suspect anything sinister of her uncle and his sudden attentions, but I do think she’d be skeptical if he just suddenly takes an interest in her after all these years. Like, why would he bother? He’d had the opportunity to do so her whole life--why now, you know? But I don’t think she’d think he wants her dead, ahaha.

[dominickfletcher]

OOC | Dom & Alia

So I’m not sure how much these two would interact but I know Dom’s feels terrible for her, having a brother/uncles like that, and def wishes her well. He’s the local carpenter ummm so if she needs any carpentry he’s her man HAHAHAHAHA

[aliastafford-blog]

Aw, that’s sweet of him! Yeah, I’m not sure how much they’d interact either--perhaps we can say something got broken in her room and she’d need to seek someone out to fix it or something, haha. But he seems like a sweet guy and Alia would like him a lot. :)

[danylreston]

ooc | Danyl & Alia

so, Danyl has become pretty bold and even like lucian moran thinks he’s a servant when he isn’t and so i think he does spend a lot of the days above stairs when he can sneak away from tom and pretends he’s a servant and steals things when people aren’t looking haha. anyway, i can see him meeting alia and he’d probs flirt with her b/c she’s gorgeous #facepalm but then also stealing some silver off the table or something when she isn’t looking. 

[aliastafford-blog]

Ahaha! I feel like Alia would be like “omg someone’s paying attention to me--what do I do?!” And she’d internally panic for a bit, haha.

[sysleydufey]

ooc | Sysley & Alia

So I think that Sysley really loves her niece and is just like “wow a sensible family member idek how to handle this” ;)) but no so when Alia’s parents died, Sysley really wanted to take te kids to live up further north with her and her husband but her uncle Lucian who was named their guardian/warden until Rowlin comes of age, did not like that idea and yeah. So no doubt alias childhood sucked bc Lucian took zero part in raising them and left them to themselves and wow look what a gem Rowlin turned out to be.

Anyway her husband died a few years back and now she’s living in the northern capital with the rest of them.

Also she would NOT stand for Rowlin’s treatment of his sister and whenever she sees them together she’s literally like: “yes yes we see you stomping about. Don’t you have something more important to attend to than us?” Basically and just ~gtfa man no one likes you.

Also she just wants Alia to be happy especially since she has been so poorly mistreated and she def sees her dead brother in her and SHHDJEENSJHZH ~family feels

She’s also gonna try to figure out Lucian’s plans for Alia and she’s gonna make sure that she is married to a good man that deserves her.

[aliastafford-blog]

Ahahaha! Alia would have had such a nicer life if Sysley would’ve been able to take her! Ugh, my poor bby. I can only imagine the things Rowlin did to poor Alia growing up. -shakes head- But she’s with Aunt Sysley now, yaaaay! Finally someone who cares for her. :D

PERFECT. She needs someone to shoo Rowlin from her, since she’s incapable of doing it herself. I feel like Alia would basically fall to her feet like, “OMG AUNT SYSLEY THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH” because no one (except Isolde of course) has ever preferred her to Rowlin.

AWW. Look at what a good aunt Sysley is. Alia’s going to cling to her for dear life. xD She’s going to feel like she owes Sysley this huge debt, when it’s really just what family does for each other, but she doesn’t know that.

[isoldemartel-blog]

OOC | Alia & Isolde

!!!!! MY LADY! <3333 Oh man. So pumped for an Alia to have shown up! 

So! Isolde here is obvi her lady-in-waiting, and Isolde is pretty much SUPER FIERCELY DEVOTED TO ALIA AND LOVES HER SO SO MUCH. Like, beyond her family, Alia is next in line for Isolde’s protection/love/etc (what little she can give as a super adorable sweet lil bb child of a servant.)

I’m not sure exactly how long Isolde has been working for Alia, as it’s not specifically stated, so we can play with that if you’d like, but I’m thinking it’s at LEAST five years, if not a bit longer. (Before that she’d been living with her brother-in-law, helping raise his kids bc her sister died when Isolde was fifteen and left her kids without a mother.)

So yeah, idk, I’m just excited bc Isolde loves Alia so much and she’s Isolde’s bff even though she works for her and Isolde only wants the best for her and uGH. FEELINGS.

[aliastafford-blog]

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII :D

Ok so, I’m TOTALLY going to love the Alia/Isolde friendships already, I can tell! :D I think Alia would be SO GRATEFUL to have someone in her life who is so kind and generous and thoughtful and sweet to her, especially after putting up with Rowlin terrorizing her all these years. I can picture many nights where she just cried while Isolde comforted her like the good friend that she is. <33333

Hmm yes how long has she been working for Alia. I’m down for five years, but I’m also good if you wanna say it’s been longer than that, too.

BFFS FO LYFE. They’re going to be a lot of fun. :D