ours is the fury;.

Argella Baratheon. Eight and twenty years of age. Queen Dowager of the Crownlands.Widow of King Daemon Targaryen.

[argellabarathcon]

rohanne-fregar​:

Location: Dorne, Sunspear Closed starter for @argellabarathcon​ / Set during the Dornish Ball

The paramour of the Prince and the Consort moved away from the dance floor to catch her breath and allow herself some rest after taking part in several dances already. The Dornish culture wasn’t one she’d been born into but one she’d grown to love and respect as her own. Rohanne knew some of the visitors from the northern realms looked upon Dornish ways as if they were strange; too different or too loose from their more conservative ways. Hopefully, some would truly open their eyes to the wonders and beauty this land and its people had to offer. It was easy to detect who looked at the colors and scents and the dancing with wonder and who did it with judgment.

Rohanne refrained from interacting much with those whose disdain or rejection was clear in their tense postures and blank faces. And as she went over to pour herself a drink, observing some of the people gathered there to get some refreshments, the Braavosi lady tried to gauge what was the reaction those people were having. One of them was the Dowager Queen. “Are you enjoying the ball, your grace?” Rohanne dared to ask, offering a polite smile.

.

She had mostly stayed on the sidelines, not taking part in any of the dances. She assumed it was only for couples. She was also no longer a part of a couple. No matter, Argella was happy for those around her, the happy couples who hadn't been touched by tragedy or death. Instead, she observed how the Dornish had chosen to decorate the palace for the ball. She was intrigued by the fashions and how they all interacted with one another. The dowager queen found it all to be very loose and free, in contrast to her strict and regimented upbringing. Everything had always been so formal and proper, but not in Dorne. People seemed to be able to be themselves and fully express their emotions and feelings.

Her attention was drawn to the woman she had heard described as the paramour to both the prince and the consort of Dorne. A paramour. Argella had never met one before. Having a relationship outside of the sacredness of marriage, she has been taught, could only bring deep shame. But it appeared that the Dornish were of a different mind. “I am,” she said to the woman, a polite smile gracing her features. She had no intention of being rude or dismissive; in fact, she was intrigued. “I can see all of the effort that went into organizing it. It's all very lovely,” Argella added. “Are you enjoying the ball yourself, my lady?”

[argellabarathcon]

darriktarth​:

“It’s definitely a great changed in weather and scenery. But, I must say, I do enjoy seeing different parts of the world and learning about all the different people within it. I’ve gotten to do that a lot more as of recent. I didn’t realize just how vast our world is.” Darrik replied, smiling more at seeing the grin that appeared on her lovely face. “Dorne is a unique place. I’m not quite sure what to make of it just yet.” He let out a soft laugh. “In that case, would you like to take a stroll through the bazaar?” 

.

“Neither did I, and I suppose there's still a lot to see,” she agreed. Her knowledge of Westeros used to be limited to the crownlands and the stormlands. To her, the other kingdoms were just names, names of great houses and vassal ones. She hadn't realized how small her world had been until she set foot in the north and now in Dorne. “Yes, I would love to,” she replied, with a quick nod. “Do you have any stories you'd like to tell me?” Argella inquired, her brow furrowed in anticipation. She was curious about how he fared and what he had been through during their time apart.

[argellabarathcon]

darriktarth​:

Since they had last seen one another so much had taken place. She had become a mother and he had become a soldier, protecting their shores from the Dornish attacks and working quietly with Pearse involving the Stormlander rebellion. But for the moment, all his worry could be put aside for he was about to see Argella. Whenever he was in her presence a quiet peace would fall upon him, not the mention a boyish giddiness as well. 

“Argella,” He called out her name, forgetting time and time again the formalities that nobles used to address one another. But with her it was different, was it not? “You look well.” He smiled, a light coming to his eyes that was always there when he looked upon her. “I’m glad you reached out and asked to see me. How are you finding Dorne?” 

.

When she saw him, a smile spread across her features. “You do, too,” she said, her gaze rising to meet his. He did appear different in some ways, which was understandable. He seemed to have changed since their last meeting in the north.

“It's quite different,” she replied, looking away briefly to take in their surroundings. Dorne had nothing in common with the crownlands or the stormlands. The heat and never-ending sand were unlike anything she had ever seen. Argella thought the accommodations assigned to the newly united kingdoms were a little bleak, and she wasn't sure if that was on purpose. “The air is very stiff,” she added. “However, I've heard that the bazaar has some of the most unique pieces on display. One of my ladies claims that a knight who once courted her brought her the most beautiful dark gems she had ever seen in a necklace. He had apparently discovered it while at the market in Sunspear”, she shared. “And what do you think of Dorne?”

[argellabarathcon]

@darriktarth​

She had planned to stay in the crownlands, in King's Landing, with her children, but she had changed her mind and followed the others to Dorne. It was her first visit. While she had anticipated the scorching heat, it had still surprised her when she arrived in Sunspear. She had quickly ordered her ladies to go to the bazaar and find some fabrics for her to make new gowns out of, ones that would be more appropriate for the weather. While she felt underdressed, it was preferable to overheating inside stuffing dresses. 

Once she had settled into her temporary quarters, she had dispatched a messenger boy to find Darrik and inquire if he wanted to meet with her.  They hadn't had the opportunity to meet in King's Landing, but now they might. She had missed him since they had left the north. It had brought back old memories and feelings for her.

When the time came, she exited her chambers and proceeded to the agreed-upon location. As she waited for him, her heart was skipping a beat from excitement.

[argellabarathcon]

caetargaryen​:

it feels like she is always tired, like no amount of rest will provide her with a sense of relief. it is all for the good of the realm, she reminds herself. she must push forward if she is to fight for their legacy. she cannot let her family down, not after everything.

a knock to her office door startles her. she is surprised to hear the voice of the queen on the other side. maybe this will be a much needed break from all the thoughts plaguing her mind. argella has always had a calming presence about her, one she very much needs right now.

“come in!” she calls out. as the woman appears, the princess smiles softly. “to what do i owe the pleasure of your company?”

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Argella opened the door and stepped inside as soon as she heard the invitation. When she saw Caerella, a bright smile spread across her features. “I just wanted to check in on you,” she explained. “I just wished to check in to see if you were well. I thought you might need a quick distraction because you seem to spend so much time here", she continued, her gaze wandering around the room. It's not that what Caerella was doing wasn't important, but it would be of no help to anyone if she was constantly tired and didn't take much-needed breaks. “Would you like some company?”, inquired the queen dowager.

[argellabarathcon]

stonesqueen​:

☠

         THEY HAD NEVER TRULY  met, argella and her, having crossed paths in their youth while the baratheons were visiting the targaryens. but they never knew each other, not truly, apart from only by name. in all honesty, they could not be more different. compassion emitted from the frame of the widowed queen, soft in appearance. anari had never been soft, blunt and fiery in every possible way. short-tempered, unapologetic, firm. she had not been born to be soft. and yet… she had been - with her loved ones. her parents, her cousins, with her children, with her husband. even now, as the other struggled to meet her gaze - there was a flare or annoyance within the raven haired woman.

           pleasantries, anari had realized early on, were not her forte. she disliked every part of it. every part of having to pretend like she cared about someone’s well being when she truly did not. and yet, she had learned to play the part. so she would, at least, for now. ❝ they are. ❞ the estranged darklyn nods, her gaze shifting from the other’s towards her kids. ❝ but you knew that already. ❞ 

            did she truly wish to have the other bluntly confirm every last bit of whispers she had perhaps heard ?? could anari deliver such things… kindly ? she would certainly try for the sake of the other. silence follows her words, tension seemingly rising between the two women. both which were so different and yet - alike. ❝ what is it that you want from me ?? from this ?? ❞ 

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She wished she knew how to make their conversation easier; their meeting had been clumsy and awkward thus far, and Argella had no idea how to change it. The situation was far from straightforward. And it was taking her far too long to respond to Anari's every sentence. "I was hoping to meet with you. And talk," she added, even though it was obvious she was just trying to buy herself time to think how to best explain her thoughts. "I know what people have been saying about you, especially about your son," Argella continued. The boy possessed striking Valyrian features, which can only mean one thing. Unless the Queen of the Stepstones had told him he was a son of Daemon when he wasn't, but even that seemed like too much of a lie in Argella's opinion. Could Anari despise the Targaryens so much that she would go to such lengths to show up with a false child? 

“I was hoping you could tell me more about him and what truly happened.” She wanted to hear Anari’s side of the story, try to understand her, even though perhaps she shouldn’t. Argella knew she had to remain cautious, not fully believe everything Anari might tell her, not until she has been given a good enough reason to trust her.

[argellabarathcon]

stonesqueen​:

☠

          DOE LIKE ORBS STUDY THE FRAME  of her firstborn, lilac orbs locked on hers - full of mischief. his sister besides him, staring up at her with the same expression. and she sighs, demeanor softening after a long pause of silence. she was meant to meet the widow of daemon targaryen moments ago and they meant to explore. ❝ the beach, that is it and do not stray farther than i can see. once i have finished, we can… wander. ❞ a victorious call from both children urges a smile from the stern woman before she shakes her head and ushers the two off the ship.  

           dark hues study the two, shifting to find the frame of argella baratheon awaiting by the edge of the docks. ❝ mind your sister, aerion. ❞ her voice calls as the pair make a beeline towards the sandy beaches. one would think they had had enough of the ocean what with going everywhere she did and navigating longer than they spend on land. still, she was grateful that they remained content - that the burden of both of their names had not caught up to their youthful joy. he was every bit his father’s son, a constant reminder with every passing day. valyrian blood but more than that, he looked nothing like her and every bit like him. jayne, however, despite the golden tint of her locks - she was every bit hers. 

          ❝ you look well. ❞ the raven haired woman spoke as soon as she was close enough to the other, brown gaze meeting hers. a smile somewhat forced onto the lips of the pirate queen, meaning to assure the other she wishes no illness from this interaction. ❝ come, i wish not let those two out of my sight and… the waves will do well to drown our conversation before they fall on lingering ears. ❞ she nods towards the rocks not too far from them.

@argellabarathcon·

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Argella dropped her gaze, staring at the ground, avoiding any possible eye contact with Anari and the children as they exited the ship. She had no idea how she was supposed to act. The entire situation was making her uncomfortable, and she was beginning to regret agreeing to the meeting in the first place. What, after all, did she hope to achieve with it? Meeting the woman who, according to rumors, had a son with Daemon? Was it really worth bothering herself with such thoughts? Perhaps it would have been better to turn back while there was still time.

Hearing the footsteps approaching her, the queen dowager raised her gaze once more, her eyes ready to meet Anari's. "Thank you," she replied quietly, almost whispering. "You, too," she added, the statement only made to be polite.

“These are your children, I presume?” Argella inquired as she moved her feet closer to the rocks. She expected Anari to confirm that Daemon was the father of the boy. While he resembled her late husband, Argella was not ready to accept the child. She had no ill will toward him, but she wasn't sure Anari could be trusted. After all, she was an enemy of the crown. It was wrong to meet with her, but the queen dowager had too many unanswered questions and wanted to hear Anari's perspective.

[argellabarathcon]

deimos-velaryon​:

Deimos looked at the dowager queen and offered a subtle smile before any words left his mouth. How was he faring? A simple question that didn’t appear to have a simple answer. He still mourned for his cousin, still saw the images of Daemon’s ripped body in his nightmares; he grew more concerned about the situation of the Crownlands and the annexation of the Stormlands despite maintaining a composed, steady disposition. A Hand of the Regents couldn’t show that he feared matters might involve violence… within the two realms, with their southern neighbors of Dorne. So much conflict seemed to have come to them and he doubted there was a peaceful solution to it regarldess of how much he wished it. They were in a powder keg waiting for the match to fall. “I am well. Perhaps lacking some sleep, if I’m honest, but for a good reason. I’m hopeful for the future,” he replied without a single hint of the inner turmoil inside him. Deimos had always excelled at speaking half-truths, a consummate pretender when he needed to be. There was no ill-will at all towards Argella, which was precisely why he did it. Right now wasn’t the time to speak of matters like those.

“I am. I am betrothed to Lady Elenda of House Swann,” he added with a nod, his polite words evidence that this was no love match, but a mere political agreement. A union such as theirs was planned for the purpose of bringing his realm with Elenda’s homeland closer, though a part of him did fear that one match wouldn’t appease the current tensions. The Lord of Driftmark glanced up to see Argella’s ladies enter again, carrying the two babies. A small, tender smile crossed his lips as he looked upon his niece and nephew, silver-haired and purple-eyed, a very clear part of Daemon living on through them. “Yes, if that’s alright,” he replied after the queen offered to let him hold them. He moved closer to the lady holding the baby girl in her arms and Deimos welcomed the little princess in his embrace, looking down at her with a kind of warmth that was a rarity in Lord Verlaryon’s eyes.

.

His response wasn't very detailed, and it didn't reveal much, so she wondered if he was restraining himself in his answer. Of course, she wasn't going to push. He could only tell her what he wanted. “I suppose it's exhausting being Hand,” Argella said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was a simple remark, just like his.

She enjoyed the celebrations of weddings and new unions, so the mention of betrothals always put her in a good mood. She was well aware that the match between Lady Swann and Deimos was purely political, but she hoped that love could blossom from it. It had happened before, as long as both parties were open and willing. She could only hope that once they were married, Deimos wouldn't close himself off to his new wife. It would be a shame to pass up a chance at love. “I've heard Lady Elenda is very beautiful. I believe she will make a wonderful wife as well,” the queen dowager said, trying to sound encouraging.

“They both look so much like their father, in my opinion,” Argella observed with ease, the usual sting of the fact no longer affecting her as much. 

It was heartwarming to see Deimos smile. She thought he didn't smile enough. It's not like she could blame him. It had taken her a while to regain her smile. But, to her surprise, time proved to be a healer, and she now had so much to look forward to. “I'm curious what her character will be like as she grows up.”