For Westeros

"The glories of our blood and state|Are shadows, not substantial things|There is no armour against Fate..."

[armvredfate]

armvredfate a multimuse for Cognatihq by Em

⋆｡°✩ current muses ⋆｡°✩

Keyla Stark, née Arryn.  ( she / her )

Lady Consort of House Stark. INTRO.

Tags| general: xxx // about&musings: xxx // visage: xxx // asks: send the raven

[cursebounds]

karlon snorted, agreement clear on his face. the fighting style of the iron-born was built on brute strength; a ferocity that should never be underestimated, but more suited for battle on ships than on land. whatever discipline they did possess, it would falter against the northern lines.

but they weren't their enemies this night. not yet.

"all the better for us. if they keep their faces in their cups, they can't sound the alarm." for it would be screams that echo, long before laithe would ever open her jaws.

karlon soon folded his hands behind his back, less regal than mischievous. "shall we try and identify just how many iron-born we can identify? then we can plan to feed them straight into the jaws of the lions when the time comes."

[armvredfate]

Keyla had found over the years that she and her dear brother were in equal parts good and bad for each other as influences. Part of being at Casterly Rock meant keeping her more base instincts under control, including any blood lust or eagerness for a fight. After all, it was not the proper time and the moment was approaching. But Karlon's own impulses often served to encourage her own and as a pair, it was far too easy for them to incite each other's excitement to a point that could not be bottled back up. Unable to help the smile of equal roguishness in return, the lady consort dipped her head in subtle agreement. "Always best to be prepared...where shall we begin, brother?"

[drgnsfyre]

marwyn  nodded,  he  agreed  with  his  cousin.  spending  time  with  family  was  important.  although,  he  did  wish  he  was  with  his  wife  right  now.  even  though  this  meeting  would  not  be  able  to  be  held  in  the  vale,  he  still  felt  the  presence  of  the  eyrie  around  him  in  white  harbor. "rowena  is..."  he  started.  "she  is  getting  better  but  she  is  still  very  weak."  he  admitted  to  her.  "i  would  ask  how  your  husband  is  but  unfortunately  i  do  not  wish  to  know."  marwyn  tried  his  best  to  remain  calm  but  when  matters  involved  his  wife,  the  woman  he  had  grown  to  love  and  build  a  life  with.  the  woman  who  bore  his  children  and  the  woman  who  was  the  best  part  of  his  entire  world,  he  did  not  mind  the  agitation  seeping  into  his  tone. "do  you  realize  that  if  she  died,  there  would  be  no  force  in  all  of  westeros  that  would  allow  me  to  side  with  the  north  in  this  feud?"  he  asked  his  cousin.  "the  starks  used  our  people  as  pawns  in  their  game  that  night,  lady  stark."  he  said  to  her  slowly.  "i  am  meeting  out  of  curtsey  because  you  are  my  cousin  and  i  care  for  you.  i  do  not  wish  harm  towards  you  or  the  children  but  there  is  much  to  discuss  and  i  cannot  bear  to  even  look  at  the  man  you  call  husband."  he  told  her. marwyn  raised  his  head  for  a  moment  to  finally  make  eye  contact  with  her.  it  was  hard,  he  saw  so  much  of  their  family  in  her  eyes.  marwyn  sighed  and  shook  his  head.  "i  need  to  know,  was  this  planned?"  he  asked.  "were  the  casualties  of  the  vale  people,  of  my  wife,  part  of  what  they  wanted  for  that  evening?"  he  asked. he  wished  he  could  talk  pleasantries  with  his  cousin  for  a  moment  or  two  more,  like  they  did  when  they  were  younger  but  now...  he  had  to  know  and  he  had  to  do  what  was  right  for  his  people.

[armvredfate]

It was far too much to expect that any anger might have been abated properly since the chaos at Casterly Rock. On one hand, Keyla could not begrudge her cousin his frustration and emotional response, Rowena was as dear to him as Theon was to her. And if someone had harmed her lord husband, her own fury would likely be incalculable. But, these facts did not inherently make it any easier for the raven-haired woman to force down the indignant rage her quick temper sought to bring to surface at being interrogated of such obscene allegations. Fighting every urge to snap in return, the lady consort took a deep breath and shook her head. "I would hope such consideration would never even cross your mind, dear cousin...but as these are trying and despicable times I can be understanding of undue suspicion. The answer is no. We merely sought to protect our own and strike against the false king. I would never intentionally allow harm to come to the people and land that raised me, not without first having my hand forced by treachery."

[rihtuals]

while  her  good  sister  and  little  sansa  had  been  used  as  an  excuse  to  explain  her  prolonged  presence  in  the  north  following  the  funeral  proceedings  for  the  late  cregan  stark,  rowena  would  be  the  first  to  admit  that  in  between  keeping  up  with  the  correspondences  from  the  vale,  translating  high  valyrian  into  the  common  tongue  and  watching  the  dragon  grow  from  hatchling  to  fledgeling,  there  had  been  very  little  time  to  speak  properly  with  her  good  sister.  the  masquerade  was  shaping  up  to  be  eventful,  if  one  did  not  count  whatever  royal  announcement  that  had  yet  to  be  declared  (  judging  by  how  uneasy  lewys  lannister  looked,  his  gaze  darting  between  the  westerlanders  and  the  reachermen  ),  so  she  had  no  reason  not  to  approach  her  good  sister,  a  small  smile  curling  at  the  corners  of  her  mouth.  ❝  keyla.  you  remind  me  of  a  bird,  keeping  watch  on  the  rest  of  us.  ❞  she  murmured,  nodding  in  acceptance  of  the  wine  goblet.  ❝  i  did  pass  theon  on  the  way  over.  i  almost  considered  rescuing  him  but  ...  i  wasn't  feeling  particularly  magnanimous  enough  to  take  on  a  riverlander  on  his  behalf.  have  you  spoken  to  marwyn  of  late  ?  ❞

[armvredfate]

Keyla allowed herself a quiet but genuine laugh at Rowena's good-natured admission. "I could not hold such a lack of generosity against you even if I wished, for it would be upsettingly hypocritical." She noted with a slightly conspiratorial glint of mischief in her eyes. Certainly, her husband was well up to the task...even if he disliked performing it. "And of course, his loss is ultimately my gain which is a pleasure." At the mention of Marwyn, the raven-haired lady shook her head. "Regretfully I have not been able to enjoy his conversation recently. But I hope to again soon...is there anything in particular I need to hear of?"

[drgnsfyre]

location: white harbour status: closed ( @armvredfate ) time: morning, a week or so after the events in the westerlands

marwyn  had  refused  to  allow  his  cousin  into  the  vale,  it  was  not  personal  but  she  had  her  loyalties  to  the  starks  now.  he  knew  that  it  was  possible  keyla  had  nothing  to  do  with  what  happened  with  his  wife  but  he  could  not  risk  it. he  had  planned  on  spending  a  day  or  so  here,  discussing  with  his  cousin.  he  owed  her  that  much.  he  wanted  to  make  things  right  between  the  north  but  marwyn  needed  to  have  all  of  the  information  before  he  even  considered  doing  this.  one  of  those  things  were  to  see  what  keyla  thought  and  where  her  head  was  at. he  smiled  when  he  saw  the  familiar  face.  he  was  happy  to  see  her,  even  if  the  circumstances  weren't  the  best.  she  was  still  his  family.  that  had  to  count  for  something.  at  least,  that's  what  marwyn  hoped  for. "keyla,  it's  nice  to  see  you.  i  am  glad  you  were  able  to  come  to  see  me."

[armvredfate]

Her time at White Harbor had been tense, despite Lady Emilya and her family's utmost hospitality. The lady consort was personally still a bit shocked she hadn't managed to create a hole in the stone of her guest chamber from pacing. Alas, the rock stood strong against even her most intense anxieties and frustrations which was for the best ultimately. The need to do something was undeniable. Keyla had never been built to stand around and wait, even when there was some strategic importance to doing so. The noblewoman had done the best she could to keep her mind and body occupied, training and planning for possible future difficulties but it was not a full proof methodology to be certain. The announcement for Lord Marwyn's visit had finally occupied her total attention, but the trepidation it brought almost made the raven-haired woman long to return to her not total but acceptable preoccupations. Some of this conflicted desire faded when it became apparent her kinsman did not intend to be aloof. Returning the gesture, Keyla smiled and nodded slightly. "It is of the utmost importance to make time for our loved ones when possible, now more than ever." The noblewoman concurred pausing a moment before asking with some tentativeness "How fairs your wife?"

[oflcgends]

where:  on  the  road,  back  to  the  north

when:  after  escaping  casterly  rock

who:  open  (  to  northerners  on  their  way  back  home  )  !

the  lady  of  karhold  stares  off,  aimlessly,  as  she  rides  atop  her  horse.  not  her  usual  steed,  of  course,  but  this  will  have  to  do.  she  has  been  in  somewhat  of  daze  ever  since  they'd  left,  luckily  having  escaped  without  any  injury.  at  least  to  her  body.  her  heart?  well,  that  is  a  different  matter.

gilliane  is  back  there.

and  though  the  last  time  the  two  of  them  had  spoke  had  been…  well,  tense,  that  did  not  matter.  though  the  distance  between  them  had  only  grown,  no  love  had  been  lost  –  at  least  not  on  her  end.  so  with  her  gone,  she  is  simply…  not  well.  the  pace  of  her  horse  slows,  eventually  barely  more  than  a  crawl,  before  stopping  altogether.

“st  –  stop,”  she  calls  out  weakly  to  the  others  alongside  her.  “sorry,  i  just…  i  need  a  moment,”  she  clarifies,  voice  a  bit  more  stern  now.  she  manages  to  guide  her  horse  off  to  the  side  of  the  road,  and  hops  down,  the  leans  up  against  a  tree.  leaning  her  head  back,  she  lets  her  eyes  flutter  shut  for  a  moment. 

[armvredfate]

The trip away from Casterly Rock is a multitude more difficult than the travel to reach it ever was for several different reasons. Having to flee in haste, and without her sister-in-law continually weighed heavy on Keyla's mind, body, and spirit. Overseeing the safety of Alarra, her other relatives, and the nobles of the North is all that stood between the lady consort and turning her horse around to charge into bloody resistance until she had no more breath or Gilliane was with them once more. The Stark lady began to notice Lady Karstark's pace start to falter, but did not immediately choose to intervene. When Dacey slowed to a halt, the raven-haired noblewoman urged her horse on until reaching the other steed and its rider. Dismounting smoothly, Keyla surveyed the horse and Karstark noblewoman. "Are you or your mount injured, Lady Karstark? If it is exhaustion, we will find you a seat on the back of another saddle and I can keep hold of the mare."

[armvredfate]

Keyla could feel in her bones that there were far more Iron Islanders scattered around the ballroom than any Lannister would willingly admit. Although the lady consort held no particular affection for the lion's pride, the acts of violence committed against their hosts could easily be extended to them. Of course, the noblewoman would slit any and all of their throats before allowing her family to come to any harm. Unfortunately the masquerade made her usual standard of vigilance a bit less complete, forcing her to rely more heavily on body language and spoken words with so many features obscured. Hearing a familiar voice approach, Keyla softened her stance slightly and smiled as Karlon greeted her. "In decoration as in politics, the Lannisters rely on gold to hide a multitude of sins." She noted with a disdainful sigh.

[cursebounds]

"well, that makes it more fun for us, doesn't it? we can expose some of those sins tonight, if we're lucky." his demeanor didn't change; if anyone were to look upon their conversation, they would see the beginning of light conversation. no deeper meaning, and nothing that would cause alarm.

but karlon kept close, gaze scanning the ballroom. "in fact, i sense that one sin is not quite as hidden as the others --- i've noticed four men and women so far with ironborn leather beneath their straggly attire. how many do you believe surround casterly rock at this moment?"

[armvredfate]

The lady consort gave a small nod, signaling a tacit agreement with her companion's perspective. Personally, she had always found more enjoyment in facing down an enemy face to face, able to see every moment build to the realization of their downfall. It was far sweeter. But, Keyla supposed there was something to be said for a more cat and mouse-like hunt for quarry.

Once the noblewoman allowed herself to reframe, a spark of excitement lit again in her dark eyes as Karlon brought word of potential targets. Subtly turning her gaze to roam the room for a moment, the raven-haired lady made a quick appraisal. "I am unsure...and though I am loathe to potentially underestimate an opponent, I am also well aware that the ironborn can never maintain collective discipline for very long before more carnal impulses regain control of their behavior. I would estimate that slightly drunk on ego and pride most, if not all of them, are enjoying the festivities rather than standing guard."

[armvredfate]

@ivoryborn

for Lady Alarra Stark

One of the very few bright spots to journeying South had been the opportunity to visit with Alarra. Not interested in wasting any time, Keyla sought out her sister-in-law with immediate haste when the masquerade ball began. After a few moments of searching the crowd, the raven-haired lady was able to recognize the younger Stark and pushed through the crowd with ease. Grasping Alarra's hand, the lady consort gave it a reassuring squeeze. "It is good to see you, sister. Have the Southerners been treating you fairly?" The noblewoman asked, concern clear in her tone...along with a thinly veiled willingness to draw blade against anyone if Alarra's answer was unsatisfying.

[armvredfate]

@ivoryborn

for Lady Victaria Harlaw

Several hours into the night, Reyna had ever-so-slightly allowed herself to worry a bit less about the imminent threat of discovery and death if discovered at the masquerade. She was now attempting to enjoy and appreciate the affair if only momentarily. Recognizing a familiar form even behind the mask, she drifted over to Victaria's side near the edge of the room. Keeping her voice quiet and low as to not attract undue attention, the noblewoman greeted her companion. "Are you enjoying the festivities at all, Lady Harlaw?"

[cfshadows]

House Farwynd was one of the stranger houses in the Iron Islands. There were a dozen stories about their house and he listened to every one of them. No matter what he believed, it was important to know. To him it would be a bonus if they were skin changers. But there hadn't been any word or proof of that in any history he knew. Reyna was one he'd been surprised to see here, to want to take part. But this was momentous and he was glad to have as many people here as he could. "And neither should yours." Holding his glass up to her he held up another golden goblet. "Take something, we've all paid the iron price for it. Drink with me. Enjoy your time."

[armvredfate]

Mentally, Reyna had prepared herself as best one could to receive any variety of response from her king. But the one she'd perhaps been least expectant of was simple respect and praise, albeit generic in nature. The blonde's smile grew more unrestrained and she accepted with goblet with pleasure. "It would be my honor, your grace." The noblewoman insisted, taking a delicate sip after they properly cheered. Allowing for a moment or two of silence before speaking again in case Sigrin sought to excuse himself to conversation with more important nobles, the Farwynd lady decided she might attempt a small act of bravery. "If I could be so bold as to ask, your grace...what do you seek next for the Iron Islands in use of this newfound power?"

[armvredfate]

@rihtuals

for Lady Consort Rowena Corbray

Comfortably ensconced in an alcove, Keyla sipped slowly on a goblet of wine, keeping eyes on the majority of her family as the masquerade ball drew onward. A second goblet was held in her free hand, intended for Theon as they had planned to retreat from the dancing and noise momentarily. Instead, a different, but still welcome form approached. Dipping her head respectfully the lady consort offered a rare smile. "Rowena, you are a welcome sight." The raven-haired woman noted, extending the untouched goblet. "May I offer you some refreshment and my company? It appears my dear husband has been intercepted by some overly-talkative Riverlanders."

[cursebounds]

KARLON STARK adorns no jewels just like his wife, caring little for the rules when they ask too much. his attention flits across the ballroom, preparation brimming. but when he passes and catches the sharp eyes of KEYLA STARK, his unease settles. // @armvredfate

"darling good sister." karlon takes keyla's hand, dropping a brief, light kiss to her knuckles. "you look stunning. as expected, of course." smile easy, demeanor seemingly loose and jovial. but when he speaks, it's with a low murmur.

"with so much gold, it certainly looks gaudy compared to the north, doesn't it?"

[armvredfate]

Keyla could feel in her bones that there were far more Iron Islanders scattered around the ballroom than any Lannister would willingly admit. Although the lady consort held no particular affection for the lion's pride, the acts of violence committed against their hosts could easily be extended to them. Of course, the noblewoman would slit any and all of their throats before allowing her family to come to any harm. Unfortunately the masquerade made her usual standard of vigilance a bit less complete, forcing her to rely more heavily on body language and spoken words with so many features obscured. Hearing a familiar voice approach, Keyla softened her stance slightly and smiled as Karlon greeted her. "In decoration as in politics, the Lannisters rely on gold to hide a multitude of sins." She noted with a disdainful sigh.

[armvredfate]

@rihtuals

for Lady Myrielle Reyne

With all the extra decorative elements, from accessories to extra fabric layers to the masks themselves, the main hall where the masquerade was being held felt far warmer than most in Reyna's memory. Of course, it was possible some of the extra heat was from the internal tension the young lady was carrying, wondering at every moment if she or her kin were about to be found out and swiftly retributed against. Either way, the rise in temperature had encouraged the Farwynd lady to seek reprieve in the night air. Taking a deep inhale and closing her eyes, the noblewoman sought to calm and cool herself. It was beginning to have a soothing impact until the unmistakable sound of delicate footsteps approached. Eyes flying open, Reyna turned and said a silent thanks to the Drowned God she had not chosen to remove her mask before laying eyes upon her newfound companion.

[glittxeringgold]

The nervous woman to his left only made him shrug in response. He was not familiar with who she was, but this was a masquerade. The entire point was mystery. Yoren supposed that he should be just as nervous as she was, considering what he just completed only six months prior. Too bad Yoren did not care. "Understandable" he waved vaugely to the dancers in the middle of the ballroom, the third face of the mask facing Reyna while his true face stared forward. "Large dances like these can be intimidating and full of danger" He looked straight at Reyna, trying to place who she was. The accent dictated that Reyna was not from the Westerlands, but Yoren's past of being shy and soft spoken made it difficult for him to properly locate it "You never know who you could be dancing with. An assassin could be standing right beside you in disguise" He revealed his smile, which was the only part of his face not covered "When I throw a ball at Hellholt, I will be sure to avoid hosting masques"

[armvredfate]

Although the stranger's tone was congenial she couldn't help but feel a shiver begin to run down her spine as he spoke. Did this masked lord know she was among the uninvited guests? His chosen words felt almost too prescient and perfectly specified to belong to someone who was fully unaware a labelled invader was his current conversational companion. Swallowing hard, the Farwynd lady felt even more grateful than before that the majority of her features were concealed. Surely he didn't actually know...no, she couldn't let fear get the better of her and worsen the situation. Instead the noblewoman returned Lord Yoren's observation with a small, polite laugh. "I would look most favorably upon such a decision my lord, for they do pose a plethora of potential complications. Do you enjoy entertaining at Hellholt often?"

[anointeds]

emilya dipped her head in amusement. perhaps she should not be surprised that the her friend had reacted with suspicion  —  albeit mischievously ! — for she would have done the same if she was in her shoes. " 'tis genuine, of course. " house manderly does not lack for gold, and emilya was quick to pay the merchant for the onyx ring. " we could not possibly ask for anything in return, what could be more cruel than to demand payment from a helpless child? " there should be more frustration, a slight disappointment in having her friend thinking of her so transactionally. but such was the price to pay in a time of pure paranoia, emilya could not blame her. " do you not have such traditions in the eyrie, my lady? "

[armvredfate]

Keyla softened slightly, though the now missing tightness in her posture and decreased intensity in her gaze would go unnoticed to most. She had a feeling the perceptive Manderly noble would manage to detect it, though. "I apologize if I insinuated anything to the contrary regarding its legitimacy, Lady Emilya." The lady consort insisted, gently accepting possession of the ring and placing it safely within her outerwear. Inquiry about her homeland simultaneously caused a small pang in the Stark noblewoman's chest and elicited a small smile. "We do seek to bring blessings to our young as well, yes. Though I am not particularly in touch with those traditions at present, I must admit." The raven-haired woman paused for a moment, as if weighing whether her words were worth the breath. "It has been too long since I spent any worthwhile length of time at the Eyrie."

[paroch1al]

「  ⚔  」  STATUS ﹕ closed. 

「  ⚔  」  LOCATION ﹕ the docks of lannisport, evening. 

「  ⚔  」  WITH ﹕ @armvredfate + kayla.

the  moon  illuminated  jasper's  alabaster  skin,  and  as  he  watched  the  way  it  swirled  the  tides  he  wondered  whether  his  lover  was  gazing  upon  the  same  night sky.  if  only  he  could  call  to  him,  sing  to  him,  tell  ronan  that  he  was  not  the  enemy  —  not  to  them,  anyway.  throughout  the  festivities  they  had  heard  nothing  but  barbed  words  towards  the  islanders.  the  liege  remained  tight - lipped,  mumbling  his  replies  and  focusing  more  on  the  banquet  and  displays  of  violence  than  much  else.  each  insult  felt  like  a  stab  to  their  own  chest  ;  when  would  he  look  upon  those  blue  eyes  again ?  would  he  ever ?  against  the  rocks,  jasper  brought  their  knees  up  to  their  chest  and  looked  across  the  glittering  water.  if  only  they  weren't  so  scared.  if  only  they  could  take  one  of  the  boats  and  sail  to  lonely  light  themself.  “i  can  feel  you  staring  at  me,”  their  head  barely  twitched,  but  it  was  directed  towards  the  shadow  in  their  periphery.  “i  am  not  going  to  return  to  the  festivities,  if  that  is  what  you  want.  there  is  nothing  for  me  there.  i  am  just  waiting  until  i  am  permitted  to  return  home.”

[armvredfate]

Although after Dorne, Keyla was even more hesitant of being alone or out of private chambers when outside of the safety of Winterfell and the surrounding North, the lady consort refused to be cowed into submission by fear. Her dagger was in hand, shielded from view by a long sleeve, but ready for action at the slightest sense of danger. The raven-haired woman strode calmly among the quieted paths, intrigued by the singular figure amidst the cargo and equipment upon the docks and drew closer. The noblewoman paused, and took one small step back when Jasper's voice piped up. "Lord Reyne, I have no intention of interrupting or interfering in your actions. I was merely curious." The Stark lady noted calmly, the boy was no threat.

[cfshadows]

closed starter: iron born

time/location: lannisport great hall after the raid

There was still a thrum in the air, bloodlust, drink and adrenaline. Sigrin grinned as he looked out at his people, these were the people he loved. The people he'd kill for, the ones he had killed for. Even the ones who looked at him too long when he declared himself king. Cheers from them all, but he knew people. And he knew which to keep his eyes on. Banging his fist on the table Sigrin stood, "Blood stains the halls and my Iron born are covered in their gold!" This was how it should be, they should have kept their ways and never tried to change. "Celebrate the freedom of the Iron Islands. Celebrate yourselves!" His children had shed blood, his cousins. This was how the High Kings of old celebrated, how they lived. "The Drowned God takes the dead and sings your praises, and though less important, as do I." He held his cup up for one last cheer before sitting back down at the high table of house Lannister of Lannisport. It was a proud day. But it wouldn't end here, it couldn't. "We can not stop here." He spoke to the person who joined him. "I will not let a slight on you go unpunished." One thing he'd learned better than his father. Yes people needed to fear you, but they also needed to know you cared about them. Even if it was more than you truly did.

[armvredfate]

Like most powerful men, Sigrin scared the Farwynd lady in some ways. But she was grateful to have never been on the receiving end of his bold and bloody exploits. This was not her first time speaking to the lord, or rather, now King, but there interactions had been few and far between over her twenty-something years. And Reyna was perfectly content with that. But, today was one where it was critical to converse, to convey respect and devotion in this new era of her beloved islands. Doing her best to maintain steady eye contact and not shy away, the blonde noblewoman nodded and smiled politely. "Your prowess could not be doubted by anyone, your grace. Particularly so after today." the lady bowed her head respectfully