a lady's armour

Rosamund Stark. Mother to Torrhen. Widow of the late Harlow Umber. Daughter of Lord Brandon and Lady Catelyn Stark. Currently at: Winterfell

[rhaenystheadventurer]

“Like I said my boys are the exact same way.” She smiled. “How lovely. He has the Stark coloring to go with his Stark name. Both of my boys have both Targaryen and Forrester features.”

[astarkrose-archive]

“Oh, I’m sure they’re both very beautiful children.” Rose couldn’t quite imagine a Forrester with Rhaenys’ violet eyes, but she had no doubt that they would be lovely. Targaryens were all so beautiful; Rhaenys looked more like Aunt Lyanna than her late father, but she still felt very much a Targaryen to Rose. Of course, the Forrester’s were nothing to laugh about, either. She had met Lady Glover earlier this year, and oh. Targaryen and Forrester features. “You know, I’m really very happy for you, Rhaenys,” she added, quieter. 

[youngstormlord-blog]

I am glad to hear it, and yes. Our boys grow more and more each day and it’s somewhat terrifying, don’t you think? I mean, they are still small, but they grow at such a rate….

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, I agree, it’s frightening to watch. And they’re so excited to grow, too; all Torr can talk about is turning three, and I’m having trouble believing he’s not an infant.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

Rhaenys chuckled for a moment, her gaze falling to the floor before looking back at Rose. “There’s no need to apologize Rose. He’s only just a boy. I could never be mad about it. The boys are the exact same way. I try to make them mind their manners and beg their pardons, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. He’s such a lovely boy.” 

[astarkrose-archive]

Rose nodded; few in Winterfell cared about it, really, too accustomed to the children being children, but outside it there were always some expectations. “Thank you. And, well, they are just children. Oh, thank you. Everyone says he looks like Rickard when he was younger, though I have no way to be sure. He looks a Stark more than I do.” It was just a joke, but it was also a point of pride in her, that he had the Stark colours to go with his name. Red hair might be hers, but it was also Umber, and... well.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

Rhaenys smiled as he greeted her. Rose had taught him well. Rhaenys sighed in relief when she saw that the boy was primarily Stark in features. She had worried that had the child looked like Harlow, her thoughts would have quickly gone o the child she once carried, the child that she had never been able to see for herself. 

Her mind wandered into dark places. She was the reason this innocent boy was fatherless and without a claim to the lands that were rightfully his. “How lovely. I know Gregor and Daemon will be so excited when they hear you have arrived. You’ll be able to meet them at dinner.” She had wanted to have them be with her when Rose had arrived, but Gregor and Rodrik had taken longer than expected, while Daemon had shown signs of a chill with Rhaenys making the decision to keep him inside. 

[astarkrose-archive]

Torrhen looked between Rose and Rhaenys, a hesitant question on his face. She nodded, to encourage him, then stifled a quiet giggle when he asked her, voice small, “When is dinner?”

“I don’t know when dinner is, but we have bread and fruit in the room, you can have that if you want to eat right now.” Almost before she was done speaking, he took a deep bow of leave, and turned to find the food. Rose reddened slightly, despite herself. “I’m so sorry, he must be hungry from the ride.” It wasn’t really like him to simply turn away; Torr in a good mood could be a study in propriety. He must be more tired than she thought; she had to be careful not to let him exhaust himself playing too much when he met Rhaenys’ children, or tomorrow would be much of the same.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

Of course. Take all the time you need, Rose.” Rhaenys smiled and nodded, turning to a nearby guard as Rose walked into her chambers. “Do find Lord Forrester and tell him to bring Gregor in. I don’t want him catching a chill while we have guests.” She said, the guard bowing his head and turning to find her husband.

Rhaenys waited patiently by the door until Rose asked her to come in. Stepping in, she spoke up. “You must be Torr.” She smiled at the young boy in front of her. “I’ve heard many great things about. My boys are very exctied to meet you.”

[astarkrose-archive]

Rose kept one hand near the back of Torr’s head as he bowed to Rhaenys the way he and Brandon were always practicing. “It’s honour to meet, Lady Forrester,” he recited, if just a little off. The enthusiasm in his smile when he rose to face Rhaenys made Rose’s own beam grow. “Thank you. I’m excited to meet them!” 

Rose grinned, looking back up at Rhaenys. “He’s been talking about it since I told him we were going to visit.” Well, it was true, even if for a large part he had spoken about being the oldest in a group, as Brandon and Mini were both older than him, if not by much. Of course, Torr was too calm to do any real domineering, but if he wanted to think of it that way. 

[rhaenystheadventurer]

I’m glad you like them. I myself made sure that your chambers were properly prepared. 

[astarkrose-archive]

“Oh, thank you. Ah, and here they are. Do give me a second to wake him.” Rose raised a finger and nodded as she slipped into the room, still warm from the embers in the hearth. Torrhen looked to be waking up, rubbing one hand over his eyes and raising his brown head to look at her. “Mother?”

“Torr, it’s time to wake up! Lady Forrester is outside, waiting to meet you,” she said, moving to where their chests lay to bring out his day clothes. When he was changed and his hair was as neat as it could get, she turned to the door again. Peeking out at Rhaenys, she said, “Do come in?”

[youngstormlord-blog]

Most kind of you, my lady. How is your son doing?

Originally posted by lochiels

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, very well, thank you. He grows more every day. I believe your own twins are not much younger? 

[rhaenystheadventurer]

Forgive me, I never asked you if you liked your chambers. I do hope you’re comfortable. I’m sure they’re not as big as the ones you have in Winterfell. 

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, they’re lovely, really. Size is no matter, they’re warm and they can house me and Torr more than comfortably.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

You were never able to live in Last Hearth for very long. I’m sure you missed Winterfell while you were there. Yes, I’d love to meet him.

[astarkrose-archive]

No, it was just over half a year, nothing at all really, and so busy and... eventful. Well. Oh, come along, then. He’s in my room — oh, but you already know that.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

I’m sure it will. I haven’t lived here for very long, afterall. King’s Landing will always be my home. I’m so excited for my boys to meet Torr.

[astarkrose-archive]

I suppose. The longest I’ve been away from Winterfell was when I was at Last Hearth, and yet Winterfell always felt more like home. But over time, I imagine, that might have changed. 

Oh, yes. Do you want to meet him now? I should wake him soon, or he won’t sleep all night.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

I’ve adjusted well, yes. I do miss King’s Landing terribly, but I’m sure I’ll get over it. I’m sure there is. I can’t say I remember much of Winterfell. The last time I was there it was during the war.

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, no doubt soon Ironrath will feel like home. Oh, I barely remember it, in truth, it was years and years ago. Winterfell is little changed, though.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

The boys were the exact same way when we traveled here from King’s Landing. They hae adjusted well though. Tell me Rose, how have you fared?

[astarkrose-archive]

I’m happy to hear that. I hope you have, also? Ironrath is very different from King’s Landing. Oh, I’ve been well. There's always plenty to keep busy with in Winterfell.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

He had originally planned to be with both of the boys, but we both know that two year olds can be very unpredictable. I hope the trip wasn’t too hard on the both of you?

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, that’s very true. Awake and full of energy one minute, asleep the next. Oh, it was no trouble for me, but it’s Torr’s first time travelling so far, and it’s tired him. He’ll be up and about in no time, though.

[rhaenystheadventurer]

No, no you came at a perfect time. I was just putting Daemon down for a nap. Gregor, on the other hand, is out running around with his father.

[astarkrose-archive]

Ah, I see he’s almost asleep. Torr’s slept the whole time since we arrived. The poor child’s exhausted from the trip. Oh, it’s sweet of Lord Forrester to make time to go running with Gregor.

[astarkrose-archive]

Do not worry yourself, Lady Stark.

Originally posted by aneurinbarnardsource

If you say so, but I will be sure to tell her you’re looking if I do happen to see her. 

[rhaenystheadventurer]

“Forgive me, I wasn’t expecting visitors. What can I do for you?”

[astarkrose-archive]

I hope I don’t come at a bad time...

[rhaenystheadventurer]

That would be perfect. They are so close in age. It would be a pity if they didn’t meet.

[astarkrose-archive]

Oh, they simply must. I would hate if they weren’t friends.

It’s settled, then?