No Fight is Hopeless

Heir to the Iron Island and Captain of the Black Wind

[yukselkaminski]

Parties and celebrations were never Kiyana’s forte. There was too much turmoil and falsehood- you could see it in the faces of the Lords and Ladies. Celebrating and eating copious amounts of food while the outside world fought for breadcrumbs. Looking around the throne room, she stuck out like a sore thumb. Kiyana was clad in black, heavily armed and her eyes were constantly watching the masses. Every so often, she’d train her vision on a silverhaired Targaryen, Daenerys. It was, after all, her paid duty to protect the King’s Sister. She and her sword had been entrusted with her safety, and if she wanted to line her pockets with Targaryen gold, then she would damn well do her job. Gliding past a group of drunken lords, Kiyana reached out for a mug of mead. What sort of celebration would it be if alcohol wasn’t flowing in excess?

The politics of the evening didn’t matter much to her, although Eddard Stark seemed like a formidable man to be Hand of the King. The only true power, or at least in Braavos, had always been the Iron Bank and the Golden Company. Here, great Houses controlled the lands, allied until one stabbed the other in the back. She leaned against one of the stone pillars, sipping her drink.

[captainashas]

Asha had arrived late to the feast, not particularly wanting to attend at all. She had spent enough time at the funeral mingling among the highborns, and her polite facade was already wearing on her. Gods only know how long she could survive King’s Landing like this. Asha’s stomach had gotten the best of her though, the idea of a feast more appealing that she cared to admit. Feasts were not too common on the Iron Islands, celebrations were usually of the drinking sort, and most of the Ironborn were off sailing at any giving point, making it difficult to get enough of her people in one place.

Spotting Kiyana at the event caused Asha’s heart to race, just a little bit. It proved that seeing Kiyana today in the capital wasn’t some elaborate dream or hallucination. She was here. She was real. (Or at least, Asha’s mind was truely getting away from here, fabricating Kiyana in the middle of a crowded room.) Kiyana stood out - To Asha, her old lover would stand out anywhere, though at court was an entirely different story. Asha watched her at the back of the hall, dressed in black it looked as if Kiyana was still fit for the funeral, though the fact she was obviously armed told the nobles she was not here as a guest, she was on duty. Asha quietly suspected that she herself stood out almost as much as Kiyana. Asha too, wore breeches and a manner that was not familiar with the courtly atmosphere, though at least they could stick out together. 

Hesitantly, Asha decided to approach Kiyana. She wondered what kind of rules there were for talking with the guests while she was on duty, though from what Asha had seen of Daenerys, she did not seem like the strictest of jobs. “I’m glad to see you here,” Asha said, by way of a greeting, “I was almost worried I had willed you into existence this afternoon.” She reached over to the near table, pouring herself a glass of ale, she would not survive this feast if she were sober. 

[captainashas]

kiyanaofbraavos:

She’d once experienced a nightmare when Asha spent the night with her in Pentos. Kiyana had heard stories of mercenaries having families, people that they had loved. They had made mistakes in their jobs, and had their weaknesses exploited. One of the bandits in the Second Sons had a young daughter and after a botched mission, she’d ended up brutally killed. It was almost a silent rule- you weren’t supposed to care about people. There was no way that anyone could hurt you if your life only revolved around the work. Kiyana had cared for her mother, and her death had split her heart in half. What remained hardened, turned cold and learned how to kill in order to survive. In her dream, Kiyana came back to her apartment to blood. So much blood, on the walls, staining the sheets. A dagger laid on the ground, one she didn’t recognize… and next to it was a body, one she knew too well. The image had torn her from her sleep, hands shaking and heart pounding. It hit her with the reality of their relationship, the possible consequences if she wasn’t careful in what she did. For the first time in her life, she realized there was something to lose. 

With Asha so close, right in front of her, the thoughts pinged in her mind. She took on the Targaryen enemies with her pledge of duty to the princess. She didn’t exactly know what risks suddenly fell on her shoulders. Kiyana wanted nothing more than to just hold onto Asha, to let the moment linger longer than it did. “Perhaps it is overdue fate correcting the past.” Kiyana smiled, it was a rare sight but Asha lowered her walls. After Asha had left, she’d become colder. The only thing Kiyana had tied herself to was her job. Something that the captain had reminded her of, taking her away from just them two. Kiyana looked around the streets, nodding her head. With the funeral, someone could see the commotion as a chance to attack. “I suppose it would be best to tend to my duties.” Her fingers gently gave Asha’s a squeeze, her face turning a gentle pink at the comment. “I might have a sight or two worth seeing in the keep…” Kiyana felt the words dance on her lips.

Watching Kiyana smile made Asha feel like a young girl, butterflies darted around her stomach. Gods, she looked so beautiful when she smiled, it was a sight she vowed never to take for granted again. “It’s about time we had fate on our side, for once.” She remarked, fate had been a rather cruel mistress to the pair of them, they deserved a little happiness - though Asha could only hope it would be for longer than last time. It was such a surprise to hear Kiyana speak in such a positive way, the woman was not known for looking on the bright side of things. It gave Asha a feeling of hope she had no expected, she could almost feel it thawing out her closed off heart.

Asha chuckled, she was more than sure that Kiyana had a few worthwhile sights, to say the least. “I’ll see you at the feast?” Asha asked, a little hesitantly, she was not sure to the extent that she was required to tail the princess, maybe Kiyana was the lucky few that managed to avoid courtly events, though somehow Asha doubted it. The Greyjoy woman finally left Kiyana’s hand go, for a moment it almost felt as though she was leaving her all over again “Come find me as soon as you can.” Asha told her, she wanted to take this at Kiyana’s pace, Asha was well known for rushing into things, but she would not ruin this with her foolhardiness.

[redjamie]

make me choose → to-the-water-ixazaluoh asked: house greyjoy or house mormont

[captainashas]

alynnabaratheon:

The first thing Alynna notices about the woman who has joined her is her attire, instead of skirts she wear pants and although it is far from common it does not distract from the woman’s beauty. Her hair is darker than Alynna’s and her eyes are a deep brown almost as dark as tar when the light hits just right. The lack of silks and colors for the more modest clothing make her stand out immediately. She is not from King’s Landing, Alynna guesses and a smile blooms on her lips at the realization. She’s felt like such an outsider here and one practically anonymous at that and she aches for the presence of one who shares in her sentiment. Foreigners ought to stick together. She knows she could use a friend or two in the capitol for when she’ll return. The woman doesn’t introduce herself nor asks her name but Alynna doesn’t mind, there will be time for introductions later. Although she admires the dragons as much as the other does she cannot say she shares in the desire to ride one.

Not only does she not think she would be able to as Targaryen blood does not flow through her veins but dragons are no horses and she’s always regarded riding them as a bit of an insult. Majestic creatures such as it ought to be free and not poorly domesticated. She doesn’t voice her disapproval but nods along to the other’s word, the picture of pleasantness. “I don’t think so, my lady. I would not risk it. Isn’t it said that only Targaryen borne rode dragons? I don’t think I ever heard of any other great house member riding one.”

Asha caught the girl smile at her after looking her up and down. Despite knowing that she herself is often less than subtle when she finds herself in the company of comely women, that does not make it any less amusing to be on the other end, regardless of the lady’s intent. Though, Asha supposed that a kind smile is much more preferable to the looks of shock she had received after she first arrived at the feast, it was almost as if some of the court had never seen a woman wearing breeches before. 

“Sometimes a little fun is worth the risk,” Asha said, giving the young lady a wicked smile. She knew the histories of the dragons surprisingly well, and there weren’t many cases of dragon’s killing their riders, it was said to be the great bond formed between the two. “The Targaryen’s kept all the fun to themselves.” She said with a laugh. “My name is Asha Greyjoy, it is a pleasure to meet you. I do apologise if I interrupted you.” 

[captainashas]

kiyanaofbraavos:

“I’ve never seen as much gold in my life…” She couldn’t ignore the change she saw in Asha upon the mention of Daenerys. Did the two know each other? Was her sudden appearance in King’s Landing almost like a betrayal? The contract she had in Pentos had been so airtight, Kiyana knew that if she had disappeared, she could die. She’d be running for her life, the word treason associated with anything she had done for the company. And, it would put Asha in danger. Kiyana did not want to take that chance. She could protect herself, but the feelings for Asha made her have a blind spot. For the first time, she had something that could make her weak. Kiyana  always wanted to leave on the Greyjoy ship, but it wasn’t logical for her. She had to drown her heart and think with her head.

She could almost picture the shabby compartment in Pentos. It was filled with the bare minimum, but Kiyana had loved it. Her window opened up to the ports and the sea, the smell of salt water always filling her room. In the mornings, she would look out and watch the sun rise over the water, the sails of boats gently blowing in the wind. Her eyes would spot the Greyjoy crest, despite having the fleet captain in her bed. “We were happier there.” Kiyana said softly, her eyes trying to find Asha’s. She did miss it. The nights spent wandering the Pentos streets from tavern to tavern, free to do what they wanted. “I haven’t known the princess for long, but she is kind.” Kiyana remembered escorting the silver haired woman through Driftmark, the crowds had called her name. She was well loved by the common folk. She was a gentle woman, very beautiful but she didn’t have the same fire Asha did.

Kiyana spoke about about Daenerys the way she spoke about most things in life: logically. There was no emotion in her voice as she answered Asha’s question, and she could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. The thought of finding Kiyana again only to compete with the princess for her affections would have made things more complicated, though Asha was not one to shy away from a challenge. Despite her mix of emotions upon seeing Kiyana in Westeros, she would be a fool not to be happy about it, and Asha would not let herself forget it. “I am very glad to have found you again, Kiyana.” Asha whispered. Their fingers still intertwined, Asha lifted Kiyana’s hand to her lips, pressing a kiss into the back of her calloused hands. Asha had always said that the first steps onto the shore, when the smell of the sea hits you always felt like coming home, but to smell Kiyana’s skin after so long left Asha weak at the knees. She closed her eyes, savouring the moment. It was the smell of the leather armour that she often wore that never quite faded, with the air of Essos still lingering. Gods, she had forgotten that. 

All this talk of Daenerys, and it hit Asha that Kiyana was probably still on duty. She could not imagine the King was paying her to stand around discovering who else was in King’s Landing. She stood a little straighter, worried for taking up so much of Kiyana’s time. “I am sorry to have kept you so long, you must have to get back to Daenerys, I do not want to get you in trouble.” Asha quietly wondered if all their time together now would be around the princesses schedule, she was not used to being the other woman. The cogs started turning in Asha’s mind, if Kiyana was working for the princess, surely she would be staying in the Keep, maybe this was not the worst arrangement after all. A wicked grin spread across Asha’s face, “My lodgings for the time are in the Keep, as a guest of the court. I suppose I am quite likely to see you around then, maybe you could even give me a tour.” 

[ofariannemartell-blog]

The tides had not changed King’s Landing in the months she had been away from it. The ocean still sang its sapphire song, the winds still thick within their embrace. The heavy air curled around her as she stood by the balcony doors, gaze turned outwards and arms folded gracefully at her front. ( It was always the balcony where she found herself, graced upon the stone with her gaze outward and sights wandering. )

Her return to King’s Landing had not been of joyous matters. She had not known the Hand of the King with the fondness many at the Keep seemed to service his memory with, but he had been a familiar face among the great halls. She knew to read people, knew how to mark the cadence of their hearts and the flitting of their eyes to see where they fell in this game of thrones– -and in her keep, she would think Lord Arryn an honorable man. A man found by the Seven now, under their light he may rest.

Her belongings had been stowed, packed in for the leave she was to take for Dorne come morrow’s morn. Much lay for her here, in the heart of Westeros– -but she was the Princess of Dorne. Her land awaited her return. ( Even the underswept sorrow, the hushed silence to honor the departed did not undo her. Arianne had come to know the loss of departed like a ashen drape along her shoulders. ) Her warm gaze moved with the sifts of the wind as she heard the shuffle of landing steps, the silence following it one signaling an arrival to her hearth.

“Have you come to bid me farewell?” She spoke, unturning. Her tongue lathered the words with an unspoken familiarity though she knew not who stood behind her in greeting. There were plenty at King’s Landing whom she knew well, had shared ruby tinted laughs with and perhaps a night or two under the waxing moon’s twinkling gaze. And if not a greeting to a familiar face, the words warmed enough to melt whatever sterility would follow between strangers.

Finally– -turning upon her heel, the raven haired princess looked to who braced the doorway, a mauve lipped smile blooming in greeting. 

[captainashas]

Asha had recognised Arianne Martell almost immediately. The two women were not aquatinted, but between her darker skin, and the way she stood out in the crowd wit her commanding presence, Asha was all but certain she was the Dornish princess. For that reason, she had always admired Dorne, what she wouldn’t give to simply have inherited her father’s title, rather than fighting tooth and nail for it. It was a shame that the Ironborn were determined to do everything in the most difficult ways possible. Asha watched the princess, just for a moment, as she stood by the balcony, with the ocean in the distance, it looked like a scene from a painting, the dusk sun reflecting off her skin. She was beautiful, and beautiful women deserved to be admired.

Unthinking, Asha approached her, and she could only hope her company would not be unwanted, people who found themselves alone at the balcony of an event like this were often seeking solitude, or at least, that was what Asha had done when she was sulking in the corner. Arianne’s familiar words were an unexpected kindness. “The contrary, my Princess, I’ve come to introduce myself, though I shan’t keep you if you were leaving,” Asha smiled, “I am Asha Greyjoy. I have heard much of you, my lady, though I can see the tales of you beauty have not been exaggerated.” 

[queensilvane]

The celebration of Lord Stark as the newly-named Hand ushered in an explosion of colors – gone were the dowdy mourning blacks and somber expressions, and in their place stood glittering jewels and flamboyantly colored silks. Margaery herself was no exception to the cheerful shift, and the vibrant green silk skirt she wore was bright against the green-and-gold, rose-patterned bodice that dipped generously low at the front and exposed nearly all of her back. A simple gold chain dripped from her neck, and a long thornless stem ended in the golden image of a rose, which sat proudly on her sternum. An elaborate plait twisted half of her hair prettily, while the remainder of her soft brown curls fell freely down her bared back. 

Laughter cheered the air, though Margaery could not help but to wonder – how much of it was fake, as feigned as the tears they’d shed and condolences they’d cried for Jon Arryn? 

As was expected of her, Margaery searched the room for company that would prove beneficial – this event was not pleasure, but business, as most things were. Her golden-brown gaze eventually found a figure momentarily secluded from the dancing and feasting occurring, and a familiar smile soon bloomed on her lips. 

“Pardon my intrusion, if it was solitude you were seeking —” she began, a gentle laugh on her lips. “—But I could not help but to notice you alone, and I thought…well, who wouldn’t prefer to be dancing on an occasion such as this?” 

[captainashas]

Asha had spotted Margaery easily from a distance. The woman was wearing a new outfit from the funeral this morning, and while Asha knew little about the choices behind it, she knew she looked beautiful, the colours suited Margaery better than funeral attire. Asha was content to sit down by herself and take in the ladies dance, she had never been the type for such activities, or at least, not while she was still so sober, or with so many other people around. Asha was then shocked when the little Tyrell appeared in front of her, and asked her to dance. She had sworn she had only seen her on the moments ago, but the lady darted about the crowd as if she were born for it, which, Asha supposed, she was. Asha felt her cheeks redden from the questions alone, “I appreciate the offer, Lady Margaery, but I don’t dance, I’m afraid.” 

[captainashas]

The day continued to drag on, in Asha’s eyes. The funeral had been, frankly, horrible. The smell had gotten the best with her, and she felt like nothing but an outcast, though she must admit, the few nobles had spoken to had treated her kindly (which was unexpected, to say the least). Lingering up the back of the hall, the feast and the funeral gave Asha too much time to dwell on her home. Had it even been a week since her father had been killed? Asha had lost all sense of time, the events surrounding it all happening so quickly and having so much affect. Balon Greyjoy had not received an Ironborn funeral. His body hidden in some ditch that her uncle saw fit to dump him in. There was no feast in his honour, none of his crew swapping stories and memories of their man, their leader. She had sacrificed so much for her father, but she it had never occurred to her how much she would miss him. But she was a warrior: she did not yearn for more. 

Ironborn funerals were so different from that of the mainland. They gave their bodies back to the sea, just like they gave most of their lives to it, as well. The feasts at Pyke that would follow a funeral were a beastly event. They would celebrate the life of their fallen comrade usually by becoming so drunk they could no longer stand, and eating their weight in food. Asha supposed the two events were not completely dissimilar. Though that did not mean she felt any less awkward here. Truthfully, she was not even sure why she had come. A part of her hoped she may run into her brother here, though she suspected it unlikely with the number of guests. Instead, Asha stood by herself, floating on the outskirts of the feast. She wore the same outfit from the funeral itself, unlike the ladies of the court, she did not have an abundance of appropriate outfits.  She stood, watching the celebration, and for the first time in her life wishing she owned skirts, and looked less like an outsider.

[alynnabaratheon]

The throne room is as wonderful a sight as Alynna expected it to be. When she took the time to picture King’s Landing she expected lavish and beauty and what she has seen of the city so far does not disappoint but the Red Keep is the height of beauty in her eyes. Oddly enough her eyes have found a point of focus on the great dragon skulls displayed in the room. Carcasses have no right to look so impressive, she thinks and yet she cannot tear her eyes off. Dragons are immensely powerful creatures after all and the symbol of a dynasty and besides those skulls are still infinitely less intimidating than the crowned dragons roaming about the room. She reaches out to touch one of the skulls while no one is watching only to stop fingers suspended mid air as she hears footsteps approaching. Her cheeks are tainted a faint pink as she turns towards the intruder. “Beautiful creatures, are they not?” She commented, motioning to the skulls besides her.

[captainashas]

Asha found herself watching the young lady who had become enraptured by the dragon skulls. She wondered if the girl was doing so to escape the feast for a moment to herself, or simply curious, it was not every day one got to see such a reminder of the beasts. Asha almost felt as if she were watching a private moment, and when the lady realised she was being watched, Asha felt her own cheeks redden as well. “They were, my lady,” Asha replied, stepping closer to the girl to admire the skulls. “It is a shame that all we have left of them is bones,” She wondered what it would have been like to coexist with dragons, “Wouldn’t you just love to have ridden one?” Asha asked, she could not have thought of anything more freeing, and Asha was pirate, she lived for such freedoms. 

[theapplerose-blog-deactivated20]

The feast was growing more lively by the hour. Everyone either had a goblet in their hand or were pulling others to join them in dancing. Leonette watched a group of young ladies crowding in a corner of the room, no doubt waiting for someone of the young men milling about to approach them. She smirked. The sight was reminiscent of her younger days, when she and her cousins would do the same in hopes of being approached by their future husbands. Of course, at that time, her heart was already promised to another and she had never been happier since then.

“The feast has been absolutely lovely thus far. Drastically different from earlier today, do you not agree?” She asked the person seated next to her. 

[captainashas]

Asha had found herself seated at a table filled with strangers, though, she supposed almost everyone at court was a stranger to her. She had spent the better part of the feast hiding in the corner, hoping to avoid conversation, but her stomach got the better of her and she decided she could brave the small talk if it meant getting to eat - and drink - more. She did not recognise the woman or her house as she spoke to her, but she looked as lovely and gentle as most of the women at court, and Asha did not have a lot of time for them. “It has indeed, you’d hardly think the court were in mourning this morning,” Asha commented, as she looked over at the dancing girls. “But I must admit, the smell of meat is much better for all of us than the smell of Lord Arryn,” she said with a polite smile.

[sandorclcgane]

Nearly over. Most days those two words drive him, as does the idea of filling his stomach with ale, wine, or whatever he can get his hands when it’s finally gotten late enough. His foul mood has grown worse, and Sandor mostly finds himself eager to see all these poor, mourning guests leave to return home. He’s tucked himself away in a corner of the throne room in the meantime, hoping to avoid conversation. The Hound’s done his fair share of talking, and he’s sick of hearing it all.

Those he’s meant to protect are nearby, but at this point he’s daring anyone to try and hurt them. Just to give him something to fucking do. With little chance of it happening, the scowl on his face is worse than usual in the hopes that it keeps all of them away from him. His glare passes by everyone and no one in particular, at least not until he hears someone approach. Whether they were approaching him or not, he still speaks harshly. “What do you want?”

[captainashas]

Asha was surprised to see someone who looked as though they were enjoying the feast as much as she was. She had not met him before, but the reputation of the Hound preceded him. The first impression of the man did live up to her expectations though, he looked as sullen as she had anticipated, and the fact that he was standing in the corner of the room by himself, spoke measures of his friendliness. For want of something better to do, Asha decided to approach the man, if neither of them wanted to be at the feast, they might as well be miserable together. She breathed a laugh at his harsh words, Gods, she thought, he sounds absolutely delightful. Almost against her better judgment, she said, “I thought you could do with the company, you looked a little lonely over here by yourself,” A smirk graced her lips as she spoke.

[captainashas]

serenastarks:

“It’s quite… pungent,” she said, the ghost of a smile curling her lips upwards, eyes scanning the petite brunette in front of her. She’d never seen her before for if she had, she surely would have remembered. “I’ve heard tales of ladies using mint,” she started, inching closer, “and dabbing it right beneath their nose.” She mimicked her words, tapping the pad of her index finger just above her upper lip. “I only wish I remembered that earlier.”

She had to fight her eyes from rolling at the mention of her family—of Rodrik, the ever persistent nag of a brother. “No trouble,” she paused, “at least not right now.” Pursing her lips together, she inched closer, eyes narrowing upon the woman’s soft features. “Lady Greyjoy, isn’t it?” she asked, unsure of the girl’s true name, but she’d recognize that sweet smell anywhere. It lingered off her skin, wafting up ever-so-pleasantly into Serena’s nostrils: the sea. 

“Huh,” Asha responded, “That is indeed a clever idea, if only you had remembered, you truely would have been the most popular person here.” She was aware of just how close the girl was to her, giving Asha the chance to admire her, she had always been fond of warm eyes. “As a girl I once tried to use seaweed to help with a smell, safe to say, it did not work.” She smiled, It was a memory she had not thought of in years. 

Asha was surprised to see that the young girl knew of her, she had clearly done her research before coming to King’s Landing. “It is, my lady, Asha Greyjoy. A pleasure to meet you.” From the girl’s distinct features, she could tell she was Northern, though Asha had not spent time learning the names of the children of houses since she were a child - and hardly even then. Her lessons consistent of teaching her how to sail, and when she was older, how to fight. “Lady Stark, if I be so bold to guess?” A shot in the dark was better than no shot at all, she supposed.

[captainashas]

strongestthorn:

Ahh yes, there it was, The Greyjoy temper, she’d seen it in the boy she’d dealt with years ago and now she saw it in the girl before her. Though, at least it seemed she was a tad better at controlling herself than the former and been. She wasn’t worried, her guards milled a step behind them, and if the girl indeed wanted the King’s help, killing the Dowager Lady of Highgarden would all but ensure she was executed and her uncle guaranteed the salt throne. “There we go, that’s more like it.” she smiled, “The backbone I and the court want to see, the logic behind it and a rather apt metaphor as well.” She could see a little of herself in the girl, granted she’d no weapons training (that her family had known of) but in speech they were quite alike. “If you can state yourself like that before the king and his small council,” which she hoped to attain a seat on, “Then you’ll have their attention, if little else.” she nodded, “From one flower will sprout many seeds, provided you’ve the strength to care for them.” she said vaguely, “Your confidence is refreshing, if a tad naive, but I’ve always enjoyed rooting for the more interesting party.”

Olenna did laugh, tapping her cane against the Sept floor lightly, “Oh I’m very serious.” she informed Asha, “You want something from the man, yes? Then believe me you’re courting him. It’s a glorified process but the main crux stays the same, you want his approval and to charm him so you will get what you need. Pride is all well and good but what use is it when you’ve nothing but yourself be proud of?” she asked tartly, “Make sure you do. And perhaps great my Granddaughter, Lady Margeary, before you do, she and Lady Sansa Stark are true ladies of court, they carry the demeanour the positions demands.” Which Lady Greyjoy would do well to learn a little.  

“What can I say, my lady, I like to keep it interesting, and I’ll be sure to give something to root for!” Despite her frustration at the older woman not moments before, it did feel reassuring to have her on her side, Olenna had been at court for longer than most, and if she was willing to bet on Asha, then maybe her case wasn’t as hopeless as she feared. 

Asha laughed, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I get to court a king, I never thought I’d see day.” She shouldn’t have been so surprised to be called out by the Lady Tyrell, she knew she had a lot to learn from the ladies of the court, maybe she would do well to spend some more time with them, she thought with a smile. “I had the pleasure of meeting your granddaughter earlier today,” she said, “She is definitely a true lady of the court.” 

[captainashas]

littlest-stormlord:

Glancing at Asha, it was as if frustration radiated off of her. The waiting game was a common one in the capital, but it had to be infuriating for a people who simply took what they wanted and damn the consequences. If nothing else, many of the lords in King’s Landing would appreciate Asha playing by their rules. He suspected she knew that. “I fear much of the politics game is waiting, but I’m not that new at it, and I will make sure the wait is as short as possible,” he said, winking at her.

While he had been prepared to answer her, regarding the fleet in Dragonstone, Renly’s eyebrows shot to his hairline at her next comment. Of course, he knew she did not plan on rebelling against the crown. If she did, she would not be playing their game. Still, she was testing her boundaries. “I’m sure there are other ways to test it, should the crown deem it necessary,” he said, a bit tightly. The gods knew Renly was not prepared to lead the fleet in any sort of war. “I’m afraid I’m trapped at court, for the most part. I haven’t even truly seen the sea in ages.” Though he had little fondness for Storm’s End, and one did not leisurely sail off Shipbreaker Bay, he did have an appreciation for the sea. On occasion he felt trapped within the walls of King’s Landing.

Asha smiled at the lord, his words meant a lot to her, though his wink quickly left her thoroughly thrown off. She had hoped that her dress and well, manners, would be enough to put men, though apparently she had underestimated the men of King’s Landings. She was a woman, and by all rights she should have been married by this age, she should hardly be surprised if they flirted with her. Asha mentally shook her head, calm down, you idiot, she thought, it was a wink, not every man you talk to wants to sleep with you. 

Asha laughed, good and true at his reaction to her comments. Oh, if this was how teasing the nobles was going to go, she could get used to King’s Landing. “How disappointing,” Asha commented, “How can they expect you to lead a fleet you barely get to know?” She would hate living here, that much she knew, the ocean was too inaccessible, she needed to smell the sea. 

[youngestsonofthestorms-blog]

Quiet Prayer || Open

[captainashas]

goldenroseknight:

“One can but hope.” Loras rolled his eyes a little, leaning on the red stone of the garden walls. They were nothing compared to Highgarden, barely even a fraction of the places he could lose himself in at home, and the smell out here was bad enough. It did’t sit in your throat like the one inside. But still, shit and piss and death and disease made its way up toward the Red Keep like a sieging army. “…a few moons now, and yourself? I can’t say I’ve seen you around, and you’re hardly the type to fade into the background.”

“I only arrived just in time for the funeral,” Asha said, between her outfit and her attitude, Asha knew that she would stand out at court, “What can I say? Someone needs to be the source of the latest gossip,” Asha joked, unable to help herself. She knew she would be, no matter how much she hated it, but Asha refused to change her skin, and she couldn’t stand the thought of wearing skirts, even if it meant impressing the people who’s side she desperately needed to be on. 

[captainashas]

daenerys-of-the-tides:

Daenerys might not have been in court for five years but she had no problem with faces and determining who it was that were born to be in the Keep and those who were coming in from other places. And she knew Asha came from another place. The Iron-born princess, here in King’s Landing. She wondered what had been so urgent momentous that they could not send a raven. Surely, a raven would have been sufficient even though the things that needed saying might be limited within a small, brown patch. Daenerys nodded her head and offered the dark-haired woman a soft smile. No, she was not going to correct Asha in front of everyone. It was hard enough the woman was far away from her birth place and that she was here alone, without her blood. “Thank you, Lady Asha! He was like a father to all of us, my eldest brother especially.” She said kindly. “What brings your presence here in King’s Landing, My Lady?”

Asha gave Daenerys a sad smile, she was all too familiar with the feeling of loosing a father, and suspected that this loss must have been just as hard for the Targaryen royalty as their true father, “The King must be going through a hard time, you all do well to put on such a brave face.” She said, and meant it, too. It had been a few weeks at most since her father was killed, and Asha still wanted nothing more than to curl up and mourn. 

It didn’t feel right to drop on the dragon princess why she was truely in King’s Landing while they were at a funeral of all places. Though Asha knew the princess was not stupid, and Daenerys would hardly believe Asha had simply come to the capital to offer her condolences. Everyone knew the Greyjoy’s kept to themselves, and none of them had visited court since Asha was a child. “I must admit, my princess, the funeral is only part of the reason for my arrival,” or a non-factor, she thought, “The Iron Islands are in a state of flux, and without a Lord Reaper,” Asha refused to acknowledge that her uncle had stolen the title for himself. “I hope to seek the King’s audience, to uh, discuss the matter with him.” She wondered if the conversation about her presence in King’s Landing would ever cease to be uncomfortable, though she imagined not. 

[captainashas]

kiyanaofbraavos:

Kiyana could think back to the nights in Pentos, raising hell with Asha. She’d fit in rather well with the Greyjoy, both dangerous women when crossed. They could use Pentos as a playground for all sorts of antics. She’d never met another woman who knew how to be capable with a swords, one who used her intellect and charm to guarantee the cards fell in her favor. It was part of the reason why Kiyana was so enamored with the woman. She was as strong as she was beautiful. Seeing Asha smile for the first time in years made Kiyana’s body ache to reach out, bring her closer. She wasn’t sure what the social rules were in Westeros, the Free Cities didn’t restrict as many actions as the monarch kingdom. Kiyana, tapped her fingers on her dagger, it was a habit she had when processing information. Surely she had the King’s ear, to an extent. She’d never asked the man for more than her offered, maybe she could get Asha a place at his table… ”The game of Kings and Queens is much more complicated that dealing with the only the Iron Bank.” It was a poor attempt at humor, but Kiyana wanted to take away some of Asha’s visible stress.

She watched as Asha’s face and voice changed into something she didn’t fully recognize. Perhaps House Greyjoy had a difficult relationship with the Targaryens, perhaps it was the mention of the princess? Was it the detail about the Golden Company, how they had prevented her from leaving with Asha… Kiyana’s contract had been air tight, she would’ve lost her money and been marked as a traitor to the company if she’d left that day. Of course it must’ve hurt Asha to hear the sudden change of events. Kiyana’s eyes dropped. The deal with the company had been fairly lucrative, after all, they were a bunch of trained bandits in the end. Even splendor and reputation bent every so often when the sack of gold was big enough. “It seems that the Targaryen’s offer was more than even the company couldn’t resist… even the contractors prefer gold over duty if the sum is excessive.” Kiyana had been a bit disappointed with the lack of honor the company had but she did understand it. Each side ended up much better off. She had gotten her own men, passage to Westeros and lodging. As much as she’d wanted to contact Asha, she figured those years of silence were not an invitation for the two to rekindle  “Ah the Red Keep…” Kiyana smiled, shaking her head. “I’d never been one to fit in with the lords and the ladies. The politics and trickery are different from the streets of the free cities…”

Asha swallowed what felt like her pride, “I should be grateful that the Targaryen’s have such lucrative amounts of gold lying around,” she commented, doing what she could to find a positive in her feelings, “and that they know a good sword when they see one.” Despite herself, Asha almost smiled, she couldn’t help but imagine Kiyana dressed up like a lady, the thought took her breath away, because Asha knew she could pull it off, too. Kiyana was not one to easily back down for a challenge, and if the task required her to fit in with the rest of the court, she would find a way. “That they are, it’s times like this I miss the simplicity of the Free Cities, although they never felt it at the time.” Asha paused, among being struck with nostalgia for their time in Pentos together, she was almost not sure what to say to Kiyana. Their time apart made every conversation harder to navigation, and the last thing Asha wanted was to overstep. Kiyana may not have been the sensitive type, but she knew how long it took to break through and see the real her. Asha had lost that privilege years ago, and it made her feel cold to see this mask of Kiyana again. “How long have you been working for the princess?” Asha asked, “I hope she’s been good to you...” As much as she was fishing for details, there was a genuineness to her voice that Asha herself almost had not expected. Even know she knew it was not any of her business, she was curious about their relationship to say the least, but Kiyana deserved an easy job, and a kind one at that. There was enough hardship in her life, Asha could only hope that Daenerys was not creating anymore for her.