Domeric broke into applause with the rest of them. He didn’t care for the art of mummery for the craft itself, insomuch that attending these plays and performances gave him an opportunity to speak to a great variety of people. A crowd was collecting around the performers, all eager to get their piece in. Domeric opted to wait rather than beg for the attention of an actor, of all people. He found himself a glass of wine, and was about to take a sip when a slip of person rushed into him, sending him tumbling backwards.
“Whoops—-” He exclaimed. For a moment, he looked rather ridiculous, swinging his arms around like a windmill. His own wine flew from his hand and drenched the finery that he wore.
It took a second for him to right himself. His eyes flashed angrily, looking to his assailant, lips opening to let out some harsh words. Until he recognized who it was. “Lady Asha.” He stated, blinking wide, and shoulders falling. “It is, er, quite alright. It is only my clothes that are hurt.”
-
for some reason, asha had a feeling if she had not been the sister of a high lady or future bride of eddard celtigar, he would have not reacted so kindly. “my apologies,” she offered and stopped a bypassing servant to ask them to bring a wet cloth. she handed him the cloth immediately with an apologetic smile. “i am sure you remember my clumsiness, lord domeric.” asha had never been an elegant swan during these gatherings, it was not the first time she had spilled her drink on someone, she wagered it would not be the last time either. she had never really connected much with the younger kilcairn son, but she knew of one subject they could speak about. “i do not believe i have yet congratulated you on your betrothal,” asha commented as a way to chat. “it seems we will both soon be married to celtigars.”
the way the whole city of kingsport seemed to light up with visitors was enough for emeline to find herself constantly roaming the streets, moving from event to event until her eyes could no longer stay open. she watched from a distance as the play came to an end, palms coming together to join the rest of the spectators in elated applause. she had been looking to her side when asha’s body collided with her own, emeline quickly turning to apologize as well even though it wasn’t her doing. “oh, my lady, apologies.” after seeing the entirety of the play, it was impossible to mistake her for anyone else. “i’m glad to see none of the wine was spilled.” emeline managed a polite smile, “i wouldn’t want to keep you from your friends, though. please.”
-
she was quick the impact off and dismissively waved her hand. “fret not, it was entirely my fault,” asha admitted easily. she was about to continue on, but she thought she recognised the woman, something about her was strangely familiar. “ah, they have plenty of my time already,” she shrugged as she was desperately trying to think of why she remembered her face. “oh wait, you are the seamtress, are you not?” she asked excitedly before a triumphant smile spread on her lips. “one of the arosian ladies pointed you out to me. i am desperately hoping you have time for a commission.”
𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔬𝔰𝔦𝔞𝔫 𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔪𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔩𝔞𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔢𝔡 , a soft and genuine chuckle escaping his lips as he reflexively stepped back . ❝ please , my lady , it is i who should be apologising , i almost spilt the wine all over your beautiful dress ! that is a really beautiful dress , ❞ benny nodded , his eyes catching every detail of it , benny by his nature , has always been quick to obsessively fixate on things . ❝ this is fine clothing indeed lady asha , who is your dressmaker ? and is this lace ? satin ? really , this dress is magnificent , mind - blowing , ❞ he clumsily plucked at the sleeves , letting his fingers examine the cloth , actions lacking any sort of grace or refinement that it could not have possibly carried any sort of sexual under tone. ❝ i think my sisters would enjoy such fine craftsmanship , may i have the name of your seamstress ? ❞
-
asha had grown up hearing stories about the rivalry of erys and aros, how her people had slaughtered every man who washed up on their shores. she bore them no ill will, but she was proud of the magic of the lands she grew up in, she loved both the bright moments of their history and their darker ones. she allowed him to examine the fabric further without pulling away. “thank you for your kind compliments, your grace,” she replied cheerily, a wide smile appearing on her lips. “i will pass on your sweet words to my seamstress, ellis, and i would be happy to arrange for dresses to be made and sent to your sisters.” she did not know much about the young prince, but he definitely seemed kind — and not as stiff and boring as many royals and high nobles could be. “or perhaps you would like something made? i promise you that she is very talented.”
eddard’s actions has certainly been contemptible but contrition and despondence eluded him , it would take only extreme forces of nature for him to start wretchedly bewailing for his chronic abrasiveness . with an ego the size of elyria he would never subject himself to such pitiful behaviour . a short snicker befell his wine - stained lips at the verbal retaliation of his wife - to - be , amusement flashing across his blue - green eyes . his lips parted , a carelessly cultivated retort on the edge of his tongue but such sentiments were abruptly halted as a couple nobles congratulated the two of them . “ yes , yes , thank you . ” eddard mumbled , politely shaking their hand , a dazzling smile decorating his lips . “ i am the luckiest man in all the seven kingdoms . ” he said to them in such a hyperbolic nature before glancing back at asha with a sardonic grin .
as they disappeared from view , eddard completely turned his stance towards his betrothed . “ i can assure you , lady asha , that you were most certainly not my first choice . but i am glad that you are already familiar with my … ” eddard titled his head in thought , “ … practices . i hope you are not expecting me to change . because i will not , especially not for some sharp-tongued , plain - looking girl . ” he looked her up and down with contempt . “ but i suppose it is only natural for you to be jealous , i am the most handsome nobleman in all the seven kingdoms but , do not fret my dear , my lovers and i will be as quiet as possible . ”
-
while she was pleased eddard was not planning to publicly humiliate her, she was disgusted by how quickly he could slip into this persona, to pretend to actually be happy to marry her. oh, she had been such a fool. she had never spoken to eddard much, maybe an unimportant greeting once upon a blue moon, but she had expected him to be civil, to give her half a chance. but she saw now that would never happen. asha somehow manged to keep the phony smile on her lips despite how much she wished to slap him. he may have been born handsome, but it seemed his insides were as slimy as that terrible grin.
asha was not surprised he so easily admitted to his nightly activities nor was she surprised he had no plans to put a stop to them. she merely huffed in response to his taunting words, he truly was the most conceited man she had ever met. “why should i waste time trying to change it?” she asked rhetorically with an exaggerated air of being unruffled by his statement. “it is not my reputation and legacy you are staining, in fact, i will go so far to say the people will sing my praises for tolerating you. so by all means, do as you please, lord eddard.” if he was in bed with other women, it meant he would not be in hers, and in this moment she could only find joy in that fact. “and do not flatter yourself, you look more boy than man. i suppose it is fitting the outsides match the inside.” asha begged herself to stop talking, but she could feel her inside boiling with humiliation and anger.
IT ALL HAPPENED so fast. all he wanted was a glass of red wine to drown the memories that had surfaced seeing asha’s face on stage. instead, he ran right into a beacon of all he had been running from for ten years. he felt like he couldn’t breathe —- of course she didn’t recognize him. they were children when her parents brought her into the sect to help cure her of her childhood sickness. he only had a few tattoos and barely any scars then. “i —- yeah, i mean, of course you’re forgiven. i’m the one walking too close to ladies, apparently. sorry.” his hands tremor slightly as he tries to rationalize that she doesn’t know him. he is a different person now. he left the kid who stood above her closed eyes and helped heal her down in the sect’s caves. there was nothing left of that child, yet he was still racked with fear at the appearance of the lady of erys. “did any get on you?” he asked quickly, averting his gaze from her own.
-
while asha would win no awards for being observant, she could feel the nervousness steaming from this man, who she had never met before. was he afraid she would punish him? it would not surprise her if some nobles had it within them to do so. “oh no, i am perfectly fine,” she quickly said in hopes it would calm him down. “and you are doing no such thing, it was my mistake honestly. ask anyone from erys and they will tell you i do this all the time.” it was yet another attempt to soothe whatever fears he may hold, but then she realised it may not even be about her. “forgive me, but you seem spooked,” she remarked gently. “do you require help of some kind?”
an indolent man , eddard was always happy for any excuse to avoid formal work – the simple reason of celebrations was most definitely his favourite . festivities of the elyria’ royal family’s have always been extravagant and the queen’s nameday celebration was certainly not an exception . it was all so beautiful and grandiose and better yet everything was handed to him , the wine , the food , the women , all he had to do was wave his hand , smile and like magic it appeared in front of him – he wasn’t even sure whether he’s gotten out of his seat since he had arrived . the whole feast so far had been a dream and he was glad , for he had ten more days of effortless ease . unbeknownst to him , this delightful period of felicity was only the bittersweet calm before the storm .
at the announcement of his betrothal , he stood up , giving the audience a charming smile and a polite wave , and when his father gestured to his wife - to - be , his lips parted in surprise . he knew the woman , he had been in a fiery argument only moments before . but he quickly plastered on smile . he made his way over , a smile still on for the public , “ so you’re lady asha ? i have to admit i am quite baffled , i thought the ladies of the south were much more prettier and docile . i suppose i am sorely mistaken . ”
asha could barely remember what the argument was about, but she did remember almost instantly regretting accepting the betrothal to lord celtigar. she found him arrogant and aggravating, but before she could event think of finding her sister and tell her she changed her mind, the announcement was made and the future was set in stone. now all of elyria knew and there was no going back. she could see the shock on eddard’s face and hoped he had a bitter taste in his mouth, but much to her surprise, he did not apologise and only became even more insufferable. his words hurt a little and her hand twitched as she fought the urge to comb through her hair and find a mirror to fix herself. “well, i heard you were supposed to be charming and not a prick, so i guess we have both been deceived,” she immediately bit back, but soon a fake smile was plastered on her face as a group of nobles came over to congratulate them.
she found it difficult to hide her emotions especially when angry, but asha had learned throughout the years to put on a mask in certain situations. it was always a challenge and she wondered how her sister had the energy to navigate the politics of her position as high lady. when they were left alone again, she continued: “if you wanted someone docile, maybe you should have picked a bride among all the women you sleep with.” she had been no fool when agreeing to the match — she had heard plenty of rumours of eddard’s fondness of women and knew it was something she’d have to live with. it did not matter much to her as she held no feelings for her future husband, but she had hoped they’d at least be able to be friends. apparently she had been mistaken.
𝐖𝐇𝐎 / ismira sangrey & @csha
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 / asha’s chamber, brightwater keep
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 / the sixth day, early morning
TECHNICALLY ISMIRA WAS SOLELY on guard duty against magical threats in the capital, as well as to represent their order in the queen’s celebrations, but after lady asha’s betrothal was announced, some strange rumors had started going around. most hallowers considered themselves above petty rumors about nobles, but mira quickly learned that rumors were the easiest way to hear about monsters in hiding, so she always had their ears open to information. this, however, was most definitely unexpected.
DARK MAGIC, UNNATURAL RECOVERY, all that and more she heard about lady asha’s illness. she’d been preoccupied with studying, and hopefully helping to manage, the insomnia asha suffered from, but an explanation had not been found. then, the rumors, and all suddenly made sense.
STORMING INTO ASHA’S CHAMBER with the command only someone from ismira’s order could, she approached the lady with an angry frown on their face. “ when were you going to tell me about the dark magic?! ” she brought out, their voice raised and obviously pissed off. “ this is dangerous, asha — the order has to be informed! ” ismira only told her because she actually liked asha, and the gods only knew what would happen once the order was involved.
she had been brushing through her dark hair when suddenly the door flung open. the dark-haired lady instinctively reached for her dagger while she quickly got to her feet, but soon she recognised the face of the intruder and she allowed her hand to drop down by her side. asha looked at ismira for a long moment before her words truly sunk in. she was surprised of being accused in such a manner, but she had heard the rumours for long enough to know what the woman was referring to. “would you lower your voice? you will wake the entire palace,” she grumbled moodily before taking a deep breath. “i have nothing to do with black magic, ismira,” she sighed. “they only whisper that because i am a lady of erys, you know they still fear my kingdom deep down.” she had confronted her father about it before he died - and he had denied turning to such desperate measures, but there was a part of asha that had never believed him.
asha was beaming as she stepped off the stage with a bouquet of flowers in her hand. as soon as her silken slipper touched the ground, she looked around for rúairí as he was the only reason she had even volunteered to perform the role of lyria, but soon friends and well-wishers flocked around her and she got lost in endless conversations about the music, the death monologue of her character and her newly announced betrothal to lord eddard celtigar. when she finally broke free from the small crowd, she went straight to one of the servants carrying a golden tray stacked with goblets of red wine. she downed almost half the goblet in one gulp and turned around to go back to her small group of friends, but asha ended up colliding with a body and almost spilling the precious red drops on herself. “oh sh- i mean forgive me,” she apologised thoughtlessly with an automatic smile before even registering whom she had rudely stumbled into.
♛ 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 ♛ — ASHA LATHOS the LADY of ERYS. tales of this TWENTY-NINE year old CIS WOMAN tell of their VALIANT & STEADFAST nature, but beware, for they are also IMPULSIVE & OBSESSIVE. the gossips whisper they use SHE/HER pronouns and look strangely like SHRADDHA KAPOOR. but i’ve also heard they bring images of A RED SILKEN DRESS BLOWING GENTLY IN THE WIND ; DIRTY RIDING BOOTS LEAVING A TRAIL OF MUD ON AN EXPENSIVE GOLDEN CARPET ; JUMPING FROM THE HIGHEST CLIFF AND INTO THE SEA IN A MOMENT OF ECSTASY to mind. how will their story unfold?
BIO
the second-born daughter of the former high lady & high lord of erys was born at foxhole castle in blackspyre during a stormy night. the midwives whispered it was an omen of a difficult child and it turned out to be true. she was restless from the moment she was born - when she learned to crawl, she wanted to walk, when she could walk then she immediately wanted to run. despite being branded challenging, she did attend her lessons, though she was never good at concentrating, and tried to behave as a lady of erys should whenever they were in the public eye. asha was always quick to make friends and was equally as swift to help anyone in need. she has never had a desire to be a rebel, she did not purposefully defy orders to spite her family, but often her impulses would drive her to run straight for the ocean whenever she should be attending a diplomatic dinner or these impulses would somehow convince her a night ride in the rain would be a good idea. there was always a slight tremor in her legs when she sat still, it pushed her to go out and explore many corners of the kingdom of erys. the more she explored, the prouder she became of erys and its culture. her parents prayed their daughter would find peace and come to rest instead of always running around and getting herself into trouble.
on the night of her sixteenth nameday, asha contracted a sweating disease and became very ill. despite how frustrated her parents could be with their energetic daughter who would never sit still, they found it much worse to see her bound to the bed as she grew weaker and weaker by the hour and there were no healers in erys who could guarantee she would live the night. in utter desperation, her distraught father turned to dark powers. it is shrouded in mystery how exactly asha seemed to become well so quickly when others had deemed her on the brink of death, how she could be seen walking around the castle the very next day as if she had not fought for every breath not even a day ago. unbeknown to her, dark magic had been cast to chase the disease away from her body. her parents celebrated their daughter’s recovery, but the dark magic they had paid for left a stain on asha. from that night on, she started dreaming of horrid monsters and is often plagued by nonsensical nightmares. a silent burden she has lived with ever since as not to further worry her ageing parents, no one knows about the unnatural state of her nightmares, she has told no one of their frequency or horribleness.
later in life, she fell in love with a lowly hedge knight, ser kian. he was not a suitable match for a lady of erys, but asha continued the romance and refused to marry for an alliance despite the persistence of her parents. her relationship with her family soured during this time, the softness brought forth in them by her disease was once again replaced by frustration of her recklessness. when ser kian later abandoned her to run off with a foreign rich lady, the betrayal shocked her to her core. she realised it had never been love on his side, but simply a ploy to marry into a powerful and wealthy family. after this experience, asha has been more open to the advice of her family, she has cemented her loyalty to them and better understands her fortunate position in life. while still restless and impatient and hungry for adventure, she is much more cautious when it comes to the matters of the heart and has accepted she will likely wed a stranger for the sake of securing an alliance - especially now her father has passed and her sister has become high lady. however, she will not let marriage define her and wherever she will end up in the world, she will hold onto who she is and where she came from.
EXTRA
myers briggs personality: the entrepreneur (estp)
alignment: chaotic good
hogwarts house: a hufflepuffy gryffindor (don’t @ me)
sun sign: leo
ennegram: seven “the enthusiast”
HEADCANONS
she is often called ‘ash’ by friends and family
asha is fond of animals in general but especially horses and has a red-brown steed from the northern lands named ‘crimson’
she has developed insomnia due to her frequent nightmares
she has travelled erys extensively due to her restlessness and lack of official duties in the capital
asha always carries a dagger with a black blade on her person and was taught to wield it well by ser kian
she has never excelled in any particular noble subjects taught to her, but she is a skilled tracker and crossbow hunter - she refuses to use an ordinary bow due to her impatience and constant restlessness
OPEN PLOTS/CONNECTIONS
feel free to message me on discord about any of these connections! i’m open to plotting about anything, so if you have an idea that’s not on here, please message me anyway and we can have a chat <3
a betrothal (non-romantic): as erys is the newest addition to elyria, it would make sense for asha to be betrothed to either a son or brother of a high lord/lady (or king/prince), but this is also open to ruling lords of vassal houses. i am very big on chemistry between characters, so this will be a non-romantic connection (tho it might evolve based on, you guessed it, chemistry). it can also be found as an official wanted connection for new characters.
family friend: someone very close to the lathos family. it could be a member of the vassal houses of erys or someone who has worked for her family for many years, generally someone who would be connected to her house in some way and not just her.
an old friend: a childhood friend (open to any age, gender & position). it can be a citizen of erys or someone she connected with during travels to another kingdom and they have kept in touch by writing letters. they would know of asha’s past with illness, the nightmares and her failed romance.
a riding partner (not the dirty kind): asha is fond of riding, so this could be a person she often rides with whenever the opportunity arise. they would be more friends than acquaintances, but they would likely not know of the more intricate and personal details of her past.
magic/sect of ino'hr connection: someone with knowledge of what was done to asha in order to chase away the sweating sickness, someone she would be able to speak with about her nightmares.
