Proud and Free

Lady Eddara Tallhart, 23, House Stark She was beautiful for the way she thought          for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked                about something she loved,    she was beautiful for her ability to make         other people s m i l e even if she was sad.           she wasn't beautiful for something       as temporary as her looks,  she was beautiful deep down to her s o u l 

[eddaras]

A S H E R   F O R R E S T E R :

though he’d skipped the ceremony itself - for what place did an exile have at the king’s wedding? - asher found himself making an appearance at the celebrations afterward. perhaps it was some deep-rooted sense of masochism, perhaps he merely wanted to ensure his sister at least looked happy, asher scarcely knew why he’d dared to show his face. always one quick with a smile, quick with a joke and a goblet of ale, asher had never before felt so out of place, so the odd one out. few of the gathered northerners spared much more than a confused glance for the targaryen soldier who lingered along the wall, as near to an exit as he could manage. the truth of his identity was, by that point, as much of an open secret as any, but it appeared for the time being he could sufficiently blend in, go unnoticed in the crowd. it was new, for him, this task of sitting back and watching and asher found his skin crawling even as the new queen mira spun to the beat of an angry northern dance.

eddara was a welcome sight. the northern woman was kind, too good for the lot of them, and watching her make her way over to his post unknotted something in his chest. she put up with him - or, perhaps more impressively, she seemed to put up with rodrik. “taking pity on me, hmm? do i truly look that pathetic?” he teased as she approached, but the jape failed to meet his eyes. he was sure he did look truly put out, truly uncomfortable, but still, he was thankful to no longer be standing alone. “should i leave, do you think? they look happy enough.” asher had never been one to hide his thoughts or feelings, all raw emotion and impulse, and so the words rolled easily off his tongue. perhaps he should be thankful his own sense of unease outweighed his opinions about the match, for whining about himself was far safer in the present company. as he spoke, his gaze had shifted back to the newlyweds, but he brought it back to her, something sad in his gaze. how was the ceremony? he wanted to ask. will she be okay? but no - even he knew it wasn’t fair to dump that all on her.

For all the initial freedom of being away from Torrhen’s Square had been exhilarating, finally a time for her to explore the world and see what it had to offer, after all the stress and worry of the past few weeks she was beginning to long for it. Perhaps that was why she had surprised herself in how much she had enjoyed the wedding - with so many Northerners in the familiar comfort of the Godswood it felt almost like home. She had been somewhat hesitant to celebrate when she knew that some would still be grieving or recovering but her father had encouraged her to enjoy her evening and he was a man that she could never say no to. And so she had talked and danced and drank and laughed and danced some more. Time had seemed to be suspended and she had revelled in the weightlessness of it all but if her breathlessness was anything to go by, quite some time had passed since she had had a break.

As soon as she spotted a familiar face near the edge of the room, a plan was formed knowing that she could give herself a moment of respite as well as spend some time with someone whom she was fast considering a friend. Light laughter tumbled from her lips at his words. “Of course not.” Head shook gently, teasing smile flickering subtly over her lips. “I take pity on any man who ever tries too suggest that you are or could ever be pathetic.” If anyone ever did then surely they had no sense of character. Sympathy flickered in her gaze, knowing it could not be easy to see a sister married to a man he barely knew. “Only you can make that choice.” The words were soft, acknowledging his undertone but still allowing him  vagueness to it all. “I was hoping to take a moment or two of air if you would be so kind as to accompany me?” Head tilted to the side as she posed her question, hopeful smile on her features. “If nothing else my father will be grateful after all the lectures he has given me about ensuring I am not alone.”

[eddaras]

Part of her still thought it was almost strange to have a wedding so soon after such a stressful time. Not so much that it should not be happening, more so that it felt out of place so hot on the heels of a time that had left her so fraught with worry. Almost as if it was more dream than reality to have something so truly joyful to celebrate. Still, she had decided to seize the evening and enjoy it to the full, when there was no telling when they would next get such an opportunity again. Dancing had seemed as though it was the best way to spend her night, her heart lifting with every spin across the floor and as one song drew to a close she glanced around looking for her next partner before eyes locked with a familiar figure.

Gaze fell slightly and her heart couldn’t help but drop when her last interaction with her fellow Northman had been far from smooth. She did not have it in her to truly dislike someone, especially not when it was simply a mismatch of characters that had caused her the discomfort rather than any bad intentions. There had been no true harm done and as such she allowed a sweet smile to hover on her lips as her gaze flickered up to meet his. “Lord Beren, forgive me, I fear all the twirling might have disorientated me enough that I almost missed you.” Words left her lips melodically, with the next ones she spoke holding a soft sincerity.  “I hope you have been well since we last saw one another?”

@ofhearths​

[messmikkelsen]

[eddaras]

thefrasers‌:

sidney & charlotte + dancing & smiling, as requested (x)

@ofwolfswood​

[eddaras]

T A L L A   T A R L Y :

Talla had been malnourished, but mostly had been uninjured. It was more than she could say for many of those who had been taken alongside her and the young woman was thankful mostly that she was back among those she loved, that she could see the sun through more than a small window in the hull of a ship, and that she could have a sip of wine whenever her heart desired. They were simple pleasures, it was true, and the young woman would delight in them for as long as she could. She was currently with her father’s men, having wanted to be near to him after being taken. In a few days, she would likely return to the Princess Daenerys’ service, but for now she was content. She sat in her tent, reading a book and drinking a small goblet of wine when she heard the flap open as someone stepped in.

A smile rose on her face as she saw Lady Eddara and Talla stood in greeting. “I am happy to see you,” she said, her voice genuine in its inflection. She moved closer and clasped the other woman’s hand. “It was rather harrowing, I’ll admit, but I have not been happier in quite so long as to see my countrymen.” Lips twitched at the corners and she gestured to the empty chair that was opposite the one she’d been sitting in. “Would you perhaps care to join me?” she inquired.

As they clasped each other’s hands, she could not help but squeeze them in a way that she hoped would be somewhat comforting or reassuring. For all she had always been someone who cared deeply for others, her sheltered upbringing meant that she had not often put her compassion into practise. All she could do was simply try her best and hope that her gestures would be appreciate if not help. “I am quite sure that they would be a welcome sight.” In truth she was not sure of much at all these days but it did not take much to imagine that she would be grateful to see familiar faces after being with strangers for so long. Soft smile brightened as she was asked to stay, already moving to the other chair as she spoke. “I would be most happy to.”

The ordeal that the other young woman must have had to endure were something that she could not fathom and in truth she could not bring herself to contemplate them when she was not sure that her gentle heart could take it. But she did not wish for Talla to feel alone in any of it and although they had not known one another long, she wished to do whatever she could to ease any lingering hurt. “Do you wish to talk about it at all?” Soft tentative words slip from her lips, not wishing to put any pressure upon someone she now considered a friend. “If so I would be happy to lend you a listening ear but if not I will do my best to distract you somehow.”

[eddaras]

R O D R I K   F O R R E S T E R :

he had never been this uncomfortable in his life. ever since that one incident at robett glover’s nameday feast, rodrik had made sure to avoid parties and celebrations whenever he could. he had never loved to drink, his small talk was a little too small, and crowds made him feel less and less at ease. but the familiarity of the northern encampment had become almost too familiar of late, and the eldest forrester had wanted a moment away from the mess of war and the rigour of spending each waking moment amongst his fellow soldiers. as powerful a leader lord hardyng was, he had arranged the perfect event for everyone - highborn, lowborn, everyone in the middle. it was one night where petty arguments over kings he didn’t care for and realms that mattered little to him were left outside of the inn, and rodrik needed that momentary relief. 

he sipped on a horn of ale until he could feel the tangled knot of his reluctance loosen, retreating into a dark corner where nobody would bother him. but the inn was overfull with people from every corner of the seven kingdoms and beyond, the air thick with the din of roaring laughter and chatter. gathering to his feet, he wove his way through the thicket of guests, finally getting another drink before bumping into someone and watching the ale slosh all over the floor. 

“ my apologies, ” rodrik said to the person he knocked into, a faint smile of apology on his face. he quickly downed what was left in the cup - little though it was. “ i didn’t see you there. ”

When she had first mentioned to her father that she wished to attend the party thrown by Lord Hardyng, she had not been surprised to be met by resistance from him. After all, her entire childhood had been spent with both her parents doing their utmost to protect her from the world, wrapping her up as though she were the most fragile of things. Since she had been away from Torrhen’s Square though she had hoped that she had proven that she was just as much a hardy Northerner as the rest of her family. In truth she had even surprised herself with her own resilience but was thankful that it had not seemed to go unnoticed by her father when he eventually agreed to her request, under strict instructions that she was not to leave her brothers side.

For all Benfred was both protective and doting, she had long since lost him to the throngs and had contented herself with engaging with anyone who was happy to indulge in some conversation with her. With her most recent partner moving away to greet an old friend, it was the first time the blonde had found herself without company but before she could find herself too lost in it all, a much larger figure bumped into her. Melodic words slipped easily from her lips, quick to excuse them. “Oh no, it’s fine.” As she turned, recognition dawned on her and an even wider smile formed on her lips. “I think I have told you before, Lord Rodrik, that you do not need to apologise to me.”

Tone only took on even more lightness when it was aided by the wine she had been sipping, light joke leaving her lips when she was certain that this was an evening that they were supposed to be enjoying. "Besides, I imagine I am quite easy for most to miss in crowds like these."

[ceremonial]

[eddaras]

ceremonial‌:

Belle (2013) dir. Amma Asante

[eddaras]

R O D R I K   F O R R E S T E R :

staying patient all week had paid off when he led the northern contingent, cutting down every ironborn man who thought he could escape justice by fleeing on ground. rodrik’s blade swung with calculated precision, wrathful and unforgiving, and it wasn’t long before they had incapacitated the very men who had attacked their camps mere days ago. the north had lost good men that day, men of his own that he buried with his own hands, but they didn’t lose any this time. as maron greyjoy’s longship ventured close to the shoreline, the eldest forrester had climbed aboard and finally breathed just a little more easy. the last time mira had left for unknown places was to serve margaery tyrell; now, it was greyjoy pirates who took her hostage. once he had seen everyone safely ashore and thanked the man who had ensured their return, rodrik had walked down the gangway - blue eyes scanning the land. 

that was when he saw eddara - no, lady eddara. the last time they had spoken, he had been an utter fool. his father would say that every man was allowed at least one moment of weakness, but rodrik had enough faith to know that she never deserved that. he had rehearsed the apology in his head enough times since it had happened, staring up at the starless expanse of the night sky every night and wondering if it would be enough. but every word of his apology escaped him now, his chest hollow and breathless. asher would probably laugh at him, tell him he was overthinking once again - like he always did. but rodrik could swear that eddara was worth all the moments spent trying to piece together a decent apology and an explanation that he couldn’t justify no matter what he said. he drew a deep breath, stepping onto the gravelly sand. 

“ my lady, ” he began when he finally reached her, ducking his head low in greeting. the warrior couldn’t claim to know everything about her, but he knew her enough to guess that she was helping whomever she possibly could. and in all honesty, rodrik knew not what to do: he could lead in battle and plan a strategy, yet he had never had any need for easy conversation. but for her, he would try. “ i fear i owe you an apology for our last meeting. ”

Worry was something that she found came quite naturally to her and she finally found it all too easy to understand how her mother could fear the world so much. Even though she always found herself searching for the bright spot in the dark times that seemed to have taken hold of them all, she could not dispel her concern for others. It was easy to hope that things became better, to cease one positive in the midst of countless negatives. But waiting for those that she cared about to return knowing that they were facing danger? That was no so easy when she had always been one to invest in those around her, caring so deeply so quickly as she believed that everyone deserved someone to support them.

Her father had committed men to the rescue attempt and she found herself waiting anxiously on the shore for his return. It took all the strength she had to resist from pacing and instead she waited as patiently as she could with her hands clasped tightly in front of her, resisting the temptation to begin wringing them. As worried as she was for her brother and father she knew that they were not the only ones on her mind after she had heard that the Forresters had also gone. She knew that she should not have been surprised when Mira had been taken but there was a very real fear within her that Rodrik might not come back. He was a good man, one who would happily risk himself for the safety of others - as he had proven in his defence of her and so many others - and she could not bear the thought that their last interactions might have been cross words.

She had begun to fear the worst as the steady flow of Northerners had begun to slow, already having joyously greeted her family before they moved on to return to the camp. Usually optimistic gaze had dropped as she did her best to compose herself, only for it to fly upwards at the sound of a familiar voice. Whatever negative emotions still lingered from their last interaction completely vanished as they were replaced by a rush of relief that he had survived it all. “Lord Rodrik.” His name came out as a whisper, more of a sigh of relief than anything else before she shook her head to dispel his apology. “I do not think that you have anything to apologise for. I am only grateful that you are still here for us to set things right.”

[eddaras]

A R I A N N E   M A R T E L L :

for the first time since she had left sunspear, arianne felt truly relaxed; easy laughs falling from her lips without any effort whatsoever and dark eyes seeming even darker in the dimmed lights of the inn, hazy from wine and good company. bejewelled hands cupped around a horn of ale - it was truly disgusting, yet somehow still better than arbor gold - and she winced at every sip, much to the amusement of those she was sitting with. the princess of dorne didn’t know their names, but she had picked a table at random and they had absolutely charmed her: an odd motley of different people from different kingdoms, come together thanks to harry. ( it didn’t surprise her that only his charm could achieve such a feat. ) 

but they had been in the middle of an intense bet over who would win an arm wrestling contest - a stormlander or a reachman - when arianne noticed someone standing nearby. “ what do you think? ” she asked with a tipsy smile, careful not to slosh ale onto her yellow silks as she leaned forward. “ i think they’d both lose to a dornishman, but they keep telling me i’m rather biased. ”

Just how she had ended up in the presence of such royalty she was not sure but she supposed it was part of the fun of the evening. Everything was unpredictable in the best of ways. Bright blue eyes focused on the two men in question, all too happy to indulge the other woman’s question. Light hum escaped her lips only to get lost in the hubbub around them as she tilted her head in consideration. “Well, the Stormlander looks that little bit more fierce? I have heard that they are famed for their martial ability too but perhaps we should not underestimate the Reachman.” Melodic giggle bubbled upon upon the realisation that she had almost entirely dodged the question posed. Perhaps she would develop a head for politics yet. “Forgive me, that does not answer your question at all.”

Taking a small sip of her wine as she suspected that it had already gone to her head, soft gaze turned back to the Dornish woman. She had heard that they were supposed to be as different from Northerners as could be but she was yet to see any proof of that and she saw no reason why a Princess could not be endlessly proud of her country. “And you are more than entitled to your bias, Princess. We should all be able to praise our home and our people.”

[eddaras]

R O D R I K   F O R R E S T E R :

rodrik had grown quieter and quieter in the aftermath, preferring solitude to anyone’s company. he respected trees far too much to use one as a training post, so it had taken everything in him not to let his rage consume him. he was angry at the ironborn for taking mira - for the fact that nobody had stopped them, nobody had saved her. he was angry at their father, with his politics and his patience and his strategies that amounted to nothing. he was angry at asher for turning up with the targaryens, of all people - angry that his brother had been exiled in the first place. but more than anyone else, rodrik was angry at himself: for not being able to stop any of it and resenting every single bit, even as he looked up at the dimly lit morning sky stretch over them. the eldest forrester was dutiful if nothing else, so he followed orders - putting one foot in front of the other and doing what was asked of him. 

he had been tethering his horse - wincing as his movements pulled at the healing scar of his wound - when he heard lady tallhart’s voice. glancing towards her immediately, his irritaion clearing for a moment as hope replaced his foul mood. rodrik knew that the only time he had set aside logic for sentiment, for ideas of perhaps even finding love, it had been with elaena. but when that had ended bitterly, he had learnt better. 

“ lady tallhart, ” he began, polite but short. there was no smile across his face, nothing beyond quiet acknowledgement as he inclined his head in greeting. there had been a moment in the midst of the chaos - while she was patching his wounds and he had been listening to her talk, watching the light in her eyes stay put even after what she had suffered, that rodrik had felt something in him give just a little. but then he had caught sight of her talking to asher, and he had known not to expect anything. while he had never had any talent with charm or honeyed words, his brother had always been blessed with happy manners. rodrik didn’t blame the younger forrester, he blamed himself: it annoyed him to think he ever hoped for differently. the gods had played their joke.

taking the shirt from her, he knew it must have taken an expert hand. and time. “ i don’t know when i may have occasion to wear it, but thank you,” rodrik said, solemn and wooden. “ it is not necessary to thank me, my lady. i only did my duty. ” he avoided her gaze, swallowing around the discomfort rising in his throat. at his sister’s mention though, his expression shuttered immediately. that wasn’t her fault - it was his. mira had been upset at him, angry with him, and he hadn’t tried hard enough to fix it. all of a sudden, rodrik sunk back into the lessons he had learnt of being a northern lord. “ it is kind of you to say so, my lord father will appreciate it. ” before he could stop himself, he had already spoken again. “ and you - are you well? ”

Wide blue eyes studied his features as she tried in earnest to understand what she could have possibly done to warrant such an icy response from the man. She was not naive enough to think that people could not dislike her but she had thought that the Forrester was among those she could count as friends. Perhaps she had simply misread it all or forgotten herself and overstepped the mark at some point. Could it be that she had offended him at some point and he was trying to distance himself from her? She turned her memories of that day over and over again to see if hindsight would aid her in pinpointing at what point she might have done such a thing.

No answer came quickly to her mind and so instead of dwelling on it too much she decided to hope that she had misinterpreted it all, a small smile resting on her lips as she attempted brightness. “Perhaps we will be lucky enough to have cause for celebration soon.” Expression faltered slightly when for the first time she had cause to doubt her own handiwork, nerves failing briefly at the sight of a stoicism on his features that she had not seen before. “Although I almost do not think it is fine enough for such an occasion. Still, I hope that you find an opportunity soon.” As soon as the words left her lips she was filled with dread that he might find her words foolish or incredibly naive but there was nothing she could do to take them back. 

Instead she focused on his next words, wondering once more if it was her profuse thanks that was the key to understanding the shift in his behaviour. Smile touched her lips once more as melodic tone flowed from her lips in a rush to explain herself. “Oh of course, I know it is something that a man of your calibre and morals would do without thinking but I very much wanted you to know that I do not simply expect such things. And I would not see them go without praise either.”

Guilt had weighed heavily on her mind since the attack and perhaps there was no real logic to it when she knew that Mira being taken was far from her fault. But she could not help but feel that sinking sensation when however irrational, she thought that if Rodrik had not been caught up in protecting her then he perhaps could have aided his sister. Gaze dropped at the reply, guilt becoming too much for her but there was still clear sincerity in her tone. “I can only hope that they are all returned to us soon but especially Mira.” Expression brightened at his question, the fact that he had not chosen to cut their exchange short, and it gave her a kindling of hope that perhaps things were still well between them. “My House and family were luck so I have no reason for complaints. I simply find myself either praying or stitching to keep myself busy as we wait to see how we can help.” 

[eddaras]

House Tallhart had been lucky to only sustain a few injuries during the attack and luckier still that none of them had been taken ( she knew that she herself had only Rodrik Forrester to thank for that ) but that did not mean that she had been unaffected by them. She would have undoubtedly been deeply saddened by the news of anyone missing but the news of one that was taken had hit her harder than the rest. She felt as though she had made a friend in Lady Talla and so the other young woman had been constantly in her prayers as she hoped that she, along with all the others would be returned to them soon.

It was nothing short of joy that had filled her when all those taken had been returned but as much as she longed to see the young Reach woman, she knew that if roles were reserved she might have preferred some time with her family first. After putting off her visit for just over a day, the blonde had made her way to the Tarly camp, quickly finding the tent that the redhead was in. “I hope you do not mind my intrusion, Lady Talla.” Soft smile was given as she took a few steps inside. “Only I had heard you had been returned to us and I simply had to see you.” “I am so glad to see you back with us all.”

@archeressofhornhill

[eddaras]

R O D R I K   F O R R E S T E R :

you’re hurt. for the skin of a moment, rodrik had no idea what she meant. but glancing down, he realised that she was right. it hadn’t sank in, not when the blades that had cut into steeled skin and worn leathers, and his wound didn’t hurt now. there would always be worse, and there would always be more important things to tend to. like her safety. “ i’m not, ” he reassured automatically, but the edges of his words were hazy and soft. he would stitch himself up afterwards - after the camps had been cleared and everyone he cared for was accounted for and within safety’s grasp. he had done it before, even if his hand could be unsteady and his body weak. right now, rodrik knew he had to get her away from here. away from having to stare into the blank, decrepit faces of men who would have harmed her and taken her away, and away from the blood that was seeping into the yellowed grass. “ but we must leave here before you are. ” the din of soldiers could still be heard in the distance, tyrell men if he had to guess but he didn’t want to guess at anything in the middle of this. he wanted to be sure there wouldn’t be more pirates out to harm her.

rodrik had spirited willas to the medical tent, certain that he was safe in the care of healers. it was the safest place to be - so that was where he knew he would take her, even before he had moved towards the open air. her hand was small in his, soft against his calloused skin and warm even in the cold of the evening. but there was strength behind her grip, and he allowed a breath of relief to string through him. the eldest forrester paused at her words, lost for the briefest moment - so brief that he wondered if he imagined it. he towered above eddara - no, lady tallhart - but he ducked his head low to listen; blue eyes finding blue eyes. “ of course i had to, my lady, ” rodrik immediately in reply, hand curling into a loose fist as hers left it. he didn’t know what to say - he never knew what to say. she didn’t have to thank him.

there were men strewn around them, men who had meant them harm. it would not do to stay here, like chickens in a fox’s den. but at her joke, rodrik exhaled a low chuckle; a little reassured that she seemed to be truly unharmed. “ i daresay it might be useful, ” the heir to ironrath returned, taking the sword from her and sheathing it. the faintest of smiles was on his lips, but it disappeared before anyone could prove it.  gesturing for her to carefully walk with him through the camp, rodrik placed a bracing hand on her back to soothe any doubts of danger, quietly affirming that he as there to keep her safe. but then he thought better of it. it was only a short walk to the tent, but his guard was still up. he knew how to fight and he knew how to protect, but it was the aftermath that he was most afraid of. how many forrester men must have not survived? his wound had begun to twinge, but he ignored it best he could, features tight from discomfort. “ the healers should still examine you - lord willas and lady sansa are already there. ” his words were uttered with care, but they were still gilded with the warrior’s instinct.

That oh so familiar Northern stubbornness shone through in his adamancy that he was unhurt despite her knowing without a doubt that he was. It brought a smile to her lips, a small one perhaps but she would never cease to be amused by the habits and traits that all her people seemed to share. “I may be slightly shaken but my eyes still work just fine, Lord Rodrik.” Light words left her lips melodically, just gently chiding in tone when she knew that he would mostly be fine. Mostly was not quite good enough for her though when she wanted to ensure that he would not find himself disadvantaged by his decision to stop and help her. So even though her question was posed tentatively there was a slight firmness behind it when she possessed a gentle stubbornness to rival that of any Northern man. “I would very much like to see to it once we are somewhere safe, if you will allow me?” She had never claimed to be a particularly skilled healer but she knew how to clean and dress a wound. She could only hope that he would not sustain anything more grave as they made their way back towards the safety of the Northern camp.

She found something endearing in the way that he was almost predictable. Not in a boring way but in a way that spoke of security. He was a man who lived by his honour and she found that something to be admired rather than find tiresome. His determination shone through again, seemingly unable to accept her thanks and keen to play it all down but she was unwilling to let him suggest that the deed he did was anything less than something to be lauded. There was little doubt in her mind that her father would thank him profusely and would likely never forgive her if she did not at least attempt to do the same. “I am so grateful nonetheless.” 

Given the circumstances perhaps the brightness of her smile was far from proper or the expression that she should be adopting. But the sound of his chuckle and the ghost of a smile that flickered on his lips was something she found impossible to resist. Little nod was given to him, smile still resting on her lips. “More than just slightly.” Without hesitation she stepped in the direction he motioned, trusting him to guide her back to where they would both be safe. Small frown creased her features at his insistence to put her before himself but she knew better than to begin an argument when things around them were already so fraught and so a simple concession left her lips. “If that would ease your worries but I assure you that I am fine.” She was happy to walk in quiet, never one to unnecessarily fill the silence, and she found herself taking comfort in the hand that was placed on her back. A simple reassurance that she was not alone in this. Gaze landed upon men that she did not recognise and though her pace did not slow, she found herself moving closer to Rodrik, worry clear in hushed tones.  “They do not look like our men, do they?”

[eddaras]

Patience was a virtue that she considered herself lucky to have been born with but even hers was wearing somewhat thin. The peace in the camp was somewhat an uneasy one and even though they had all been united by those who had been taken, she did not miss the suspicious glances that had been shot around. Despite her friendly nature she had chosen to stay within the Northern camp for the most part and busying herself with either her embroidery or her tapestries to keep from getting too frustrated with what seemed like an almost endless delay. Each day she had moved herself a little closer to where the boundaries of camps became blurred and today she found herself somewhere near the edge of it.

Blue eyes glanced up after she came to the end of a particular row and caught sight of another young woman who seemed to be struggling with what to do with the time on their hands. Smile curved onto her lips, kindness in her gaze as melodic tones called out sweetly. “Would you like to join me?” Shifting her things delicately she made enough room for the other lady before speaking again, hoping to make her offer all the more tempting. “I have plenty materials to go around and I find that it helps pass the time. If you have no place else to be I should very much appreciate the company.”

@meredythcafferen​

[eddaras]

In the few days since the attack on the camp her father had scarcely let her leave his side, too terrified that the Ironborn might come back for more captives. For the most part she was happy to humour him when she could admit to being more than a little wary of that too. She knew that she was lucky to have a father who cared so deeply and even though at times she felt stifled by his protectiveness, she would much rather be with it than left to fend for herself in a world that was not nearly as bright as she had once thought.

With plenty of time on her hands for reflection as she stayed within the tents that those with House Tallhart had pitched, she had wanted to keep her hands busy to thwart any particularly bad memories of what had happened at bay. It was all still mostly a blur to her and she had decided that it was far better that it stay that way than allow dark thoughts to consume her. It had given her plenty time to work on something for the man who had saved her life.

With a promise to her father she had set out to find the man in question, bright smile instantly on her features as she spotted him. “Lord Rodrik.” Clear, melodic tones chimed across the distance between them as light steps carried her closer. She had heard from her father that men seemed to struggle to keep their shirts in one piece whilst on the road and so she had done her best to make one in his size. Deep forest green with small embroider around the collar. Gently, she held it out to him. “I know it is not much and does not even come close to the deed that you did for me nor the injury you received whilst doing it. But I hope that with this at least you might not forget my gratitude.” 

Guilt settle itself onto pretty features, gaze lowering, when she could not help but feel as though if he had not been so busy helping her then perhaps he might have been of more used to Mira. It saddened her greatly to know that the other woman was missing and she had been praying every day for her safe return. “I was so very sorry to hear about your sister. If there’s anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know.”

@ofwolfswood​

[eddaras]

It was not often that she chose to go for a ride when she much preferred other ways to pass the time but with the camp having remained in place for several days now as they searched for news of the taken, it was all feeling a little stagnant for her. There was only really one horse that she trusted enough to ride when she was wary of the strength that the beasts possessed. But she had been given the white mare a few years ago by her father that was steady and gentle with her. A short trip had been taken away from the camp with the company of a couple of her father’s men trailing behind her. Part of her was still nervous after the attack, knowing what a near miss she had had, but the part of her that needed the little break was much larger. 

After returning, she carefully walked her mare back to where her House’s men had been tethering their mounts she began to tie her horse up, only to hear footsteps approaching as others moved about the camp.

Turning to see a familiar face, she placed a hand on Flurry to steady her before her attention firmly fixed on the man. “I am glad that I have bumped into you.” The words left her lips as melodically as ever, smile on her lips as she tried to make her next suggestion all the more appealing when she suspected it would not be a welcome request. “Perhaps now might be a good time to check how your wounds are healing?” She was no maester - that much had been proven by the few injuries she had been able to heal despite how many she saw - but she knew something of the stubbornness of me. Most seemed to get their wound tended to and then promptly act as though there had been nothing wrong with them in the first place. In an attempt to stop any infection setting in she had taken to check in on those she had seen treated to ensure everything was still clean enough.

@exilednorth​

[dearemma]

[eddaras]

A R Y A   S T A R K :

No one had called Arya ‘my Lady’ in Winterfell. They all called her Underfoot or Horseface. Some of the servants in King’s Landing had called her My Lady, but it was far more often something they said to her sister or her mother. The only people who said it at Dragonstone were those mocking her. It would never feel legitimate to hear someone say it, and mean it. She did her best not to cringe at the words. She was technically a Lady by most people’s standard- or was she a princess now? Gods, she did not want to consider that. “There is no need to apologize, Lady Tallhart.” They were Stark bannermen. Likely this girl had been named for Arya’s father. It’s a shame they couldn’t see that he would be a coward. 

This woman was definitely a Lady, though. Her movements were graceful and polished. Her manners appeared to be by the book. Arya couldn’t imagine them in each other’s shoes. “They used to give me more than this, but I figured out how to use too much of it to my advantage so now it tends to just be the basics.” She shrugged. Traveling had cut down on any extraneous things as well. Stannis didn’t want to spare an extra guard to pack Arya’s things, and he certainly didn’t want anyone else to see her packing her own things. It would ruin the not-at-all believable facade that she was there of her own free will. “I have no idea what they would or wouldn’t let me keep, honestly. You could probably annoy Renly into letting me have anything short of a sword given a few hours. He’s already sick of hearing my name.” A smug smile appeared on Arya’s face. “I would love nothing more than to be back with my family at Winterfell, but that’s never going to happen again so I try not to think about it too much.”

Lips that were so often curved into a smile instead pressed together, a rare sign of displeasure from the usually cheerful lady. “It seems to disprove the notion that you are a guest at all.” The soft musing was more to herself that for the other, a darker tone to them than had ever been present before. “I shall see what I can do for you. If I am unable perhaps m father will have more success.” Her father was a decent man and knowing how deeply he cared for his own daughter, she could not imagine him being unmoved by the plight of the youngest Stark daughter. He had thought highly enough of the brunette’s father to name her for him and she could only imagine how fast Helman Tallhart might jump at the chance to come to the aid of a Stark. 

Her own interaction with the Baratheon lord had been pleasant enough that she did not think of him too poorly, only his actions. Though part of her supposed that they were one and the same in reality. Laughter bubbled up at the brunette’s words, easy smile finding its way onto her lips once more. “I would say that only serves him right.” A more serious expression took over her features, sympathy felt so strongly for the other young woman. “I will pray every day that it will come to pass, my lady.” Sincerity laced her tone when she had always found comfort and value in pray. Her piety was something quite personal and yet she had never shied away from being honest in her intentions to ask the Old Gods to intervene for someone. Still, she knew some others did not find nearly as much comfort in such things and so she sought to give some other more tangible reassurance. “I am certain that your brothers must be doing everything that they can.”

[eddaras]

R O D R I K   F O R R E S T E R :

he had known they were ironborn from the moment the first axe swung at him, just narrowly missing his neck. it had taken him by surprise, the chaos - but by the time the second axe came his way, rodrik had already unsheathed his sword from its scabbard and plunged it into the man until the hilt. the third axe had found his belly; ripping through his armour and knocking the wind out of his chest. the northman had straightened nonetheless, a war cry on his lips as he ploughed through his attackers on by one. the soldiers had swarmed around them out of nowhere, mayhem erupting as the men began to charge: slowly at first and the all at once. in the midst of it all, rodrik lost track of his party - yet once he had ensured that lord willas and lady sansa had escaped the fray, he shifted his focus towards the others. 

through the thicket of men, he could not see where the baratheon boy had gone; soldiers retreating in a wave of victory. but he heard her - loud enough over the rage of men, loud enough over the blood rushing in his ears, loud enough over the mayhem in his own head. it was obvious what they were trying to do, capture her like they had no doubt captured others, and a blind wave of anger descended upon him. he killed one without hesitation, breaking another’s arm as he came charging towards rodrik; beating him down with the heel of his boot and making sure he was unmoving before he did anything else. the edge of a blade had caught against his shoulder, but he could scarcely feel it. 

allowing his sword to clatter mutely onto the ground, he knelt down in front of lady eddara - blue eyes wide with concern and harsh features softening immediately. rodrik wiped his hands clean on the rough fabric of his trousers, inching close to her as carefully as he could. “ are you alright, my lady? ” he asked, voice calm and even, but apprehension bleeding into them anyway. he offered her a hand, hoping not to startle or scare her. “ we have to get to safety right now. ” they madness had quietened but there was no telling if more would appear from within the forest. 

Everything had happened so fast that she almost felt as though her vision would remained blurred for the rest of her days. It was almost too much for her to focus on, flashes of sword and screams reaching overwhelming levels. All she was aware of was her own panic, trying to fight but failing as grips much stronger than her own blows threatened to carry her away. Suddenly she hit the ground and even less made sense to her from that point. She knew that someone was dispatching of the men who had proven too much for her but she barely focused on how it had all happened. The first thing that sank through the fog of confusion had formed in her mind was the bright red that disrupted his otherwise dark silhouette. Soft words slipped from her lips without thinking, immediately focusing on his wound above all else. “You’re hurt.” 

Slight hand was slipped into his much larger one without any hesitation, finding comfort in the slightly rough skin that her own smooth fingertips were met with. It did not bother her that they had become stained with blood when she was far too grateful to be saved, wholly focusing on the good in that action instead of being even the slightest bit unnerved by the lives that had been taken. Once she had risen to her feet she looked up at him, earnest clue in sky blue eyes. Gently she placed her other hand over his, a small squeeze given to show gratitude for an act she was certain she could never repay. “You did not have to injure yourself for me, my lord but I am so very grateful nonetheless.” Soft words were delivered and with the last tone she slipped her hands from his.

Pause overcame her as she tried to find the best response that would give him no cause to worry. “I am unharmed.” It felt far too soon to decide if she would truly emerge unscathed from the ordeal when for all there were no real marks upon her skin, she was certain that there would be more mental wounds to deal with later. However she knew that there was no opportunity for her to allow herself to succumb to the nerves that threatened to shake her, small tremors still running through her despite her best efforts. She had no intention of being a liability for Rodrik and so she drew upon every bit of Northern ice that ran in her veins to stand up that little bit straighter. Blue eyed gaze falls to the sword that he had discarded to come to her aid and she picks it up with equal determination and gingerness. Small smile flickered over her lips as she held it out to him when there was no doubt in her mind who the better warrior was, a hint of lightness in her tone when she needed to find some sort of brightness to cling to. “You would be far better with this than I.”