he shook his head. and it was true, with all those people in his home, it allhad been too peaceful lately – or for now. just a matter of time for things to fall apart. the man heard stories about king robert being an excellent soldier, not the best ruler. he was lucky to have ned next to him. “i wouldn’t like to be involved in it. i personally feel sorry for my father, now that he is the king’s hand.”
elinor gave a little shrug at his words, although she could understand where he was coming from, her ambition had always been to keep climbing and climbing - although knowing not to be open about her political views, she was very immersed in them. “your father’s known to be an honourable man, and the king obviously trusts him.” she started, looking at him, holding his gaze for a bit before falling on other parts of his face. “i’m not denying it’s most likely a stressful, and dangerous, position, but i think good will ultimately come out of it. i’m interested to see.... to see where your father takes us. aren’t you?”
“ my apologies, ” eddara smiled, although it didn’t quite reach her eyes. it hadn’t for a long time, but she didn’t notice. how could she when the ironborn were at winterfell, a threat to her very existence. “ i did not realize this area was taken. shall i come back later ? ”
elinor immediately noted the insincere smile that flattered her features. she had faked enough facial expressions in her lifetime to be able to recognise one in front of her. “it’s quite alright, my lady.” she replied softly, looking up from her seat as she put her fork down. “we’re both relatively small boned ladies, i’m sure we can both sit comfortably.” scooting her plate to the side a bit, she offered the brunette a smile. “my name is lady elinor tyrell, it’s lovely to meet you lady...?”
endless nights of travel were all jorah had endured for the past several months. he voyaged across the seas, fought in tournaments, drank his ale and was always on his own. never was he to have a companion for more than a few hours at a time and never was he to have to deal with the ruckus similar to here at winterfell. all the knight could think of was i better place my bets now because he was certain a brawl was going to break out any second. to one’s surprise he rather enjoyed his time away, not surrounded by kings or queens nor lords or ladies. only people simply trying to survive. the quiet was not all too bad either. perhaps it was the quiet he truly missed the most. leaning back in a savonarola chair he read old letters exchanged between previous stark lords and targaryen kings aloud, unaware there was any one else in the library tower, let alone so near as before him.
elinor needed to get a bit of a breather. although she was used to tending to other’s requests and had grown up swiftly ducking between individuals and going by unnoticed whilst mentally taking in all the words that were being said - there had never been a crowd like this back at highgarden. or if there was, there was more of an option to be outside as the weather wasn’t quite so harsh. slipping through the doors of the library tower, she had been coming in there the past couple days as it was quite a warm space - well, warmer than most, and she could get away from the masses of people that seemed to crowd in the taverns and the narrow pathways of winterfell. the time of day she came into the tower was usually strategically picked in order for it to be the most quiet, so the petite brunette was quite surprised when she saw a man sat in her usual quiet corner. before she could help herself, she had gotten quite near to him, trying to be discreet as she reached for a book on a higher shelf but his eyes were already on her. “my apologies, ser, i did not mean to disturb you.” the soft words left her parted lips quietly, tilting her head to the side with her hair swishing behind her in tow. “i wasn’t aware there’d be anyone here, if i may be honest.”
jon let out an honest, yet soft laugh. only northern residents would be used to the icy-cold temperature, especially himself, who would never have left winterfell. he gave a firm nod, his fingers reaching for the white wolf. he wasn’t a man of many words and around women it was even harder to see him talking. “in truth, it is odd.” with all the royalty he had to have dinner with the knights, not that it was a bad thing, they were in fact pleasant. “at least it is not me that has to deal with them. all i have to do is stay away and more importantly, keep ghost away.”
taking another small sip of her drink, she crossed one leg over the other, eyes still discreetly scanning over his facial expressions. he didn’t seem to be the chatty type but he wasn’t exactly not engaging with her either, and at this point, she’d take what she could get. “i saw a couple men getting into a bit of a scraff earlier, but apart from that, i’m, for a lack of better word, surprised at how peaceful it has been.” the brunette spoke, tilting her head to the side softly. “are you not very interested in the politics aspect of it all, jon snow?”
“be sure not to be in the north when winter comes.” he honestly suggested with a small chuckle, barely audible. the manrarely would laugh. he turned his gaze to the white wolf, a soft smile forming on his lips and then he took another generous sip of wine. “he’s quite company.” he stated. “i am jon snow, my lady. if you’d like, you can stay here, not that you need any permission – or some wine.“ slightly lowering his head, he extended his arm to offer her the bottle.
“if i have any say in the matter, i’ll definitely be recommending that left and right.” as he spoke, her large eyes took in his features in a swift movement. she had an idea of who he was, of course, ned stark’s son. but she always felt rather intrusive just assuming people’s names. “lovely to meet you, jon snow.” the petite brunette nodded as she gently took his offering in her hands and took a small sip of the sweet wine. “that’s very kind of you.” handing the bottle back to him, she propped herself up onto the stool in front, taking off her slightly damp coat and placing it on the seat next to her. “how are you taking to all these people in your home? it must be awfully overwhelming. i don’t know what i’d do if everyone showed in highgarden all at once.”
Asher had almost forgotten what it was like to be on the North. It had been almost a decade since the last time he was here and it all felt unfamiliar to him. Asher had gotten used to Essos and the warm weather, he had gotten used to the people there and how things worked, things were different in Westeros. Him and his men had just finished put up their camp, a few miles away from Winterfell, near Winter Town. They were close enough that people could see them and they would know what was going on, but far away enough that they wouldn’t get in the way of anyone. And no one would get in their way either. At least that’s what he thought until he saw someone approach the camp. He walked up to them, meeting them halfway, just near the beginning of the camp. “Hello friend! Can I help you?”
Elinor had been at Winterfell for a little while now, and she could confidently say she was not enjoying it. The sharp, brisk cold and the constant bite of the wind was not comparable to the sunny fields of flowers that were so prominent back in Highgarden. Needing a little break from being within Winterfell itself, Elinor spotted the camp a few yards down. Her intention was not to walk over there yet she felt the beginnings of a drizzle of rain and felt herself move towards the camp. Potentially not a good idea had it been a more dangerous land, but her self confidence paired with curiosity - usually an advantage but arguably a disadvantage sometimes, led her to sound of clinking metal and crackling flames. Hearing the voice, seemingly friendly, she looked up. Her guard was up but it was nowhere noticeable on her face as her features softened, doe eyes blinking her long eyelashes and plump lips forming a gentle smile. “Hi there. I meant to make my way back to Winterfell but can hear a storm brewing. I’m not quite accustomed to this cold weather so was looking for a bit of shelter before I got caught in it.” Lifting her hood up so it covered her brown locks, she got slightly closer to the man who seemed to be at least twice her size in height and triple in width. “If it wouldn’t be a bother?”
jon slowly turned his head to the woman, pressing both his arms against the table. jon snow no sir and certainly didn’t have the best posture. his forehead puckered. “believe it or not, today is one of the most pleasant days.” the man admitted. there weren’t many people outside the castle, he’d have plenty of time to be alone with his companion. “and the wine keeps me warm. i wonder how can i help you, my lady.”
elinor’s eyes widened a bit, slightly amused, with a hint of a smile on her lips when he spoke his words. “one of the most pleasant days? i wonder what winter would truly bring, as i can imagine much little worse.” she spoke softly, her eyes falling on the animal that lay by his feet. “i’m sure your furry bab helps in keeping you warm too.” unwrapping her damp scarf from around her neck and resting it on the stool, she gave a little half shrug, eyes still glistening, eyelashes damp from the rain. “can’t say there’s anything in particular i’m needing help with, more so as me looking for shelter before i have to make the cold walk back to my chambers. i’m elinor, elinor of house tyrell. it’s lovely to meet you, ...?” she pursed her lips a bit into a sincere smile, although she had an inkling of who he was already.
TO SANSA, THE HEIGHT OF bad behaviour for her was her occasional time of stealing down to the kitchen to take a few lemon cakes without permission. that was all she would dare to reach to, otherwise preferring to try and act the image of the perfect lady, finding the thought of anything else rather gruesome, at the stage she was currently at. so, with a few lemon cakes on a plate, she tried to poise herself way, holding the intention of sneaking to her room for a half hour of peace, despite adoring the barrage of people that had arrived at home, the stark girl making the most of all the fascinating strangers. but, as she rounded the other, she came across another, her cheeks flushing a pinked red as hues widened, a slight breath raising from her. “oh-!” a small attempt to hide the plate behind her back not working so well, girlish half movement of lips attempting to create a nerved smile.
it was near the end of the day and needless to say, elinor was tired. although her duties were near the same as back in the reach, making her way around a new place was tiring indeed - especially when she her tiny frame had to fight through large crowds of people whilst simultaneously being shocked by the cold every time she set foot outside. although usually quite aware of her surroundings, this time the brunette was somewhat dazed and in her own world as she made her way down the stairs and then rounded the corner - snapping right back into reality when she nearly crashed into a girl nearly twice her size. after the initial shock, her doe eyes fell upon the taller girl with sharp features, piercing blue eyes and bright hair ... sansa stark. “oh my lady, i do apologi-” however, she cut herself off when she saw the plate behind the girls torso, her smile mirroring onto elinor’s lips. “strawberry pie was always my favorite.” she started, tilting her head to the side slightly. “i always tried to argue that the fruit in it would make it suitable to have seconds, mother never really agreed.” she continued, offering the girl a kind smile. “i found sweets a lot more enjoyable to eat than anything they served beforehand... i could always bring them up to your room for you, my lady? could be our little secret.”
quietly, jon took quick steps, his white wolf walking beside him. he was almost invisible to the others’ eyes, people would hardly notice his presence around. the snow was coming down heavier and the day was dangerously cold. for the man, it meant a good day. he sat on one of the steps, pouring wine into his mouth. he looked up, noticing the other in front of him. his lips slightly parted. “i thought was alone.” he briefly said, moving his gaze back to his drink.
still not accustomed to the harsh, cold weather, elinor spent most of her days seemingly flying through the crowds outside. back home, she’d greatly enjoy strolling through the outside, most fields and crop flowers growing high enough to reach her waist. but it was an entirely different story in winterfell, the crisp air seemed to cut her exposed skin, her cheeks constantly reddened from the slapping of the wind. today, though, it was particularly bad. the storm was all but sweeping the girl off her feet, the ice below her dangerously slippery with the heavy rain pouring down weighing her small body down. running inside one of the taverns, she leaned against one of the tables, brushing raindrops off of her eyes. hearing the voice, she all but contained the sharp words that were about to escape her lips - but she knew to keep her patience in check. lifting her eyes, she quickly recognised the individual, her brown doe eyes taking in his appearance. “i hope you’d pardon me, sir, but if it’s of any consolation - i didn’t exactly think i’d find myself here either.” her soft lips offering him a kind smile. “i truly wasn’t expecting such harsh weather, not quite what i’m used to.”
A GRUESOME , THOUGH an inevitable event , with all the various visitors flocking to winterfell ; as he would say. a few drops of blood dripped on the stone ground of the courtyard , an unknown man - a boy - hiding the bruised face behind the skin of his palm , rapidly hurrying inside the castle to find a shelter for the wound , his duties towards his lords , one southern house or the other , probably forgotten for the moment. a fight between two servants , an old family feud rekindled upon their unexpected meeting in the northern winds ; or so theon supposed , though his eyes had never laid their gaze upon either of the two combatants before , and he’d come way too late to see the actual start of the fight. glancing upon the person beside him , now that the performance clearly came to its end , his curiosity couldn’t help but inquire. “ did you see what started it? “
for a rather observant girl, the sharp licks of the wind against her cheeks had made elinor keep her eyes downcast in an attempt to use her fur collar to shield her face from the crisp cold she was not accustomed to. it was only the sound of a grunt followed by the impact of skin on skin that made her look up as she saw one man pick a fight with the other. after one of them had scurried off, she heard the voice next to her and she turned slightly, her doe eyes subtly analysing the guy’s features as she recognised who it was. “something to do with one’s grandfather sharing a bed with the other’s mother or something of the sorts, my lord?” soft words leaving her lips. “whatever it was, it certainly was not a current occurrence, potentially just pent up frustration. can’t say this cold weather is best for people’s moods. well, for those of us who are not accustomed to it, of course.”
arya watched the boys practice with their swords, some of them had decent technique, others were laughable. she observed the area around her, making sure her father wouldn’t see her as the boys left the practice area and she stepped in, lifting her small sword and getting ready to practice, she was in her own world now and therefore unaware of the eyes now on her.
elinor had been tending to other’s all morning and needed a bit of a breather for herself. not quite so used to the cold temperatures, much preferring to wear minimal clothing in order to cool down than to wrap up in order to keep warm, the small girl made her way outside to get a breath of fresh air. the clink of swords hitting each other was such a familiar sound that it hardly made her look up, but it was when she saw someone a lot smaller scurry off into a hidden area to practice by themselves that caught her attention. walking closer, she quickly recognised the stance as being female, a small, amused smile playing on her lips. “looks like you’ve got some good technique, my lady.” she mused, shaking some stray strands of hair from her vision. “you practice out here often?”
°✧ {ARIANA GRANDE / FEMALE / SHE/HER} is that ELINOR TYRELL from HIGHGARDEN? the HANDMAIDEN hasn’t aged a day. i can’t believe they're TWENTY ONE years old and already so WITTY and GUILEFUL. it seems they’ve sworn their allegiance to house TYRELL. gods have mercy on their soul. [ bee / 21, gmt, she/her ]
hi !! so my name’s bee, i’m 21 years old & i’m in the gmt timezone! i haven’t joined a tumblr rp in, like, 2 yeas & also english isn’t my first language so i apologize in advance if my writing is a lil rusty !!
so elinor tyrell is the youngest child of lord lorent tyrell & is a handmaiden.
Although she is not as high up as other members of her family, Elinor has definitely developed the Tyrell charm. Her tiny frame and big, brown doe eyes are used to her advantage more often than not to gain other’s trust. She is aware of her youthful, wholesome appearance and plays it up to seem naive, although she is extremely observant, curious and calculating. Soft smiles usually grace her features and her mannerisms are gentle and captivating, always making sure the other individual’s guard is down and she gains their full trust. Though most of her actions are to ultimately manipulate individuals, she does particularly enjoy flirting and seeing the extent of her power over men’s minds.
Being the youngest whilst growing up made her quite impulsive in her early years as she strove hard not to be underestimated due to her size and gender. She wanted to be like her older family members, climbing up trees and horseback riding - hobbies that were quickly shot down by her mother. However, as she grew older, being regarded as non threatening was something she knew would be her advantage. Over the years, she has learnt to keep her temper in check as well as fluttering through people and spaces unnoticed, gathering information and learning about other’s secrets.
Most people don’t get past her walls as she only purely trusts and loves those in her immediate family, with many not realising how calculating the young, childlike girl actually is. Though never unnecessarily cruel, those who have wronged her have grown to regret it. All in all, however, she is described as a bright spark, striving to find the positive side to everything she does, wanting to figure out what her true role in this world is - which she considers to be more than just being a handmaiden.
{i’ll expand this a bit more later, just wanted to have something up for now!}
