arianne swann. youngest child of the Swanns and only daughter so the pressure on her to marry EXTREMELY well and be a prominent, very proper matron of her own family was VERY HIGH . father was extremely overbearing, highly critical and practically turns her into an anxious mess whenever he is around. he taxes her a lot mentally with his rigid expectations on her. her love language is words of affirmation, acts of service and quality time, so she gets very little of that from her father and her 3 older brothers. her mother had a very difficult pregnancy with her and unfortunately died in childbirth whilst arianne was a healthy, screaming baby so she always carries that half-guilt of probably causing her mother’s demise . especially since her embittered brothers never fail to remind her of she being the one to rob their beloved mother from them whilst they were all still foolish kids. they bullied her too in the past, so she always felt like her family never loved her.
she then sought love from the ones who cared for her and whom she felt extremely at ease in being herself with like her septa, her household maester, several other staff members and the smallfolk. they all came to adore the very sweet-hearted, soft, astonishingly kind lady with a smile that was brighter and warmer than the sun.
growing up, there were two fields which she was extremely interested in and passionate about , and that was baking & medicine. thus she is a super lil baker and is quite an accomplished, though, uncertified healer/assistant healer by now. she’s been tending to any of her staff and villagers free of charge and has even done midwife duties before. ( all of her training & knowledge on it came from mountain pile of books, her maester and septa & from meeting various different healers whenever she mingled with the small folk.)
been married off 3 times but each of her spouses fell dead shortly after, so she’s been badly gossiped as the harbinger of death - “anyone who loves her will die. she must be cursed, even from the womb!” are among the most vicious lies spread around her. ironic since she loves to heal instead XD
after what happened on the night of the wanderers, arianne’s finally had enough of all the terrible & shitty things that has been happening to her life. she’s been bending over backwards and letting everyone else decide things for her, so this time it was a wake-up call for her to take her own destiny by her own hands and not let life pass her by with only fears and misery clouding over it constantly. it was with this VERY RARE surge of courage that she finally approached and confessed her true feelings for a close, former staff member Daemon Snow and to her unbelievable joy, her feelings were reciprocated. they’ve been maintaining a lowkey relationship that has only been quietly and steadily blossoming fast as well growing deeper with each passing day and night. for a girl who has so much love to give & has given away so much of it unconditionally, but has only received so little in her life, he is currently the best thing that has happened to her thus far.
ωαηтє∂ ¢σηηє¢тισηѕ: ( if an idea you have is not listed here, please throw them at me & i will most likely be game for it as well! )
siblings & cousins - I will write up her family structure soon, but she currently has 3 older brothers and I’m very open to any sort of cousins from both sides of her family!
family members of her former spouses - Arianne had gone through 3 arranged marriages by her father. She had only had affections for one of them, whilst she couldn’t manage to feel anything for the other two. One of the latter two also had acted too much like Arianne’s father leading her to fear him & be completely miserable with him. Her last spouse got killed during the coronation event. I have not set on which families they are from, so feel to have your character related to her this way if you’d like :) preferably any family not from the stormlands since arianne is a stormlander & wasn’t allowed to travel much by her overbearing father. so when she married out, it was also an opportunity to reside and get to know other regions much better.
friends ( both real & fake ) - arianne’s open warmth, tenderness and empathy earned her friends and acquaintances easily, but many of them could be fakes , using her for their own personal gains because of her family wealth, influence & its prestige or manipulating her to do things for them since she’s pretty malleable and naive.
a former mistress - arianne could have easily been a former lady-in-waiting to any noble lady from a great or prominent house and her ambitious father would have greatly encouraged that as well
“Oh!!” Arianne’s face froze for a moment when her tongue finally made contact with the first bite of the cake in her hand. “ Oh....arrrhhmmm, ...mmmmnh..oh my gods, have you tried this wedding cake yet? “ she murmured out in reverent ecstasy to the other, as she slowly savoured the morsel in her mouth, her large hazel eyes fluttering to a close for a second. “It tastes simply divine ! Oh, I have got to find out about this recipe!”
‘ I tell them to bring me news, and they have brought only lies! ‘ The chuckle is low and steady, but it brings a colder edge to the man’s words as he shifts his stance. The people tending the grounds below him are swarming like flies, and he leans against the balcony’s beam to watch. Tongue slips along his bottom lip before it hides back in his mouth, his teeth gnashing together with a snap as his jaw works in a half-circle before continuing. His head angles slightly towards the guest behind him, words murmured over his shoulder, not quite expecting an answer. They all speak to ghosts one way or another, his descent into madness was just a bit earlier than most. ‘ Ah, I must do everything myself. Is that the lesson? ‘
Roland regarded the other man in a bemused manner as the young Arryn lord lounged lazily and sipped his wine. All whilst balancing his sitting upon the balcony’s parapet with a leg inelegantly up. Whilst his current seating position may cause apprehension or dizziness to many, to Roland, it was nothing compared to the more precarious ledges, edges, sky-high walls and crevices that surrounded his home. “Well, regardless of whether you’re speaking about spirits or actual people being your messengers, I’m always of the belief that the best way to get any sort of information or gossip, is truly by your self. Not only can you get the news with your own actual eyes and ears, but the journey to obtaining it is more thrilling and entertaining. As opposed to just sitting around, twiddling your thumbs anxiously and impatiently for it, or just going on some tedious praying for good news,” Roland mused before he took another generous sip of his drink.
Capella , probably the most outgoing out of her family , had oddly found herself on the outskirts of the celebrations. It was more so out of choice , having gotten tired of the constant talking to others. Her black hair was braided , but some of the strands had fallen loose. Capella took advantage of the opportunity , playing with her hair as her eyes looked over the crowds. She stood on her toes a bit , trying to see if she could find someone to speak to. Dark eyes finally found someone , not in the action like her. Curiosity fell over the Lady of Starfall , so she decided to approach. The smile on her face as she did was soft , and she offered the person a curtsy before she spoke. “You look quite lonely over here , do you have room for someone to join you?” She asked.
Lonely? No one had ever accused Roland Arryn of being lonely or a wallflower at parties before. The man had only taken some moments to catch his breath after having joined in many of the merry activities ever since the formal ceremonies had ended. One of which also included a quick tryst with a mischievous lady and a bewitching courtesan, in a nicely secluded area of the Godswood.
But perhaps this now charming maiden had not seen him being one of the biggest lifes of the party earlier. That could easily happen with how vast the huge hall was and the hundreds upon hundreds of guests around. And if he had to play being lonely to steal some of this very fair lady’s time and attentions, so be it.
Easily switching over to a fake persona of a quieter person, Roland then started as if very startled by her approaching him like this. “Ohh! I --erm,-.. was it that obvious?” he gave an embarrassed chuckle. “I’m afraid I’m very much of my element with extremely massive social gatherings such as this,” he admitted with a sheepish smile. IF ONLY WARIK COULD HEAR HIM, HE’D BE GUFFAWING HARD AT SUCH AN INCREDULOUS STATEMENT COMING FROM ROLAND’S MOUTH. Thank god, there seemed to be no sign of his brother or anyone who knew Roland well nearby the vicinity at the moment. His cheeks then reddened slightly, “ Err-- Yes I do, my lady, but ...please you don’t have be obliged to keep me company. You should go back to enjoying yourself with your friends or dancing the night away,” he hurried assured her. “Please don’t deprive yourself on my account. I don’t mind just being a backdrop. In fact, I’m quite used to it. His expression betrayed a slight pensiveness with that last statement.
daemon considered himself a hard man. fittingly forged of the ice and iron of his family name — a wall built tall and strong around his heart, reinforced by years of poor experiences, of being looked down upon and being forced to take care of himself with no one else. but if he were winter, then she was the warmest of summers ( the turn of her gaze and smile toward him, and he thawed and melted ). “a rather wise person,” he murmured, knowing the moment such expression was turned on his person, he was likely to agree to just about anything she asked. “don’t be cheeky. you know quite well you are one of the most important people in this room to me,” matched perhaps only by his siblings. “and if you do not believe so, then perhaps i need to spend more time reassuring you.” glancing down at his own attire, daemon couldn’t help but release a slightly self-deprecating chuckle, “yet i would not seem a fitting companion to you. you’re sure to bring the brides to shame. you know, perhaps it best i simply escort you from the room,” he teased.
Her face only glowed brighter with the sparkling joy at his words. Very few people in her life had ever openly stated that she was one of the most significant people in their life and that statement alone was enough to make her feel warm and loved, for she knew his heart and knew he more than meant it. Still, there was no harm teasing him a little more. “Everyone does need a little extra reassurance sometimes,” she smiled a little mischievously. “Especially if that reassurance meant that they get to spend a little more extra bonding time with the person they loved, doing something either a little out of the ordinary, or new , or different. So since you agree that the saying was indeed wise and I am more important enough than any fear, why not dance with me then?” she smiled winsomely, even if her eyes were dancing with merriment. Arianne moved closer to him as her soft hands reached out to clasp his. “Here, I promise I won’t make you look like a fool out there, we’ll just move slowly, sway to the music and hold each other. We don’t have to dance like the others. Her natural-doe eyes were gently serious now, her tone was one of soft encouragement. “Just one dance, I promise.” she gazed at him with soft hope.
“Daemon, in my eyes and mind, you’re the most fitting companion to me compared to any other male in this room,” she grinned lovingly, her tone sure and true. “So do not care a whit for what any other person here may foolishly think.” She then blushed slightly at his high compliment and his teasing suggestion before replying, ”But then , however and whatever shall we do to entertain ourselves that is as stimulating as the festivities in this wedding feast, if we were to leave the party so early in this lovely night?” Her expression feigned innocence at this , but if one were to observe closely, one might a see a faint impish twinkle at the corner of her eyes and the lilt of a an underlying teasing tone lacing her wondering voice.
roland is generally a very carefree, playful person who just likes to joke around and spread kindness. shirks away from responsibility as much as possible. is of the mindset if you don't show your potential, then there's no way anyone can get upset or hold scary high expectations of you. womanizer. is extremely adept with a sword and and even more so with climbing. also a daredevil, hence his penchant for taking on risky challenges and dares/bets and leap into hair-raising adventures.
however he is also extremely loyal to his house and siblings so if they really need him to show up and do something important for them, then he absolutely will. truly stubbornly loyal ( even blindly so at times ) to his loved ones.
being a passionate person, he isn’t afraid in showing any and all of his emotions. if he’s happy, he’ll act like an exuberant puppy. if he is sad, well, he can cry buckets.
the day he found out the truth about his true parentage, he was utterly devastated and cried, thinking that he is not equal to his siblings. that he is inferior and that he wouldn't be loved the same if his siblings knew. he had become withdrawn and lost his appetite too , which lead to his siblings finding out and then instantly showered him with encouraging love and outpouring of physical + verbal affection, reassuring and assuaging his fears.
however that wouldn’t be the worst day of his life, as the worst day became the day when his adored mother died. he mourned and grieved her terribly for many long years and was a complete EMOTIONAL WRECK for a period of time. probably made a few terrible choices too during that time.
he disliked ambrosia with passion the very moment she chose to seduce and enchant his father so soon after the passing of his mother. even if her charms and seduction had to take time of almost 3 years to bear fruit, it was the very nature of her and her personality traits that disgusted him to the core.
that coupled with his fervent love and loyalty to his deceased mama, he objected her presence in The Eyrie and was as cold and inhospitable to his step-mother for during the first 4 years. it was only the last few years did he slowly and be-grudgingly warm up to her a little bit, due to his love for his new half-siblings and acknowledgement of the good she had done so far for The Vale. however , roland is still wary and can never ever trust ambrosia.
he had and is still grieving over stefon arryn but tries his hardest this time to hide his negative emotions after the first few weeks, due to how dangerous the current state of affairs were and wanting to be a pillar of strength and protection for his beloved family this time around.
ωαηтє∂ ¢σηηє¢тισηѕ: ( if an idea you have is not listed here, please throw them at me & i will most likely be game for it as well! )
ride and die bestie
best friends/ close friends
daredevil accquiantances
rivals/enemies
past lovers/flings
a past betrothal whom he broke off or severed ties with during the darkest days of his grief over his mother
a past / current love interest whom he feels is way above him and he is more than unworthy of her due to his secret insecurity over his status + his apparent lack of accomplishments ( even better if she was/is from a great house )
@ferrumanes - his favourite role model, even if he doesn’t emulate most of warik’s merits atm.
“SO!” was his loud and jovial greeting as Roland clapped a hand over Warik’s shoulder as the younger man’s dancing feet came to a rest next to the taller male. “Please tell me that your wedding will be as grand as this one, or hells, even more awe-inducing. Because no way can we let the Targs show us up, eh?... By the way, you look as though you have not been drinking enough , brother, come,” he gestured invitingly after he had swiftly picked off two goblets of wine from a passing waiter and presented one to Warik.
“as do you, my dear. a vision.” delena lilted, giving her friend a once-over before flashing her a rapt smile. “that would depend on the bribe.” she grinned, but soon enough, hands sought out arianne’s, clasping them in her own and beckoning her friend closer. “i would love to dance with you. save me from the drunken lords i have yet to reject.”
“I would think you can guess by now what sort of bribes I would offer you, bearing in mind that what I’m most skilled at also happens to be your weakest spot,” Arianne gave a crooked smirk, her eyes twinkling. “Oh yes indeed! I can foresee that you will need saving a lot tonight. Any single person in this room would have to be blind to not want to seek an opportunity to dance with you,” Arianne’s eyes roamed briefly over the vast room, and true enough, there were a few nobles already either staring or smiling at Delena. “We must devise a signal of sorts so I can help rescue you if you encounter drunken lords or detestable non-drunken ones, whenever possible later on.”
Arianne was usually known for her gentle elegance and poise, but for some rare reason, mayhaps she had partaken in a bit too much of the strong dornish liquor? , the beautiful brunette found herself not watching her steps properly enough and accidentally tripped over a foot of a chair before desperately clutching onto the nearest thing to keep from falling down and stumbling on bended knees instead. To her chagrin, Arianne had grabbed the sleeve and arm of a lady and had pulled at them hard. “I’m so terribly sorry! Pleas forgive me, I--, ” her contrite and alarmed voice then suddenly changed its tone as Arianne’s face scrunched up in recognition of the other. “D-Dara?? Oh my seventh heaven, are you Dara Karstark??” her face now breaking into a delighted grin as she took in the features of a dear friend whom she had not seen for quite some time now.
“Please pardon me, but is this seat taken?” Arianne gestured to the vacant seat next to the other, with her head. “If it is isn’t and if you don’t mind, could I please take over it for a little while? I don’t think I can carry her whilst standing around for much longer, “ she grinned sheepishly down her chin at the 4 year old child, sleeping soundly in Arianne’s embrace despite the raucous noise surrounding them.
The happiness in the air should have been something that she could revel in, Visenya desperately wanted to be happy. That hadn’t been easy, the loss of her brother, her husband’s continued infighting with his siblings and the lack of love she had ever felt in her marriage. Twenty-four years and things seemed to be on the edge now. “Forgive me.” She hadn’t even realized someone had been speaking to her, “I was lost in thought.” @thronesstarters
“Oh no, I must apologise instead for disturbing you. Please pardon me, your grace,” she apologised earnestly. “I was merely wanting to know if this fallen item belongs to you?” Arianne inquired as she held up the said item which she had found on the floor moments ago.
knowing neither couple and caring little for the events that were to follow, daemon knew that had those he’d come to care for not been in attendance, his evening would have happily been spent elsewhere. instead, he’d thrown on the best attire he owned, strapped several weapons to his person and arrived admitted late to the celebrations that followed the ceremonies.
he had first thought to seek out his siblings, but the sheer number of people was making the feat near impossible ( and the thought entirely evaded his mind the moment he spotted her — drawn like a moth to a flame ). ducking his head so they might converse without the masses overhearing, daemon offered a quiet greeting. “you look beautiful, and while i praise myself in many things, i fear dancing is not once of them. i will be forced to admire you from right here and try my hardest to not wish harm on any who have the opportunity to properly whisk you about the floor in my stead.”
She had very carefully selected her attire for this event. Despite the averagely respectable mourning period already nearing its end, it would still not do to be dressed too resplendently as if she were celebrating not only with her body, but with her heart and soul as well. Both her father and her former in-laws would be horrified and have her head. Even if she did feel like celebrating away to her hearts desire and even to dance barefoot and sing from the rooftops. To celebrate the whole joyous passion that was true love , love endured and love fulfilled. For she had heard through various accounts that at least one of the two newlyweds were a couple that has been passionately in love with the other for many years, their love never once wavering despite the many times fate separated them. Now being truly in passionate love for the first time ever, Arianne finally understood how Lord and the new Lady Allyrion felt. Whenever she had platonically loved others fully, it felt freeing, but romantic love was an entirely different thing. It was both consuming and more than thrilling even when it blossomed quietly and deepened unexpectedly.
Being in love was probably why her cheeks were far more naturally rosy than usual, why the twinkle in her eyes was shining brighter than ever, and why she simply couldn’t stop smiling even if Daemon wasn’t around. As she relaxedly observed the many couples on the dance floor, her reverie was soon interrupted by an-all-too familiar deep voice. Sounding as quiet as it did whenever they were both softly conversing whilst wrapped around each others arm after a night of passion. Turning around, her entire face lighting up like the sun, she then giggled softly. “I see no reason why one should not partake in something just because one isn’t good at it. Someone once told me that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. Am I not important enough for you to brave yourself to try out at least one dance with me?” she teased with feigned, meltingly soft puppy-dog look. “Also ‘twas would be shame to let that handsome attire of yours go to waste. You look even more dashing than usual, my love, even with all those weapons attached to you,” she smiled amusedly.
“My darling Delena, you look absolutely exquisite!” gushed the Swann lady with upmost sincerity as she regarded her friend warmly and held the blonde’s hands. “You must dance with me , please, or shall I have to resort to bribing you?” Arianne grinned.
