Cassandra Varmont

[forgottencormac]

Unsent Letter

ꃬᙓᖇ ᖇꉻᖻልᏝ ꃬᙓቿꍌꃬꂚᙓꇘꇘᙓ ꋖꃬᙓᙓ የᖇꌩꂚꉓᙓꇘꇘᙓ ꉓልꀎꇘልꀎꂚꂠᙓ,

Deeryst Cassyndra, Moost Deare offe Aull Laydies, Wysest of Womynn, aund Moste Discarnyng of Alle Roylle Personygess Whome thee Gaud Hass Seene Fitt to Yndow withe those Moost Supreemely Feminyne of Virchues ~~ dout not my ardoure nor your owen trusty fayrnes! Dout not the skys abauve nor thee sunne aund the moone in the vastnesse of their coarses. I feare the worlde woulde seame a blahk, a playce of darke forboading, werr you evuh to reed thee dyreh werds which i heare comit, O Most Unlikely of Women! To, with such Tenduh Hart, noe such terrble hart ayke! Yet, I caun finde noe respyte! Tho mah lauve fore yue is deap as the sease, you awe to muh thee beste ofe al whiche sistahly affaction can minde to the lykenesse of mindees. Think naut thaht I dow nout cherishe you! Nevah imahgin I showde abandone you to the blacke pyt of dispair whych an uttah lauck of lauve maut finde you, -- no! I Lauve You Stil, Cyssaundera! Baut I noe tou thaut youre paushawne for me is waysted, yes, WAYSTED, I saye! Thayre are cauntlauss authar diemynds of mahnhawd who wuld withaut hesitashon set you in theyr hevans aynd maeke you offerre of theire hartes withe gludnesse, but I feere I cahnaut bee wone amangst their numbah, naute in suche a waye! It wass wyth the greyst honnor imagynable that I auccepted yore hande as my betrothede, but I wysh naue to put you now asyde. I love you not, Cussandre. Ah, hau I hauve ached to saye the wordes! It is a crooltie, I know. But you waunt of me thingse which I cauld nevau gyve to you. It wil be a tryalle, I expect, were evar theese wordes to reache you in trooth. I feare you mighte be temptad to doo yourself a hearm, in truthe, and so I hoold backe, for I wauld naut jepyrdize the moste celestyal of pryncesses for aul the goald aund sylver undar the see, no! And I noe thaut to hauve firste laust the prauspect of one lauve onlie to see this wone so bitterlie caust asyde is to you the greyteste of evylls. For thaut I can onlie saye, lovelieste of alle the sunns whiche burne in the hiye horysons -- forgyve me!

Sygned, theh maun you louve, ~*~ꉓꉻᖇᙏልር, Ꮭꉻꀎᖇᕲ ꉓልᏝᏝᙓልᖇᖻ~*~

((*imagine the word cormac is harder to read -- and maybe looks a bit more like cillian if we wish ;D -- i couldn't find a version that ~quite suited -- also more flourishes in general))

[indisden]

Suki Waterhouse as Margaret of York (The White Princess)

[forgotteneabha]

OOC | Eabha & Cassandra

i feel like eabha really ~wants to like cassandra but like...eabha prefers stories where the ladies fight for themselves to the ones where they're rescued (tbf to cassandra, roderick probs didn't permit his daughter to hear such filth! women doing things for themselves?! unthinkable!) and all in all i think she's v idealistic but also v practical like...idk how romantic of a person she is...i don't mean in the lover-passion way, i mean in the like...wonder at the beauty of the world kind of way...like!! she does wonder at the beauty of the world but more in a sciency way like wow! its so amazing that over time those huge mountains near the sea have been worn down into caverns moreso than, say, rosie, whod see those same caverns and be like 'i feel the grace of the guardians in this place. think of all the ppl who have sheltered in those caverns and what they must have witnessed over time' etc etc etc so like!! on one hand she gets cassandra...but on the other hand she does not hahahaha

either way, i think she views her as an innocent in all of this and probs lowkey is like 'this world will break her heart' and lowkey wants to protect her from that but also knows she really can't :(

[forgottencassandra]

aslfjlsafj haha yeah cassandra probably doesn't even know that that is an option??? And if she ever hears some of those stories now, she probably would be weirded out by them (thanks dad!!!) and more than a little disappointed tbh!!! (although I do think that, eventually, with enough character development, cassandra could learn to be on board with girls saving themselves, but she is not there yet!!!!)

I think Cassandra would actually love Eabha? She's so beautiful and kind and if she catches anything between her and Alaric, she would ship them so hard!!!!! (she's so down to be eabha's wingwoman in this conquest!) IDK that Eabha would believe her or not, but Cassandra would also basically tell her that Alaric is madly in love with her already and read into literally anything he does as a sign of this

cassandra: last night, uncle alaric complimented me on the color of my beautiful new gown, which was both green and blue -- the very colors of your house! I asked him if they didn't make him think of the ocean and he said that they did -- clearly he can think of nothing else but you!!!

cassandra: and then, later, I asked him if he was to go to lorcan tomorrow and he said that he had important business there and was going to depart at first light! how eager he was to go to be close to you!!!

[forgotteneabha]

roderick, breathing a sigh of relief: thank the god my daughter knows better than to try to do anything for herself!!!!

me: SCREAM

sdkfjsakdljf omg cassandra being eabha's wingman alksdjfklsdjfkjsdf eabha, who has never set out to try and convince a man to marry her against his will for his moeny/power before: 'ig i can use all the help i can get' asdlkfjsldkjfjksdf cassandra's intensity w this is probs a loT for eabha tho bc she's def like 'stranger danger' at ~best when seeing varmont commanders, all things considered, and is v much like 'idk him, and he ~may be evil, i am def not in love w him!' (like...she'll def be pleasantly surprised as she gets to know him better but she literally thinks he's ~probably a monster, going in lakdsjflskdjfkjsdf so part of her is like PLS STOP ROMANTICIZING THIS and wants to shake cassandra bc this'll prbs be ~her fate too and so she thinks she should go in prepared, butat the saem time can't really do that/feels she probs does need her help and its all just!!! a lot!!! and not in a good way in her mind laksdjfkljdsf

cassandra, says both these things to eabha; eabha: *looks directly into the camera* laksjdfkljsdjfdsf i def think she's probs like 'this dude is the emperor's brother, doubtlessly i am ~not the first to try and catch his eye' like if anything she probs underestimates his warmth towards the possibility of eabha ngl hahaha but yeah she has no such romantic ideas abt alaric being secretly in love w her at all, ~however, i do think she's sometimes like 'ohhh yesssss i see what you mean' to cassandra so she can then be like 'so anyway if i were to make x joke would he find that funny' or whatever advice she's looking for sldkafjksldjfkjsdf she feels kinda guilty abt this ngl bc she knows she's lowkey manipulating them both this way but...its for the greater good!!!!! laksdjfkljdsf but other times she's like 'no doubt he finds me a handsome woman, as your royal highness suggests, but i cannot imagine he comprehends much more than that in regards to me -- we barely know one another' etc

[forgottencassandra]

aljflasdjf okay omg I kinda love this!?!? And not Cassandra out here thinking that this is gonna be some epic love story between them!!! (although she's been soooo wrong before that this one isn't as farfetched as others like ... at leas they both individually have considered marrying the other one! -- regardless, lbr, Cassandra is TOTALLY taking credit for this one if it ever comes off!!!)

hehe also eabha literally signed herself away the MOMENT she once asked cassandra her opinion on what alaric likes or does like sldjflasdfj (although in this case, cassandra is probably a little more informed than she normally would be because she is someone that sees knows alaric the best honestly aside form her mom and brothers probably better than anyone so she dOES actually know some things).

Also I'm cackling when Eabha starts like really nerding out about shells and stuff and Cassandra is like "immediately NO."

Cassandra: why are you carrying all of those shells and why do they smell so bad?

Eabha (way too casually): oh that's probably just some rotting, dead mollusk tissue that I need to clean out!

Cassandra: please do not say any of those word to me or my uncle, ever

[forgottengodfrey]

Little Princess | Godfrey & Cassandra

Cool daylight spread grey tendrils through the slanted sun shafts that illuminated Castle Stafford. While Roderick was now making a great show of his indifference to the riots, (going so far as to threaten to take his family on Progress through Astaira) the truth was that they had shaken him. It was clear in every protest he made, every heavy-slitted glance towards the wide doors which he was even now having cast in heavy iron, supposedly in order to depict the imperial family and Roderick's own glorious deeds upon it, the naked truth of it was that that was a safety procaution. Roderick quaked upon his throne and, in its shadow, Godfrey smiled, eyes turning towards the pale stream of dusty light. Roderick's paranoia was, to Godfrey's mind, the most powerful weapon there was to wield against him, and an unsteady emperor was a foolish one.

With the council session at last ending, Godfrey bowed to the Emperor, still seated proud upon his lofty seat, and began his exit, hefty tome tucked upon one arm. Outside of the council chambers, the windows were wider and, dusky though it remained, Godfrey blinked slightly in the light, his lips twitching upwards slightly at himself even as he did. Torches lined the wide alley and to either side wide windows and balconies offered unparalleled views across all of Stafford and beyond, high up as the Citadel perched -- closer, he had heard Eilionora say, to the stars. But closer, too, to the sun in the day.

As if its herald, a tinkling and familiar laugh sounded from its rays as Cassandra, attended by a gaggle of Varmont ladies, stepped out from the balcony. The ladies, giggling and chatting amongst themselves, pealed from her side -- noting they had fallen far behind the queen her mother -- but Cassandra's progress he arrested with a warm smile and a familiar greeting.

"Good morning, little princess. How is your renewed freedom treating you?"

It was a term of endearment Godfrey had long used for her in private, its origins in her infancy. At the time of Arthur's birth, the Calainon faction's distrust for Marian's had been at its height, but by Cassandra's -- and particularly given her status as a woman -- that had diminished somewhat, Edmund's birth providing an undeniable balm.

Cassandra's distaste for the court's limited movements since the riots had been no secret, and with most restrictions now once again lifted (for her class and situation of life, in any case), Godfrey had little doubt she was feeling sweet relief. And it was she, and her eldest brother, who were likely to prove most heedless in the moments that would follow.

"I can only imagine the fresh air must taste sweet, indeed. Have you yet been out of the castle?"

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra smiled at him at once, her whole face brightening as though the sun itself had singled her out. “Oh, sweeter than anything,” she agreed readily. “I do not think I have ever tasted anything so lovely as fresh air after being cooped up inside for days on end -- nor felt anything so wonderful as the warmth of the sun on one’s skin.” She laughed softly, almost conspiratorially. “My father has always been dreadfully overprotective where his children are concerned, and far too cautious besides. Truly, I am quite certain my freedom could have been restored days ago.”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice with theatrical seriousness. “But you must not breathe a word of that to him,” Cassandra added quickly. “He would be quite cross to hear me say such things, and I should hate to be the cause of one of his long, thunderous silences.” Her smile returned, lighter now. “Still, it is such a relief simply to stand here and feel the day about me again.”

“I confess, though,” she continued, glancing out across the distant roofs and hills, “I have not yet ventured beyond the castle walls. Not properly. I am terribly impatient to do so, but apparently I must have one of my brothers in attendance, and you would think I had asked them to march off to war by the looks of it.” She shook her head, baffled. “Sebastian finally relented and said he would escort me to Malconaire," But not, she thought, with the passion I should have expected from a man so long parted from the woman he loves ...

Her brow furrowed slightly, curiosity sharpening her tone. “But it was Edmund and Arthur who surprised me most,” Cassandra admitted. “Neither of them seems to have the slightest interest in going to Malconaire at present.” She hesitated, then gave a small, thoughtful shrug. “It is… odd, is it not?” She did not say more, though the strangeness of it clearly lingered in her mind.

After a beat, she tilted her head toward Godfrey, concern flickering across her expression. “Is your nephew well?” she asked gently. “I wondered whether Edmund might be ill, that is the only sensible explanation I can think of for his reluctance.” Her tone softened. “If he is unwell, I should hate to think of it going unnoticed.”

Perhaps they had all managed to have some kind of lover's quarrel, she thought, as is only natural. But whatever would have caused it surely would have been quickly forgotten after having been part for so long? She would have expected her brothers to all have raced from the palace gates and thrown themselves at the Malconaries' feet, begging them to forgive them.

Their behavior puzzled her exceedingly.

“And you?” Cassandra asked, the subject shifting as easily as her moods. “Where have you been staying since the riots? Here at the palace, or did you return to Hanthom?”

[forgottencassandra]

Trapped | Cassandra & Marian

"The riots ended days ago, are we truly still not allowed to leave the palace?" Cassandra groaned, crossing her arms as she took a seat upon her mother's bed.

This was not unfamiliar: they had been in dangerous places before and her father was quick to enact a lockdown (especially when it came to his wives and daughters) if he sensed that anything was amiss. But this had seemed particuarly long to Cassandra, who had never had friends who lived outside of the castle walls before.

She'd had plans to meet Rose this afternoon (or rather, she'd had plans to meet her the day the riots occurred and, after accepting that she would not be going anywhere on that day, had decided each day after that this would be the day that she would have a chance to leave ... only to find herself once again disappointed).

They had not had time to properly talk about all that had transpired at the ball and Cassandra was eager for her company. Rose had taken to writing Cassandra a letter, but she found that she was too distracted to give it the proper attention it deserved and believed that saying everything in person would far better convey everything than writing it down, anyway. Not to mention, Cassandra hardly had the discipline to scribble down more than a few lines unless she happened to be waxing eloquently in her journal when describing her own romantic encounters.

"Arthur is convinced it will still be a few more days yet ... " Cassandra felt especially crestfallen to hear that - if Arthur felt that she could not leave (even with his own protection) than it might truly be days until her father allowed it. "Oh, how shall we ever bare it?"

[forgottenmarian]

Marian had been slow rising that morning and her lady's maid was still setting her hair for the day when Cassandra came bursting into the room, bemoaning their current situation.

"You must have patience, dearest," Marian reminded her daughter, waving a dismissive hand at her maid who quickly curtsied and left the room. Marian turned in her chair to look at Cassandra, sprawled across her bed. "You know that as soon as your father feels it is safe, things will go back to as they were. And where are you so eager to run off to? Don't you know how much I worry when you're not here?"

Marian turned back to the mirror in front of her, opening the wooden box that held a small assortment of jewelry-- all gifts from her husband over the years-- which she wore on a daily basis. The most elaborate pieces were locked in the vault, only brought out for special occassions.

"If anyone were to know, it would be your brother," Marian replied. "You shall bare it as we always have-- with the grace of an Imperial Princess. I know Arthur will let you know the instant you are permitted out of the grounds," Marian assured her daughter. She knew Arthur found much joy in making his little sister happy.

"Come, you are wrinkling your gown," Marian beckoned her daughter. "Help me decide which adornments go best with this gown before we go down for luncheon."

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra sighed heavily as her mother mentioned she be patient. She abhorred the very sentiment. Patience, to her, could never be a virtue. It's very nature suggested that one was just waiting about for something to happen.

Patience felt like a horrible waste of time.

She looked at her mother's reflection in the mirror. Cassandra wished she could feel as calm about the situation as her mother looked. Even in her private quarters, she looked every bit the part of an Imperial Queen. "How can you bare it so well, mother?" She asked, "Aren't you eager for it all to be over, too?"

Didn't her mother ever wish for time to speed along, when it was so determined to stand still?

Cassandra couldn't help but smile when her mother asked who she was so eager to see. "I was hoping to visit the Malconaires ... although I suppose I would not say no to any excursion, if it meant I could leave the palace for a few hours. But it has been so terribly long since I have see Lady Rosin. Not since Guin's ball!"

She suppose she might write her a letter. She had tried to do so, but she found that she had too much to say for a letter and would much rather be able to tell her everything in person. It was not nearly as fun if you could not see one's reaction when conveying news. Besides, how long might it be before she could receive a letter back?

Cassandra stood, suddenly very aware of the condition of her gown and attempted to smooth it. Not that there's anyone here to impress, she reminded herself when it refused to cooperate with her. She went to stand behind her mother, looking over her shoulder at the various necklaces, bracelets, and brooches that were spread out upon her vanity. They were all priceless pieces that had been procured from all over the world.

"Oh, do wear this one!" Cassandra said, picking up a golden brooch that was adorned with small pearls and a ruby in the center. "I know it is a bit too formal for everyday use, but ... it is so beautiful, mother, and it would go very well with your gown. Besides, it should lighten everyone's day, just to see it!"

[forgottenmarian]

"I keep hearing of these Malconaire ladies... are they just the most interesting people in all of Astaira?" Marian inquired with a bit of a laugh, though she was concerned with Cassandra visiting that place after what her husband had divulged to her regarding the morals of the young women.

"Perhaps it might be better to invite the Lady Roisin here than go to Malconaire yourself. Even when your father deems to safe for us to leave the castle, I should still worry with you out on these roads... in this wild land. Would it not be just as lovely having your little friend here? We could have the kitchens prepare all sorts of lovely treats for you both-- perhaps, when it is warm, you could even take tea out in my garden! Wouldn't that be lovely?"

Watching Cassandra looking through the jewelry presented to her made Marian think of the countless moments just like this one she and her daughter had spent together. Her husband had often needed the attentions of her sons elsewhere, but Cassandra had always been her constant companion.

"You have such a lovely eye for these things, dearest," Marian said, taking the brooch, pinning it to her gown. Glancing down at the jewelry laid out before her, Marian turned her gaze back to the mirror where she caught her daughter's eye.

"Shall you like to borrow something to wear today?" she asked, gesturing towards her jewelry. "Even if we may not leave the castle, there is no reason we cannot adorn ourselves! I should think it would please your father very much to seeing us both enjoying these beautiful things he has gifted me. Sit," Marian rose from her chair, gesturing for Cassandra to take the seat instead to she might find something among her mother's box of jewels.

"Your father..." Marian began slowly, watching her daughter with a small smile. "Your father has asked me what I think of Lord Stafford as a potential suitor for you..."

Marian paused, attempting to gauge her daughter's reaction. Cassandra was so often in her own little world, she wondered if she'd even realized that the seating arrangements at dinner often sat her with Rían. That was something she wished to put an end to once dinner guests returned to the palace following this confinement.

"I do not think him a good match for you," Marian continued, smiling at her daughter reassuringly. "And just know I should do everything in my power to secure you a good match which will make you exceedingly happy," she assured her daughter. If anyone deserved that, it was her daughter.

"Perhaps we might even find you a match back home... your grandfather does keep his eye on the the noble houses in our absence... I know he would be so pleased to find a kind, handsome young man with good standing for you there," Marian paused once again.

"Would you ever wish to go back home, darling? I know your father means to make this place the seat of his empire but that does not mean that we may not still return home."

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra’s eyes lit at once at the suggestion, all earlier gloom swept aside as if it had never existed. “Oh, Mother! yes,” she said eagerly. “Lady Roisin is one of the most interesting ladies in all Astaira. Truly. She is clever and witty and so much fun, and she has the most extraordinary eye for fashion. Have I told you know she designs many of her own gowns? I simply adore that about her.” She clasped her hands together, enthusiasm spilling over. “Inviting her for tea would be perfect, and we ought to plan it at the earliest convenience. Oh, do ask Father if I may have her here! It would mean the world to me! Everything has been so dreadfully dreary of late and there's no surer thing that should brighten it than her visit.”

She barely paused for breath before continuing, already imagining it. “And perhaps she might stay a few days?” Cassandra added hopefully. “Just a short visit. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have Lady Valentina and Lord Cassimir for one’s family.” She wrinkled her nose, then laughed. “Honestly, Mother, I am certain Lady Roisin would relish a little respite from them both, and I so want you to meet her properly, too. In fact, I think it would be beneficial, for everyone, to know her better.” There was a brightness to her tone that hinted at more than she said aloud, a sense that Roisin’s place in their lives might one day be more than merely friendly.

That brightness faltered the instant Marian mentioned Rían Stafford. Cassandra froze, then turned sharply in her chair. “Rían?” she echoed, disbelief giving way to indignation. “Mother, he is far too old and dreadfully boring. Truly, if he were in any way desirable, he would have been married ages ago.” She folded her arms, lips pursed. “The only conclusion I can reach is that no one wants him, and I simply cannot believe Father would wish that for me.” Her voice lowered, fierce with certainty. “I will not have him. I will not. I can hardly imagine anyone more ill-suited to me -- save perhaps Cassimir himself -- and I vow I shall never accept him, not for anything.”

When Marian spoke of home, Cassandra’s resolve softened into something more thoughtful. She hesitated, gaze drifting to the window as rain streaked the glass. “Home…” she said quietly. “I love it, of course. I have such fond memories, and I would dearly love to visit again one day.” She smiled faintly. “But this place, strange as it sounds, has become a home to me, too. I have friends here now, Mother. People I care for. The thought of leaving them behind makes me rather sad.”

She turned back to Marian then, earnest and unguarded. “I suppose I always assumed we were all happy here,” she admitted. “And if Father marries Eilionora Stafford, well ... might this not truly become our home? It does not feel like a place I wish to abandon."

[forgottencassandra]

Rainy Days | Cassandra & Aria

"Goodness, I wonder if this rain shall ever stop!"

"It mocks me," Cassandra lamented with a heavy sigh, as though this was the greatest trouble she had ever had to overcome. She might have well told you that it was, for it certainly felt that way in this particular moment.

Today was the first day that her father had finally allowed her some freedom from the castle. Under a heavy band of guards and the supervision of her mother, she had been permitted to leave the castle. It was a small social gathering hosted by the (rather dull) wife of one of her father's councilmen. She, at least, had had the foresight to invite some more interesting people to liven things up (including Lord Calleary).

Most of all, Cassandra had simply been dying for a change of scenery and any excuse to wear one of her new gowns.

But the storm that raged outside her window, had cancelled the entire affair after it was deemed that the storm may be too dangerous to do any sort of traveling in, and all of Cassandra's hopes for the day had vanished.

Cassandra did not catch that Genevieve (who had been her nursemaid since infancy and continued to look after her, even now) rolled her eyes at the princess's dramatics.

"And now there's nothing to be done about it." Cassandra added, leaving the window.

"You are a innovative woman, Your Imperial Highness," Evie replied, "I am certain you shall not allow for the weather to determine your mood."

It wasn't until that moment that Cassandra realized that, perhaps, Evie was correct in this: the loosening of her father's protections must certainly mean that she would be, at least, free to roam more of the castle than she had been, previously. She had not seen Aria Stafford since the riots and suddenly found herself desperate for her company.

It took her a good deal of time to find where, exactly, Aria Stafford was. Apparently she no longer was staying in her old rooms and the new ones happened to be on the otherside of the castle.

"Did you find this all as absolutely tedious as I did?" Cassandra asked, as soon as she strode through the doors. "There is only so many hours one can devote to reading and sewing before one develops a headache." Cassandra had never had much patience for either of those activities (unless the book happened to be a romantic novel) and her imagination would always take hold and hold her captive to her own distractions.

"I thought I might go mad. I am so sorry that I have not come to see you before. Father insisted that we stay in our chambers and no amount of pleading or flirting with the guards would do any good, at all, so I suppose he must have been truly serious about it." She found that she had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes. Cassandra felt that her father must have been a bit over-dramatic over the entire thing.

"Oh! But I did finish the book you lent me!" She had brought it back with her, now, and put it into Aria's hands. "I was nearly lost for words through most of it. Each tale was more beautifully written than the last. Although I confess that my favorite was the second tale -- the one which ended when the two lovers choose to be drowned together by the sea, rather than to return to land where they would have been so tragically torn apart? And -- " Cassandra finally took a breath and had the chance to examine her surroundings.

It wasn't until this moment that she noticed that she was cold and she quickly noted that this room not only lacked the luxurious comforts that the Staffords' old quarters were missing, but also, it seemed the basic ones, too.

There wasn't even a decent fire in the fireplace.

"Goodness -- what on earth are you doing here?" Cassandra asked, as though Aria had had any choice in the matter. "It's much too drafty and cold. This won't do at all."

[forgottenarias]

Aria, having been intently focused on her book to try and ignore the fact she was freezing in this poorly insulated room, nearly let out a shout when Cassandra suddenly appeared without any announcement.

Visitors, beyond the guards that had brought her and Eilia their meals, had been scarce. For a moment, Aria felt as if she wasn't even sure how to react to Cassandra, who was speaking as if it had been a mere moment since they'd last spoken instead of days, most of which she and Eilia had been sequestered away with no knowledge of what was happening outside the door to their room.

Aria, in fact, did not even more from her seat or speak as Cassandra chattered on, switching from one topic to another, handing Aria a book, bemoaning being stuck inside the Citadel. It wasn't until the young princess finally stopped, having posed a question to her, that Aria remembered she should move and speak.

"This... this is where your father decided my sister and I should reside now," Aria placed a ribbon across the page of her book, closing it before she looked up to the princess. She might have thought Cassandra was teasing her if she hadn't spent enough time with Roderick's youngest daughter to realize that this question was asked in earnest.

"Apparently we're much safer, here, in this cold, damp room... or that is what I've been told," Aria paused to adjust the shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The Princess's choice of her silky fine fabrics would not do to keep her warm here.

"I am pleased to hear you enjoyed the stories, Your Highness," Aria said offering the princess a genuine smile, picking up the book Cassandra hand handed her a few moments before. Aria prided herself on being able to find books that would suit almost anyone she met and she was please to see she had not failed once again. She, honestly, hadn't expected to see this book again or for Cassandra to focus long enough to actually read through it.

"If you might convince the guards to allow me to accompany you to the Citadel's library, I believe there is a book that is full of tragically romantic stories you would thoroughly enjoy. Then, perhaps, we might converse somewhere a bit warmer." Aria paused, leaning towards the Princess and dropping her voice to a whisper. "And I am quite eager to hear if your Lord Ormond ever appeared at your sister's ball."

Aria, herself, knew the Lord Ormond was actually Cillian Frost-- everything he'd divulged to her when she'd found him the morning at Guin's Ball had completely overshadowed the fact that he had also managed to win the affections of Cassandra Varmont had not fully hit her until she saw the young woman sitting across from her.

Though Aria found Cassandra exceedingly silly, she did hope Cillian had enough sense not to find her that evening. She hoped that Cassandra had, perhaps, found another man to focus her attention and affections upon. She very did not want Cillian to be discovered as a fraud but she also did not want to witness Cassandra realizing the world could be cruel. She knew it was silly, after everything her father had done, but Cassandra might be the only person living in the Citadel's walls who was actually happy, oblivious as she might be at moments.

[forgottencassandra]

“Well,” she said lightly, lowering her voice, “if one were intent on hiding ladies away, this would be the cleverest corner of the Citadel. Who would ever think to look for you here?” She shook her head at once, curls bouncing. “But being hidden does not mean being forgotten, and it most certainly does not mean being left to freeze."

She moved further into the room, fingers brushing the edge of a table, her expression sharpening with sudden resolve. “Father cannot know about this,” Cassandra declared, with the absolute confidence of someone accustomed to fixing problems simply by deciding they ought not exist. “If he did, he would never allow it. And if he does know, then he has simply not considered it properly, which comes to the same thing.” She turned back to Aria, eyes bright. “Either way, I shall see to it.”

Her gaze swept the bare walls and drafty hearth again, and the indignation melted seamlessly into excitement. “Oh! We can make this charming,” she said, clapping her hands softly. “I’ll have new furnishings ordered at once."

Before Aria could protest, Cassandra was already planning aloud. “I have tapestries stored away for the walls: such lovely ones, with forests and old legends woven into them, and blankets besides that are thick and warm for your beds. I’ll have them brought here immediately.” It was perhaps a blessing that she had felt the cold herself, otherwise she would have likely prioritized vanities and wardrobes first. Her tone softened then, “You shouldn’t have to endure this. Not ever!" She cried, as though Aria and her sister were suffering the absolute worst of neglect.

The mention of the library reignited her curiosity at once. “Oh, yes! Absolutely,” Cassandra said, linking her arm through Aria’s without hesitation, “A book of tragically romantic stories sounds essential to my well-being.” She laughed, half at herself. “Though I do hope I don’t finish it too quickly, for it’s shall be a sign that my own life has continued to grow dreadfully uneventful, and that simply will not do.”

At the mention of Lord Ormond, Cassandra positively lit up. “He did!” she exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “And he was everything he ought to be: charming, witty, impossibly handsome. Truly, Aria, I don’t know how I survived such an encounter without swooning at least once. Perhaps I should have swooned on purpose? Then he could have no doubt my affections." She lowered her voice, suddenly earnest despite the excitement. “I think he may have started to fall in love with me, too. I feel it when we are together.” She hesitated, just a fraction. “But tell me: how does one know? Truly know, beyond all doubt, that a man loves you as desperately as you love him?”

[lietulietas]

[forgottensaoirse]

The Princess & The Serving Girl | Saoirse & Cassandra

This was all, really, a Frost family fault. Like so many other difficulties in her life, Saoirse found, her brothers had inadvertently colluded to force her into this position...and her own ill luck had from there only compounded the issue.

Because of Ronan's wanted status, Saoirse had been obliged to change her name for that of one of the Varmonts' wretched victims, and because of Cillian's impetuous lies, she'd been obliged to adopt the identity of someone from Ormond. Today, Saoirse Frost was Saoirse ó Réimse...a person for whose death Saoirse, herself, was likely to blame. Many Saoirses had been rounded up, after all, in the hunt for Saoirse Half-Seer. It was her own fault. She'd neither been clever nor humble enough to cover up her talent, as other Seers had done. It was a weight Saoirse bore daily, but one that wore most closely upon her when once again changing names with her.

Today it breathed a dark hue, tickling at her ear. My fault, my fault, mine...

She'd applied as a maid, intent upon serving the Staffords, but today she'd found herself assigned other duties. So it was that Saoirse found herself liveried in the rose queen's signet and colors, and thrust through her door with an assignment to dress her daughter. There was nowhere to hide.

While, generally, Saoirse might have been glad to have an opportunity of snooping in the Varmonts' own personal chambers, having to attend upon the person of Cassandra, specifically, presented...issues. Saoirse was, after all, a much more reluctant liar than her elder brother. Still, she would do what she must, and she was fortunate in that she had been given her assignment before reaching the room: she knew just what awaited her, which gave her a little time to prepare.

"Good morning, Your Imperial Highness!" she chirped, bustling in as busily as she could and hoping against hope that the princess would not recognize her.

Cormac Calleary, who had known Saoirse whole life, after all, often struggled with this, and Cassandra was a known friend of his...Perhaps Roderick's own daughter, doubtless a far more haughty person than even Cormac! would prove similar...But somehow Saoirse could not credit it. The princess had proven far too interested when Saoirse's idiot brother had introduced her to the princess as his own servant, and later she had, indeed, recognized Saoirse at Lorcan when, in a panic, Saoirse -- this time the idiot for making her mistress look amiss in Cassandra's eyes -- had claimed that these were Cillian's children.

Today, prepared as she was, she would tell a far better lie. Today, Cilli--Lord Ormond had given her the day off, she decided, and knowing that (since the riots had run off many of the previous servants) the imperial palace was much in need of attendants, she had wished to make a touch more coin...No, no: she had wished to do her duty to the empire, she decided, and take up work there.

Smoothing her dress with her hands to help dispell her nerves, Saoirse summoned all her confidence and bustled to the princess's wardrobe, throwing open the doors with perhaps somewhat undo verve. A vision of cloth-of-gold half-blinded her as the sun struck it.

Has the poor girl not a single comfortable thing to wear? She felt a sudden pang of pity.

Turning to Cassandra, and knitting her fingers together behind her, Saoirse smiled. "Has Your Highness anything you should most like to wear today?"

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra turned at the sound of the girl’s voice with all the bright expectation of someone who had been bored nearly to death since waking. She had been lingering near the window, watching the courtyard below for any sign of movement worth remarking upon, and the sudden bustle was almost a relief. However, when the serving girl came through the door, there was something in the girl’s posture, in the careful way she held herself, that tugged faintly at Cassandra’s memory. Not enough to name: just enough to make her tilt her head and study her.

“Good morning,” Cassandra replied lightly, stepping closer as Saoirse opened the wardrobe.

There was nothing new to wear (her new clothes had been delayed due to the disruptions with the riots - nothing that wasn't essential had been allowed to pass to or from the gates which, unfortunately, included the materials her seamstresses needed to complete her new gowns).

She sighed, surveying her options. "The green one on the left, I suppose?" It had been a long time since she had worn it. Green wasn't one of her preferred colors and, as a result, it often sat idle. "Or perhaps ... " A pause. She turned towards the girl, "Which do you prefer?"

It wasn't often that Cassandra would defer to the opinions of a serving girl when it came to fashion. They often wore the same thing each day which, to Cassandra, spoke volumes about how much thought they ever put into their appearance. (The fact that perhaps what they wore was all the could afford did not cross her mind). But this girl had opened her wardrobe with so much enthusiasm that Cassandra wondered if she might be different. All of her gowns (even her least favorite ones) highlighted her exceptional taste, so the poor girl could hardly choose incorrectly ...

After glancing back towards her again, Cassandra knew that she recognized her and yet she certainly wasn't one of the normal girls who dressed her. "What did you say you were from?" She asked, tilting her head. Perhaps she was a local girl from Malconaire?

[forgottencassandra]

Thank You, Next | Cassandra & Rían

Cassandra Varmont would never marry Rian Stafford.

She had discovered that he wanted to, after she overheard a conversation between her parent. She had certainly not meant to hear it, but once she had heard her own name on their lips it was no longer in her power to slip away. It was clear to Cassandra that her mother was very much against the match, but it seemed to be something her father was seriously considering.

While deep down, Cassandra, herself, was not opposed to an engagement (what is life without a little drama, after all!), she certainly never wished to be his wife. He was old and boring and his fashion sense seemed to suggest he was only aware of one color.

She pitied the poor woman who would, one day, marry him. She would be sure to send the spools and spools of the most colorful fabrics as a wedding gift -- in the hopes that Rían would take the hint that he should adjust his wardrobe. If he didn't, at least his wife should be splendidly clothed, for she was sure to have little other joys in her marriage to him.

Cassandra was determined not to encourage him, although he did seem as though he meant to do his best to court her the next time he saw her. He had been Alaric's guest at dinner and Cassndra had suspected it had not been an accident that they were seated next to each other.

Cassandra had done her very best to ignore him and chatted, instead, very happily with her brothers, but when the conversation turned to tournaments and swords and armor, she found herself rather out of her depth and sitting in silence.

Now I shall have to talk to him, she thought, repressing a groan and, instead, took a sip of her wine.

"How is it that you have never married, Lord Steward?" She asked, bluntly. Perhaps it might have been taken as an attempt to flirt by some, but anyone who knew her, knew that by her tone, she meant to embarrass him. She knew that he was at least five and thirty -- if not more -- and Cassandra was convinced that the answer to this was simply that no one had wanted him.

[forgottenrian]

Nothing was sure: that was the only thing which was sure, but the hints were enough. An imperial betrothal was even now being contemplated, and Rian could not deny that a part of him crowed at the thought. He wished only that his father were here to see it, here to bask in the joy: surely this would make him proud! Oh, it was true that it was not the Princess Guinevere whom Roderick had appointed for Rian, but still one of his own daughters! That must count for something, surely.

It was perhaps fortunate, however, that, heretofore, all such plans had gone forward without any particular need of conversation between the proposed pair -- conversation had never been Rian's strong suit. Now, however, the moment had arrived, and Rian meant to do his best. He'd practiced in his mirror that morning. Cassandra was of a decidedly...chipper disposition, quite opposite to himself, and he stretched his imagination attempting to think what she might find interesting.

"Your gown is so stunning," he'd told his mirror. "No," he'd added. "It's quite stunning. So stunning. Quite stunning?" Exapserated, he'd passed a hand over his face. Neither variant seemed very likely to sweep the young, star-eyed princess off her feet. "You damned fool," he'd told the man in the mirror and stalked away.

It was true, he'd thought with some degree of self-directed irony, when he at last saw her: her gown was indeed stunning, as was the young woman wearing it, her smiles lighting up the room, laughter bringing a warm smile to the faces of all those who heard it. Even Rian felt something like tugging at the corner of his lips and, sighing, he stared down into his soup, her brother, Arthur's, raucous voice overtaking all as he described yet another feat in the lists. If that was the sort of talk Cassandra best liked, Rian was sure to disappoint her. And her attention did seem rapt.

Hearing her address him, Rian's head swiveled. So far, none of his efforts -- bringing her refreshment at every possible interval, politely asking after her health, even attempting to engage her in a debate about proposed tax reforms, nothing had seemed to please her, and every compliment had fallen just as flat as it had when he'd addressed his own reflection. He had thought she'd quite despaired of him.

By some calamity, just as Cassandra had begun to speak, Arthur's story had come to an end, causing the table to fall silent.

"I--" he scrambled, eager to answer her, but utterly unsure how to. He frowned.

"Oh, come on, man," laughed Arthur. "She's a princess, you're meant to flirt! Just tell her you'd not met the right girl till tonight!" The table went up in laughter, and the prince returned to entertaining the guests with his adventures, allowing the two to speak in some semblance of peace once more.

Rian had flushed at the prince's words. He shook his head, looking to Cassandra. "I don't believe in love at first sight," he told her, flatly.

What he'd meant to say was that that was not truly romantic, not to him: to him, it was idea of building trust and passion in one person, against all odds, that was the essence of true romance. Life was eternally hurling a thousands reasons not to believe, not to love. Defying the odds together and choosing together, every day, to wake and say 'you're worth it all,' that was his idea of romance. But somehow that part didn't make it past his lips.

But it hadn't been Cassandra who'd brought up love at first sight: it'd been Arthur. And Arthur wasn't even listening, anymore. And he was not the one Rian was attempting to sway to love, either. Cassandra wished to know why he was not wed. Clearing his throat, he returned to her chosen topic.

"I have not wed, Your Imperial Highness," he began. "Because I have had neither the time nor the resources to do so in a manner that befits my station and my House until your father, His Imperial Majesty, was good enough to restore me to an appropirate station, here in Astaira. But, as I trust I have proven myself a worthy stewart, I begin to contemplate the possibility."

He paused. This was factual, but not yet entirely accurate as it left out key details. "We Staffords have a family tradition, Your Highness. One way or another, we have each of us dedicated ourselves entirely to this country. I had to see through my oath to return here, to do this place some good, before I could think of my own...future happiness." He paused again, gestured towards her vaguely. "Do you--Are you inclined towards...matrimony, Your Highness?"

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra wanted to laugh at her brother’s jest (a joke at Rian’s expense was always a pleasure) but a flicker of unease stopped her. There was a dreadful chance he might take it as advice and actually say such a thing aloud. She had long accepted that a proposal from Rian Stafford might one day be thrust upon her, but she had hope, desperately, that it would be accompanied by something at least marginally romantic. After hearing Rian’s opinions on love at first sight, however, whatever fragile hopes she’d harbored promptly withered.

So instead of laughing, she shot her brother a sharp glare, her cheeks warming as she imagined just how mortifying a public proposal from Rian was likely to be.

That embarrassment barely had time to settle before Rian’s response horrified her outright. “You don’t believe in love at first sight?” Cassandra gasped. “You’ve never spotted a woman across the room and felt something instantly? Never looked into her eyes and known she was worth moving heaven and earth for?”

Gods, she thought, scandalized, no wonder the insufferable man has never married.

“Have you never been in love?” The question was perhaps forward, but Cassandra was too appalled to care. His explanation: so dull, so practical, only deepened her disbelief. No time? No resources? Love, in her mind, was meant to transcend all such trifles.

“Oh, yes, I will be married one day,” she declared dreamily. “I can think of no better way to spend one’s life than with the person you love most in the world.” And of course, her thoughts drifted immediately to Lord Ormond. Since meeting him, it had never once occurred to her that he might not be the one; all the other lords and foreign princes she had once been certain she adored had faded away without a second thought.

Her father would certainly object, but Cassandra was convinced that with just the right amount of longing, defiance, and drama, everything would end as it ought. Even Rian had a part to play in it, she decided -- only he simply did not know realize what it was to be yet. For even if he somehow managed to secure her hand, they would never make it to the altar. On the eve of the ceremony, Cillian would rescue her from her tower, the bells would never ring, and Rian Stafford would be left precisely where he belonged: without a wife.

[forgotteneithne]

Romantically Disappointing || Eithne + Cassandra

It seemed as if the security around the royal family following the riots at the Capitol had finally lifted as the sounds of hoofbeats alerted the occupants of Malconaire to the arrival of the Varmonts after weeks of their absence. Upon seeing three horses, Eithne sucked in a breath-- had Arthur come, after everything that had happened on when she last saw him?

She let out a sigh of relief as they drew closer, the shape of the riders becoming clear and it was immediately clear it was not Arthur, but instead Cassandra.

Eithne pulled off her apron, tossing it onto the wooden work table in the kitchen before putting the kettle back over the fire. Piling tea cups and whatever treats she could find onto a tray, Eithne pushed the kitchen door open with her foot, carrying the tray out towards the table Cillian and Percy had dragged out into the garden a few days earlier when the weather had seemed to finally settle on warmer temperatures.

Prince Sebastian had helped his younger sister off her horse, leaving her up by the house while he lead her horse to the stables. Eithne smiled at the Princess, wondering if word of her engagement had made its way to the castle. She supposed Arthur might have told her, but a small part of her thought that wouldn't be the case. Cassandra had clearly been enamoured by the relationship between Eithne and her eldest brother, though Eithne assumed much of it was more of a fantasy the young woman had worked up in her own mind.

"Your Highness," Eithne made her curtsey as she crossed the yard towards Cassandra. "Roisin's gone to the neighboring house to drop a basket for the daughter's upcoming name day but she return shortly. Might you like some tea while you wait? Its such a lovely day to be out of doors."

[forgottencassandra]

Cassandra felt as though she traveled to Malconaire upon wings.

Never had freedom felt so sweet. This had not been the first time that her father had insisted that she remain behind castle walls for her own protection (the Varmonts were rarely popular when they first began to settle in their newly conquered lands), but this had been the hardest. It was the first time she had made such friends and she did not like being parted from them.

It had never been a question of where the first place she should go would be -- nor was she very surprised to find that her brother Sebastian did not hesitate to accompany her when he found out where she was headed. She was certain that Edmund would have joined them, too, had he not been away with his uncles.

Arthur's reaction, however, had astonished her.

He had told her that he had had other matters to attend to, but he did not seem overly anxious to have missed the opportunity to see Eithne. Had not it been weeks since they had met? How could his heart bear the separation so easily? Or perhaps they had quarreled? Cassandra had not noticed anything of the sort between them during the ball, but she would be the first to admit that she had been rather distracted through most of it ...

Whatever had happened, Cassandra was determined to get to the bottom of it.

She had meant to ask Rose all about it, straightaway, and while she was somewhat disheartened that she must wait for her friend to return, she supposed she ought to go right to the source. If Arthur would not tell her what had happened, then perhaps Eithne would.

"Oh, she is so very thoughtful, isn't she?" Cassandra mused, wondering for a brief moment if her own servants celebrated their namedays (they did) and if, perhaps, she ought to take note of it if they did so she might present them with a gift, too, but the thought was out of her head as quickly as it had entered it. It was amazing she had spared a moment, at all, for anyone and anything else when there was such information to be gathered!

"I cannot hide that I am not disappointed that Lady Roisin isn't here, but tea in the gardens with you, is certainly the next best thing!" Cassandra linked her arm through Eithne's as though she was her own sister (as far as she was concerned, it would only be a matter of time before this was so -- quarrel or no)

"Oh, Eithne!" She cried, when they had gone out into the sun and were away from anyone else who might hear, "My brother Arthur is not with me," Eithne did not seem entirely surprised by this, but Cassandra was certain that she must be a bit heartbroken by it, all the same, "But I am sure he wishes he was. I know he must have missed you terribly through all of this -- "

It was in this moment that Cassandra wondered if Arthur had defied all his orders and had been to see her, after all. Now that she had thought of it, she desperately hoped he had. Was there anything more romantic than secret and forbidden meetings held under the stars?

[forgotteneithne]

"Our dear Rosie is the most thoughtful," Eithne agreed with a smile. "And I never mind playing second fiddle to her in anyone's affections. She has desperately missed seeing you, Your Highness, and will be so pleased to see you once she had returned. I will do my best to fill the void left by her in her absence."

Eithne couldn't help but smile at the young princess as she linked her arm with Eithne's own. She could only imagine how dreadful it was to be locked up in the Citadel if you had a mind such as Cassandra's. While Eithne knew she, much like the Staffords, could be contented with spending the time in the Citadel's library, Cassandra was a social creature. It was clear she needed visitors and gatherings to occupy her time. Eithne could not fault her in that.

However, as Cassandra mentioned Arthur, Eithne felt her smile fade. She quickly turned from Cassandra and began busying herself with fixing the tea pot as she thought of how to respond. She did not imagine that her engagement had been a great announcement to all the people of Roderick's court, but she did think that possibly Arthur might have made it known to his sister.

Eithne hated how Arthur had found out about the engagement. She knew Cassimir had told him just to spite the Prince-- it had always been clear Cassimir's mood had gone foul whenever Arthur had arrived. Eithne had thought to try and see Arthur again, to try and explain everything to him but she knew he would not be able to truly understand it. While she knew the Prince understood the meaning of duty, she did not think he would fully comprehend why she had made her choices. She wondered if anyone could, really.

After a few moments of silence had passed between them, Eithne turned to the young Princess with a smile. "We have missed your family's visits during this time. I am so pleased to see you and your brother here again today and to tell you of my glad tidings," Eithne forced a smile upon her face. She knew her next words would be quite distressing to the young woman standing across from her.

"I am engaged to be wed," Eithne paused for a moment. "To Cassimir. When we are married, I shall be the Lady of Malconaire, just as my mother and grandmother were before me. Are you not pleased for me, Your Highness?"

[forgottencassandra]

“Oh, Eithne, you cannot imagine how dull it has been at the Citadel,” she went on, “Nothing but books and councils and the same conversations, over and over again. Edmund arguing, Sebastian trying to make peace, and Arthur—” She hesitated, lowering her voice instinctively. “Arthur has been insufferable. Sulking about like a wounded puppy. I thought at first it was the riots, or Father’s temper, but now…” Cassandra tilted her head, studying Eithne’s face. “Well. I thought it might be because he had not been able to see you.”

The old thrill stirred in her chest despite herself. In her mind’s eye she could already see it: Cassimir smug and dark, Arthur furious and shining, swords flashing in the sun. It had always been so clear, so inevitable. A wicked betrothal, a desperate rescue, and love triumphant in the end. But Eithne did not look like a damsel awaiting deliverance. She looked composed. Cassandra’s brow knit faintly. “Engaged? To Cassimir?" A beat. It wasn't so much surprise by the news (she had always imagined it must be so, after all), but it was Eithne's reaction that had struck her.

"You do not seem unhappy,” she said slowly. “I thought ... well, I imagined you might be more… distressed.” The words came out before she knew what she had said: she certainly didn't mean to imply that she had imagined this eventuality.

Surely there must be more to the story? she wondered.

Cassandra glanced toward the house, then leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper meant only for the two of them. “Did you agree to this because you wished it?” she asked, eyes searching Eithne’s. “Or because you were made to?” The question came out softer than she had intended, almost pleading. “Because if Valentina has been pressing you, or if Cassimir—” She bit her lip, the romantic certainty she had clung to wavering for the first time. “You need only say the word, Eithne. Truly. My brother would not stand for it. He would never stand for it.”

For all her bright words and careful smiles, her heart felt unsteady. If Eithne was content and if she truly wanted this, then the story Cassandra had been telling herself for months unraveled into something far quieter and far more frightening. No duel. No rescue. Just a bleak, unromantic future for her friend and brother, both, with little hope for a happy ending.

She swallowed, forcing those thoughts from her mind. She would not believe they were true.

[forgottencassandra]

ooc | Cassandra & Lucian

okay, I think that Cassandra would think that Lucian is one of the cool uncles because he does travel around the world and to her travel = adventures and even if Lucian has told her boring stories about trade, all she hears is that he's out there skirting pirates and rescuing damsels! (also ... ngl, there is also always part of her that is lowkey like .... hey .... do you have anything cool for me from some faraway place??? because you know when uncle emeric and uncle alaric aren't around you are my favorite uncle ... ;DD)

also, you KNOW that she's clocked that Lucian has some kind of tragic love story going on!!! she probably just doesn't have the right girl in mind even tho she would delight in the truth, too, if she knew

... to her though it's probably some beautiful, foreign princess who is betrothed to another and could never marry one of the younger sons of a count (even if her sister in-law would be marian varmont!!) and he just sadly sails around the world dreaming about her! </3

[forgottencassandra]

What has Cassandra witnessed in life that has fundamentally changed her?

When Cassandra was about twelve, one of her closest friends died. She was a few years older than Cassandra (perhaps sixteen or seventeen?) and worked as a maid in the nursery. She was a natural story teller and every time they would travel to a new country, she would pick up pieces of their lore/myths and bring them back like presents to Cassandra (putting in her own details and additions if she did not know the full tale). I feel like she also started to weave multiple stand alone stories in sweeping epics that all collided and it definitely helped to fuel Cassandra's love for complicated and dramatic situations!

One day, she was sent on an errand to the markets where there was an uprising and she was caught in the cross fire and died. It was a huge blow to Cassandra, who learned that life was not promised and it was the first time that the conflicts of the outside world directly affected her.

That was the moment Cassandra decided she was going to live her life to the fullest!! It's part of why she avoids politics (besides them being "boring" - they also just seem to bring pain).

It was also just such a huge blow to Cassandra, too, because she'd never lost anyone else before she cared about and having been gifted everything and anything she's ever wanted, it had never even occurred to her that something like this would even happen to someone like her!? I also think it helped make her a little less selfish and considerate than she would otherwise be and it is one of the reasons that she spoils her friends! She wants everyone else she loves to have the best life they can, too!

It's also helped to fuel her ~adventurous~ side/pushed her to sneak out of the castle so she can take experiences when she can get them!! (she's just too naive to realize that most of them have actually been under the secret supervision of her brothers but!!!)

[lietulietas]

[forgottenalistair]

OOC | Alistair & Cassandra

so i def think alistair has great affection for roderick's kids!! i do think he knows the boys better since he was off fighting for yearsssss and the boys were in on that but the girls weren't, so one day be basically just comes home to find the girls all grown up???? but i do think cassandra's sweetness def has quite a charm for him honestly!! tho i def think he fears her innocence is gonna get torn away from her in a DEEPLY traumatic way when her bros start killing eo if not before and ouchhhh

[forgottencassandra]

ngl, I feel like Cassandra probably forgets his exists most of the time (unless he's brought her gifts lmao), because to her he's always been just old and boring and basically just one of her dad's work colleagues??

Also Lauren suggested in her ooc comment that maybe Cassandra actually works out that Guin has a crush on him and I lowkey love this, especially since it will NOT be the vibe and I feel like Cassandra will be like ??!?!?!?!?!? *does not compute* about Guin liking him and ngl I feel like this will def change her opinion of Alistair if it was at all positive before and she won't really be a big fan of her's because he's ruining the narrative!! ;DD

[forgottencassandra]

ooc | Cassandra & Guinevere

I'm not sure what Guin thinks of Cass, but honestly Cassandra adores her older sister?? I think she's always thought she was so glamorous and intelligent and has looked up to her since she was little?

I do think, however, Cassandra doesn't believe that Guinevere will ever be queen? Like, I think that she's heard a lot from her mom saying how it will be Arthur and I also think that she's just sorta accustomed to the general sexism of the time and thinks that it will obviously be one of her brothers

(Although, I think her mind might actually be changed on this subject if/when she realizes that Eilionora was an excellent queen & her people loved her -- and like the idea that a woman could ever be a queen w/o a husband and be a good one just hadn't ever occurred to Cassandra as possible and yeah I feel like she might start to discover feminism down the line, haha)

Also, Cassandra is a huge romantic and just wants to see all of her siblings settled and married (after some troubles just to spice it up/make it dramatic ofc) and I'm so sorry, but she'll probably get it into her head that Guin should be with someone and try to play matchmaker but it goes horribly wrong for everyone involved

[forgottenguinevere]

Truly my initial thought is Guin is like HYPER PROTECTIVE of Cassandra because she is basically EVERYTHING Guin wishes she could be!!! The joy! The freedom! The happiness! And like it's def the sort of protectiveness where it's not like Roderick where she'd want a bubble around Cassandra, it's far more protective in the sense of Guin absolutely distracts guards to allow Cass to run off on adventures, y'know? She wants everything for her younger sister than Guin knows is impossible for her to have including a horizon full of opportunity. This also means that Guin is ABSOLUTELY another person that spoils Cass to no end and would probably give her anything she wanted if she just asked. Hahaha.

Otherwise tho, like I've said before, she doesn't really mind anyone being like: "I don't think you should be Empress, it should be XYZ." Since Guin herself is like: "same, bestie. I'll go hang out at Castle Harburrow and take care of House Foxe. That's fine by me!!!" But mostly Guin would want to make sure that Cass was absolutely living the life SHE wanted and that as the youngest of all these kids that Cass was able to live safely and comfortably and hopefully only ever marries for love if that's what she desires!!! I am HOWLING at Cass being a romantic though, because I think that does mean that of all the siblings it really is most likely that Cass is the first one of the siblings to clock Guin's HUGE CRUSH on Alistair Grey. (And maybe was the first one to clock Guin's childhood crush on Tristan and encouraged her there too???) Idk how Cass would feel about her glamorous, intelligent, fantastic older sister having a crush on an ~old man like Alistair when Eoin is right there and currently engaged to her, but I think that could be a fun lil thing for them!!! Lemme know your thoughts, but like TL;DR is that Guin thinks the absolute world of Cass and would give anything to have the freedom she does.

[forgottencassandra]

I love all of this so much!!!!

Although it lowkey breaks my heart that Guin is v protective over Cassandra, because Cassandra is basically allowed to be what Guin would love to be, herself!!! And how she wants her sister to be allowed all the things she's been denied!!! </3 poor Guin honestly!!!

hehe but I also love that Guin is yet another person who has helped to keep Cassandra in her own little protected world/isn't here to shatter the illusions she has of the world (which .... happens to be SO many lmao!)

So Cassandra IS a huge romantic and she thinks that she has everyone's love lives figured out (she doesn't) and just imagines the most tragic/dramatic scenarios for them in her head that she is convinced will actually play out and ... most of the time she's just wrong!!!!

However, I was reading over some of my old comments and remembered that she is CONVINCED that Guin is in the middle of some tragic love story/secret romance/has feelings for someone who can never be her's/etc (and she's actually right about that one!) but she also has NO idea who it is and .... I think it would honestly be great though if she found out that it was Alistair!!!!

ngl, it WOULD be a big letdown to her and she's be so??? confused??? as to why Guin would want to be with someone who is so old and boring when she's so cool and wonderful and could have literally aNYONE????

I think she will probably ask Guin lots of questions as to WHY (none of her answers will be satisfactory tbh!!). I do feel like Cassandra isn't super big on Eoin/Guin though, either, just because their love story would be too convenient. Like it's not fun if they are told to be engaged by their dad/uncle and then just get to live happily ever after without any drama at all leading up to it??? But she would at least get it if Guin liked Eoin that way!!!

All this being said, she would 1000% keep this secret and not say a word to ANYONE (although she'd sooo want to!!)

Also, I love the idea that she knew about her romance with Tristan!! She would have shipped them so hard and would have loved to have been involved in any of the plannings of any secret meetings, etc between them and this entire scenario would have definitely heightened Guin's Cool Factor, too, in her eyes! <3

I do think that after things fizzled out between them, that Cassandra was disappointed, but also saw this as an opportunity to have an even better romantic situation for Guin in the future (as though it all comes down to what Cassandra wants lmao) and eventually got over it.

She's also noticed recently that Tristan seems to be in love with someone he can't be with, but she mistakenly believes that it this is Ciara, and not Eithne, and in my last comment to him she's trying to get him to switch his affections from Ciara to Aria because while Cassandra LOVES the drama! of it all, she also isn't fond of people she loves being unhappy, forever, and so she does want Tristan to have an endgame that might actually work out for him and since Ciara and Godfrey are getting married, that doesn't seem like it will be a thing.

However, the way she will start shipping Guin and Tristan again SO FAST when she discovers that Guin actually has feelings for Alistair!!! I think she will talk up Tristan a lot to Guin/Guin up to Tristan and try to get that going again because that would be both a) dramatic (especially given Guin's recent engagement!) and also b) something that Cassandra wrongly believes that their dad would eventually agree to once he sees how happy they are ++ Tristan IS a brother to a Queen and if Amira was good enough to marry Roderick, surely Tristan is good enough to marry Guin!

[forgottentristan]

The Light of the Tree | Tristan & Cassandra

There was no place under heaven quite like Malconaire. He'd known there was something strange and special in it straight off, but his every moment there only further confirmed this strange and unsettling truth -- its inhabitants no less than its very being. And, although Tristan was now quite accustomed to this place, it never seemed to lose its magic for him -- and never less so than in this moment. The great oak, central to the home, seemed itself to glow, tonight, giving off a faint radiance that no one else seemed to see.

It was what Amira sometimes laughingly called the witch-sight -- things those of seeing bloodlines could perceive that others only could somehow...feel. Tristan wasn't sure he believed such nonsense. Oh, he believed in witchcraft well and good, but he was no witch. His ancestors might have been able to do marvellous, inhuman things, but, like most people, he had no such talent.

In truth, Tristan rarely thought to put such things to the test, but just now Eithne was dancing with Cassimir, the lovers bending close to speak to one another, and he'd found he had little taste to stand and watch. Instead, he was in need of distraction and, spotting Cassandra -- he realized that he had perfect the ideal case-study on his hands.

Fanciful, yet of no magical blood whatsoever as far as Tristan knew, who was better to test this theory...Clearly the most pressing matter in play at that very moment. Besides, he was very fond of Cassandra, and her way of looking at the world, and he thought it might be a comfort, after all, to spend some time in her cheering presence.

"Your Imperial Highness," said Tristan with a bow and a smile as he approached. "I have a rather...mad query I find I must know your opinion on." He chuckled, more than aware that this was hardly a characteristic beginning. He pushed bravely on. "Does it seem to you that...Does it seem to you, Your Highness, that that tree glows?"

[forgottencassandra]

"Everything is magical at Malconaire," Cassandra said, her voice nearly whispering as she took in the sight, herself. "Why do you think we love it so?" She added, cheerfully, although they both knew that it was much more than that. It was the people, first and foremost, who Malconaire such a place to be. Cassandra would have loved to truly believe that there was some real magic about it: that the tree did glow, but even she knew not to let herself become too fanciful about such things.

She did not believe that demons could have inhabited such a place, nor that their power could be masked as something quite so pure as Malconaire. And while she did not believe their stories, it did seem much more likely to her that it was a guardian -- not a devil -- who casted their protection over the land. But even Cassandra knew that any real acknowledgment of such a thing would not be especially pleasing to her father, who would think she had been corrupted by their religion.

Roderick Varmont did not have a sense of humor about these things.

Cassandra's glance traveled from the tree to Tristan. There was something bothering him: there was a heaviness in the way he spoke that Cassandra did not particularly like: as though he was having trouble breathing. She'd noticed that he had been watching the dancing: no doubt his eyes upon Ciara and Godfrey.

It was true that Cassandra had delighted in poor Tristan's tragic situation when she first felt that she had discovered it, but as she watched him now, she decided she did not especially like to see him look this way ... and even Cassandra knew that there could be no happy ending for him, if he continued with these feelings. Godfrey and Ciara would soon be married and Tristan would be left with nothing but a broken heart.

And while Cassandra found that prospect tragically delightful in theory, it was another to see the look upon his face and now that time could only hope to slightly heal his wounds. She would not have that fate for Tristan for all the world and she wondered if she could help push his affections towards another.

Did she not hear him speak fondly of Lady Aria the other day? Had she not wondered if, perhaps, if Ciara had not been in the picture if Aria might have been the one to steal his heart? Perhaps she still might ...

"Lady Aria looks so lovely tonight, doesn't she?" Cassandra asked, turning her gaze back to the guests, "Blue is certainly her color. I am very pleased with how her gowns turned out. It had been ages since she had been afforded something new to wear and I was determined that she should something have something especially gorgeous." Or several somethings, as it turned out. "You will admit that my abilities are quite unmatched in this area." She said, turning to face him again, watching as his gaze shifted. "Oh, just look how it makes her eyes sparkle!"

[mournfulroses]

Anaïs Nin, from a diary entry featured in Trapeze: The Unexpurgated Diary of Anais Nin, 1947-1955