Ascar Reed

Ascar Reed Lord in Greywater Watch Gifted with The Sight

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

“High praise.” He said with a dismissive smile, though he appreciated the young lord’s words more than he would let Ascar know. It was his lot to endure, he knew that. And so endure he would. But his night had been long and rife with terrors. He walked over, putting his hand on Ascar’s shoulder. “It’s good to know that my vassals have faith.” Then, he passed around the young lord and sat down again with a huff

“We’ll bury him tomorrow in the yard by the Godswood. We’ll keep most out, I don’t need the place trampled by Southern feet. He was the Maester of Winterfell, let Winterfell grieve him.”

“And from such a small person too.” he said, unable to hold back the wry comment. Even among the Crannogmen Ascar was considered below average size.Though it rarely bothered him, he could manoeuvre though the neck all the easier for his size. “We do, Edrik. You’ll do the North proud.” he was certain, “I don’t need the Sight of the Old Gods to predict that.” He’d seen it in the man already.

He turned once more, still yet to move beyond standing and sitting. “Of course.” he nodded, “And if you’d rather it be only those of Winterfell who attend I’ve problem excusing myself from the proceedings.” The last thing he wanted was to overstep his boundaries.  

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

“I think what is best is if we let things go as they do. I won’t let an accident or a murder sow bad blood between me and the Targaryens. So we’ll let whatever happened sit. Bury the maester, send off the guests. And we’ll find the future when it comes around.” He sighed a long sigh, one that showed the weight of stress that he carried on his back. It was a heavy burden he had been made to bear, so early into his crowning.

“He didn’t. The man barely had enough time for all of his duties. An apprentice would have been undoable. But don’t worry. A petition to the Citadel is already written and a raven already sent out. Happened first thing this morning.” Aye, that it had. Jayne had done well.

“I think that’s wise.” he said with a small nod. “Some of the more, militant minded may not agree but you are their King, they will follow you.” Or they should; he didn’t want to entertain the thought of a house or lord going against Edrik’s designs. “I’ve found some appropriate prayers for the Maester’s funeral as well.“ he added, “And spoken with a few others concerning it. He shall meet the Old Gods in the highest grace.”

“That’s comforting. A Keep doesn’t feel itself without a Maester.” He was close to the Maester of Greywater, spending a great deal of time with him after his fits. “I doubt it’s worth much coming from me, Edrik, but I think you’re coping very well with such difficulties while the crown is still settling upon your head.”

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

“We’re in my chambers, Ascar. I’m not a king in my chambers. Edrik. Call me yer King in company.” Edrik said, looking over his shoulders at his new-found ally. “There are too many people to count who would benefit from strife or war. And there are too many people I could point the finger at for it to matter. Assume the worst, yes. But we can’t be too guarded, lest we lose sight of the road while looking for wolves among the trees.”

He pressed himself up from his squat. “It was Petyr Baelish that said those words.” He’d long since read the words of old Starks, and their stories. A true student of history he was not, but his family’s fall and rise back to Winterfell was something that had always interested him. Sansa had written extensively about Petyr, later in life. And all the lessons that he had taught her.

“It’s important we don’t let the lords and ladies here see us doubt. If they see their king set an example, they will follow. And I am not about to plunge us into uncertainty over a fire. No matter who died in it.”

“Oh, as you wish King... I mean Edrik.” he said, the name sounding a little odd on his tongue. “So many suspects and they’re all gathered under one roof. But you’re right. We may learn more with time, or... If the perpetrator realises their first blow has not been enough to sow true seeds of war they may try again. And with every new action they take, the more weaknesses they open themselves up to.” And they could take advantage of that.

“Oh course, Lord Baelish.” he nodded, “He met his end at the blade of Lady Arya. A just end considering the crimes he was found to have committed.” Plunging the entire continent into war. “Then we shall remain steadfast, confident and peaceable.” he said, “Your people care for you and I’m certain none of our own shall act out no matter how much they would wish to.”

“Although, it does bring us to a new quandary.” Ascar said, “With the loss of the Maester a replacement must be appointed. Did the last Maester have an apprentice he was grooming for the position?”      

[greeneyedcrannogman]

@thelordreaper

The Weirwood was often a place where few others tended to come. Despite not being here too long it had become one of Ascar’s favourite places to visit; though the library was a close second. There was a peace and tranquility to it that was echoed in the Weirwoods of The Neck; the Old Gods were here, and he hoped they would listen to his prayers and guide him as best he could be guided.

Since King Edrik had given him the position of an advisor he prayed all the harder for the strength to learn more, to help more, to see more. Everything he asked for was so that he could help others. A part of him hoped that such prayers were more likely to be answered; but who was he to assume the will of the Old Gods? 

Hearing footsteps approach he turned his head and saw a figure approaching, “Are you here to seek the Old Gods as well?” he asked softly, unable to clearly make out who it was yet.

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

“That’s what I thought. Like it was placed there to cause suspicion.” Edrik said, nodding in agreement. He still squatted by the fire, warming his hands. There was no cold in the room, but he needed to do something to keep his mind from wandering to possibilities. Things that loomed over a darkened horizon, even if he wished not face them. Not yet. “To make us think the Targaryens have ill will. I can’t say with certainty that they do not, but this seems like a bad joke. Too… Obvious.” 

He grunted, rolling his shoulders to rid himself of a pinched muscle that had been gnawing at him since yesterday. Not even Jayne’s tender hands could help him with it. “It might have been an accident. And by the gods do I hope it was. Both for the North and the idiot that might have set light to the tower. Because if I find out someone did, I’ll have their head. And I don’t need Ice to lob it off their shoulders.”

“Or even placed there to clear it.” he said softly, frowning a little as he thought, “What better way to remove suspicion from yourself then by implicating yourself so overtly it seems like a poorly done attempt by another?” he paused a moment and sighed, “Or perhaps I’m over thinking it. I’d truly rather it be an accident over anything else.” But the timing of the accident, during the coronation feast, it was just too significant a moment to seem only accidental. Fate was rarely so clean cut.

“If a guilty party is found I suspect all shall be behind whatever justice you see fir to deliver, My King.” he licked his lips, rising slowly to his feet and looking up at Edrik, “Wasn’t it Sansa Stark who said, ‘Sometimes when I try to understand a person's motives, I play a little game. I assume the worst.’ Or a Lord close to her...” he couldn’t recall, “Either way it’s an apt question. Who would be most likely to benefit from driving discord between the Kingdoms of the North and South?”

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

Edrik regarded the boy once more, before shaking his head a little. He had not thought this was going to be his lot, bwith magic and sight from the gods, but here he was, sitting infront of a Reed with the Sight. Unexpected, but not unwelcome. He knew that the Sight was a valuable gift. “Ye have my permission. Ye’ll sit in on court as advisor. Ye’ll have a room in the Great Keep.”

He then got up from his seat, moved past Ascar and squatted by the fire, looking into the flames. “I’m going to assume ye saw nothing of who set ablaze the tower. Ye would have told me, I reckon.”

Ascar’s eyes widened slightly, he hadn’t expected to be any sort of official position, he was still all but a boy. “T-thank you, My King. I shall read every scroll in the library, learn all that I can so I may be of more use than just my gift from the Gods.” While he treasured his Sight, Ascar would like there to be more to him than just his visions. This was a chance to prove he could be useful both with and without it.

“I did not, My King. I would have ensured you knew immediately.” he paused a moment, turning his head to follow Edrik’s movements, “But, if I may, I think the positioning of the Targaryen banner was somewhat too convenient.”  

[greeneyedcrannogman]

celiaxstark‌:

      “They say my emotions are too thinly veiled…is it so? I think everyone is mad, overlooking such an attack…”

     “I would see the perpetrator put to justice.” Celia glowered, her mouth curving downward while the space between her brows wrinkled together to accommodate her glaring at the floor. She imagined herself in full armor, a sword at her side, exacting punishment to those who would see her family come to harm. Then, all at once she let out a huff of air. Attention seeking out Ascar’s gaze again. “Is it? I suppose it does.” She mused, having never been to the Neck nor traveled anywhere too far outside of Winterfell.

      “But as it were… it would be nice to learn of a few battles– is it just a recounting or do these scrolls read of tactics?” Her interest immediately piqued, she had always loved a good tale of battle, though they were severely watered down when they were told to her. 

“I suppose right now everyone is tense but trying not to show it. The first to snap could bring down everyone else with them.”

He brought his hands together on the table and sighed, “We all would, but it is not so simple, Lady Celia. One misplaced accusation and we could lead our lands to war. I think everyone would rather that be a last resort rather than a first decision.” Ascar couldn’t picture himself on a battlefield; even among the Crannogmen (who were not a large race) he was considered on the smaller side. Odds were he’d be stepped on. “It’s a tension, as though nature is bracing itself for what’s to come.”

“It’s does recount the tactics, which were excellent, but there’s a small passage written by Robb Stark himself. It tells of the burdens of battle, and of leadership.” he said softly, “I do not envy your brother his position, nor any ruler.” He felt he’d bend and break under the pressure of it.

[greeneyedcrannogman]

ofseafoam‌:

“I’ve developed a fondness for the Dornish,” she said, a twinkle in her eye, “but I’ll still partake in Arbor wine.” She held her cup aloft, before taking a sip: aye, she enjoyed wine.. but truth be told, she tended to go for the stuff with more of a kick. Rum and spiced liquors from the Summer Isles, for instance.

“Have you had any besides this?”

“Ale, rum, brandy.. ?”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Dorne.” Ascar said with a smile, “Their culture, their dress, their food, it all sounds so very interesting.” Though the chance he’d ever get to visit seemed very slime right now; but he supposed there was no harm in keeping a quiet hope that he may one day see the place.

“Umm, no My Lady. I’ve only drank at toasts and usually I was given water for those.”

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

The reveal came with a deep breath from the King, who had raised both eyebrows. Not because he did not believe, but because until Ascar had said it, he had not truly believed. The Gods worked in strange ways, giving and taking wantonly. The Sight, while often spoken about in tales, was not something he had ever seen. He’d read about it in his studies with the Maester, but that was where it had ended. Jojen Reed, funnily enough, had also had the sight. An ally to Bran Stark on his trek through the North. And Bran was regarded a hero, if a bit of an oddity, in Winterfell.

“Greensight.” He whispered, unsure of his own voice for a moment. He then cleared his throat and shifted again, looking Ascar over. “Yer father’s a good man.” Edrik said with a short smile to Ascar. “I won’t ask ye how it works, because I know that it’s inexplicable. What I would ask ye is how ye wish to aid and what ye’d require in return.”

Ascar held his breath while he waited for the King to respond. After the long night and all it entailed he wouldn’t be surprised if the other considered such magic unseemly. A Greenseer had not been noted for some time and it wasn’t as though he could demand a vision come on the spot, so there was a chance the other may not even believe him. But, he’d done as his father asked and could only hope the King, in his wisdom would trust in the powers the Old Gods bestowed upon him. If not, Ascar would likely find himself returning to Greywater a great deal sooner than expected.

“He is, My King.” Ascar nodded, “Indeed, I’d be unable to explain save to inform you it’s somewhat... unpleasant to witness and experience.” his eyes widening a bit at the question, “I-I only wish to tell you what I see if it could have some bearing on forthcoming events and I’d require nothing, I’d want nothing in return My King I swear. Save that I’ve your permission to remain here.” he paused, “To Winterfell we pledge the faith of Greywater.” It was the first line of an ancient promise between their houses, still learnt to this day.

[greeneyedcrannogman]

shadowdflame‌:

        in between traveling and the celebrations cassian had found no time to practice his skills with a sword. he hadn’t been allowed to carry his blade with him much within winterfell, a show of good faith between allies; besides, there was little reason for a lord to carry a blade all the time. but after serving as a knight for so many years not carrying a blade made him feel like he as missing a limb. it felt good to have his sword back in his hand. he moved effortlessly around the training yard; it might have been some time since he’d properly fought but his skills hadn’t deserted him.

          the sound of approaching footsteps made cassian pause. he glanced over his shoulder and nodded in greeting to the person.          ❝  looking to practice or simply to get away from the gossip? ❞

Much as he enjoyed spending his time in the library the room couldn’t hold him indefinitely. He’d taken some scrolls back to his quarters to busy himself with through the night and ventured out to pay his respects as the Weirwood, asking the Old Gods to send him visions that could be used to aid those around him; though they were often markers of tragedy. He’d spent the morning praying at the tree but the cold seeped into his bones and beckoned him back to the keep. On his way to the great hall he passed the training grounds and curiosity caused him to stop and take a closer look.

Upon spotting a man training he smiled, “The latter. I’ve little training in weapons, certainly not with swords.” Knives and some spear-work were all he had. “You’re very graceful with a blade, Ser... Or is it Lord?” he inquired politely.  

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

Edrik listened intently, his eyes on the boy. Throughout his story there was little reaction from the King. He just sat, quietly, with his hands crossed infront of his face, his lips pressing to his fingers. He did know about the history of House Reed, their tales and their legends. And he knew very well the tales of the Children, and how the Reeds seemed to have a very special connection to these first inhabitants of Westeros. He was a descendant of the Starks, so he knew very well these tales weren’t just tales, even if those in the South might forget.

“Aye, even after all these bloody years.” Edrik started, holding up a hand when Ascar stopped. His eyes were trained closely on the boy. He had a feeling what was coming next, a suspicion. It came with intuition and the deep folklore of the North. “Go on.”

He shifted in his seat, having a feeling what was coming, he needed to seat himself comfortably.

He swallowed slightly and took a breath. It was a funny thing; to want to say something so badly but having the words caught in his throat. He felt it a battle to push each new sentence forth but he would finish this, his father had ordered him to, and King Edrik was a good man. “When I was a child, I used to have dreams, nightmares, horrible things that sent me running to my parents. They were always indistinct though. And then, when I was four I had a vivid dream I could perfectly recall; some lizard-lions got loose and killed two servants within the Watch.”

He paused once glancing down and continuing quietly, “The next day three lizard-lions got loose and killed the very servants I’d described.” Ascar closed his eyes, the memory of it all still haunting him to this day. “Since then I’ve experienced visions, more often when I’m awake though I fit during them.”

“I’ve seen many things.” He raised his head and looked the other in the eye, “They’ve always come to pass. I am blessed with Greensight by the Old Gods, My King. My father wishes me here so that any visions I receive may be used to aid you during your rule.”

[greeneyedcrannogman]

qvietrose‌:

        any library was a comforting place for viktor. no matter where it was located the shelves all held a familarity and many of the books were familiar to him. he’d selected a few books for himself, ones highgarden’s library didn’t possess or ones that he hadn’t yet read, to keep him entertained. since the fire viktor hadn’t wanted to venture far from his family and he preferred that they all remained in their rooms. if tensions did boil over then he wanted them safe.

          this, however, led to his current dilemma. elaena was terribly bored now that she couldn’t continue her explorations of winterfell, but viktor hadn’t been able to find any books that she would enjoy.          ❝  i am actually. would you happen to know if there are any fairytale or adventure stories? i promised my daughter i’d find her some books. ❞

Ascar remembered seeing the man from the party, but he wasn’t sure if they got around to sharing names and titles. He seemed at home amongst the texts thought and he could appreciate another who found solace in their world’s stories and histories. “Oh? I think I found some of those a little earlier.” he smiled, “Hold old is your daughter My Lord?” he asked, rising from his chair and beginning to walk a little further into the library, beckoning the other to follow as he scanned the shelves.

“And does she have a preference? Tales of grand adventure and battle or something a bit more delicate?” If he was going to help provide the girl with a story he’d rather it be one she enjoyed. The right text could be utterly engaging and help the problems of the world melt away, if only for a little while.

[greeneyedcrannogman]

❛ if the world is divided into seeing & not seeing, i will always choose to see. ❜

“To see something is an incredible gift, and I’d have to agree, My Lady.” Ascar nodded and continued to gaze out at the snow-covered fields surrounding the Keep. “It’s strange, we can see in our own minds, sometimes the images we conjure there are so incredibly vivid we may as well have seen them in truth.” He knew exactly what it was to see the truth and have never left his home... 

“Yet, it never seems to compare to the feeling of truly being somewhere. These white fields seem almost too beautiful to exist in out world, yet... there they are, visible for our pleasure. It makes me wonder what other glorious slights exist in this world.” he turned to her and smiled, “I truly hope I get to see more before the Gods call for me.”

[greeneyedcrannogman]

morgana-tully‌:

Morgana looked down the hallway, relaxing when she saw what looked like a younger boy. She let herself take a deep breath before smiling once more. “Not disturbed. More on edge. The events of the other night have all of us on high alert. I am surprised my brother has not told the guards to follow me at all times.” Maybe that was a mistake to say. She hoped that this wasn’t the case. 

Ascar nodded smiling slightly and bringing his hands forward, if only so she could see the scroll between them, “Well there’s good reason to be on edge. Those events were just awful. It’s only natural the ripples of the action would linger some time after.” Like throwing a large rock into water. “I’m no stranger to having guards follow me, but since I’m the only member of my family here at least no one can order them to escort me about.”

[resourcesinblue]

DEATHLESS.

the following prompts were taken from the novel deathless by catherynne m. valente, an american novelist & poet. the novel was loosely based on the tale of koschei the deathless, incorporating other elements of russian mythology, & setting it against the backdrop of the russian revolution. feel free to change the pronouns / prompts as you see fit, but be warned – below the cut, it’s quite long !

❛ the service of your body is not yours to give as you please. ❜

❛ you probably won’t survive. ❜

❛ go. run. don’t look behind you. ❜

❛ i have come for the girl in the window. ❜

❛ i will never be without information. ❜

❛ i will see him with his skin off before i fall in love. ❜

❛ if the world is divided into seeing & not seeing, i will always choose to see. ❜

❛ secrets are jealous things, permitting no fraternization. ❜

❛ no, it’s not like that, when magic comes. ❜

❛ magic does that. it wastes you away. once it grips you by the ear, the world gets quieter & quieter until you can hardly hear it at all. ❜

❛ the sight of it bruised my heart so that i cannot think about anything else. ❜

❛ i’ll be so quiet, i’ll never talk again. ❜

❛ keep me & obey me, for i am your husband, & i can destroy you. ❜

❛ i shall be clever, & i shall not let him go. ❜

❛ it is a new world, & we do not wish to be left behind. ❜

Keep reading

[greeneyedcrannogman]

winterfellglory‌:

“Easy, Lord Reed.” Edrik said, trying to smile at the boy. The corners of his mouth twitched, but that’s where it was left. Though his night had let him forget all his woes, the morning had come and swept his troubles right back into view, dropping him into another deep hole and being told to keep his head above the water. None if this would be easy.

Since their talk Ascar’s secrets had been on Edrik’s mind. Why had the boy come? He said that he had knowledge, but of what? Was something wrong in the Neck? The Riverlands? Ascar seemed a good lad and Edrik knew to trust him. The Reeds were some of the finest friends the Starks had ever had, and the most loyal vassals. He knew that with Ascar’s father, that had not changed. And the boy he was looking at now was the same way. A good friend to have, Edrik reckoned.

He was sat at his desk when Ascar entered, his bandaged hands flat on the top. “Yer not on trial. Breathe. And sit.” He pointed with one hand to the seat in front of him.

“Ye said yer father had sent ye for a reason. Something ye know. What is it?”

Ascar swallowed and walked inside, he appreciated the other trying to put him at ease but he’d had a whole evening and a morning to allow his nerves to build. As it was he felt ready to burst in some way, whether it was with the truth of his situation or just a worrisome scream he wasn’t yet sure.

“T-thank you, My King.” he said nodding slightly and moving forward, settling himself in the seat opposite Edrik.

“I’m certain you’re aware of the history of my house and perhaps to some extent that of my people.” he paused a moment, nervously meeting the other’s eyes and then looking down, “The Neck is thought to have been one of the last places where the Children of The Forest dwelled, some even believe they’re still there. Others believe the ancestor’s of the Crannogmen mated with them and produced children who were sometimes blessed with their powers.”

“It’s been some generations and many believe such powers no longer exist. More, still don’t believe my people had them at all, or regard us with suspicion or hatred for them.” he looked down once more, it was no secret that even several Northern houses looked down upon those from the Neck.

[greeneyedcrannogman]

@winterfellglory

Ascar felt slightly sick. It was one thing to have a person know of his gift but it was another to talk about it openly; even amongst his family it was very rarely spoken of. The times when magic and the Gods had been seen as wondrous things were past. Now most regarded it with suspicion or outward disdain. What is his King thought the same? What if he’d been cast out of Winterfell or even worse, imprisoned!? What if he demanded to know why Ascar hadn’t seen the fire coming? 

As close as their two houses were he worried that in the end he’d only be causing problems by coming here, even if his father suggested it. He’d tried to eat but all felt felt like bark in his mouth and went down about the same. Managing only a few bites before hiding in the library for the remainder of the morning. He’d hoped (understandably) that perhaps King Edrik was too busy to see him but it was before the sun had reached its peak that a boy about his age found him to say he’d been summoned by the King.

Holding his hands in fists to keep them from shaking he smiled and thanked the boy before leaving and with a heavy heart found his way to his monarch. He knocked and remained hesitatingly in the doorway for a few more moments before entering and regarding the older man nervously. 

“My King.” he said softly, “I take it you’d like the explanation you’re owed about my being here.”