Tainted Blood Magick

[jariofshadows-blog]

the SHADOWS bend to my will

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌OUT OF CHARACTER;

Just a note to kingdomofseven rp people. I’ve recently left the group and will miss all of you. I simply have too much difficulty staying active in groups at the moment and need something with a little less obligation, so I will be making this into an independent blog. For those still in the group, you may want to unfollow this blog, so your dash doesn’t get messy. You’re all wonderful and it has been an absolute pleasure writing with all of you. Happy RPing!

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ RENLY

“Of course!” he answered still trying to find it in his memories but he could not yet still did not want to appear rude. That would not make for a good King. “Essos? I have not had the pleasure of a visit myself but I have heard how interesting a place it is. How is it you came to be in Westeros?”

Jari paused at the question, determining how to put her experiences as vague yet eloquent as possible. ❝Well, I suppose, when one finds that their life is not going quite as expected, they will do whatever it takes to change their situation.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ ROBB

He nodded. “Then we should expect great things in the future then, yes?” he said with a smile though it lessened slightly at her second statement. “Is that not by choice?” he asked. “Surely, you have traveling companions.”

Jari smiled and nodded to the king. ❝Of course, Your Grace.❞ Jari found the king to be kind and found that she’d been rather fortunate with her introductions to men of such positions. ❝Perhaps... I suppose, I do enjoy my time alone. Though, it does get rather, well, lonely. I do have traveling companions, yes. However, you would be surprised at the way one can be lonely even while surrounded by others.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ ROBB

Robb nodded his approval of her origins then smiled. “I suspect we owe you a great debt then, Jari, healer of the Vale,” he said. While the Vale would never exactly be home, they had once been family and were a strong ally to this day. Anyway, you could never have enough healers. It had taken him too long to realize, but in a war, they had been as valuable as soldiers. “Do you come alone?” he asked, scanning the crowd briefly for familiar representatives from the Vale before h looked back to Jari. 

❝Oh, no. You owe me nothing, your Grace. I’m afraid I’ve only just earned my position. I’ve certainly done nothing of great value as of yet.❞ Though it could be argued that she had done a great deal by helping King Harrold. ❝Somewhat... I mean, there are certainly others though, they are simply not sharing in my company.❞ The necessity for friends in the Vale was strong, but she would get there at some point.

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ ROBB

The feast had gone on for hours, long after everyone had finished eating–or at least, after Robb had finished eating. All these years later, and he still marveled at just how elaborate these events were, how many courses, the entertainment. It was expected, of course, and as so many had been invited to take part, a good idea for the people; a reason to celebrate was always a good idea for the people. Still, he couldn’t stand to stay at the high table any longer. He rose from his seat and went down into the hall where he was quickly stopped. He smiled at the guest. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked. 

Jari had been enjoying the feast as it was a great deal different from her generally isolative nature. Watching as he descended from his table, Jari contemplated walking the other way, but instead stood her ground and approached him. ❝Of course. I simply wanted to thank you for having me. I am Jari, a healer of the Vale. Your family does seem truly lovely and I can hardly complain about the food and drink.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ STANNIS

“You have met more than most in your previous position, but if that is a good thing is debatable.” Not all kings were good, Stannis knew that more than most. He himself had sacrificed his family, his honour and his men for different things. 

❝I try to believe that every king has at least what is best for their kingdom in mind. Yet, I know I am often wrong on this account.❞ She’d seen many fall, some that sought power over the things that were often thought to be most important to benefit the kingdom. ❝Though, I suppose, I cannot name it to be a bad thing either.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ AEGON

While only feeling curiosity in the woman that read children’s stories in the darkness, while being alone in the woods, he approached her and crouched* a little bit near her. He tilted his head slightly, to inspect the book and easily recognized it. Jon Connington read those exact stories to him when he was still a child, back in the long twenty seven years of his foolish residence in Essos. He smiled at the memory, with hopes they would probably meet again soon. Yet he was never sure. Aegon had a quest in these lands, and he would not go back with bare hands.

Issi ao hen Dāez Oktions? Pentos, Braavos? Myr? (Are you from the Free Cities? Pentos, Braavos? Myr?)

His suggestions were foolish, since you could rarely see this good of a High Valyrian in the Free Cities.

Asshai?

At the mention of her homeland, Jari broke eye contact. To reveal her origin might have been to reveal too much, but she could hardly lie when she’d already given away her education in High Valyrian. 

            ❝You are wise.❞

She admitted, though it was widely known that there were no children in Asshai’i. She’d been a rare case, one that had cost her a normal childhood, instead giving her on behind the stone walls of the temple. She only wished he’d been only the slightest bit more dense, so that she could get away with lying about her home. Though, it seemed as if they were already past that point and onto avoiding the subject of why she was in Westeros.

            ❝From where do you hail?❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ EZZARA

“And reading, is that something they teach in Asshai, or is this a skill you came across once in Westeros?” Ezzara had never learned to read nor to write, but she’d never thought of it as being a hinderance to the lifestyle she led. “I am not. Anything will do.”

Jari chewed upon her lip momentarily before nodding once. “I learned to read when I was young. I was fortunate enough to learn something that now serves me very well. She knew that not all people were as fortunate and not all people required the ability of reading to be successful in their own endeavors. “Not very picky, are we?” Jari smiled.

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ BETHANY

“When are men ever held to the same standards?” Bethany laughed a bit too loudly. Though she had her freedoms, they were not known to many. Most men did not like the idea of a woman who could defend herself but that was just the time in which they lived.  “Yes, if they choose below them then it can bring a sort of shame to their union and sometimes children but the effects never stay on them for too long.”

Jari thought on it for moments, only hearing of Dorne being such a place where women were treated more like equals. “Well, I believe that far too much emphasis is placed on one’s place in society. Then again, that is coming from the daughter of a slave.” Though, she knew little of her father, the very fact that he’d escaped captivity had inspired her to escape her own form of captivity and her own sacrifice. The inspiration had served her well for the past two and a half years.

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ BRAN

“I don’t spend much time in the North either, and when  I’m gone I miss it greatly.” Upon hearing the woman introduce herself the young prince hesitated briefly. If the woman didn’t know who he was it might be unwise to reveal it. She was after all a stranger. She might very well already know who he was though, and she had been nothing but kind until now. “It is good to meet you, Jari. I am Bran Stark, of Winterfell.“

❝Stark...❞ Jari paused, silently chiding herself with her own thoughts as she’d met yet another person of royalty that she’d addressed incorrectly. ❝Prince Stark, then. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner. I am afraid that I could take a lesson or two in manners as it applies to titles and the like.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ SHIREEN

Shireen listened with interest as the woman talked about her book, and couldn’t help but to notice the change in the woman’s expression that was followed immediately by an apology for the stranger’s manners. It dawned on her that the woman, who she herself did not recognize, realized who she was at that exact time. 

Shireen knew that being a princess meant people would treat her in a certain way, but it was in moments like these she realized just how important a factor her birth was in deciding how people would treat her and talk to her. And to what extent people watched their words and manners around her. 

“Oh there is nothing to excuse, Jari,” she said kindly,  and then added “I am very happy to meet you.  I do admire your trade greatly.” She liked healers, and had so ever since she read a story as a child where a lady dressed as a common healer and met a wounded knight. Since then her fascination of them had developed more into respect for what they did of course. “Your book sounds very interesting. I do not master Valyrian myself, I’m afraid.”

❝Many thanks, princess. I am afraid that Westerosi customs are still rather foreign to me, but I shall be certain to remember my manners from this point forward.❞ After meeting her father on several occasions, Jari had reason to feel nervously around the young woman. Yet, his daughter seemed much warmer than the cold King Stannis.

❝Thank you.❞ The shadowbinder grinned. ❝Admittedly, it has not been my trade for very long, but I do look forward to a future of such.❞ Jari only wondered how long that future would be and could only hope that it would be lengthened by her new position with King Harrold. Surely, it would keep her safer than she was as a washerwoman in one of the Lord Baelish’s brothels.

❝Oh, I am no master.❞ Her cheeks warmed slightly. ❝There is still much that I do not know and many things that I often get wrong. There is much room for improvement.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ CATELYN

Catelyn observed the woman with curious eyes, not really sure what she meant with staying around someone who could seriously be dangerous for such a long while. She had expected her to simply turn on her heels and continue her way, leaving the once lady Stark to herself in the empty street which the only source of light was the moon up above. “A fighter who knows her way around.” She replied simply, sighing and coming closer into the light. “I would be more careful with those words, Jari. They won’t be dangerous for you tonight. But in the presence of another, you will never know for sure.”

Jari nodded simply before casting her gaze downward in her own embarrassment. ❝I know that to be true better than most, yet I still seemed to make the simple mistake.❞ She sighed. ❝Forgive me, I am certain you would rather enjoy the quiet peace of the night than the ramblings of a lost woman.❞ Thought, Jari was not entirely sure that the shadows she’d been following had manage to cause her to lose her sense of direction.

[thevale-knight-blog]

A day at the Vale | open starter

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ JORGAN

He could walk, but Jorgan did not answer the question. Perhaps, the reason for him not experiencing pain was the adrenaline, because the wound on his leg suddenly stroke him as a thunder, but he did not let that show. Blood was spilling out of it as he stood up, making his way to the previously founded cave on his own.

Upon arrival, he sat near one of the walls and ran his hand through his hair, causing water to extract itself from it. The pain stayed the same as the slash was deep, but if not treated it could fester. With a healer around, Jorgan did not fear, but seeing her controlling demons, did not wake much faith and trust in him. Why would Harrold need a witch for whatever treatment he needed? Everything seemed quite off, because he was sure this was not a method people used to treat simple sleepwalking. He looked straight in Jari’s eyes, his own filled of doubt for her claims on her position in the court. His voice trembled, no charming smile could be seen on his features.

“Perhaps you have something different than illusions and shadows for my leg? I could use that.”

Jari lowered her gaze to the ground as he refused to answer her question and simply followed him without speaking again. Instead, she allowed her fears to take hold of her mind. What if Jorgan saw fit to end her for her practices as soon as he could walk well again? What if He spread the news of her origins to others? The word would no doubt make it to the Red Woman, how Jari despised the very color. She would certainly be doomed if that were the case. Swallowing when they finally made it out of the rain, she was certain to place herself opposite the knight with her back resting against the cave wall. Feeling his eyes on her, she finally managed to look up to the knight. 

       ❝What you saw was no illusion.❞ 

She finally stated before moving to dig within her bag. Retrieving a small vial inside, she carefully moved until she was directly in front of him. She glanced up to his eyes once more, her own almost pleading with him to ignore his suspicions. 

                       ❝This may sting...❞

Jari pulled back the ripped and bloody fabric from the wound and her eyes glazed over for a moment at the scent of iron. Shaking her head, the vial was uncorked with shaking hands that allowed the liquid to drip onto the wound. Allowing it to sit, she ripped two strips of fabric from her skirt. The first was used to clean the wound before another application of the healing solution was applied. After a few moments, she quietly wrapped the other strip of fabric around his leg and tight it tightly, but gently. 

           ❝Please understand that, despite my past and what I am, I mean no harm to your king. He knows of my curse and has given me a position that will keep me safe and allow me to use my knowledge to help him...❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ RENLY

“My guards are close by and there is no Lannister or their loyalists close by. Look,” he said pointing to the knights in the rainbow cloaks that were close by but not enough so they could hear the conversation. “I know it is not real alone time but I take it on the rare chance that I can. You do not look as though you are from here but I am certain I’ve seen you around some place.”

The Asshai’i looked over to the rainbow guards, and smiled in their direction with a small wave before turning back to the king. ❝The most recent tourney...❞ She explained. ❝We spoke briefly between events.❞ She bowed her head slightly. ❝I would not expect you to remember me, but you are difficult to forget.❞ Jari shrugged slightly. ❝I hail from Essos.❞

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ STANNIS

Stannis had met cautious people in his life but none as cautious or on edge as this woman seemed with every interaction. It was odd really, but not something Stannis wished to address. “A king always has something on his mind, if not then he is not doing his job.”

❝Of course, your Grace...❞ She could only wonder what ponderings decorated the corners of the angry King’s mind. ❝I suppose I have never met a king with nothing on his mind. Then again, I have only met a few kings.❞ And some of them were only used for their blood before they were disposed of, but that was long ago.

[jariofshadows-blog]

🔥 ▌ AEGON

Riñar vestriarzir? (children’s stories?) Quite amusing.

Aegon chuckled, as not everyone who he’d met in Westeros were fond of the Valyrian language. Of course, it was only natural for the Targaryen to know and speak it well enough. While he was living in Essos, Jon and his other advisers were quite relieved to find out that the little white-haired boy with purple eyes picked up the language without problems. All Targaryen knew High Valyrian, as it was normal, since they descended from there. During his days in the Easternlands he met two people at most who spoke it, and even they had no clear tongue and pronunciation, something that Aegon tried to perfect, not that he used it much since his arrival in Westeros.

No, it is intended for defense, until you attack me, you won’t see me even unsheathe it. Gaomagon daor zūgagon. (do not fear)

Aegon knew he was giving a little too much about his identity but he had a lot of cards in his pocket to play, so he did not bother with the thought. The woman did not pose threat to him, in the current moment at least. Even only under the moonlight, Aegon could see that the woman did not have the usual Westerosi traits.

Where do you come from?

Jari couldn’t help but smile at the easily recognized language. 

           ❝Riñar vestriarzir. Kessa❞                   (children’s stories. yes.)

It was rare for Jari to meet someone who understood Valyrian, especially as it was not always smiled upon by Westerosi inhabitants. She had momentarily forgotten all about the dagger in her company’s possession. 

         ❝Nyke māzigon hen Essos. Pāsan gaomā hae sȳrī?❞                (I hail from Essos. I imagine you do as well?)

The prospect was both fascinating and terrifying as Jari had only met one other Essosi woman who sought blood from the Dragon Queen herself. However, from the look of his purple eyes, the man was not from Asshai. Though, she supposed, anything was possible. The Asshai’i was certain not to give away too much of the place from which she hailed, as she was uncertain of the reaction she might gain from sharing such information.