( matilda lutz , ย 30 ย , ย cis woman , ย she/her ) ย it looks like JOANNA LANNISTER , the LADY of CASTERLY ROCK is prepared to play the game of thrones . you know , their COMPASSIONATE & LIBERAL side might help them along the way , but their HEADSTRONG & MOODY qualities wonโt do them any favours . a little bird told me that theyโre currently FOR the tyrell rule and that their loyalties lie with HOUSE LANNISTER . ย hm , interesting . that same little birdy also told tales of long, golden mane of a lioness, strong determination, reflecting in bright green eyes, dazzling silk dresses resting upon a slim figure . will they win , or will they die ?
Joanna is one of three full-blooded siblings. As a child, she expected to get everything she ever wanted. She was raised spoilt and became very unruly. Her temper had been often frustrating to those around her, as she tended to lose her composure quite easily and would lash out at whoever was physically closest to her.
Despite this, she genuinely loved the people of the westerlands and wished for their well-being. She would frequently take strolls, accompanied by a few servants, and give some coins and food to those in need. In some ways, her kind and compassionate nature would compensate for her inability to control her temper.
Joanna had always been open about her emotions and feelings, and she was never particularly shy, even around men. She liked being courted and sought after, so she relished the attention they lavished on her. But she'd never fully give her heart to another. Joanna is afraid of trusting the wrong person because she recognizes how vulnerable she is to her own emotions and knows that when it comes to the decisions she makes, her heart sometimes triumphs over her head.
Joanna became pregnant five years ago after a chance encounter with a man at a tourney event. Of course, because she was not married to the man, the child she bore was labeled a bastard. Joanna still loved the babe and insisted that she stay in Casterly Rock and be properly cared for, as if she had been born within the sacrilege of marriage. She realized that not everyone around her would approve of her bastard, so she refused to accept any marriage proposals, fearing that her future husband would try to get rid of the child. This is why she has remained a spinster throughout her life.
Ultimately, the lady of Casterly Rock is someone who is interested in meeting people from other parts of Westeros and is generally more friendly than hostile to them. She is eager to learn more about those who hold opposing views or have different mindsets than she does.
โI hope the pain goes away soon,โ Joanna said, a slight nod following her words. โI suppose I should consider myself fortunate,โ she added. โI had to return to my chambers early, and I missed what had happened.โ For once, a headache had been a blessing in disguise; it had saved her from possible injury and theft. โHearing about the events the next morning was a huge shock.โ Her handmaidens had witnessed everything, and they had not held back any information from their lady. โI hope the perpetrator is apprehended soon.โ
โYes, it is,โ Joanna agreed, her gaze drifting to the woman who had spoken. Despite the fact that the lady of Casterly Rock couldn't recall her name, a gentle smile formed across the corners of her lips. โHave you never been to the capital before, my lady?โ She inquired. Perhaps the stranger had never left her home before, or perhaps her home was even farther away than the capital. Perhaps she was one of the northerners who had accepted the royal invitation. She appeared to be having a good time, regardless of who she was. That was all that mattered. โIt's a first for me as well. One would be surprised, given how many tourneys I've attended all over Westeros.โ
โOh, my apologies. I had no idea anyone else was here,โ she admitted, her gaze dropping. Joanna had wandered around the room without checking to see if anyone else was present. โI was just looking for a place where I could be alone with my thoughts,โ the lady explained. โThe recent events have been remarkably draining.โ Joanna was still shaken by the situation, despite the fact that she had not been one of the victims in any way, had not been involved in any of the fights, and had had nothing stolen from her. โHow do you fare, though?โ she inquired. โIf you don't mind my asking.โ
Elyse was actually looking forward to the ball. Back home, they had feasts but never balls.
She fiddled around with the necklace her husband had given to her as a gift, until she felt a pair of eyes on her.
Elyse turned and smiled.
โCare for a dance or do you have two left feet?โ She asked.
.
Joanna was walking down the ballroom, greeting people and declining dance invitations when her gaze was drawn to someone she instantly recognized. Elyse, Robb's sister, Joanna reminded herself. She was familiar with her and even enjoyed her company. It would be impolite to leave the celebrations without at least attempting to strike up a conversation.
โOh, I'm afraid I'm not in good enough shape for a dance,โ Joanna admitted. โI'm feeling a little lightheaded. I'm only attending the ball because I don't want to offend our most gracious hosts.โ
Joanna and her handmaidens were strolling through the training grounds, where several people were preparing for the tourneys. Her ladies were unwed and thrilled at the prospect of spotting a gallant knight and falling in love with him by the end of the festivities. They wanted to see who appeared to be more skilled with the lance and offer him their favor later in the day. Joanna had no intention of looking for a potential suitor among the tourney's participants. She had gone years without marrying anyone, with many betrothals ending as quickly as they were arranged.
Her gaze was drawn to a familiar face not far away. Lord Lucan of House Baratheon was a man she had previously met. She didn't know much about him, but it would be impolite to walk past him and pretend she hadn't noticed him.
โMy lord,โ Joanna said as she walked up to him, a gentle smile spreading across her lips. โHow do you fare?โ, she inquired. โIt's wonderful to see you again.โ
inside the castle , she steps away from the feast . a moment is needed for the golden blonde to simply breathe . not to take in the freshly pollinated air outside or the tastyย aromas from the everlasting options laid out in the dining hall , but to just have a moment to herself . the constant forced smiles and feigned excitementย for a baby who knows nothing of the cruel political world he was born into . itโs all grown to be too much , yet it is still early days . the homesickness already settling in . as her blue gaze watches butterflies hop from flower coated bushes . the sound of foot steps not too far behind , pulled alessa out of her own head .ย โ you must know it is impolite to sneak up on a lady , do you not ?ย โ her words soft but not faint , in the slightest . still facing the window , seemingly unbothered by who could be behind her .ย โ there must be more for you to do at this time , to keep you occupiedย , โ her head still not moving a tick ,ย โ then to stand behind my back , in silence .ย โย
.
โI apologize, dear Alessa. I didn't mean to sneak up on you.โ Joanna said. โAll I was told was that I could find you here,โ she clarified. Joanna had been informed earlier by a handmaiden that her good sister appeared to have retreated from the festivities, and she thought she should check in on her. There were a lot of people around, and it was natural to feel suffocated in a place like this. โHow are you?โ she asked as she approached, a soft smile on her lips. Joanna genuinely liked Alessa, and she had tried to make her feel welcome since the day her brother wedded her.
โWas it not my charm one of your favorite things about me, Lady Joanna?โ The cheeky words left his mouth without a second thought for Joanna had made him felt at ease all those years ago, as if they didnโt have to try so hard to impress one another. She was a fresh breath of air, the formalities and the pleasantries rolled off her tongue like silk and not like ties to capture you.ย โWere our crown goes a northerner must follow,โ he wanted to say no plain and simple, for he had no interest in the festivities, but he was forced to be there all the same.ย โHow about you, exited about all the fuss?โย
.
โYour charm can be deceiving, my lord,โ she jested. It was harmless banter that she couldn't let go any further than it had before. There was a secret she needed to keep. It had been so long that she wouldn't know how to tell him even if she wanted to. Joanna had no idea how he would react. โTo be honest with you,โ she started. โI am extremely delighted. I believe that the birth of a child is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated. You can't tell me you don't appreciate such a delightful diversion from your lordly duties.โ
Golden strands of silky hair that he would recognize just about anywhere, once upon a time he had spent enough times tangled up in between them and her soft skin. It wasnโt that he was proud of his endless trails of affairs, but he wasnโt ashamed of them either, his reputation did proceed him however he had yet to truly get himself in a major situation of which he wasnโt able to come back. He watched her from afar, still bewitched by her beauty that only seemed to grow with the ages. Like fine wine. It was then he came from hiding, removing himself from the wall he had been laying on and taking long strides to reach her, getting on her way and that of her companion.ย โLady Joanna,โ He said with a small bow of his head, pearly smile and mischievous eyes.ย โYou looked as enchanting as five years ago, my lady. Glad to find you well.โย
.
His unexpected appearance caught her off guard. Of course, it was a possibility to see him in Highgarden. She imagined that every noble lord and lady in Westeros had been invited to the celebrations in honor of the new Tyrell heir, and yet, somehow, she was still surprised to see Robb standing in front of her. It had been years since she had seen him. A child was born as a result of their encounter, which he was unaware of. It's not like she ever tried to tell him. She thought it was better that way. โAnd I see you're still a charmer, Lord Mormont,โ Joanna said with a soft smile on her face. โYou've come to join in the festivities?โ
โiโโ lilachโs eyebrows furrowed as she looked about for her lady in waiting. โwell, i was talking to corinne but i suppose you will do.โ her ladies were chatty ones, who often got distracted the same way she did. she didnโt necessarily need them, but enjoyed their company at stormโs end when she got lonely. โenjoying the gardens?โ
.
โOh, I thought that was the case.โ, Joanna said, a quick nod following her words.ย โBut to answer your question - yes, I am enjoying the gardens.โ, she replied.ย โThey were one of the first things I came to see when I arrived in the capital. I've heard stories about their beauty, but this is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes.โ So far, her time in Highgarden has been enjoyable. The people she'd meet had been pleasant enough, and there were plenty of distractions inย a place of beauty like this one.ย โI hope you enjoy the gardens as much as I do?โ
โDespite their flaws, the Tyrells know how to create beauty,โ Joanna said, turning to face the handmaiden by her side. She was clearly astounded by the sight of Highgarden as she was. The castle was magnificent; the walls were exquisitely decorated, with branches of flowers and plants adorning what would otherwise be a rather dull structure. Casterly Rock was rendered unappealing in comparison to the beauty of the castle. She imagined herself getting lost in those gardens, which were surrounded by fountains and groves. Joanna was perplexed as to how anyone could get anything done around here, the scenery being far too distracting. She reasoned that the Crown had become immune to Highgarden's charms.ย โMargot, do you want to go see the sept? We should have some time left before the feast beginsโ, Joanna added, her gaze fixed on the path ahead of them.
โit feels so strange to leave father back at home,โ lilach says as she strolls through the gardens. her fingertips ghost over the petals of a nearby rose, the fragrance wafting into the air. โhe always loved to travel. i thought they might bring him in the carriage butโ i didnโt think heโd be fit enough to come with us. i suppose that makes orys the acting lord at the moment. lord orys baratheon. that feels strange too.โ
.
โAre you addressing me, my lady?โ Joanna inquired, her gaze drawn to the woman standing across from her. They'd both ended up in the gardens, as had many others, Joanna suspected. The gardens were truly breathtaking. The lady of Casterly Rock, on the other hand, was unsure whether her fellow noble lady was willingly sharing her thoughts with her or if they had slipped by accident.
