blood or gold

Julia Drumm; Of Old Wyk, by circumstance but of the Iron Isles first and foremost I have too many children.

[juliadrumm]

mcnderlys:

               ♔

❝ Your company would be most appreciated, my lady, ❞  Lyanna smiled, despite the falseness of her words. Seemingly polite and well-mannered, the golden haired lady would never do anything to slight another, if only to save face. Rumours spread fast,since there was little else to talk about. It was not as cut throat as other kingdoms, where there was more serpents than roses in the gardens. 

Not caring much for the location of her guard, the lady assumed that he would find his way back to White Harbor without her and be reprimanded by her father. Serves him right ! ❝ I think we ought to find somewhere warmer. Even though I am born of the North, I know that the chill is too much even for me,  ❞  she explained, patting the horse that she stood beside. Lyanna would not abandon the silver, but the mare was in no way capable of being riden if it lost a shoe. She detested trudging through snow, for she enjoyed limited strenuous activities.

“Of course. Hopefully the time shall pass meaningfully.” Julia had no reason to believe the lady that she had happened upon was anything but honest and especially charming. She considered this good luck, actually. Agreeable people were much better to encounter in strange places that the troublesome sort.

Warmth did sound rather desirable to Julia. If even a northerner struggled to stand this weather, Julia felt better about her own inability to face the elements. Wet sea cold and dry northern cold were two entirely different beasts... Not that she particularly enjoyed either. “Yes, yes of course.” She gestured behind her, confirming as she turned to look that her tracks were indeed still visible. Unless the snow picked up, they likely would be. She smiled gently, and said, “I came from this way. It should not be a particularly enjoyable walk, but it is the best way that I have to suggest. Anything that you need before departure?”

[juliadrumm]

myrcolla:

it’s a morbid thing to joke about. something that likely killed thousands over the centuries. if her ladies heard such dark humour, oh, how they’d fuss, fans flapping incessantly as if to blow the sin away. and yet she finds great amusement in indulging the other now. “i should say you can be both, no? i suppose, where you were raised it was an achievement. but of course, when talking to the queen of a nation that has been a target, a vague apology can’t go amiss.” she quips.

myrcella laughs once more and nod, “i do see. a very clever and useful trick, to terrify the elements. one had best stay on your good side.” the auburn haired woman notes with a twitch of her lips. once more, the same bemused expression comes over her as she considers what she says next. “the iron isles i’m afraid, i’ve promised i will and i don’t ever break those. though i should like to pay a visit to the sea too, we’ve always got along so very well and it’s been a while since i’ve spent time with my old friend.”

The Ironborn should not actually apologize for doing what was so important to their way of life, Julia thought to herself. While she felt badly, she knew that she could not choose to voice an option that showed any weakness. Seriously, Julia said, “My sympathies are with the innocents of your nation for what mine have done.” It was truthful, but cagey in its own way. She thought it might suffice, as not all of those that were raided were so free from sin. It was only a shame that the smallfolk should have to get in the way when they were unlucky enough to be caught in the fray by proximity. “Vague enough?” Back to quips and more pleasant talk.

“Alas, strategies for fighting the weather do not translate so well to dry land. Although if the boat was land-bound, I might stand a chance against you should you choose to face me, especially in the rain. But why bother? I have no quarrel with you.” Julia wanted to reinforce this notion. There was a good chance that Myrcella was talking about her brother’s queen, but making assumptions did not always work out as well as she would hope, which was a pity. Julia enjoyed making assumptions and thinking of new conclusions to jump to. “Luckily, if you are unable to break a promise, you should be able to have many a reunion. When should you be able to visit this friend that is not the sea, do you think?”

[juliadrumm]

rxgnas:

Her statement was more of a thought. A series of theories that sprinted through her mind as she found time to think. Her marriage wasn’t what most assumed. Ragna and Andrik had a love for one another that others did not. Many thought she was a victim, or a glorified prisoner. But there was a freedom given to her in the Isles that she hadn’t witnessed before. Her husband let her do what she wished, and expected little in return. Compared to other kings, her own friend Myrcella more of a pretty bird in a cage than a free woman. Yet rumors of Ragna’s marriage ran rampant through the Reach like wildfire. As if any of them would do a thing if they were true. 

“Because it’s true.” She replied, blue eyes falling on her sister in law. “Suddenly you care more about someone else’s happiness than your own. You want nothing more than to see them that way. Before I didn’t want children or a title or any of that. I wanted a boat so I could sail far away. But now I want that boat to have two seats so he can sail with me.” 

She could not relate- not entirely. To Julia, love meant a change in perception of one’s self, but not something that should be inherently a relief. It meant secrets and bitterness and laughter where nobody else could hear. The thought made her a little sad, actually, but she would rather think of her sister-in-law over herself. “I suppose I have to be glad for you, then,” Julia said, rubbing a hand over her cheeks. Yes, those were going to be more chapped than they already were if she stayed out for much longer, she predicted.

Julia did not know what kind of boat had just two seats that was not prone to capsizing or slow going, but it sounded as romantic a notion as one was liable to hear out here. “So you plan to have more, then,” she murmured, glancing for a moment down at the younger woman’s stomach. “If he ever has time, perhaps you can suggest a day trip with him? I imagine he would not hate that.”

[juliadrumm]

grcyjcy:

Andrik was the second son and child of Veron Greyjoy and Thyra Goodbrother, Gwin was born minutes after and after which came the Lady of Old Wyk but in many other ways Julia had always been older. To the point where even her chides felt appropriate, it is what older sister did nonetheless. This particular scold however, didn’t seem waranted. Not with the unsual amount of time he had been spending on Pyke. ❝ It has been a while, I think.  Here I  was on my way to mourn you for surely, something grave had happened for you not come see your brothers sooner.   ❞ 

Slowing down to match Julia’s pace, he still kept at her side. ❝ I’m told you’ve gone North to see Karstarks and South to see Gardeners.   Did you have fun at least.   ❞ He asked in staid manner. His question despite sounding like reprimand had been intended to have an answer. He had only two sisters and marriage had never been the greatest pretense for adventure, he learned as much from Gwin. 

Julia feigned a scowl, but she made it clear through her eyes that she was not cross. It was why she was here, after all. “I have come to see you and the others now, so everyone will have to wait to rejoice at the funeral.” Julia did not question where Andrik had learned of her travels, as she had done nothing to make them a secret. They had been personal, but not illicit in nature, especially when she hoped to share in any benefits that came from the meetings. And everyone had their little birds to carry the news (the trouble was that Julia’s had failed her a couple too many times to keep her at home for long now that she had the opportunity to leave). “It was certainly a stimulating experience. The Gardeners are impeccably pleasant, and it is not a bad thing to be on good terms with the Karstarks, I think. The schism in the northern houses seems at risk of strengthening.”

Julia neglected to mention that the journeys themselves had been riddled with unexpected twists and turns, and she had never intended to meet with the Karstarks at all. She prepared for the jibe, but did not really know if it was coming. “And of course you are to be a father.” Not for the first time, of course, but this time it was to a probable heir- a big deal. This was a big part of what she had wanted to talk about with him to start with- conjugal matters. “And it sounds as if you are to have a happy household after all?”

[juliadrumm]

leyla-tyrell:

Leyla sighed, shaking her head a bit as they spoke of men. Men could be so infuriating at times, and yet somehow people listened to them. She did not understand what made them all powerful or why people would rather follow a man than a woman. ‘Too many emotions’, some may say, ‘they are too sensitive.’ She’d heard as much before. “You know, I never did quite understand why men were so good at that. Perhaps they are more commanding and willing to take what they wish. Your way about it does sound like how most women might persuade others.” Women had to be smart, cunning, they had to steer the men into the direction they wished to go. Manipulation was often a women’s method of power. 

“I should hope so. But I do see what you mean. Our identities are constantly changing, not just in personality or with time but with names as well. It can all be rather confusing.” Someday she may not be a Tyrell any longer even if she may feel like one. The name would go on in her heart, and by blood she was forever bound to her house. Leyla couldn’t help but wonder what name she would bear next. “It always seems to be. Thank you, that’s very kind, I do appreciate the offer. I have nothing to give her now but words, and I suppose if you do see Ragna, tell her that Leyla Tyrell is thinking of her.” She gave a gentle smile at the thought, hoping word would reach her old friend. Like Myrcella, Ragna had become a queen in her own way, a salt wife…and still Leyla remained unmarried. Still, it did not surprise her in the slightest. 

“I’ve found the most exciting endeavors do not begin with a plan but rather one is made along the way.” Honestly it sounded rather exciting to simply sail without knowing where your destination might be. The North, Dorne, hell, maybe even Essos. Perhaps being horrid with directions wasn’t all that horrible at all. “Well I do wish you safe travels regardless. Do you sail quite often then? I always imagined those from the Iron Isles must all do quite a bit of sailing.” 

Julia frowned a little, not particularly believing that men were really any more worthy of power. They just were, and it was frustrating. “Men are good at ensuring that they stay on top of the heap. Just because they are as a whole taller. I suppose that must be where it started, but even while women where I am from that are encouraged to strive for what they want are not encouraged to dream too far. But it is not like I have done a whole lot to better the lot for women as a whole, so who am I to talk?” What even was there to do?

“I will do my best to pass along the message,” Julia agreed, mostly just worried that she would forget something that was so important to her. Sentiment was not the easiest language for her to comprehend, but Julia most certainly understood its role in the happiness of people. There was just always the chance that she would foolishly allow the kind word to slip her mind, only to have to wait for another convenient time.

“Well, yes.” She nodded, agreeing that the journey did provide the most excitement after all. “I have only been able to start sailing again recently. We do it unless we are obliged to stay home. Make of that what you will.” Was Julia bitter? A little bit. That was probably in part why she just kept running from her problems at home and traveling around until said problems grew up a little.

[juliadrumm]

@ladyaltheda

Julia looked around now, surprised herself that she had come this far. As her gaze turned downward, she now noticed that she had company. If she were an ordinary sort of person, perhaps she would have greeted the woman and tried to have a nice conversation. But because she was Julia, she had to do a little more. “Well...” Julia trailed off, and looked down at her hands. “The good news is that I actually meant to show up here. The less than good news is that I forgot to send word that I was coming. I do hope that is not a problem.” She had managed to get this far up north without getting lost, which was pretty miraculous when it came down to it.

“Odd problems aside, how would you be doing?” Not that she knew this one at all, but Julia did want to at least try that friendly thing out- even after announcing that she may or may not be permitted in this area. She was also having trouble manufacturing an easy smile, worrying that she would get thrown out of something foolish if she looked too comfortable. On some level below the surface, she absolutely knew that she was being absolutely ridiculous.

[juliadrumm]

myrcolla:

“now this i know perfectly well. the raids of iron isles were rather infamous where i grew up afterall.” southshield had been one of the four islands of the reach set to defend the kingdom against an iron born invasion afterall. not only had she grown up on the traditional stories from her septa to frighten her, but her father had shared fearsome tales of battle, defending their homes from those who meant to burn and pillage. still, she trusted ragna’s assessment that they were not all terrible.

she does indeed laugh then, the image of her facing off against a storm alone is enough to conjure humour. “i can see it so very clearly. surely the storms all quiver in your presence.” as her skirts graze the paths, myrcella glances sideways at the other. it was always amusing to see others not of the reach in the gentle setting of highgarden. “perhaps i’ll see this storm wrangling for myself one day. i have intended to visit for quite some time now.”

“I would not know whether I should be proud or sorry to hear that.” Julia said it jokingly, but knew that the subject was rather serious when it came down to it. Raids, she considered a sad necessity, and talking about them with outsiders always came tenuously. Given, other kingdoms probably had their own problems with exploitation and murder. The only times she really cared about that was when it affected the economics, though...

“They do! I frighten the lightning and make the clouds quiver in place so much that they still cry anyway. Rain is not a problem, you see.” She tilted her head to one side. “Visit? You’re going to visit the sea? It’s always been good company to me, so I hope you find the time to do so... Oh, wait did you mean the Iron Isles? That would make more sense, wouldn’t it?” Julia smiled easily, sure she should at least be more embarrassed than she was. Oh well. That was unless her first guess had been right.

[juliadrumm]

Like this if you want a starter from Julia sometime in the next week. You should also probably comment if you want to plot first, because otherwise I’m going to make something up. And if you don’t know me by now, I am basically an adventure in person form so...

Your other alternative is to badger me to write an open starter because apparently I have never made an open starter outside of the confines of an event.

[mcnderlys-blog]

                ♔

Frost pricked at her fingertips, leather bound hands still turning pale as she gripped the reins of her horse. The Silver was slow beside her, walking with his mistress at the pace which she had set. Lyanna was displeased as her stomach ached from hunger and her lips cracked in need of water. The exact location of her whereabouts was unknown, but it felt as though she had been travelling for many hours. It had been long since the sun had set and since she had lost Ser Jorah, who explained that he would go and ask for help. 

The lady could not help but glare at her mare, who had caused the entire ordeal by losing a shoe, forcing her to dismount. She did not enjoy strenuous activities, Lyanna liked everything to be handed to her. Larence Manderly was hopefully concerned for his daughter’s welfare, since he was the one how had ordered her to visit another Northern house. It was expected that she would arrive in time for dinner, yet that had surely passed many moments before. The instant she heard hooves, her head whipped around in desperation. 

❝ My horse lost his shoe and my companion appears to have vanished, for I cannot find Ser Jorah, ❞ Lyanna explained, when she heard the sound of another arriving. The barren stretch of land blanketed  by snow was easily disturbed by her light footsteps, yet she was pleased to have come across another - she held no fear of darkness, but bandits and wildlife were something to fear. 

[juliadrumm]

She had had enough of the cold, but Julia felt that at this point she had more to do than stay home and wait for the answers to come to her. While this all inevitably would lead to Julia winding up in places that she probably should not go, she had also managed to encounter many that she would never have been so fortunate to discover without the help of her poor directional skills and sheer dumb luck.

Today, she appeared to have encountered another odd stranger. Part of Julia’s mind was screaming that this was a trap and the other just wanted to help despite knowing next to nothing about horse logic. She understood the concept of horses needing shoes and she could ride, but caretaking was pretty beyond her.

“That’s really too bad,” Julia said, trying and probably failing to sound genuine. She did feel bad, but she was mostly just too cold for comfort. “Do you need some company in the meantime? I do not believe that I passed your Ser Jorah on the way here, but alternatively I am happy to do my best to help you get back to somewhere a little warmer if you would rather not wait, as well. Options.”

[juliadrumm]

leyla-tyrell:

“Oh, you mean like living a lie.” Leyla hummed, heart sinking a little at the mere thought of it. Perhaps she was living a lie the more she tried to push her father’s ideals down her own throat. She was wild, did not wish to be tamed, and could not be tamed simply for marriage. The notion of a man putting any claim to her made her blood boil. But that was how Westeros ran, with men grapping women by the upper arm and parading them around like trophies. “As someone who wishes for change, I do believe living our truth can be rather difficult at times. You see men are often the cause of war than they are peace.” That was her experience with them, at least. Perhaps there were few who broke this rule, such as her brothers, but even they could cause a war if they wished it. “Well, my brothers do always comment on my charisma, perhaps there is some truth to it.”

News of death or lack of wellbeing had not found them at Highgarden, and so it must mean Ragna was well. Surely they would know if she was not, unless the sea urchin that did rule house Redwyne had kept such news from spreading. It seemed unlikely. Not even Eudora had the power to keep gossip from spreading through the Seven Kingdoms, spider or not. “I suppose you’re right. If she was ill everyone would know by now. It’s always a bit strange when those of us who knew each other as children fade away, especially the girls. Ragna was always kind to me; I do hope she is well.” Leyla wanted to trust the woman in front of her, truly she did. But years of misguided trust and once being taken advantage of had taught her never even to trust those with common allies. It was sad that this was how they must live. “Ah, the North. I have been many times before, though I must say the journey is rather grueling. But it is like Dorne as it is so separate from everything else. Well, that and Dorne is much warmer and it is much nicer to get lost in warmth than it is the cold.” Leyla stated with a gentle chuckle, her gaze falling on the sea just to their left. “Do you intend to travel onward somewhere else once you leave the Waterlands, Julia?”  

“Living a lie, yes.” The more she thought about, though, Julia thought that her lies by omission were decidedly deceitful. She did not see it as a fault to suppress her own happiness  for the sake of others- not when she lived in a world where marrying well and having children were considered so positive. “Men are good for getting others to listen when they make a fuss. I find when you manage to nudge the right persons, there is at least a roundabout route to change.” That came off as grim.

“Well you are easy to talk to. The most difficult bit is keeping track of the girls. When we all change our names and make ties to new families, it can be a bit strange.” Julia sucked in her lower lip for a second, thinking back on all of her friends and acquaintances that she had made over the years whose lives had just changed. “Probably would be a good idea to start writing, come to think of it. Let me know if you need me to bring anything to Ragna, I suppose? While i am not sure what that would mean, it feels like the right thing to offer.” When it was more likely that she would see her sister-in-law than someone that had never even visited the Isles.

“I do intend to travel, but I never really know where I am going,” Julia sighed, seriously regretting not traveling more. It had been news to her that she could not be trusted with directions, which she only partly felt comfortable admitting. Sure, she could be charmingly self-detrimental (or she liked to hope so), but it was still embarrassing. “Perhaps just an eventful trip home would be the best case scenario.”

[juliadrumm]

myrcolla:

grey eyes turn thoughtful, lips twitching into a slight smile as she considers the woman. “i would like to think i would never withhold the truth, especially something as nice as a compliment. but i suppose you never know.” she allowed with a nod. still, if she met someone she deemed unpleasant, who’s to say she wouldn’t stop herself from commenting on how nice their gown might be just to be spiteful. myrcella lets out a slight laugh then and shakes her head soon after, “oh no, surely not. i have received no such impression from you i promise. an interesting combination of traits to possess, lady julia. i am afraid i believe i am the sort of woman to wear everything plainly on her sleeve.”

she quirks a brow then, “i suppose that’s something that is entirely different in the iron islands no? unless i have gravely misunderstood and the iron born care more for appearance than i initially was led to believe.” her tone is half jesting, from all the tales she’d been told, coupled with the letters from ragna, she had come to the conclusion that pretty dresses had very little place there. the queen grins then, finding the way the other viewed the world to be intriguing in itself. “once again, you have managed to convince me. are you suggesting you have the resources to combat any storm then?”

“Apologies for having to deal with me.” Julia nodded thoughtfully. Well she might have actually found someone decidedly honest out here. “Oh, visage is certainly not a priority, but we enjoy pretty things more than you would expect. We just covet them from elsewhere instead of creating them for ourselves.” A little darker than was expected, but that was always how Julia had seen it. Usefulness was more important, but why would anybody say no to nice?

“I have many a resource. I fight storms in my spare time- often with my fists!” That was meant to be a joke, and she hoped that she was finally in good enough company to take a weird joke. Too many people that she kept running into were not the type that she assumed could take a joke. This was already a risk, but it could be a benefit, and possibly warm the other woman to her a little more. Also it was sometimes difficult to resist the urge to tell a ridiculous joke. Or, well, a few awfully ridiculous jokes.

[juliadrumm]

Where would you like to explore?

“All of the known world, but only if someone gets me a good map.”

[juliadrumm]

what would you like your tombstone to say or what would you like people to say about you when you're gone?

Julia raised her eyebrows. “Wow, that would have to come from a morbid mind.” Some offense was intended, since she disliked having to plan for something so out of her control. “I would like for people to say that I surprised them, and that I had some kind of impact. It would be nice to be remembered.”

[juliadrumm]

What’s one thing you can never say no to?

”Opportunity,” Julia said brightly. She started to nod, mostly to herself. It just made sense to her, even if nobody else understood what it meant to her “If something is tempting because it can advance my position, of course I am taking advantage.”

[thesunderwars-rp]

Welcome to Honesty Hour !

Every Monday is honesty hour for the entire duration of the day. Please reblog this if you’d like members to send you questions on or off anon. No hate will be tolerated. Please try to answer everything in your inbox, and have fun.

( The main will typically post this at 12am. EST every Monday )

[juliadrumm]

dcyne:

 CRISTON LAUGH SOFTLY UNDER THE BRIM OF HIS CUP, thinking over his answer of ‘  to many people ’ more than just trite. Though his vices were many, none stuck out particularly like pride. But he liked to think it was a shared trait all Dornish bore. His allegiance did not waver like the waves that surrounded an lonely isle, nor shift when were it political expedient. ❝ Though, I have no qualms. It’s not a secret to be regarded and held close -  I have a duty to my daughters, my children, my house - my prince, his family, his birthright, our homeland. But it’s only the duty to my prince that brings me North and has allowed for this chance encounter.❞

❝ Is that true? ❞ He chuckled, unable to stop the crude noise from leaving his mouth. He didn’t know where the woman was from. Perhaps furthest North? He didn’t have enough encounters to chalk up her demeanor to all or even most Nothern women but couldn’t help but reduce her brashness to a cultural difference.

She nodded slowly, deciding that he must be from Dorne. Certainly he had the look, but it had never served Julia well to insist on her assumptions of other people when they did not insist on staying in one place. Besides, Dorne (or at least the Martells, which was almost the same thing in this case based on the man’s words) was in an agreeable sort of arrangement with the Iron Isles, and offending someone (as she knew that she could be quite good at) with assumptions was an avoidable heinous mistake. “I find duty to your family and your kingdom to be agreeable traits, I promise.” She decided that she simultaneously liked and was irritated by him. “No need for further details. I would hate to compromise your loyalty, which I wish I knew better how to wield in myself.”

Of course it was true. If she was going to avoid minute accusations, she wished that he would too- even if he could not see into her mind. “I have no good reason to be anything but truthful,” Julia insisted, crossing her arms. She would appreciate having a more agreeable sort of company when waiting, but at least she did not think that this man was any sort of monster. Dealing with all sorts was well enough, but not when there was too much idle time. 

[bxurbxns-blog]

@juliadrumm // From here. 

The breeze had a bitter chill to it that hadn’t been there only moons before. It howled, grazing her cheeks with a harsh kiss that reminded her of the winds to the north. Loud enough to imitate a wolf, leaving soft cheeks raw with crimson in seconds. Her gaze fell on the ocean below. Thoughts elsewhere as she leaned against the stone railing. The other woman might understand, her thoughts constantly fleeting as Ragna’s were then. It was amazing how many thoughts rushed to one’s mind when all they wished to do was relax. Forget the whirlwind of life and breathe. But women like her possessed many luxuries, just not the one she desired in that moment. 

“After love, no one is what they were before.“ She announces to the other. Her thoughts appeared foolish once said aloud. But they filled her mind all morning. Was anyone the same after knowing the touch of another? She was not, and that thought troubled her most. 

[juliadrumm]

Julia looked out at the sea, not particularly eager to do do anything more than enjoy the bite of the wind for a while. She had risen early, and already gotten a day’s worth of decision-making done before even ending up here. The quiet had been nice thus far, and she would probably enjoy talking in about ten minutes or so. That made her feel guilty, but time was not so precious to her when there were so often opportunities later on.

She was roused from her almost meditative state by Ragna’s words. At first, they just sounded odd and poetic- like something she would not be aloud to enjoy for long. For a half-second after, Julia worried that this was some kind of accusation. But it did not have that tone, and she rethought what she had heard.. causing her expression to turn to a combination of intrigue and mild disgust. “Well... yes, I agree. As glad I am that your marriage seems to be improving, what particularly prompts these thoughts?” That came off a little more harshly than intended.