# knightsgold, a private collection of muses dedicated to balladtm - lovingly developed and written by elle. recurring elements include once a life has been taken, hunger demands more - what it means to be truly honorable ; what matters more, staying true to yourself and those you love or keeping a sacred vow that could mean betraying even the most innocent of characters ? who cares about innocence ?
jaime lannister, 42, member of the kingsguard, he/him.
"i was surprise my mother hasn't already pushed me off to you. then again i think she does not want me out of her sights despite how she is somewhere conversing with others." he said as he played around with a goblet from a table. he can feel the warmness from his uncle and it feels...reassuring now noticing just how tense he had been. "trip was long. if i could I would have hidden on my horse and gotten here sooner but something about 'looking united' and it'll be frown upon to come alone." damion joked. he could already imagine the lecture his grandfather would give him if he heard them speak. "see that would require others to approach me but most haven't. though the few who have just make small talk and then continue on their way. i think their curiosity gets the best of them."
at the mention of his sister, he immediately scans the room in an attempt to place her. unable to spot her familiar blonde curls in a sea of people, jaime looks back at damion to give an agreeing nod. " well, you are here with me while she converses, so perhaps she has some hand in this. " he would hardly be surprised. preparing for court is one thing, but being surrounded in a room full of people with their own selfish intentions can be anything but simple. it would be best to slowly ease his nephew into the realm outside of casterly rock... and that includes having a lannister within arms reach. " that is true, as annoyingly true as it is. we can only trust each other and staying together is one of the ways we can show our strength. " his own words irritate him, hearing his father's voice in his head. " for the best, really. most people are not worth speaking with anyway... if that changes, if anyone is cruel to you, do let me know. "
lyanna believed him , even if it would be safer for them both to pretend otherwise . she holds his gaze , understands the spectres that flitter before them – acrid and screaming . it unnerves them both to allow the facade to slip even for a fleeting moment ; his cocksure arrogance and her icy aloofness a charm , of sorts , to ward away the demons . finally , she looks away , grey eyes more watching the crowd , more for something to do than out of curiosity . neither does she answer him , save for the slight hum into her glass , its meaning difficult to decipher . ser jaime was paradoxically one of the few she could speak about such things with , yet the one she really should not . ❛ not really . and i assume you find it tedious ? ❜ it was more a statement than a question . lyanna knew him well , too well for two people in their positions . ❛ though i suppose you must be happy to see your sister .... did you know she was coming ? ❜ it was less to do with the golden haired beauty herself and more to do with whether he had also hidden information from her .
his gaze drifts around the room as if searching for something. perhaps, in a way, he is eagerly awaiting anything to go awry. tension within the room gives the impression that anything happening is certainly a possibility. if his attention is required, ser jaime should be anywhere else than with one of the only people who can hold his focus... yet, he holds his position. " tedious, yes, " jaime attempts to fight the shit eating grin that grows, lips settling into a wide smirk. " you took the words right out of my mouth. " though he basks as long as he can in the light of being seen by his queen, his expression falls at the mention of his dear sister. already his family is encroaching on the ongoings of his life in the capital. " i was not informed she would be here. " tone low, almost embarrassed to admit as such. jaime had figured she would be accompanying his father but where information was concerned, he was often the last to know. " i do not think she anticipates ruining your feast ? trying to steal attention away from you, maybe, though i personally do not mind... but i can ask, if you would like. "
The faces around him were a thousand different expressions, all of them more entertaining than the last. Anger, happiness and neutrality. Every emotion was running wild and he was feeding off of it. Petyr Baelish was a man who fed on the emotions of others and this was giving him enough sustinance for the year. And he had a feeling it would only get better from here on out. Especially when he caught sight of Ser Jaime Lannister. Making his way across the room he let a slow smile spread across his face, "Our strong and gallant King, fighting for his father's right to... what was it? Imprison and torture anyone he liked?" Tipping his glass at the man he looked around the room, eyes landing on particular faces. "Ghosts? I'm afraid I don't, for your sake I hope you don't either. You'd have a particularly nasty one looking over your shoulder."
lips twitch into a side smirk at the lord baelish's words, thankful for the glimpse of excitement from company he would otherwise tolerate. in truth, his distaste is not personal - but he remembers the stories of the young petyr and perhaps it is difficult to imagine the same man being anywhere near his equal. anyone willing to rise far above their station was one to keep an eye on. " you forget the burning part, " jaime is quick to remind, keeping a low volume as to not startle prying ears. action is encouraged when not started by his hand. his expression hardens at the meaning behind the lord's words, eyes narrowing. " i am sure you have your own ghosts. you have come a long way, lord of the fingers to now... what was it they used to call you ? smallfinger... no, littlefinger. " his tone projects louder as he recalls old nicknames, shaking his head. " a man of great opportunity, it is a wonder what you will do next. "
twenty-five years may have past but the halls still look the same last he was here, minus the men that came alongside him that very faithful day. how the lord of the north truly did not want to be there. he would prefer to stay in winterfell far away. alas, it would only raise the belief that the wild wolf is daring to slight his leige once again. the jolly of the feast can do very little to replace what this very place symbolizes to the wolf. no matter, this was all so very many years ago, times have changed-- doing his best not to reach his sword every minute. his mouth dry as he craved to gobble up the wine served, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, getting away from the mass of indulgence. "how very historical indeed-" he commented, his nearly black eyes meeting jaime's gaze, "ghosts are nothing but the echos of our past."
to see the lord stark in front of him is truly as if seeing a ghost. jaime has no doubt the years must have hardened him and he cannot imagine what it must be like for him to be in this room again. " hm, " jaime hums with a tilt of his head. " is that why it is so loud in here ? " he speaks in jest, taking a glance around the room. for most, all they can see are the stunning colors and decor surrounding them, entertainers making it difficult to imagine anything so grim. the welcoming atmosphere is encouraging and jaime hopes as far as excitement as concerned, that the night is still young. his attention turns to brandon after a moment, leaning back slightly. there is more he wishes to elaborate on but not with others listening nearby. " tell me, lord stark, how does the north fair ? it must be in good standing for you to have traveled here. " he lifts a brow, almost as if to hear a confirmation of free will.
cool , pale irises peer towards the familiar voice just over her shoulder , with no small measure of irritation . their sideward direction slow and purposeful , a heavy yet unspoken emphasis to gird his tongue . lyanna had come to learn over the years that ser jaime voiced his opinions as liberally as a lush drank their wine , and like a lush seldom did he know when to stop . it was not that she completely loathed his candidness , on the contrary , it was quite refreshing in a court of honied poison and yet , he seemingly still hadn't learned that there was a time and place . still , lyanna knew better than to quarrel with him in public and so her sideward glance became a rolling of her eyes and accompanying it , a sigh that was half - muffled by her glass . ❛ i fear you would mock me if i gave you my truthful answer . ❜ another sip of wine . the queen found it necessary to numb the senses whenever she had to spend any time within the room her father met his grisly demise .
the roll of her eyes causes something to stir within him, biting back a smirk that tugs at the corners of his mouth. jaime's constant urge for chaos erupting, a chance at something worth acting for, seems almost satisfied in the presence of the queen. he finds himself speechless for a moment, thinking thoroughly before attempting to speak again. none of his thoughts seem appropriate in their current atmosphere, so he prolongs his silence and keeps his gaze locked on her. footsteps shuffle nearby and he clears his throat with the turn of his head. " i would not mock you, " jaime defends, voice lowering ever so slightly. when he blinks for a second too long, he can almost envision the horrors of the past. " i would just hope you do not believe, or at least it not be true... how terrible that would be for the both of us. " the sudden shift of the conversation has narrowed too seriously for his taste and he's scrambling to change topics. " enjoying yourself, your grace ? "
it had been twenty seven years since the capital had been graced with her presence ─ once a glittering diamond amongst the ladies that were in the household of princess elia martell, she had retired into relative anonymity, serving as a reminder to overly ambitious girls that not even the daughter of the warden of the west was exempt from being dishonored. whispers of her bastard had circulated around the seven kingdoms for years but the identity of his father had been kept a tight - lipped secret. cersei knew what would happen if anyone outside her family knew the truth of what had transpired in harrenhal and the babe she had secreted away to the westerlands ─ men were beasts and if they believed her boy could benefit them, they would rip him apart to buy themselves fortune. that was why she was presently in search of her brother, now that the lannisters have come to court with a boy that had just enough silver in his hair to spark interest. if anyone could protect damion, it would be jaime, and her little brother owed her that much, even if he did nothing else for her.
❝ of course, for i see the ghost of my little brother standing before me. after all, only death could explain his absence from my side these past few years. ❞ to the curious onlooker, her words might have glowed with sisterly fondness and indeed, there was enough twinkle in her gaze to sell the idea of it, but she knew that jaime would know better. ever the possessive creature, it still stung at her pride that he remained a part of the kingsguard, so it gave her some sense of vindication to remind him of it whenever possible. ❝ they work you too hard in the capital, you look older than i do. ❞
jaime's jaw begins to clench as cersei speaks, his face steeling in response. he has grown this skill plenty over the years - first prepped in his childhood and now mastered as a kingsguard, vowed to idly watch as the world moves around him. she is different from their father or the king - she has no authority to demand anything of him and yet, after all they have endured, even the sound of her voice has him fearful not to be her puppet once again. a familiar song and dance he mourns as a mere protector of the king but with his family, the beck and call seems as much a siren call as any. his heart beats faster in his chest, knowing the wrath of lions and their insistence to collect on their debts, even amongst themselves. he was never going to escape this moment, knowing where he has stood and where he hasn't gone.
" it is nice to see you too, cersei, " he deadpans, head tilted in a desperate attempt to bite back any desperate apologies - they wouldn't help anyway. jaime is betting on her willingness to behave more favorably in public. afterwards, well, he will just have to do his best to avoid her wrath. he lets out a dry chuckle, refusing to meet her gaze as he frantically searches the room for a rescue. " older ? " jaime repeats incredulously, whole demeanor shifting at the critique of his appearance. " some would say i look prettier than even you, dear sister, " he shrugs, lifting his hands almost if to prepare for backlash. " though i will admit, my hair shorter does give you an unfair advantage. "
Daimon felt like he knew these halls despite this being one of the rare occurrences of him being here. His grandfather, his mother, and his uncle spoke about this place in quite detail that seeing it all dressed was a sight. He lingered in the background, despite his blond almost white in a certain light hair, which caught much attention to the boy with the Hill surname. It was no wonder he gravitated subconsciously to the other family member he met such a few times throughout his child, and now adulthood. At the mentioned of the king's name, he let out a small chuckle before composing himself in front of his uncle. "When i was younger, i did. They scared me, but now, as an adult, not so much. Can't believe in something you can't see." He said.
there is no bigger pride for jaime than to glance up at a familiar face, one who has brought their house incredible honor - regardless of whether others can see that or not. even with what he knows, he has only ever viewed his nephew as his sister's son, a man worthy of holding the lannister name... something he's promised cersei to help with, even after teasing that perhaps it would be another name he would take, perhaps something more fitting of his father. selfishly, as one who can see a reflection in the boy, he hopes the number of named lions grow. " ah, i was wondering when i'd see you, " he spins to face his nephew, a hand reaching out to give his shoulder a squeeze. jaime grins at damion's words with a slight chuckle. " yes, careful what you believe... i'm sure your mother has taught you that. " there is a lingering of sadness from his words, though he hides any semblance from his expression. he can't help but note how older damion looks, how grown. " how was your trip ? no one has been giving you any issue, i hope ? " jaime questions, voice suddenly stern.
open starter / with anyone (up to 6 different muns) on day one, during the evening's feast.
he stands silently, one hand ghosting over the hilt of the sword on his hip, eyes continuously darting around the room. twenty five years, he's heard - that's how long he's been there, long after aerys' torment. jaime hasn't thought about that in quite some time, even with his affinity for reminiscing on the past. he only likes to remember how the chaos ended... with his sword through the mad king's back. too many deaths have happened in the very room they now feast in. the tension in the hall has him on high alert, even if he would not mind a bit of action. various conversations are overheard with none being of any substance. he glances over the elaborate decorations and decides if there was ever a celebration to be seen as a nightmare, this was it. his armor clangs as he paces, walking in strides along the table to hide himself at the end. unfortunately, wherever he is, jaime sticks out like a sore thumb. " how... historical, to be celebrating our fierce some rhaegar in this very room, " he speaks to no one in particular, merely voicing his thoughts aloud. noticing he's caught someone's attention, he continues. " do you believe in ghosts ? "
( alexander skarsgard, 42, cis man, he/him ) — ashes to ashes, will cry the bards, before they sing the song of SER JAIME. behind them fly the banners of house lannister of casterly rock. known throughout the land for their charismatic, willful & impulsive nature, the people are eager to see how they act in the dragon’s court under the watchful eye of the king’s guard. their name alone brings images of a golden lion who charges his way across a battlefield, filled with foes or dragons - one must harden themselves to both thrive in opportunity that is killed for and escape what fate awaits them. they are notably neutral to the targaryen rule.
⁰¹ musings. ⁰² visuals. ⁰³ pinterest board.
ONE - basic information.
full name: jaime lannister. official title: ser knight/member of the kingsguard, former heir to casterly rock. monikers: the golden lion, kingslayer. age + dob: forty two + the third day of the first moon in the year 266 ac. gender + pronouns: cis man + he/him. orientation: straight. true allegiance: house lannister first and foremost, though he does publicly serve house targaryen. spoken languages: common tongue. religion: the faith of the seven, even if he has no interest in gods.
virtues: charismatic, willful, bold. vices: impulsive, arrogant, impatient. weapon of choice: uses a custom made steel longsword that has a gold coated hilt with a lion head at the end. moral alignment: chaotic neutral. hobbies: watching guard over the royal family, drinking, horse riding, whatever gives him a thrill.
FOUR - connections.
parents: ruling lord tywin lannister & ruling lady joanna lannister †. siblings: cersei & tyrion. birth order: middle child. relationship status: single, unable to marry due to his kingsguard vows. children: none. other relations: numerous lannister relatives. past relations: tbd.
FIVE - timeline.
** note that some details, including other houses/characters, are followed from canon and may be changed at a later date due to plotting !!
born early in the year 266 ac to the ruling lord and lady of casterly rock, jaime was brought into the world with high hopes and celebration. as the eventual heir to house lannister's seat, his actions were never his own and everything he did was expected to be for the good of the family - a belief that was so deeply ingrained, he even carries it with him in present time. always pushing the buttons of how far he could go before angering his father, he was constantly up to something. most consequences would come in the form of yelling from tywin but as house lannister was so precious to him, jaime's worst actions were kept from the light of day. his interests changed here and there, but most, he was interested in dogs, horses, swords, and the ladies who would give him looks as he began to wear armor.
in 277 ac, at 11 years old, jaime went to crakehall and squired for lord sumner for 4 years. he traveled back and forth from casterly rock at times, though he did enjoy his time away. at 13, he won his first tourney melee. talks of him being betrothed to lysa tully were discussed by all but him, even having jaime stay in riverrun for some time even if he had no idea of what was being discussed. at 15, he participated in the fight against the kingswood brotherhood, during which he saved lord sumner. for his valor shown, jaime was then knighted by ser arthur dayne. he was to return to casterly rock but stopped in king's landing on his way home - it was there he learned of the true meaning of his visit to riverrun and what would become of him when he arrived home. furious with his father and not wanting to envision what would happen to his future, it was decided he would join the kingsguard. jaime was raised to the kingsguard in 281 ac after the grand tourney at harrenhal, making him the youngest to ever join the order at 15.
jaime served king aerys for 2 years and every second of it felt like a never ending nightmare. what he had imagined when he joined the kingsguard - honor, brotherhood, serving the realm... and to be met with a mad king with an affinity for fire disillusioned him quickly. he served what he viewed as a monster, the execution of rickard stark only solidifying his theories. he may have wanted men dead but fire was a destruction he could not comprehend. it's when he started to really dissociate and accept his role as a bystander, knowing his position forever more would take any agency he had away... even as a lannister.
why wars are fought has never been his business - but winning wars is something he has been trained to do. it was the one thing that brought him any joy when battles began, knowing he himself would be out there again soon... or, so he thought. no, another glorified bodyguard, wasting his talents watching over royalty who deserved not a second of his time. there are a lot of reasons jaime would have had to kill aerys, but being asked to bring his king the head of his father or he too would burn was pretty difficult not to overlook. so he killed aerys without a second thought and hunted down every person involved with the pyromancy plot, abandoning everything expected of him as a kingsguard and taking opportunity into his own hands. he would not declare for another targaryen with potential madness... but when rhaegar returned, not robert, his fate was solidified once more. he expected to be executed or sent to take the black, but how fitting that he should be forced to serve out the rest of his days to an order he no longer fully believes in... what a mercy.
25 years later ... here we are ! still in service to the kingsguard, just now under king rhaegar ! regardless of the resentment he holds toward house targaryen due to his own experiences with aerys, he has known the royal family long enough to know ( or hope really really badly ) none of them are what aerys was. on a day by day basis he's miserable, struggling to accept this is probably where he'll die ... doing nothing of importance ... so if he does some messy shit, he's just trying to live a little !! like gods please let there be a fight in the great hall let me HAVE THIS ... doesn't ever take anything seriously, doesn't care about court politics, cranky, snarky, and hanging onto his "honor" by a damn thread, jaime lannister !
SIX - additional.
first traveled to king's landing in 272 ac at 6 years old, brought by his mother to the anniversary tourney for king aerys. perhaps it was her excitement for the event that first interested him in such an occasion... or perhaps it was the first time he was able to watch a knight earn victory.
even though his father forced him to learn to read, he still struggles and for both of those reasons refuses to engage in the hobby.
for better or worse, he has always longed most for the comfort of his family. his siblings, cersei and tyrion, are two of the people he trusts most in the world - not for their spectacular connections but because the name lannister binds them all. who else would understand the inner workings of his mind more than those who were instilled with the same devote loyalty ?
only major canon change is his status as kingslayer is purely nasty rumors that he does not engage in purely due to his own interest in staying alive... but every now and again, someone asks, and he has to pretend like it's not one of the greatest things he's ever done... just a king who had succumbed to his throne of swords ! constantly torn wanting to take the credit but in the den of dragons ... big pass <3
