Lady Lacey

Fortune for the Future. A part of a song of Golden fire and Black Blood.

[ladylaceyvance]

Character Intro

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Fundamentals

Full name: Lacey Rhaella Marianne Vance

Nickname(s): Cee, used by her siblings and family. Rhya, used by members of the royal family. Lacey’s first middle name is an homage to the queen, whom her mother has always been very close with.

Age: 20

Date of birth: first and thirty of the first moon 110 AC.

Pronouns and identity details: She/her cis-female

Allegiance(s): Targaryen, Vance, Grafton

Spoken Language(s): Common Tongue, Lacey knows many Valyrian phrases but is by no means fluent.

Religion: Faith of the Seven, speculated Old Gods. Truthfully, status unknown.

Build and Features

Eyes: Hazel

Features: long dark wavy hair, oval face, apple cheeks, full lips and a button nose. Long slender neck, small frame but athletic.

Hair: Brown with dark copper highlights.

Build: Slim

Height: 5’5, 165.1 cm

Distinguishing Characteristics: Known to anxiously grip her dresses.

Personality and Morality

“Positive” Traits: Compassionate, Loyal, Authentic

“Negative” Traits: vengeful, tendency for righteousness, impulsive.

Moral Alignment: True Neutral, Lacey truly lives life moment to moment.

Interests: Cataloging plants and trees, making bouquets, sewing, bird watching, party organizing, eavesdropping on private court conversations

Hobbies: reading to the children of the castle, going for walks in the royal garden, reading books on history and nature, designing hair jewelry, fishing, playing the harp.

Goals: A happy life with her beloved Robin and joy for her family. Continued friendship with her many current friends and a hope for many more.

Anxieties: overthinking other people’s perceptions of her, paranoid of people secretly watching her, missing social cues.

Social Weapon(s): Incredible research skills, a gift for eavesdropping, affable quiet exterior, ability to navigate any conversation away from herself and onto another topic seamlessly

Relationships

Father: Lord Triston Vance of Wayfarer's rest

Mother: Lady Roslin (Strong) Vance

Siblings: William, Denys, Jyanna, Violet, and Harwin.

Family Status: Daughter, Sister.

Partner(s): Courting Robin Grafton

Children: none.

Court ties: Lady in waiting to princess Rhaena Targaryen.

[ladylaceyvance]

Like a wick, I keep burning up for you

(Thread with @robingrafton )

The turn of seasons brought no shortage of wonder to Lacey life. The chill on her face first thing in the morning was divine and at night the entire world seemed to be draped in a fabulous winter coat. But her favorite part of the cold was gathering around the flickering fire, sitting at the hearth and watching the flames. She had dozens of candles lit and littered around her room, content to watch the wax melt and harden again.

As she donned her cloak she hummed a silly tune, one meant for children. She’d been remembering various things like that lately, sitting around the fire allows for plenty of thinking. Lacey thought of her own childhood, happy and flawed like everyone else’s. Since talking with her beloved and their upcoming wedding, her thoughts have been on the future. Will they like this song? Does Robin know any songs? Surely right? Tiny thoughts that all quietly implied but never said, “hurry up!”

Lacey felt she’d always been ready to be with Robin. Who wouldn’t when he was so precious? But since he’d mentioned the wedding, she was starting to feel like dry tinder itching for the spark. She was so tired of waiting and yet so genuinely overjoyed to be here. It made for an odd mishmash of thoughts in her head. She dreamed of telling everyone one minute and the next she wanted to jealously guard the news.

All of these thoughts and more ran through her head as she walked to meet Robin. The sweetest of her thoughts are centered around the wedding. She wanted something beautiful sure, but she couldn’t wait to declare her love for all to hear. Just thinking of it made her face split open with a wide smile. Picking up her pace she made towards the little seating area the boys of court tended to hang around. It was cozy enough and sparsely populated at this hour of day. She hoped Robin wouldn’t make her wait long; she was liable to go looking for him if it took too long.

Pulling her gloves off finger by finger, she took a seat. Then crossing her legs and folding her gloves, she watched the room like a hawk in anticipation.

[robingrafton]

The morning had been a chaotic one. A cold, shivering mess of anxiety and running around. He barely had the time to think before he was dragged away to speak on affairs of the Vale, give insight to his younger peers, and help in the training yard. All things he normally did, yet, the freeze had made everything colder and many people in sour moods. He did everything at a rushed pace, which he always despised. All of the running around without a moment to breathe had caused him to almost forget to bring his sheet of notes for him and Lacey to look over, another thing that he despised. Forgetting and going too fast.

The mood of the day seemed to have rubbed off on Robin, as he walked to the seating area with a frown on his face.

Arriving there, he saw her right away, Lacey. Sitting there, waiting for him, beautiful as always.

Robin strode towards her, everything else in sight blurring as she was the only thing that mattered now. The frown he wore vanished, and his demeanor instantly became softer. He hugged her, firmly and fiercely, instantly feeling more grounded in her presence. "Lacey..." Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes. "I apologize if I kept you waiting, I almost forgot to bring this," he pulled out a piece of paper, filled with little notes of things he wanted to make sure he did not forget. He sat next to her, squinting at the paper.

"So, I thought it would be nice to feature these sorts of cakes at our party... and have these sorts of banners hanging... and maybe..." Looking at the crumpled parchment, Robin froze. The notes were all written in his haze of anxieties, making sure he remembered every little idea he had for this party, trying to have everything be perfect. But, seeing it now, with a clearer mind, nothing on the paper made sense. A mess of scribbles and non-coherent thoughts littered the page, and Robin began to smile.

"Gods, none of this is even legible, I'm a mess." Turning the page towards Lacey, he began to laugh. Laugh at himself, who he knew was being overly worried about this whole ordeal. He knew now, with Lacey here, they would figure it out together. He may have been embarrassed with another, scolded himself for this, but with his lovely Lacey, he felt comfortable enough to laugh at his own self.

"Let's just start over," he grabbed her bare hand in his gloved one. "Have you any ideas, love? I would be honored to hear your thoughts for our party." Instinctively, he took off his own gloves, then bringing both of her hands in his.

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey watched carefully as Robin stole into the room bringing all of the warmth with him. The little crease above his forehead vanished when he laid eyes on her. His brilliant smile brought her own to her face, he was infectious in that way. The hug he wrapped her up in felt better than all of the presents in the world and she was not ashamed at the way her heart skipped a beat.

She hardly heard his apology, too busy focusing on the slip of paper he’d pulled out. Of course he’d come prepared with notes. His writing looked pristine as always and a flare of admiration briefly overtook her as she tried to make out the words he’d written so thoughtfully. She listened attentively as he began to list different ideas he’d had for the party until he pulled up short.

“Gods, none of this is even legible, I'm a mess.”

She couldn’t help the laughter that spilled out of her at those words. Only Robin would show up primed and ready only to discount his contribution.

“I’m sure it’s all in order, dear. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

When he grabbed her hand, a million tiny butterflies filled her up inside.

“Have you any ideas, love? I would be honored to hear your thoughts for our party.”

She blushed at his full undivided attention, a darling smile on his face.

“To be honest, as long as we're there with good friends I can’t see how it wouldn’t be perfect.”

She used her free hand to trace the veins of his hand holding hers, eyes mesmerized by the sight of them joined together.

“I’ve been thinking of asking Cerelle for help. Not to say I don’t have an eye for decorating or planning but I think I need a keener eye.”

Lacey thought of all of the fine details her good friend would surely be able to suggest. She didn’t want to spoil the moment for all of her friends by asking them to help plan the party, but she knew Cerelle wouldn’t mind knowing early. Especially if she could then help plan it all.

“I want this to be perfect for us but I think we both tend to overthink things like this. It might be nice to have an outsider’s perspective. All you need to worry about is telling your friends we wish to see them all. Just a simple dinner, nothing that would set off alarm bells.”

No one would be truly shocked at the news but they would be delighted and Lacey wanted the party to reflect that joy. Not just for them but for all of their friends too.

“I loved your suggestion on the banners though, do you know who could make them in time? There are so many things to do! But I know it’ll be just perfect with you, my love.”

She squeezed his hand and brushed a strand of hair from his face, reveling in the fact that he was hers. The party would be beautiful and perfect with him there indeed.

[ladylaceyvance]

(Masquerade challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood myth of Alcyone and Ceyx)

Song · 2021 · Duration 3:27

The feathers in her hair kept tickling the back of her neck when she turned her head. It might’ve bothered her but she was too busy looking for her beloved. She and Robin had spent a long time coordinating their outfits and she was anxious, as always, to finally lay eyes upon him. As she looked, tickled by her feathers, she twisted the little bird ring on her hand. A gift from Robin, a matching set. He wore one and she the other. It was beautiful and perfect.

Tired of squeezing through people and idle chit chat, Lacey eventually managed to grab a drink and find a quiet place to sit. Crowds were not exactly her favorite way to spend her free time but she didn’t mind watching them. All of her friends looked amazing, glittering beneath the torchlight. She watched with joy as they danced with each other and with suitors. She made note of who danced with who and who declined to dance at all. All the while she sipped her drink and kept an eye out for Robin. It wasn’t long before she pulled the scratchy mask off of her face, the tight feel of it against her skin was irritating. Though she knew she should try to have it on for longer, she couldn’t be bothered. The mystery aspect didn’t move her.

After a while of watching and cataloging everyone else she decided to brave the masses again. If she had any hope of finding him, she had to get up. As she wandered through the ballroom, she stopped to chat with friends here and there. She was only half interested in the content of these conversations and eventually whoever she was talking to would catch on to her scanning gaze. They would give her a sympathetic look and let her pass. Sometimes a person would call out, “Ah, there he is!” Lacey would see a flash of green and move to follow it before losing him in the crowd again.

After mad dashing through the room she was still just as empty handed as she was when she began. Her cheeks were flushed from the effort and she couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up from inside her. They were like two sparrows flitting through the trees trying to catch one another. Almost as if they were playing a children’s game of touch and go; she felt exhilarated. As she made her way through the crowd more and more people seemed to become aware of her search. Some would stop her by way of a shouted hint, “He was just over there by the windows!” Or “try by the food!” Others would laugh and say, “I just sent him towards you!” Either way the effect was the same, amusement and anticipation.

It was only when she heard the familiar tones of “Looking for goose’s gold” that she started thinking the gods were mocking her. The tune was a riverlands one and very familiar to her. The lyrics were lost over the noise of people but she knew that refrain by heart anyway. “Oh he went looking for a man let loose, stopped in along the redfork bend and found instead a goose.” The rest of the song then goes on to detail the poor fool following that goose on a wild hunt for treasures unknown. Predictably the goose does not know where any gold is and leads the man on a chase to nowhere. The strings were sharp and playful, and she a fool on the hunt.

At this point, the party is in full swing. The song is upbeat and face paced. So everyone is up and dancing, the floor is a swirl of twirling skirt and people whirling by. Laughter and cheers nearly outweigh all other sounds, she can’t help but contribute her own joy to the cacophony. The music swelled towards its crescendo and as the sad end came, the lone string playing by itself as the man realized he had no prize to claim, the crowd parted.

The room seemed to be watching with bated breath as breathlessly Lacey, interlocked their fingers and began to dance anew. Robin’s face seemed inquisitive, an eyebrow raised slightly as if to ask, “what have you been up to?” But she only laughed and kissed his cheek as the crowd swallowed them back up.

[ladylaceyvance]

Like a wick, I keep burning up for you

(Thread with @robingrafton )

The turn of seasons brought no shortage of wonder to Lacey life. The chill on her face first thing in the morning was divine and at night the entire world seemed to be draped in a fabulous winter coat. But her favorite part of the cold was gathering around the flickering fire, sitting at the hearth and watching the flames. She had dozens of candles lit and littered around her room, content to watch the wax melt and harden again.

As she donned her cloak she hummed a silly tune, one meant for children. She’d been remembering various things like that lately, sitting around the fire allows for plenty of thinking. Lacey thought of her own childhood, happy and flawed like everyone else’s. Since talking with her beloved and their upcoming wedding, her thoughts have been on the future. Will they like this song? Does Robin know any songs? Surely right? Tiny thoughts that all quietly implied but never said, “hurry up!”

Lacey felt she’d always been ready to be with Robin. Who wouldn’t when he was so precious? But since he’d mentioned the wedding, she was starting to feel like dry tinder itching for the spark. She was so tired of waiting and yet so genuinely overjoyed to be here. It made for an odd mishmash of thoughts in her head. She dreamed of telling everyone one minute and the next she wanted to jealously guard the news.

All of these thoughts and more ran through her head as she walked to meet Robin. The sweetest of her thoughts are centered around the wedding. She wanted something beautiful sure, but she couldn’t wait to declare her love for all to hear. Just thinking of it made her face split open with a wide smile. Picking up her pace she made towards the little seating area the boys of court tended to hang around. It was cozy enough and sparsely populated at this hour of day. She hoped Robin wouldn’t make her wait long; she was liable to go looking for him if it took too long.

Pulling her gloves off finger by finger, she took a seat. Then crossing her legs and folding her gloves, she watched the room like a hawk in anticipation.

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood with @robingrafton

⁺. ✦ . 　⁺ ✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧ ⁺ 　 . ✦ . ⁺

Lacey dressed quickly in a dark blue robe, hurriedly she pulled the hood up. Her blood was rushing so quickly she almost felt light headed. Robin had asked her to go for a walk earlier in the day and she was always over the moon to spend time with him. She especially enjoyed their walks together though. Robin was always so helpful when she wanted to catalog flowers or if she spent too long describing the characteristics of a tree. Most people would be bored of Lacey’s plant talk after a while but not Robin. He was the most patient and caring man in the world.

As Lacey finished getting ready she couldn’t help the butterflies going wild in her stomach. Robin wasn’t just the best partner out there, he was also an incredibly thoughtful friend. He always made time for her but it was true that he was often busy with his friends or family. So anytime they could spend a moment alone was precious to her. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she giggled at the light blush already dusting her cheeks. Smoothing her dress and clipping her robe closed, she left to find Robin. They had agreed to meet at the entrance to the royal gardens.

Lacey worked hard to slow her steps, she didn’t want to be out of breath when she arrived. So she took the time to study the winter scene outside the windows. As she did so she tried to think of a good gift for her love. He constantly considered others before himself and she wanted to give something back to him. Maybe she could ask a few of his friends what he would most like. She was very curious to hear what they would say and she was not ashamed to admit she was feeling nosy. She rarely had the chance to speak with any of his friends and she knew he was always acquiring more of them.

Thinking so intently she hadn’t even noticed she had arrived until she walked right into Robin. She gasped and stumbled backwards, eyes wide as she took him in. The concerned look on his face made her start laughing.

“My apologies, I was a bit lost in thought. Are you alright?” She paused to look him over before smiling. He looked more than okay to her, he was positively glowing. He was so beautiful, it was really unfair.

“Shall we go?” She asked, looping her arm through his.

[robingrafton]

Robin made his way towards the place Lacey and him agreed to meet, his hand holding a ring, clutching it for dear life as if it was going to slip away if he held it any lesser. He knew he wanted to do this privately, without an audience he felt less nervous, but he was still full of anxiety nonetheless.

Today he would ask his lovely Lacey to finally marry him, and he would put this family ring on her and he would finally bring them together. He couldn't stand not being married to her anymore, and after Jacaerys and Baela's wedding, seeing how happy the two of them were, he knew it was time.

Robin was sure of their love for each other, yet he still felt nervous about what her reaction would be. He hoped this wasn't too much pressure to put onto her... and he hoped she wished to be married as much as he did. He could not stop himself from thinking about every terrible possibility that could come from this, as well as what she was doing at this current moment. Was she alone? Was she safe? He began to walk faster, not wanting to leave her to herself for a moment longer. He made sure to put the ring in his pocket so she would not see it until he was ready to ask her.

With his thoughts so rampant and his walk more of a run, he suddenly bumped into something, or, someone. Seeing it was his lovely Lacey who he had collided with, suddenly he panicked. Had he hurt her? Was she okay?

"Lacey!" He said, startled. But her sweet laugh came, melting his heart. "Oh, I am perfectly fine. And you, my lovely lady? I did not mean to bump into you." He examined her for a moment, admiring her beautiful smile. He gave a calm smile back, closing his eyes and feeling her arm loop through his.

"Yes, let us be on our way." He started to lead them on their walk, taking the two of them through a route that they were most familiar with. They often took these walks, and Robin was grateful for that. Being with her gave him peace of mind, which was rare for him.

"So, have you any big news to share? I have some. But I first want to hear what you have to say." He would wait until there was an opportunity to slip the ring onto her finger and ask, or perhaps he was stalling, or both. He wasn't sure, but he wanted to hear her speak before he did this, as he knew it would calm him further to listen to her.

[ladylaceyvance]

She assured him she was fine and tried to keep the raging butterflies in her stomach at bay at his announcement of news. Walking alongside Robin she tried to think of a good way to phrase her request. She didn’t want to tip him off to her present plans but she didn’t want him to be worried either. She kept getting distracted by his words. Robin said he has big news, what could it be? It’ll be perfect no matter what. She looked at him longingly, even when they were together she wanted to be closer to him.

Despite the chill in the air, it was nice outside. The sky was overcast but not dark with looming clouds, just a pale gray that shaded them from the sun. A light wind blew, kissing her cheeks pink. Lacey found she loved winter now that it was settling in. The world was quiet and calm for once. It felt like she and Robin were the only two on the grounds.

Looking out at the frosted garden she decided to just go for it. “Well I was wondering if maybe we could host a little gathering with all our friends? I want to meet all your friends and I know the lady’s would love a reason to get together. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about.”

Of course Lacey had met most of Robin's friends but mostly in passing at a function or two. She wanted to sit down and talk with them. To hear them tell stories of Robin and see their dynamics play out live. And of course, give everyone a good opportunity to dress up for the occasion. It would be good to gather around and spend time together as a group.

“I don’t know if that’s something you’re interested in but I thought I would float the idea by you just in case.” She smiled at him, proud of herself for asking.

By now she was almost bursting with excitement to hear what he was going to say. Having gotten the small weight of the present situation off her shoulders she was just giddy to hear from him.

“I believe you said something about having news though right?” She lightly knocked her shoulder into his, her tone nearly singsong. Robin was always doing something interesting or thoughtful and she was eager to hear about what he was up to this time.

[robingrafton]

Robin smiled down at her as they walked along in the chilled air. In the light of the sun, she seemed to glow. How did he get so lucky? He did not know, but he was not going to take his luck for granted. He vowed to cherish her every day, make sure she knew she was the most wonderful person he knew and that he loved every single thing about her.

Some of his anxieties he'd previously had seemingly melted away now in Lacey's company, as she always had that effect on him. The weather was not as terribly cold as he thought it would be, making the time to ask her the question even more perfect. He knew she was fond of the winter, and he knew she was fond of their walks together, just as he was. He wanted everything to be perfect for his perfect lady.

He raised his eyebrows, finding her suggestion wonderful and all too perfect at the same time. "Of course I would be interested. You know I can never say no to you," he teased, holding her arm tighter. "Not that I would want to say no anyway, it is a great idea." It was a great idea in more ways than she knew. Her suggesting a gathering with their friends was the perfect coincidence, as their gathering would be the perfect time to announce that they were to be married soon. That is, if she said yes... but he shook away that anxious thought of her saying no. He needed to think only of the present now, and to finally say what he needed to say.

Her sweet voice and knock to his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts. Looking at her, admiring her, he knew he was ready. "Yes, I do have some news. News I have been holding onto for a while..." He cleared his throat, looking around anxiously for a place he thought would be perfect.

They were next to a tree now, a beautifully frosted tree away from any others, and he decided to stop them there. Softly taking his arm out of hers, he now stood in front of her and reached out to hold her. His gloved hands holding her forearms, and his face all too close to hers. It was now or never, he thought.

"Lacey, I have been thinking..." His eyes shifted nervously. He let out a deep breath he didn't know he was holding onto, the breath around him coming out like smoke in the cold. His voice was quiet, but not a whisper. They were so close, and he wanted only her to hear these words, only them to be in this moment.

"I've been thinking about us and our future. And how I do not want to wait any longer.' Robin held her arms gently, praying he would get through this without stumbling. He looked at her now, his dark brown eyes meeting her beautiful hazel ones. Her gaze gave him all of the strength he ever needed.

"You're the love of my life, Lacey. You're the most wonderful, beautiful, and kind person I know. No amount of adoring words could ever describe how truly wonderful you are, and I mean it. I feel lucky every day of my life that I met you, and that we're here today, together." He squeezed her arms lightly, as if it could show her how true his words were with this touch, and how deeply he felt his love for her.

The next words seemed to pour out of him, the need to tell her what he wanted was unbearable now. "I love you Lacey. I can't bear us to be apart, I want you at my side forever, and I... I want to marry you." "I want to marry you. I would marry you right here and now if I could. I want to finally be able to call you my wife, and I want everyone to know how dearly I love you. I knew since the first day I met you that I wanted to be with you, to never part from you. My thoughts are with you at all times, my heart only belongs to you, I need you Lacey, I..." He stopped himself, knowing he was rambling on, though all of it was true. But he needed to truly ask her now.

"Will you marry me, Lacey Vance?"

Robin reluctantly removed one of his hands from her to pull out the sapphire ring in his pocket, and then held it in his palm. "My family's ring..." He said, his voice truly a whisper now. He presented it to her, now saying nothing, awaiting her next words.

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey was relieved when he agreed to a gathering between their friends. The last of her anxiety melted away when he said her idea was a great one. Now excitement began to bubble up inside her. She couldn’t wait to tell Lady Rhaena. She was already halfway through planning the event when his next words brought her back to the present.

Robin had news. How could she have forgotten for even a moment? She watched him closely, waiting with bated breath to hear what he would say. But he cleared his throat and paused his words. She smiled reassuringly at him, a little amused despite herself. Robin was always so very sure of everything and of himself. So the little slip was interesting. When he took his arm from hers and stood in front of her tiny alarm bells went off in her head. What was he up to? He took a deep breath and the resulting puff of smoke drew her attention to the scenery.

Lacey watched the glittering ice frosted on the trees; in the sunlight they looked like tiny jewels adorning all of the snow coated branches. Robin spoke so softly his voice might have been a quiet breeze between the two of them. His words washed over her and wrapped around her heart.

“I’ve been thinking about us and our future. And how I do not want to wait any longer.”

She almost interrupted him, longing to affirm the thought never strayed from her mind. But she waited to hear him out, gazing up at him sweetly.

The words then came faster describing his love for her in detail. Then his words shifted towards another manner.

"I want to marry you. I would marry you right here and now if I could. I want to finally be able to call you my wife, and I want everyone to know how dearly I love you. I knew since the first day I met you that I wanted to be with you, to never part from you. My thoughts are with you at all times, my heart only belongs to you, I need you Lacey, I..."

Her entire body was tingling, vibrating with a kind of joy she didn’t know existed as she waited for him to say it.

“Will you marry me, Lacey Vance?”

She hardly saw him present the ring before she screeched, loud enough to disturb the nearby birds. She threw her arms around him, slamming into him with enough force to cause them to stumble as she yelled, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Laughter overcame her and then tears as she held him close to her. Of course she would marry him, she had only dreamed of this moment for years. She pulled back to gaze into his eyes gently stroking his face with her gloved hand.

“I love you, Robin Grafton. I think in some ways I may always have. Spending the rest of forever with you is a perfect dream I hope to never wake up from. You are the most thoughtful and kind person I have ever had the pleasure to know. Please can I see the ring?”

She watched with wet lashes as she presented it to her before sliding it onto her finger. She admired it in the sunlight watching the way the cut of the gem threw the light back at them. She smiled and proclaimed, “It’s perfect just like you.” Then for the fun of it she squealed again, still so full of energy.

She was glad he had decided to do the asking privately as the two of them stood in the shimmering glow of snow and sunlight. The ice around them in all its ethereal charm would melt away, becoming nothing more than water for the roots of the trees they once decorated. But this beautiful glimmering moment would stay with them all of the rest of their days. She wanted to remember just the two of them alone admiring nature and each other as they always did.

“I love you Robin.” She affirmed again simply because it was true and too sweet not to.

[ladylaceyvance]

nameday challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

The day was cold though no snow fell to compliment the dark sky. Lacey had been up long before the sun rose, escaping outside while the moon was still high in the sky. The wind had been sparse, occasionally blowing softly, rustling her hair as it passed her by. Today was her name day, fourteen years ago, she’d been born. She’d heard the story of her birth many times over at this point. And she always made an effort to spend that special time alone. Her mother’s water had broken in the hour of the owl. Her mother had been awake, ever the one to fall asleep last. A trait they now shared in common. Before the hour of the nightingale, Lacey was born. She’d come into the world screaming, an early morning wakeup call for the rest of the house.

She was perched up in the tall branches of a maple tree. From up there and thanks to the light of the full moon, she could see the Redfork rushing in the distance. She sat there for a long while, reminiscing on name day’s gone by. But mostly she was sitting very still and observing the life around her. It was cold and quiet, the wind a loving caress. Distantly she could hear an owl and underfoot ran mice and squirrels. The stillness of the wood felt unreal as if she had become one with it.

Today she was fourteen and she knew she would not be home again for a very long time. Much longer than she’d been away from it now and that was plenty enough already. So she watched enraptured as the first rays of light began to peak over the horizon and tried to cement the view in her memory.

As she carefully climbed down the tree she began trying to excite herself for the coming celebration. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy seeing friends and family together, on the contrary she loved it. But being the center of attention was stressful and this was the one day she couldn’t just slip off unnoticed. Walking through the frozen grass she reminded herself that people wanted to celebrate her, that this wasn't just for her. It helped alleviate some of the daunting pressure as she glanced back one last time at the rising sun.

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood with @robingrafton

⁺. ✦ . 　⁺ ✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧ ⁺ 　 . ✦ . ⁺

Lacey dressed quickly in a dark blue robe, hurriedly she pulled the hood up. Her blood was rushing so quickly she almost felt light headed. Robin had asked her to go for a walk earlier in the day and she was always over the moon to spend time with him. She especially enjoyed their walks together though. Robin was always so helpful when she wanted to catalog flowers or if she spent too long describing the characteristics of a tree. Most people would be bored of Lacey’s plant talk after a while but not Robin. He was the most patient and caring man in the world.

As Lacey finished getting ready she couldn’t help the butterflies going wild in her stomach. Robin wasn’t just the best partner out there, he was also an incredibly thoughtful friend. He always made time for her but it was true that he was often busy with his friends or family. So anytime they could spend a moment alone was precious to her. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she giggled at the light blush already dusting her cheeks. Smoothing her dress and clipping her robe closed, she left to find Robin. They had agreed to meet at the entrance to the royal gardens.

Lacey worked hard to slow her steps, she didn’t want to be out of breath when she arrived. So she took the time to study the winter scene outside the windows. As she did so she tried to think of a good gift for her love. He constantly considered others before himself and she wanted to give something back to him. Maybe she could ask a few of his friends what he would most like. She was very curious to hear what they would say and she was not ashamed to admit she was feeling nosy. She rarely had the chance to speak with any of his friends and she knew he was always acquiring more of them.

Thinking so intently she hadn’t even noticed she had arrived until she walked right into Robin. She gasped and stumbled backwards, eyes wide as she took him in. The concerned look on his face made her start laughing.

“My apologies, I was a bit lost in thought. Are you alright?” She paused to look him over before smiling. He looked more than okay to her, he was positively glowing. He was so beautiful, it was really unfair.

“Shall we go?” She asked, looping her arm through his.

[robingrafton]

Robin made his way towards the place Lacey and him agreed to meet, his hand holding a ring, clutching it for dear life as if it was going to slip away if he held it any lesser. He knew he wanted to do this privately, without an audience he felt less nervous, but he was still full of anxiety nonetheless.

Today he would ask his lovely Lacey to finally marry him, and he would put this family ring on her and he would finally bring them together. He couldn't stand not being married to her anymore, and after Jacaerys and Baela's wedding, seeing how happy the two of them were, he knew it was time.

Robin was sure of their love for each other, yet he still felt nervous about what her reaction would be. He hoped this wasn't too much pressure to put onto her... and he hoped she wished to be married as much as he did. He could not stop himself from thinking about every terrible possibility that could come from this, as well as what she was doing at this current moment. Was she alone? Was she safe? He began to walk faster, not wanting to leave her to herself for a moment longer. He made sure to put the ring in his pocket so she would not see it until he was ready to ask her.

With his thoughts so rampant and his walk more of a run, he suddenly bumped into something, or, someone. Seeing it was his lovely Lacey who he had collided with, suddenly he panicked. Had he hurt her? Was she okay?

"Lacey!" He said, startled. But her sweet laugh came, melting his heart. "Oh, I am perfectly fine. And you, my lovely lady? I did not mean to bump into you." He examined her for a moment, admiring her beautiful smile. He gave a calm smile back, closing his eyes and feeling her arm loop through his.

"Yes, let us be on our way." He started to lead them on their walk, taking the two of them through a route that they were most familiar with. They often took these walks, and Robin was grateful for that. Being with her gave him peace of mind, which was rare for him.

"So, have you any big news to share? I have some. But I first want to hear what you have to say." He would wait until there was an opportunity to slip the ring onto her finger and ask, or perhaps he was stalling, or both. He wasn't sure, but he wanted to hear her speak before he did this, as he knew it would calm him further to listen to her.

[ladylaceyvance]

She assured him she was fine and tried to keep the raging butterflies in her stomach at bay at his announcement of news. Walking alongside Robin she tried to think of a good way to phrase her request. She didn’t want to tip him off to her present plans but she didn’t want him to be worried either. She kept getting distracted by his words. Robin said he has big news, what could it be? It’ll be perfect no matter what. She looked at him longingly, even when they were together she wanted to be closer to him.

Despite the chill in the air, it was nice outside. The sky was overcast but not dark with looming clouds, just a pale gray that shaded them from the sun. A light wind blew, kissing her cheeks pink. Lacey found she loved winter now that it was settling in. The world was quiet and calm for once. It felt like she and Robin were the only two on the grounds.

Looking out at the frosted garden she decided to just go for it. “Well I was wondering if maybe we could host a little gathering with all our friends? I want to meet all your friends and I know the lady’s would love a reason to get together. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about.”

Of course Lacey had met most of Robin's friends but mostly in passing at a function or two. She wanted to sit down and talk with them. To hear them tell stories of Robin and see their dynamics play out live. And of course, give everyone a good opportunity to dress up for the occasion. It would be good to gather around and spend time together as a group.

“I don’t know if that’s something you’re interested in but I thought I would float the idea by you just in case.” She smiled at him, proud of herself for asking.

By now she was almost bursting with excitement to hear what he was going to say. Having gotten the small weight of the present situation off her shoulders she was just giddy to hear from him.

“I believe you said something about having news though right?” She lightly knocked her shoulder into his, her tone nearly singsong. Robin was always doing something interesting or thoughtful and she was eager to hear about what he was up to this time.

[ladylaceyvance]

Challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

On the rare chance Lacey is home at Wayfarer’s Rest, she can always be found in the cistern. The dark chamber beneath the castle collected fresh rainwater and stored it for convenient use later. But Lacey adored the small lit hallways that led to the dark room with the still water. The room was always cool and quiet. No one ever disturbed her there, except her lord father who often came to fetch her away. She would often use the free time to sketch or read but mostly she sits in quiet contemplation. Now that she is away from home more frequently, she cherishes the small moments she gets to visit the old room. Lacey found it a romantic idea to love a room no one else thought twice about. It was nice to have a room to herself every once in a while after living a busy court life.

[ladylaceyvance]

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆Winter Aesthetics ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

Lacey normally prefers to wear green, brown, and black gowns. She tends to gravitate towards colors that remind her of home, both the River lands and Dragon stone. During the winter however she shifts to vibrant blues, white, and gold. Due to her love of nature and outdoor walks, Lacey has an extensive wardrobe of winter cloaks. As is true no matter the season, Lacey tends to wear her hair down despite residing in the capital. She prefers to keep her jewelry confined to her hair and often weaves jewels into small braids, a tradition shared in the river lands.

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood with @robingrafton

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Lacey dressed quickly in a dark blue robe, hurriedly she pulled the hood up. Her blood was rushing so quickly she almost felt light headed. Robin had asked her to go for a walk earlier in the day and she was always over the moon to spend time with him. She especially enjoyed their walks together though. Robin was always so helpful when she wanted to catalog flowers or if she spent too long describing the characteristics of a tree. Most people would be bored of Lacey’s plant talk after a while but not Robin. He was the most patient and caring man in the world.

As Lacey finished getting ready she couldn’t help the butterflies going wild in her stomach. Robin wasn’t just the best partner out there, he was also an incredibly thoughtful friend. He always made time for her but it was true that he was often busy with his friends or family. So anytime they could spend a moment alone was precious to her. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she giggled at the light blush already dusting her cheeks. Smoothing her dress and clipping her robe closed, she left to find Robin. They had agreed to meet at the entrance to the royal gardens.

Lacey worked hard to slow her steps, she didn’t want to be out of breath when she arrived. So she took the time to study the winter scene outside the windows. As she did so she tried to think of a good gift for her love. He constantly considered others before himself and she wanted to give something back to him. Maybe she could ask a few of his friends what he would most like. She was very curious to hear what they would say and she was not ashamed to admit she was feeling nosy. She rarely had the chance to speak with any of his friends and she knew he was always acquiring more of them.

Thinking so intently she hadn’t even noticed she had arrived until she walked right into Robin. She gasped and stumbled backwards, eyes wide as she took him in. The concerned look on his face made her start laughing.

“My apologies, I was a bit lost in thought. Are you alright?” She paused to look him over before smiling. He looked more than okay to her, he was positively glowing. He was so beautiful, it was really unfair.

“Shall we go?” She asked, looping her arm through his.

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @lady-of-knives

݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

Lacey’s face hurt from how hard she had been smiling all day and as the sun lowered behind the horizon and gave way to dusk, she found herself unable to stop. The wedding ceremony had been so beautiful and she was over the moon to have spent the afternoon with her betrothed, Robin. Now, she sat at a busy table full of other lords and ladies who were all talking loudly. Some were boasting of their own successful marriages, while others teased about illicit affairs. There was an overall air of romance that permeated the space, shrouding them all into a dreamier headspace. Which was why Lacey could instantly make out that horrible slimy voice as it drifted towards her. She would recognize it anywhere over any background noise, Larys.

Lacey stiffened in her seat but tried not to outwardly react to the man. Her insides were twisting with rage but she suppressed that feeling to listen closely to his words. It was one word in particular that had drawn her attention in the first place, witch. She felt like hissing hearing that poisonous lie drip from his grimy lips. Larys had started the rumor that Lacey was hexing people and the leather bound book she carried was full of names of people who displeased her. While she wished it were that easy to get rid of people full of ill will, her notebook was full of flower names and illustrations. Rather boring in comparison but it was precious to her, she loved to catalog flowers with her sister, Jyanna.

“It’s that girl, Berena. I just worry about her proximity to the future queen… Well, is that the kind of influence you want for the realm?”

Forgetting herself and their environment, Lacey stood abruptly. Her chair clattered to the ground from the force of it. Without wasting a glance at that waste of air, Lacey began looking for the lady in question.

Lacey was not close to Lady Berena, in fact she could not recall ever having talked to her. Sure, she’d seen her around as she was one of Baela’s lady’s but they didn’t seem to share anything in common. She circled the ground several times trying to find the lady but at last she gave up. Vowing to herself that she would find the lady immediately after, she left to find Robin and enjoy the last of the wedding celebrations.

***

Walking swiftly down the hall Lacey glanced behind her to be sure no one was following her. She’d decided against telling anyone else about Larys’ words. That was what he wanted after all, to stir up a big fuss over nothing. Lacey was determined that did not happen. So she’d waited and bided her time. Now she was sure where the lady stayed; she was making a midnight journey to clue her in. Personality differences aside, Lacey would not let anyone be slandered behind their backs, she had a right to know what was being said about her.

She was nervous about telling her anyway, picking at her fingers and ripping her cuticles to shreds. There was a chance Berena would just laugh in her face, tell her she was silly to care about petty court rumors. And if it were anyone else, she would agree. But Larys was slick and had a way of creating chaos that was worrying. Not to mention her mothers suspicions about Larys having a hand in Harwins death. She shuddered just to consider the kind of havoc he could spread using the ladies' proclivity for a darker aesthetic. So despite her overwhelming anxiety she knocked on the ladies door and prayed she was still awake or at the very least, a light sleeper.

[lady-of-knives-deactivated20260]

It had been so crowded at the feast, so hot, so noisy. Berena rubbed at her temples, feeling the headache finally begin to abate. She should have been talking to the other lords and ladies in attendance, Branda certainly would have been. It had been a good opportunity for all manner of things, and she'd wasted it yet again.

The sky outside was black, entirely devoid of stars. The candle on her desk had melted to a stub, and with a sigh Berena got up too blow it out. That was when she heard it. A faint knock that made her freeze, wondering if she'd imagined the sound. Back in the North, the Dreadfort was forever creaking and wailing in the night, and Branda had once told Barba that the wind howling outside was a chorus of the souls the Bolton's had flayed, tortured and killed over the centuries.

King's Landing was not like that. The night was never completely silent, but the faint buzz from the streets wasn't particularly haunting.

There it was again. No, Berena hadn't imagined it. She straightened up, smoothing down the front of her dress. Oh gods, how was she to explain that? Were she in the North, she'd be in a nightgown, but the maid hadn't been waiting when she'd arrived in her room, and she hadn't made any attempt to remove her dress by herself. She doubted the explanation of her inability to sleep would be taken well...

"Yes, yes, I'm here!" she called as the knocking started up for the third time, just a tad more insistent now. Striding across the room and pulling open the door, Berena was met with the visage of Lady Lacey, one of the Vance girls.

"Lady Lacey," she greeted, stepping back as she fully opened the door. "The hour is late, as I am sure you are aware, but... would you like to come in?"

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey waited on pins and needles for the door to open, for several moments nothing happened. As she lightly rapped against the door again, a voice rang out.

“Yes, yes, I’m here.”

Lacey braced herself, straightening her shoulders and taking a deep breath. The door opened to reveal the lady gazing at her questioningly. “Lady Lacey,” she stepped back to open the door fully. “The hour is late, as I’m sure you're aware, but would you like to come in?”

Internally Lacey was so relieved, she’d been afraid of having to stand out in the hall to have this conversation. She gave Berena a tight smile and agreed.

“I’m sorry to bother you so late.” The two of them stepped inside where the lady swiftly closed the door and drew her attention towards where Lacey stood. “I didn’t know when else to approach you about this and I think it’s best we not be overheard.”

Lacey fidgeted with her dress unconsciously, pulling at the beads of embroidery. It was unlike her to be so cryptic as she was normally very upfront with people but this was a touchy subject for her. She was trying her best not to let the rage she felt seep into her tone.

“I think it's best I just come out right and say it, I overheard a nasty rumor about you. I don’t mean to spread gossip and normally I would just ignore it…”

Moving towards the lowlit fire she tried to think of the best way to explain the situation. Larys worked hard to ensure he looked like a small, simpering and weak man but she knew how the rot permeated through him. She decided to just lay all of her cards out on the table, if Lady Berena laughed her out of the room she could deal with that then.

“The man who started the rumor, Larys, implied you were poisoning Lady Baela’s mind. That we ought to be concerned with the influence of a woman like you on the future queen. He called you a witch.”

She waited to see the lady’s reaction to the words before she rushed to continue. She was unsure of how Berena was taking the news, unfamiliar with her as she was.

“You deserve to know what he’s spreading about you and you aren’t the first. He has a sick obsession with pitting ladies against each other, he hopes to weaken us through lies and subterfuge. He just so happens to be slimy enough to play both sides.” Her face burned red as she thought about the smug man, so self assured and destructive.

“I don’t mean to lay my feud at your feet.” She said at last, feeling she’d gone too far into extraneous details. “I would tell anyone about the foul things I heard him say but I knew it was especially important here. Larys likes to learn people, figure out what makes them tick. Then he uses those things to make his lies seem plausible.”

Now her nervousness was back in full force. This was a delicate subject and she was out of her depth. She barreled on regardless, not giving the lady a second to respond.

Soft as a whisper she said, “The Dreadfort has a reputation as storied as Harrenhal. The north is far away from here, its customs strange and unnerving to a great deal of people. It’s old bigotry and I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about it. But Larys will use that to leverage his ideas about you.”

Lacey paused then and took a deep breath feeling some of the weight she’d been carrying fall off her shoulders. Then she finally, blessedly, gave the lady a moment to think and process the information. Feeling somewhat reckless she added, “We could make him pay.” Her voice was hard as she gazed in the fire thinking of her uncle and the lick of flames engulfing him. “Larys deserves retribution.”

Tearing her eyes from the fire she smiled at the lady and waited to hear the verdict. She hoped she hadn’t come off in an off putting manner but she had no idea how else to broach the subject.

[lady-of-knives-deactivated20260]

Witchcraft...

Her mother had warned her about this, her knowledge of Southron prejudice much more varied than Berena's. Growing up in the Neck, Lady Serena had seen much of it firsthand.

"They think our gods and traditions strange," she'd told Berena before the journey to King's Landing. "And what they don't understand, they fear."

Berena had been expecting something like this at least once while South. She just... she hadn't expected it to come so soon.

"How long has Lord Larys been doing this? Indulging his 'sick obsession' with pitting ladies of the court against one another?" Berena questioned. She certainly believed it was something he was capable of, she'd seen him weave his web at court before.

Moving before Lady Lacey could answer, she began to get out new candles, the good ones from the Vale. "Forgive me for my inattention, Lady Lacey," Berena threw over her shoulder as she pried the old candles out of their settings. "I just have a feeling we're in for a long night."

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey stood there silent for a moment rather taken aback by the lady’s response. She wasn’t being laughed out of the room, she was being taken seriously. Pulling herself together she thought about how to reply. Larys had always been this way as far as she or anyone else could tell. Her mother could probably paint a more realistic portrait of when he started pitting ladies against each other. But none of that was strictly important right now. She sighed, annoyed at herself.

“Honestly? Longer than we’ve been alive. It’s light work for him now. Some ladies are easily distracted, those who are prideful or ambitious almost always end up involved in one of his fiascoes.”

Feeling more comfortable and relieved that she would not be making an immediate exit, Lacey dared to take a seat at the small sitting table in the room.

“Larys thrives on ignorance. On keeping people all confused and anxious about half truths. People's own biases do the rest of the work.”

It was a frustrating truth she’d had to face; Larys knew people. He knew what moved them, what motivated them. He knew what they wanted and how to manipulate them towards his own ends without breaking a sweat. Lacey was not as good as reading people and found it morally wrong to manipulate them. Not that she was a saint but she did try her best to be honest with people, sometimes to her own detriment. Lies thrived in the dark, in the unknown. It was best to be clear about things when possible.

She knew she was taking too long to think but in the midst of her pondering she could faintly hear rain hitting the windows. It made her homesick.

“He’s good.” She admitted begrudgingly. “I’m not entirely sure what we could do to stop him. Unless you know of a fun and engaging way to inform the public of boring truths. Something they all detest and don’t want to bother with.”

Lacey loved being at court but it was exhausting trying to deal with so many differing personalities. She wondered how Berena was coping with court life.

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @lady-of-knives

݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

Lacey’s face hurt from how hard she had been smiling all day and as the sun lowered behind the horizon and gave way to dusk, she found herself unable to stop. The wedding ceremony had been so beautiful and she was over the moon to have spent the afternoon with her betrothed, Robin. Now, she sat at a busy table full of other lords and ladies who were all talking loudly. Some were boasting of their own successful marriages, while others teased about illicit affairs. There was an overall air of romance that permeated the space, shrouding them all into a dreamier headspace. Which was why Lacey could instantly make out that horrible slimy voice as it drifted towards her. She would recognize it anywhere over any background noise, Larys.

Lacey stiffened in her seat but tried not to outwardly react to the man. Her insides were twisting with rage but she suppressed that feeling to listen closely to his words. It was one word in particular that had drawn her attention in the first place, witch. She felt like hissing hearing that poisonous lie drip from his grimy lips. Larys had started the rumor that Lacey was hexing people and the leather bound book she carried was full of names of people who displeased her. While she wished it were that easy to get rid of people full of ill will, her notebook was full of flower names and illustrations. Rather boring in comparison but it was precious to her, she loved to catalog flowers with her sister, Jyanna.

“It’s that girl, Berena. I just worry about her proximity to the future queen… Well, is that the kind of influence you want for the realm?”

Forgetting herself and their environment, Lacey stood abruptly. Her chair clattered to the ground from the force of it. Without wasting a glance at that waste of air, Lacey began looking for the lady in question.

Lacey was not close to Lady Berena, in fact she could not recall ever having talked to her. Sure, she’d seen her around as she was one of Baela’s lady’s but they didn’t seem to share anything in common. She circled the ground several times trying to find the lady but at last she gave up. Vowing to herself that she would find the lady immediately after, she left to find Robin and enjoy the last of the wedding celebrations.

***

Walking swiftly down the hall Lacey glanced behind her to be sure no one was following her. She’d decided against telling anyone else about Larys’ words. That was what he wanted after all, to stir up a big fuss over nothing. Lacey was determined that did not happen. So she’d waited and bided her time. Now she was sure where the lady stayed; she was making a midnight journey to clue her in. Personality differences aside, Lacey would not let anyone be slandered behind their backs, she had a right to know what was being said about her.

She was nervous about telling her anyway, picking at her fingers and ripping her cuticles to shreds. There was a chance Berena would just laugh in her face, tell her she was silly to care about petty court rumors. And if it were anyone else, she would agree. But Larys was slick and had a way of creating chaos that was worrying. Not to mention her mothers suspicions about Larys having a hand in Harwins death. She shuddered just to consider the kind of havoc he could spread using the ladies' proclivity for a darker aesthetic. So despite her overwhelming anxiety she knocked on the ladies door and prayed she was still awake or at the very least, a light sleeper.

[lady-of-knives-deactivated20260]

It had been so crowded at the feast, so hot, so noisy. Berena rubbed at her temples, feeling the headache finally begin to abate. She should have been talking to the other lords and ladies in attendance, Branda certainly would have been. It had been a good opportunity for all manner of things, and she'd wasted it yet again.

The sky outside was black, entirely devoid of stars. The candle on her desk had melted to a stub, and with a sigh Berena got up too blow it out. That was when she heard it. A faint knock that made her freeze, wondering if she'd imagined the sound. Back in the North, the Dreadfort was forever creaking and wailing in the night, and Branda had once told Barba that the wind howling outside was a chorus of the souls the Bolton's had flayed, tortured and killed over the centuries.

King's Landing was not like that. The night was never completely silent, but the faint buzz from the streets wasn't particularly haunting.

There it was again. No, Berena hadn't imagined it. She straightened up, smoothing down the front of her dress. Oh gods, how was she to explain that? Were she in the North, she'd be in a nightgown, but the maid hadn't been waiting when she'd arrived in her room, and she hadn't made any attempt to remove her dress by herself. She doubted the explanation of her inability to sleep would be taken well...

"Yes, yes, I'm here!" she called as the knocking started up for the third time, just a tad more insistent now. Striding across the room and pulling open the door, Berena was met with the visage of Lady Lacey, one of the Vance girls.

"Lady Lacey," she greeted, stepping back as she fully opened the door. "The hour is late, as I am sure you are aware, but... would you like to come in?"

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey waited on pins and needles for the door to open, for several moments nothing happened. As she lightly rapped against the door again, a voice rang out.

“Yes, yes, I’m here.”

Lacey braced herself, straightening her shoulders and taking a deep breath. The door opened to reveal the lady gazing at her questioningly. “Lady Lacey,” she stepped back to open the door fully. “The hour is late, as I’m sure you're aware, but would you like to come in?”

Internally Lacey was so relieved, she’d been afraid of having to stand out in the hall to have this conversation. She gave Berena a tight smile and agreed.

“I’m sorry to bother you so late.” The two of them stepped inside where the lady swiftly closed the door and drew her attention towards where Lacey stood. “I didn’t know when else to approach you about this and I think it’s best we not be overheard.”

Lacey fidgeted with her dress unconsciously, pulling at the beads of embroidery. It was unlike her to be so cryptic as she was normally very upfront with people but this was a touchy subject for her. She was trying her best not to let the rage she felt seep into her tone.

“I think it's best I just come out right and say it, I overheard a nasty rumor about you. I don’t mean to spread gossip and normally I would just ignore it…”

Moving towards the lowlit fire she tried to think of the best way to explain the situation. Larys worked hard to ensure he looked like a small, simpering and weak man but she knew how the rot permeated through him. She decided to just lay all of her cards out on the table, if Lady Berena laughed her out of the room she could deal with that then.

“The man who started the rumor, Larys, implied you were poisoning Lady Baela’s mind. That we ought to be concerned with the influence of a woman like you on the future queen. He called you a witch.”

She waited to see the lady’s reaction to the words before she rushed to continue. She was unsure of how Berena was taking the news, unfamiliar with her as she was.

“You deserve to know what he’s spreading about you and you aren’t the first. He has a sick obsession with pitting ladies against each other, he hopes to weaken us through lies and subterfuge. He just so happens to be slimy enough to play both sides.” Her face burned red as she thought about the smug man, so self assured and destructive.

“I don’t mean to lay my feud at your feet.” She said at last, feeling she’d gone too far into extraneous details. “I would tell anyone about the foul things I heard him say but I knew it was especially important here. Larys likes to learn people, figure out what makes them tick. Then he uses those things to make his lies seem plausible.”

Now her nervousness was back in full force. This was a delicate subject and she was out of her depth. She barreled on regardless, not giving the lady a second to respond.

Soft as a whisper she said, “The Dreadfort has a reputation as storied as Harrenhal. The north is far away from here, its customs strange and unnerving to a great deal of people. It’s old bigotry and I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about it. But Larys will use that to leverage his ideas about you.”

Lacey paused then and took a deep breath feeling some of the weight she’d been carrying fall off her shoulders. Then she finally, blessedly, gave the lady a moment to think and process the information. Feeling somewhat reckless she added, “We could make him pay.” Her voice was hard as she gazed in the fire thinking of her uncle and the lick of flames engulfing him. “Larys deserves retribution.”

Tearing her eyes from the fire she smiled at the lady and waited to hear the verdict. She hoped she hadn’t come off in an off putting manner but she had no idea how else to broach the subject.

[rhaenaspearls]

Best Believe I’m Still Bejeweled

(Starter @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood Girlie Time Group-Thread)

There is a certain comfort between a group of young women, unafraid to speak freely, taking comfort in one another’s presence, and shameless in a vanity that was expected to be a ever present and perfectly hidden. An intimacy only allowed around one another, in mind, body, and spirit, muscles unbound from the tension of propriety, and lips loosened to speak thoughts long restrained. A particular kind of divinity held within walls free from judgement, indiscretion, fear, and expectation, where a maiden’s fullest, truest version of herself could peek out from its hiding place nestled in the ribs behind her heart like the first flash of sunrise, and remind them that if there really is a touch of The Gods in each of us, they are far from the exception; those who seek to pry holiness from them only do so because they are the rule.

Rhaena was not a firm believer in any Faith, and unsure if she thought reverence served any point at all, but she had long since known that if deities existed their presence was most tangible in the the brightest pigments and dyes turned gowns the color of butterfly wings, the winks of glitter in crushed pearl powder, and the way her friends’ faces lit up when they were told they looked beautiful. She had long understood that amongst her family of politicians, schemers, power players, and leaders, she was not “special” in so far as excelling at any of the pursuits they considered most important, and yet she provided something none of the rest quite could; a pillar to hold the house of cards steady, a mender to sew back the pieces split apart by obligation and duty, and above all, a soft place to land.

“To us!” Rhaena raised a glass of rosé to the girls gathered in her chambers after she was sure the dye on her nails had hardened to a reasonable degree. “And to our very own little Court of Love and Beauty!!” She giggled at this, then tossed back a gulp of her wine, taking the moment to marvel at how there was nowhere else in the world she’d rather be right now. With her dearest, longest friend Lacey, and her quickest, perhaps now closest, Cerelle, her barely younger sister, Tyshara, seemingly happier and more at ease to be by her side than she had in months, Gysella, far and away the girl she was happiest to call her good-sister, and one of her favorite new fixtures at court, Myrielle, whom she had invited in specific hopes today would be the reason she could truly call the Lady-Regent of The Reach’s younger sister her friend.

“Now, my darlings, my lovies, considering my love is reserved for later in the day, and I have provided some rather spectacular returns on the element of beauty,” she laughed softly at this, gesturing vaguely at all the girls gathered in various states of half dress, hair setting in pin curls and other pre-styles to last throughout the night, nails, brows, and every other conceivable cosmetic detail in process, and every one of them given the run of her gray-market beauty stocks for the day, “I think it is officially in order to hear the updates on all of yours!”

Rhaena turned towards Lacey and Cerelle with a mischievous glow to her smile now, “And don’t think you two get a pass just because you’re both betrothed now and already help with all these potions. I want to hear wedding planning details, I want to hear how that little brother of yours is doing with that lovely little Templeton lady—we really should invite her next time someone please remind me to make a note of that—I need to know if we have a set date yet. Of course speaking of younger siblings I’m simply dying to hear how your latest visit to Fair Isle, Tyshara darling, and perhaps Lady Myrielle has something juicy up her sleeve with all those siblings of hers; although I really must admit what I truly wish to hear about is any intel on Lady Hightower’s own rumored wedding gown!”

“Now,” Rhaena snapped her fingers, signaling to all present they had things to do and she intended to make it all happen, “Gysella sweetling have you decided which color you want to use on your nails yet or shall I leave you to agonize while we see about getting Cerelle’s curls in order first?” There was a brief silence after Gysella was finally spurred to choose between her admittedly dizzying collection of nail dye shades, then Rhaena’s eyes flitted back towards Lacey. “How about we start with you and dear Robin, we could’ve talked half the night away from the sounds of just what we were able to get into yesterday! Would you be so kind as to humor me darling and pick up where we left off?”

// OOC: Group Thread Order (Mark your blog @ with a color if you’ve just written your turn) —

@rhaenaspearls @ladylaceyvance @gysellablacktyde

@tyshara-the-lioness @cerellelannister2 @myrielle-of-goldengrove

[ladylaceyvance]

Group thread for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

Lacey sat in Rhaena’s chambers surrounded by familiar faces and some newer ones. She was just bursting with excitement and joy to be here. Things had been so chaotic and hectic during the wedding celebrations, so it was nice to take a moment with all of the ladies. She was especially glad to see Lady Cerelle was present. Lacey still hoped her brother would stay on the more polished track he’d been pursuing lately. She wanted her future sister to have a happy and fulfilling marriage and she hoped they would be good friends as well.

Lacey was also happy to see Rhaena, of course. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day for them to spend quality time together. She knew Rhaena was always busy developing new beauty products, like the one they were using now. It was a beautiful and ingenious invention to dye the nails different colors. While that was impressive in and of itself, the real showstopper was the shimmery iridescent flakes in some of the colors. Lacey had never quite seen anything like it, reminiscent of firelight playing off a jewel. It made her heart swell with pride for her friend.

She was so happy for Rhaena, it was time she had something special and just for herself. She knew the lady loved to share but Lacey was glad to see the love between the pair.

The six of them were gathering together, all in various forms of dress and readiness.

Rhaena raised her glass and said “To us! And to our very own little Court of Love and Beauty!!”

Lacey picked up her own glass and held it aloft, giggling along with the rest of the ladies. “To us! And to our gracious host, Westeros’ best beautician!”

Rhaena continued talking, making jokes but demanding answers. Quick and to the point she inquired about various aspects of their lives. Pinpointing each person with something vital and recent in their day to day. Rhaena was thoughtful and present. No matter how busy she was, she always had time for her friends.

After her rapid fire questioning she went into the business at hand, hair or nails? It was a comfortable atmosphere. So when Rhaena asked her to continue their conversation from the previous night, she did.

“You asked about our wedding planning. And well to be honest, I could use some help. Robin mentioned wanting to make our day grand and special.”

Lacey brushed her hair as she spoke, keeping her anxious fingers busy and away from her nails.

“I do want a special day, but I suppose I was thinking more of our vows. I just always see the wedding as an event to get through, one last barrier before we’re together.”

She sighed softly, thinking it over. She wasn’t the best at aesthetics, what if Robin really did want something as grand as Princess Baela’s?

“I told Robin we could be wed anywhere, I just want to be wed.”

Looking around the room she laughed at some of the expressions on the other ladies' faces. “Alright, alright. That was a bit dramatic! The only thing I’m confident in are the flowers, beyond that I’m hopeless!”

Lacey didn’t want to linger on her own problems so she tried to swing the conversation elsewhere.

“Enough of my nonsense, I’m sure Robin will love whatever I come up with. Lady Gysella, what about you? Any romance filling up your time?”

Lacey wagged her eyebrows, trying to keep the mood light and get the attention off of herself at the same time.

//OOC Group thread order

@rhaenaspearls

@ladylaceyvance

@gysellablacktyde

@tyshara-the-lioness

@cerellelannister2

@myrielle-of-goldengrove

[robingrafton]

future life together

( a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

starter with @ladylaceyvance

It was the time of the wedding feast, and Robin had made sure he grabbed the seat next to his betrothed, Lacey. He would not suffer being apart from Lacey for any longer than he needed to, and the craziness of the wedding, though very enjoyable, had him longing for her comforting presence more than ever. His lovely Lacey she was, as he liked to call her. There was many names he had given her, all in an attempt to praise her and make her feel special. But every time he saw her, the name " lovely Lacey" had popped into his head, and so it stuck.

Leaning back slightly in his chair, he looked at her from the corner of his eye, observing what she was eating. On his own plate in front of him was topped with his favorite food, apple cakes. Though it was not usual or proper to eat cakes before supper, Robin did so anyway. It was a feast after all, and he should be allowed to feast on whatever he liked, was the way he saw it. But when it came to Lacey, he carefully examined what she had on her own plate, making sure it was enough. He did not want her to be hungry, and he constantly was anxious over her health, to an almost obsessive degree.

He reached out to her, grabbing her hand from on top of the table, not caring who would see. "It is good to sit down with you, after all of the excitement." With his free hand, he took a sip of wine. Placing his goblet down next to his plate and their linked hands, he turned his face fully towards her.

"It is nice to see the pair finally wedded..." While the words were entirely true, his thoughts trailed off to his own future. His own future wedding, with Lacey. Though he was no Prince or Princess of the realm, he hoped he could make their wedding just as memorable and meaningful as this one had been. He hoped he could give her everything she had ever wanted and more. Because she had already given him that much.

"One day we will have a wedding as beautiful as this, I promise you. Even if not as grand, I will make ours perfect. Though, with you as the bride, it is already perfect enough for me." He squeezed her hand, trying to communicate the sincerity of his words. That no matter what, just being next to her was his idea of perfect.

"How are you feeling after all of these events? Tired? Hungry? Please, eat, don't let my conversation stop you." While nothing had seemed out of the ordinary with Lacey, he still felt it was of utmost importance that he made absolutely sure she was alright. It lessened his anxiety when she gave him a verbal acknowledgement or even a nod of the head that she was fine.

[ladylaceyvance]

Thread with @robingrafton for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

Lacey sat at the packed table still miffed about her earlier interaction with Larys but all of her worries melted away when her betrothed, Robin, spoke to her.

"It is nice to see the pair finally wedded..."

Robin trailed off and Lacey knew he hadn’t said his fill yet. She waited lovingly for him to say what he really meant.

“One day we will have a wedding as beautiful as this, I promise you. Even if not as grand, I will make ours perfect. Though, with you as the bride, it is already perfect enough for me."

As he squeezed her hand she felt her stomach explode into a million tiny fluttering wings. Robin was a poet at the best of times, always weaving words together in a splendid symphony that would give anyone weak knees. But there was something especially heartwarming about his vision of their future together. Lacey often felt overwhelmed with joy in his presence, her heart squeezing painfully at the thought of a life built together. They would have years and years to be together and she could think of no better vision. Robin continued talking and she could listen to the smooth timbre of his voice all night.

“How are you feeling after all of these events? Tired? Hungry? Please, eat, don't let my conversation stop you."

She leaned her shoulder against his, bumping into him playfully. “Our wedding is inconsequential to me, Robin. Of course I want to celebrate our love…” she paused looking up at him and smiling. “But I really just want to spend my time with you. I’d have a private ceremony out in the fields if it meant we were wed already.”

Lacey was often outgoing, spending her time helping others and trying to improve the realm in any small way she could. But privately she was reclusive, never fully sharing her thoughts with anyone. She didn’t feel burdened that way when she was with Robin though, so she spoke truthfully.

“The wedding was magnificent and I had a great time.”

He gave her that knowing look that meant he knew she was holding back. She smiled despite herself.

“I suppose I’m just ready for a bit of normalcy after all of the glamor. After everything is settled, you’ll come to the gardens with Jyanna and I, right? I still need your help with a passage for the bluebell.”

She furrowed her brow, deep in thought over the illustration she’d painstakingly drawn and dyed for the pretty blue flowers. Robin was better at writing than she was, she had no doubt he’d come up with something beautiful. Her face soothed over as she glanced back up at him. How lucky she was to have him all to herself.

“Did you make any new friends during the games? I’ve been spending a lot of time around new faces these weeks. Come, tell me all about what the boys have been up to.”

[ladylaceyvance]

Starter for @lady-of-knives

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Lacey’s face hurt from how hard she had been smiling all day and as the sun lowered behind the horizon and gave way to dusk, she found herself unable to stop. The wedding ceremony had been so beautiful and she was over the moon to have spent the afternoon with her betrothed, Robin. Now, she sat at a busy table full of other lords and ladies who were all talking loudly. Some were boasting of their own successful marriages, while others teased about illicit affairs. There was an overall air of romance that permeated the space, shrouding them all into a dreamier headspace. Which was why Lacey could instantly make out that horrible slimy voice as it drifted towards her. She would recognize it anywhere over any background noise, Larys.

Lacey stiffened in her seat but tried not to outwardly react to the man. Her insides were twisting with rage but she suppressed that feeling to listen closely to his words. It was one word in particular that had drawn her attention in the first place, witch. She felt like hissing hearing that poisonous lie drip from his grimy lips. Larys had started the rumor that Lacey was hexing people and the leather bound book she carried was full of names of people who displeased her. While she wished it were that easy to get rid of people full of ill will, her notebook was full of flower names and illustrations. Rather boring in comparison but it was precious to her, she loved to catalog flowers with her sister, Jyanna.

“It’s that girl, Berena. I just worry about her proximity to the future queen… Well, is that the kind of influence you want for the realm?”

Forgetting herself and their environment, Lacey stood abruptly. Her chair clattered to the ground from the force of it. Without wasting a glance at that waste of air, Lacey began looking for the lady in question.

Lacey was not close to Lady Berena, in fact she could not recall ever having talked to her. Sure, she’d seen her around as she was one of Baela’s lady’s but they didn’t seem to share anything in common. She circled the ground several times trying to find the lady but at last she gave up. Vowing to herself that she would find the lady immediately after, she left to find Robin and enjoy the last of the wedding celebrations.

***

Walking swiftly down the hall Lacey glanced behind her to be sure no one was following her. She’d decided against telling anyone else about Larys’ words. That was what he wanted after all, to stir up a big fuss over nothing. Lacey was determined that did not happen. So she’d waited and bided her time. Now she was sure where the lady stayed; she was making a midnight journey to clue her in. Personality differences aside, Lacey would not let anyone be slandered behind their backs, she had a right to know what was being said about her.

She was nervous about telling her anyway, picking at her fingers and ripping her cuticles to shreds. There was a chance Berena would just laugh in her face, tell her she was silly to care about petty court rumors. And if it were anyone else, she would agree. But Larys was slick and had a way of creating chaos that was worrying. Not to mention her mothers suspicions about Larys having a hand in Harwins death. She shuddered just to consider the kind of havoc he could spread using the ladies' proclivity for a darker aesthetic. So despite her overwhelming anxiety she knocked on the ladies door and prayed she was still awake or at the very least, a light sleeper.

[ladylaceyvance]

Thread for @cerellelannister2

── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ──

Lacey was anxiously picking at her fingers as she walked through the dim halls of the Red Keep. A terrible habit she couldn’t seem to kick lately. She was stressed about her brother. William often found ways to absolutely drive her insane with rage. His lack of responsibility and general partying was an insult to their family. Lacey tried not to let herself get worked up over it but it was hard not to. How did her mother expect her to fix this? She wouldn’t be surprised at all if the lady Cerelle slammed the door in her face.

Lacey hardly knew the lady but she doubted her brother was considered a catch by Cerelle. The lady was beautiful and stylish, her blonde hair always impeccably done. But she hadn’t been around her very much at all, mostly catching glimpses of her around Lady Rhaena. She doubted the lady enjoyed the bawdy taverns her brother preferred to spend his time in. The thought made her angry all over again but she was trying to give her brother grace.

She smoothed her hands over her dress as she drew closer to the ladies quarters. It had taken some planning to figure out a good time to swing by, but she figured it would be best to catch the lady alone. She didn’t want the pressure of prying eyes sulling their chance to talk to each other. They were going to be sisters some day and Lacey was determined to try her best to make a good impression. She’d decided to come before dinner. Afternoon tea was over and usually ladies would take the time before dinner to prepare themselves. She hoped she’d timed it just right, so Cerelle was ready to leave but hadn’t left yet.

Lacey took a deep breath and asked the guard to announce her. It took a few moments for the door to open but the lady appeared at last in a beautiful blue gown. Lacey stood there for a moment slack jawed and in awe of the gown. She really had to take up sewing with the lady, or find out who her seamstress was. Then she snapped her jaw shut and cleared her throat.

“Lady Cerelle.” She said politely, giving her a tentative smile. “I was hoping we could walk together before supper.”

She waited anxiously, using all of her willpower not to pick at her fingers while she waited for her reply.

[ladylaceyvance]

Love in the Air

starter for @vvilliamvance. 

Lacey paced her chambers feeling frustrated. She was thinking over her mother’s words as she walked back and forth. She wondered if she would wear a path into the stone from the fervent pace she was setting. Her mother had informed her that William was to be wed. And to the lady Cerelle Lannister no less. Lacey liked Cerelle well enough, the lady was somewhat reserved at times but she had a wonderful sense of fashion that Lacey admired. Her mother had insisted that since they were both ladies in waiting for Princess Rhaena, it was appropriate that Lacey be a bit of an in-between messenger for the pair. She was not thrilled about the prospect but only because she did not expect her brother to listen to her. He never had before, why should he start now? Matters of the heart are not put aside that easily for duty, even if her mother wanted to pretend it was for the best. 

“Ugh!” Lacey drove the palms of her hands into her eyes, rubbing them swiftly before fixing her hair. There was nothing to be done about it, but to do it. So she set out to find her brother. It was still early afternoon so she was hopeful he was still in his chambers, likely still asleep. She rolled her eyes at the thought. If she tried to sleep until early afternoon her mother would fall to pieces. But there was no sense in running over that lamentful thought anymore than she already had. Instead she tried to think of what she would say to her brother. She came up empty, what did her mother want from her exactly? Hello brother, I know I got to choose who I marry and it happened to be the love of my life. But well, you don’t get that choice because you spent your youth partying instead of being responsible? Somehow she did not think that would go over well at all. 

Rounding the last corner she stood in front of her brother's door. She took a deep breath and steeled herself before she knocked. She did not expect an answer but was pleasantly surprised when the door swung open to admit her. Upon entering she was even more surprised to find her brother awake, alert and dressed. He leaned against the table in the room as she entered. 

“Hello brother, you look well.” She gazed about his room, noting the bed was made. He’d been up for some time then. She let her eyes flit over the room until she made her way back to her brother. 

“What do you want?”

She grimaced at his blunt question. So they were skipping the niceties were they? 

“Mother asked me to talk to you.” She admitted giving up all pretense of having come here of her own free will. She waited anxiously, twisting the fabric of her dress as she waited for him to respond. 

[vvilliamvance]

Was William happy with the direction his life was heading? Not at all.

He often thought about ways to escape the situation, but he knew that if he broke off the engagement with Cerelle Lannister, his honor would be called into question. He didn’t want anyone else to suffer the consequences of his actions, so he sought a solution where no one would get hurt — or at least, if someone had to, it would be him.

Because, deep down, William didn’t care much about what others thought. If he did, he wouldn’t have made the choices that led him to this dead end.

Already dressed, ready for another day where he had to show responsibility, William wanted to prove to his parents that he didn’t need to marry to show he could be serious.

He was interrupted by a knock at the door. Who wanted to talk to him at that hour? When he saw it was his younger sister, he sighed. It seemed the women in his house enjoyed talking to him at the most inconvenient times.

Though William loved his sister, and no one could deny that — he would die for his siblings, always striving to make their lives easier and more peaceful — on that day, stress and anxiety overwhelmed him. He wasn’t in the mood for a conversation.

Leaning against the table, arms crossed, he waited for her to speak. His mood, already sour, worsened when he realized she had come merely as a messenger.

Taking a deep breath, William tried to control his anger, ensuring it wasn’t directed at Lacey. "Of course… What does our mother want?" he asked, forcing a weak smile in an attempt to soften the negative feelings that consumed him.

[ladylaceyvance]

Lacey fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable under her brother's gaze. Why had she agreed to this again? Oh right, her mother hadn’t given her a choice. She let out a sigh and walked further into the room.

“How are you?” She genuinely wanted to know.

They had not spoken in some time, Lacey was usually with Princess Rhaena and the other ladies of the court. She wouldn’t see any of her family if her mother did not hunt her down on the regular. But it was hard to feel close to William, their lives were so distant from each other. Maybe this betrothal could be an opportunity for them to grow closer together. Lacey knew the lady Cerelle and often saw her around court. She had not had much time to talk with the lady but she had always admired her keen sense of fashion. What she had gleaned from their few interactions seemed to point towards a nice person. She hoped her brother would not sully that good will with his reckless behavior.

When her brother failed to reply she barreled on through, there was no sense in dragging this out longer than necessary. It was clear that neither of them wanted to be here. Frustration laced her spine. Why couldn’t they ever figure this out?

“You know how our mother is.” She let the statement hang there. Catching the knowing gleam in her brother’s eyes, she continued. “She’s worried.”

Lacey did not add that their mother was chiefly concerned he would cause a scene.

“But that’s not the only reason I came to talk to you.”

Their mother was overbearing at times and yes, she had come initially to get her off of her back. But she really did want her brother to have a happy and successful marriage.

“I know this betrothal is maybe not exactly what you expected or envisioned for your life. But Cerelle is a nice lady from what I gather. She’s stylish and beautiful as well. Really, I think this could be a wonderful thing for you.”

Lacey held up a hand, begging her brother to let her finish before he said his peace about it.

“Though I am not the closest to Lady Cerelle, I would be happy to speak with her on your behalf. I could propose a meet up between the two of you more organically than whatever engagement mother has planned. Just think about it, okay?”

Then Lacey gave up standing and took a seat at the table he’d been leaning against and waited anxiously to hear his reply.