Moon Soaked & Dawn Flavoured

Lady Laenah Lydden, 28              She’s a thunderstorm wrapped in b e a u t i f u l flesh,              looking to be felt and u n d e r s t o o d         in a world that loves sunny days

[laenahs]

H A R R Y   R I V E R S :

It had been awhile since Harry had felt at ease at a social event.  Ever since his legitimization, his schedule had been filled with ‘quaint gatherings’ that were anything but, ‘delightful evenings’ that felt like torture, and ‘modest dinners’ which contained more courses than he could count.  The load had lightened slightly after leaving the Reach soon after the doomed wedding, determined to keep a low profile (something that proved a smart idea, as while other were off being ransomed by Ironborn, Harry was at home in Stonehedge, continuing on with daily life), but as things returned to normal and people began to settle, Harry’s father had insisted that he rejoin the ranks of other Lords and Ladies in King’s Landing for the events celebrating the hostage’s returns. — But as he looked around the dimly lit but nicely decorated tavern, rented out by the Vale’s own Young Falcon, he thought this could be an event he could enjoy.

Despite his fondness of surroundings (a tavern? felt very familiar), Harry’s blue eyes could be seen constantly flicking towards the door, with every coming and going.  He had expected to see her at the event the day before, held by Queen Cersei, as he expected Laenah would most certainly attend the proper, sanctioned event.  But either she had not made an appearance or the two had missed each other.  So there Harry sat, rather hopelessly staring at the door, hoping that her nostalgia for their shared time in the Vale would lead her to the door of a Valeman’s party.

He had no idea what he would say to her, if she were to show up.  He had left rather quickly after the wedding–after going back for her at the wedding– so quickly, it was almost rude.  He had stayed around just long enough to count her as safe in his mind before he was off on his horse, sprinting down the Roseroad.

His eyes roamed the face of every woman who passed by, somehow wanting to believe that he had just missed her entrance.  But none passed the test, although the more ale he drank, the more they all started to look more and more like her.  

Uncertainty was not something that she was unfamiliar with, in fact she had become rather well acquainted with it over the years but never enough to grow comfortable in the unknown. It still filled her with a certain amount of dread, manifesting itself as nerves that she did her best to manage with grace. Such large social gatherings such as this only made her doubt herself even more when she truly had no idea what turns any evening would take. What questions about her father’s health she would have to dodge. She did her best to play the part of a lady, loyal daughter to her father but who truly wished to the daughter when she would be irrelevant as soon as her brother was of age. If her father were to suddenly regain his right mind she would cease to have a purpose then too.

Her position was precarious and she was all too aware of it, the situation helped none by the fact that Deep Den was under Targaryen rule instead of Lannister. Although the age of her brother had prevented them being removed from their home entirely, she had found she preferred moving with the large group, feeling far less displaced when she was surrounded by others who were constantly on the move.

Attending the previous night’s event had taken all her composure but with her father still unable to face such things someone had to represent their House. Despite the failings of the Lions, the Lyddens were still bannermen of the Lannisters. Still, her appearance had been fleeting when she had no real connections or allies within such ranks but she had hoped that this evenings affair would be different when she had spent enough time in The Vale to forge more than a handful of bonds.

Despite her small amount of confidence, steps were still tentative as she made her way into the inn. Dark eyes flickered around the crowd before a familiar face was spotted and her destination was soon known. “Is this seat taken?” Soft smile flickered over her lips and though she knew that she would always have far more to say to him than such simple questions, she never had managed to put her emotions into words the way that he deserved.

[laenahs]

aphrodite.

laughter-loving, sweet smiles, dressed in silk and satin, flower in their hair, sees the world as a runway, unapologetically sexual, the sea washing their ankles, in love with love, stirrer of passion, cunning concealed by painted lips, secret daggers, doves, revolution in their kiss, delighting in the waves, flirtatious winks, strolling along the beach, staring wistfully from a balcony, this is how to be a heartbreaker, wants to be adored, gets turned on by danger.

apollo.  

glitz and glamour, art galleries, turning the volume up, being made of gold, neatly-organized music sheets, notebooks filled with poetry, bathing in the sunlight, the powerful urge to create, collecting vinyl records, beautiful cover of wonderwall, playing multiple instruments, tasting like sunshine, healing touch, speaking in prophecies, smile mingled with wrath,shunning lies, sporting shades, hanging out at music festivals with their friends, sleeps naked, arrow to the heart, paint brushes, probably has a tinder account

ares.  

armed for battle, wants to raise a dog with their significant other, soft spot for children, gives piggyback rides, scarred body, blood on their hands and face, willing to fight the world for the ones they love, fights against injustice, warm hugs, well-worn combat boots, boxing gloves, bandages wrapped around bruised knuckles, fist raised in protest, ignites revolutions, fear is a prison, more sensitive than what their tough shell would have you think, exhausted, damaged goods, force to be reckoned with, red roses, curses under their breath.

artemis.  

keen sense of a hunter, freckles like constellations on their skin, piercing eyes, disheveled braid, moonlight peeking through the shadows, the calm of the forest at night, lying on the grass and staring at the stars, mother doe and her fawn, protecting their kin, the moon shimmering on a still lake, quiver full of arrows resting against the bark of a tree, running with wolves, bonding while circled around a campfire, not being much of a people person, arrow hitting a target, popping egos, patience on 3%, touches heaven and returns howling

athena.

discerning gaze, unreadable face, quiet museums, owl perched on their finger, armor that intimidates, eye for architecture, plays the sims for the sole purpose of building houses, studied the blade while everyone else was busy getting laid, big fan of logic, loves brain teasers, ancient buildings, sweaters in neutrals and cool colors,  hair done up, can kill you with their brain, heads to the library often to research, sharpened pencils, abs that can cut steel, stoic statues, pottery classes

demeter.  

soil-covered hands, smile that can bloom flowers, skin loved by the sun, being the mom-friend, can lift you and your friends, flowers kept in the pockets of overalls, takes pride in their beautiful garden, speaks to their plants, leaves rustling in the wind, stalks of wheat, picking fruit, greenhouses, heart as strong as a mountain, values simplicity, daisies dotted across a collarbone, curls crowned with flowers, folded pile of sweaters in warm hues, pulling out fresh-baked bread out of the oven and the smell wafting through the air

dionysus.  

drunk shitposter, on their sixth glass of wine before you’ve even finished your second, seductive smirks, untamed curls, rich fabrics on dark skin, sleek-furred panthers, theater masks, stage productions,  receiving a standing ovation,  rose caught between their teeth, being the baby of the bunch, wild parties that last from sundown to sunup, creeping vines, inspiring loyalty, grand opera houses,  masquerade balls,  rolls of film, shattered chandeliers with broken glass scattered across the wine-spilled floor, pouring champagne into flutes, lives for the applause

hephaestus.  

the calloused hands of someone who knows labor, sweaty brow, flame burning in their eyes, inventive mind, broad shoulders, steampunk goggles, nuts and bolts stored away in little boxes, ashes, striking a match, blueprints for future projects, fixing up a busted up car and giving it cool upgrades, wrestles with bitterness, work boots have seen better years, wrinkled plaid shirts, iron melted in blazing fire, huge jackets, crafting masterpieces, greased-stained overalls, fascination with robotics, pain is fuel, stack of weaponry, even their muscles have muscles

hera.

resting bitch face, dressed to the nines, cows grazing on a pasture, cool rain, loving and hating fiercely, hand clutching a string of pearls, large chandelier with glittering crystals, plays the sims for the sole purpose of killing off their sims, romance to realism, pictures of the sky while flying on a plane, files that under fuck it, downs glasses of wine as they relax with a scented bubble bath and netflix, like their selfie or you’re grounded, knows 57 convenient ways to murder a man, dark eyes that penetrate your soul, marble and gold

hermes.  

devil-may-care smile, always up-to-date on the latest technology, will steal your french fries, does it for the vine, shitposter, puts googly eyes on everything, meme hoarder, long drives on the highway, ma and pop diners, spontaneous road trips, folded maps, fingers dancing across the keyboard of a laptop, shooting hoops on the basketball court, chatting up strangers as you all journey to your own destinations, goes jogging in the morning, mixes redbull with coffee, menace on april fool’s, hoodies and sneakers.

poseidon.

storm with skin, colorful coral reefs, waves crashing against the shore, stroking the soft fur of a cat, their heart pounding as their horse’s gentle trot speeds into a gallop, tousled locks, clothes smeared with paint, owns several sketchbooks yet always yearns to own more, leather jackets, fondness for diy projects, handwriting that flows across the page, nimble fingers playing the strings of a violin, velvety singing voice that haunts your dreams, mood as ever-changing as the sea, the roar of a motorcycle, compass with a spinning arrow

zeus.

thunder in their heart, running on coffee, flash of lightning, natural charisma, eloquence, badass in a nice suit, aficionado of history, force of nature, lenny face, nightmare-filled nights, proud arm around their lover’s waist, high-rise buildings, planes soaring through a cloudless sky, technician on the piano, maintains order, strong handshake, juggling multiple events on their busy schedule with ease, expensive watch

[lizzieforbes]

[laenahs]

There was no denying that Highgarden was a beautiful place and more than lived up the the tales of its finery. In truth perhaps it exceeded them for it had undoubtedly surpassed her own expectations formed from her imagining the place. With all the festivities that had taken place when she had initially arrived she had not been able to sate her curiosity about what secrets the venue held. It was only once everyone seemed to have retreated to their factions once more that she felt as though she was able to indulge the part of her that longed to see all that The Reach had to offer.

For a time her tentative explorations had kept her mind from the deaths that had plagued them all, seemingly no one safe nor immune to the sadness that they had brought with them. It had proven to be far too much of a reminder of the one death in her life that she had never truly recovered from. There was not a day went by that did not miss her mother and with each passing year as her memories grew fainter the ache in her chest seemed only to grow, as though it was slowly replacing what images she had left. She had taken to visiting the rose gardens when she was not needed elsewhere, knowing that they were far removed from her mother’s home but still the quiet gave her that much needed time for reflection and remembrance.

Upon the sound of footsteps reaching her ears she was broken from her reverie, hands instantly reaching to smooth her skirts when she did not wish to give the impression that she was too wild for such a place. She formed a polite smile on her lips and soft words soon left them without properly turning to see who it was that she was addressing. “Have you come to enjoy the gardens too? Or perhaps simply the peace of them?” 

@ofnymeros

[laenahs]

H A R R Y    R I V E R S :

After a fairly brief and painful interaction with a northern lady outside the stables, Harry was, what most people would call “in the clear”.  He had his horse, an open road uncrowded by people fleeing the party and the opportunity to be off before anyone else saw him.  It was only after a few moments on his horse did the sudden vision of thick brows knitted together in confusion, and brown eyes flicking from potential danger to danger hit him.  Laenah.  She was alone.  No husband or father or brother to keep her out of the fray or watch her back.  And with barely a thought more, the reins of Harry’s horse were being directed back towards Highgarden, and the heels in the horses side dictated a ferocious pace.  Upon arrival, Harry could see that the bedlam had spread from the courtyard where the reception took place, calling out her name to no avail, he suddenly thought the task of finding Laenah in the middle of it all would be near impossible.  But he had to at least try.  Batting people away like they were nothing more than flies on a hot day, Harry made his way further and further into the madness, the crowds getting thicker and more panicked the deeper he got.  A flicker of green caught his eye through the rushing of people, and the breath he didn’t know he had been holding finally rose from his chest.  

“Laenah!” He called out, his words accompanied by a waving of his arm as he tried to pry his way through the throng of people.  “Stay there!”  he couldn’t be sure if he had been able to catch her attention, and if he had, if his words could be heard above the cacophony of it all.

Confusion was rife around her with fists flying everywhere and colours and sigils all mingling as one. She wondered if that was the most united they had all ever been - brought together by the panic caused. Her own nerves were beginning to fray as she struggled to see a way out of it all when there was so much chaos and pathways through the madness were created and destroyed within seconds. It’s only when she almost imagines hearing her voice that she turns and gaze searched the crowd before landing up a welcome sight. “Harry.” His name is more exhaled than said as relief rushed through her that she had not been entirely abandoned. 

A swell of noise swallowed whatever words left his words next. She saw them moving but no sound reached her. Unable to heed any warning or instructions he might have intended for her, she was left to simple turn her attention back to the growing fray around her. It quickly became apparent that staying where she was would be impossible if she wanted to avoid getting caught up in the fighting. The usual hesitancy that overcame her was set aside after seeing him, knowing that someone had come for her but also serving as a reminder that she had never been defenceless or helpless. Reserved perhaps but never entirely dependent on another. Determination pushed her through the crowds to where she had last seen Harry only to find that she had gone too far. With a quick glance around Laenah believed she’d found him and darted forward to grab his hand or arm.

[laenahs]

Death had found its way to Highgarden in full force and if she had been uneasy in the place to begin with that feeling had only intensified tenfold with every sombre announcement made. If such a thing as luck existed she supposed for once it had been on her side when she had not lost anyone close to her in the killings. Of course it did not mean that the deaths left her unmoved, quite the contrary when she knew the impact the loss of a loved one could have. The loss of her own mother still weighed heavily upon her even over a decade later and her heart went out to all of those who had been affected.

Even though she was more than slightly sympathetic, she knew that there was little she could do to  be of use when either the grieving had no knowledge of who she was or they were being tended to by their own.It left her at a loss for something to do when it somehow felt wrong to indulge in idol conversation at such a time. Instead she found herself exploring one of the seemingly endless gardens, only to happen upon someone else doing the same. “Forgive me, please.” Dark eyes had widened upon taking note of the silver hair and a graceful curtsy was quickly given out of respect. “I did not mean to intrude upon your quiet, your grace.”

@the-first-of-her-name

[tmh-gloucester]

[laenahs]

Her seat had been so far removed from the throng of activity that at first she was not sure what all the commotion was about. It had started with horrified gasps, then shrieks had filled the room even all the way to where she was sat and then sheer panic had broken out everywhere. There was little deduction needed to assume that something terrible had happened but what exactly that might have been was lost on her as she soon found herself caught up in some sort of fray breaking out. Fists were sent flying, tables overturned and while everyone else seemed to have someone else to watch their back, Laenah found herself with no one. As calmly as she could she tried to back away from it all, eyes searching for the nearest exit as she did but to seemingly no avail. Instead she was left quite literally with her back up against the wall hoping that no one’s attention would turn her way.

@ofbracken

[laenahs]

S A N S A    S T A R K :

Courteous conversation was a topic Sansa considered herself to be an expert on. She had brought herself up to master that alongside other skills, always having her lips overflowing with flowery pretty words. holding many ladylike pastimes and small observations on her surroundings enough to merit herself well. Some people, as of her nature during her tenure in Kings Landing, remarked on her words as less of her own in their forced nature, but she only liked to imagine her courteous conversation had perhaps even become more skilled as a result of there. She had become clever as a result, and her small talk and pleasantries were more than absent-minded prettiness, there was more of a thought undertoned to it.

She enjoyed it still, small talk, though she had also grown somewhat fond of intelligent conversation also. A mark of her growth from sanguine and ebullient girl to a serious and scarred woman, she sadly thought within, though she imagined some would be glad of her growth. So, she turned to the other she now found herself in company with, a graced expression light from her features, cocking her head a little as the other started to speak to her. 

“I do find there is little to take disagreement with, so I feel no wonder at the fact it is not dimmed, and I only hope that thought continues on” There was many an issue with the fact of the event they were present for, that being the fact the Lannister family were present, and that Margaery was soon to be wed to Joffrey, a fate not a single soul was deserving of, but the landscape, all in all, was a sight of beauty to behold. “You have travelled well, I see”.

Continuing to listen in, she nodded in response, a curve of her lips blossoming. “I have lived in these parts for some years now, so I believe my words to be true enough in their judgement”. 

“If our fortunes hold then everyone will have come here as peaceful as they claim to and our time here shall pass without anything casting a shadow over it.” Perhaps it was somewhat naive to hope for such a thing but she had seen enough turmoil at Deep Den and had no wish to see Highgarden become a den of chaos while she was present there. The war had been waging long enough and the tensions being strained tighter day by day that she hoped that everyone was sincere in their search for peace.

Gentle nod is given when she supposes that she could not fault the other woman’s logic, though gaze falls when she does not want her mixed emotions to shine too bright in her eyes. “Yes I have been quite fortunate in that respect I suppose.” Some might have considered it something of a blessing to have seen such places and lived in them but all she had ever longed for was somewhere to truly call home and she could not help but feel as though she lost that hope the same day that she lost her mother.

It was not a subject that she wished to dwell on when she was quite certain that everyone would have their own opinion on the matter and she was in no hurry to allow people to cast their judgement on her life. So she continues with their niceties, embracing their small talk once more. “I would recommend either land for a visit if you have not been, my lady. Both are quite beautiful in their own right.”

Smile touched her lips once more and she allowed a light hearted lilt to take root in her voice, hoping to achieve a gentle teasing. “I shall not challenge you on them -  you are far more of an authority on the matter than I.”

[laenahs]

M A R O N    G R E Y J O Y :

There was no doubt that Maron took pride in his home, in the rocky shores of the Isles and the towering keeps that made up Pyke, but he could not deny that visually it could not hold a candle to Highgarden. It was unlike anything Maron had ever seen, not in Westeros or in the east, and though he was not a man to value frivolities, he knew and appreciated beauty where he saw it. “I have not.” Maron said, his words flat and measured. 

King’s Landing was his uncle Euron’s territory now, though hopefully not for long. Victarion commanded most of the Fleet, and though Euron had the Lannister purse and the crown behind him, Maron had faith that soon the day would come when House Greyjoy could remove the black stain on their name that the Crow’s Eye had long been. “And I intend to keep it that way, there is nothing I wish to concern myself with in the capital.” 

This trip to Highgarden marked the furthest inland Maron had ever been - he had debated not attending for the lack of comfort that he found so far from the coast, but had let his need to garner political sway change his mind. “Besides, I have never sailed close enough to Blackwater Bay to know it myself, but I have heard the smell of stink and shit is so strong that even ships way out in the harbour are not exempt from being assaulted by it.” It seemed fitting, for such a godless, terrible place to be in every way a reflection of those who ruled it. "I take it you have never visited either?” His interest in the conversation was only vague, but he resented standing alone, which made her as good a distraction as any. 

Small smile touched her lips, flicking there tentatively as she made her best attempt at holding conversation with a Lord Paramount. “Then I suppose I can count myself in good company.” There was a hesitancy to her words when she was so unsure of how the man next to her would take them but she had offered them as something of an olive branch - a gesture to show that she came in peace. 

It was still so tempting for her to walk away when she found him to be quite an intimidating figure but she felt as though she owed it to her friend to at least attempt to get to know her betrothed. If the two of them were destined not to get along at least she could say that she had tried. “If such tales are true then that sounds like more than enough reason to stay away.” Gentle musing filled the air between them with her inclined to agree with him.

With a gentle shake of her head she spoke once more. “No, I have never had reason to.” Perhaps if her father was still a well man or perhaps if he’d simply been able to stand looking at her after the death of his wife, he might have arranged for her to be one of the Princess’ ladies considering the bond he’d once shared with Tywin Lannister. As it was she had simply been shunted from place to place, learning to make the best of wherever she found herself. In truth she was grateful for where she had been sent when she had found true peace and beauty in both places. “I feel as though it would be much too loud for me when I’ve grown used to the quiet of the Vale and the Riverlands.” Soft words were followed by a pause as she debated how daring she was feeling before eventually deciding that she would lose nothing by posing a question. “Am I right in saying that you might have visited some places that are a great deal more interesing than Kings Landing, my lord?” 

[laenahs]

J E Y N E    W E S T E R L I N G :

Jeyne had known that there would be whispers, knew that there were those who thought less of her simply because of the decisions her father had made. It was rather unfair, she thought, to hold a daughter accountable for the actions of her father, but Jeyne tried not to let the fact that it bothered her show on her face. She held her goblet in her hand and as she looked back up at the woman she’d bumped into, Jeyne was gratified that she had not spilled any of her wine over the other woman.

She was pleased to see that it was Laenah who she had bumped into and not another lady she would have to pretend to like, fully knowing that she was being gossiped about behind her back. Her lips curved upwards and the smile that was on her face was much more genuine than it was when she was facing the other women. “It is probably well that you did not,” she said with a soft tone of voice, her eyes wider than they had been before. “There are many here who seem to thrive on being unkind and wishing bad fortune on others.” Her nostrils flared and she exhaled softly before taking another sip of her wine.

Nodding, she took Laenah’s hands in her own and squeezed. “It is good to see you,” she said quietly, her head inclined. “Perhaps we could take a walk through the gardens? I have visited them already and have found them to be rather delightful. The roses are…well, it is no surprise that the Tyrells have the most beautiful of florals.” Her lips twitched.

Gaze travelled over the room an she was saddened to feel reminded that even though there were so many faces that were unknown to her, people still tended to all act the same. “I fear it is an unfortunate reality of the world that there will always be some who were not taught that if you do not have anything nice to say then you should say nothing at all.”  There’s a slight heaviness to her words through the sorrow she feels at the situation but it quickly grows lighter with her next words when seeing her friend had buoyed her greatly. “And you.” 

Smile tugged at her lips to match her friend’s. “No surprise at all though could you imagine the whispers if we had all arrived here to find the whole place devoid of even a single bloom?” It was perhaps a pointless conjecture but she only hoped to bring at least a glimmer of a smile to her friend’s face after what she had just been subjected to. There had been scarce few people in her own life who had done the same and she had always found herself so keen to soothe the wounds that had been inflicted upon other by unkind words. “At least it would give all those wagging tongues something else to keep themselves busy with.” The whisper slipped from her lips like a sigh when she did not want the confrontation that might come from being overheard.

As they walked more soft words left her lips, fondness mixed in with them when she counted Jeyne among those she was closest to. “Though I do not want to dwell on others much longer. I would much rather hear all about you. I know your letters have kept me mostly up to date but I do not mind hearing it all again.”

[laenahs]

H A R R Y    R I V E R S :

Never in his life did Harry think he’d be in attendance of an event such as this.  His name was Rivers and he assumed the title of bastard ( legitimized or no ) would bar him from this echelon of society.  And yet, here he was.  The Brackens held one of the largest retinues of soldiers in the Riverlands, so it made some amount of sense as to why they had been invited to what seemed to be a union that would find itself nestled in the books maesters would teach their students in the future.  

Despite his father’s words, telling Harry that he belonged there, that he was now the heir to Stone Hedge, Harry knew this not to be the truth.  He doubted many of the attendees would treat him differently than his surname encouraged them to, even with his newer standing.  

And even if they did, Harry did not talk as they did, he did not hold himself as they did, and he did not act as they did.  And he sure as hell did not want to interact with them.  As such, he found himself lingering on the outskirts of the event.  He was not sure if this was in an attempt to avoid conversation all together, or perhaps find someone similar to him, allowing him to take a breath.

If this were any other event, Harry could be found in his cups and having a grand time, making a fool of himself but also making comrades ( and perhaps a few enemies ). But he had been warned by his father and his advisors, and suddenly Harry felt himself doubting his actions more than ever.

Some may describe the area he had posted himself at as a ‘dark corner’, but he relished in it for a few moments, collecting himself before launching back into the fray.  It was as he looked up from the dark contents of his chalice did he see her.  It was a silhouette he was not likely to forget.  It was one he thought about whenever reminiscing on his time spent in the Vale.  It was a long and lean body, with a graceful neck and a sharp angular jaw.  It was dark abysmal eyes fringed by equally dark lashes.  It was a sloping nose, ending in a point. 

Before Harry could stop himself, he was out of his corner and making his way over to her.  But upon arriving at her side, he froze.  The man so usually confident in these situations, paused.  So much time had passed.  Nearly two decades.  And despite the occasional correspondence, she was no longer known to him anymore.  Would she even recognize the man he had become?

As her words floated through the air, Harry finally found his tongue, but he presumed that was only due to the fact she had not looked over at him yet, the feeling of anonymity emboldening him.  “Perhaps.  But not nearly as beautiful as the sights of the Vale.” he replied.

A feeling of being out of place was not something that was particular unfamiliar to her - in fact it was perhaps quite ironically the one certainty in her life despite how deeply uncertain it made her feel. Being from so many places and yet really none at all left her feeling untethered and as though she had been simply floating from place to place, steered only by her whatever father’s wishes for her were in that moment. 

Her mother had always told her that she would be a daughter of two kingdoms - not quite Dornish but not quite a Westerlander either - but she had never spun it in such a way that Laenah had ever found herself worried about it. Instead her mother had made it seem to be this gift that she had been bestowed, blessed with the chance to understand not just one place but two. ( Little had they both known that it would be four by the time Lewys Lydden’s whims were met ) Though time had sadly not proven her words to be true when so many seemed to deem her blood as more of a curse, never quite sure what to do with the girl who’s mother’s dark looks had erased her father’s fair ones.

It was events such as these that only made what she considered to be hard facts appear starker when she had no core group of people that she could easily slip into and feel included with. Even now that she was back in her father’s home of Deep Den things were more complicated when their land had been deemed part of the Riverlands and not the Westerlands. Stranding her once again in that so frustratingly familiar limbo.

There was something of a longing for a familiar face, one of those who had left an impact on her life. Perhaps there was only handful she would freely class as important to her but her mother had always said that it was quality over quantity that truly mattered. With Jeyne having found her place among the Ironborn and Mychel still within the Vale she knew that she would most likely have to face the remainder of the festivities by herself.

Or at least she thought she would until a voice that brought a hundred memories flooding back all at once, stunning her into silence as her gaze shifted to lay eyes on him. Even with her own sight as proof it still seemed impossible that Harry Rivers was stood before her and not simply a figure in her dreams or past.

Soft, tentative smile touched her lips with such gentleness she was sure that any other might have missed it. The meaning behind his words was not lost on her but she still found herself unable to accept that he could be talking about anything but the scenery that they had both witnessed in their teenage years. “Most would say that all kingdoms have their merits.” Words leave her lips like a sight, barely finding enough air in her lungs to exhale let along made sound. 

A shyness that feels so foreign around him creeps over her but she can’t shake the feeling that perhaps the two of them are more strangers than friends now. So many years had passed and she found it difficult to fathom that his views towards her would not have changed as time drove a wedge between them. Still with all of those worries pushed to the side, all she cared about was knowing more about the life he had had without her in it, hoping that the Seven had been kind to him. “How have you been, Harry?” A little pause settles over her as she remebers the last news of him that she had received.  “Or should I be calling you Ser Bracken now?”

[laenahs]

M A R O N    G R E Y J O Y :

Maron hung back at the sides of the room, wholly unimpressed by this whole situation and the proceedings laid out before him. He had never stepped foot into the Reach further than wait it took to raid up the Mander, and found himself shocked by the level of opulence and frivolous beauty that poked its way around every corner. It was almost as stifling as the heat, and Maron felt so supremely out of place that he wondered if he could get away with sneaking out unseen. Of course, he was here to scope out future allegiances, and to figure out what his next path would be when it came to auctioning off his taken patch of the Westerlands to the highest bidder, so such things were not possible - but thinking about them made this event easier to get through. 

Jeyne, of course, was doing a far better job of acting like there was any part of her that wanted to be here, and he found himself idly watching her from where he stood, working on finishing his ale a little slower than he usually would - he had very little desire to cloud his mind overmuch with these mainlanders swirling about him like wasps. 

When he was spoken to, and by a stranger no less, he turned his head lazily to face them, and amused smile playing on his lips over the rip of his cup. “Aye, I suppose.” He shrugged, willing to admit that this place was beautiful - he was ironborn, but not blind, and enough time in his life had been spent flitting between the Free Cities in search of beauty and pleasure for him to be able to identify such things better than perhaps some of his countrymen. “But it’s not as if the Tyrells would have been content with a wedding in the stinking cesspit of King’s Landing or at the glorified fortress that is Casterly Rock now would they?” Besides, this was neutral territory - a hard thing to come by these days. 

While she had never been much for keeping up with gossip or even really current alliances, she did always try to ensure that she wasn’t entirely ignorant to the goings on in Westeros. Of course some chose to wear ignorance as a shield but Laenah deemed that much too risky of a defence to employ. Instead she settled for neutrality, speaking to all with the same soft, level tones unless she knew them personally. This man she could not claim to have ever been introduced to but logic told her who he was having seen him by the side of her friend and she did feel some sort of familiarity to given the letters that Jeyne had sent her. Not much had been given away other than his current status as her betrothed but the very name of Greyjoy was enough to make her want to mind her words.

It was all too tempting to let silence fall between the two of them. To let herself be struck dumb by the fear that she would either say too much or not enough but instead a quick glance is given his way from under dark lashes before a delicate nod of her head follows. “No I suppose that you are right.” It had made sense to choose somewhere that was still deemed neutral and it was something of a personal relief to be somewhere entirely new and removed from the uncertainty that she found Deep Den to be in. “Highgarden is certainly more picturesque than what I have heard about the capital.” The words are measured when she was always so careful not to offend.

Having gained a small amount of confidence to buoy her enough to feel as though she was not drowning in their conversation, the raven haired woman posed a delicate question. “Have you seen Kings Landing with your own eyes, my lord?” Though nerves failed her somewhat and she soon found herself adding an explanation for her question. “I find myself rather intrigued as to whether it has its own merits or it is truly as dire as some seem to say.”

[laenahs]

S A N S A    S T A R K :

Wine had once been a limited commodity for Sansa, permitted half a glass, and only at the event of special feasts, during her younger years. It had been an enticing concept, to indulge in as much wine as she wished to drink, when away from the eye of her father during the initial journey to Kings Landing, and at all the times following, but it went quite to her head at first, swimming in the summerwine that flushed her cheeks and made her mind feel beautifully weary. Over the past few years, she had learned more of a tolerance for the substance, but she still preferred to keep her quantity limited- though she imagined there would be a need for drinking a tad more than usual in the coming weeks. The wedding called simply for a great influx in events and festivities. 

Taking her own glass in hand, holding it near to her chest as she mused around the room, typically keeping close to those she knew well, and to those she had ardently missed and yearned to reconnect with, she found herself distracted by the voice of another during a break from speaking to others. Examining the face, she believed herself to not know them, a fact with trod the line between relief and slight sorrow depending. A smile brushing small against her lips, she gave a light nod forward, before replying. 

“Indeed they have. I find Highgarden to be a delight to be present in” She started in response, her words true enough. Highgarden was a gorgeous land, a natural wonder to behold. The greenery proved a stark contrast to the homeland she stemmed from, more leaning towards the castles she used to dream of existing in the songs, and she found it to feel almost like a living tapestry. “Is this your first visit?”. 

Her frame which had been held as tightly as she pulled the string on her bow, relaxed somewhat upon realising that the other lady seemed happy enough to engage in small talk and pleasantries too. While she often vastly underestimated herself in all aspects of her life, never having had enough stability to provide a solid foundation for her to build on, Laenah took some amount of comfort in knowing that if nothing else she was able to pass some time through conversation. Perhaps she was not always the most interesting of partners but she took a glimmer of pride in knowing that she would always be polite and do her best to be pleasant. There was a part of her that knew her mother would have been proud of such a thing, despite all those that said she was not capable of measure thanks to her Dornish blood.

Gentle incline of her head was given, a small nod to show that she was in accord with what her new companion was saying. “I must agree with you there, my lady. I do not think I have found a single thing that has dimmed my enjoyment in the slightest.” Though politeness would have meant that any words that flowed from her lips would have been complimentary regardless of whether she felt they held true or not, she had to say that Highgarden was rather blissful. A welcome change of scene from Deep Den where she felt entirely too much like a stranger in the place that was supposed to be her home. 

                     An outsider looking in when she was now just the spare, widowed daughter                                                       and a new heir had been born.

“It is, yes.”  A small sip of her wine is taken before she continues. “I have been fortunate enough to see much of the Vale and the Riverlands as well as my home but The Reach is entirely new to me.” All of them held their own sort of beauty and she knew that if asked to choose she would find it somewhat impossible to do so. None of them had managed to give her that elusive feeling of home so perhaps she was most well suited to provide some sort of neutral opinion on them all. But instead she turns their focus back to the other lady with a gentle question, far preferring to listen rather than speak. “You seem to be more familiar with it though if I can make such a judgement based on your fondness?”

[leneemusing]

⚔ the princess bride sentence starters ⚔

[laenahs]

leneemusing‌:

“  you  mock  my  pain!  ”  “  life  is  pain.  ” “  he’s  only  mostly  dead.  ” “  i’m on  the  brute  squad.  ” “  you  are  the  brute  squad.  ” “  prepare  to  die.  ” “  we’ll  never  survive.  ” “  nonsense.  you’re  only  saying  that  because  no  one  ever  has.  ” “  who  are  you?  ” “  get  used  to  disappointment.  ” “  you  keep  using  that  word.  i  do  not  think  it  means  what  you  think  it  means.  ” “  i’ll  use  small  words  so  that  you’ll  be  sure  to  understand,  you  warthog  faced  buffoon.  ” “  that  may  be  the  first  time  in  my  life  a  man  dared  insult  me.  ” “  drop.  your.  sword.  ” “  shut  up!!  ”   “  you’ve  made  your  decision  then?  ” “  i  bet  my  life  on  it!  ” “  truly,  you  have  dizzying  intellect.  ” “  you’re  just  stalling  now.  ” “  you  guessed  wrong.  ” “  enough  of  that.  ”  “  surrender.  ” “  you  mean  you  wish  to  surrender  to  me?  very  well,  i  accept.  ” “  i  hate  waiting.  ” “  morons.  ” “  you  are  wonderful.  ” “  you  seem  a  decent  fellow,  i  hate  to  kill   you.  ” “  why  are  you  smiling?  ” “  because  i  know  something  you  don’t  know.  ” “  goodnight.  good  work.  i’ll  most  likely  kill  you  in  the  morning.  ” “  oh,  there’s  something  i  ought  to  tell  you.  ” “  think  it’ll  work?  ” “  it  would  take  miracle.  ” “  hear  this  now —  i  will  always  come  for  you.  ” “  this  is  true  love,  you  think  this  happens  every  day?  ” “  death  cannot  stop  true  love.  ” “  i  died  that  day.  ” “  we  may  as  well  die  here.  ” “  he’s  dead.  he  can’t  talk.  ”   “  as  you  wish.  ”   “  why  didn’t  you  wait  for  me?  ”   “  you  can  die  slowly,  cut  into  a  thousand  pieces.  ” “  you  killed  my  love.  ” “  it’s  possible. i  kill  a  lot  of  people.  ”   “  yes,  you’re  very  smart.  shut  up.  ”   “  you’ve  been  mostly-dead  all  day.  ”  “  inconceivable!!  ”  “  let  me  explain.  ”   “  your vote of confidence is overwhelming.  ” “  what  hideous  sin  have  you  committed  lately?  ” “  will  you  ever  forgive  me?  ” “  there’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. it would be a pity to damage yours.  ”  

MARGAERY || TYBOLT || LAENAH

[laenahs]

J E Y N E   W E S T L I N G :

“He’s a Lord Paramount, certainly, but could you imagine having to live the rest of your life on those awful islands? I hear there’s little more than fish and rock on them. Poor girl. Better a landed knight with a small holdfast than the Lord Reaper who has ravaged her homeland.” 

The voice was hushed, but Jeyne saw the gleam in the woman’s eye as she whispered to her companion, pretending as if Jeyne was not sitting right there, as if she had no idea they were speaking of her, as if she would not notice the nervous glances and the disdainful stares. 

[ She noticed everything, now. ] 

Jeyne had never before felt so out of place on the mainland, even in the Westerlands where many whispered about her mother’s less-than-noble origins and her father’s softening backbone. But those whispers she had grown up alongside, had begun to wear as armor, had ignored with a soft thought of defiance when the invasions had started. 

It was even worse now in the Westerlands, where they whispered of her father’s alliance with the Ironborn, of how he had given them his eldest daughter, of how he had betrayed his countrymen for a chance at the honor and glory they had previously denied him. 

The looks directed at her now, Jeyne thought, were those of pity. But she was to be Lady Greyjoy, she remembered. And none would pity her. She straightened as she glanced across the table before speaking to the whispering women, her voice light. “It is fortunate then, is it not, that I love the sea? That I am proud to wear Lord Greyjoy’s colors and prouder still to take his name?” Jeyne’s tone grew steelier; her eyes narrowed. “Perhaps you find it pitiful that a woman of the Westerlands has to marry an Ironborn, but I assure you that I would much sooner prefer to live in Pyke bettering life for my people than spend another moment here on the mainland with you. At least the Ironborn stab you in the heart while they’re looking you in the eyes instead of waiting until your back is turned.” Lips curved into a dark smile that would not have looked out of place on Maron’s lips but looked strange on Jeyne, usually so calm and placid and kind with nary a harsh word to say.

The women went silent.

Her chin raised up, just a touch, and she reached for her wine goblet carefully, the black silk of her dress and the golden thread of its embellishments catching in the candlelight. Her eyes instantly moved around the room, searching for Maron, for his gaze had always given her strength. When she could not find him, however, she bit on the inside of her cheek and stood, goblet still in her hand. She would not abide a moment longer with those who sought to malign that which she held dear. Lost in her thoughts and unaware of her surroundings, Jeyne nearly bumped into someone as she traversed around the table.

“I apologize,” she said automatically, before her eyes flicked upwards. 

Whispers were a fact of life that she was all too familiar with when most seemed to love to comment on how strongly her mother’s Dornish blood flowed through her veins, seemingly erasing all trace of her father’s fair colouring to replace it with raven hair and eyes as dark as blackest night. Still for all she was used to them aimed her way, most recently because of her new addition of widow to her ‘titles’ she was loathed to hear them made at the expense of anyone she cared for and so her heart had sank when upon approaching her friend she overheard others gossiping.

Pride swelled within her at witnessing the way the brunette had handled the situation, somewhat mingled with admiration and envy when she had always wished to be able to summon such cutting remarks herself. Instead she had always followed the path of least resistance, all tight smiles and scarcely meant words of absolution. It was a rare occasion that she ever allowed herself even the slightest narrowing of her eyes but it’s easier to allow when it is in defence of her friend instead of simply herself.

Head shakes slightly, quick to dismiss any apology sent her way when she could not dream of ever feeling slighted by the young Westerling. “There is no cause to apologise to me, I should have made myself known sooner.” Gaze darkened almost imperceptibly as it passed over the women who had so masterfully been put in their places but there was an undeniable sternness resting in her eyes. Hand reached out gently in offering to the other girl, soft words accompanying the motion. “Perhaps we might find somewhere more peaceful to exchange our tales?”

[laenahs]

One glance around the crowded room had been enough to confirm her fears that she would be left floating listlessly in the sea of unfamiliar faces with not one person to anchor herself to. A breath had been needed to steady herself as a reminder echoed in her head that with her father still barely able to summon the enthusiasm for anything but battle and a brother too young to attend such things, there had been little choice in the matter. House Lydden had needed represented despite its weakened standing that had come with the Riverlands claiming it for their own and the mantle had fallen upon her shoulders.

Soft steps carried her to the fringes of the room wondering in some vain hope that perhaps she was not the only one feeling out of place or without someone to pass the time with. But of course it was in vain when they all had countrymen to sit and laugh with, Laenah from too many places to be able to call any of them home. Bottom lip had been worried nervously as the time had drifted past before she decided that she might look less conspicuous with a drink in her hand. With a gentle grasp she smoothly took a goblet of the Arbor’s finest from the tray nearest to her.

A sip of wine was taking as though she could somehow summon courage from it and without waiting to see if it would have had the desired effect, she musters the nerve to turn to the person nearest her before she allows herself to be reduced to nothing more than silence once more. “They truly have picked a beautiful location do you not think?” Words slipped softly from her lips, surprising herself at how she had managed to set tentativeness aside even if it took her until half way through her speech to turn to face whomever had been in earshot.