old gods hear

clara of house blackwood, the lady of raventree hall - age 26 - pledged to house stark

[lcdyblackwood]

Hey all!

So I absolutely love this rp and I’m open to continue Clara if anyone wants to do some threads! My discord is creerps #8619! 

<3

[lcdyblackwood]

greydonmarsel‌:

“My lady,” Greydon answered with a bow of his head. They had been on the road for quite some time and he’d be lying if he claimed to not be rather tired. But, he had been through many a tough situation and would power through as always. “I am indeed, thank you. How about yourself? I dare presume these accommodations on the road here aren’t the most ideal for a lady.” Oh how he longed for a night’s sleep in his own bed and a day without riding on horseback. “Are you accustom to such long travel?” 

Not the most ideal for a lady. The words caused an amused smirk to slide on to her face, not malicious or devious at all. “I’m fairing just fine. Despite my ladyship the roads have been kind to me and the riverfolk.” Though she had spent much of the trip on horseback to lend her injured and sick men her carriage, she had not complained once. Not when her back ached and her hips felt stiff. Her complaints could wait until the fighting was done. “I am not. The farthest I had ever been from home was Winterfell and from Blackwood Vale the trip is much shorter. Now I’ve traveled half the continent.” Dragonstone to Winterfell. She didn’t imagine that she’d ever travel such a route, yet here she was. “You’re from High Garden, yes? Is this your first time North?”

[western-woods]

I’m suppose to be a leader… but I don’t know how

[lcdyblackwood]

cdricdaync‌:

The rich greens of the riverlands were familiar to Edric; standing there surrounded by the bright hues of the foliage felt like coming home in a way that surprised him. Starfall – and in fact Dorne as a whole – was beautiful in an entirely different way, and Edric felt as if he was betraying his home a bit as he breathed in the clean, fresh air ( thankfully unaffected by the horrors the Mountain had inflicted on the area, this close to the road ). The familiarity made him comfortable, relaxed, as if he was not riding off to an unbeatable battle but merely traipsing from village to village in the pursuit of justice like his days of old. As a result, his smiles came a little easier as he spoke with his cousin.

A flash of joy flickered across his face as he watches recognition light up Clara’s eyes. He knew the sisters were close, close in a way Edric could not understand, having no siblings of his own. The bond of kinship, the knowledge that another would lay down their life for him as he would for them, though – he knew that bond well. “She is good,” he said, expression soft, kind. “I believe she is enjoying the change of scenery.” She is safe, he left unsaid, but knew his eyes conveyed it well enough. Ensuring those he left behind in Starfall were safe was of tantamount importance to Edric; if anything was to happen to any of them, he feared he would be lost. But Dorne was half a continent away, and well defended regardless; his fears are ( he prays ) irrational.

“There is no need to apologize, my lady,” Edric assured her. Turning his head to gaze in the direction from which he came, towards the road where the sounds of the travelling army still reach them through the trees, he raised an eyebrow. “What better time to finally meet than the first time the realm has been united in nearly a decade?” For all that his tone was casual, his words were carefully chosen. United, perhaps, but the various factions were far from peaceful, far from together. “It is entirely my pleasure – she has been a gracious guest, and the Dayne line has grown rather small. Starfall is always open to family, especially during these troubled times.”

She’s good. Those words comforted her more than she thought they would. Her hand found their way to her heart, taking in the pounding just beneath her skin. Bethany was good and she was safe. The news slowly allowed for the other pieces that were previously shattered to fall in place once again. Her thoughts slowed and focused on the man before her. She let out an audible sigh, quick and calming. “Thank you,” Clara said with a small sniff, feeling like a silly child for crying as she did. “I needed to hear those words. I miss her terribly and ravens can only comfort me for so long.” 

She didn’t know much about Starfall, aside from what she had read and what her mother passed on. Her mother was not a member of the Starfall Daynes, but she always told her stories of how the first of her house had followed the path of a shooting star until he came upon a magical stone. Not a story she believed, of course, but one that fascinated her. 

Clara smiled at him and nodded, her mood certainly lighter in his presence. It felt good to be among blood. It had been so long since she had spoken to a member of her family, she forgot the comfort it brought. “Clara, please, we are cousins after all.” She assured him with a nod of her head. “And yes, the gods must be smiling on us now- your Gods and mine, I mean.” She followed his gaze to the army that marched just beyond the small tuft of trees. “Is the journey treating you well? The King’s Road is certainly not for the faint of heart.”

“Thank you... I suppose I must visit my family and allies once the war is done and Raventree Hall is rebuilt. And, of course, you are more than welcome in our home.”

[lcdyblackwood]

draqonmothcr‌:

❝  without the men like yours , we could never hope to win this war.  ❞  the lions and direwolves and dragons could fight , but without bannermen and lesser houses pledging their men to the cause they would surely fall flat.  the kings and queens of westeros owed them their gratitude.  

personally , daenerys hoped that some of the houses’ loyalty would stay after the army of the dead was defeated.  they were allies now ,  direwolf and dragon and lion , but she feared how cracks may appear when the war for the iron throne comes.  as they marched north , she hoped to make some lasting friendships.  

she wonders if the same thing was on the lady blackwoods’ mind as well when she approached.  pink lips widened into a smile and the entourage surrounding her , ser jorah , qhono and a few other dothraki , backed off a few steps to give the two women some space.   ❝  it’s a pleasure to meet you , my lady.  how is the journey north treating you so far ? ❞

“Thank you. They will be glad to hear you think so.” Clara said, nodding her head graciously. She wondered if she truly felt that way or if her words were simply diplomatic platitudes, said to forge alliances and loyalties. She hadn’t heard much about the dragon queen outside of her beauty and, of course, her dragons. But she hoped that she meant them. She hoped that this kind looking woman was just that. Kind. 

The guards surrounding the women caused her to glance around warily, but when they stepped back a pace or two, she felt herself visibly relax, her shoulders slacking and her lips parting to let out a quick sigh. Dothraki, from what she had read, were not to be tempered. 

Clara wanted to say that the journey was treating her well. That is wasn’t hard on she and her men, but that would be a lie. “The pleasure is mine, your Grace.” Clara said. “And It’s going as well as can be expected. I’ve only traveled the King’s Road once before, but never with this many people... I fear my men are more acclimated to Southern weather. The further we go, the colder it gets.”

[lcdyblackwood]

@greydonmarsel

“Easy girl,” Clara murmured as she patted the side of the mare’s neck affectionately. Her gloved fingers curled around the leather of her reigns as she led her forward. Their men would need rest when they reached Winterfell, but she feared they wouldn’t have time to recuperate. Had they been fighting against a normal enemy, she would have believed they stood a chance. Horses, swords, dragon glass and men. Time seemed to be the one thing they didn’t have an abundance of. A group of Lannister soldiers marched past, obviously in a hurry and she couldn’t help but purse her lips at the lion sigil they wore. How she despised them. She clicked her tongue to the animal and reached a hand up to pet her snout. The sound of hooves against the softened ground pulled her gaze away to land on a Lord she had seen, but never spoken to. She raised a brow at him. “My lord,” She greeted with a nod. “I hope you’re fairing well with your travels.”

[lcdyblackwood]

princeofxwhitelies‌:

“After everything is said and done and we return to the ships docked near King’s Landing, you’re welcome to board.” He offered, though it was a promise that could very well be empty. There was no guarantee he would survive, nor her if she was heading to Winterfell to stand with the troops. For all he knew, they could all be marching to their deaths, but after his previous words drew a frown from her, he dared not voice anything of the sort again. Better to look ahead, even if there was nothing to move on from this.

Theon lifted his head to watch the bird take off, impressed with his recovery and more so by his attachment to his savior. “Clara.” He repeated, correcting himself with a small smile. “And there’s nothing to thank me for, we’re friends. Or so I hope.”

She wanted to say yes. She wanted so much to agree and fill her days day dreaming of the places she would see when all of the war and bloodshed was over. Clara was struck with an odd sense of longing and sadness that she hid with a complacent smile. “That sounds lovely, and I thank you for the very generous offer but... I have to return to Raventree Hall when all is said and done. The Tullys will need all their bannermen to reclaim the Riverlands after the Mountain has had his way with it. And I have to rebuild my home.” She hoped that their weirwood still stood where it always had been. If she closed her eyes she could see it’s barren, poisoned branches reaching up to the sky and the ravens that settled their when the moon was high looking like dark, black leaves. “But perhaps you’ll visit? Raventree Hall is a sight to behold.”

“Have I done something to make you think differently?” Clara teased, a small laugh leaving her lips. “Yes, we are friends, Theon. I wouldn’t have it another way.”

[lcdyblackwood]

greeneyedreed‌:

“I would that they were so easy to share.” he sighed, “They are not yet concrete, explorable able things. More akin to a sense of dread becoming weightier by the day. I fear,” he paused and walked a few more paces before continuing, “I fear some misfortune is upon the horizon, and not the one we are marching towards.” He had learned to trust such feelings when they came upon him, his father had always encouraged him to as well, so he found himself bogged down in his own worry. He offered the lady a small smile and a nod, “The Stark’s seemed to find it rather amusing, and my sister.” He had rather enjoyed it as well, he would like to see that servant again.

“Though I would not claim it as grand as Lann the Clever.” he added after a few more moments of walking. “I believe it is those who follow the Lord of Light that speak: the night is dark and full of terrors.” he paused after a moment, “I am beginning to think we all carry night and day within ourselves, dark and light. Perhaps your dark reigns now, but it shall not remain forever.” he raised a hand slightly in a dismissive gesture, “You need not thank me for it. I was happy to have hopefully offered some respite from it all. Do you still question the place of the Old Gods in your life?” he was not a priest of a preacher, it was not his duty to seek out others to follow in his beliefs, merely to offer his opinions when called upon. He turned to look at her when she asked her question, pausing for several moments, playing through his memories of that terrifying encounter. “That depends, My Lady, there are so many stories; which have you heard?”

She wanted to admit that she felt the same. It was easier to hold a sense of dread when marching North, towards an enemy that was certain and tangible. But if they were to win and overcome the dead, they’d have to face themselves. Where would the cards fall when all the dust was settled and the bodies burned? Would they turn on one another within the walls of Winterfell? Was their true enemy marching alongside them. “I understand,” Clara told him with a small nod of their hand. “That weight... Like your heart slowly sinking in your chest. As if you know that a sword will be waiting around a corner, and yet you cannot stop yourself from taking the steps. I understand very well.”

“And why not?” The dark haired woman wondered, a small smile reaching her lips. “Why was Lann clever? Because he swindled the Casterly’s for their castle. Not a very legendary story, yet we hold it with reverence. In my opinion, Jojen the Little Grandfather, is a much more grand and fitting title. You’re very wise, Lord Jojen. You should wear it with honor.” She didn’t say the words to be kind or to stroke an ego she wasn’t sure he had. But because it was true. He had helped her in a time when she wasn’t sure she could be pulled from the hole she had been left in. “It’s hard to believe in the duality of men when so many find ways of proving that their light died long ago.” Clara’s gloved fingers curled around each other at his question, unsure of how to answer. “...I don’t, no.” She said with a shake of her head. “The Gods are just that... Gods. I do not expect mercy nor reprieve from them. That’s why they are Gods.” What stories had she read about the walkers? Tales of maesters who believed with all their heart that they existed and others who dismissed it as fairy tale and folly. “I read that when they speak, it sounds like a frozen lake breaking apart. That their eyes are as bright as burning ice.” Her blue eyes shot to Jojen apprehensively, wondering if she sounded as if she were admiring them. “And that they have the look of death on them.”

[lcdyblackwood]

princeofxwhitelies‌:

Her curiosity in his home could have been could have been an effort in a distraction, which he would admit to needing. His thoughts had been worse off since heading north, leaving him quieter and slightly more withdrawn than he had been at the shores near King’s Landing. “Most descriptions you will hear would leave it sounding far worse than the north. Poor land for farming, rocky outcrops and steep cliffs, relentless waves…but the sight of endless ocean and the sound of gulls over the bay brought peace most nights, as did the freedom of being on a ship carried by the wind. I hope one day you will have the opportunity to see it for yourself.” Not that many would want to travel to the lands of known raiders, but Theon always did much prefer seeing and experiencing things for himself rather than relying on a book or word of mouth. 

Her words brought a stirring of warmth within him and touched his battered heart. Kindness was never something he could come to expect and it still startled him when it was presented. “Thank you, my lady.” He said softly. “The same could be said for House Greyjoy. As long as I breathe, you will find safety in the Iron Islands.” And a friend as well. 

His descriptions of the Iron Islands were quite different from what she had been told. Rocky outcrops, steep cliffs and relentless waves, it sounded like a place that one might have an adventure. If she had been younger, the girl who hid beneath trees and read books until her eyes tired, she would have thought the proposition of the Iron Islands as splendid. Clara listened to him describe his home, a small smile creeping to her lips the longer he went on. He made the Iron Islands, famed for their fierce people and unyielding nature, sound like a paradise. “I hope so as well,” She told him, honestly. “I’ve... never been sailing. Not on the ocean at least, only rivers and smaller boats. I should like to sail across the oceans. One day.”

Artys finally flapped his stark black wings and pushed himself into the air. It was strange how empty and cold her shoulder felt without him there, but the dark haired girl only watched as he twisted into the air. “Clara,” she suggested to him tentatively, pulling her eyes from her raven to offer him a smile. “And... thank you. I don’t think I’ve told you that enough.”

[lcdyblackwood]

casseldreams‌:

She had grown strong enough to get on the move, so she guessed she must have been strong enough now to return to helping the soldiers finally. So she spent her time busying herself with that: rushing from soldier to soldier, tent to tent, mending wounds and cleaning and changing bandages. Many of them, she knew, would not make the long trip back home to Winterfell. Her blood tingled with excitement at the idea of going home, to the place she’d spent her whole life, but she knew the trip was hard and knew that the North’s weather was not pleasant at all, especially when wounded or ill. She feared that many of the people she’d worked hard to keep alive up until this point would be taking their final breaths soon.

She ventured around from tent to tent until she had stumbled across a familiar face, the Lady Blackwood who ran about just as much as she did. Thankfully the young woman had more strength than she had, for when she was running amuck trying to get everyone seen to she had ended up on bedrest.

“It is a delight to see such a friendly face,” She greeted her in return, offering up the shadow of the smile she used in delightful situations. It wasn’t that she did not enjoy the presence of the other woman, but she was no longer sure how to be happy. The sensation was unfamiliar now when her mind had become so wracked with guilt and sorrow. She was trying, but it was clear that it was only an attempt. She hoped it passed though, hoped no one glanced further into the situation.

Her eyes danced around the room for a moment before she sighed quietly, lowering her voice to a hushed whisper. “I fear many men will not make it to Winterfell, Lady Blackwood… I fear the weather, the trip… It will be too hard on their already broken bodies.”

Clara noted how the woman’s smile didn’t quite reach the rest of her features. It brought a small frown to her own face as she scrubbed away the remnants of blood on her hands. She supposed this war was weighing on everyone and the good Lady Cassel was no exception. If Clara stood still for too long, she could feel it as well. That was why she fluttered through the camp trying to keep busy. Perhaps it wouldn’t be their injuries or illnesses that would defeat them, but their own thoughts.

She blew a stray lock of dark hair from her face and rubbed her sweat licked forehead with the clean part of her hand. An exhausted smile painted her lips and she sighed deeply, trying to put the distinct metallic smell that resulted in the back of her mind. “I agree. How have you faired? Well I hope.” She told her, trying to keep her tone lighthearted and pleasant. 

Her words threw her. Clara blinked at the woman, unsure of what to say for a moment. Their men were tired, yes, and they should have been given more time for rest. But their current predicament did not call for for rest and relaxation. Their enemy did not sleep and did not rest. They didn’t tire or bleed. And yet they still needed to survive the journey and the weather and disease from their previous battles.

“We can’t think that way, Lady Beth.” She said in a small voice. “These men... they rely on us to give them hope. If they don’t have that then they have no reason march North and we need them to march North.” 

[lcdyblackwood]

cdricdaync‌:

Many men enjoyed company, loved the sound of voices and constant chatter. Edric thought that was all well and good, but he had always preferred the comforts of solace. With the Brotherhood, he had seen a constant parade of changing faces, as men joined and men left ( or died, though he tried not to dwell on those ) their ranks. While he had learned how to charm, how to win others to their cause or how to convince them not to cause trouble, such efforts drained him. Only the presence of those he knew well, those he called family, did he actively seek out, generally.

Days upon days on the road had worn him down, surrounded by thousands upon thousands of soldiers and strangers for long hours in the saddle. Though he had made new friends, and heard countless fascinating stories, Edric found himself searching for solitude in the forests along the road. While the trees had calmed him enough, as more days passed and their destination grew nearer, he found his thoughts drifting to his home, to Starfall. There was little he could do for his people from the riverlands, but he nonetheless found his thoughts filled with worries on how his lands would fair through winter.

The sound of another presence in the forest gave Edric pause, and he ducked behind a tree as another passed. A flicker of recognition froze him, the features of this woman so similar to the youthful face he had left behind when he sailed for Dragonstone. Bethany Blackwood had not been in Dorne long, but he had seen enough of her to recognize the look of her sister. Without thinking, he found himself following the woman. Hearing the unmistakable sound of crying, Edric paused, taking a step back to give her solace. The sharp crack as his heel came down on a twig made him wince, and realizing he had been discovered, he continued forward, his eyes apologetic.

“No, nothing like that,” Edric assured. He was not there to scold her, and doubted he could offer much comfort, but still he approached. “I merely wished to speak to you of your sister, Lady Blackwood, and to speak with a relative, if distant.” His explanation was paired with a soft smile, and he bowed his head. “I am Edric Dayne, Lord of Starfall. I find it can be reassuring to speak with kin, amongst all these strangers.”

She quickly swiped away at the tears on her face, feeling both embarrassed and ashamed at being caught in her predicament. The presence of all those people marching towards war made the King’s Road stifling. It was easier to breathe in the forest. The familiar green and scent of leaves and moss put her at ease until her heart was no longer pounding in her chest. She took in a slow, shuddered breath, her shoulders sagging and her eyes slipping closed for a moment. Over the sound of the people soldering on, she could hear the faintest sounds of life in the trees and the grass. Birds, insects, the rushing of a spring not too far way. 

Her eyes traveled over his person, taking in his features and his dress. A nobleman with a kind smile, with Dornish features and dark hair. Her mother had hailed from Dorne, though her skin had been much fairer than the gentleman who stood before her. Her hair was still dark as night, however, ringlets curling down her back. She noted the deliberate step he took away from her and she was grateful for the consideration. Most did not take such precautions.

“M-My sister?” Her eyes widened and she quickly took a few steps towards the stranger who was also, though distant, family. She had sent her sister off to the Daynes, her mother’s distant family, because she would safe there. The Daynes would not betray them to their enemies, nor would the war against the undead stretch it’s reach that far South- if the living were victorious. “Is she alright?” She wanted to ask him more. Whether she was happy, whether his House treated her well. She wanted to have him tell her everything about her sister’s stay at Starfall, but her question remained simple for now. 

“My apologies, my lord,” She said then, quickly as she gave him a small curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances.” Clara forced a smile to her lips and nodded her head, her hands folding before her in a diplomatic fashion. “They can. Thank you. For allowing Bethany to stay in your house as well, I’m entirely grateful.”

[lcdyblackwood]

greeneyedreed‌:

“I am,” he nodded, “I think it is merely my own heavy thoughts and feelings weighing me down.” And he refused to allow himself to be any weaker, it was bad enough he felt himself a burden many times when it was his duty to serve his king as best he could. What use was he if he couldn’t even march to Winterfell with his men. He chuckled softly, “It is a habit of mine, yes.” he nodded, “There was an old servant I met in Winterfell who took to calling me ‘Little Grandfather’ when I stared there with my sister.” he told her with a small smile, “I rather enjoyed the title.”

“I have been to Winterfell, down to Dragonstone and even far beyond the wall.” Interesting was perhaps too bland a term, how was he to describe a being like the Three-Eyed Raven to anyone? He’d had a difficult enough time explaining it to Bran as they travelled to the lair where he’d learn all he needed to know. The land was not as it should have been, while it seemed fine at this point there was an ominous scent in the wind, one he’d smelt before that had been a herald of death and destruction. Jojen nodded, “I recall. You were in a dark place of yourself,” he told her softly, “You seem a little brighter now, it’s good.” Though he suspected there was a great deal more to it all but he could not see everything. Still, if The Lady ever wanted to discuss it with him she need only broach the subject and he would lend his ear. “And there is nothing wrong with that, wild imaginations help make the best stories and have led to the best inventions.” he nodded slightly, “That is good to hear, The North shall need good friends in the times to come.” Jojen sighed at her question, looking ahead for a few moments before answering her questions, “I saw Walkers, ones that weren’t chained for display.” But, the Children of the Forest had saved them, and he and Meera had completed their mission.    

“Hm,” She hummed softly, knowing exactly what that was like. Since the day she was named Lady of Raventree Hall, her thoughts and worries rested over her head like a dark cloud. In times when it was darkest, when she doubted the Old Gods and everything she had been taught, Jojen had lended his ear and his counsel. The least she could do was offer the same. “I’m happy to hear your thoughts, whatever they are.” Clara told him. “No one should carry their burdens alone.” At his nickname, she laughed and shook her head. “I would agree with that servant. It is a fitting title. Jojen the Little Grandfather. I think I might like it better than Lann the Clever.”

Far beyond the wall. She couldn’t even imagine what that was like. Snow and a perpetual winter-y scene, much different from her green and reverent home. It was where their enemy had come from. What sort of place could house an army of the dead? She shuddered to think of it. “I was and I am.” She said, her eyes lowering to her gloved hands. “I don’t believe I ever thanked you for allowing me to lament my troubles. I truly hope I didn’t bother you with them.” He had been the only one she had truly told of her doubt. Her shaken faith in the Old Gods was slowly being repaired, but it would never be what it was before. Devout, unquestioning, naive. Now she questions the spirits that lived around her and their reasoning for allowing such atrocities to happen. Her icy blue eyes darted over to him at the mention of the Walkers. She took in a shuddering breath. “Oh,” She simply said, feeling rather silly for the response the moment it left her lips. “Are the stories wrong about them?” She hoped they were.

[lcdyblackwood]

handwriting.

Meticulous and careful, Clara despises writing for the simple fact that she takes so long doing so. Most of her letters are transcribed by maesters with much more patience, discerning her words from the scratched and hurried lines she skewed across a piece of parchment. The only instances of her own writing can be found in her sister’s possession, where her words are careful drawn and constructed just for her.

Her signature: 

Send me a word and I'll create a headcanon based on that word!

[dontletyour-memes-be-memes-blog]

Send me a word and I'll create a headcanon based on that word!

[lcdyblackwood]

princeofxwhitelies‌:

He chuckled at her words, glancing at the bird again as it seemed to ruffle its feathers in agreement. He was not afraid of death, though he did fear somehow surviving this war and losing what little he’d acquired that had come to mean so much to him. He would much rather fall on his own sword than endure that. HIs heart ached at the chances of a grim outcome despite what became of him, but he hid those thoughts for now, focusing more on her question.

“Honestly, no. It may have been my home before but I am no longer welcome there, and understandably so.” He longed to see the sea again, and feel the warmth of the sun on his back, and while the option of remaining with many of his men and the ships had been available to him, he could not allow his brother and friends to march off and fight this war without him. In addition, he’d wreaked havoc at Winterfell, and had betrayed a man he’d once considered his brother…it was only right he fought to defend them now. 

“There’s plenty of snow, ice…and it’s rather desolate.” He mused. “There’s not much to tell, my lady. I was confined to Winterfell most of my life and only saw beyond the castle walls when I marched with King Robb to Riverrun. The awe I had was reserved for the Iron Islands where I longed to be, and my resentment, for Winterfell where I was trapped.”

She appreciated his honesty. It was what she liked most about the Iron Born. He didn’t lie or pretty-up the truth for her benefit in the way that others did. He spoke and he spoke true. She listed to him say that Winterfell was no longer his home and she felt a bit sad for him. Clara could not imagine her home no longer being so. She couldn’t imagine the walls being an omen nor the dead weirwood an unwelcome sight. With all that she had lost, that would simply shatter her heart. Because no matter how scared she was, no matter where she went, she could always go home again. 

“Then perhaps you’ll tell me of your real home?” She offered gently, steering the topic from Winterfell and all the bad memories with it. “I’m afraid I’ve only heard stories of the Iron Islands, I’ve never seen it myself.” She had never been past Riverrun before. Her father called the Iron Born a hardened folk, ones that he did not want her near when she was younger. If only he could see her now, riding beside the Prince of House Greyjoy, talking as friends. 

“...Ice, snow and desolation. You paint quite a picture.” The dark haired woman said, her eyes flickering over to him. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for him once they reached Winterfell. After what he had done and the history before that. A sadness crept into her chest for him and she cast her eyes down, trying to form the words she wanted to convey on her tongue. “If ever you need a friend while we are in the North,” She began, trying to keep her voice level and calm and decisive. “You’ll always have one in House Blackwood.”

[lcdyblackwood]

location: king’s road - three days march from harrenhal

tw: anxiety, mention of grief, mention of war

What would her father call a leader afraid of her position?

She hoped honorable.

Had other lords in other houses experienced that kind of fear? The fear that came with people asking too much of them. The fear of having so many lives in their hands. Raventree Hall was not large, nor was Blackwood Vale, not like Winterfell and North. But there were still people that depended on the Blackwoods to lead them. Her father was always very good at it. He was wise, yet considerate. Strong, yet gentle. He led and followed if it meant helping his people and his house. It was why he marched off to war with King Robb, to give them all a fighting chance.

She didn’t believe that she could lead her people into war. She didn’t believe that she could make hard decisions and sacrifice pieces of herself for the greater good. Clara was not her father, she was not strong, she was terrified. She wondered if her advisers could see it on her face, if that was the reason they recommended she take a walk during their meeting. Four hundred men she had pledged to House Tully and House Stark. Less than half would make it back home, if any at all if the dead were the victors. Discussions on how much silver they would send the widows and grieving mothers and the retaking of her lands from Ser Gregor caused her word to blur and the conversation to deafen. Perhaps it was best she took a walk. 

She took in deep breaths through her nostrils as she stomped from her carriage, her pace much faster than the soldiers and people marching on to the North. Her path took her further away from them until she stood in the forest, her breaths now audible and shuddering. Could she do this? Could she be the Lady of Raventree Hall? Thoughts spiraled in her head, worries and doubt and fear. She couldn’t do this. She wasn’t ready, she wasn’t trained, she wanted her mother, she couldn’t do  this-.

A snapping twig caused her head to shoot up, her hands immediately reaching up to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Forgive me, I did not mean to walk off, I know it’s dangerous.” She said, her voice cracking from her emotion and exhaustion. She turned back to them, giving them a once over before her eyes settled on the ground. “Is there something you needed? Have my advisers asked for me?”

[lcdyblackwood]

clara blackwood -> Task Two

location: kingsroad

time: current

status: delivered

To my dearest sister, Bethany,

How are you, sweetling? Have you been listening to your lady’s maid? I hope so. I’m sure House Dayne is glad to have you with them. Are our cousins treating you well? You will tell me if you are ever unhappy and I would gladly turn South to collect you. But you are safest in Dorne now. Far from any troubles that may befall you.

We are traveling through the riverlands now, can you believe that? Home. Not quite Raventree Hall but the trees and grass and rivers are the same. I wish you could see them again, truly. The very reason I pledged our house to the greatest army in the country is so that you might be able to live safely in your home again. It won’t be long. We’re traveling with Dothraki and Dragons. They’re just as magnificent as you’d imagine. I also met a crannogmen, Iron Born, and Queens and Kings. I shall tell you all about them when we see each other again. 

I love you. Stay safe and say your prayers. I know Dorne may not have a weirwood, but Old Gods Hear, always. And if you ever need anything, I’m one raven away. 

Your loving sister,