THE SWEET PRINCE

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄

[maetarys]

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# 𝐌 𝐀 𝐄 𝐓 𝐀 𝐑 𝐘 𝐒 ―  an independent & selective roleplay blog for prince matarys targaryen, from grrm's ❛ the tales of dunk and egg ❜ and the hbo series ❛ a knight of the seven kingdoms ❜. combines book & show canon with musings. matarys is a targaryen, in.cest may be mentioned on this blog ― please hardblock me if this is an issue for you. mutuals only. strictly 21+. pennedby avery. ( he / him, 29 yrs )

𝖒𝖆𝖕. ᴛʜᴇ ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ. ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴡ. ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀʟᴇʏ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀʟʟᴀᴅ.

𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐘 𝐈𝐍 : the second — born & the spare , the quiet calm before the storm , rising from the shadow , finding one's name & claiming one's title , songs left unsung , the knight's code of chivalry & honour , witnessing a death that changes the future .

[maetarys]

alright i'm giving mat 5 peacocks: two blue/green males and three white female but it was quickly discovered the females needed to be kept away from the males

[king-alfred]

"Is it true you were attacked?"

[hammerthe]

is he well ? are you well ? his son asks, and something twists in his chest at the thought that even in the midst of his sickness, as he burned, matarys would worry for valarr and him before he thinks of himself and his eyes scrunched close for a moment. “ valarr is resting in the chambers next to yours, but the maester says he is recovering well. i'm certain he will be delighted when you can see him. ” had he been able to get his wish, he'd have preferred both his sons in the same chambers, if only so he could see the illness had not taken them yet, to be able to be at their sides at all times, but the maester had convinced him out of it for their recovery. and valarr was alive, he tells himself, had been on the road to recovery, he had been told. it was why he was comfortable in leaving him alone for longer stretches of time, to oversee matarys' recovery in turn.

“ i have been resting. do not think of me. ” it has not been the first time he has gone with little sleep, nor would it be the last, and in this it is no hardship. he does not think he would be able to rest even if he were to try. all he needs, all he truly needs, is valarr and matarys recovered. he does not know what he would do, if he were to lose one of them. he remembers still the nights spent staring at them when they had been babes — staring at their little chests rising and falling, telling himself they remained alive. he had known enough of grandmother's babes who had not survived to adulthood and had been terrified his sons would join them. they had become children, instead, and grown to men. he does not know what he would do if they were to be taken by this illness now instead, when he had foolishly thought them out of danger from such things.

“ the maester left a broth for you to drink, for you to gather your strength. can you ? ” he says, voice soft, as he reaches to grab at the bowl. he'd need to have it regardless, to heal, but it can only help to ask.

[maetarys]

       𝕯𝐞𝐞𝐩  𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭  𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬  𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝  𝐭𝐨  𝐭𝐡𝐞  𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫  𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 ,  the  snips  of  purple  were  lost  in  the  firelight .  he  appeared  as  common  as  the  lads  whose  bodies  were  piling  at  the  foot  of  aegon’s  hill ,  whilst  he  lay  comfortably  cradled  and  nursed  atop  it .  mat  blinked  long  and  slow  as  his  eyes  adjusted  to  the  distance ;  a  bead  of  sweat  dribbled  slowly  at  his  brow .  he  had scarce  the  energy  to  keep  his  eyes  awake ,  to  breathe .  had it always been so difficult ?  even  his  father’s  voice  felt  distant ,  and  the  walls  were  slowly  leaving  him .  he  felt  to  be  shrinking  in  his  sickbed ,  becoming  once  more  a  babe  reaching  for  his  mother’s  skirts  and  father’s  tunic .

       the  words  of  his  father  did  not  quite  seem  to  make  it  to  his  mind ,  his  body  was  stuck  in  a  dizzying  and  consuming  paralysis .  his  sickbed  was  slowly  crushing  his  chest  and  swallowing  him  whole ;  he  could  only  pray  for  valarr  to  be  faring  even  just  a  degree  better .  he  did  not  dare  to  think  of  anything  but  valarr’s  recovery ,  and  tried  to  ignore  the  worry  of  his  father  growing  ill .  he  had  heard  of  disease  spreading  from  man  to  man ,  father  to  son .  he  had  hoped  the  gods  would  not  play  too  cruel  a  jape  that  a  son  may  pass  his  disease  unto  his  father ,  but  he  owned  not  the  strength  to  fight  it  in  this  hour .

       mat  had  wanted  to  send  his  father  away ,  for  his  safety  —  and ,  mayhaps  too ,  to  release  the  burden  of  passing  in  his  father’s  presence .  he  did  not  wish  for  his  father  to  carry  such  a  weight ;  he  himself had  seen  the  stranger  once  upon  the  wall  as  he  cradled  the  maester’s  young assistant , a first and only love .  he  carried  that  burden  silent  and  unspoken ,  and  now ,  again ,  he  felt  the stranger's  presence  lingering .  the  stranger  had  always  haunted  the  halls  of  the  red  keep ,  but  they  had  never  before  felt  half  so  close  as  they  did  now .

❛ food? ❜  he  at  last  said ,  ❛ yes, that is... that is good. you must eat. ❜

       it  was ,  instead ,  his  father’s  slow  movements  which  had  caught  his  eye ,  hands  reaching  for  a  bowl .  there  was  a  curt  nod  at  his  words  as  eyes  returned  to  his  father .  he  did  not  need  to  grant  the  crown  prince  and  hand  of  the  king  permission  to  eat ,  but  he  could  sense  his  father’s  worry .  he  was  sure  to  be  sleepless ,  eating  only  what  the  maester  had  strongly  advised .  it  had  not crossed  the  even younger prince’s  mind  that  the  food  had  been  intended  for  his  own  self ,  or  that  the  man  who  had  offered  it  to  him  was  now  the  king .

[maetarys]

hello !! if we are not yet writing and you would be interested, please give this a like and i'll check my inbox for memes or write a little thing for us

[hammerthe]

@maetarys said : i don't think i'm at all well, you know. / the priory of the orange tree

“ hush. ” one of his hands raises to feel at matarys' forehead, and finds him burning still. he has been for days, ever since the sickness that had seemed to storm the city and spread through the realm swiftly and ruthlessly had dug its fingers on his second son as well. the last reports brynden had had of the victims it had taken had been devastating, and he could only imagine the numbers he would hear of if he spoke to him again. there was little point of it, however — he had given his orders, and there was little to do while the keep was paralyzed, with so many either sick or dying still. and, in truth, he could not bring himself to stand from his son's side, one of his hounds at the feet of his bed, turning and whining slowly as though he could feel the anxiousness that radiates out of baelor. the maester had only just left, to try and find something that would work, though at least matarys remains alive. so many had caught it and burned in mere a night, awoken well and healthy only to be dead by dawn or worse.

that matarys was with them still is a good sign. the maester had said how many had been gone so quickly, and so there was reason to hope, now that days have passed and his strength has been slowly increasing with each hour that passed. if he has stayed with him so far, he would survive it, he has to think of it that way.

“ you shall be well. if the sickness were to take you, it'd have done it already, as it did with — ” he remembers father's face, now gone forever from him, the grief almost all-encompassing as they told him he had passed. but valarr and matarys remain alive and that is all he needs to concentrate on. “ it has been days. all that is left is for you to recover your strength and you shall be back on your feet before you realize it. ”

[maetarys]

       𝕴𝐭  𝐡𝐚𝐝  𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭  𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭  𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲  𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 ,  matarys  had  been  laughing  and  singing  and  jesting  with  his  brother .  the  days  in  his  sickbed  had  blended  together ,  fever  dreams  taking  hold  yet  he  could  not  remember  any  of  them .  had it truly been days already ? mat’s  eyes  shifted  to  see  his  father  more  clearly ,  a  shiver  in  his  hand  as  he  felt  the  warmth  of  his  father’s .  his  chest  felt  so  very  heavy ,  so  tight .  each  breath  felt  as  laboured  as  the  last ,  and  they  each  felt  as  though  they  may , in fact , be  his  last .  he  had  not  wanted  to  stir  concern  in  his  father ,  nor  in  anyone  for  that  matter ,  and  so  he  tried  to  stifle  the  drawing  gasps  when  not  quite  enough  air  made  it  through  his  chest .  he  could  not  hide  the  sweat  nor  the  fevers ,  but  at  least  his  father  could  not  know  of  the  chill  which  crept  his  spine  and  the  constant  threat  of  being  too  short  of  breath .

❛ where's val? ❜  he  whispered ,  ❛ is he well? are you well? you must needs rest, father. please, go, take your leave. ❜

       the  realm  could  afford  to  lose  matarys  targaryen ,  and  though  it  would  hurt  his  father  and  brother ,  the  line  would  not  be  lost .  it  was  valarr  whom  his  father  needed  tending ,  whom  the  maester  should  focus  his  energies  and  supplies  on .  matarys  would  never  be  the  crown  prince ,  nor  had  he  ever  wanted  for  it .  he  had  wanted  only  for  his  brother ,  and  for  his  father  also ,  to  be  well  —  even  if  that  was  at  his  own  risk .  he  would  sooner  take  on  all  their  burdens  than  see  them  on  a  deathbed  or  sickbed  of  any  sort .  he  could  recall  all  too  well  when  he  had  knelt  at  his  father’s  side ,  praying  to  the  gods  — the old , the new , the drowned —  he  had  hoped  for  any  to  listen .  mayhaps  this  was  their  answering ,  finally  taking  the  life  that  had  prayed  to save  another’s .

[theyoungwolfofwinterfell-blog1]

[hammerthe]

@maetarys -> starter call.

his son had rarely removed himself from his side after the maesters had set him and ordered him not to move. he stares at him now, fondness and worry warring in equal measure as he does. he needed sleep. proper sleep that would allow him to rest, rest he would not achieve as long as he insists on doing so at a chair next to him. “ i am going nowhere, mat. ” he starts, slow. perhaps this time the boy would heed him ( he had, before. he had needed to pull on his rank as his crown prince and order him, but he had listened and retreated. he still remembers him standing at the field, and begging to let him participate, and the way his stomach had turned unto itself. he would not be able to stand it, to see matarys fighting. he would have thought of nothing but his youngest, had he been at his side, and that could not happen, when he would have needed to focus on ser duncan, his brother and the kingsguard instead. it would have been unfortunate, had those been the last words he had crossed with his son, and not even a word of his love to him, but it'd have kept him safe and so he cannot regret it ).

“ the maester has forbidden me to rise for at the very least another day ” he had said a great deal about the bleeding of head wounds, and how the helmet had dented and harmed the flesh underneath. and much as he wishes to disregard the man's words, for truly he thinks if he rises naught would happen in turn, it'd save him of the man fretting at his side to listen to him instead, so he thinks he will, at least for a day or so. after, he wants to start discussing returning home and putting ashford meadow behind them. the land had been lovely and lord ashford as accommodating as any man could, and yet he longs for the red bricks of his home. “ if you go rest in your own bed, you shall find me still here come tomorrow. ”

[maetarys]

       𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊  𝖜𝖆𝖘  𝖓𝖆𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙  𝖇𝖚𝖙  𝖌𝖚𝖎𝖑𝖙  poisoning  the  second  son’s  veins .  it  was  a  stinging  venom ,  worse  than  any  nettle  or  wasp  he  had  by  chance  encountered .  the  words  of  their  last  conversation  rung  in  his  head  like  a  bell ,  he  could  feel  each  moment  then  as  he  felt  those  now .  is it your command, your grace? he  felt  sick  to  his  stomach ,  wanting  to  retch  at  the  thought  of  those  being  his  last  words .  he  should  have  told  him  of  his  love ,  of  how  he  was  proud  that  baelor  was  his  father  and  that  he  stood  with  the  hedge  knight  whom had upheld  the  sacred  vows .  instead ,  he  had  angrily  snapped  at  his  father  and  addressed  him  only  as  the crown  prince  of  the  realm  and  hand  to  the  king .  he  had  wanted  to  cry ,  again ,  but  all  tears  had  escaped  him .  his  lips  were  dry  and  eyes  sullen ,  but  he  did  not  dare  take  leave of  his  father ,  not  whilst  recovery  seemed  only  a  distant  dream .

❛ shh, father, ❜  he hushed softly , a hand gently hovering at his father's forehead to wipe sweat from it .  ❛ i am well. worry not for me, save your strength. ❜

       he  could  not  lose  him ,  not  now .  the  maesters  had  been  saying  for  days  that  it  would  be  only  another  day  more  before  prince  baelor  could  try  to  rise ,  though  each  day  they  would  say  unto  the  next .  at  least  his  father  seemed  more  alert  on  this  day  than  all  those  preceding  it ,  it  was  sure  to  be  a  good  sign .  yet ,  matarys  would  hold  out  on  hope  until  maester  yormwell  was  truly  satisfied .  with  a  slight  tremor ,  matarys  withdrew  his  hand  from  his  father’s  face ,  afraid  that  even  the  slightest  bump  may  cause  catastrophic  damage .

❛ father, i— ❜  his  voice  then  caught  in  his  throat ,  tears  blurring  his  vision .  ❛ i am so, so sorry. ❜

       he  then  fell  from  his  chair  to  his  knees ,  bowing  more  deeply  than  a  beggar  for  coin . he bowed not for courtesy , but for regret and forgiveness .  his  shaking  hands  lightly  took  hold  of  his  father’s ,  thumbs  gently  tracing  the  back  of  his  father's hand .  matarys  had  not  truly  realised ,  until  these  events ,  that  one  could  be  so  delicate ,  so  fragile .  even  one  so  strong  as  baelor breakspear .  he  had  already  lost  his  mother ,  as  a  boy ,  but  those  circumstances  had  been  a  great  deal  different .  they  had  only  come to ashford  for  a  tourney ,  it  was  to  be  great  fun  with  no  seriousness to it ;  battles  were  never  a  thing  to  be  celebrated ,  for  even  the  greatest  of  victories  suffered  terrible  losses .

❛ i—i should have, ❜  he  stammered ,  ❛ i  should have wished you well, i should have told you... ❜

       a  sob  broke  his  words ,  unable  to  say  them ,  even  now .  he  buried  his  face  into  the  crook  of  his  elbow  to  dry  his  newfound tears ,  but  he  knew  it  would  be  of  no  use .  he  was  terrified ,  and  ashamed .  he  had  nearly  lost  his  father  after  they  had  argued  over  his  participation .  he  had  known ,  even  then ,  that  it  was  unwise  for  him  to  volunteer  for  ser  duncan .  he  had  been  a  knight  for  mere  months ,  he  was  as  green  as  summer  grass ,  whilst  aerion’s  men  had  serving  knights  from  before  he  was  born .  matarys  had  been  so  haste  to  defend  his  father  —  and ,  too ,  to  prove  his  own self  and  worth  —  that  he  had  forsaken  all  thought  for  want .

[maetarys]

        𝖙𝖍𝖊  𝖙𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖞  𝖆𝖙  𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖉  𝖒𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖔𝖜  was  finalising  its  setup ,  the  jousting  was  due  to  start  come  the  evening .  although  the  second  son  had  brought  his  destrier  and  armour ,  he  had  not  decided  whether  to  enter  the  lists  upon  arrival .  as  he  lay  in  the  field ,  upon  the  hill  overlooking  the  encampment ,  he  had  decided  and  thus commanded  the  household  guard  assigned  to  him ,  that  he  was  to  inform  the  master  of  the  games  of  his  decision .  prince matarys would not be entering the lists .  some  may  utter that  the  even  younger  prince  was  not  yet  skilled  enough  to  enter ,  though  in  truth  he  did  not  wish  to  aim  any  lance  against  his  brother .  he  thought  it  unwise  to  ride  against  his  blood ,  unlucky  for  the  gods  may  test  him .

@halfgigas :  ❛ princes are not made for sleeping in ditches and eating hard salt beef. ❜  ―  tale  one :  the  hedge  knight

       purpled  eyes ,  shining  brightly with  green  flecks ,  shifted  from  the  tourney  field  and  tents  below  to  the  breaker  of  silence .  he  was  scarce  to  believe  a  lad  might  grow  so  large ,  though  this  had  not  been  the  first  that  matarys  had  seen .  he  could  recall  upon  the  red  mountains ,  as  ser  manfred’s  squire ,  another boy , a fiercely large one ,  in  the service of house dondarrion's retinue .  it  seemed  nearer  an  age  ago ,  matarys  himself  having  visited  the  wall  and  attaining  his  own  knighthood  in  such  passing  times .

❛ i had dozed, i shall confess, but my hounds awoke me. ❜

       barley  &  oates ,  now  chasing  and  playing  at  each  heels ,  had  alerted  the  prince  long  before  the  man  had  arrived .  there  was  no  danger  to  be  had ,  his  lord  father ,  the  crown  prince ,  had  him  carry  his  bow  and  blade  when  he  ventured  too  far  from  the comforts of safety .  in  truth ,  the  prince  preferred  axe  to  blade ,  though  the  tourney  at  ashford  meadow  hosted  no  such  axing  hastiludes .  he  was  capable  enough  in  the  longsword  that  it  mattered  not .

❛ a fine blade, you carry. ❜ he smiled . ❛ although, it seems a touch too small. have you another? ❜

       he  sat  upright  as  he  spoke ,  a  wilting red poppy  falling  his  fingers .  he  had  been  hoping  to  escape  the  stench  and  busyment  of  the  castle ,  though  it  appeared  all  had  followed  him .  matarys  supposed  he  had  best  return  to  the  finery  and  silks  sooner than late ,  for he  knew  that  a  third  missing  prince  was  not  needed  at  the  fair  maid’s  name  day  celebrations .  he  then  took  to  his  feet ,  brushing  the  clinging  dirt  from  his  riding  leathers  and  tunic  as  he  took  a  keener  eye  to  the  lad  standing before  him .

[pennedby]

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a bear! a bear! all black and brown and covered with hair!

[hammerthe]

@maetarys said : as you decree, your majesty. — definitely not sarcastically / the priory of the orange tree

“ do not use that title. that is for his grace ” he cannot help but smile at his son's tone, even as he scolds him gently, but it must be said. not that he believes father would take offense of it — he loves his grandsons, but it was still second nature, for baelor to stick to which title was his and which was not, which belonged to him and which would only do so in years to come, if he were lucky, even when he can hear the sarcasm in his son's voice. he could not always catch it, in truth, but matarys is unhappy enough at what he is asking that even he can tell. “ and i would rather you used no title, when it is us, even if you are annoyed at the moment. ”

still, he needed his second at court, even if he knows he'd rather be at the woods. there had been complains from the westerlands about some of the ironborn, and he'd need to hear them out.

“ once the lords leave, you may take a day or two for yourself. but i need you to entertain the lords of the westerlands. valarr shall be too busy with me and the lannisters, someone must handle their vassals. ” and it was good practice, in truth. once baelor was gone, if matarys was at court, he'd need to know how to handle himself on his own with valarr's lords. he did not think many would accompany them, but a handful would, and someone would need to make them feel attended.

[maetarys]

       𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖕𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊  was  certainly  never  a  smart  choice  for  any  in  the  realm  to  make ,  save  for  the  king  himself ,  but  matarys  knew  his  father .  he  would  not  speak  ill  if  he  did  not  think  the  man  would  handle  it  kindly .  the  jape  was  laced  with  a  teasing  smirk ,  the  green  flecks  of  his  eyes  shining  with  playfulness  in  the  sunlight  through  the  window .  matarys  then  bowed  with  a  flourish  of  his  arm ,  still  holding  back  a  laugh  as  best  he  could .

❛ of course, my prince, i humbly beg your forgiveness. ❜

       at  straightening  his  back ,  however ,  the  laughter  slowly  left  him .  he  did  not  enjoy  the  company  of  lords  and  their  bannermen ,  and  house  lannister  seemed  one  of  the  worst .  their  hands  were  heavy ,  dipped  in  gemstones  and  gold  —  but  neither  could  feed  a  starving  babe  come  winter .  their  lands  farmed  coin  and  jewels ,  to  be  sure ,  but  one  could  not  dine  on smelted  ore  and  mined  geodes .  their  wealth  was  disposable ,  granted  only  by  the  agreement  on  its  worth  in  society ;  there  were  more  important  thing  to  be  had ,  like  the  fertile  soils  of  the  reach .  house  tyrell  was  a  family  of  true  wealth ,  they  tended  their  crops  and  fed  the  realm .

❛ gods be good, i do hope you reach a timely agreement. ❜  mat said ,  ❛ of all houses, it is to be the lannisters of casterly rock? could you not have, mayhaps, invited houses tyrell or baratheon in their stead? house tully? ❜

       the  second  son  had  his  suspicions  on  its  reasoning ,  though  he  knew  better  than  to  pry  in  a  place  which  was  not  his .  he  could  only  hope ,  however ,  that  the  next  royal  business  catered  to  the  kinder  folk  of  near  any  other  constituency of the realm ;  and ,  the  promise  of  some  time  in  the  forests  was also  an  astute  motivator .  the  smell  of  shit  covering  the  city  had  launched  a  full  assault  on  matarys’s  nostrils as of late ,  he  supposed  he  could  survive  but  another  few  days  if  it  meant  he  could  ride  out  as  a  recluse  once  more .

[hammerthe]

“ i'd have thought you'd welcome the respite, after all your travels, ” though he can see now he had been mistaken. his youngest son had spent time with the dondarrions ( something in my curls as he remembers manfred, his dismissive behavior as he talked of anyone who were not his equal in standing, but the man remained jena's blood, and therefor valarr's and matarys' as well. and besides, a knight he remained too, one who had accompanied his father against the vulture king. that alone gave him more experience than others could boast of. and he wished for him to know his mother's family, difficult as it was with the distance between their castles, even if manfred left much to be desired in baelor's mind )

“ i suppose if you do not bring your armor, if you do not plan to join the lists... ” he trails off, considering as he thinks back to the travel arrangments. everything was accounted for, but they can make space for mat's belongings ( and maekar was already bringing his own armor, for only the gods' knew what possible reason, considering he had no intention of joining the lists as far as baelor knew. it was easier not to question, however ) as he looks at matarys' eagerness. the boy seems to wish to come, in truth, and he hates to deny him when it is possible for him to join them. he is grown enough to come with them, and to handle his own matters, and it may not be the worst thought, for him to use the moment as experience. “ perhaps taking the upper part would be useful, and a weapon, ” he amends. in case anything were to happen. he doubts it, but outlaws were a possibility, regardless of how the king had worked to make the roads as safe as possible, reports dwindling through the years. the danger existed still, as always, even with guards that would travel with them, and that he expected the lords to be accommodating enough, now the blackfyres were defeated. still, he would prefer to know matarys could defend himself were he to need it.

“ both your brother and cousins shall be going. you will not mind sharing chambers with any of them, if it were required ? ” they'd rely on the hospitality of the castles as they travelled, after all, and inns and taverns when those were too far to reach, and it was valarr and his nephews who were participating in the tourney.

[maetarys]

       𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖆 𝖘𝖖𝖚𝖎𝖗𝖊 ,  there  would  be  few  martial  games  in  which  he  could  truly  participate .  matarys  did  not  mind  it ,  however ,  for  he  was  sure  to  find  other  worthy  activities .  tourneys  tended  to  bring  about  many  festivities  for  both  richer  and  poorer ,  and  mat  preferred  to  blend  with  the  smallfolk ;  their  parties  were  larger  and  merrier ,  far  fewer  politics  to  be  swallowed  in .  at  times ,  he  wished  the  lords  would  take  their  peoples’  merit  and  see  the  world  through  their  eyes  —  but  the  lords  oft  sat  on  their  highest  of  horses ,  downturning  noses  at  all those  below .  ser  manfred  was  certainly  one  of  the  more  notable  examples .  the  second  son  thought  it  to  be  embarrassing ,  for  the  lords  to  think  of  themselves  so  highly  when  they  would  sooner  be  nothing  without  their  loyal bannermen  and  farmers .

❛ i would sleep on the floors, if i must. ❜  a  shrug  at  that ,  he  had  done  it many a time  before .  ❛ i would not spend all day abed, so long as mine companions mind not my intrusion. ❜

       even  if  they  had  minded  so ,  his  brother  would  not  dwell  on  it  and  his  cousins  could  eat  their  feather  pillows .  daeron  would  sooner  sleep  in  a  tavern  than  a  bed ,  and  aerion  would  hypnotise  himself  to a looking – glass  before  noticing  matarys .  aemon was now in the citadel and aegon  was  still  small ,  he  could  easily  fit  at  the  foot  of  a  bed  and  leave  more  than  enough  space  for  matarys .  he  could  only  hope  that  aegon  would  not  intend  to  stay  awake  and  gossip  through  all  hours  of  the  eve ,  but  the  promise  of  leading  him  through  festivities  may  quieten  him  somewhat .

❛ i shall bring mine bow and a quiver of arrows, i need not more than that, i should think. ❜  he  paused ,  ❛ and barley and oates, am i permitted to bring them also? i wish to continue in their training, i do not wish to sloppy their command. ❜

       his  finer  clothes  would  be  packed ,  of  course ,  though  he  would  sooner  be  seen  wearing  his  plain  riding  leathers  more  oft  than  not .  he  would  expect  some  comments ,  to be sure ,  for  they  always  seemed  to  come ,  but  what was a lordling to a prince ?  there  were  greater  concerns  to  be  had ,  and  matarys  cared  not  for  their  approval nor any remark they may utter.  he  would  do ,  and  wear ,  as  he  pleased  —  so  long  as  it  did  not  sully  house  targaryen ,  nor  house  dondarrion ,  then  it  mattered  not .

[maetarys]

currently drafting two headcanon posts : one with more specifics on his pets & one on the trial of seven at ashford meadow

[realmsdelite]

below the cut are a collection of roleplay meme prompts from george r. r. martin's a knight of the seven kingdoms ( tale one: the hedge knight ) some of which may be adjusted slightly for roleplaying formats, trigger warnings include mentions of violence, food, alcohol, animal death and death.

" i could find another hedge knight in need of a squire to tend his animals and clean his mail. "

" are you the stableboy? "

" i could. if i wanted. "

" i'll have none of that. i'm a knight, i'll have you know. "

" you don't look to be a knight. "

" do all knights look the same ? "

" is it ale you want, or food ? "

" will you be wanting a room for the night as well ? "

" half the town's gone to see the tourney, my son would as well, if i'd allowed it. "

" knights are built the same as other men. "

" i dreamed of you. "

" you stay away from me, do you hear ? you stay well away. "

" my lord, i did not mean - "

" how can i tell you, with my mouth closed ? "

" and what might your mother say to that ? "

" my mother ? my mother's dead, she wouldn't say anything. "

" every knight needs a squire, you look as though you need one more then most. "

" you look as though you need a clout in the ear, it seems to me. "

" a true knight is cleanly as well as godly. "

" why would they name it a dragonfly? it looks nothing like a dragon. "

" the summers have been shorter since the last dragon died, and the winters longer and crueler. "

" one victory is all i need. that's not so much to hope for. "

" i could never hope to do better, so why should i try ? "

" what was true for you need not be true for me. "

" how did you get here ? did you steal a horse ? "

" you can't make me go. "

" i'd had enough of that inn. "

" i should throw you over my horse right now and take you home. "

" i would sooner sleep under the stars. "

" what happened to your hair ? "

" if you'll swear to do as your told i'll let you serve me for the tourney. after that, well, we'll see. "

" a falling star brings luck to one who sees it. but the rest of them are all in their pavilions by now, staring up at silk instead of sky. so the luck is mine alone. "

" i expect i'll be gone most of the day. you're to stay here and put the camp in order. "

" are you a knight ? a knight with a name, mayhaps ? "

" you are aware that those vanquished in tourney forfeit their arms, armor and horse to the victors, and must needs ransom them back ? "

" it's not too much to hope for, if the gods are good. "

" there's no crest either, it's just plain. "

" see how bright the steel is ? it will be your task to keep it that way. you know how to scour mail ? "

" one day, i mean to live in a castle. i hope to win a place above the salt before i'm done. "

" they will not allow me to challenge unless some knight or lord will vouch for me. "

" shall i wait here ? how long will he be ? "

" - more concerned if they were your sons, i'll wager. "

" _ has done this before. "

" you should never have commanded him to enter the lists. "

" i do not need to be reminded of my son's failings. he has only _ years, he can change. "

" he will change, gods be damned, or i swear i'll see him dead. "

" don't be an utter fool. he is what he is, but he is still your blood, and mine. "

" when the tourney is over, perhaps. "

" who are you, and what do you mean by bursting in on us ? "

" you and i are the intruders here. "

" a shield and a sword do not make a knight. even if we accept that these arms belonged to this particular knight, it may well be that you found him dead and stole them. unless you have some better proof of what you say, some writing or - "

" he told me about that, many a time. "

" i make it a practice to learn all i can of my foes. "

" why would you deign to joust with a hedge knight ?"

" tales grow in the telling, i know. "

" you gave him back his horse and armor and took no ransom, i remember. "

" you are the soul of chivalry. one day, the realm will be safe in your hands. "

" not for many a year still, i pray. "

" you wish to enter the lists, is that it ? that decision rests with the master of the games, but i see no reason to deny you. "

" the spring rains have swollen many of the streams, perhaps they are only delayed. "

" by law, only a trueborn son is entitled to inherit a knight's arms. you must needs find a new device, ser. a sigil of your own. "

" thank you again, your grace. i will fight bravely, you'll see. "

" i am, my lady, as great a fool as ever lived and as great a knight as well. "

" sweet lady, all men are fools, and all men are knights, where women are concerned. "

" what would you want painted ? "

" what color paint do you have ? "

" you're not too tall, you're just right for... "

" a squire must keep a courteous tongue. "

" let me down, the poor horse, let me down."

" a terrible sight, aye, but you must needs be strong. you'll see worse mishaps at other tourneys, i fear. "

" i saw a knight green as summer grass lose control of his lance, and i'll hear no more of it. "

" the jousting is done for the day, i think. come. "

" there, you see, your matter is attended to, and the wine awaits. "

" thank the gods that he is well down in the order of succession. "

" _ is all smiles and chivalry so long as his father is watching, if the tales be true... but when he's not, "

" there's a wild tale of robber knights going about, but i'll wager the prince is just off drunk again. "

" and now he must suffer seeing his own sons overshadowed by his brother's. "

" i cut it off, i didn't want to look like you. "

" a hedge knight is the truest kind of knight. other knights serve the lords who keep them, or from whom they hold their lands, but we serve where we will, for men whose causes we believe in. every knight swears to protect the weak and innocent, but we keep the vow best, i think. "

" they didn't tell me what they thought. "

" my uncle says i must humbly beg your forgiveness for deceiving you. "

" i never meant to lie. "

" would you care for wine ? "

" try not to spill it on _ , you've done them sufficient ill already. "

" one need not intend harm to do it. "

" he's a good boy. a good squire."

" you meant no harm to me, i know. "

" what you did... well, i might have done the same in your place. "

" it is never wise to strike a king's grandson in anger, no matter the cause. "

" let me ask you this - how good a knight are you, truly ? how skilled at arms ? "

" i believe it was _'s secret hope that their sons might outshine mine in this tourney. "

" they have both shamed him, but what is to be done ? they are blood of his blood "

" he is angry, and must needs have a target for his wrath. he has chosen you. "

" _ will tell him, i have no doubt. but the boy has been known to lie, too, as you have good reason to recall. "

" ... well it was doubtless innocent, but it was far from wise. "

" whatever he believes, or fails to believe, one truth is beyond dispute: for that offense you must be tried, judged, and punished. "

" to be sure, i will urge my fellow judges to be merciful. "

" my word carries some weight, but so does _. the risk is there. "

" you have another choice, though. whether it is a better choice or a worse one, i cannot say, but i remind you any knight accused of a crime has the right to demand a trial by combat. "

" why ? are you afraid to face this hedge knight alone and let the gods decide the truth of your accusations ? "

" you are too kind, sweet brother. "

" it would be selfish of me to deny you the right to prove the truth of your words at the hazard of your body. "

" don't play the fool, it will not serve. "

" your grace, what if no one will take my part ? "

" if a cause is just, good men will fight for it. if you can find no champions, it will be because you are guilty. could anything be more plain ? "

" does your lord father know you've left the castle ? "

" gods be good, i hope not. "

" not that i ever asked to have my honor redeemed. whoever has it can keep it, so far as i'm concerned. "

" the only thing i like less then horses are swords. heavy things, and beastly sharp. "

" i must steal back to the castle before my father wonders why i'm taking so long to sharpen my sword. "

" i would like a private word. will you walk with me ?"

" my dreams are not like yours, mine are true. they frighten me. you frighten me."

" i don't care to die today. "

" it may be that i've killed you with my lie. if so, i am sorry. "

" i'm doomed to some hell, i know. "

" if you think i wish any part of this, you're as thick as you are vile. "

" are there no true knights among you ? "

" have you taken leave of your senses ? this man attacked my son. "

" this man protected the weak, as every true knight must. let the gods determine if he was right or wrong. "

" my prince, is that chivalrous ? "

" why would the gods take him, and leave you ? "

" my father was only _. he had it in him to be a great king. "

" the gods know it is a lie, but i will hear the whispers till the day i die. "

" is that a mercy or a curse ? some of both, i think. "

" the realm has as many hedge knights as hedges. "

" if your grace has a better answer, i'd want to hear it. "

" it may be the gods have a taste for cruel japes. or perhaps there are no gods. perhaps none of this had any meaning. "

" there is a place for you there, if you wish. "

" he is an unruly boy, as you will have noticed. "

" presumptuous of you. "

" what did he say ?"

" he said that the realm needed good men. "

" he's seen sufficient of castles, i would judge. "

" princes are not made for sleeping in ditches and eating hard salt beef. "

" what is it you're afraid to tell me ? say what you will. "

" my lord father says that i am to serve you. "

" i hear they have good puppet shows. "

" i won't need to go into the castle, will i ? "

[hammerthe]

it had been some time since matarys had been sent to foster under ser manfred, though despite the time passed, he could never quite grow used to his absence. it was necessary for the boy to gather more experience, and it would help him grow ( he was neither the babe he still remembered him as, or the little child who had once filled their halls ), but he could not help but miss him until his presence returned to court. as such, once they announce a letter had come from prince matarys, he immediately reaches towards it, hastily opening it to read what news he could have to write.

the wall and its watch, the north. stopping an attack to the realm. a new knight. pride fills him immediately. his son, a knight. he had not assumed matarys would return from his fostering with his knighthood, though he could hope for it. he needs to respond, he thinks, rapidly opening his own parchment to send to him.

dearest matarys, my endless congratulations ! your news bring much joy. i am gladden to hear the realm remains safe from the wildlings, and much proud to hear you were able to participate in such defense to keep the north and our people safe. does the maester need any wares ? please send me the list if he does, and he surely must, i will see they are delivered as soon as possible. the houses at north may be the quickest to respond there, but do tell us what is needed. have your wounds continued closing properly ? i know you said the maester affirmed they were mere flesh wounds and those are inevitable in such confrontations, but it'd still be a relief to hear they are better now. do tell us when you believe you shall be returning. i must give my congratulations on such a feat in person. with all my love, your father

[maetarys]

       𝖎𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖉 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖓 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖆 𝖜𝖊𝖊𝖐 for his father to receive the news and for congratulations to be returned . the new knight’s wounds were shrinking though not quite healed , though he was in good company even if ser manfred had bade leave for mole’s town more oft than not . the men of the night’s watch knew there was but one reason for it , and matarys could scarce blame him for he had found in his own similar company in the maester's assistant . in the finer guest quarters , matarys lay recuperating as he wrote his response :

𝔗𝔬 𝔐𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔉𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔶, i shall speak more on the excitement at my return. the maester says i shall be fit for riding in but two weeks time, though he may push it to three or four with caution. whichever, i shall heed his advice and travel no sooner than he permits. my wounds are healing as expected. the maester has sent word to the great houses of all constituencies, thus only the starks of the north have responded. we expect more shall come soon but if your word might hasten their actions, it may be best to send your ravens. most brothers are healing well, though there are some in more dire states. we have sent one to winterfell, though the maester does not expect him to survive it. there are also two wildlings in the care of the night’s watch, neither wounded too greatly. some brothers are calling for their execution, others call for them to be used as hard labourers. i have been asked mine opinion, but i dared not speak on it. they may serve well, or they may turn on the night’s watch as they have in times past. which would you have? and, how is darrion? i trust my hound not to be left to the kennels, he hates it so and mine own chambers are just as much his. and too, malady and crone, i do hope they have been kept well and exercised. barley and oates have served well, hunting and tracking is near second nature to them. it was they who tracked the fleeing brother, though they brought no harm unto him. give my best to valarr, i should like to spar with him at my return. 𝔐𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔶𝔰 𝔗𝔞𝔯𝔤𝔞𝔯𝔶𝔢𝔫

[maetarys]

       𝖙𝖍𝖊  𝖕𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊  𝖍𝖆𝖉  𝖓𝖔𝖙  𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖓  𝖊𝖝𝖕𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉  to  return  to  kings  landing  for  another  turn  of  the  moon .  it  was  but  a  month’s  ride  out ,  though  ravens  could  travel  all  the  faster .  at  his  first  chance ,  matarys  sent  one  for  his  family  after  all  that  had  happened  at  the  wall .  he  was  sure  the  maester  would  send  others ,  requesting  arms  and  men  and  healing  salves  from  all  corners  of  the  realm ,  but  the  second  son knew  his  father , the crown prince , would  wish  to  hear  of  it  before  news  spread .

𝔗𝔬 𝔐𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔉𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔶, i write today bearing news of good and ill fortune, though i hope not to monger in your fears. ser manfred and i have arrived at the wall with its newest recruits. we were met well and with only one man attempting to flee. in truth, he is only a boy of which i am a year or two his senior. there is no ill will to be held against him. the fortunes i bear are not only his own, but of the night’s watch and of mine and ser manfred’s. there was an attack on the wall, led by wildlings and their beasts. i regret to inform you that some good men were lost, though we all carried the battle as one. i have sustained some minor wounds that the maester is tending, and ser manfred is faring better yet. do not fret, the maester assures they are only flesh wounds and will heal well. we shall return when all are fit for travel. we have burnt the dead and left their ashes to peace, and on that night ser manfred bade me kneel. the seven kingdoms has a new knight. seven blessings to you all, 𝔐𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔶𝔰 𝔗𝔞𝔯𝔤𝔞𝔯𝔶𝔢𝔫

a  shameless  starter  for @hammerthe

[gameofthronesdaily]

COUNTDOWN TO SEASON 2  — day two: targaryen aesthetic