pay to play

Lord Mikael of House Whiteash. Currently in King's Landing.

[lordmassey]

heart hits like a drum | triston & mikael

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@lordmassey

Triston angled himself so that Mikael could make himself more comfortable. Throwing caution to the wind he reached out to clasp Mikael’s hand in his, running his thumb over his palm. He could at least allow himself this small comfort since Mikael was so willing to offer it. “You know I can’t help but worry. People are so ready to come here and take advantage of our family and now you…” He trailed off and pursed his lips. He couldn’t admit that he worried for Mikael more than he did the others, even though that was blatantly obvious.

“Should I even ask as to what it is that you want to take home?” Triston arched his brow, looking down at him with a smile as he moved his arm to wrap around Mikael. “I know you wouldn’t have so I didn’t bother arguing.” He laughed, intertwining his fingers with Mikael’s as he grew silent, simply staring at their hands clasped together. Despite all his rules, Mikael had forced his way into Triston’s heart. It did worry him because in his experience happiness never lasted. He didn’t want to fool himself into anything but this at least he would allow. “Did you have any trouble today?”

“I know, it’s one of the things I love about you,” he answered. He was comfortable here, it was where he belonged and he knew it. Mikael shook his head. “They will not take advantage of me. They can try but it will not end well for them.” His hand moved absently up and down Triston’s side, keeping them close together. “You know better than anyone how well I can handle myself.”

Turning his head some, he smiled. “You know the answer that.” He laughed, enjoying the warmth and comfort of Triston’s bed. How could this feel so right? Sometimes he thought he ought to give up his life of whoring around and just stay here with Triston. But it was a scary thing to settle down, and who knew if Triston would even allow that. He looked down at their intertwined fingers and he grinned. This was definitely against the rules. Slowly falling in love had to be.

“No trouble. I had to remain in court all day, so the only trouble came from dealing with everyone in King’s Landing. I would have preferred to be here.”

[lordmassey]

heart hits like a drum | triston & mikael

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@lordmassey

“I don’t doubt that.” Triston chuckled, feeling the bed shift as Mikael did. He let his eyes drift shut at the warmth he felt behind him, his hand moving to the arm that had wrapped around him. “You have quite the way with words, you know that?” Triston felt something akin to his heart leaping to his throat when he felt Mikael’s mouth on his arm. As much as he wished to follow his own rules that he so strictly imposed on every other aspect of his life, his will always seemed to falter around Mikael. Damn him.

“I know you don’t care but I do.” Triston turned as Mikael moved and shifted so that he could rest against the headboard next to Mikael, his hands falling into his lap. “Please, for my sake, if you are to continue coming here in the dead of night just be careful.” Triston looked at Mikael pleadingly before his gaze shot over to the bag of coins that sat on his desk and frowned. “Those are your earnings Mikael, I counted it myself. You know I don’t underpay anyone here, no matter how full their pockets already are.” When Mikael had first come to offer his services Triston was confused. He certainly didn’t need the coin being the son of a noble house like the Whiteashes. But he couldn’t deny that Mikael was definitely one under his employ that was requested the most.

That of course, made it more dangerous for him, especially when it came to keeping the fact that he was employed here quiet. Triston absentmindedly grabbed the hand Mikael had placed on his shoulder and leaned his cheek against their hands. “No… stay,” He muttered quietly, getting lost in his own thoughts before he cleared his throat and sat up straighter, letting go of Mikael’s hand. “It’s far too late. Rest here tonight.”

“Yes, I have been told,” Mikael said with a laugh. He wanted to make a joke about his tongue, but something stopped him. Maybe Triston would get upset and he didn’t want that to happen. Instead he leaned over, pressing his face into the side of Triston’s head, breathing him in. “I will be careful, I promise. Most of the guards are concerned with where Cersei’s little birds are more than they are with my whereabouts. But you have so much on these strong, beautiful shoulders already. I would hate to be an extra worry for you.” Mikael hated that there was so little he could do for Triston. The man took care of so many people, but who was taking care of him. It pulled at something in him. He would take care of Triston.

“You haven’t underpaid me, darling.” He tilted his head so that he was looking up at the other man. “I make enough coin here, and we really should renegotiate anyway if you think that is what I should be taking home.” Triston was going to lose everything, he thought. Where would he go? Who would take over the brothel? Mikael couldn’t stand to see that happen. “But not tonight.”

He smiled when Triston asked him to stay and moved so that he had an arm around him again, pushing up close so that they were pressed together. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have left anyway,” he said, pressing another kiss to Triston’s chest before laying his head there. He was warm now, and felt a contentedness he only felt when he was here, like this. He never wanted to get up from this spot again.

[lordmassey]

heart hits like a drum | triston & mikael

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@lordmassey

Triston knew he couldn’t be there, knew that he couldn’t let him. But seeing him there, with eyes as tired as his own looking like he was where he belonged, Triston knew he couldn’t argue. Also that he couldn’t physically argue because he was just that exhausted as well. “It’s hardly fit for a Lord like yourself.” He countered with an arched brow, moving over to his wardrobe to change, his back to Triston. “Surely the Lannister’s would provide you a bed fit for a King…” Once he’d slipped on the loose white shirt he wore for bed he turned around and studied Mikael for a moment. It wasn’t like he hadn’t slept in his bed before and for exactly the same reason, but he shouldn’t let him make a habit of it. He had to be as firm as he was outside his door. But he never was. At least not with Mikael.

“Fine. It’s not like I can kick you out now.” He relented, moving over to his bed and sitting so that he could unlace his boots. “Did anyone see you come in?” It wasn’t that he particularly cared what people thought of him, more that he worried what could be said if someone spotted Lord Mikael walking into the room of the man who owned a brothel.

Mikael moved over some, closer to the center of the bed so that Triston would be next to him. “Oh, I think I can make myself comfortable in a variety of places. The bed they gave me is fine but it was missing one thing.” He waited until Triston was sitting down and had his boots off before wrapping an arm around him and pulling him close. “It doesn’t have you.” He grinned, pressing a quick and gentle kiss to Triston’s arm before letting him go. That was as far as he would push the intimacy. He didn’t want Triston to actually kick him out.

“No one saw me. I was very discreet. Not that I would care, you know this. Their opinions mean very little to me. All I need is their coin.” Mikael shifted, getting comfortable on his side of the bed. “Speaking of coin, you overpaid me. Again. I left it on your desk. Try to put it towards something more... substantial. Not my already heavy pockets.” His hand moved up, rubbing Triston’s shoulder gently as he got quiet for awhile. “If you want me to leave, I will.”

[lordmassey]

heart hits like a drum | triston & mikael

To say that Triston was exhausted would be an understatement. He had barely slept in the past few days, when he did manage to shut his eyes for a moment he had to wake once more because a client decided getting a little rough with one of his girls was allowed. It wasn’t, and now that client was forbidden to return. Providing security for the Honeybadger was easy enough. A trusted old friend of his provided the muscle while he provided a decent discount for their patronage. Anyone that tried to take advantage of this agreement was immediately out on their arse. Triston had few rules around his brothel, but he strictly maintained them both for the safety of those under his care and those who trusted his discretion.

Between dealing with unsavory clients there was also the matter of coin. The levy for the property was high and he refused to underpay anyone that worked for him. They were managing to get by, but only just. That was the price of remaining completely separate from the Lannister’s or the Baratheon’s. Yet struggle as he did there was no way he would allow them any control over anything. Triston’s shoulder relaxed some as the door to his room came into view. He didn’t expect to get too much sleep but the thought of his bed so close was welcome. Entering his room he quickly unbuttoned and slipped out of his coat, hanging it on the hook near the door before he kicked the door shut and turned to face his bed, almost jumping in shock when he saw the figure sitting on his bed. “Gods! Mikael! How long have you been there? And what did I say about sneaking into my room?”

[mikaelwhiteashes]

Mikael had had a long day, and he hadn’t even been working. It was mostly the politics that had drained him completely. But instead of heading back to his room at the Keep, there was only one place he could think of to go. The brothel wasn’t exactly the quietest place, but Triston’s room was always calming for him, no matter what kind of day he’d been having. He made himself comfortable, sitting against the headboard and closing his eyes until he heard the door opening up. “Not very long,” he answered quietly, watching Triston with a tired smile on his face. “You said not to, but you know I just can’t help myself. You have the most comfortable bed in all of Westeros.”

Stretching, he slipped out of his tunic and patted the bed next to him. “Come on. You look tired and there is plenty of room for the both of us.” Whatever Triston said, Mikael tended to not listen. At least when it came to his rules about sneaking into his room or getting too close. The only rule he hadn’t pushed at was the one that said he couldn’t have sex with Triston. He had thought about it, of course. The man was a few years older than he was, but in great shape with a handsome face to match. Mikael couldn’t deny that he would give anything for that one night. But he never overstepped that one boundary. “Please? I’m lonely.”

[mikaelwhiteashes]

the price you pay | mikael + elena

“I said get out.” Mikael jerked back on the nobleman and pushed him out of the room. The man almost fought back until he took in Mikael’s full frame. The door shut in his face and Mikael picked up the discarded robe from the floor. “Are you alright?” He carried the robe over to the young girl on the bed. One of the serving boys had said a client was getting rough, showing signs of aggression towards one of the girls, and Mikael couldn’t allow that. So he’d stopped what he was doing, haphazardly dressed himself and marched across the brothel to find out what exactly was going on. Triston had policies, after all. He cared for the men and women who served King’s Landing in his name. And Mikael often enforced that. Draping the robe over her, he sat down on the edge of the bed. “What was your name again?” he asked quietly, trying to be as soothing and calming as he could be.

He wasn’t even sure how violent the man had been, or what he had walked in on. Was this girl okay with it? Was she scared? Mikael frowned. Whores were looked down upon in this city. He had the privilege of being highborn, but many whores were orphans and bastards, coming from all over the known world to earn a bit of coin. But to him, that did not mean they were to be treated as lower than an animal.

“I do apologize if that was going as you had planned it to, but Triston does not appreciate anyone getting rough with those in his care. And you, my dear, are one of those people.” Mikael offered her a gentle smile, adjusting the tunic he had thrown on. It wasn’t his and didn’t fit well, but the important bits were mostly covered. “My name is Mikael, by the way.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

Freya tilted her cheek, leaning gently into his touch. Intense readings like this could be a drain on her energy, but she took comfort in Mikael’s steadying, strong presence. She met his gaze firmly. “I will keep their secret.” She swore. “I know what it is to be lost and separated from your family. I will not let harm come to the Salvatores, I promise. I hold no love or trust in the Lannisters, Mikael. I am not on their side.” Freya took in a deep breath, feeling the residual magic from the reading buzz under her skin as it started to dissipate. “The flames have never shown me my own future.” She tilted her head forward, pressing her forehead to Mikael’s, relishing in their closeness. “I do not know what I will get, only what I want to get.”

“Thank you,” he said, running his thumb along her cheek. “They will not survive if we fail them.” Mikael sighed. Was this what she had meant when she said someone would need him? Because it was pretty clear that both Salvatore children were in more danger than anyone realized. He would have to figure something out, a way to protect them. He needed to talk to his brother. “And what is it that you want to get?” he asked her, pressing in closer, his nose brushing her skin. Lips parting slightly, he could taste her. “Perhaps it’s something that I can give you?” Mikael moved his hands lower, pulling them closer together. “Say the words, my Lady, and I am yours.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

Freya waved her hand, closing her fingers into a tight fist, suddenly dousing the flames. “I saw two dragons with the feathers of ravens. The Salvatore sigil.” She told Mikael, turning to face him. Sweat had blossomed on her skin, a light sheen that made even her cotton underclothes feel sticky. “They were locked up in cages with lions prowling by.” She took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she considered what the flames had shown her. “The Targaryen heir has three dragons of her own and means to bring them to Westeros. Three living dragons, of that I am certain. But she is not the last dragon herself - there are more. And I suspect…the Salvatores. They’re not just Northerners. We must find out who their mother is.” She reached out, her hand on Mikael’s arm to steady herself. “It seems you will get your dragons, and more besides.”

“The Salvatores,” he repeated softly. Mikael moved closer, brushing some hair out of her face. “We can search for her identity. I’m sure my brother will have records for all of the Targaryens. Maybe we missed something. But you know we can’t let this information fall into the wrong hands.” Steadying her, he looked her in the eyes. “They will be in even more danger if this gets to the Lannisters.” They were close now and he could feel how powerful she was. Her skin was warm and it felt like sparks when they touched, like she was going to explode with energy and fire at any moment. It was hard to be so close yet he didn’t want to leave her side. “And what do you get, my lady?” he asked breathlessly.

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

Freya saw rapid images emerge in the fire, curling into the one another like smoke. The flash of three dragon tails, wings glittering in the sunshine, tendrils of silvery-white hair floating on a light breeze. She tasted saltwater on her tongue. She saw an ocean on fire - “Shadows,” She said aloud, unable to help the words falling from her lips, in somewhat of a trance. “Three shadows with wings over King’s Landing. The blonde one, she is not the last of her kind.” Freya focused harder, and two of the shadows twisted and broke away, moving into a new vision. They resolved into black-coated dragons, and when she looked harder, she could see the dragons were covered in raven feathers. Her body tensed. Steel bars closed the raven-dragons in, and she could see lions, prowling the edges of their cages. Freya gasped, breaking away from the fire, taking a step back. It had been awhile since she’d received  a vision that intense. She breathed in slowly, willing her mind to return to her body. “Mikael.” She said, voice low and serious. “What do you know about the two Salvatore prisoners?”

Mikael was suddenly on his feet when she began talking. What did she mean? It was pretty clear that Daenerys was headed this way, but then she said something about not being the last of her kind. Who else could she mean? “The Salvatores?” he frowned, thinking hard about what he knew about them. “The Salvatore family is an old house from the North. They are descendants of the First Men of Westeros, dating back to before the Wall along with the Starks. The two here are orphans and were living with the Starks when Robert traveled to Winterfell.” He racked his brain. What could she really want to know? “Why do you ask about them? What do they have to do with... anything?” he asked curiously, moving closer but still keeping some distance. The fire was high now, burning strong and bright. “Freya? What is going on?”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“I am certain I will enjoy this.” Freya grinned warmly, lowering her own hands to allow him access to the catches along the back of her dress. “I’m sure, Mikael. I’ve been suffocating in this dress, as pretty as it is.” Even with just the bodice swept away, Freya felt her breath come easier. She welcomed the kiss of heat on her bare shoulders, so much better than felt through stuffy fabric. She lowered her hands and divested herself of her outer skirt, leaving her in a light underskirt and camisole. She closed her eyes and breathed out, enjoying the freedom she felt in such little clothing. “I know what you mean. Our bodies are the most natural things. It seems a shame we must cover them.”

She flashed him a pleased smile before turning back to the fire. “Before I indulge myself any further - your reading, I think. If you might, concentrate on what you most would like to know. It might help focus my visions.” Freya stepped close to the flame, dangerously close had she been a regular women. She let her gaze lock on the heart of the fire, getting lost in it. She could hear the flapping of wings in her ears, just as a pattern of scales begin to undulate in the flames.

It took a lot of strength to take his eyes off of Freya and focus on the fire in front of them. She was very beautiful, especially now. But he was able to do it. He thought about the Targaryens, about Daenerys. Was she actually out there and was she really heading for Westeros? Her family held the future of his own in their hands. Would they be powerful allies? Would things all work out in the end? He had so many questions for Freya and he wondered what exactly she was seeing. The fire potentially held so many answers for him and he couldn’t believe that he might finally be closer to having them.

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“Well, what is life without some trouble?” Freya remarked, amusement clear on her face. She smiled at Mikael, feeling a delicious spark in her body, a feeling that she rarely was allowed to indulge in. “I had no idea today would be quite so interesting when I woke up today. A chance to use my gift, and to experience the gifts of another - to experience a man.” She laughed, full and rich. Her eyebrow arched as she watched him slide off his coat, gaze heavy on him. He was wonderfully attractive. She had to admit that her evening was looking to be a delightful one. “You have the right idea. The priestesses never wear such extravagant garb when performing a reading.”

She stepped back from the flames, reaching behind herself to begin undoing the snaps that held together the bodice of her dress. “It will be much more comfortable this way. And besides, I suppose if I am to be your…what did you say, beautiful client? I may as well look the part. Could I implore your help with these clasps? Honestly, Westerosi fashion is unbelievable. I can’t get dressed in the morning without Davina’s help.”

Mikael’s grin widened some. “You never know what the day will bring,” he told her. “But it is always best to try and enjoy it, whatever it is.” He hadn’t known that their chance meeting would lead to this, but maybe it was meant to happen all along. He stood up carefully, walking up behind her. “If you’re sure.”

With careful hands, he gently undid the clasps and slid her bodice off, stepping back to admire her. She was definitely beautiful, as most of the Mikaelson children were. But there was something else. It was probably the magic, the fire in her eyes. “I do not understand it either. I would prefer to wear nothing at all but it is deemed mostly inappropriate.”

He moved away again, watching her still. “A very beautiful client indeed.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“I have been practicing the art of the fire mage since I was four years old.” She lifted one corner of her lips, and held out a hand above the fire pit. Her eyes flashed, and a spark lit in the dirt below her, growing swiftly into a small flame. “But according to my aunt, the talent was born in me. It was why she wanted to take me from my mother and father so badly.” She pressed her lips together, thoughtful. “Ah, the Salvatores. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet the crown’s erstwhile hostages. But it seems to me that even if they did have magic, they would not share it with those who present themselves as allies with their enemies.”

“Freedom was a great gift to me. I shall never take it for granted again.” She stepped back from the fire, allowing it to grow and take shape. Her skin felt hot with the fire, her dress too restrictive and warm. Even in the South, these women wore too many clothes, too many decorations. She hated having to subscribe to such fashion, but she had to fit in. “I completely agree, Mikael. You should never relinquish something that delights you, just to escape the judgement of others.” Her eyes cut over to him, and her smirk widened. “I have known the touch of a woman to be quite enjoyable. I confess, I had begun to think men…unnecessary for pleasure. But I find myself intrigued by your offer. And your talents, which I’m sure are considerable.”

Mikael watched, eyes bright and reflecting the flames. It was amazing what people could do, he thought, watching her closely. “They are poor creatures, to be trapped here as they are. Of course they wouldn’t share.” But he let the thought go. His immediate concern was watching the fire and learning whatever it was that Freya had to offer him. It was a rare sight to behold and he thought about how he would relay this to Triston later.

“I never would. It has gotten me in some trouble before, but I still haven’t found it within myself to care.” He straightened his posture some, noticing her eyes on him. “The touch of a man can be quite pleasurable. I am sure that after you share your talent with me, I can share mine with you. But first...” Mikael carefully slid out of his coat, laying it aside on a nearby table. “Being this close to the fire is a bit hotter than I am used to.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“The greensight, you mean? It is not quite the same.” Freya stepped forward, inspecting the edges of the pit, the materials it was made out of. It had a solid foundation and a connection to the earth, which was a good place to start. “The flames can be called upon at will, but they do not always say things directly. It is up to the witch to interpret the visions, and a well-trained and talented witch will be able to do so with more clarity. The flames also show the past, present, and future. Greensight tends towards prophetic dreams, though it can be equally confusing and unclear.”

She smiled faintly, shaking her head. “Until I escaped my aunt, I had never been anywhere but her red temple in Essos, and before that briefly at Warmblood as a child.” Freya’s smile was soft, her eyes crinkled at the corners, intrigued. “Is that so? One wouldn’t expect a lord to also be a courtesan. It is a bold choice. Do you enjoy it?” She tilted her head slightly, curious. Those who followed the red god were not exactly chaste, but they’d never allowed her any connections outside the other priestesses, fearing she’d use any newfound friends to escape their hold. “I have never known any men in such a way, but it does intrigue me. The art of lovemaking.”

“Mm. Greensight.” Mikael had read about it but never met anyone with it though. At least that he knew. “How long have you been practicing magic? Is it something you have to be born with?” He sat up some, watching her inspect the pit. “From what I’ve read the Greensight can do so much more in the right hands. There are no descendants of the First Men here though, save for the Salvatores and Stark girl. But no one has mentioned anything of it.”

Raising an eyebrow, he leaned back, listening. “I could not manage being caged like that. As it is, I feel bad for those stuck here as well.” He laughed when she asked about his side job though. “I do enjoy it. Greatly. I earn a fair bit too. Why shouldn’t I get paid to do something I like just because I am a Lord? And if men and women are willing to pay more for it because of that?” He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, perhaps we could work something out then, my lady. Freya.” He grinned at her, enjoying the easiness of their conversation. “There can be an art to it, with the right person. Man or a woman.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“Is that so? You carry a great air of maturity for a second son, Mikael. May I call you Mikael? I’m not so fond of titles, and I think we could be good friends. If you’ll allow it.” She smiled and took his offered hand, eyes sparkling. As much as she’d hated being held captive, Freya did love to do magic. She was happy she had the gift, the skills necessary. “Oh, no, you can have that one for free. Perhaps I will be able to tell you who needs you when I perform the reading. But I must warn you, not all readings are so specific - still, I hope to give you what you need.”

Freya arched an eyebrow, curious but not alarmed. “Alright. I’ll withhold my judgement. A safe haven to practice should never be dismissed, no matter how strange.” She let him lead her out of the Keep, asking no questions as they emerged into the courtyard of the brothel. “This is not so strange. It is a beautiful yard - and there were many beautiful women inside.” Freya grinned, glancing over at Mikael. “A house of pleasure? This is my first visit to one.” She stepped forward towards the fire pit, already drawn towards it though it was not yet aflame. “This will be perfect. Will we be alone for a moment?”

“Mikael will be fine,” he answered with another grin. “I do think we could be friends. I’ll allow it.” Mikael arched an eyebrow, looking back to the fire pit now. “How do the visions work? I have never seen anything like it. Our stories say that some men in the North have visions, a special type of sight, but...” Trailing off, he sat near the edge of the pit. “A pleasure house, yes, sometimes I earn coin here. I hear the best ones are in Lys. Have you ever been to Lys? I imagine everyone to be beautiful there.”

Looking around, he nodded. “Yes. The servants will stay away until we have left the courtyard. They see me and think I have brought a beautiful customer here for a pleasurable evening by the fire. We’ll be alone for as long as we need.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

Freya placed a hand gently on his shoulder, a casual yet deliberate touch, meant to sooth. “You are young yet to be so tired. I imagine being a Lord is such a responsibility. I know being the eldest sibling can be…difficult.” Her lips twisted into a half-smile, wistful. “But I would welcome that difficulty, if they would accept me. Only Finn was born when I left, and now they are all adults. They do not need their older sister, a stranger.” She paused, thoughtful. “Someone needs you, Lord Mikael. I think they will need you very much in the coming months.”

She nodded and stepped back, decisive. “We will need somewhere I can start a fire. I can do readings with blood as well, but I’m sure you’d prefer the flame.”

“I am only the second born son, most of the responsibility lies with my brother.” Mikael smiled back, sighing softly. “I’m sure with some time they will come to accept you. Family is important to your house.” He looked thoughtful, trying to figure out what exactly she meant. “Will this be part of the reading?” Standing up, he extended a hand to her. “I know somewhere we can go that we won’t be interrupted by anyone from the court. But you must not judge me too harshly.” He flashed her a grin. “I promise that it is not what it seems.”

The distance wasn’t far, in fact, Triston’s brothel was one of the closest buildings to the Red Keep while still being in King’s Landing. And he knew they could be alone there. Whores and servants moved around, preparing for the afternoon ahead of them when activity would pick up even more. “Out here.” There was a large courtyard just outside with a pit in the center of it. Cooks moved around it, but when the two of them entered, they seemed to disappear. “Fire pit.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“The priestesses are servants. And it is a mystery who they truly serve.” Freya’s mouth twisted in a small scowl. She had no faith in the red god, nor any gods. If they had ever existed at all, they’d abandoned humanity long ago. Of that Freya was certain - divinity was a lie. She was deep in reflection and nearly missed Mikael’s mutterings, but she turned her head to him, curious. “Pardon me?” She questioned, a knowing glint to her eyes. There was something sharp about this Lord. She could relate - and it made him all the more interesting as a potential friend, or ally.

“Fathers change when the mothers ship their favored children away from them.” She said, a bit harshly. She could not help but thinking of how different her family might be if she hadn’t been taken away. “I try never to speak to those that might be - offended - by me.” She said, a small smile on her face. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Lord Mikael. Magic is hard to eradicate, and dragons are some of the most magical things our world has ever created. You may see them yet. I could even do a reading for you, if you’d like.”

Mikael sat quietly, listening with interest. Their information on the red priests and priestesses was very small. “Hmm?” he murmured again, smiling at her. “It was nothing, my lady. Just the ramblings of a tired man.” He would have to make sure she wouldn’t potentially turn on him if he mentioned his allegiance to House Targaryen. He always had to be careful.

Frowning, he looked back at her. So that rumor had been true. The Mikaelsons had given her up for something, but what? He didn’t press for an answer, instead he just nodded solemnly. “Yes, that would do it.” He didn’t want her to dwell there so he moved on. “A reading? Why yes, I would certainly love to see that. Please, tell me that dragons are in my future.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

Freya slipped her arm easily into Mikael’s, pleased at the company, and the chance to get to know a member of the House so connected with her own. She’d missed out on so much of this, growing up with the priests of R’hllor. “Is that so? Well, they are very rare in Westeros. Though I heard the last living Baratheon brother has one of his very own.” She shook her head. “I was never a believer in the red god. I was trained in the arts of his priestesses, but it was not my destiny to be one of them.” A slow smile spread across her face, and she looked over at Mikael. “What a curious question to ask. I see all sorts of things, Lord Mikael, but sometimes I think the flame is the most important thing of all. In fact, I think fire is a large part of Westeros’s future.”

She nodded. “It saddens me to hear that. He was a loving and kind father, when I knew him, though it was so long ago. But my siblings - well. They do not seem to hold love for him, either.” Freya frowned, her nose wrinkling slightly. “I am sorry if that is all too personal. I am not sure what the boundaries are, here, in this - society. It’s been so long.” She ducked her head, the corner of her mouth lifting. “Well. A small pony sized dragon would still be beautiful to see.”

“One of his very own,” he echoed. “You make it sound like you’re all pets to be handed out.” Mikael chuckled, slowing down in the courtyard but didn’t immediately release her arm from his loose grasp. “Fire is going to be very important. More important than I think anyone realizes.” He looked up to the sun, watching the sky for a moment. Yes, Daenerys would show up with her dragons, and Westeros would burn again. Hopefully before winter came and the Long Night set. “Fire and blood,” he murmured softly.

“Father’s change.” He finally slid his arm away from her and took a seat on one of the benches. “Sometimes it feels as if there are no boundaries. But there is nothing wrong with a little light probing.” With a laugh, he shook his head. “Just be sure not to offend the wrong person.” Mikael nodded, sighing. “I wish to see dragons again. But it has been so long since the last ones died. I’m feeling as if they might never be seen here again.” But they could be seen across the Narrow Sea. He’d heard the rumors. Daenerys had hatched three dragons of her own. Magic was alive in the world again.”

[redwitchfreya-blog]

into the castle | mikael and freya

[mikaelwhiteashes]

@redwitchfreya

“Ah - thank you, that’s much better.” Freya said, relieved as the stranger freed her skirts from the stone. She arched an eyebrow, gently amused. “I’m not sure if I count as a Lady, considering how long I’ve been away. It seems most of my siblings barely even consider me a Mikaelson. I may have to earn any fancy titles.” Freya smiled indulgently. She knew who she was; her siblings’ reluctance changed nothing. She’d win them over eventually. For now, she could be patient. “It is nice to meet you, Lord Mikael.” She offered her hand politely, “You can call me Freya. It’s the name I’m used to - the priestesses don’t use last names, anyway.”

She gently pressed her lips together. “My father. I remember him as a great man. I wrote to him, but haven’t yet received a raven in reply. Have you seen your namesake lately? My siblings have little to say about him.” Freya shook her head. She would not go to Warmblood even to see Mikael; she could not face the mother who’d given her away. “My aunt told me stories of the Whiteashes. Is it true your ancestor had his own dragon, or is that a pretty myth?”

Mikael’s smile softened some and became more genuine as he relaxed. “Titles aren’t earned here,” he joked. “But Freya. I can remember that. Walk with me?” he offered, nodding his head and offering his arm to her. He lead her towards the courtyard as they talked, doing his best to show her around the Keep. “So, you are? were? - a red priestess? I cannot say that I have ever met one, but we’ve heard stories of their power. Tell me, what is it that you see when you look into the fire?”

They emerged into a courtyard, filled with tall trees and beautiful flowers. “I have not spoken with him since before my family’s arrival here in King’s Landing. I’m afraid I have even less stories about him than your siblings. But there are rumors that he is a hardened man, with little real love for his children.” He frowned some but perked up at her next question. “Well, there is some truth to it but the poor thing never grew to full size. It was the end of the Dance with Dragons, it got no bigger than a small pony. At least that is what we have been told all of our lives.”