I got this fabric from Joanns last year to make a kimono for a demon slayer cosplay but unfortunately Joanns went out of business before I could get more yards. But I don't know what I should make with it.
Morning light barely breeches over the horizon as Egg is the first to wake. His eyes open and staring towards Duncan, who still sleeps soundly. The young boy turns over to you, mouth slightly open as you snore lightly when he slowly gets up and walks over to Thunder who backs away from him at first until he holds a treat out in his hand.
The horse slowly approaches, taking the treat as a sign of peace between the two. Egg then walks over to where Dunk has placed his longsword against the tree and as quietly as he can grabs the blade, but steps on a branch. You stir lightly as you open your eyes and don’t see the young boy.
Dunk, in his sleep, has moved closer now that Egg has gotten up and sleeps beside you as you look from Dunk to the sky. Seeing that the sun hasn't even risen, you just blink and slowly shuffle as your mind stirs.
You slowly get up, blinking your eyes even more as the fogginess of sleep leaves you and spot Egg clutching the sword with wide eyes.
You squint your own as you look between him and Thunder who simply eats the grass at his legs. You’re quiet before simply sighing out and laying back down, but not before telling the young boy, “wherever you go, just be careful.”
He nods his head with a whispered, “okay,” giving a glance at Dunk who has now thrown an arm around your waist in his sleep and takes Thunder away to practice his squiring.
You lay back down, the weight of Dunks arm around your waist grounding you as you curl your body. Turning to Dunk you huff out a breath as Dunk stirs lightly.
"Is your boy awake?"
"Before the sun rises, he's your squire," you mumble out.
"Where'd he run off to?"
"Took Thunder and your sword squiring, he'll be fine."
Huffing out a breath of his own, Dunk just curls his arm further around your waist and pushes his front closer to you. Your head now getting tucked into his neck as your breathing evens out. Brain still fuzzy with sleep that he doesn't even realize he's tugging you close to him.
Later, when the sun has risen further above the horizon, Dunk wakes first seeing your face up close and puffing out light breaths. His mouth immediately falls open as he almost flies up but realizes your head is on his bent arm. He leaves his arm as he pulls his arm off your waist and tries to slowly get up without waking you.
"Seven hells-"
His eyes are flying from where his arm was on your waist to where you lay comfortably on his arm then to the sky to thank the gods for putting him in this position. He searches the area for Egg, but remembers you mumbling about him taking Thunder to practice squiring.
"Right, squiring," he slowly slips his arm from under your head as you stir lightly.
"What's going on?"
You mumble out as you feel Dunk's arm acting as your pillow leave. He stops as you fully wake now, now sitting up as you wipe your eyes.
"I've some mending I need to be doing. You can go back to sleep."
You inhale as you watch Dunk pull out some ripped clothing, blinking at the sun that is now higher in the sky.
"It's fine, I needed to get up anyway, need to get breakfast for you boys."
Dunk, now perched under the elm tree casts you a glance as you stretch, "no need, I'll get it today. You were kind enough to get it yesterday."
The both of you hear neighing as Egg approaches the both of you, Thunder in tow as he trots slowly behind him.
"Where've you been?"
Egg casts him a glance, seeing the large mans face set firm.
"Training," the young boy kneels down by the fire, stoking it to encourage flames.
"Don't wander off without telling me."
The boy looks up, first at Duncan then at you who listens in as you continue to stretch out, having only just gotten up yourself.
"I told her where I was going."
"But you didn't tell me. That's my horse and my blade."
Dunk purses his lips as he continues his stitching as you say nothing, now going to your satchel and pulling out your air bag and sewing materials, intent on finishing the stitching and hopefully finding something to inflate it. Maybe someone wouldn't mind letting you use their bellow for a quick second.
Egg is quiet as he pushes the stick in his hand around before he continues, "what are you doing, Ser?"
Dunk doesn't glance up as he responds, "sewing a patch."
"Is that not my job?"
Dunk clenches his jaw and raises his eyebrows as his eyes meet the young squires'.
"You know how?"
Egg doesn't respond, only looking down at the fire, a clear sign that he doesn't know. You wouldn't expect him to. Needle work and sewing aren't things that a prince does. You cast him a sympathy filled gaze, Dunk is being a bit harsher on him this morning, but he did take his horse and blade, so you're not surprised he's less than enthused with the young boy.
"Then quit jawing and get the brushes," Dunk calls out to the boy, who looks up from the fire with a remorseful look in his eye.
"Thunder looks like he's been dragged through a hedge."
Egg purses his lips.
"What's for breakfast?"
"There's salt beef after your done."
Egg makes a look like he's smelled curdled milk.
"I'd sooner eat the horse, ser."
You snort before catching Dunk's stern gaze and quickly coughing to mask it.
"You'll eat my fist if you don't do as you're told."
Egg rises slowly, looking too much like a puppy that's been kicked, as he goes to the saddle bags to grab a brush for Thunder. Dunk softens his face at the boy's walk and clenches his jaw before sighing out.
"Never mind that," he rises and goes to the boy as you watch him pull out another needle and thread and hand it to the boy.
"Grab your linens, I'll teach you."
They go to the stone hedge, Egg leaning over as he mimics Dunk's movements. You smile briefly before resuming your own stitching, happy with how tightly woven the leather is. You listen in as they chatter lightly amongst themselves.
"Yeah. Yeah, just like that. Keep it as close to the edge as possible and that's your whipstitch."
Egg looks at Dunk's stitching compared to his own with a frown on his face.
"How'd you get it so even?"
Dunk scrunches his face at the words as he thinks for a second, looking back at your form as you cut the thread of your own sewing and pack it away, rising and lifting your arms above your head to stretch them. He quickly looks back at his work.
"Just, like- just practice. Just try again."
The young boy furrows his brows before resuming his stitching, more focused this time as Dunk looks down to watch. You approach the two boys quietly not wanting to interrupt their concentration. You stand by Eggs side as he doesn't glance at you. You watch intently as he finally gets the stitch correct.
"There."
"Yes!"
Both you and Dunk cheer him on as the boy cuts the thread with his teeth. You rub his shoulder softly as you walk off to read and add more to your medical texts. The two boys grab brushes for the horses to keep up with their grooming. They work silently until Egg speaks up as he's brushing. He turns to Dunk with a questioning look on his face.
"Ser?"
Dunk hums noncommittedly as he continues brushing, "mhm?"
"Is it odd that I have black hair growing out of my stones?"
Your eyebrows fly up to your hairline at the question as Dunk just makes a face of disbelief.
"It's odd that you're telling me," Dunk's own eyebrows are up to his hairline as he speaks.
Egg just blinks for a second before turning to you as you resume your reading and occasional jotting of notes.
"(Y/n)?"
You glance up for a second to acknowledge the young boy, "yes, my dear?"
"Is it odd that I have black hair growing out of my stones?"
You squint your eyes at the question, not expecting him to ask you of all people. Dunk smacks the back of the boy's head as you think on how to answer his question in a way that's not too modern.
"You don't ask a lady that!"
Dunk has a scowl on his face as Egg just yelps quietly at the smack.
"What? You wouldn't answer!"
You just laugh out air through your nose as they bicker.
"I don't mind the question, and no, Egg, it isn't odd. It's normal as you get older for hair to start growing."
Egg just gives Duncan a smug look as he continues to brush happily at his question being answered. Dunk gives you a bewildered look, "don't answer that! And how do you know that, anyway?"
He thinks hotly for a second on if you've seen other men in stages of undress, but you just wave off his words.
"Everything I've learned, I've learned from my father and mother. Including the stages of growth, ser. Don't shame the boy for being curious," you tut at Dunk as he brushes Thunder's coat now avoiding eye contact with you as Egg gleefully watches the interaction.
They finish brushing Thunder's coat as they put away the brushes and Egg decides to climb the elm tree and sing while Dunk starts to feel nauseous at the thought of finally entering the tourney. The boy carries a carving knife and branch as he sings a song you assume he learned from one of his brothers. Probably Daeron.
"Prince Baelor was the first born, Prince Maekar sprang out last. Daemon was the bastard, so they kicked his bastard-"
Dunk retches a good few yards away, eventually vomiting, close enough that you can hear it hitting the ground as you make a face.
"Dunk, would you like something for your stomach?"
He makes a noise of agreement before retching again as Egg continues his singing.
"Grass is green in summer, green grass I adore. But grass is red all over when you kill a rebel-"
Dunk vomits once more as you boil some water and some ginger in a pot to soothe his stomach.
"Horses die in battle, this battle was the front. Blackfyre's not a trueborn, he came from the wrong-"
Dunk groans as he steps over some branches and crosses a gap in the stone hedge separating himself from the two of you and approaches sniffing and wiping at his face.
"Country was in peril, The Anvil was a rock. The Hammer smashed the bastard with his giant veiny Host of Dornish spearmen."
Egg continues to carve at the branch, leisurely leaning back atop the elm as Dunk stands beneath, hands on his hips.
"It's time."
You hold out a now filled skin with the ginger tea.
"There's no sugar, but it will soothe your stomach."
Dunk takes it gratefully, as he takes a swig, wincing at the sharp taste at first but swallowing anyway.
"Fetch my armor."
Egg makes a face, scrunching his eyebrows and eyes, "now?"
Dunk just glares at him.
"Aye, now."
"Why?"
Dunk's mouth is now agape as he stares at the young boy with disbelief. Did he forget about the tourney amidst his singing or was he playing at being daft?
"Wh- Because I mean to enter the lists."
Egg just looks down at the tall man with a frown on his face.
"You don't have your shield," he states matter of factly as you sit and watch the interaction between the two boys with a look of amazement. They truly make the best duo of dumbasses in the kingdom.
A sheep chimes in with its vocalizations as you try to not laugh at the timing and Dunk's own blundering of his words at Egg's acknowledgement.
"We'll- yeah, we'll gather it along the way."
You close your eyes as you pinch your lips together, 'don't laugh, don't laugh.' Dunk just sniffs to try and deflect his embarrassment. Egg looks down at the large man to correct him.
"Mhm. Also, the right of the first challenge goes to knights of high birth and renown."
Egg looks squarely at Dunk while you just keep a smile to yourself.
"Are you a knight of high birth and renown, ser?"
Dunk looks at the boy with his eyebrows scrunched together and a frown on his face then around the area, eyes flitting everywhere as he thinks about these words.
"Wait, so I- I cannot enter the lists today?"
"Not today, ser, no," Egg speaks plainly as he lays back and calmly carves at his stick again.
"Only knights of high birth and renown."
He leans back up as Dunks frown grows deeper and more exasperated. Mouth open to complain as his eyes grow wide.
"Then why have I been vomiting all morning?"
"It's a mystery."
Egg lays back with a tone of finality as you finally let out a giggle and try to muffle it at Dunks poor face. He looks like you've told him the dragons have come back.
"You- you're laughing?"
He looks down at you as you try to hide your face.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh, drink the ginger tea, it'll help your stomach."
Dunk begrudgingly drinks the tea from the skin, downing the last of it as the taste settles on his tongue.
"Bitter," he grumbles lightly as you kick at his calf from where you sit, leaning against the elm.
"It's for your stomach, if I had sugar or honey it would have been much better," you get up from where you sat and pat down your dress. Grabbing your satchel and book, putting it away, you pull the satchel over your shoulder and pat Egg's leg and hold out your arms for him to climb down.
"Now that it's been established that you don't enter the lists today, how about some breakfast?"
This leads to the three of you now in the market as Dunk tries to explain to the butcher that he wants eggs and not the whole goose. Egg stands by with his cloak hood pulled up while your eyes flit everywhere, people watching. There are many men drunkly stumbling around, still drunk from the night before and others practicing their skills, still waiting for their turn in the lists.
You listen off hand as Dunk tries to stop the man from killing the goose.
"Shit, um, goose eggs, like," Dunk crouches like he's shitting and you make a quick glance before looking away just as fast.
"Good gods, Dunk," you pinch the bridge of your nose as Egg looks over briefly and makes a disgusted face. You turn his shoulders away from the sight as you see Tanselle walking close to you. Her gaze landing on Dunk who is still crouched.
"Oh, this isn't good for him."
You hide your face with your hand, embarrassed to be associated with a man looking like he's shitting his pants while Egg watches the two interact with raised eyebrows and a look between you and Dunk. He thought that Dunk fancied you, but the smile he gives Tanselle is one that has him doubting himself. Still, he does enjoy a good show.
You absentmindedly play with the fraying edges of Egg's hood as Dunk speaks to the puppeteer. Tanselle glances at you then back at Dunk with a strained smile on her face. You don't pay attention to their conversation, merely half-listening and your eyes find that Dunk finally got the goose eggs.
"Your shield will be ready this evening, ser."
She gives you a nod as she passes by, you wave at her with a friendly smile.
'She's so pretty,' you think with a small smile, then your face falls flat at Dunk's lovesick look on his face until you hear Egg's teasing of him.
'Oh, that's right, Dunk is in love with her,' you sigh to yourself feeling a pinch at your chest, while you just shake off the thought. Dunk sees your face fall and his own smile falls just the same, a pinching at his heart inciting at the look on your face. He doesn't like to see you unhappy. Before he can ask you what's wrong, Egg has already seen the interaction between all parties.
"Ooh, ooh! Ooh!"
You crack a smile at the young boy's teasing, grabbing the bread from him to free his hands as his free hand goes to hold the strap of the bag on his back.
"Shut up," Dunk just mumbles at him as he steels a glance at you, eyeing your profile. Your cheeks are soft, lips slightly turned up in amusement, and your eyes are focused elsewhere. He thinks you look beautiful and nearly runs into a cart before you make it back to camp.
Now with meat sizzling on a pan, Dunk cracks his egg in. Egg follows suit as you just watch the boys cook breakfast. You're back to your medical book, reading every note you've made on modern medicine.
You have handwashing techniques, disinfectants, poppy sap in place of anesthesia, a drawing of the brain and the human body mapped out with various notes pointing at different areas. You still feel like there's more you could be adding as you twirl your charcoal pencil in your hand. You hear sticks and dry grass crunching as you look up and see Egg holding out a large sandwich for you to eat.
Your eyes widen as you take it with a small smile, "thank you, sweet boy."
Egg turns bashful as he goes to sit with Dunk against the tree and the two eat together happily. You steal bites from your sandwich every now and then, taking large mouthfuls and trying to gulp it down until it eventually is gone and your belly is full. You still write notes down, this time on different suture techniques when Egg stands in front of you with his hands on his hips.
You look up with a questioning look on your face as he has a frown on his face.
"Yes, Egg?"
"You are to join us in watching the jousting."
He says this with such a tone of finality in it you can't help but crack a small smile, he looks so serious. Like he's declaring a royal decree and not telling you to not rot in your book like how you have been.
"Am I? Do I get a say in this?"
You say this, yet you place your pencil between the pages of your book and close it. Placing it in your satchel that you throw over your shoulder. Rifling through to make sure you have all the balms, pastes, and other things you could potentially need. You know that today should be the day that Aerion breaks and nearly skins poor Tanselle's finger. You need to be ready.
Egg just stares at you, watching as you stand and stretch, running your hand through your hair. Maybe you should braid it, it'd help with keeping the strands out of your face even with the scarf.
"You are to join us this time."
Egg says it with finality as he pulls your arm for you to follow him and Dunk to the tourney. You just let the boy drag you with them and soon enough find your way to the front of the tourney, your eyes wander to the lords seating. Maekar still isn't in his seat, most likely berating Daeron you have no doubt.
The tourney commences, knights colliding and shards of wood flying everywhere as Dunk and Egg cheer. You can find some entertainment in the sport, but you can't help but feel for the knights and their wounds.
You cheer with the boys when the knights come out of the collisions with minor to no wounds. When the wood shards come flying too close to where you're standing Dunk brings a large arm to shield you from any debris. You thank him quietly as the knight's ride again, colliding and both being knocked from their horses.
Egg cheers loudly as Dunk grabs his arm, cheering with the rest of the crowd while you smile fondly at the two, clapping your hands together. Out of the corner of your eyes, you see a man offer Dunk a drink of something from his flask. Dunk, being none the wiser, takes it and sips generously before spitting it out just as fast as the man and others cheer and laugh around him.
Dunk coughs loudly, heaving at the taste as both you and Egg pat his back to help him along. Back at the knights, one rides into the other before he can wield his lance and is thrown from his horse. Egg cheers loudly while Dunk smiles fondly at the boy. Then starts the teasing.
"Do you want some hard salt beef?"
Egg mimics Dunks deep, baritone while Dunk just scoffs and raises his voice to a nasally pitch.
"Oh, I'm Egg. I- I can't eat hard salt beef. I just eat lovely food and grapes and all the bleh bleh eh."
The larger man turns away from Egg who just smiles, and you laugh a bit at their teasing. Boys will be boys you suppose.
"Can't even drink a pint of ale."
At this Egg just turns back forward and in his mocking voice responds, "yeah, cause it's disgusting."
Dunk in his normal voice responds back, stern look in his eye, "it's not disgusting."
"Yes, it is disgusting."
The boys continue with this repetition until Egg turns to you to settle the debate. You look at Dunk with a smile on your voice before you settle the debate.
"It's pretty disgusting, Duncan, my apologies."
You stick your tongue out at him as he just scoffs at both you and the boy.
"Ridiculous, the both of you."
Eventually, the three of you leave the front of the jousts and walk yourselves to the top of a hill overlooking the meadow. It gives you the sight of the whole population, tents billowing and smoke rising from the various fires that are used for cooking.
Dunk lends a hand for you to take as you sit down and lean back. Egg takes his spot next to you with Dunk on the other side of you. The three of you look out to the meadow, watching as the people walk on with their horses or with their companions.
"I think I could be quite happy in a place like this," Egg says as he looks out. You cast him a gaze and small smile while Dunk turns his head to him.
"You're in a place like this."
"I meant for a while."
You smile at his words. You could see yourself happy in a place like this too. It's lovely even with the drunkards, the music is lively and the people are happy.
"Ah, yeah."
"After I lead a great campaign for my lord, of course."
Egg says triumphantly, head tilted up while you and Dunk throw a look at the young boy.
"Of course," Dunk says from his laid-back position on the hill. Lips pulled back in a half smile.
"I return a war hero and he gives me a parcel of land for my very own, and the hand of his second most beautiful daughter," he enunciates with a finger pointed up, matter of factly.
Dunk turns to him, questioning look in his eye.
"Second most?"
"Well, you've already married the first most. Have you not, ser?"
Egg throws a look to see your reaction and Dunk's when he says these words. You have a blank look on your face, no emotion to be seen and Dunk merely lifts his chin up going, "oh." He looks to you to see your face, but you have none. You just make a little face at your own thoughts, chewing on the inside of your cheek.
If Dunk is disappointed at your lack of reaction, he certainly shows it, not that you see, but Egg certainly does. Giving Dunk a look as if to say, "say something! Do something!"
When he doesn't Egg just continues with his thought.
"I'd keep horses, plant oats and peas. Raise cows."
"And lambs, perhaps."
Egg makes a disgusted face, "fuck your lambs."
Dunk and you just laugh as you pull at his coat lightly. Egg looks to you with a smile on his face and then to Dunk with a blank look.
"Did you really ride all the way here in the back of some farmer's wagon?"
Dunk asks with a grin on his face as you push his shoulder lightly.
"Terrible," you mumble with a grin on your own face while Egg just turns to Dunk with his eyes wide.
"I don't want to talk about it."
Dunk just snorts while watching you and the young boy. You both stare out as Dunk watches fondly.
"I'll say this for you. You're a good worker when you put your mind to it."
Egg turns to Dunk, "you think so?"
Dunk just hums a confirmation, face back to its neutral look while you lay flat on your back, now watching the sky.
"Does that mean I can stay on as your squire after the tournament?"
Egg looks to Dunk with a hopeful look on his face. Dunk looks to the boy with a pensive look on his face, hands pulling at the grass at his fingertips.
He sighs out before saying, "if I lose my first joust, I'll scarcely be a knight after the tournament."
Both their faces fall at his words as they think on the very real possibility of him losing everything. Their faces are crestfallen until Egg speaks up.
"But if you win?"
Dunk inhales deeply in thought as you sit up to look at his face. He looks to you before back out to the meadow.
"If I win..."
He pauses as he lets the thought sink in.
"If I win, you can-"
He's cut off at the call of his name. A man is down the hill looking for him as Dunk tosses him a confused gaze.
The man yells out, "a word, if you please."
Dunk descends the hill as you and Egg look at each other before shrugging, continuing to look out at the meadow with a content gaze.
"Do you want to go watch more of the tournament?"
You turn to the young boy with a pensive look on your face.
"Should we wait for Duncan?"
Egg just thinks for a moment, "we'll wait a little bit, but if he's not back before the next tournament begins then we go without him."
You nod as you continue to look up at the sky from your laid-back position.
"I can agree with that."
You and Egg sit in silence while you wait for Dunk to return, soon enough the trumpets for the next joust play and Egg pulls at your arm to get up.
"Come on, come on!"
Your pulled up to your feet and back to the tourney when Dunk finds you again. You walk swiftly as Egg holds your arm and pulls you along to the front of the fence holding the population back when the announcer calls out:
"Son of Maekar, Grandson to King Daeron the good and Prince of House Targaryen, Prince Aerion Brightflame."
As soon as you hear Aerion's name, the blood runs from your face. Your face going pale as you mumble, "I need to get out of the country."
Egg just turns to you with a quizzical look on his face, Dunk just leans down a bit to hear you better.
"What?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing, just my inside thoughts slipping out, my apologies."
You manually turn Egg's head away from facing you to face the front, luckily for you he lets you move his head and just follows the movement. With your other hand you lightly push Dunk's head back up and away as you try to remain as normal and neutral as possible. Hopefully, inconspicuous as to not bring attention to yourself.
Aerion rides on his horse, lance straight up and helm visor down as he rides throughout the rows of the jousting ring. He lifts his visor up to nod to his uncle, Baelor who merely watches as he spins his ring on his finger in contemplation at what game the prince is playing. Baelor nods to Aerion's delight as he now rides to where Valarr sits.
Your eyes flit to Baelor who you see is already watching you, spinning his ring around his finger once more as you chew on the inside of your cheek before looking elsewhere. Your eyes find the knights tents, gaze landing on the Targaryen tent where Valarr sits, slouched in his seat as he waits for his turn to ride.
'He looks bored, just getting drunk and sitting there. Seems rather dull,' you think as you watch the prince look around until his eyes settle on your form. He sits up a bit straighter, no longer slouched and offers a small smile. The ladies that are near you swoon as they see the smile on his face.
'Oh, gods there's fangirls everywhere,' you think as you cringe at their screams. Dunk feels your flinching and angles his body so that he covers you a bit more, thinking you're trying to shield yourself from the men who cheer and throw themselves around. Valarr, whose gaze hasn't left your form, clenched his jaw and felt his eye twitch as he watched you lean into the large man's body.
His mood, already down turned at seeing you cuddle up to some hedge knight, sours even more when Aerion rides in front of him, greeting him plainly. Valarr stands with his helm in arm as he leans to one leg, staring blankly at the silver-haired man.
Aerion lifts his visor to look at the crown prince, "cousin."
The lords and crowd watch with bated breath as the two cousins face off. Aerion's eyes flit to the crowd and spot you before just as quickly landing back onto his cousin who clenches his jaw when he sees who he viewed.
Dunk and Egg watch the two princes with apt attention while you look in nervousness. You're certain that the tension between the two of them isn't any better since Aerion found you and Valarr together. If they're discussing it though, they're too far for you to hear it.
Aerion only gives a slight smirk to Valarr's expression, cooly saying, "not to worry. I won't embarrass you today."
He throws another glance toward the crowd, finding you and meeting your eyes before turning to Valarr once more and quietly saying for him only, "not in front of her, at least."
Valarr just grinds his teeth and grips his helm tighter as Aerion trots to the knight he'll be going against, calling out to him.
"Come out, come out, little knight."
The knight exits his tent with a solemn look on his face, hands clasped together while Aerion taunts him.
"It's time you faced the dragon."
Your lip curls up in a wince at his words, and you throw a glance to Baelor and where Maekar should have been sitting.
'This is not going to end well,' you already prepare yourself for the shit show that Aerion is going to make of the joust.
Aerion pulls his visor down and rides his horse to his side of the joust while Dunk, Egg and you stand watch with the rest of the crowd who cheers for the knights. Your faces are tense as you all know how bad his temper is, preparing for just what he could be doing this round.
The knight, Ser Humfrey Hardying you recall, rides his horse with his lance to his side as the two knights face off from opposite sides.
"I have a terrible feeling," you mutter, gaze worried as you eye Ser Humfrey and his horse.
Egg nods, agreeing with you as Dunk casts you a furrowed brow then looks back at the two knights.
The three of you along with the crowd clap for the knights, waiting for the signal for them to face off. The horses neigh and scratch at the ground, itching to run, while the crowd falls silent, wind blowing and thunder rumbling in the distance.
As if the skies know the acts that would take place on this day.
Ser Humfrey is the first to ride with his lance pointed out and Aerion follows suit, tilting his own lance down.
"Kill him. Kill him!"
Egg cries as Dunk gives him a strange look, while you echo the same sentiments in your mind.
'Knock his ass to the ground, take him out, please!'
The knights get closer and closer until Aerion duck just out of the way of Ser Humfrey's lance. His lance falls to the ground and he briefly loses his balance as he rides on, before grabbing another lance from his squire. The crowd boos at Aerion's act, and you can't help but agree.
Your breathing picks up as Aerion on his horse stands pin straight with his lance up at the other end of the jousting ring. Watching as Ser Humfrey rides forward once more, lance pointed out intent on knocking the prince from his horse.
Aerion rides forward, lance out, before tilting it down further, aim lower than it should be.
"He's too low," Dunk mumbles as you and Egg watch nervously, waiting for what comes next.
"No, no, no," your mumbling as you watch Aerion get closer and closer to Ser Humfrey's horse before shutting your eyes just as he embeds his lance into the horses neck, blood spurting out and across the field as the horse cries out in pain.
The crowd is yelling in disbelief and horror as they push against the fence. Dunk using his body as a shield for both you and Egg as the crowd pushes forward in anger.
You wince and your lip wobbles, you hate to hear the horse's cries in pain and you don't open your eyes until you hear a scream. Your eyes snap open as you see Ser Humfrey on the ground leg crushed beneath his horse's weight as a man comes forward to the horse, long axe in hand to end its suffering.
One man even throws a stone at Aerion's helm while he watches in satisfaction as it bounces off his visor knocking it down. A glance to Baelor and you can see him with a tense expression as he continues to spin his ring, now in quiet anger at his nephew's actions. One glance to Valarr and you see a scowl etched onto his face at his cousin's deeds.
Some of the crowd breaks through the fence, jumping over to storm the prince as the king's guard rush forward to hold them back from the prince.
The crowd continues with its rioting as guards from the Lord Ashford's own knights come to keep the crowd from completely pulling the prince apart. The same man who came forward with the long axe now quickly ends the horses suffering as a maester comes to care for Ser Humfrey and his shattered leg.
"I want to leave," Egg turns to Dunk who grabs your wrist and brings you with them both.
"Aye."
The three of you push through the crowd to exit to the markets and stalls, knights running past you to control the crowd still gathered at the jousts.
The three of you trudge through the stone cobbled street as Egg pulls his hood up and Dunk finally speaks.
"That was a terrible sight. But a squire must be strong. A mishap may befall me, and I'll need you to keep your wits if it does."
He speaks pointedly to Egg, but glances at you, your face pinched together in a frown at his words as you mutter.
"'A mishap,'" you scowl even further as Egg echoes your sentiments.
"That was no mishap."
His face is Dark as he looks Dunk in his eye. For once, Dunk can't find himself to scold the boy. Face pulled in shock at the look on the usually carefree boy's face.
Dunk purses his lips as you grab Egg's shoulder, smoothing his cloak as you worry about Ser Humfrey's condition.
"The jousting is done for the day, I think. Come, lad, my lady."
He puts an arm behind Egg's back, laying a palm on his shoulder and skimming your own hand that sits on the boys opposite shoulder. He leads the three of you away from the horrific events and onto something cleaner.
Soon enough you enter the Baratheon tent to find Lyonel already drunk, shirtless, and singing with his antler crown as your mouth and face drop at his antics.
"Oh, for the love, it isn't even midday," you say with a pinch your eyebrows in the middle with your free hand as you lead Egg to an empty spot where he takes a seat on the table. You take place next to him with a huff, listening to Lyonel and Ser Manfred sings along with him about some girl named Alice.
"Oh! Alice was a special lass, born bereft 'er thumb!"
Lyonel stands on a table and grabs at the hanging candles as he stumbles around with a drink in his left hand.
"Lost a digit tending flock, now feeling awfully glum."
Ser Manfred and the crowd sing along with the next words.
"Oh! Alice with three fingers, a copper in her glass! Had two fingers less than most, she'll shove them up your arse, hey!"
Lyonel bends over at the words as one of the men in the tent mimes shoving his finger up his ass. You move to cover Egg's eyes as Dunk laughs at the image, Egg tries to move past your fingers while you just sigh.
Ser Manfred sings now and leans off a pole in the tent, "I once gave her silver, feeling down and lone, I tried to buy a pinky, but I got the whole arm bone!"
Once again, the crowd chimes in while you huff and laugh lightly at the words.
"Oh! Alice with three fingers never had a lot. She gave me all she had to give, two more than what was sought! Oh! Two more than what I bought!"
Dunk left shortly and comes back with three cups, ale and two ciders for you and Egg. You gratefully take both ciders and pass one to Egg, sipping as you pay no mind to their conversation regarding Alice and her origins.
You only tune back in once you hear the word 'honor' leave Egg mouth, licking your lips of the cider as you think on it.
'Honor, in shoving your fingers up a man's ass... girl,' you make a face and go back to your cider.
"A misfortuned girl making the best of her natural gifts."
Dunk just raises his brows and huffs out a breath, "one might wish for more."
Egg turns to you to get your opinion, but you just throw your hands up in surrender.
"Beats me, my business is in healing not pleasuring men, I'm afraid."
Egg sighs and turns back to Dunk.
"But is this not the act of a dogged spirit? Giving more than what is asked?"
Dunk makes a contemplative face at the young boys words, thinking them over.
"'The whole arm bone,' as it were."
Dunk just purses her lips as you respond now, cider completely gone as you wipe your mouth with your sleeve.
"Perhaps her name does not matter, then," you offer with raised brows.
Dunk speaks up now, "it's- it's her story that abides."
"Her name is Hope, ser. Belongs to all who invoke it."
The three of you fall quiet after those words are spoken as Lyonel starts back up with his singing about Alice and her talents.
Eventually, the three of you leave the Baratheon tent and walk amongst the stalls. Your eyes dart to the various stalls with a look of awe on your face as Egg keeps a hold of your dress to keep you from wondering off, the other hand holding a stick of meat that he periodically takes bites out of.
"I just want to look, Egg-"
"You'll be lost for the remainder of the day."
You pout lightly as your eyes continue to dart out, Egg now taking hold of your wrist instead of your dress. Dunk just laughs lightly at your antics as he takes a bite out of his own stick of meat. He offers you a bite, but you just shake your head.
"Did you ever know your father, Egg?"
Your eyebrows fly up and your eyes widen at the question, 'that's rather bold,' you think as you chance a look at Egg who doesn't even look disturbed. He just keeps a hand around your sleeve-covered wrist and takes a bite out of his meat stick. You shift so that his hand falls into yours and you swing your arms lightly.
Egg just goes makes various noises of question until falling onto a simple, "no, not really."
Dunk turns to him briefly as the three of you exit the canopy covered markets.
"Most like I saw mine hanged."
Your eyes flit to Duncan with a horrified look on your face as your hand clenches Egg's before relaxing a bit. What a horrifying thing to have seen.
"There was a pot shop in Flea Bottom, I used to sell them rats and cats and pigeons for brown."
Dunk takes another bite of his meat before he continues, "cook there always said my father was some thief."
He shakes his head briefly as you glance at him out of the corner of your eye. Sunlight lands down from the sky, vaguely shadowed by the smoke from the burning wood of some fire pits, and lands on Dunk's sandy blonde hair. You turn your head away and focus on something else when his eyes dart to meet yours.
You purse your lips as your eyes fan out again, hand still in Egg's own as you swing your arms lightly.
"If he was as big as me, he wouldn't have made a very good one."
Dunk slows down his walking when he sees the same man who called him over before Aerion's unfortunate joust and clenches his jaw, eyeing him warily before moving on. You give Dunk a strange look and look at Egg who just gives you a shrug and take a bite out of his meat.
'Wonderful, mystery. Definitely doesn't lead to anything ominous.'
It's then that an older woman with a dark and patterned cloak comes to a stop in front of you.
"Say your fortune."
The three of you stop as Dunk thinks it over, whereas you give her a wary look. You'd seen fan theory online of her and if she was potentially a part of bloodraven's sect and you'd honestly rather not get a fortune read by her. Dunk just nods his head and tells her to go ahead as you take in a deep inhale.
"You shall know great success and be richer than a Lannister. "
Dunk just gives her an unimpressive look with his eyebrows up, "thank you. Do the boy now."
He glances down at Egg who looks at the woman with some excitement in his eye. You wince as you know what's coming next.
"You shall be king and die in a hot fire, and worms shall feed upon your ashes. And all who know you shall rejoice in your dying."
Egg looks horrified and just says, "what," while Dunk starts to laugh hysterically, even choking briefly on his spit while you slap his arm.
"Enough!"
You hiss out at the large man, while the seer looks over at you with a glint in her unseen eyes.
"Say your fortune, young lady?"
You eye her up and down as the boys give you looks, Dunk with amusement and Egg with worry. The young boy grips your hand, clammy and unsure as you swallow before going, "sure, might as well since we're all getting one."
The woman looks at you before going, "your name will be known throughout the land, and you will fight against death. A fight for your hand will be bloody and long."
Your face scrunches and your mouth falls open.
"What the fuck-"
Dunk laughs again, this time a bit more strained as he gives her some coins for her fortunes.
"Thank you, that's very good."
Egg still looks horrified and your face is still scrunched in distaste as you mutter, "a fight for my hand, who the hell would fight for my hand."
"Why would she say that?"
"Why would she say what? Come on."
Egg throws one last glance at the woman before turning forward as you pull him along and fix the back of his cloak with your free hand.
"Come on, let's just ignore her."
The three of you continue forward until you hear someone yell for Dunk.
"Ser Duncan!"
You see Raymun with his arms extended and you give him a smile."
"Raymun!"
"My lady," he mockingly bows to you as you just give a small laugh. He points at Egg as he speaks to Dunk once more.
"I saw you earlier with this boy."
Dunk stutters for a second before gesturing to Egg who awkwardly looks away from Raymun, stepping closer to you and hiding himself lightly behind your dress.
"Uh, yeah. This boy is my squire."
Dunk turns to Egg and gives him a look to step out from you as you lightly push the boy forward.
"Egg, this is, um, Raymun Fossoway."
Egg barely glances up towards Raymun and gives him a light, "good day."
Just ahead his attention is pulled to the puppets tent where some of the actors are gesturing and calling out for people to come see their show. Egg let's go of your hand and pulls your dress and points at it before glancing at you.
"Can we go watch their show?"
You glance down at him, then back at Dunk, with a shrug.
"I don't see why not, we'll bring your shield back when the shows over," you give Dunk a smile and start to walk away with the younger boy while Raymun continues to talk with Dunk.
"Will you join me in my tent for a cup of cider?"
Dunk glances to where you and Egg are walking and then to Tanselle who gives him a glance and smile before greeting the two of you as you walk into her tent.
You push Egg to sit near the front of the show with the other children while you stand at the back, leaning on one side of your hip as you watch the actors get ready to start their show. You think on maybe if you should have joined Raymun and Dunk with that cider. It did sound good.
You glance down at Egg as he chats with some of the other kids and deems he should be fine enough on his own. As long as you remember to leave a little early so that you can try to keep Aerion from completely ripping off Tanselles finger you should be good.
You step a little forward to Egg and tap his shoulder, he glances back at you with a questionable look on his face.
"I'm gonna go have some of that cider that Raymun was offering, I'll be back."
He gives you a nod and smile before going back to chatting with the other children.
You walk away from the tent and give Tanselle a wave as you pass her, she gives you a hesitant one back as you stalk off to Raymun's tent.
Soon enough you reach in and part the sheets as you spot Dunk's larger frame and listen to them as they speak on the jousting from earlier.
"I heard Aerion were in a spittin' rage at Lord Ashford for givin away his horse."
You nod to Raymun who stands and offers you a cup of cider, you take it gratefully and take a small sip.
"Oh, gods, that's good," you nearly moan out at the sweet taste.
Raymun takes a seat in front of Dunk once again as the larger man turns to see you.
"I thought you meant to watch the puppet show?"
You take a seat on a nearby keg, declining Raymun's offer of his seat with a wave of your hand.
"The actors were setting up and Egg was busy chatting with some of the other kids. Don't worry I'm sure you'll see Tanselle tonight."
You wiggle your eyebrows at Dunk over your cup as the large man flushes like a tomato.
"I don't- I wasn't-"
You bite your lip as a mean to keep your laughter in.
"I'm only teasing you, Ser Duncan."
He just huffs as he continues with his conversation, Raymun lifting his brows as he watches the two of you over his own cup of cider.
"Little comfort that will be to Ser Humfrey. It looked as if he was going to carry the day."
"Now his leg's shattered like a baking dish."
You take another sip as your brows furrow together, you worried for Ser Humfrey. His leg shattering had to have been awful, and you had no clue how they were going to mend it. You wished you had followed the maester's that were treating him to learn.
"Damn, missed opportunity," you mutter as Dunk just glances at you until you wave him off with your free hand.
"My squire thinks Aerion meant to kill the horse," Dunk says with a disbelieving chuckle.
You and Raymun fall silent, and the air goes still as silence permeates the setting.
"Duncan, Aerion did mean to kill the horse."
You look Dunk in the eyes with a serious look, nothing like the usual neutral and carefree look you have. It looks uncharacteristic on you.
Raymun and you take another sip of your ciders as Dunk purses his lips together.
"Just hard to accept that a knight might be so dishonorable. Let alone a prince."
You let his words sit as Raymun is the one to speak up now.
"Why is that hard?"
Dunk shakes his head, "no, I-"
Raymun interrupts him with a growing disbelief in his tone.
"They're incestuous aliens, Duncan. Blood-magickers and tyrants who've burned our lands, enslaved our people, dragged us into their wars without a mote of respect for our history or our customs."
Raymun is nearly spluttering with how quick he speaks.
"Every pale-haired brat they saddled on us has been madder than the last, gods know how."
Dunk is looking at Raymun with furrowed brows and glances towards you, who only looks away with pursed lips. It's not as if he was wrong. It was said the gods tossed a coin when a Targaryen was born and that couldn't have been more true.
Raymun leans forward with a scowl on his face, glancing at you briefly before his eyes return to Duncan as he speaks lowly.
"The only honorable thing a Targaryen can do for this realm is finish on his wife's tits. So, aye, I think he meant to kill the fucking horse."
Duncan looks to you in shock and nearly admonishes Raymun for his language in front of you before you down the rest of your cider, deciding now would be the best time to head back to the puppet show, before Aerion arrives and you can get your healing supplies in order.
"And with that gentlemen, I will be off."
You glance towards Raymun with a smile, "you are definitely not wrong about the Targaryen dynasty, Raymun. They're mad, but I'm sure there's some good men among them."
You place your empty cup on the keg you sat on and pat Dunk on the back before heading off.
Both the men watch you leave, before Raymun just says quietly.
"I hope I didn't scare her off."
Dunk just scoffs before taking another sip of his cider.
"You definitely didn't, she's tough as stone."
The walk to the puppet tent is quick. The sun has fallen further in the sky and now sets a golden glow across the land as you pull open the tent flaps and get to the start of the show, eagerly watching as you cast a glance at Egg who watches with wide eyes.
'I'm glad he can be just a child for now.'
Your attention falls back to the show as you watch with the rest of the crowd.
The play commences with Tanselle acting as the knight fighting a dragon, shield held high and sword at her side. She ducks and weaves from the puppet that lunges at her. She jumps to the side as one of the crew comes up and holds a lit stick with fire in front of the dragon and watch as the dragon 'breathes' out fire, hitting her shield as she hides behind it.
The crowd watches in awe, cheering for Tanselle as she peeks out from behind the shield. Unknown to anyone else, Aerion walks into the room, eyes on the dragon as he watches mystified. Even as a Targaryen, he's only ever seen dragons in books or artworks, so seeing the large dragon puppet is the closest he will get to seeing one in person.
Your eyes land on the mop of silver hair as you step forward and pull the cloak on Egg's head higher up to hide his face, he looks back at you, but your face is serious as you turn it forward.
You lean down and whisper, "Prince Aerion is here, do not turn your head."
Egg stills immediately, face falling in terror at your words, more so than at the thought of his brother, now at the thought that you know who he was.
You lean back, rubbing his shoulder before telling him softly, "just enjoy the show, Egg, we'll talk later."
You give his cloak covered head a small kiss before rubbing his shoulder softly and standing behind him. Nervously glancing at Aerion who still hasn't noticed your presence.
You pray to the gods, old, new, and whatever deity is in this world, that he doesn't freak out even though you know that's what's supposed to happen. You feel small hands grip you dress and look down to see Egg holding your dress skirt. You grab his hand and pull him back so that he's resting against your front, you put one hand on his shoulder and let him hold the other, hoping that the action keeps him calm.
In front of the both of you, Tanselle, acting as the knight, rushes forward and stabs her blade into the neck of the dragon puppet. Right in front of Aerion who takes in the whole scene with wide eyes.
Red petals acting as blood spurts out of the puppets neck as no one cheers. Tanselle turns in question until she sees Aerion and knows that she has made a grave mistake. Before anyone can say anything, Aerion has rushed forward and grabbed her as she screams. His guards come forward and push out the crowd and show watchers as people panic and yell.
You turn Egg so that he faces you as the crowd starts to stir in horror and shock at the prince's actions.
"Grab Duncan! Now! He's at the Fossoway tent!"
Egg runs away as you push him forward, leaving you as you watch in horror as Aerion pulls out a dagger and holds it to Tanselle's neck.
"Prince Aerion, please!"
The crowd is still screaming though some look to you as you call out to the prince, who just turns to you with a scowl.
"Healer," he spits out.
"You're defending her? This treason against the crown?"
You hold both hands up as you look at Tanselle, who has gone pale at Aerion's hold around her neck.
"I'm not defending treason. I'm defending a girl who you are currently choking."
He looks to Tanselle and pushes her down so that her knees hit the stage and he holds his dagger against her middle finger and cuts the skin, pulling up until the skin tears and her bone is exposed. He then pulls her finger back until the bone snaps out of place, causing her to cry in further anguish.
Tanselle screams in terror and pain as Aerion tosses her over as you try to run forward and give her some aid, until Aerion steps down, now holding the dagger out toward you.
Your eyes are wide as you watch the blood drip from the dagger to the floor and Aerion steps towards you.
Before he can do anything, Dunk rushes forward, punching his face with a right hook and tossing him away and onto the floor. You take the opportunity to run to Tanselle, dropping to your knees as you hold her hand.
"I'm so sorry, Tanselle, I'm so sorry."
You hold her finger and snap it back into place as you pull out a piece of clean cloth and pull her skin down. She cries in pain as you rifle through your bag and pull out some sticks and twine to tie her bones in place to heal.
"I know, it hurts, I'm so sorry I couldn't stop him," you wipe the tears from her face with your thumb as she sobs in pain. Your fingers are bloody as you pull out some catgut and needle.
"I have milk of the poppy in my bag if you need it, nod once if you would like it," you watch her face as she glances at you through her tears, nodding her head.
"Okay," you pull out the bottle containing it and hold Tanselle's face as you use a finger to open her mouth a little bit.
"Stick out your tongue, I'm sorry I don't have anything to hide the taste," you drip a couple drops on her tongue and wait for the effects to take place.
You glance out at Dunk and see him kick out at Aerion, sending his head flying back as he's held back by his guards. You turn back to Tanselle and messily stitch her skin back together, wrapping her hand with the cloth and tying the branches with twine to keep her finger upright.
One of the other actors comes over to take her from you as you tell them to keep her wound clean and to not move her fingers. You turn back to Dunk and see that he's being held back by three of Aerion's guards.
"No," you mutter as Aerion glances at you before spitting blood out of his mouth.
"Keep her back."
A guard comes to you and holds your arms back as you struggle against him. Dunk sees you being held back and struggles once more as one more guard comes forward to hold him back. His nostrils flare as he glances from you to Aerion.
Aerion gives a glance at you, who stills under his gaze, jaw clenching, before looking back at Duncan.
"Why did you throw your life away for this whore?"
He gestures towards Tanselle, though his eyes flit to you before going back to the larger man.
"She's scarcely worth it."
Dunk turns back to Tanselle, who is much calmer under the effects of the milk of the poppy and sees that her hand, though bloody, has been bandaged and sees a needle and sewing thread on the stage, as well as your satchel. His head whips to your frame as you look down with a furrow in your brow.
You're calmer now and he can see that your hands are bloody from when you'd helped Tanselle. His face falls and his brows soften as he realizes you'd taken the time to help her, his healer. Aerion notices the softened look and scoffs.
"She's a traitor. The dragon ought never lose," he steps closer to Dunk until he stands nearly a foot away.
"Nothing more to say?"
Dunk struggles a bit more, but says nothing, eyes darting from the prince to you, who still hasn't looked up.
'Fuck me, maybe I should have just fucked him and tried to keep him from coming to this stupid puppet show,' you grimace as your eyes fly to Aerion's frame before breathing out sharply through your nose.
Aerion steps back once more, glancing at you then back forward before licking the inside of his mouth, feeling his teeth. He sniffs once before swallowing his spit.
"You've loosened one of my teeth," his left wrist rests on the hilt of his sword as he gestures with his pointer finger and thumb up, "so, we'll start by breaking out all of yours."
You struggle more against the guard that holds you while Aerion just boredly gazes at your struggle. He's disappointed really, this is the knight that you rejected him for. Him?
"No!"
The guards holding Dunk back pull him towards the stage as he grunts and yells, trying to free himself. They struggle to push him to his knees and place his head so that his upper jaw is held open with the stage in his mouth. Aerion takes a seat on the stage as he watches the guard push Dunk further onto the stage, about to curb stomp him until a young boy cries out.
"No! Don't touch him!"
The crowd parts for the young boy to come through, Egg rushing forward as Aerion's eyes narrow and he lets out a low, "ah," as he rises slowly, watching the young boy closely.
Dunk calls out to Egg, "you stupid boy! Hold your tongue or they'll hurt you!"
Egg just stands a yard away from Dunk with his shoulders squared and chin jutted out as you turn to Egg with wide eyes.
"No, they won't."
Raymun follows behind softly calling to the crowd, "watch out, please."
Following with him is his cousin Steffon, who looks none too pleased to be involved in any matters of the crown, and Lyonel who staggers lightly, only slightly drunk. The men could only watch as Dunk was held down, you were held back, and Egg stood tall.
"If they do, they'll answer to my father. Let go of him. Wate, Yorkel, do as I say."
The two guards that were holding Dunk's head against the stage and pushing him down let him go at the young boy's words. Dunk stills in his struggle as he's let go and he turns fully, now crouched, eyes flying from the guards who were just holding him, to you who doesn't struggle anymore, then to Egg.
"You impudent little rat. What's happened to your hair?"
Aerion states as he glares down at the boy.
"I cut it off, brother. I didn't want to look like you."
Dunk's eyes widen in shock and horror as the rest of the crowd watches as it's revealed that the young squire boy is in fact one of the missing Targaryen princes.
You breathe steadily as you watch the faces of everyone in the room. Aerion is pissed, Dunk is horrified, and Egg is standing proudly despite dropping a bomb on everyone gathered.
'What the fuck,' you think as you drop your head, tired from the events.
After I finished the Skypiea, I realized the book "Liar Noland" was most likely brought by Sanji, because he is the only one who read the book as a kid.
And it just makes the whole scene funnier😂 Sanji literally brings a children's book to the Straw Hats😂 Mommy Sanji confirmed💛
The last one is the unused design for Sanji's duck cookies, but I still like it. So I drew a Duck Sanji doodle based on that design🦆
This is not a pattern. This is a guide by somebody terrified of patterning and for people who might also be afraid of patterning. The purpose of this document is to walk you through the process of patterning a “bodice block” for a 4-panel kirtle as painlessly as possible. Hopefully, by the end of this document, you will have a better understanding of how to translate 3-dimensional, irregular shapes to paper and then fabric.
I always go through the full process of drafting a pattern at a smaller scale on paper to make sure my numbers look right. I find this to be best practice, familiarizing myself with the resulting shape, including the process of marking lines and curves before moving to the more intimidating fabric.
You will need a length of string, a tape measure, a straight ruler, paper, and pens/pencils/markers.
Additional notes before drafting:
You may be interested in taking the horizontal and the vertical measurements at the same time. Be my guest. I’m not your mom.
Baseline Measurements
Tie a string around the smallest part of your waist. This MIGHT NOT BE your natural waist. If it does not match your natural waist, please note the distance between this “waist” and your natural waist for gore placement.
This gives a consistent vertical point from which to take all other measurements.
For me, this point sits immediately at the base of my rib cage.
Measure from the back side of your neck to your waist (Neck)
You are marking the highest point you want your kirtle to sit. I usually measure this using the back of the neck of a crewneck shirt.
Measure from your waist to your underbust (ub)
Your underbust is the most important part of this pattern if you’re making a supportive or low-cut bodice.
What is your underbust? Where the underwire of a bra would sit, or the base of the pectoral muscles.
Measure from your waist to the fullest part of your bust (fb)
For many bodies, the fullest part of your bust is in line with your nipples. This is not true for all bodies.
Mark a neckline above the full bust equal to the distance between the underbust and full bust. (fb-ub = neckline)
Why do we make this measurement? Assuming perfectly spherical breasts, the measurement of the underbust to the full bust should equal the distance from the full bust to the top of the bust. This generally ensures a safe, low neckline without risk of indecent exposure for first drafts. I frequently raise my neckline about an inch from this point, because I don’t like sunburn on my chest. I know a spherical breast is absurd, but it is useful for a first draft.
Extend all lines horizontally across the pattern, as seen below. Ensure that you have a vertical line running through all of these horizontal lines at the approximate center.
More Measurements
Measure horizontally at your “waist” string.
Remember, this might not be your natural waist!
Divide this measurement by 4, and center the divided measurement on the vertical line of your draft on the waist line. For example, for a waist measurement of 36”, each of the 4 panels will get 9 inches across the waist line, or 4.5” inches on either side of the vertical line.
Why divide these measurements by 4? The resulting pattern will be 4 panels, with a seam down the center back, center front, left side, and right side.
Measure the fullest part of your bust
Remember to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. You may need help taking this measurement accurately.
Divide this measurement by 4, and center the divided measurement on the vertical line in your draft on the fb line.
Repeat this step with the underbust line.
Draw a gently curving line between the bust and waist measurements
Continue with a soft curve inward above the bust line
Measure from the “point” or hinge of your shoulder along the shoulder to where you would like the neckline to sit. For me, this measurement is the shoulder , and the measurement is usually 3-4 inches. I like reducing sun exposure and recommend this if you are planning to wear this garment outdoors..
Measure from the waist to the underside of the arm and transfer this to the paper. This is the bottom of the armhole or armscye (a)
Measure around the arm where it meets the shoulder. This is called your armscye. Divide this measurement in half (b).
Using a flexible ruler, tape measure, or French curve, use this measure to create the armscye. If not using a French curve, be sure to bulge the armscye out a little more towards the bottom than the shoulder. The upper “tip” of the armscye should approximately line up right inside the width of the full bust.
At the top of the armscye, mark the shoulder at a slight upward angle. I unfortunately do not yet have a strong system for getting this right on the first try. It takes some guess work, and I recommend leaving some extra paper or cloth here for later adjustments.
The best practice is measuring from the point you would like your shoulder to end in the neck of your garment horizontally to the center of your chest/neck. It may take some Ruler Jenga to accomplish this. Adjust the angle of your shoulder line so it ends with the distance between the inner point and an imaginary vertical line extending up from the full bust measurement. This will equal the distance between the inner point of your shoulder and the center of your chest/neck.
This is, unfortunately, one of the points that will take the most trial and error. You will eventually develop “an eye” for the angles. It will take time, but it won’t be nearly as painful as it sounds right now, I promise.
Draw a smooth line from the new shoulder seam to the point where the curved top of the bust line meets the horizontal “neckline”
Measure from your waistline down to the widest part of your hips. This may be your butt. Mark this line on your pattern (again, this should be BELOW your waistline). This is labeled h.
Measure the widest point of your hips (or butt), divide this by 4 for h.
Don’t hold the tape measure too tightly for this measurement; you want to be generous. This is to ensure that your pattern has the bare minimum measurement to give enough room to fit over your hips and butt.
Center this measurement on the vertical line at the h line
Draw a smooth line from the waist to this hip measurement.
You should now have a shape approximately resembling the above.
“But wait!” you ask. “I am not a perfectly symmetrical tube! Right now, the pattern has too much of a ‘boob pocket’ on the back and not enough on the front!” Good catch, hypothetical reader.
Now we make some adjustments.
Copy your pattern. You have half a “front” and half a “back.”
Measure across the front of your bust at the fb line, from side seam to side seam. Divide this by 2 for the front.
Measure across the back at the fb line, from side seam to side seam. Divide this by 2 for the back.
Subtract fb from front. Add the missing width to the front along the side that does not have the armscye.
Do not attempt to evenly distribute this width across the center line, add it all to the armless side. You are (probably) not a perfectly symmetrical tube.
Subtract back from fb. Remove the missing width from the back, from the side that does not have the armscye.
Mark a SEAM ALLOWANCE around both pieces. I usually use ½” SA to give me plenty of wiggle room for seam finishing.
Cut a twin for the front and for the back, and label appropriately. My pieces are usually labeled ASHILDR KIRTLE FRONT MARCH 2025 MK1 SA ½”, This helps me readily toss the out-of-date pieces and patterns and more easily find the coordinating pattern for a given project.
Using the Bodice Block
You now have 4 panels for your kirtle, congratulations!
How do you extend these to floor length? The first and most fabric-efficient (read: cheapest) option is to draw a straight line down from the bottom of your pattern and let the gores do all the work for skirt fullness. The second option is to follow the angle established from your waist to your hip measurement all the way down. This is going to make pattern pieces that don’t nest quite as easily, but require fewer seams. My suggested best practice is the first option, as the straight grain to attach the gores helps prevent sagging over time. I generally prefer to be conservative with fabric usage and this offers the most conservative layouts, as everything is largely rectangular.
Now extend your pattern to floor length. How do I get that measurement right? Measure from your waist height to the floor.I prefer the top of your foot and recommend you consider where you will be wearing the dress. You can extend this later for a longer garment. For maximum accuracy in the draft and minimum hemming needs, for your back panels, measure from your waist to the floor over your butt. For your front panels, measure from your waist to the floor straight down. A resulting body panel may look like the following:
Gores are the usually-triangular pieces that give more volume to the garment without needing to cut the main body panels on the bias. I usually do at least 4 gores, a pair on each side of the body, and sometimes do 6 gores with a pair in the back. Most sources point towards having gores in the front as well. I prefer having a smooth line down the front and lots of volume in the sides and back.
I prefer the overall circumference of my dress to be approximately equal to or greater than my height. To calculate this for the “straight down” panel option, subtract your hip measurement from your height and divide by the number of gores you need. Add an inch (half an inch on each side) for seam allowance, and you will get a gore width that produces a kirtle with a hem circumference approximately equal to your height.
To attach your gores, make sure the bias edge (the hypotenuse or long edge) of the triangle is sewn to the straight edge of the body panel and that the grain edge (shorter leg) of the triangles are attached to each other. This will add strength and durability to the garment, as bias edges should almost always be sewn to straight edges. Woven fabric tends to stretch along the bias. If the side seam stretches and sags, the dress will develop an uneven “handkerchief” edge that will need to be adjusted or repaired multiple times over its lifetime. This will mean that the edge attached to the body panel is longer than the measurement from waist to hip. This problem is easily remedied with a quick trim and produces less overall waste than attempting to even out a handkerchief edge.
I install my side gores with the point at my waistline, and my rear gore a few inches above the waistline. This gives the fabric more room to spread across the rear to avoid the dreaded “buttcrack” seam.
Congrats! You’ve flat drafted a 14th century style kirtle! Remember to cut this out with seam allowance and baste together on your mock up fabric before you touch the good fabric. Even the most careful measuring and drafting is unlikely to get a perfect pattern right out the gate, but this should get you much closer to a final product without as many fittings needed.
Explanation of drafting sleeves to come in a future post, but remember that there’s lots of fun to be had with no or short sleeves! I frequently use a sleeveless kirtle of this type as a supportive undergarment, or as a layer to provide a smooth base for upper garments. I have fought both rapier and chivalric combat in a fully supportive and compressive kirtle of this type made in this way. Don’t tell the laurels, but I frequently use this type of gown as a base layer for Rus to provide more fullness to my skirts and compression to my torso.
This process was refined through the process of creating the Elizabeth le Despencer kirtle, pictured below.
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