guide of the vale.

mya stone, 26, eldest bastard of robert baratheon

[ofredforts]

CLOSED || MYCHEL + MYA || THE RED KEEP ( @myastxne )

Mychel found he was quite relieved to have so many people crammed into such a small place; it made avoiding someone rather easy. Never in anything less than a crowd, it was a simple matter to hide behind a column upon the sight of a familiar head of curls or to act oh so engaged in any conversation so as to make any distraction impossible. It was unavoidable that Mychel would make some enemies amongst the women whose bed he shared; even he was not foolish enough to think otherwise, and so he had learned from experience how to prevent any uncomfortable confrontations.

Except, it seemed that Mya was avoiding him too, and that - that was rather unusual. No one avoided him, practicing the same evasive maneuvers he employed with such ease. No one but her, and much as he supposed he couldn’t blame her, well, it just simply wouldn’t do. Was the need to make her face him worth actually facing her? Likely not, and yet he found his mind constantly wandering to her whenever she left the room as soon as he entered.

When he ran into her - quite literally, backing away from the Lord of gods-knew-where and directly into his former flame - Mychel had not quite made up his mind on just what he was going to do about Mya Stone. The gods, it appeared, were far more decisive. “My lady,” he said, all grandiose manners and a cheeky smile. “Sincerest apologies, I did not mean to run into you so rudely.”

[myastxne]

It took Mya only a few moments to spot Mychel in the crowd of people. The room may have been bustling, but she was so in tune with his movements, his features, that there could've been hundreds more and she still would have found him with ease. She hated that. She felt an emptiness in her stomach, wishing that of all places to be, she wasn't here at this moment. Her eyes flickered back and forth, tracking wherever he was moving, seemingly against the walls, away from others. Regardless of what his intetions were, she was making every effort to avoid him, and hoped he would not take notice, or that if he did, he would leave her be.

She still didn't know what to make the entire, complicated situation. She was foolish, she knew that now, but then she was in such pain, it was hard to separate that from duty even this day. It was not Mychel's fault, nor Ysilla's, and she wanted so badly to be done with it. Yet, the feeling stayed. The hurt, the pain, it all came back the moment she saw him. Maybe she needed closure, but this was not the time for that.

Noticing him moving her way, she attempted to maneuver around a crowd, unable to do so as he easily approached her. She clasped her hands together in front of her, her knuckles turning white as she held them so tightly. "Not a lady." Mya quickly replied. "It's busy in here, I suppose I didn't expect to run into anyone I knew." Her voice was firm, and slightly aggravated that she had been caught. She was never good at hiding her emotions in front of him.

[myastxne]

ofkingsblccd

In his quest to make himself appear unassuming, to completely disappear from Cersei Lannister’s map, Edric had somehow managed to isolate himself. Hanging around the fringes of events where he was used to being front and center, he’d ended up leaving his usual companions behind, everyone having their own lordly social duties to attend to. In his self-made exile, though, Ed had taken up wandering the castle to cure his boredom; an admittedly stupid pastime, perhaps, for he often paced the halls alone. As such, it was a comfort to catch sight of his half-sister, and a relieved grin crossed his face.

“Not a fan of the Lion’s Den either, I take it?” Edric responded with a laugh, feeling a weight disappear from his shoulders. It was no secret to either of them that King’s Landing was a perilous place to be King Robert’s child; was there strength in numbers, or only more danger? Though Edric scarcely knew one way or the other, he did know it was good to see a friendly face. “It’s good to see you, too, Mya. Been keeping yourself busy, I hope?”

Mya gave a laugh. The lion's den was right. She felt like an outcast, an invader. And lions would easily attack anyone would invaded their territory. It was only a matter of time before Cersei, or any Lannister she deemed to be a threat, approached either of them. Or, she would send someone to approach them for her. Mya was ready to be on the defense, but she knew she had to tip toe carefully, and also give some semblance of respect. After all, this was her home. For now.

"I don't know if I can bring myself to go back in, honestly." She admitted, her smile dropping slowly from her face as she said the words. At his question, she gave a nod. "Yes, just working. Odd jobs. No one really wants to scale the mountains right now, so I have been forced to find coin elsewhere." She shrugged. Mya knew the value of hard work and never minded it, but she sorely missed the mountains she deemd her home. "And you, brother? What have you been up to?"

[myastxne]

closed for @ofkingsblccd​ || the red keep

Her uncle and brother were probably the only thing keeping Mya sane within the walls of the Red Keep. Every corner she turned, every Lord or Lady she made eye contact with, caused her heartbeat to quicken. Something about this place was eerie to her, either the ghost of her father haunted her every way she went, or Cersei’s fiery eyes bore a hole into her soul. She was certain the woman would want her dead if she knew she was just within grasp, but would this be the time she would make such a skeptical? Perhaps not, but with Cersei, it was impossible to be certain of the move she’d make or the lengths she’d go.

Mya quickly found herself outside, away from the crowds. Her breathing became even. Her face would never show the fear she felt, but it was what has kept her alive thus far. Looking around, she spotted Edric and felt herself even more relieved. “It’s good to finally find someone I can trust.” She greeted him, a small smile coming over her face.

[myastxne]

Beads of sweat ran down her face as she stood face to face with a man made of hair, sparring sword hanging loosely from her grip and she worked to catch her breath. She wasn’t a fighter really. After all, she was raised to be a lady, but that didn’t really get her anywhere with the bastard name that she would always be cursed with.

Inhale. Exhale.

She gripped the sword again and began to spar. Lunge, parry, dodge, repeat. She wasn’t even sure she was doing this correctly, Mya was simply mimicking what she had seen, and using her light, dancing feet to move swiftly. That’s when she heard footsteps coming from behind her and swiftly turned to face who they belonged to. Her serious, focused features softened into a friendly smile. “Apologies if this isn’t okay. I hope it doesn’t look like I completely don’t know what I am doing.” She joked.

[shareaquote]

Sadness looks poetic on you.

misanthrofray (via wnq-writers)

[ofthemusketeers]

“I’d love to be in a period drama - that’s my obsession. But being a mixed-race actress, there aren’t so many roles you’re right for.”

[myastxne]

[ open starter || the red keep ]

The Red Keep was more beautiful than she had imagined. Mya looked around in awe and the grand hall, the architecture, artwork, the lords and ladies dancing around so elegantly. She was sure she would hate being here, and part of her did for entirely different reasons than the place itself. She found herself actually quite entranced by it and only grew sad that she didn't get to experience it as she had always dreamed of. And so she stood to the side of the room as people sat and dined, or danced and laughed. Her eyes always managed to land on Cersei Lannister, beautiful, yet deadly, she supposed the woman lived up to the Lannister's lioness sigil.

At the conclusion of the music, most of the people around her began to disperse, causing her to panic a moment. Although she managed to dress that part of the lady she thought she'd become, she felt completely out of place and was sure Cersei would spot her all alone. She began quickly shuffling with the crowd, accidentally bumping someone on the way, spilling some wine on herself.

"Oh gods, I'm sorry." She said, exasperated and frustrated that she would make such a silly mistake. Normally she would try and just run off, but she feared the potential back lash from the person she bumped would only cause more attention to herself than owning up to the mistake. "I was just...trying to make sure I snatched myself a seat. It's quite busy."

[assyrianjalebi]

[myastxne]

Though there had been great news spread amongst the camps, there was still constant disorder and precautions needed to have a few steps of everyone. Those who were taken were in good health, including the few names Gendry had acquainted himself with. There was an explanation that led to reason about the attacks and their march to King’s Landing continued. It was the last place he would want to find himself but he found himself in the company of those who were looking for the same distractions or entertainment that he was. There were good spirits to go around that required celebrating. They had reached it to King’s Landing without any deaths that Gendry knew about and did not lose anyone along the way. The King in the North had been wed and Gendry had attended the celebrations and festivities with respect to the family he had come to know quite well.

He hardly noticed the woman approach him before he heard the familiar voice that reminded of her visit to the Northern camps. It had been a few weeks since the conversation and most of his hostility had simmered. “If I remember correctly, I asked you not to call me that. Politely, actually,” Gendry countered with a smile he wouldn’t otherwise have after having a few goblets of ale. He wondered if this was how Arya felt every time he called her princess or lady. It was a contrasting reaction because he did it to see the frown between her brows or the scrunched up smile that he had come to admire. “An honor and reasonable trade.” He accepted the ale and by accepting it he agreed to let the past simmer. “What brings you to the festivities and don’t say the ale.”

Mya let out a laugh at his response, and then raised her ale just slightly to him before taking a long drink. At his question she actually took a moment to think. She wasn’t quite sure what brought her here. She enjoyed a good drink and celebration, but this wasn’t entirely her crowd. “Because everyone is a bastard tonight. Or no one is. I forget which.” She shrugged, a smirk coming over her face, matching the sarcastic tone that she spoke with. Mya took a moment to look around, while she could tell the Lord’s and Lady’s from the common people like her, they all looked like they were enjoying the celebration equally. Harry had really stepped up his game for everyone, she was rather impressed and had to remember to pay her compliments to him.

“The past few weeks have been quite exhausting for everyone, to say the least.” Mya added. “I’m glad that we can all come together to celebrate something that we all worked together to accomplish. I fear this is the only celebration that will be had, for the real war has only just begun.” It was a bit morbid, but the ale tended to draw her unfiltered thoughts out. She was always an honest person, even if it was a bit brutal. “But none of that right now, what brings you here? Ser? Lord?” She raised a brow, unsure of what to make of the man.

[myastxne]

[ closed for @exilednorth || the red keep ]

Mya wasn’t sure what in the world brought her to the Red Keep of all places. Perhaps she wanted to imagine what it would’ve been like had she ever been invited here by her father, it was as if she enjoyed the emotional strain she put on herself when she let her mind wander to all these scenarios. On top of that, she was certain she might be in danger if Cersei Lannister were to discover she was there. Even as a bastard, tensions were high, and people who were opposed to the Lannister’s or Robert’s children with Cersei would look any which way for an heir or rightful ruler to call King or Queen. She hoped she cleaned up well enough to blend in with the vast amount elegant ladies who were in attendance. She remembered all the lessons she had learned with House Royce, and now she just simply had to put her memory to the test.

As she sipped her wine and watched from the sidelines, she noticed Asher and felt her shoulders visibly relax from all the tension they were holding. She couldn’t walk over to him fast enough. He was just a comforting presence and someone who understood her. She was glad he was here and greeted him with a smile. “Fancy seeing you here.” Mya jested, “I may have to task you with keeping me away from Cersei Lannister or any of her children. I fear by the bottom of this cup of wine I might muster the courage to actually approach her.” She half-joked, part of her wanted so badly to confront Cersei, but what could that possibly do? Mya quickly moved on, not wanting to even think about what she would say in a scenario she deemed unrealistic. “How are you? I’m glad to hear of your sisters safe return.” She placed a comforting hand on his arm, unable to imagine what all he had been through when Mira had been taken.

[myastxne]

[ closed for @staginrags​ || harry’s celebration at the inn ]

This was one of the rare occasions where Mya didn’t feel like a complete bastard, more so that people didn’t look at her and clearly take note of who exactly she was. She wasn’t sure how she became well known as Robert’s bastard, but it only angered her more that so many knew of who she was, and she was still never given the chance to be her father’s daughter, no matter what the circumstance. But that wasn’t something she would think about now. Tonight she would celebrate all the hard work of the past couple of weeks, supplying medicine and much needed things to help the wounded of all armies. She was exhausted, but a part of her believed this to be one of the only times for a long time everyone from all sides might come together in peace and merriment, and she was surely going to drown her sorrows and worries in ale.

Across the way, she spotted the young man she had met the other day while on a supply run. Although her head was already becoming clouded, she still felt a bit bad for being so harsh with him. It was not one of her best moments, and so she snagged another horn of ale for herself, and one for him, and made her way over to where he stood. “Hey boy.” She greeted him, smile on her face as she was teasing. “Some ale, in return for your help the other day. I hope we can have a fresh start.”

[myastxne]

M I R A

The wedding had been thoughtful and precise, glad to be finally marrying Robb in the Godswood. The same trees were what had been the background to their meeting, finding each other when they wanted to find answers to their other questions. When the ceremony was done, the reception began and thus the festivities began. Mira was thankful to everyone who had showed and everyone who continued to show their support. She had accepted wishes and gifts from various people, some of whom she did not know well but were allied with the North.

Mira had done her rounds of conversing with acquaintances, dancing with respective members of the North as well as her brothers and father. She knew that when she returned to the North, the rest of her family would accept Robb and their marriage. It had happened with haste that did not allow the rest of her family to be there, but was thankful for her brothers and father’s appearance despite the strained relationship that took place before she was captured. Mira’s attention found the woman and she smiled with a subtle nod at her words. “Thank you very much it is nice of you to say. You look beautiful tonight as well, my lady.”

But I’m not a lady. She wanted to say the words, but couldn’t. Suddenly memories of her time as a ward of House Royce flashed through her mind. Lace flowing around her as she practiced her dances, wanting to perfect every movement with grace, so sure that one day she would be able to present what she had learned to her father. Of course, that time never come. Mya felt a twinge of envy for the woman before her for having gained something she so terribly wanted, well at the time she wanted it of Mychel. Now, she half-convinced herself she wanted that of no one any longer, but this wedding, this celebration, only made her realize how foolish she was to put lies in her own head.

Mya was unsure of what Mira may know of her relationship with her brother. Well, there wasn’t anything to know necessarily. They were good friends, occasional lovers, she leaned on him, and felt he was one of the only men other than Renly she could actually somewhat depend on if she needed anything. It seemed they were able to find common ground in their current positions. However, Mira didn’t seem to recognize her, so she continued to play the part she expected to at this event. “You are too kind.” She replied, genuinely grateful for the compliment, as she didn’t have much opportunity to need to look her best. “And I must say I am grateful to see you well after all you have endured. I’m so sorry you went through what you did. You are very strong.”

[myastxne]

T H E O N

He paused as she requested specifics, unknowing where to start. Perhaps he should have had Jeyne make him a list of particular things she could have used, but being as it was, he would just get a wide array of items, even if it meant slipping some coin to do it. “I’m afraid not.” He admitted. “But given the Dornish chose to take a step back from the efforts of the recent rescue, perhaps I can persuade you to give us their portion of supplies. I can pay you well enough for it.” His father would have sneered in disgust at Theon’s offer of payment for what the Ironborn needed, and he tried to shake that thought as he pulled a leather pouch of gold and silver from his belt.

“Wine sounds like a nice addition.” He replied with an approving smile, taking the empty crate offered to him as he nodded towards the other items of his interest. “And some of those nice fabrics as well.” He didn’t know which materials Jeyne preferred to use, but as long as they were in black or gold he figured she would be able to work well enough with them.

Mya could tell the man was lost and simply began giving him some of the necessities where he didn’t necessarily ask for specifics. At his offer of payment for the Dornish wine, Mya raised a brow. “As much as your coin interests me, my employer would not take kindly to me angering the Dornish. We must remain the neutral party in all of this.” She gave a shrug, as she was indeed neutral herself in some ways, but other ways, she felt she wanted to support her Uncle Renly. For now, she couldn’t risk upsetting House Royce, as they had given her so much and she still felt she owed them something. Maybe not coin or anything, but at least some loyalty.

She grabbed a few of the bottles of wine and added it to the crate, as well as the fabrics. “These are actually the best I have, so hopefully whoever you’re getting these for likes them.” She gave a small laugh, enjoying actually conversing with someone for once. It seemed the past few days have been nothing but demands and bartering. “I suppose you’re part of the Northern camp, then?”

[ofnymeros]

@myastxne​ | arianne + mya. | harry’s celebration

hands clasped tightly around an empty glass, arianne stepped out of the inn - her guard almost following her, until she turned to give him a look of true challenge. for once, there was little danger and she was at ease being here more than anywhere else; not the red keep, not anywhere inside king’s landing, not even back in the camps. but she had polished off enough wine and ale to leave her flushed and warm, and stepping out into the night, the princess of dorne took a deep, fortifying breath. the air smelled of shit and disappointment, but it was a little less stifling than the merriment inside. so arianne leaned against a wall, wishing she had brought a full glass with her ( even if it was arbor swill ), when she noticed she wasn’t alone. 

the thing about dornish was that they treated bastards like actual people, actual children to be loved and siblings, cousins, friends to be cherished. the same could scarcely be said of the other realms. she had heard of robert baratheon’s bastards; spread around the realm, one taken in by his youngest brother but the others never acknowledged by the late king. yet here, tonight, they were all equal. a safe haven for everyone - not just a selected few. “ there are so many people in there, it’s hard to hear yourself think. ” arianne commented with a giggle, her natural confidence even further bolstered by the drink she had consumed. “ which is a good thing for me, i suppose. ” she grinned widely, nothing hard or forced at all. “ you’re lady mya, aren’t you? king robert’s daughter? ”

[myastxne]

This was the first time in a long time Mya didn’t exactly feel out of place. It was almost like this celebration brought everyone from all walks of life together and she was a bit grateful for that feeling. Even amongst House Royce, gaining an education, being well taken care of, she felt like a black sheep, an outsider. Still, even amongst all these people, Mya found herself on the outside the group, observing and watching as she downed her cup of ale. She wasn’t sure how many she had had, but certainly enough to gain a buzzing feeling in her head.

At the sound of a woman’s voice, she turned and immediately recognized her. People of Dorne had a distinct look about them, beautiful really. Arianne Martell was exceptionally so. She gave the woman a small smile and nodded. “Agreed, it’s rather nice for a change.” She admitted, swirling around her now empty cup. At the mention of her name, her parentage, and being called a lady, Mya let out a laugh. “Oh, I’m no Lady.” She began. “I’m his bastard.” She said it a little more venomously than intended, but she was feeling rather fiesty, not at Arianne, but just in particular.

[myastxne]

[ closed for @miraxforrester || the stark wedding ]

When there was a wedding happening, there was surely a need for food and drink, even in more intimate settings. When she heard it was the wedding of Robb Stark, her curiosity got the best of her and she just had to be the one to make the deliveries. She distinctly remembered his father from when hers would visit. Almost like Roberts guardian angel. She knew they were best friends. Part of her felt obligated to see if Robb was well now that his father had taken the black. Perhaps it might seem nosy to others, but in some small way she did care.

When the ceremony finished and the celebration began, Mya slipped in and immersed herself amongst the guests. Her long coat and pants for riding had been replaced with a more appropriate dress for a lady. Her hair, normally a bit winded lookingIt brought back memories of her time with House Royce. All the lessons she had learned and the niceties all came back to her. When she came upon the woman she recognized as the Stark Lords bride, she made her way to her. “I’d like to offer my congratulations, Lady Stark. You look radiant.” She may not sound like her normal self, but her words were certainly true.

[iron-veined-deactivated20210612]

Theon was no expert in determining the value of plants and herbs growing wild in the surrounding area, and he’d lacked the interest to pay much attention to what had been administered to him during his time on bed rest in the Ironborn camp. Simple supplies were stored and distributed accordingly among the houses, but Theon was seeking to replenish Jeyne’s medical goods as she hurried about helping a number of those still suffering from injuries and illness. 

He’d been pointed to one Mya Stone, who seemed to be busying herself over a number of separated crates, each one packed with a number of items and materials. “Mya?” Theon asked as he approached, stopping a short distance away and letting his eyes roam over a particular collection of fabrics–something he figured Jeyne might like very much given her skill. “I was told I should speak to you in regards to the delivery for the Ironborn camp. We are in need of extra medical supplies, given our soon to be Lady Reaper has been offering her hand in tending to more wounded than just our own.”

@myastxne​

[myastxne]

Mya didn’t exactly expect her courier duties to grow so vastly in the short time it had, but coin was coin and she was content with working hard for it if need be. She stood with her crew as they unloaded the horse drawn carts of supplies, and pointed them to the right place to take them all while referring to a paper in her hand. This was just the first big battle of many to come and she wondered exactly how they would fare with the next, and the one after, especially when it would be against one another rather than working together against a common enemy. Still, it was none of her business. What was her business right now was the job at hand.

At the mentioned of her name, she turned on her heel to see a man. Her deep blue eyes gave him a look over and recognized him as ironborn. His name however was unknown to her, but she assumed he was given hers to begin with. “Do you know exactly what you need?” She asked, continuing to help unload and direct. She was slender, but her strength came from years of hard work and navigating the mountains of the vale. “I suggest getting any extra linens for wounds. Wine to numb the pain. We’re quite short but I’m doing my best to give everyone their fair share.” She took a deep breath, dusting off her hands as she handed a crate over to another worker before approaching Theon. “Think if you needed to patch a wound, amputate a leg, what would you want most? Probably wine. I have a shipment coming by the end of the day. Lots of it.” She grabbed an empty crate and held it out to the other. “Follow me I’ll get you what you need.”

[lovemythorns]

1 year ago today, Lady Gaga released “Million Reasons” as the second single (it was also first promotional single) from “Joanne.” It peaked at #4 on Billboard Hot 100, and it’s one of the best selling song’s of 2017 in the US.