GROWING STRONG

[qvietrose]

ascar reed   |   greeneyedcrannogman

Finally away from his home in a new space with dozes of new people and nerves drove him to exactly the same behaviour he’d displayed at home: hiding amongst the scrolls of the library. They were engaging and there was safety in the familiarity of written words. He was looking over the history of conflicts in the land, whether to try and find some useful comparison with the current situation or distract himself he wasn’t sure. 

He was slowly drinking from a goblet of wine as he read, trying to follow the advice that drinking more made drinking easier, when he heard someone else enter the library. Looking up he blinked and inclined his head, “Are you searching for a text? I wouldn’t mind helping to find it?”

        any library was a comforting place for viktor. no matter where it was located the shelves all held a familarity and many of the books were familiar to him. he’d selected a few books for himself, ones highgarden’s library didn’t possess or ones that he hadn’t yet read, to keep him entertained. since the fire viktor hadn’t wanted to venture far from his family and he preferred that they all remained in their rooms. if tensions did boil over then he wanted them safe.

          this, however, led to his current dilemma. elaena was terribly bored now that she couldn’t continue her explorations of winterfell, but viktor hadn’t been able to find any books that she would enjoy.          ❝  i am actually. would you happen to know if there are any fairytale or adventure stories? i promised my daughter i’d find her some books. ❞

[qvietrose]

raymont baratheon   |   baratheoned

He sighed in relief when he heard that Viktor and Katherynne were well and released his tense grip on the man’s arm. Almost conspiratorially he leaned in, trying to keep his voice low. “I’ve sent them to our rooms. And I would ask you and Katherynne join us as well, with your little girl. We don’t know what the North might find out, but whatever it is, if it puts any of us in danger, I want us out of sight.”

He turned to look at the crowd for a moment and then turned back, leaning in even closer to Viktor. “Do you know if it was Baelor?”

        viktor could feel the danger in the air. even if accusations hadn’t been made outright everyone was looking at the southern houses with suspicion. it only took the actions of one lord acting on his suspicions for violence to spark. viktor didn’t want either his or kat’s family to be at risk.          ❝  of course. i’m certain katherynne will feel more at ease with the rest of her family nearby. we cannot be too careful in these following days. ❞

          the next question made viktor pause. he glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby and even then he spoke in a hushed whisper.          ❝  i don’t. i’d like to think that not even he’s foolish enough to leave his own banner behind. ❞

[qvietrose]

katherynne tyrell   |   reachbloomed

             the fluttering of heartbeats that accompanies new love has yet to fade for katherynne. in truth, she’s not sure that if ever will. each moment with him fills her with a new respect for the man that she married, something new to adore about him. there is a safety in the gazes he bestows upon her, and a warmth that the world they live in can never provide her. they are lucky - she knows this. while life has not granted them the gift that katherynne prays for nightly , she has been blessed beyond measure to love him , and blessed to know him in ways the world cannot comprehend. 

      head instinctively tilts toward his hand as he brushes her hair back. she lifts her eyes to meet his , her smile lighting them.   ❝  then i consider myself to be quite fortunate indeed.  ❞            she imagines that, if they had courted, it would have been something like this. perhaps, they are courting now. she offers his hand a gentle squeeze of her own, a thank you for the gesture. dancing has never ranked on his favorite list of pastimes, she knows it is for her own benefit. she tries to avoid the pang of sadness that accompanies the realization that, despite her best efforts, she has yet to contribute to his happiness in the monumental ways she wishes to. she fears that she might never achieve it.          as they edge toward the dance floor, katherynne leans against him ever so slightly. a sly smile touches her lips ❝  i believe he might still be talking. ❞ head rests against his arm for a moment, ❝  thank you for not being the sort of lord that lives to hear himself speak. i don’t know if i could bear it !  ❞

        most days viktor wonders what he had done to deserve katherynne’s love. surely there must be someone else in the realm more deserving of her light than him, but by some twist of faith she has given her heart to him and viktor strives everyday to make her as happy as she makes him. for even on the darkest days, katherynne is his light, chasing away the clouds that hovers over him with nothing more than a smile or a look. how easily the shadows had fallen over viktor before he’d met her; it is difficult for light to shine when he has built his walls high. his guarded nature still remains, but katherynne had slipped past his defenses and stepped into his heart before he’d fully realized it. sometimes he tries to think of the moment he fell in love with her. it’s impossible to choose one; each moment with her had laid the foundation and he’d happily chosen to take every step closer to loving her.

          now she steps into a room and he cannot take his eyes off of her. wherever she is he longs to be. any hardships she faces he wishes to bear with her. any sorrow she suffers wounds him as well. the softness that overtakes him when it comes to katherynne is a clear oddity in regards to his personality, but it is genuine none the less. it must be love that brings out this side of him for this part of him is only for kat.

          he smiles down at her, affection swimming in dark eyes, and leans down to press a kiss to the top of her head. it matters not who sees. the crowd no longer exists in his eye; there is only kat.          ❝  i don’t think i could bear it. how they don’t grow tired of their voice is beyond me. ❞          he chuckles. in truth, he feels indebted to her for how understanding she is of his personality. quiet and stoic, not the type of husband women would dream of. not when there are gallant knights and charming lords all over the realms. still katherynne has honored him with her love. entrusted him with her heart.

          the first notes of a new song fill the room. reluctantly, viktor steps away from his wife and stands in the proper place for the opening steps. already he misses the warmth her presence provides. 

[qvietrose]

lyanna manderly   |   lyanna-manderly

Turning her head towards the sound of the voice, she recognized the man who had spoken as not someone who belonged under her brother’s crown. He was not a man who she had seen around the Kingdom before. Judging by his appearance and manners, Lyanna supposed he was probably from the Reach. “Not exactly, my lord.” She replied. “I’m simply craving some lemon cakes. Have you ever had some yourself?” Lemon cakes were her favourite type of dessert growing up, it was a love she couldn’t shake even as an adult.

        viktor hadn’t traveled much in his youth and even less so once he became lord of highgarden. all he knew of the stark family was what he had heard, the majority of which had been good. he had viewed this visit as an oppurtunity to get to know them better.          ❝  ah, i see. ❞          he was no stranger to lemon cakes. with all the fruit it produced, the reach was no stranger to the fruit cakes that people all over the realm enjoyed.          ❝  in the past, yes, but not many. i don’t have much of a sweet tooth so i don’t eat them often. ❞

[qvietrose]

raymont baratheon   |   baratheoned

@qvietrose

He had looked for his brother-by-law for a while, while making his rounds, trying to instil calm and sense into his bannermen. One would normally not assume the man to be calm, collected. With his loud voice and thunderous personality. But when it came to adversity, he was a focused man. And these were tense times.

When he found Viktor, he took the man by the arm, turned him away from those who might have heard them and sighed. “Are you and Kat well? Once the panic started I was worried.”

        ever since the fire broke apart the celebration, viktor hadn’t left his family’s side. panic could make people act rashly and even though viktor doubted anyone would place blame at house tyrell he didn’t want to risk it. not when his wife’s, daughter’s, and sisters’ safety was in question.

          he had only stepped away from his family in order to learn what had happened. he’d been on his way back when someone seized him by the arm. his muscles tensed but relaxed when he saw who it was.          ❝  we’re fine. we retired to our chambers as soon as the crowd panicked. and you? how are you and your siblings? ❞

[qvietrose]

What is your biggest fear?

        ❝  failing my people and my family. ❞

[qvietrose]

do you consider yourself to be a good person?

        ❝  i do. i always strive to do my best and to be a good lord, husband, brother, and father. i have made mistakes, i’ll admit, but so has every person and i strive to better myself after each one. ❞

[qvietrose]

you love your wife, but what are your plans if she fails to produce and heir?

        ❝  if that happens then highgarden will be left to either my daughter or one of my sisters. however, i highly doubt it will come to that. katherynne and i are still young. there is plenty of time for us to have an heir. ❞

[qvietrose]

Do you resent your wife for her infertility?

        a heavy sigh fell from his lips. the question was all people seemed to be capable of asking. with different words but the meaning remained the same.          ❝  no. how many times must i say it before people stop thinking i’m lying? ❞          his lip curled up when he spoke the last word, mimicking a snarl.          ❝  i love my wife and i will always love her even if we never have a child together, because i love katherynne for who she is not for what she can provide me with. ❞

@reachbloomed

[qvietrose]

[qvietrose]

lyanna manderly   |   lyanna-manderly

Lyanna had started to feel a bit light-headed. She had been tasting wine after wine, clearly unbothered by what those around her would think. Who would dare to criticize the the Stark princess? Even though she had been married for years now, known as Lady Manderly, she was still remembered as the eldest princess of the north and expected to be treated as one. 

Her lord husband was nowhere in sight and she hadn’t even bothered to check if he had arrived. Earlier that day, Lyanna had travelled alone with their two children. He was supposed to come later, but she had received no word if such a thing had happened or not. 

“Please, bring me some lemoncakes, will you?” She asked the servant girl who had just passed by.

        viktor lingered on the outskirts of the crowd, slowly walking around the room as he surveyed the people partaking in the celebrations. he’d quickly learned that if he made himself look busy then it was less likely he’d be pulled into conversations. as he made his way past a small crowd, he spotted the eldest stark princess.

          ❝  taking a break from the celebrations, princess? ❞          he asked as he approached. while no smile appeared on his face, his demeanor wasn’t cold or hostile. the starks might not be his king, but he respected the house, no matter the tensions that existed between their two kingdoms.          ❝  his grace’s coronation has certainly brought about much joy. ❞

[qvietrose]

ascar reed   |   greeneyedcrannogman

The were so many people, if he’d had a little more confidence he’d have loved to question so many about their ways of life, to see if what he read matched up to the real thing. But, as it was he was hiding in the back wishing for the solitude of the Watch he’d been so excited to be sent away from… The mind was such a fickle thing. “It umm, it seems to be to the taste of everyone else here, My Lord.” he said with a small smile, “But I suppose it’s my lac of experience with the drink that’s letting me down.” he paused a moment, “The Coronation was a grand success though. Seems everyone’s in good spirits this eve.”

        viktor understood what it was like not to share the same opinions as most people. it had plagued him most as a child when all his peers had been interested in grand adventures and knights while viktor had preferred his books. now it more impacted his tolerance for his fellow nobles, the majority of whom seemed to love the sound of their own voice.          ❝  just because the majority share an opinion doesn’t mean theirs is the only valid one. ❞          he often found that too many people placed too much weight in what others thought instead of their own values.          ❝  it was. the north certainly put their best foot forward, and king edrik seems like a man worthy of such celebration. ❞

[qvietrose]

katherynne tyrell   |   reachbloomed

        it is  strange how many of these functions katherynne attends with her husband that result in them barely speaking a word to each other. so often, they are pulled into their respective social circles to do what is expected of them. rare is it for them to find the time to  steal away and enjoy the festivities together. it’s a cruel fate, to be so often deprived of the company that makes these events bearable. she consoles herself with the glances her husband gives her from across the room, ones she returns with her own enthusiasm, occasionally quirking her brow at the incessant lord. it’s a secret language they’ve developed - no words need be spoken. he approaches, and kat politely excuses herself from the gaggle of ladies with whom she was half-conversing. he asks her a question, and an elated grin breaks out across her features. 

              ❝  so he dances , does he ? ❞   she feigns surprise, before laughing and nodding, hand extended to him. she takes a step closer to him, so that words could be exchanged more privately. ❝  i half expected you to be frozen there all evening. i was on my way tor rescue you.  ❞     

        he has spent no more than a minute at his wife’s side and already the evening is far more bearable. if only they could remain this close for its entirety, but duty and expectations pull them in opposite directions. but duty can step aside for a few moments. no one will judge a husband for wanting to spend time with his wife, especially when, as is the case with the lord and lady tyrell, their love shines as bright as any candle in the room. viktor is a different man entirely; the serious expression wanes and an uncommon warmth enters his eyes. he even smiles, a common sight for his loved ones but once entirely unheard of in the public sphere. it is impossible to not smile when katherynne is at his side, especially when she smiles at him as she is now.

          ❝  only for you. ❞          he reaches out with his free hand to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. his other hand closes gently around hers, and he begins to lead them toward the dance floor.          ❝  my savior. ❞          warmth filled his words.          ❝  i feared the same myself. with how consumed he was in his own speech, he might not have even noticed my departure. ❞

[qvietrose]

baelor targaryen   |   baelorthesecond

Baelor watched the dancing lords and ladies with a degree of trepidation, reluctant to let his guard down even at an event such as this. It would have been beyond dishonorable, of course, to attempt something at a Coronation. But the King knew his history well; it would not have been the first time a house was stricken down at such an occasion. Baelor also felt considerable envy as he watched the people dance. His mind flashed back to the days of his childhood when he would run throughout the Red Keep without a care. He leaned back into his chair with a sigh. The crown on his head, the finest he had brought to the North, felt heavier on his head than usual. “I must admit, I am tempted to join the dancers, though I will need far more to drink to do so.” The dragon King let out a small, halfhearted chuckle. “The Starks have outdone themselves this evening.” There was a reluctance in his voice, as if it pained him to give the wolves any compliment at all.

        viktor cared little for dancing unless his wife was his partner and even then in a large crowd he could only enjoy so many songs before retreat was necessary. no one seemed to notice or care; there were plenty of people enjoying the music that his absence was unnoticed. he’d intended to return to his seat when he caught sight of the king. since their arrival viktor hadn’t gotten the chance to truly speak to his king. no matter his worries for the other man’s mental state, viktor remained loyal and he hoped the whispers were wrong and he’d be able to keep his loyalty.          ❝  your grace. ❞          he bowed in greeting.          ❝  i’m not much of a dancer myself, especially not in a crowd as lively as this one. ❞          he glanced briefly back out at the crowd before giving baelor his full attention. he nodded in agreement, though the king’s reluctance didn’t escape his notice.          ❝  they certainly have, your grace. i would say their joy outshines the grandeur of the celebration ❞

[qvietrose]

ascar reed   |   greeneyedcrannogman

It was overwhelming. The sights, the sound, all the different people. It was the kind of event he’d dreamed of attending yet here he was sitting near the back corner of the room and gripping a goblet of wine tightly between his hands; odds were he appeared as inexperience incarnate… Wonderful.

He brought the goblet to his lips to take a large swig and immediately winkled his nose at the unfamiliar taste. “M-my apologies,” he said, looking up at a passerby, “I’m uhh, not that familiar with the taste of wine.” 

        crowds were not his favorite by any means. he prefered quiet, solitude even, but at the least company in small quantities. unfortunately that was not how these events played out. it wasn’t as rowdy as viktor ahd feared, thankfully. in the end it was more joyful. he still remained on the outskirts of the crowd, only greeting others if they addressed him first. he paused when he spotted the young man.          ❝  no need to apologize. wine is not to everyone’s taste. ❞          viktor enjoyed wine in moderation but he took no offense nor found any fault in those who didn’t like to partake.

[qvietrose]

        the room was crowded, but the lord of the reach had eyes for only one. he’d spotted katherynne across the room when he was in the middle of a conversation with a lord from the riverlands. the other man refused to cease talking and viktor’s only respite from his endless babbling was the looks he was able to shoot kat when the lord wasn’t looking. it kept him at bay for a little while, but still the lord showed no signs of falling quiet. eventually, viktor was left with no choice but to politely excuse himself. no time was wasted as he moved through the crowd, his eyes never leaving katherynne until he was standing before her.          ❝  would you join me for a dance, my love? ❞          a smile, the first of the evening, spread across his lips as he offered his hand to his wife.

@reachbloomed

[qvietrose]

doricea nothigar   |   bxrdfparadise

There were only very few things that could bring a genuine smile onto the features of the Braavosi courtesan. It was as if her painted lips were so used to fake smiling they no longer knew how to not play pretend. Yet whenever there were children in the room, her eyes lit up with a joyous twinkle together with her fair features. Their endearing innocence was a memory of a dream long lost, but one she would gladly accept only to see their smiles. 

It was why instead of curses a gentle laugh escaped from her lips as a little girl collided with her legs and almost launched her into the snow. She was able to remain on both feet, but the young lady tumbled down into the white, crisp blanket. –  Just when she had extended her hands to help the little girl get back on her feet, she saw another person approaching from the corner of her eye. Dressed in dark shades that were in stark difference with the icy snow and his pace hurried. As she helped the girl back onto her feet, she was about to turn to the man until she heard his voice. Highgarden… Her cheeks turned a deep shade of pink in distress and her body froze for a moment. Unable to look up, look him in the eye. She did not need to, she didn’t want to. “It’s fine” She mumbled quietly, as her eyes remained focused on the girl. “Forgive me, but I must leave now.”

        his memory served his well due to hours spent pouring over books in highgarden’s library and studying the facts he found within them. memories and faces from his past didn’t fade from his mind; it was why to this day he could still recall edwin and lyra’s faces perfectly. when he looked away from his daughter and toward the woman they’d crossed paths with, recognition flashed across his fade. but he was uncertain if he was correct or if his mind was simply finding an answer to a question he’d possessed for years. viktor hadn’t seen doricea nothigar since he was a boy. he had always wondered what had happened to her after her mother and her had disappeared after her father was hanged. but surely the woman before him couldn’t be her. it had been years.

          ❝  wait. my lady - ❞          without thinking, a rare occurrence for lord tyrell, he reached out in an attempt to gently seize her wrist. his senses returned to him immediately after and his hand lowered. viktor could be wrong, but if he wasn’t then he must know.          ❝  my apologies and forgive me if i’m overstepping, but you look like someone i once knew. your name wouldn’t happen to be doricea nothigar would it? ❞