Half a Boy, Half a Wolf Pup

Saerena of House Stark | 22 | Current Location: King's Landing

[lordjonstarrk-blog]

Rolling his eyes, Jon knew it was petty of him to become so riled at his sister’s antics but it always bothered him whenever he was portrayed in a manner that was false and otherwise not to his liking. He was always a man of his word and even though it was childish games that she played it did nothing to ease his mind. “And of course you’ve turned yourself into a gossip monger during your stay in the South Saerena? I’ve always been one for words, though I’m sure I’ll have a few interesting ones left if I ever run into Lady Bane alone, during the remainder of my stay.”

He knew it was hitting far below the post mentioning Lady Bane but her games were now trying his patience. With the spread of the words exchanged between Sansa and himself and the Hand, he knew that much would come from that but he didn’t wish to implicate anyone with any wrong doing, it was only a poor situation and poor timing that he now found himself in the middle of. “As always, shall I take your actions as example of what to do?” Jon muttered before turning to her and speaking to her directly. “Nothing is really going on between her and I, at least not at the moment nor is it your business, unless I decide it is. Now finish your breakfast, you and I have a training session to preside over with William and Lady Bane and you will not keep her waiting again.”

[saerenastark]

“What is the point?” Saerena groaned--her voice raised. Anytime I try to do anything I just get this--this Lord instead of my brother. Sure she had been teasing him, but didn’t he know it was her way of showing her interest. She looked to Torrehn for support, but his gaze was elsewhere. They always picked each other’s sides over hers.

“I will be there for Lady Bane.” Saerena spat at him as she quickly and angrily ate the last of her breakfast. “But not for you.”

[lordjonstarrk-blog]

At Torrehn’s reaction, Jon threw a glare in his direction. Since they were boys, Jon and Torrehn had an unspoken language using only their eyes and at this moment Jon hoped it wouldn’t fail him when he glared at Torrehn to shut his mouth where Sansa was concerned. Truthfully, Jon hadn’t thought it out thoroughly when it came down to confessing his feelings for Sansa and now it seemed he would be paying the price for it in spades.

“It wasn’t my intention to do any sort of thing and surely it is not as horrible as you and the rest of the Keep are making it out to be. Then perhaps I have been around you too long dear sister and have suddenly gone beside myself by courting danger in the form of, how did you put it? Oh yes, by ‘stepping on the Hand’s boots’.”

“Now look at that Torr, you’ve learned how not to get yourself into trouble, surely you could give me a lesson or two.” Jon grinned sarcastically before letting fall from his lips.

[saerenastark]

"Oh, it wasn't your intention? But you did such a good job from what I hear." Saerena was always the one being scolded and Jon never was. She was prepared to take full advantage of the situation. Hoping that it would be forgotten in the unlikely event that she ever found someone for herself. "Courting danger? Interesting choice in words."

"Oh, Jon, if I left everytime you chided me--oh. Wait. I do leave every time you chide me." Saerena smiled and grabbed another roll, this time offering it to Jon. "So what's really going on then?"

[lordjonstarrk-blog]

“Of course not, do you think your brother naive? It’s foolish to think anything around here is meant to be a secret regardless.” If it was possible Jon’s brow hiked an inch higher at Saerena’s good mood and soon after Torrehn’s small smirk. “Torr? What in the bloody hell has you smirking this morning and you..you’re extraordinarily out of char-” He stopped short at Saerena’s comment, unable to speak another word. 

“And if I have, what is it any of your or anyone else’s business Saerena?” Cool, calm and collected was what he strove for, but somehow he knew that what was being said was far from the innocence of that meeting between them and it angered him, even though there was much to be said of what could be considered innocent about their conversation. “I don’t see you questioning Torrehn about his meetings with other women in the Keep.”

[saerenastark]

“Absolutely.” Saerena nodded with mock seriousness, throwing a piece of roll at Torrehn to garner a response from him as well. No doubt he had heard the gossip from Rowyn Bane.

“Hey, it’s not my fault you stepped on the Hand’s boots your first big trip to the South.” Saerena smirked at Torrehn. “Because he knows how to stay out of trouble.”

[saerenastark]

“And I thought that I was the maker of bad decisions in this House.” Saerena told Jon pointedly as she stole the bacon from his plate. “You’re going to get us into trouble.” She couldn’t help but secretly enjoy herself. Since she had been lurking around the Red Keep, she had become quite the authority on idle gossip.

@lordjonstarrk

[lordjonstarrk-blog]

Frowning in his sister’s direction, Jon raised a brow at the slight snickering that came from her lips as she stole pieces of bacon off his plate. “You typically are, though I don’t see why you’re now casting that light on me Saer. And you’re going to be the one in trouble if you don’t stop stealing my breakfast straight off my plate.” He pointedly mentioned as he watched her hand sneak over to his plates’ edge once more. Confused, Jon sat beside her and his brother Torrehn who looked unusually secretive, and that was never good. They all knew something he didn’t and it never boded well for him.

[saerenastark]

“Do you really think anything that happens in this castle is a secret?” She winked at her brother and stole a roll from his plate this time. He had no idea. The thought made her laugh loudly as she spread butter on the split roll.

“So oblivious already and it’s only breakfast. Jon, had any late night visits from Sansa Karstark lately?”

[saerenastark]

“And I thought that I was the maker of bad decisions in this House.” Saerena told Jon pointedly as she stole the bacon from his plate. “You’re going to get us into trouble.” She couldn’t help but secretly enjoy herself. Since she had been lurking around the Red Keep, she had become quite the authority on idle gossip.

@lordjonstarrk

[theprinceswolf]

[saerenastark]

“Well,” Saerena let out a sharp breath to think of what to say next. “Well, you can carry it around and walk with me, but I don’t want to see you sparring with Tommen Selmy or anyone else until you’re supposed to. Or else it’ll be my skin Jon wants.” Since she had been playing guard for William after his injury–though it was really to allow Aerion to come and visit without them being disturbed or having to explain–everyone seemed to look to her to check in on William. Something she would have done anyway, but didn’t want William to see how soft she had been lately. She hated the idea of him becoming a knight, and a Kingsguard even worse, but she would never tell him.

“Smart lad!” Saerena called after Tommen as he ran off. “C’mon, Will, you can show me all the boring places I haven’t discovered yet.”

[theprinceswolf]

William scowled, he understood her concern, but he also didn’t want to be babied. Still he couldn’t bring himself to argue with her. “Saerena, i’m not a child anymore.” he chuckled softly sheathing his blade. “Still I do think i should rest now, I have grown a bit tired, but I would be more than happy to show you the old dragon pits, Aerion took me there.”

[saerenastark]

“Then don’t act like a child.” Saerena smirked. “We’ll go wherever you like.”

[ladyrowynbane]

shaking fingers

[saerenastark]

Rowyn grinned, “I have been around ruckus and kinship so loud must would have gone mad, but I love every moment of it with all my heart. But there is beauty in silence and calm, Much like my fadder is the calming steady hand and rational mind to my mother, as she is his fire, and faith. I find a certain peace when I am near Torrehn I do not find anywhere else save for my prayers in the godwoods and the temple.”

Saerena smiled awkwardly. How nice that sounded. She’d never felt that way around anyone. Maybe William quieted her in some sort of peace--to some extent all her brothers did. But it was not the same. She could hear it in Rowyn’s voice.

“So what’s the problem?”

[itinerarium-andromeda]

Flea Bottom

[itinerarium-andromeda]

saerenastark:

Saerena tried to slip by quietly, but she was much too conspicuous in an orphanage. It was not merely her height amongst the children, but also her dress. She needed no cloak in King’s Landing, but she still wore a bit of fur on her quiver. Her dark jerkin was decorated with direwolves and signified her birth as well as her features. 

It was Rowyn Bane who had asked her to follow Rhaella out to Flea Bottom. A smart plan. If Rhaella would not take the house guard, it was unlikely that she would object to Saerena Stark quietly following behind her with her bow in tow. After the tourney, Saerena had more than proven her skill and she would be as useful as some over eager and green guards.

Saerena did not know the Princess well; she had little interest in princesses. So she did not engage her in conversation and simply waited patiently, observing the crowd, until she was addressed by the silver haired princess.

Rhaella was distracted by her people, the children clamoring about with their new things. She didn’t notice she had a guard until a boy pointed out the woman with a bow, asking the princess if she was safe.

The blonde looked over to see Saerena, a defeated smile playing on her lips. “Quite safe, promise,” she gestured for the brunette to join her. “This is Lady Saerena Stark, she’s a friend,” Rhaella told the young ones, who all bowed or curtsied before going back to playing. “I knew my handmaidens would tattle, sorry you were sent to watch me. I am sure you had other things you would rather be doing today.”

[saerenastark]

Saerena gave the boy a half smile and readjusted her quiver. The royal family, save Aerion, made her sort of nervous. She knew she wasn’t any good at behaving the way her brother Jon wanted her to and it made her self-conscious. That, paired with her recent altercations with the King, made her uncharacteristically quiet among them.

“It’s fine. At least Flea Bottom is more interesting than the Red Keep.”

[itinerarium-andromeda]

Flea Bottom

“You mustn’t leave without your gaurd, your highness, you know how it frustrates your brothers.”

Rhaella hardly acknowledged her handmaidens’ worries anymore. She was tenth in line to the throne, hardly a catch if anyone was after the Iron Throne or even a large ransom. The youngest daughter was known for being too kind, weak even. It made her practically invisible. Or it would if she didn’t look exactly like her mother had at this age.

“If I were going somewhere halfway dangerous, I’d ask for an escort. However I’m simply going to the orphanage, taking clothes the young ones here have outgrown. I hardly think any of the children have any plans to assassinate me.”

Without another word, the blonde whisked out of the room, and in no time was heading down the steps of the castle. Rhaella was positive her lady would alert someone of her departure, so she had very little time to herself. As always. The princess wasted no time, armed with a sack full of children’s clothes and a few old toys, she was soon in Flea Bottom.

Those who noticed her bowed, or curtsied, some of the old crones held out a hand for a blessing, as they always did. Rhaella had a kind smile for all and a coin for those she knew needed it most. When she reached the fountain, if it could be called that what with it’s dirty water and all, the brightest smile lit upon her face. She was nearly knocked back when the children came rushing to hug her, the few gaurdians watching with a laugh.

“Alright, alright, yes it’s so good to see everyone. But however shall I pass out the gifts if you’re all clamoring about?”

It took about five seconds for the children to sit around the fountain, leaving a seat for her at the edge. Rhaella found her spot and began passing out clothes and toys, taking care to make sure every child present got something, no matter how small. This was her joy, this was what made it all worth it.

[saerenastark]

Saerena tried to slip by quietly, but she was much too conspicuous in an orphanage. It was not merely her height amongst the children, but also her dress. She needed no cloak in King’s Landing, but she still wore a bit of fur on her quiver. Her dark jerkin was decorated with direwolves and signified her birth as well as her features. 

It was Rowyn Bane who had asked her to follow Rhaella out to Flea Bottom. A smart plan. If Rhaella would not take the house guard, it was unlikely that she would object to Saerena Stark quietly following behind her with her bow in tow. After the tourney, Saerena had more than proven her skill and she would be as useful as some over eager and green guards.

Saerena did not know the Princess well; she had little interest in princesses. So she did not engage her in conversation and simply waited patiently, observing the crowd, until she was addressed by the silver haired princess.

[ladyrowynbane]

shaking fingers

[ladyrowynbane]

“oh!” Rowyn’s cheeks flushed “I thought he vould have said something. um yes I do hope that doesn’t make things weird for you. Torrehn is a kind soul, and has always been respectful and understanding towards me. I guess it just took sometime to really see it.” she admitted with a soft voice.

[saerenastark]

“Oh!’ Saerena said echoing Rowyn. “He is a good brother. He would be a good husband, albeit a little boring. But you’re exciting enough, right? It’s probably nice to spend time with someone still like he is?”

[theprinceswolf]

[saerenastark]

“Well,” Saerena let out a sharp breath to think of what to say next. “Well, you can carry it around and walk with me, but I don’t want to see you sparring with Tommen Selmy or anyone else until you’re supposed to. Or else it’ll be my skin Jon wants.” Since she had been playing guard for William after his injury--though it was really to allow Aerion to come and visit without them being disturbed or having to explain--everyone seemed to look to her to check in on William. Something she would have done anyway, but didn’t want William to see how soft she had been lately. She hated the idea of him becoming a knight, and a Kingsguard even worse, but she would never tell him.

“Smart lad!” Saerena called after Tommen as he ran off. “C’mon, Will, you can show me all the boring places I haven’t discovered yet.”

[ladyrowynbane]

shaking fingers

[ladyrowynbane]

“He is a sweet boy, his valor is sung far and wide by now.” she understood, she left the same about Braeken, the gentle brother of her home, he was breathtakingly smart, his mind was a better weapon then most blades.

“Laela has always been…difficult. I love her dearly and would trade my life for hers, but she has always..hated me. I can feel it in her eyes the way she glares when she thinks I cant see, the way she speak to me. This time she has played on my feelings for…well your brother Torrehn, it shouldn’t fester like it does and yet all I ever wanted was for her to see me, and embrace me with love and not malice in her heart. we have been like this since she was young.” Rowyn had to swallow the bile in her throat, it wounded her deeply to know Laela was so malignant towards her.

[saerenastark]

She had not met Lady Rowyn’s sister, but already she misliked her. How anyone could treat their sibling in such a way...She had always been hostile with Jon, they were both at each other’s throats, but it was not in this way. She and Jon both knew they loved one another. It was their bickering that drove her mad, but were they to not bicker she would be more worried.

“Feelings for...Torrehn?” She remembered him quietly asking after Lady Rowyn after learning of her position with the guard, but Saerena had thought he was just being interested in her new achievement. “OH, you’re interested in my brother?”

[theprinceswolf]

[saerenastark]

“See.” She warned. “If you don’t want issues with it later, you know better.” As if Saerena would follow her own advice were it she who had been so gravely injured. She didn’t care if she was a hypocrite. William was her sweet brother and she would have none of it.

“I don’t care if the bloody King tells you it’s fine to spar with my wounded-” she glared back at William as she said the word “-brother. You will run it by me first!”

[theprinceswolf]

[saerenastark]

“You can’t be serious!” Saerena yelled, storming up to him. “There is no fucking way anyone said you were ready to be training yet.”

“You’re still supposed to be taking it easy.”

[theprinceswolf]

William stopped and dropped his sword, is sparring partner Tommen Selmy picked it up and handed it back sheepishly sucking away from the angry sister.“saer it was only a light exercise.” He whined slightly

[saerenastark]

“Really? Was it?” She taunted. She had come out to practice her archery, and so she gave him three good taps on his healing wound with her bow to prove her point.

“And you!” She shouted at Tommen Selmy. “How dare you encourage him! He needs to heal before it’s even a fair fight for him to kick your arse.”

[ladyrowynbane]

shaking fingers

[saerenastark]

“I’m not sure I’m capable,” Saerena chuckled. “You might have heard that I’m sort of the Stark sister who drives daggers instead of demonstrating love, right?”

[ladyrowynbane]

she chuckled with her. “I think you show love in a more, aggressive manner perhaps, you certainly showed it when it came to William.”

[saerenastark]

“Well, it’s William...” Saerena trailed off. He was certainly the Stark least deserving of his fate. Easily the least deserving of anyone at the wedding, in Saerena’s mind.

“So what has your sister done to ail you?” Normally she wouldn’t care to ask and would instead be caught up on the compliment to herself. The events in the Black Cells had left their mark. They had humbled her a bit, and she had to find where she fit in the world again.

[theprinceswolf]

[saerenastark]

“You can’t be serious!” Saerena yelled, storming up to him. “There is no fucking way anyone said you were ready to be training yet.”

“You’re still supposed to be taking it easy.”

[ladyrowynbane]

shaking fingers

[saerenastark]

“I’m not sure I’m capable,” Saerena chuckled. “You might have heard that I’m sort of the Stark sister who drives daggers instead of demonstrating love, right?”