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Ser Perseus Preston Stoneshire of House Argo. "Cruelty and Cowardice are exceptionally unbecoming on you."

[sonofdanae-blog]

thaddeusthornton:

One thing particularly made Typhon happy: gloating. Venturing into the dungeons now became his favored activity, and he realized he preferred this vision of Westedell far better than any other that came before it. Hypatia’s cheekbones were even lovelier behind bars, and he’d never seen so handsome a sight as her foolish sons meandering about without their exquisite finery. ( surely his houses’s taxes would lessen … typhon made a note to speak to iapetus when the moment struck. ) Crossing into the damper holds, he stumbled upon a vaguely familiar Knight … upon closer inspection, he realized who it was. ( stoneshire. )

“Knight who’s name I don’t know,” Typhon returned. It baffled him how knights such as this one didn’t simply renounce and save themselves the headache of wasting away behind these bars. Couldn’t they see the Vitellos were ruined? He reckoned they stayed for some ridiculous notion of honor and duty …  youths romanticized themselves so terribly much … — “The cell is to your expectations, is it not? It appears rather …” His sight bounced around the stone walls, a low whistle emitting, “cozy.”

“Argo,” he emphasized. Preston had made up his mind as he watched the much of the throne room empty into the dungeons below. He would adopt the name Argo for good.

 He had no idea as to what would happen to his family. They were with the Vitellos by the betrothal between Hamish and Eva, but it was still unclear where the Argos stood under the scrutiny of House Pembereley, Balor, Thornton, and Lariviere.

Preston ground his teeth. His voice low and hostile. “You’ve nothing better to do than rub your victory into the faces of the defeated?” His anger was quickly vanquished with a hollow laugh. He spread his arms wide as if to welcome Lord Thornton to his humble abode. “The cell is fitting, I think.” There was a insolent smirk growing on his lips. “I only hoped to be in the comfort of more... women. Because you see, the dark and scurrying of tiny rodent feet does make me feel so alone.”

[ariavale-blog]

save me | preston & aria

[ariavale-blog]

Her breath caught as he began his story, her eyes widening with fear as it grew darker and darker. She cleared her throat and pushed a brief smile, trying not to let him know how frightening the story truly was. (Was he always like that? She knew justice must be served, but she found it hard to believe that he could be the one to serve it.)

“Oh–oh no, please,” she said, shaking her head. “Please, do not mistake me. I am certain your intentions are nothing but honorable.” Her smile turned more genuine as she watched him, eyes dancing over his slightly tanned skin, her heart fluttering in her chest. “Especially after your last…Tale. I just…Have received so little kindness from anyone since my parents died, especially from someone who resides in the Keep. It is something to which I shall have to grow accustomed.” Presuming he wanted to see her again.

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston shrugged at her reply. “You are too trusting, but I’m glad of it as of this moment.” He indicated towards the fireplace. “Would you like to sit by the fire and share stories? I would understand if you wished to turn in for the night, but I thought I would distract you from the nightmarish men back in that alley.” He smiled sheepishly at her. “I promise my stories are not as gruesome as the last.”

The floor was bare but one sorry rug, and it was weathered away at the edges. He sat upon it. He then leaned against the edge of the bed and splayed his long legs in front of him. He crossed his arms in front of him, not really sure what to do with them. Preston looked up at Aria expectantly. It was more of a tease than genuine desire for her to stay up with him and talk, but he added, “I could tell you about when I was a boy...”

[ariavale-blog]

save me | preston & aria

[ariavale-blog]

She nodded quickly to him, her tongue idly tracing her lips as she politely glanced away from him; taking off one’s armor wasn’t exactly the same as changing clothes, but she wanted to show him the same courtesy he had show her, no matter how small. Arms still folded over her chest, she smiled gently at him once he’d finished.

“It is very rare indeed to encounter a man who thinks that way,” she commented, her tone more curious than anything. She bit her lip and moved to sit on the edge of her bed–there was really no where else to sit, save for the floor. “Then again, it isn’t common for a man to willingly want to spend time with someone was notorious as me.“ Her tone was playful, but there was a sadness that crept into her eyes as she gazed up at him, unable to stop wondering why he’d come in her quarters.

[sonofdanae-blog]

“Once, one of my men dared to defile a woman. When I heard of the news, I had him begging for mercy at my feet. Before the sun settled, I made sure he had no hands to defile another human being with, ever again.” He turned to her, his eyes gentle. “It is how it is done in the North. Usually much worse, but I spared his life.” He meant the story to be reflective of his honor, but he realized too late how violent the story was.

Preston raised a brow. “Notorious?” he echoed. “Ah, you mean about the unfortunate downfall of your family.” He tried to be sympathetic, but the tone was still harsh. They had seemed like idiots at the time, and plenty had agreed with him. It was difficult to shed an outlook like that. 

“Why do mention this now? Do you suspect my intentions with you?” Now he was truly curious of her response. He had to admit to himself that he was indeed not a man who would go out of his way to help someone outside of House Argo. 

[sonofdanae-blog]

@thaddeusthornton

How ironic of their own situation? The dungeons once guarded by House Argo’s men, was now full of them instead. If the heads of the houses were as just as they seemed, they would not shed blood without reason, but the wildlings were another thing entirely. Preston attempted to recollect any memories of the Argos wronging them, and he was comforted by the lack of one. He hoped his family could be released unscathed. They had escaped their own prisons in the north, and he believed they could do it again.

A figure approached him in his cell, and Preston had half a mind to yell at whoever it was. The other half made the knight keep quiet, his eyes reflecting his aggravation instead. The situation was not in his family’s favor, and he would not be the cause of pushing them further into jeopardy. “Lord Thornton,” he greeted, his tone icy.

[romelzacarnes]

(max in armour is my jam <3)

[nenikhkamen]

“Do what?,” she brusquely asked, briefly raising a shoulder and slowly stepping back as her hands released his. Her tone was quite serious, though she fought against the grin trying to take over her expression. She certainly could have continued with their dumb game, she’d been with company in worse places and situations, yet she was suddenly bothered by her surroundings… But then she had an idea. 

Norah grabbed his belt and pulled him towards her as she kept walking back, deeper into the stable. “I doubt they’ll mind,” she said, as she turned around to push open the doors of the last stall where her golden chariot was kept hidden. She then faced him again and pulled him closer once more. “How ‘bout you join the winning side, for once,” she whispered in tease, as she kissed his neck. 

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston trailed after her like a dog on a leash. He was rewarded by the sight of her infamous chariot. It was golden, and it glinted in the candlelight in all of its glory. “Is this the chariot?” It was an idiot question of course, but Gods, yes. He didn’t give a flying fuck that they were in a barn, although the thought of it perhaps annoying Norah did cross his mind. 

“I ALWAYS win,” he replied as he backed her into the chariot. “I enjoy the feeling too much, don’t you?” He swept her blonde hair away from her face, and he brushed harmless kisses down her jawline.

[elwinnargo]

“A yes or no would be appropriate, I believe,” he said, glancing at the younger man. For such a reckless, strong knight, he looked somewhat vulnerable right now. Elwinn did not exactly approve, and so he slightly raised an eyebrow and returned his gaze to the path in front of him. “Why?,” the Lord echoed, examining the other’s answer in his mind. “If Hamish is becoming my son,” he explained, and huffed in resignation. “I want consider someone truly worthy of carrying our name, to become my son as well. You’ve proven yourself worthy. The decree is written, if you wish to sign it when we return to the Keep.” 

[sonofdanae-blog]

“I--” he stuttered. “I am truly grateful of your offer, but if you truly wish me to be a man worthy of a name like Argo, you would grant me some time to think before making a decision.” 

He bit the inside of his cheek, his grip tightening on the reins of his steed. He never knew how much sentiment he held for his own name. A name that Elwinn had long ago told him was of his birth mother’s. When it dawned on him that he would be shedding it entirely, he felt conflicted. He cleared his throat to add, “Although Stoneshire may not hold much meaning for me-- since I did not know of my birth mother’s family--but... I wish to depart it with only a sure heart.” He had never thought himself to be an eloquent man, so he was surprised by the words that escaped him.

[nenikhkamen]

Norah chuckled amused, eager and playful, looking into his eyes. She felt how her heart pushed a wave of heat up her neck and cheeks as she blandly struggled against his grip. A part of her didn’t want to, but her competitive side was stronger and so she pressed her right lower leg against him, to push him away, using the wall behind her back as support. 

She pushed him back once again, though not with violence. “Help you?” The woman let out an unbelieving laugh as she raised her eyebrows. “Ha, fuck you,” she said, before rushing closer to him. Norah grabbed his hands and she now made him walk back, pushing him against a wooden post, placing their hands behind his back before she pressed her body to his, standing on her tip toes, to reach for his lips once again. 

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston was pleasantly surprised by his fellow knight’s strength and choice of words. He remained at her arm’s length, not bothering to move with his back against the pillar. “That could be arranged--” he smugly replied before being cut off. He leaned forward, inwardly chuckling at their difference in height.

Though they were hardly ever in full armor, there was still enough for Preston to be peeved by -- although he was imagining what there might be under it all. He pulled back briefly, his breath short. “So what then? We’re just gonna do this in front of all of our lovely steeds?”  There was that wicked grin again, but he couldn’t help it.

[ashlynnpemberley-blog]

Ashlynn hid a frown behind the rim of the goblet. “True,” she replied, crisp, “but being a father is hardly a determinant of a warm—or good—man. Still, it pleases me to hear that it appears to be so for you.” With a tight smile, she rose from her seat. The Argos were hardly a family she herself wanted to associate with … The Vanguard seemed a terrible place, if rumors were to be correct. Her own half-brother, it seemed, thought very differently. After setting the goblet on the table, she gave a little nod of her head to acknowledge her own dismissal. “I appreciate your company, good brother. I … hope that you can find some ease soon for whatever it is that troubles you.” 

[sonofdanae-blog]

He nodded, his smile tightening just a tad. “Thank you. I’m truly glad we could become better acquainted.” Preston’s squire opened the door just before Ashlynn reached it. Before she could leave however, he squeezed in a few last words, “Good bye, sister. Send my love to Asa and your mother as well.”

END

[nariaargo-blog]

     With the men and women from the far reaches of the North’s darkness at their very gates, Naria more than understood the difficult position the boy was in. Not only as a knight, but one who knew of his strength, who could see the weakness others that surrounded them possessed. A weakness that would only lead to panic, chaos, destruction. But not them. ( never them. ) Raising her brow at the Knight, Naria lifted her chin, peering down at him rather critically, the boy who presented a most peculiar puzzle. “Nevertheless, I request your company. My Lord husband may very well have spoken to me, but it is your words that I want to hear. As someone who claims to simply follow orders and grant opinions, surely you won’t deny me the chance to hear them as we walk.”

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston remained tense and at full attention. It was as if he were going into a battle. His entire mind and body were prepared for a fight. He forced a more casual stance by resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I can only be happy that you wish to hear my opinions. I will gladly accompany you on this walk, but may I request for your guards to remain behind? I am more than capable of protecting you from harm alone.” If he were to be honest with his adoptive mother, he would feel more comfortable in the absence of an audience.

[hamish-vitello]

A corner of his mouth lifted. “Both?” Hamish teased back, though his tone was cautious, as if he feared offending Preston. The pats on his back made him stiffen slightly at first, but then he smiled ruefully at his silly reaction. “I- yes, a hunt may be pleasant.” A duel, on the other hand, would only serve to shame him. He would rather avoid such an embarrassing display in front of his half-brother. He nodded. “Good night, Preston.”

[sonofdanae-blog]

END

[ariavale-blog]

save me | preston & aria

[ariavale-blog]

Her face burned bright red when he asked for his hand back; she was thankful he couldn’t see her. “Yes,” she said quickly, dropping his hand as she turned away from him. “I’m sorry.” What a fool he must think her–first yanking him around the inn, and now holding onto him like a child–a child! No wonder he had wanted to stand outside.

She fetched her nightgown and slowly started to undress, glancing over her shoulder at him every now and then just to make sure he wasn’t looking. Her dress fell to the ground before she snatched up the gown, yanking it on over her head, the fabric falling to the floor around her thin frame. She wished she still had her dressing gown, for her nightgown was a rather thin piece of white fabric. Folding her arms awkwardly over her chest, she turned back around. “Alright,” she said meekly. “I’m done changing.” Her eyes traveled his body before dancing around the room, unsure of what to do or say now that they were alone. She had never been alone in her nightgown with a man before.

“Pres–Ser Preston,” she corrected quickly. “I thank you for the courtesy, but I am no Lady. Not any longer,” she said, looking down at her bare feet. “I…I also hope you know that–” She paused, trying to search for the words. “That I have never been in this…Situation before.” She could not meet his gaze; she merely tried to calm the heat in her cheeks.

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston idly rubbed his wrists as he waited for the girl to change into more comfortable wear. He unbuckled his sword belt and laid the weapon on a chair near the door. He could still feel the dagger in his boot, digging into his calves. He was never unarmed, although he was one of the better hand-to-hand combatants.

“Right,” he replied. He slowly turned. Aria’s white gown was as pale as the moon itself. “If you don’t mind, I will take off some of my armor. It’s impossible to breathe in them, unfortunately.” He gave her a small smile before unbuckling them and settling them upon the same chair where his sword now lay.

He nodded. “Every woman is a lady, regardless of title. A whore in the brothel next door is as well. They all deserve the same respect, although a queen may disagree.” He looked around the room. There was very little of Aria’s things, and he remembered that her things must have burned with the rest of her inheritance. He clamped his mouth shut to prevent any dumb questions from escaping. “It is also your room. Don’t mind me,” he attempted to reassure her.

[hamish-vitello]

He let out a surprised laugh. His brother’s disdain was oddly refreshing. Of course, it helped that for once it wasn’t directed at Hamish. “Ah, you wouldn’t. I’ve never been to the Vanguard, although I did visit the North itself…” He trailed off and bit his lip. He did not like thinking of it much. Hamish racked his brain trying to think of something safe and non-offensive to say about it. “It was cold,” he ventured sheepishly.

[sonofdanae-blog]

“The people or the weather?” he jested. Preston was no fool. He knew of the opinions a southerner held of his people, and he took a level of pride in the equal intimidation the reputation brought with it.

He waved his hand to indicate there was no need for an answer to this question. “I hope that we may go for a hunt one of these days, brother. Perhaps we will be able to duel.” He patted the prince’s back a few times. “I must take my turn of rounds. The castle does not protect itself. Good night.”

[elwinnargo]

Lord Argo huffed in amusement, unable to snort in laughter. He gazed at the knight with an eyebrow slightly raised. “Interesting,” Elwinn dryly replied, staring straight into a commoner’s face that dared and looked at the Lord’s eyes. “That is precisely what I offered King Holden.” The corners of his lips were pulled by an almost imperceptible smile. “Another way to improve this city and it’s citizens, it’s with better rulers,” he explained as he examined the mediocre buildings, by sight. “There’s something Lady Argo and I have considered, to secure your future and our family’s interests altogether.” His dark eyes quickly studied the young man’s face, to catch right away any sign of doubt or dishonesty. “Would you be willing to take the Argo name as your own?”  

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston’s shoulders relaxed as he heard Elwinn’s reply. He hadn’t made a fool of himself.

He listened quietly. He was not so blind to not perceive the mood as serious, so his expression remained neutral as he slowly turned his gaze back upon his adoptive father. His eyes grew wider, and he had to tighten his grip on the reins to keep himself from falling off of his horse. He swallowed, unable to speak. All of his doubts and fears seemed petty now, childish even. “I--I don’t know what to say, m’lord.” He unconsciously scratched his head, before lowering his hand quickly. “W-why now?” he wondered aloud. He closed his eyes as he mentally punched himself. You idiot...

[nenikhkamen]

Norah tried to push him away. The iron-like taste of blood was sickening, yet her hands only managed to grab his clothes and pull him closer. There was something other than mere lust running through her veins, and it softly tickled her belly and dazed her fully, until she stepped back and stared at him, confused as to what had just so quickly happened. She liked it. She liked him. 

The shorter knight stretched out her arm to reach for and tightly grab his manhood, with a daring grin in her face. “Don’t get cocky, Argo,” she whispered, before letting him go. “Your wife’s gonna be jealous.” She pointed at the horse, with a tilt of her head. 

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston gave a satisfied smirk, but it faded quickly. His hands reflexively pulled away from Norah’s face, as he let out an audible gasp. He replied in a strained voice, “She does not mind me having other lovers.” He managed to smile again as he wrenched her hands from where they were. 

He slowly backed her against the wall and pinned her hand against it. “Our relationship has been a little rocky as of late. Perhaps a little jealousy could be of some help.” He leaned closer towards her as he lowered his voice. “Would you be interested in helping me?”

[ashlynnpemberley-blog]

Ashlynn didn’t move, didn’t tense at the warning low in Preston’s voice, meeting his eyes in soft challenge. Slowly, her fingers drummed against the cup of her glass, nails tapping and welcomed the wine on her lips with a slow sip. Rather than refute his claim , she chose familiar silence.

Perhaps. She quirked a brow. “He is your family, is he not? You seem to care so for him, surely the feeling is mutual.” She never considered the divide between Preston and the Pemberleys steep and wide, but Preston’s allegiances appeared to be clear. Whether that saddened or embittered her … she couldn’t tell. 

“—Forgive me, Lord Argo has never seemed a … particularly warm man to me, but I imagine you know him far more than nearly anyone.”

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston accepted Ashlynn’s silence gladly. She was prying excessively, and he was no longer interested in what amusement this conversation would serve him. “Yes it is mutual, which is why he entrusts great responsibility upon my shoulders--to protect the family.” He was growing irritated, but it would be foolish to end their meeting in a sour mood. He donned a faux smile, while he replied, “No forgiveness needs to be given. He is a difficult man to understand, but he has always been warmer than he appears.” He raised a brow as he finished his cup of wine. “He has taken me in and raised me as his own all of those years ago, has he not?”

[nariaargo-blog]

@sonofdanae

      Naria strode through the Keep’s gardens, taking in the sight of the armored knights among the pretty flowers, the glint of their swords unwelcome beneath the sun. Red skirts brushing the ground, she strode past them unaccompanied, not hiding her unabashed curiosity before she looked on to the others down the way. The paths were far busier today than they were before, so she assumed confidence was growing in their security behind the walls. Fools, she thought, rather pityingly.  A few more steps and she sighted familiar features on one knight standing beneath the shades of an oak, and Naria altered her course. “Ser Stoneshire,” she greeted. “I would ask for your company. Given the look in your eyes, there is much that needs discussing.”

[sonofdanae-blog]

Preston had wandered too far from his usual rounds, but it was too late to return. He heard steps approaching that were undeniably Naria’s. “M’lady,” he greeted with a bow. He was startled by her perceptiveness. Something he wished she had left at their home in the north. “I am certain whatever I’ve discussed with Lord Elwinn has already been discussed with you,” he calmly replied. “I do not worry, m’lady. I only obey orders and offer my humble opinion.” He desperately hoped she would not inquire further. He could not bear the thought of her finding out of his swaying loyalties--no, he didn’t dream of betraying the Argos. He merely wondered why the Argos did as they did...