Floris Baratheon

A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

[thefourthstormfloris]

CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

Floris Baratheon

Basics

* Full name: Floris Jocelyn Baratheon

* Moniker(s): The fourth storm

* Age: 17

* Date of birth: June 2nd, 113 AC

* Pronouns and identity details: She/Her, straight

* Allegiance(s): House Baratheon, House Hightower

* Spoken Language(s): Common Tongue

* Religion: The Seven

Physical Traits

* Eyes: Grey-ish blue

* Features: Square-ish baby face, long eyebrows, small lips, rosy cheeks

* Hair: Black, straight, kept long

* Build: Petite

* Height: 5’4

* Distinguishing Characteristics: Gloomy resting face

Personality Traits

* “Positive” Traits: Gentle, gracious, trustworthy, talented with music, understanding, good listener

* “Negative” Traits: Pessimistic, melancholic, unmotivated, very anti-social

* Moral Alignment: True Neutral

* Interests: Music, writing, dogs, stars

* Hobbies: Playing the harp, singing, playing the flute, playing the piano with Garmund, spending time with her dogs rainy and cloudy, writing in her journal, stargazing

* Goals: Live a quiet life, marry Garmund

* Anxieties: Being forced to do things she does not want to, making public appearances

* Social Weapon(s): Does not to well in social situations, but can wean her way out of them by acting overly sweet and making excuses

Connections

* Father: Borros Baratheon

* Mother: Elenda Baratheon

* Siblings: Cassandra, Maris, Ellyn, Meredyth

* Family Status: Last born daughter and overall child of Borros and Elenda Baratheon

* Partner(s): Betrothed to Garmund Hightower

* Children: None

* Court Ties: Her sister Ellyn is marrying Prince Daeron Targaryen, her sister Maris is Lady in waiting to Princess Rhaenya Targaryen

[thefourthstormfloris]

Secrets in the Darkest Hour

Starter with @the-golden-storm

(a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood)

Floris had only wanted to see Garmund.

She awoke as the sun set, ready to start her nightly adventures. There was nothing she could do during the day that she didn’t prefer to do at night.

The night was calmer than the day, more quiet, and most importantly perfect for playing her music. It was to avoid crowds in the darkest hours, which seemed to be the best part. Floris despised nothing more than crowds, and the Red Keep only seemed to be full of lots of people lately.

This terrible freeze had trapped everyone here, much to Floris’ dismay, though the cold and lack of freedom to roam did not bother her as much as she knew it bothered some others. She was used to being in a cold castle for long periods of time, hiding from storms, although not the same. But she felt as though she was built for adjusting to these sort of situations.

As soon as she got out of bed, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. See Garmund.

Floris never had many friends. She preferred it that way, it was no sorrowful tale of hers. But, within her small circle of people she considered close to her, the one person she always wanted to see more than anyone else was her betrothed.

He was a wonderful man, and a wonderful person to spend time with, truly her closest friend. Their friendship was a beautiful romance all at the same time, and she could not be more grateful for him. So she decided her night would be spent in his company today.

The steps to his chambers were all too familiar to her, a memorized pattern in her mind. Her soft black shoes made muffled sounds as she tried to make her way quickly to where Garmund was, a fast tapping against the cold tiles.

Floris had been so deep in her own thoughts, thinking of Garmund and what things this night entailed, that she nearly bumped into someone else walking in the opposite direction of her.

Who else wandered this late at night?

Floris said no words of apology for the almost-collision, just stared at the person in front of her.

Cassandra. Or, Cassana. Floris was not the sort of person to use a nickname, no less one for her sister. Her sister who loathed her, at least that was what Floris believed.

Her eldest sister was going somewhere, seemingly in a hurry just as Floris was. What a terrible coincidence.

They had not spoken in what seemed to be months. The the two Baratheon girls lived in the same castle, had grown up under the same stormy conditions, and had endured the same messy family life. But they had nothing in common, and Floris had envied the way their parents favored Cassana. These two simply just did not fit.

But… Floris had once thought the same thing about her other sisters. Ellyn and Meredyth, though she had grown closer to them the longer she lived here in Kings Landing. She’d always been close to Maris, but being closer to her other sisters made the bond she shared with Maris feel even more special. She couldn’t explain how it did, but it did, and things had truly been bright here in the capital.

But Cassana… no, Cassandra, was another story. Floris was waiting for it to unfold now, with her here in front of her.

“Sister, what are you doing up so late?”

She did not know if Cassandra stayed up during the darkest hours of the day. She truthfully did not know much about what her sister did…

[garmundhightower]

Language of Love

Starter with @thefourthstormfloris

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵

The corridors of the Red Keep always felt too narrow, too full. Garmund kept his steps measured as he wound his way through the torch-lit halls, careful to avoid lingering glances from the castle’s servants.

The sapphire pendant was small but well-crafted, glinting even in the dim torchlight as he turned it over between his fingers. It was no grand gesture, not a thing of extravagant splendor, but it was thoughtful and he has spent many hours searching for it amongst the wares of oldtown's merchants. He had chosen well, ensuring the silver setting was delicate, the chain fine enough that it would not look too heavy upon her neck. The color was right, deep blue, suited for a daughter of House Baratheon and matching her eyes. It was not a betrothal gift, not formally, but it was a token of his affection nonetheless.

When he reached Floris’s chambers, the guards outside gave him only a cursory glance before allowing him to pass. He had the right to be here, yet he still hesitated before stepping inside. The air was scented with something soft—lavender, perhaps—blending with the lingering smoke from a burned-out candle. Floris was seated by the window, half-lit by the afternoon sun, her long hair loose over one shoulder.

Garmund swallowed and forced himself to speak before he thought better of it. “I brought you something.”

“A gift,” he murmured.

“I thought it would suit you,” he said after a moment, shifting his weight. “It reminded me of you, may I– would you like me to put it on you?”

[thefourthstormfloris]

There was a lot on Floris’ mind lately, and pondering about it in her room by the windowsill had become a habit of hers. Back on Storms End, she had always been in her room by the window there, but here things were different. Kings Landing had no stormy weather that Storms End did, and her room back at home had not as many decorations as it did here.

It felt scary how much she felt at home here, when she had fought so hard to not come to Kings Landing in the first place, and so she pondered that. She knew it had to do with three people; Garmund, Lady Sam, and Maris. She had a sense of belonging with these people, and that was something she hadn’t had back at home. She never felt she even needed such a feeling, but she supposed these things happen when we least expect it.

It may go wrong, the pessimistic voice in her head constantly told her. He may grow to hate you and you’ll be alone again. But she could ignore this voice whenever she was with Garmund, and that proved to her that he was more special than anyone she’d ever known.

The Hightowers who held her heart and her sisters were on her mind now, and looking out the window she continued to think. But, a sudden noise had startled her into reality, and she realized quickly that it was the door opening. Her Garmund walked into the room, and her heart melted at his sweet face and brown curls. She had never been one to fawn over lords and handsome men the court deemed excellent suitors, but with Garmund, things were different. She could not help but stare.

“Garmund.” Floris said softly. Her greetings had always been short and never very formal, but with him she always had a fondness in her voice. She did not speak the words aloud that she knew he already knew. I’m glad you’re here, and, I missed you. She waited now for him to speak, noticing how he seemed almost nervous.

After he spoke, she immediately looked to his hands where the gift was. “Oh!” She said, the reaction coming out without her wishing it to. They stood for a moment, her admiring it, and him shifting. She did not have the words to express her love for him and gratitude at the moment.

It was beautiful, and it took her breath away. “Thank you…” She whispered. At his next words she blushed. He had that effect on her, to make her blush when it was so rare for her to do so before.

“Yes, please come put it on me.” Floris walked closer to Garmund, and before she turned around and pulled her hair back, she decided to take his hand. “You are the kindest person I know.” His hand was soft and warm, and she held it tighter. She wanted to suddenly hold him, and kiss him, but she did not. She let go and turned around, moving her hair to give help him put it on her easier.

“Where did you get it from? You have truly picked out the most beautiful necklace… I am grateful”

[garmundhightower]

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵

Garmund let out a slow breath, willing his hands to remain steady as he stepped closer. He had faced the judgment of his peers, the chaos of court, the unrelenting weight of expectation—but nothing made his pulse quicken like Floris Baratheon.

She took his hand, warm and sure, and the simple gesture undid him. Her words—you are the kindest person I know—settled somewhere deep in his chest, a truth he wanted so badly to believe, because she believed it. When she let go, turning to pull her hair aside, Garmund hesitated for the barest moment, taking in the curve of her neck, the delicate slope of her shoulders.

Then, carefully, he lifted the chain and draped it around her. His fingers brushed against her skin as he fastened the clasp.

"It was in Oldtown," he answered, his voice quiet, steady. "I spent longer than I should have looking for it." He exhaled a soft, almost self-conscious laugh. "Nothing seemed good enough. But when I saw this… I thought it almost matched your beauty."

The necklace settled against her collarbone, the sapphire catching the light. He wanted to tell her how well it suited her, how he had imagined this moment far too many times, but the words tangled in his throat. Instead, he lifted a hand, fingertips barely grazing her shoulder.

"I'm glad you like it." It was not enough to say, not nearly, but it was all he could manage when his heart felt too full.

There was a silence then—not awkward, comfortable. He did not move away, though he knew he should. His fingers itched to follow the path of the chain, to trace the warmth of her skin, to tip her chin up so he could see her striking eyes.

But she had allowed him this—this closeness, this touch. So instead, he swallowed hard and let his hand fall away, though his voice was softer when he spoke again.

"It looks perfect on you, my love."

[thefourthstormfloris]

@garmundhightower-rp

She smiled to herself, feeling the cold silver necklace touch her neck, and Garmund’s warm fingers grace her skin only for a moment. If only it would last longer…

She smiled wider at his words, not being able to contain it. “That is sweet of you. You warm my heart…”

Then, turning around to face him, she admired him once again. They stared at one another, brown eyes meeting blue ones in a comfortable gaze. How did she get so lucky? She suddenly wondered to herself. Never had she known someone so perfect, someone so like herself, someone so understanding. Marriage had never seemed like something she wanted, it only seemed another aspect of her life she’d have to endure. But now, everything was different. She wanted to marry him, to kiss him, to love him forever. Garmund was not only her love, but her best friend. He was her everything.

And his next words took her breath away.

“It looks perfect on you, my love."

Floris blushed once again, looking to her shoes as if that could stop the redness in her cheeks.

Her hand reached up to the necklace, feeling it between her fingers. It was her favorite piece of jewelry now, she decided. It meant the world to her. “Thank you, again.” She whispered.

Looking up at him again now, she wanted to do something. To tell him he was beautiful, kind, smart, everything she’d ever wanted… She wanted to do or say anything. But no words would come out. The comfortable silence continued, but her beating heart did not stop.

This burst of emotion for him could not be stopped. So she lunged forward, barely registering what she was doing, and hugged him. Hugged him as if he’d disappear if she let go. As if she’d loose him if she held him any less.

She had never been one to hug others, or touch others even. It wasn’t often that she’d show her love through physical affection, but with Garmund now, it was as if she’d been longing for this hug her whole life. She couldn’t help but lean her head against his chest, rest her hands on his back, and close her eyes.

Her voice, soft as ever, was not a whisper now. She wanted him to hear what she had to say. “Thank you, not just for the necklace… but for being yourself… because I really like you. You’re… the most spectacular person… I appreciate you. I appreciate who you are. You’re perfect.”

[thefourthstormfloris]

Bonding Over Tea

(A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @thecleverestorm & @ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend

Floris had never been close to her sister Ellyn. Their interests were too different, their personalities polar opposites, and Floris’ resentment of the attention her parents spent on her sisters had always drove a wedge into her relationships with them…

So when she found that she had an invite to Ellyn’s room for tea this afternoon, she was puzzled as to why. Why would she want to spend time with me?

The two sisters had both been living in Kings Landing for quite some time now, yet none of them had made any move to spend time together until this very moment. Perhaps Ellyn wanted something out of her? Floris held the invitation in her hands, staring at it until she decided she was just go. What would be the harm in afternoon tea with my elder sister?

Despite her new wardrobe of color, Floris decided to wear her usual black dress and headpiece that covered much of her hair. A simple necklace and black rings matched the outfit, and she felt ready to face whatever this meeting would bring.

It took her a while to find Ellyn’s room, as she had never been there in all her time in Kings Landing. How stupid of me… Floris thought, the pessimism of her mind and darkness of her outfit making her feel as if she was back on Storms End, her most miserable days feeling as if they were now.

Once she had found the correct door, she knocked softly before opening. “Sister… I am a little bit late, I apologize.” Her eyes shifted to Maris, who Floris had not expected to see there. She was confused.

Nodding her head to Maris as a greeting, she sat herself down, looking at both of her sisters now. Floris said nothing, waiting for one of them to explain what this meeting was all about.

[ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend]

Ellyn had planned this as perfectly as she could. She had arranged the meal with her sisters in mind. There was a teapot of fragrant black tea, flavored with orange peels and cloves, sweet and spicy. There were ginger cookies, a plate of cheeses, fruit and honey, small hand pies filled with chicken and leeks, and little egg tarts. It was not a full meal, but she did want it to be welcoming.

Maris had been easier to convince, but it was Floris that Ellyn had worried wouldn't have come. They had never been very close.

She'd chosen a simple grayish-blue dress and left off a headpiece or veil, opting to wear her hair in braid, the curls around her face held back with a wide ribbon. Again, she was going for an atmosphere for comfort and welcome. When Maris arrived, Ellyn had relaxed slightly, taking that as a good sign. She was just filling Maris's teacup, offering her cream and sugar to her own taste, when Floris came into her sitting room. Ellyn jumps right to her feet, a wide grin splitting her face. "No no, don't apologize, please." She insists, sitting back down as Floris settled at their small table. "I am so pleased you accepted and came, sister."

She sits back down and looks at her two sisters, biting her lip for a moment. She had thought of this moment since she invited her sisters to tea, had worried over it, fussed to Daeron until he'd fallen asleep on one of her settees listening to her. Now sitting across from them both, she hesitated.

There was so much to say. So much of their childhood, with their parents so worried over their futures, over the marriages each Baratheon daughter would need to secure... Borros and Elenda did love their daughters, but the worry, the drive to provide for their girls had created so much competition between them that it drove the sisters further and further apart.

Ellyn takes a deep breath and looks at her sisters. "Maris, Floris.. there are some things I think we should discuss.. now that we are all women grown."

[thecleverestorm]

Maris had a long week... it had been long, indeed, she thought herself. She had gotten her invite from sisters, but she was going to purposely ignore them. It was not going to be fun and rather exhausting. But she came anyways. She knew Ellyn was going to yell at her, Floris would've been disappointed in her. She was there. She sat there. Her hands in her lap as she looked at her sisters confused on why she was here. Though Maris had gone through enough with Kermit-- she was with her sisters and it was going to help her be happy. Maris sat with her hands with on lap as she looked between her siblings, as she waited for one of them to talk. It was tense, as she looked at them... biting her lip. She was never this quiet but something about this was extremely awkward. Floris came in as Maris gave her sister a small nod. She looked at Floris, "Good day, sister," She said with a slight smile, there was this tension. Maris' cat crawled up onto her lap cuddling in her lap, as her body relaxed. She was fine now. She was relaxed... She sipped her tea as she petted her cat, as she looked at her sisters, slightly shifting uncomfortably. They hadn't really spent a long time with all three of them together. It was extremely rare for them. It was always just the two of them. Thankfully Ellyn was there, the loud outgoing sister, the one that anyone could trust and believe. Maris looked at Ellyn, waiting for her to speak. Once she did, Maris felt a sight of relief as she looked at her sisters, as she smiled. "What is it that you wish to talk about?" Maris asked with a slight smile, "Be free to speak the truth, no one would know what goes on here," She gently let her cat go who went to try to get some attention from Floris. Cuddling and brushing against her leg.

[ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend]

Ellyn took a slow breath, to steady herself. Now that the moment was here. she was nervous. What if Maris thought she was being a fool? What if Floris just got up and walked out..? Honestly, She didn't know which one was worse.

She pours Floris a cup of tea, now that she was seated and settled, and smiles a little, trying to swallow down her nerve.

These are your sisters, Gods, not the royal torturer. Get a hold on yourself.

She clears her throat and nods. "The truth then, is rather hard to speak on." She admits. "As it concerns our mother and father."

She let that statement sink in for a moment, stirring her tea slowly. She looks at them both. "I have done a great deal of thinking since becoming engaged, and I am beginning to realize that while we are all very different people... there may have been more keeping us at odds. Mother and Father, I think, wanted the best for us all. Five daughters cannot be easier for any Lord and Lady, but I believe that they may have gone overboard." She says.

She sits back. "I never understood why we all hated each other, until I was living here, rather than at home. There was so much competition at home. We always had to outdo each other, and all of us had to compare to Cassandra...."

She lets that sit between them for a moment, a ghostly guest at their table, silent, bitter.. cold. Ellyn takes a slow sip of her tea. "I'm tired.." She admits. "I'm tired of being alone when I have four sisters.. I don't expect you to agree with me right now.. but I want at least to be friends someday.."

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris sat down, not saying anything back to her sister’s greetings or other words. There was a tension in the room that she could not place, and it made her want to run and go hide in her room. But she stayed.

She almost smiled when Maris’ cat came over to her. She immediately began to pet the cat, feeling its soft fur and hearing it purring. She felt somewhat more relaxed.

Floris watched Ellyn pour her a cup of tea. She knew the proper thing to do was thank her, though Floris had been always one to forget such manners. But, things were different now, and she supposed it would not help to be rude, but to be kind to her sisters would perhaps make them happy, and in return she could feel some of that happiness.

“Thank you, Ellyn.” How long had it been since she ever directly addressed Ellyn? Floris could not remember.

“As it concerns our mother and father.” Floris heard these words from Ellyn and felt a cold rush of anxiety through her body. Was something wrong with them? She swallowed hard, not wanting to think the worst yet. She could finally admit to herself that she cared somewhat for her father… only somewhat. Whether that speaks negatively of her, she could not say. But she had more love for her mother, who was a woman who tried her best in Floris’ eyes.

But once Ellyn began speaking of other things, Floris felt her stomach turn. Emotions… too many emotions that Floris had buried deep were coming up, and she wasn’t sure she had the strength for this yet. But she listened to Ellyn, not daring to say a word until she was finished. Even when the bitter pauses came, Floris still stayed silent.

The mention of Cassandra made her eye twitch. But Ellyn’s sadness she spoke of made Floris’ heart hurt. She had no idea her sister felt this way… all this time, she had believed they were too different, destined to never know each other. Floris was the disappointment, the sister no one wanted to know. But perhaps that wasn’t true.

“Ellyn…” She whispered, not sure how to speak the feelings she wanted to express. She was not even sure how she felt herself. Floris looked over to Maris, wondering what she was thinking of all of this.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke on, still quiet. “Father has many flaws. Cassandra would most likely disagree, as he favors her clearly.” She knew speaking of Cassandra negatively was wrong, especially that she wasn’t here, but Floris had little reason to care. Cassandra and her’s relationship was worse than ever at the moment.

“But, yes, our parents as whole could have done a better job of raising us. I’ve always had that opinion, though it may be mean… I was never close to our parents until recently, and I never even liked them, as wrong as that may sound. But if we are admitting things here, I’ll admit that.” It felt wrong to be admitting this all to her sisters, yet, it felt a weight was lifting off her shoulders all the same… She thought of Lady Sam and Garmund, and how they would praise her for being brave, so she spoke on.

“You both had bright futures, and I never did, especially in our parent’s eyes, so I supposes that’s why I didn’t always get along with you… perhaps that may be the fault of our parents or not, I do not know…” She was looking at Ellyn now, speaking mostly to her.

Her eyes widened, thinking about the future now. Friends? She thought. Blunt and forthright, she spoke. “What would we do as… friends?”

It was not meant to be a rude comment, but a genuine question. She didn’t know how to be friends with most people, and it worried her that she would potentially scare her sisters away with her off-putting self… though, Maris seemed to like her fine most of the time. Floris looked to Maris, wondering what she had to say suddenly.

[thecleverestorm]

Maris sat there... as she opened her book and she let the two of them talk. There was nothing for them to talk about, as she wasn't really apart of this conversation... Hearing the book open, her cat crawled over towards her and laid onto her lap. She looked at her cat as she smiled gently patting on the top of her head. There was still tension in the room, knowing that her sisters would've wanted to hear her take on the entire situation. She was already... well friends with her sisters... as she thought... Maris looked up from her book. "You always have been friends," Maris stated, her words seemed coded, but they weren't. Her eyes saw the confused look on her sister's face. She rolled her eyes, "We are sisters, we always have each other when we don't have friends..." Her eyes went back to her page, and she looked at them... it was clear that this wasn't something that they didn't want to hear. They wanted things to do. Maris sighed. She closed her book as she lifted her cat up into her arms and bringing it into her lap. "You both are so awkward with one another. Why don't you both do things you like...? Walking in the gardens...? Picnics...?" Maris shook her head, trying to make things obvious. She sat up in her seat as she looked at Floris and Ellyn, "Yes, our parents could've raised us better, and yes they shouldn't have compared us in anyway. But you are both sisters, you were born to be best friends, no matter how much you don't seem like it. Think of our childhood, we were always together, no matter how much we blocked it out. We may fought here and there, but we are sisters, we are suppose to do that... just relax and talk to each other... stop being so formal." Maris rolled her eyes, as she pet her cat once more. She looked at the face that both of her sister's gave. She shook her head once more, "Do you need me to start having you guys fight over hand-me-downs? or even fighting over which Targaryen prince that we wanted to marry?" she was teasing them.... remembering small things from her childhood.

[ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend]

Ellyn has to laugh a little. "Father has his flaws, there's great truth in that." She admits. "But your future was always as bright as ours, even if our parents didn't think so. You and Garmund seem so happy, and he's kind to you. What father could ask for anything for his daughter?" She asks. "Just because our father saw advancement and position as most important doesn't mean we have to." She says firmly, always opinionated. "I for one, am happy for us and the futures we are making on our own."

When Floris asks what they would do as friends, Ellyn cannot hide the excitement on her face. She'd never expected to get this far. She'd been so guarded with her hopes, worried that their parents' influence had driven too deep a wedge between them; had left too raw a wound to overcome. But this felt like progress. This felt like hope, sweet and bright and fragile, but it was there.

And then Maris, blessed Maris mentions finding common ground. Ellyn pounced on that. "I know you enjoy music. Her Grace always has new musicians coming to court. There is to be a concert in a few days." She glances at Maris, and then focuses fully on Floris. "I would like to go and for you to come with me. Would you like to accompany me?"

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris stared at her hands, blinking slowly, listening to her sisters. It was a lot to take in, her sisters being so honest with her, and Floris wanting to be honest with them as well… She had already told them more than she thought she ever would, and the weight on her shoulders felt somewhat lighter. Was this the beginning of something more positive?

Once both of her sisters finished what they had to say, she began to speak again.

“I try to not be angry with mother and father anymore, but it’s hard not to sometimes. And no, we have not always been friends, because of our parents…” She stated softly. It wasn’t to argue with her sisters, it was just to say how she felt, and she knew sometimes her honesty came off rude even when she did not mean for it to. She shook her head, wondering if she could ever stop her bad habit of always saying the wrong thing.

“I am sorry, that was rude… I just never believed we’d be here now, having this conversation.”

She took in a deep breath. “Not everyone is blessed with a loving relationship for their family. I know of people who have no regard for their siblings…”

She smiled slightly now. “But I would like if we weren’t those people. I think I would like to be friends. Or, proper sisters. And, yes, it would make me very happy to accompany you to the concert you speak of, Ellyn.”

“Perhaps then we can do something you like another day? I admit I do not know too much about the things you like…” Floris admitted to Ellyn, feeling guilty about this.

She looked to Maris, with her cat in her lap. “Will you be joining us as well?”

[thefourthstormfloris]

Sisters Under the Stars

( a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @little-fawn-baratheon

It was late at night, a time when most people would be fast asleep, but not Floris Baratheon. Right now was the time she felt most awake, under the stars and in the dark.

Currently, she sat on a blanket outside, looking upwards towards the stars, all by herself. Usually she had Garmund to accompany her on their stargazing adventures, but today she needed some time to herself. She always enjoyed her dear Garmund’s company, but she also enjoyed time to herself and would tell him all about her observations later.

Her love for stargazing was more a recent hobby, brought on by Garmund himself, but it quickly escalated to being one of her favorite things to do. She hadn’t shared this love with anyone else but Garmund… just yet.

Floris looked up, trying to find a constellation she had read about in a book, until she heard footsteps approaching her. She quickly looked back.

“Garmund?” She assumed it was him, as no one else was ever eager to join her stargazing… as well as no one was usually awake at this hour. But it was not Garmund, she quickly realized.

“Meredyth… what are you doing out here?” Floris stood up, approaching her sister. She observed Meredyth, confused what was going on.

Meredyth. The youngest of the five storms. Floris had never been close with her sister, but she had always tried to be kind to her. It was rare for Floris to be so kind to a family member she wasn’t particularly close with, but with Meredyth it was different.

Perhaps it was a sort of older sister protectiveness Floris felt for her younger sister, she did not know, but all she knew was that she wished none of her family drama onto Meredyth and she only wanted kind things for her.

“You are up quite late, Meredyth. Could you not find sleep?” Floris said, voice quiet and her eyes looked back at her blanket. She wondered if she should invite her little sister to watch the stars with her… but she waited for a response.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Bonding Over Tea

(A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @thecleverestorm & @ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend

Floris had never been close to her sister Ellyn. Their interests were too different, their personalities polar opposites, and Floris’ resentment of the attention her parents spent on her sisters had always drove a wedge into her relationships with them…

So when she found that she had an invite to Ellyn’s room for tea this afternoon, she was puzzled as to why. Why would she want to spend time with me?

The two sisters had both been living in Kings Landing for quite some time now, yet none of them had made any move to spend time together until this very moment. Perhaps Ellyn wanted something out of her? Floris held the invitation in her hands, staring at it until she decided she was just go. What would be the harm in afternoon tea with my elder sister?

Despite her new wardrobe of color, Floris decided to wear her usual black dress and headpiece that covered much of her hair. A simple necklace and black rings matched the outfit, and she felt ready to face whatever this meeting would bring.

It took her a while to find Ellyn’s room, as she had never been there in all her time in Kings Landing. How stupid of me… Floris thought, the pessimism of her mind and darkness of her outfit making her feel as if she was back on Storms End, her most miserable days feeling as if they were now.

Once she had found the correct door, she knocked softly before opening. “Sister… I am a little bit late, I apologize.” Her eyes shifted to Maris, who Floris had not expected to see there. She was confused.

Nodding her head to Maris as a greeting, she sat herself down, looking at both of her sisters now. Floris said nothing, waiting for one of them to explain what this meeting was all about.

[ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend]

Ellyn had planned this as perfectly as she could. She had arranged the meal with her sisters in mind. There was a teapot of fragrant black tea, flavored with orange peels and cloves, sweet and spicy. There were ginger cookies, a plate of cheeses, fruit and honey, small hand pies filled with chicken and leeks, and little egg tarts. It was not a full meal, but she did want it to be welcoming.

Maris had been easier to convince, but it was Floris that Ellyn had worried wouldn't have come. They had never been very close.

She'd chosen a simple grayish-blue dress and left off a headpiece or veil, opting to wear her hair in braid, the curls around her face held back with a wide ribbon. Again, she was going for an atmosphere for comfort and welcome. When Maris arrived, Ellyn had relaxed slightly, taking that as a good sign. She was just filling Maris's teacup, offering her cream and sugar to her own taste, when Floris came into her sitting room. Ellyn jumps right to her feet, a wide grin splitting her face. "No no, don't apologize, please." She insists, sitting back down as Floris settled at their small table. "I am so pleased you accepted and came, sister."

She sits back down and looks at her two sisters, biting her lip for a moment. She had thought of this moment since she invited her sisters to tea, had worried over it, fussed to Daeron until he'd fallen asleep on one of her settees listening to her. Now sitting across from them both, she hesitated.

There was so much to say. So much of their childhood, with their parents so worried over their futures, over the marriages each Baratheon daughter would need to secure... Borros and Elenda did love their daughters, but the worry, the drive to provide for their girls had created so much competition between them that it drove the sisters further and further apart.

Ellyn takes a deep breath and looks at her sisters. "Maris, Floris.. there are some things I think we should discuss.. now that we are all women grown."

[thecleverestorm]

Maris had a long week... it had been long, indeed, she thought herself. She had gotten her invite from sisters, but she was going to purposely ignore them. It was not going to be fun and rather exhausting. But she came anyways. She knew Ellyn was going to yell at her, Floris would've been disappointed in her. She was there. She sat there. Her hands in her lap as she looked at her sisters confused on why she was here. Though Maris had gone through enough with Kermit-- she was with her sisters and it was going to help her be happy. Maris sat with her hands with on lap as she looked between her siblings, as she waited for one of them to talk. It was tense, as she looked at them... biting her lip. She was never this quiet but something about this was extremely awkward. Floris came in as Maris gave her sister a small nod. She looked at Floris, "Good day, sister," She said with a slight smile, there was this tension. Maris' cat crawled up onto her lap cuddling in her lap, as her body relaxed. She was fine now. She was relaxed... She sipped her tea as she petted her cat, as she looked at her sisters, slightly shifting uncomfortably. They hadn't really spent a long time with all three of them together. It was extremely rare for them. It was always just the two of them. Thankfully Ellyn was there, the loud outgoing sister, the one that anyone could trust and believe. Maris looked at Ellyn, waiting for her to speak. Once she did, Maris felt a sight of relief as she looked at her sisters, as she smiled. "What is it that you wish to talk about?" Maris asked with a slight smile, "Be free to speak the truth, no one would know what goes on here," She gently let her cat go who went to try to get some attention from Floris. Cuddling and brushing against her leg.

[ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend]

Ellyn took a slow breath, to steady herself. Now that the moment was here. she was nervous. What if Maris thought she was being a fool? What if Floris just got up and walked out..? Honestly, She didn't know which one was worse.

She pours Floris a cup of tea, now that she was seated and settled, and smiles a little, trying to swallow down her nerve.

These are your sisters, Gods, not the royal torturer. Get a hold on yourself.

She clears her throat and nods. "The truth then, is rather hard to speak on." She admits. "As it concerns our mother and father."

She let that statement sink in for a moment, stirring her tea slowly. She looks at them both. "I have done a great deal of thinking since becoming engaged, and I am beginning to realize that while we are all very different people... there may have been more keeping us at odds. Mother and Father, I think, wanted the best for us all. Five daughters cannot be easier for any Lord and Lady, but I believe that they may have gone overboard." She says.

She sits back. "I never understood why we all hated each other, until I was living here, rather than at home. There was so much competition at home. We always had to outdo each other, and all of us had to compare to Cassandra...."

She lets that sit between them for a moment, a ghostly guest at their table, silent, bitter.. cold. Ellyn takes a slow sip of her tea. "I'm tired.." She admits. "I'm tired of being alone when I have four sisters.. I don't expect you to agree with me right now.. but I want at least to be friends someday.."

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris sat down, not saying anything back to her sister’s greetings or other words. There was a tension in the room that she could not place, and it made her want to run and go hide in her room. But she stayed.

She almost smiled when Maris’ cat came over to her. She immediately began to pet the cat, feeling its soft fur and hearing it purring. She felt somewhat more relaxed.

Floris watched Ellyn pour her a cup of tea. She knew the proper thing to do was thank her, though Floris had been always one to forget such manners. But, things were different now, and she supposed it would not help to be rude, but to be kind to her sisters would perhaps make them happy, and in return she could feel some of that happiness.

“Thank you, Ellyn.” How long had it been since she ever directly addressed Ellyn? Floris could not remember.

“As it concerns our mother and father.” Floris heard these words from Ellyn and felt a cold rush of anxiety through her body. Was something wrong with them? She swallowed hard, not wanting to think the worst yet. She could finally admit to herself that she cared somewhat for her father… only somewhat. Whether that speaks negatively of her, she could not say. But she had more love for her mother, who was a woman who tried her best in Floris’ eyes.

But once Ellyn began speaking of other things, Floris felt her stomach turn. Emotions… too many emotions that Floris had buried deep were coming up, and she wasn’t sure she had the strength for this yet. But she listened to Ellyn, not daring to say a word until she was finished. Even when the bitter pauses came, Floris still stayed silent.

The mention of Cassandra made her eye twitch. But Ellyn’s sadness she spoke of made Floris’ heart hurt. She had no idea her sister felt this way… all this time, she had believed they were too different, destined to never know each other. Floris was the disappointment, the sister no one wanted to know. But perhaps that wasn’t true.

“Ellyn…” She whispered, not sure how to speak the feelings she wanted to express. She was not even sure how she felt herself. Floris looked over to Maris, wondering what she was thinking of all of this.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke on, still quiet. “Father has many flaws. Cassandra would most likely disagree, as he favors her clearly.” She knew speaking of Cassandra negatively was wrong, especially that she wasn’t here, but Floris had little reason to care. Cassandra and her’s relationship was worse than ever at the moment.

“But, yes, our parents as whole could have done a better job of raising us. I’ve always had that opinion, though it may be mean… I was never close to our parents until recently, and I never even liked them, as wrong as that may sound. But if we are admitting things here, I’ll admit that.” It felt wrong to be admitting this all to her sisters, yet, it felt a weight was lifting off her shoulders all the same… She thought of Lady Sam and Garmund, and how they would praise her for being brave, so she spoke on.

“You both had bright futures, and I never did, especially in our parent’s eyes, so I supposes that’s why I didn’t always get along with you… perhaps that may be the fault of our parents or not, I do not know…” She was looking at Ellyn now, speaking mostly to her.

Her eyes widened, thinking about the future now. Friends? She thought. Blunt and forthright, she spoke. “What would we do as… friends?”

It was not meant to be a rude comment, but a genuine question. She didn’t know how to be friends with most people, and it worried her that she would potentially scare her sisters away with her off-putting self… though, Maris seemed to like her fine most of the time. Floris looked to Maris, wondering what she had to say suddenly.

[garmundhightower]

Language of Love

Starter with @thefourthstormfloris

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵

The corridors of the Red Keep always felt too narrow, too full. Garmund kept his steps measured as he wound his way through the torch-lit halls, careful to avoid lingering glances from the castle’s servants.

The sapphire pendant was small but well-crafted, glinting even in the dim torchlight as he turned it over between his fingers. It was no grand gesture, not a thing of extravagant splendor, but it was thoughtful and he has spent many hours searching for it amongst the wares of oldtown's merchants. He had chosen well, ensuring the silver setting was delicate, the chain fine enough that it would not look too heavy upon her neck. The color was right, deep blue, suited for a daughter of House Baratheon and matching her eyes. It was not a betrothal gift, not formally, but it was a token of his affection nonetheless.

When he reached Floris’s chambers, the guards outside gave him only a cursory glance before allowing him to pass. He had the right to be here, yet he still hesitated before stepping inside. The air was scented with something soft—lavender, perhaps—blending with the lingering smoke from a burned-out candle. Floris was seated by the window, half-lit by the afternoon sun, her long hair loose over one shoulder.

Garmund swallowed and forced himself to speak before he thought better of it. “I brought you something.”

“A gift,” he murmured.

“I thought it would suit you,” he said after a moment, shifting his weight. “It reminded me of you, may I– would you like me to put it on you?”

[thefourthstormfloris]

There was a lot on Floris’ mind lately, and pondering about it in her room by the windowsill had become a habit of hers. Back on Storms End, she had always been in her room by the window there, but here things were different. Kings Landing had no stormy weather that Storms End did, and her room back at home had not as many decorations as it did here.

It felt scary how much she felt at home here, when she had fought so hard to not come to Kings Landing in the first place, and so she pondered that. She knew it had to do with three people; Garmund, Lady Sam, and Maris. She had a sense of belonging with these people, and that was something she hadn’t had back at home. She never felt she even needed such a feeling, but she supposed these things happen when we least expect it.

It may go wrong, the pessimistic voice in her head constantly told her. He may grow to hate you and you’ll be alone again. But she could ignore this voice whenever she was with Garmund, and that proved to her that he was more special than anyone she’d ever known.

The Hightowers who held her heart and her sisters were on her mind now, and looking out the window she continued to think. But, a sudden noise had startled her into reality, and she realized quickly that it was the door opening. Her Garmund walked into the room, and her heart melted at his sweet face and brown curls. She had never been one to fawn over lords and handsome men the court deemed excellent suitors, but with Garmund, things were different. She could not help but stare.

“Garmund.” Floris said softly. Her greetings had always been short and never very formal, but with him she always had a fondness in her voice. She did not speak the words aloud that she knew he already knew. I’m glad you’re here, and, I missed you. She waited now for him to speak, noticing how he seemed almost nervous.

After he spoke, she immediately looked to his hands where the gift was. “Oh!” She said, the reaction coming out without her wishing it to. They stood for a moment, her admiring it, and him shifting. She did not have the words to express her love for him and gratitude at the moment.

It was beautiful, and it took her breath away. “Thank you…” She whispered. At his next words she blushed. He had that effect on her, to make her blush when it was so rare for her to do so before.

“Yes, please come put it on me.” Floris walked closer to Garmund, and before she turned around and pulled her hair back, she decided to take his hand. “You are the kindest person I know.” His hand was soft and warm, and she held it tighter. She wanted to suddenly hold him, and kiss him, but she did not. She let go and turned around, moving her hair to give help him put it on her easier.

“Where did you get it from? You have truly picked out the most beautiful necklace… I am grateful”

[thefourthstormfloris]

Bonding Over Tea

(A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @thecleverestorm & @ellynbaratheon-ofstormsend

Floris had never been close to her sister Ellyn. Their interests were too different, their personalities polar opposites, and Floris’ resentment of the attention her parents spent on her sisters had always drove a wedge into her relationships with them…

So when she found that she had an invite to Ellyn’s room for tea this afternoon, she was puzzled as to why. Why would she want to spend time with me?

The two sisters had both been living in Kings Landing for quite some time now, yet none of them had made any move to spend time together until this very moment. Perhaps Ellyn wanted something out of her? Floris held the invitation in her hands, staring at it until she decided she was just go. What would be the harm in afternoon tea with my elder sister?

Despite her new wardrobe of color, Floris decided to wear her usual black dress and headpiece that covered much of her hair. A simple necklace and black rings matched the outfit, and she felt ready to face whatever this meeting would bring.

It took her a while to find Ellyn’s room, as she had never been there in all her time in Kings Landing. How stupid of me… Floris thought, the pessimism of her mind and darkness of her outfit making her feel as if she was back on Storms End, her most miserable days feeling as if they were now.

Once she had found the correct door, she knocked softly before opening. “Sister… I am a little bit late, I apologize.” Her eyes shifted to Maris, who Floris had not expected to see there. She was confused.

Nodding her head to Maris as a greeting, she sat herself down, looking at both of her sisters now. Floris said nothing, waiting for one of them to explain what this meeting was all about.

[garmundhightower]

Midnight music

Starter with @thefourthstormfloris

Garmund paced the red keep, his footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridors, their rhythmic beat marking out a restless, repetitive pattern as he walked back and forth. The cover of night had cast its dark veil over the city, but sleep remained elusive for Garmund. Despite the heavy exhaustion that weighed upon him, his mind refused to quieten, his thoughts a chaotic maelstrom that kept sleep at bay. He stalked around, the dim light from the torches casting harsh shadows on the stone walls as he moved restlessly. 

Garmund paused his pacing, his eyes drawn instinctively towards the night sky. The stars glittered in the vast, dark expanse overhead, their countless points of light like tiny pricks of light in the velvety black canvas. They seemed to gaze down upon him coldly, their distant beauty untroubled by the worries of the mortal world. 

Bored out of his mind he wondered if he might catch a glimpse of the ghosts haunting the keep. There was the cruel Maegor, forever wandering the secret passages or the witchlike unfortunate Rhaena and her little daughter Aerea. As he turned the corner, He stiffened as he heard a strain of music. It was faint, like a whisper carried on the wind. He recognized the sound of a piano, the haunting, mournful notes hanging in the air. The music was beautiful, but strange, out of place in the dark night. Could it be a real ghost? thought Garmund cautionusly.

Yet his curiosity got the better of him, and he found himself slowly making his way in the direction of the sound. The music grew louder, the notes takiing on a bittersweet lilt that tugged at something deep within his heart. As he approached theplace from which the music emanated, the sound washed over him like a wave, filling his senses. their sorrowful charm pulling him closer still. He hesitated for a moment, hand on the door handle, then pushed the door open, revealing the source of the song.

His eyes widened as he recognized the familiar figure hunched over a piano.

[thefourthstormfloris]

It was late at night, Floris knew, but she could not sleep. It was a rarity for her to ever sleep early, as she was most active when the sun had gone down and others were ready for bed. She spent her nights playing her music and her mornings asleep trying to fight the tiredness that came from staying up.

This night, she had decided she would improve her skills on the piano. Floris was mostly skilled with her harp as well as her flute and did not often put the time into other instruments as she knew she should. Being in Kings Landing, she had access to a whole new set of instruments for her to use, and so once she had found the piano she knew she had to take advantage of this opportunity.

Her fingers fumbled with the keys at first, trying to find her perfect tune. But now, she had gotten into the flow of the music and began to play a song she had written long ago. It was a sad song, one she wrote when she was only twelve years old and curious about the piano. Believing she was alone, she played on.

Her eyes rarely left the keys as the music filled her ears, but once she had come to a small pause in the song she looked around her. Seeing a figure next to her caused her to jump up, gasping quietly at the surprise. She now stood, eyes wide in fear, looking at this person who had decided to watch her play. She was shocked there was anyone who was up at this time of night, as well as someone who was coming to this room.

It took her only a second to realize it was Garmund Hightower. His soft brown locks and dark eyes were extremely recognizable to her, as she had thought about him quite a lot in the past few days. He was her potential betrothed, something that was extremely new and confusing for her. Floris had decided to trust Lady Samantha Hightower in her decision to betroth the two, as Lady Samantha had made her feel safe unlike she had in a long time. She wanted to believe that this boy in front of her was good and kind, but in truth, she barely knew him. Their first meeting had been very monitored and full of pleasantries. She did not know what to think of him besides the fact that they were to be potentially married one day and that Lady Hightower seemed to be extremely fond of him.

She studied him for a moment, shocked he was truly here with her. It was extremely quiet and dark. "Ser Garmund, a pleasure to see you, you scared me a bit, that is why I had that reaction..." She trailed off, looking around the two of them, studying their surroundings. "I was just- uhm, playing the piano. I have a hard time falling asleep, so..."

[garmundhightower]

“Err, hello my lady, a good day– i mean night to you I apologize if I have disturbing you,” said Garmund, bowing slightly and feeling vastly out of his element. He gently brought her knuckles to his lips and muttered a more formal, respectful greeting under his breath.

“I too could not fall asleep. It appears we have that in common; at the very least,” he offered a smile, trying to ease her. His betrothed looked almost as uncomfortable as he felt, but in the dim light emitting from the windows and the heavenly bodies of the sky, she looked ethereal as a lovely creature like a mermaiden or faerie, he could see why she was called the most beautiful of the four storms.

A strange, heavy stillness fell over them, Garmund found himself at a loss of words what could he possibly even say?

“That was a beautiful song, bittersweet yet bewitching, but I'm afraid I haven't heard it before,” he began finally after a moment of disquieting silence. 

[thefourthstormfloris]

“You have not disturbed me.” Floris spoke softly, but with little emotion. It was true, she had not felt disturbed by his presence, so she felt no need to say anything but the truth. She was not one to use many words when speaking to others, her sentences blunt and truthful. She spoke often coldly or in a way others found rude, even if it was not her intent.

When her betrothed brought her hand to his lips, she could only stare at him. He looks soft, and he is very gentle, she thought. She gave him a slight smile, more than what she offered to most. “Yes, I am most active at night...” She could not think of anything else to say, so she stood, continuing to examine him. In the duration of her life, she had never been fond of cooing over the looks of men as other ladies around her had been. But this boy was different, and she could not tell if it was because she was going to marry him, or if he had such a unique beauty that she could only continue to stare.

“Oh!” The mention of her music had done to perk her up. “It is a song I wrote. It’s about… my sister.” Floris looked away from him, wondering why she had revealed that piece of information to him when she had never told anyone before. “I know you like music as well. Are you fond of the piano? I admit, I don’t spend as much time practicing it as I should, so that is why I am here this night.” The words seemed to pour out of her mouth without her being able to stop them. Music was a topic she could speak endlessly about.

“I would like to hear you play…” She admitted, looking towards the piano keys, hoping he’d say yes.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Ours is the Fury

( a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

starter with @cassandra-of-baratheon

Despite everything Floris had assumed for the royal wedding, that it would be terrible and she’d embarrass herself and things such as that, she’d ended up having fun. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been happy at a public gathering, and in fact, she believes she had never been. This was the first time she could be at any sort of event and enjoy herself. Between dancing with her betrothed Ser Garmund, conversing with Lady Hightower, thinking about her new dog she was promised, and being with her older sister Maris, she seemed life had no problems at all.

It was the time of the wedding ball, which were to be held in the gardens. Lady Samantha Hightower had chosen a yellow dress for Floris, and as she always eagerly accepted Lady Sam’s ideas, she ended up wearing it. It was something she has seen others look strangely at her for wearing. She had never in her life worn the color yellow, gold accents had been on her black dresses, but never before had a pure yellow dress been placed on her before. She decided she wanted to try new colors, a decision she never thought she would have made, but nonetheless she found the dress very stunning. Things were changing for her at a rapid speed, and all of it felt positively beautiful.

But, there was one thing in her life that was still confusing, and that was the relationship between her and her eldest sister, Cassandra. While Floris felt dearly close to Maris and felt positive towards Ellyn, her and Cassandra had always been cold towards one another. Cassandra was the clear favorite to their parents, at least that was the way Floris saw things. Her parents never gave her a second glance the way they did for Cassandra, and they never praised her half as much. Floris was the disappointment, and Cassandra was heir, and Floris felt the hatred in her heart like a scar that refused to fade, there for everyone to see.

So when the Baratheon family arrived to the wedding ball together, standing next to her eldest sister had felt extremely uncomfortable. They had nothing in common, barely spoke to each other, and now had to stand here and present themselves as happy and beautiful to the court. Looking up at Cassandra, Floris tried to examine how the other was feeling, but she could not. She could never read her older sister the way she could read Maris, or even Ellyn. She never knew how she felt.

But she wondered if Cassandra had noticed this change in Floris, or if she was stuck in her own world of duties for the Princess Baela, not noticing her youngest sister. For what seemed like the first time in her life, Floris spoke up. “Sister…” she started, voice soft and quiet. “It must be nice to see your Princess wedded.”

Floris looked at her dress, remembering who had gifted it to her. “I am not sure if our parents passed the news onto you, but I am betrothed to Ser Garmund Hightower now. I’m not sure where I will be going after the wedding, perhaps to Oldtown, I do not know…” She stopped suddenly, unsure why she revealed her confusion about her life after the wedding to Cassandra. Perhaps she wanted to give something to Cassandra that she could understand, share a small part of her heart to her that she had never done before. This wedding had been a time of firsts and Floris was ready to face a first with her sister.

[cassandra-of-baratheon]

In truth, Cassandra had scarcely recognised her sister—all garnished and trimmed for the sake of a house that was not her own. The puny sprout, it seemed, was all the time hiding something exquisite in its bulb. Even Cassandra could admit that. But in picking at her dress and twisting her earrings like some Essosi machination stuck in its loop, Floris betrayed a lingering self-doubt most unappealing. 

“Of course I’ve heard,” Cassandra scoffed. She had heard of little else for some time now. Such a fine match. Such a darling pair. Nevermind that this fumbling boy would inherit nothing, that they would spend half their lives propped up by Floris’ dowry and the rest begging what they could from more sensible relations. Like many a young girl, Floris had fallen for a pair of soulful eyes with little thought for what would come after the wedding day. A Baratheon, wife of a steward? Cassandra had, in fact, considered it little before this moment, except to generally disapprove. But the more she thought the angrier she became. And suddenly—

“Only, I hope you understand that you might have had everything. A castle to command, a position equalling—exceeding—the one you occupy now, an income that cannot be snatched away from your husband when his brother has children of his own. You are silly as any young girl but I confess I’d never thought you one of the fools.” 

Her outburst grew and grew in volume from a hiss to a cry, and more than a few fellow guests turned to stare at the disturbance. Then, Cassandra was angry only with herself. Princess Baela was still being happily twirled about by some ancient lord, none the wiser to the conduct of her lady.

If only Cassandra had caught on sooner, had warned her father and made him reject the match. But he had been blinded by the ancient name of Hightower before she’d had the slightest chance to weigh it all up herself. And now there stood Floris, wiping a startled tear from her rouged cheeks in a gown so dazzling she would not have chosen it for herself in a thousand years. Did these people not know her sister at all?

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris flinched upon hearing her sister call her a fool, in front of many, many others no less. Her heart sank a little more with each word Cassandra spoke.

It startled her even more when her vision blurred, a tear falling with barely a warning, leaving her to wipe it in a hurry. She quickly averted her gaze from her sister, holding back the remaining tears that threatened to fall. Floris was no stranger to crying, but she never did so in front of others. No less in front of a crowd where others would look at her more than she wished. She shook her head, hurt by the words and disappointed in her own self.

Why did she think her sister would ever show me an ounce of kindness? Floris was left to wonder after her sister had finished her angry speech. Or perhaps, this was her showing kindness… Perhaps, in her own cruel way, it was kindness that peaked through the harsh words. It could possibly be that Cassandra was showing concern for her younger sister’s furture, but that was wishful thinking on Floris’ part.

No matter what the intention was, Floris was angry now. Angry at herself for being so stupid, and angry at Cassandra for making a show of this. Perhaps that was why her eyes welled with tears so suddenly, because she had tried to be kind with her sister but it had not worked, that she had been so happy and suddenly she was back to angry and upset.

Swallowing hard, she willed herself to speak. “You think I care of things such as castles and fortunes?” Her voice was quiet as it usually was, but hard now and full of anger. Floris was not like her older sisters in their ambitious plans for marriages. Marrying Garmund was perfectly fine for her, as the two of them had no love for the spotlight. She was a fool for thinking Cassandra could ever understand that.

“I’ve never wanted any of that. All I ever wanted was to play my music and to be at peace. I’ve found that for myself. Ser Garmund is kind, he treats me kinder than anyone I have ever known. I have found a life I can be happy with. But you…”

She looked around, making her voice even more quiet now. “You aren’t happy, are you? You’ve never been happy with your life, and now you take it out on me, I believe.” It was a rude assumption, one she instantly wanted to take back, but she had said it. Her sister had spoken so rudely so Floris gave her it back in return, believing that the words she had just spoke were true her whole life.

[asongofgoldenfireandblackblood]

Wanted Site Connection:

home — navigate — wanted — discord — apply — directory — faq

We are No-Dance!AU and politics, family, and court-drama focused RP. To join, check out our main site, and find out who our court would like to see on our Most Wanted page, send us a raven with any questions and once you're ready to apply, and then join us for plotting and OOC-Chat on our Discord!!

Elenda is particularly wanted by her daughters, Lady Maris, Lady Ellyn, and Lady Floris, as well as by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen-Velaryon, Prince Daeron Targaryen, Queen Alicent Hightower, Ser Garmund Hightower, Lady-Regent Clarice Tyrell, Lord Dalton Greyjoy, and Ruling-Lady Mahira Dayne

Note: Character traits, faceclaim, and details are suggestions and can be reworked to a certain extent if discussed with the current members of the RP!

Character Biography Under the Cut

The eldest daughter of Lord Royce Caron and his Lady wife, Elenda Baratheon is 40 years old and the Lady of Storms End. Seemingly cold on the outside but warm to friends and family, Elenda is known for her strong and nurturing nature. Always one to speak her mind on how she believes Storms End needs to be run, she is never far from her husband and prefers to spend her time overseeing decisions with him. Elenda does not often show her emotion through words or touch, but always through gesture or great gift that will let you know you have her favor. She speaks little to strangers but dotes on the ones she cares for, showering them with gifts and praise always, and expecting them to return those favors. At the age of ten and seven, Lady Elenda was married to Borros Baratheon, some saying that she had pushed extremely hard for this match, calling her overly ambitious. She had boasted about falling instantly in love with Lord Borros, but many have been quick to assume that what she truly wanted was to be the Lady of Storms End, and her love was only a lie to achieve her ambitions. No matter her true intentions, the two were married and had their eldest daughter, Cassandra, two years later. Together the two have four daughters, Cassandra, Maris, Ellyn, and Floris. Elenda is noted to be extremely proud of her eldest daughter, sharing a close relationship with her. Elenda is fond of fine jewelry and clothing, loving to pick out outfits for herself and her family members including her children and husband. Others are quick to call Lady Elenda ambitious just as they did in her youth, as she has now integrated her daughters heavily with the royal family and strives to ensure her daughters are as successful in their own marriages and lives as she believes she's been. Suggested faceclaim: Maria Doyle-Kennedy in The Tudors

[thefourthstormfloris]

Ours is the Fury

( a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

starter with @cassandra-of-baratheon

Despite everything Floris had assumed for the royal wedding, that it would be terrible and she’d embarrass herself and things such as that, she’d ended up having fun. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been happy at a public gathering, and in fact, she believes she had never been. This was the first time she could be at any sort of event and enjoy herself. Between dancing with her betrothed Ser Garmund, conversing with Lady Hightower, thinking about her new dog she was promised, and being with her older sister Maris, she seemed life had no problems at all.

It was the time of the wedding ball, which were to be held in the gardens. Lady Samantha Hightower had chosen a yellow dress for Floris, and as she always eagerly accepted Lady Sam’s ideas, she ended up wearing it. It was something she has seen others look strangely at her for wearing. She had never in her life worn the color yellow, gold accents had been on her black dresses, but never before had a pure yellow dress been placed on her before. She decided she wanted to try new colors, a decision she never thought she would have made, but nonetheless she found the dress very stunning. Things were changing for her at a rapid speed, and all of it felt positively beautiful.

But, there was one thing in her life that was still confusing, and that was the relationship between her and her eldest sister, Cassandra. While Floris felt dearly close to Maris and felt positive towards Ellyn, her and Cassandra had always been cold towards one another. Cassandra was the clear favorite to their parents, at least that was the way Floris saw things. Her parents never gave her a second glance the way they did for Cassandra, and they never praised her half as much. Floris was the disappointment, and Cassandra was heir, and Floris felt the hatred in her heart like a scar that refused to fade, there for everyone to see.

So when the Baratheon family arrived to the wedding ball together, standing next to her eldest sister had felt extremely uncomfortable. They had nothing in common, barely spoke to each other, and now had to stand here and present themselves as happy and beautiful to the court. Looking up at Cassandra, Floris tried to examine how the other was feeling, but she could not. She could never read her older sister the way she could read Maris, or even Ellyn. She never knew how she felt.

But she wondered if Cassandra had noticed this change in Floris, or if she was stuck in her own world of duties for the Princess Baela, not noticing her youngest sister. For what seemed like the first time in her life, Floris spoke up. “Sister…” she started, voice soft and quiet. “It must be nice to see your Princess wedded.”

Floris looked at her dress, remembering who had gifted it to her. “I am not sure if our parents passed the news onto you, but I am betrothed to Ser Garmund Hightower now. I’m not sure where I will be going after the wedding, perhaps to Oldtown, I do not know…” She stopped suddenly, unsure why she revealed her confusion about her life after the wedding to Cassandra. Perhaps she wanted to give something to Cassandra that she could understand, share a small part of her heart to her that she had never done before. This wedding had been a time of firsts and Floris was ready to face a first with her sister.

[garmundhightower]

Midnight music

Starter with @thefourthstormfloris

Garmund paced the red keep, his footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridors, their rhythmic beat marking out a restless, repetitive pattern as he walked back and forth. The cover of night had cast its dark veil over the city, but sleep remained elusive for Garmund. Despite the heavy exhaustion that weighed upon him, his mind refused to quieten, his thoughts a chaotic maelstrom that kept sleep at bay. He stalked around, the dim light from the torches casting harsh shadows on the stone walls as he moved restlessly. 

Garmund paused his pacing, his eyes drawn instinctively towards the night sky. The stars glittered in the vast, dark expanse overhead, their countless points of light like tiny pricks of light in the velvety black canvas. They seemed to gaze down upon him coldly, their distant beauty untroubled by the worries of the mortal world. 

Bored out of his mind he wondered if he might catch a glimpse of the ghosts haunting the keep. There was the cruel Maegor, forever wandering the secret passages or the witchlike unfortunate Rhaena and her little daughter Aerea. As he turned the corner, He stiffened as he heard a strain of music. It was faint, like a whisper carried on the wind. He recognized the sound of a piano, the haunting, mournful notes hanging in the air. The music was beautiful, but strange, out of place in the dark night. Could it be a real ghost? thought Garmund cautionusly.

Yet his curiosity got the better of him, and he found himself slowly making his way in the direction of the sound. The music grew louder, the notes takiing on a bittersweet lilt that tugged at something deep within his heart. As he approached theplace from which the music emanated, the sound washed over him like a wave, filling his senses. their sorrowful charm pulling him closer still. He hesitated for a moment, hand on the door handle, then pushed the door open, revealing the source of the song.

His eyes widened as he recognized the familiar figure hunched over a piano.

[thefourthstormfloris]

It was late at night, Floris knew, but she could not sleep. It was a rarity for her to ever sleep early, as she was most active when the sun had gone down and others were ready for bed. She spent her nights playing her music and her mornings asleep trying to fight the tiredness that came from staying up.

This night, she had decided she would improve her skills on the piano. Floris was mostly skilled with her harp as well as her flute and did not often put the time into other instruments as she knew she should. Being in Kings Landing, she had access to a whole new set of instruments for her to use, and so once she had found the piano she knew she had to take advantage of this opportunity.

Her fingers fumbled with the keys at first, trying to find her perfect tune. But now, she had gotten into the flow of the music and began to play a song she had written long ago. It was a sad song, one she wrote when she was only twelve years old and curious about the piano. Believing she was alone, she played on.

Her eyes rarely left the keys as the music filled her ears, but once she had come to a small pause in the song she looked around her. Seeing a figure next to her caused her to jump up, gasping quietly at the surprise. She now stood, eyes wide in fear, looking at this person who had decided to watch her play. She was shocked there was anyone who was up at this time of night, as well as someone who was coming to this room.

It took her only a second to realize it was Garmund Hightower. His soft brown locks and dark eyes were extremely recognizable to her, as she had thought about him quite a lot in the past few days. He was her potential betrothed, something that was extremely new and confusing for her. Floris had decided to trust Lady Samantha Hightower in her decision to betroth the two, as Lady Samantha had made her feel safe unlike she had in a long time. She wanted to believe that this boy in front of her was good and kind, but in truth, she barely knew him. Their first meeting had been very monitored and full of pleasantries. She did not know what to think of him besides the fact that they were to be potentially married one day and that Lady Hightower seemed to be extremely fond of him.

She studied him for a moment, shocked he was truly here with her. It was extremely quiet and dark. "Ser Garmund, a pleasure to see you, you scared me a bit, that is why I had that reaction..." She trailed off, looking around the two of them, studying their surroundings. "I was just- uhm, playing the piano. I have a hard time falling asleep, so..."

[thecleverestorm]

a starter for @thefourthstormfloris

Maris had been on the seas and waves back to her home. It had been a bit since she had last seen her parents and her youngest sister Floris.

Something about not being able to see her baby sister hurt her soul and she was nevertheless excited.

She waited for her arrival looking up at the gloomy sky, alongside the large castle that approached them.

Her hair was neatly tied back where she was able to get hair out of the way, and she was in a pretty purplish grey dress. She was very ready to be returning back home.

Maris had arrived as she got out of the carriage and she went into her castle. Guards greeted her as she gave them a small smile. She entered the castle, the smell of sea… just like her name.

She went to greet her parents, and quickly ran to her room afterwards. She loved the view of her room, the balcony alongside with the large she shelves of books she had.

Her hands traveled down the bookshelf in her room before she opened the balcony to feed the breeze, Against her face, it felt nice to be able to be home again.

The lady unpacked her bags quickly to gather her gifts for her sister Floris, all the different things she brought back. Things included, dresses, books, journals, perfumes, jewelry. She got all for her sister.

Maris put it into a nice basket, so it would be easier to carry, she neatly placed everything. Then she took her way to her sister’s chambers.

She gave a small knock, “Floris, sweet sister, I’m home now!” she called out.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris sat in her chambers staring out of the open window, studying the gloomy weather like it were a book. Reading the clouds like words, feeling the chill in the air like crisp pages. Her face a statue, unmoving and focused on the scene before her. Images and memories of her sister passed through her mind.

She was waiting patiently for her sister to arrive, knowing she would hear a knock on her door soon. While not close with many members of her family, Floris had a soft spot for her sister Maris. After all, they shared many common interests, and Floris found her witty personality to be intriguing.

When that said knock came, Floris was broken out of her stillness and stood up. She almost rolled her eyes at her sister’s words, who called out “sweet sister”, as if Floris could be considered sweet. Did Maris really believe that? She wondered to herself before deciding to let her in.

“Come in.” She spoke plainly and softly, as she always did. She smoothed out her black dress, feeling the flower patterns woven into the fabric. Hearing the door creak open, she watched as Maris came into view. Her sister looked the same as Floris could remember, always so elegant and put together. There was a fierceness to her, yet at the same time, kindness there. At least, that was how Floris saw things.

“Maris…” Floris said, bowing her head slightly. She did not move towards her sister, staying still in the spot where she was. “How are you?”

[thecleverestorm]

Maris came in as the door creaked open, she had a basket of stuff for her sister as she looked at Floris who was sitting on a little bench that gave her a view to the outside. The lady placed down the basket of gifts as she looked at Floris, in her eyes she saw her sister slowly growing up. Maris felt a bittersweet moment realizing that her sister wasn't that same young girl anymore. She got out of her little soft thinking moment before she looked at her sister again, "I have gifts from King's Landing," She placed the basket in front of Floris to look at. It was nicely organized as she looked at her sister, there was something seeing her younger sister grow up... was this what motherhood felt like... "There are jewels, headpieces, necklaces, just stuff, you like," Maris responded looking for a reaction at Floris. She knew that Floris knew wasn't going to give a big reaction but she still hoped for one. Just seeing Floris back, Maris wanted to just hold her sister as much as she would. There was nothing else then just wanting her sister grow. "It will be nice if you came to King's Landing with the rest of us...." She mumbled. "I miss you too much," She gently held her sister's hand... "You will enjoy court more than anything... and this atrocious weather.. there's more than rain and storms." Maris looked at Floris, with soft caring eyes, just wanting her sister to know that she really cared for her.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris looked down at the basked Maris had brought for her, her eyes scanning everything she could see peeking out. It was a lovely gesture and warmed Floris’s heart. When was the last time someone had gifted Floris something? She could not remember.

She slowly walked over towards it, touching the basket but not yet bringing out the contents inside. “Thank you, sister. I shall wear them with honor. You know exactly the things I like.” She looked to her sister with a small smile, closing her eyes and nodding her head. She hoped her words had sounded sincere, as she felt immense gratitude but was unsure how to express it.

Floris tensed suddenly, the new topic being the reason of her distress. The talk of Kings Landing was a subject she was going to avoid, but it had somehow worked its way into this moment. She sighed. “Worry not, Maris, I am coming to Kings Landing whether I will it or not. Father and Mother have made that clear to me.” She ignored her sister’s words about missing her. In truth, she had missed her sister a lot. But she felt uncomfortable revealing that information with her, not sure how to tell Maris she felt that way too. Not many feelings made sense to Floris, and expressing them was extremely difficult.

She felt her sister’s gentle touch, but did not return the gesture. She rolled her eyes at the little comment about court. When had Floris ever been pleased to be at court? It was full of things she disliked. How could she possibly enjoy it? Was Maris trying to convince her to be happy at court?

Feeling her sister’s genuine eyes staring her down, she decided to ignore the previous annoyance. She even felt a bit of guilt for rolling her eyes, knowing her sister was just being kind and caring. She appreciated it, even she didn’t understand how one could see things in that positive of a light.

She gave her a look back. A softer look than usual, but sadder than it was kind. Floris was tired of Kings Landing already, and the journey there had not even started yet. “I enjoy the weather here. But never mind that, our parents are very adamant on me securing a betrothal. Or at least, they want me to have a better chance at securing one. I am expected to act better, in their words.” She sighed again, feeling somewhat better to tell her sister this information that had been weighing on her, but feeling the heaviness of it nonetheless.

“I may need your help. Not that I want to try to act differently, but I want them to stop talking about it, so I’ll pretend. Now that I have new jewels and headpieces and such from you, perhaps others will find me beautiful?” She smirked the tiniest bit, hoping her jest at the end of her sentence was clear.

[thecleverestorm]

Maris was hesitant as she looked at Floris, just one day…. just one day she needed to be in Rhaenya’s Household and she will be able to bring an extrovert side of her.

She looked at Floris, there was something so strange about her sister. There wasn’t anything else, but just hidden and patient in her eyes. Maris knew that. She was good at observing people.

Her hand slowly raised from Floris… she thought she had made her sister uncomfortable, it had been sometime she had been home. There was two sides of her that truly showed.

Back… at home… when she said that to herself. Home was King’s Landing now. She was very hands on with everyone, hugs and kisses and holding hands.

When she was in Storm’s End it felt very different. It was dull… she missed Rhaenya’s household already enough. Her focus went back to her dear sister, as she looked at Floris.

She was growing up so quickly in her eyes… as she looked at her sister, “Betrothal, shall take some time, they always come so quick,” she told her. “Mother and Father promised me a beautiful lord, and yet they have succeeded. You are just a girl, Floris,”

There was some sincerity in her words, as she had kept her own secrets from her sister. Elaena… she missed her lover.

Maris looked at Floris, so young, yet so childlike. She kept so much to herself—and she should’ve shared them out.

“Everyone can never get their eyes off a Baratheon sister,” Maris laughed, “The minute you enter court everyone knows…”

It was the truth. One by one each sister will arrive and once again be the talk. It was what happened every time a Baratheon walked in.

“Floris…” Her voice turned serious. There was truth in her voice as she looked at her younger sister once more. “I worry about you, more than anyone. And I need you to open up your feelings to me… anything.”

Maris took a breath looking at her sister, it was saddening to know Floris was like her child self.

“As much as I know you do not like talking or the attention, I need you please tell me anything that has been bothering you while I have been gone. I care about you, sister.” She mumbled as she looked down at the floor. It hurt to know that her sister wasn’t going to share everything out.

Maris felt… hurt.

That’s the only ways she was able to feel that moment. She cared so much about Floris more than anyone. Knowing that she didn’t know how to share out her feelings made her want to cry for her sister more.

[thefourthstormfloris]

“I am no longer a girl in our parent’s eyes. They would see that I am married as soon as possible and leave this place. I am a burden to them.” Her words were full of resentment and distaste towards everything in her life. She was not even sure if what she said was true, but she believed the worst of everything, no matter if it was false or not. Why would her family want her near to them when she brought them nothing good?

“I do not want everyone’s eyes on me. But I suppose if it quickens my betrothal, then I can handle it. Once it is over I’m sure they will forget about me.” She rolled her eyes, not at her sister but at the prospect of being examined by others. She had hid the whole time the last time she came to Kings Landing, but things would be different this time around. She couldn’t help but already feel annoyed at others who would watch her as if she was an extraordinary piece of clothing ready to be sold off and worn out.

Floris’s eyes narrowed, taking a hard look at Maris. Defensively, she spoke. “I don’t seem to understand what you mean. Nothing has been bothering me, nothing that is different from the usual, I suppose.” This was not how she envisioned their reunion to go, full of her sister’s sadness and Floris’s unsureness. What in the world was happening?

Floris sighed, continuing to stare at Maris. Wanting her sister to know she also cared about her, she questioned her back. “But you… has something been bothering you? You seem… on edge. Sad, or something of that sort.”

[thecleverestorm]

Maris sighed there was something that she knew that feeling. That's why she went to court, that's why she was serving Rhaenya now. She realized that if she was going to serve under the princess she had some sort of freedom.

"I suggest you come to King's Landing first, and you serve under a princess. Either one works, it brings more fun into your life... alongside the idea of creating new friends..." She mumbled, she didn't know how well her sister would listen to her. "I am not saying this for your health... but some princesses... just throw parties... with their ladies... or read together.."

Maris was sure that Rhaenya's household would be too chaotic, but possibly in the household of Princess Helaena might help her sister.

She kept thinking and she slowly felt overwhelmed with her own ideas and thoughts.

She got out of her thoughts, realizing how she might be harming Floris. She was already stressing herself out with all this as she just sighed.

"I just... I have a lot of things happening... but I am just worried for you... I am scared that my father will sell you off to some old lord. I just... am anxious over stuff. I just never realized how returning home would make me feel..." She mumbled, coming home wasn't her safe spot anymore, she was wanting to go back to King's Landing.

The lively experience, her new home. The ladies, the singing, the partying... coming here... felt depressing...

"I must say... it is too quiet here... we must throw a party... or do something... how do you live in this quietness...?" she questioned, she missed all three of her sisters... "I just miss... Ela- I miss Rhaenya and my friends..."

[thefourthstormfloris]

“Serve under a Princess… me?” The sentence came out as a whisper, growing quieter with each new word. Floris couldn’t help but now look at her sister shocked, mouth agape and eyebrows furred.

“How could you even suggest such I thing? I am not you or Ellyn, nor Cassandra. I do not want any part of the life in Kings Landing.” She did not want to befriend a Princess, or marry a Prince, or be the Lady to some castle. It was hard enough for her to want to leave her bed every morning, and thinking of having to wait on a Princess, doing endless duties for her, made her frown deeply. She let out a huff of air through her nose, a sad laugh.

Floris did not want to fight with Maris. It was one of the last things she wanted to do. Her energy was low, and she just wanted to see her sister smile. Her favorite sister, secretly, she thought to herself. She would have changed the subject if it Maris had not continued to speak of it.

Floris quickly looked up at Maris, another shocked expression making its way to her features. “Your father? He is mine as well, though he surely doesn’t act like it.” Floris held her skirts suddenly, walking towards her window. She looked at the sky with sad eyes. Looking back at her sister, she spoke.

“You do not understand. I cannot thrive in the loud and chaotic life like you do. I want to be at peace, I want to play my music and be far away from any courtly gathering.” Her skin crawled just thinking of the large crowds she would have to endure at the royal wedding. Feeling agitated, she walked back towards Maris. She looked back down towards the basket of beautiful gifts she had brought for her. Her heart felt heavy, and she had no idea how to relieve this feeling.

“A party would be the last thing I would ever want here. But if that is what you desire, I’m sure father will allow it.” She now tried to meet her sister’s eyes, both blue, the epitome of the Baratheon look. She could hear the sadness in her sister’s voice, and hated that she was possibly the cause of it. Floris ruined everything, she believed. How could she make this right?

“You speak of Rhaenya and… Elaena, her name was? Tell me about them, please.” Desperately trying to change the subject, and wanting her sister to feel better, she brought up those she knew Maris loved.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Morning Chat

( A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @ladyjocelynbaratheon

Floris and her family had arrived at Kings Landing just yesterday, and she was feeling the exhaustion of the travel this morning.

She sat in a sitting room across from Lady Jocelyn, whom she had chosen to break her fast with. There was so much going on it seemed, and Floris was happy to have a peaceful beginning to her day with her beloved family member.

With tired eyes, she looked away from her food to Lady Jocelyn. “Are you tired from the travels? I surely am. I do not love leaving home.” Her voice was soft and her words honest and plain. People thought she was miserable at Storms End, but truly, it wasn’t Storms End itself that made her miserable. Kings Landing was worse, she believed.

She smiled ever so slightly, beginning to pick at her food. “Truthfully, I’m not prepared to be at court today. I’d rather stay here all day. Though, I am glad to have you here.”

[ladyjocelynbaratheon]

“Good morrow, darling Floris,” Jocelyn greeted her youngest great-niece with a soft, but tired smile. She nodded at Floris’ question. “I find travelling quite tiresome these days,” she admitted and wrapped her fingers around the warm cup of tea.

Jocelyn had contemplated staying home, missing the royal wedding. It was equal parts embarrassing and honouring to be the great-grandmother of both bride and groom. And Jocelyn firmly believed she had already been spending too much time at the Capital this year. The King’s death, the coronation of The Queen. And Jocelyn had been at court for most of the eight moon too, managing to spend some time with her daughter and son-in-law. Even if that time turned unsettling as Jocelyn learned she was now expecting a grandchild.

It had been The Four Storms, Floris in particularly who had talked her into travelling and attending the wedding. Jocelyn had recalled the fun of weddings in the past and had eventually agreed to chaperone her great-nieces and make good introductions for them.

“Tired doesn’t quite seem to cover it. I’ve always found The Red Keep to lack the comforts of home.” Home being Storm’s End. Her home as a child and her home since her Prince-husband died. Home was where her family dwelled.

Jocelyn smiled indulgently at the young woman in front of her. “Oh, don’t tempt me, I don’t think I’m quite ready to meet the Targaryens just yet.” Or my daughter, Jocelyn added quietly in her mind. “Mayhaps we can abandon ourselves to a quiet morning before we set out to mingle?” She suggested and took a sip of her tea.

[thefourthstormfloris]

“Yes, I have to agree. Storms End is everything that this place is not.” She emphasized her distaste on the words “this place”, making clear her annoyance that she was here and not at home. She was still upset at her parents for forcing her to come to Kings Landing. After all, her sisters were here, why did she have to come as well? Cassandra would take all of the attention of suitors, Ellyn would grab the attention of those doting on her and her newly betrothed, and Maris would grab the attention of those charmed by her wit and intelligence. Floris was not needed, she believed.

Floris smiled slightly, looking down at her food. “Being near Targaryens means being near the spectacle, and I’d rather be anywhere but there.” Her thoughts drifted to her sister, Maris, who was a lady in waiting to a Targaryen Princess. Then she thought of her sister Ellyn, soon to marry a Targaryen Prince. She looked back up to Lady Jocelyn, remembering how she had married a Targaryen Prince, and her daughter was a Targaryen Princess. How did her family manage to intertwine themselves so heavily with the royal family? Floris felt herself disconnected from the world that the rest of her family seemed infatuated with.

Floris nodded eagerly. “Yes, I would love to do that. I’d like to feel at peace for even a little longer.” She smiled fully now, an unusual face for her. She was happy Lady Jocelyn understood her need for the peace away from court when everyone else pushed her towards it. “Have you seen any of my sisters this morning? I have not. They seem to be busy running around. They take to Kings Landing more well than our home it seems.”

[ladyjocelynbaratheon]

Jocelyn sipped her tea slowly. At least the food was fresh and plentiful, the tea strong and fragrant. There were some goods things about being the Capital, but they didn’t quite outweigh the load of being surrounded by so many people and the lack of comfort and privacy.

“Targaryens do have a reputation for making quite the spectacle. They’ve done so ever since the conquest. Some are quieter, but in general they fill spaces more than most other houses do.” Jocelyn said. Her own prince-husband had been kind and gentle, loving his books and the vast library of Dragonstone. At least until their daughter had come along. Jocelyn had tried to raise a proper lady, but with her father ready to lure her out on dragon rides and reach her archery, Jocelyn had failed, and resentment festered and grew.

“Need I remind you, that you were the one who persuaded me to come? The day prior to our departure I replied to a raven from The Princess Rhaenys, stating that I was still unsure. So, I’m pleased she does not know yet, that I’ve arrived. I’ll face her soon enough, for better or worse.”

Jocelyn shook her head. “I have not seen any of them, only you and my maid so far,” she said quietly and reached out for a piece of cured meat, inspecting it closely, before she took a bite. “Venison,” she concluded. “It’s not uncommon for young people to develop a liking to King’s Landing for the court season. I have had my share of fun in the past, but I’ve always found it loud and crowded. And just a smidge too unfamiliar.”

[thefourthstormfloris]

“Yes, they truly do. It is strange to think Ellyn will wed Prince Daeron, and Maris is a lady in waiting to his twin Rhaenya.” Floris looked down at the food on her plate, moving things around with her fork. All of her sisters had their places in the world, except for her.

“Was your Prince husband quiet? I wonder if I will have a quiet husband…” She had never heard Lady Jocelyn speak of Prince Aemon before. Floris was curious about it, as she was interested in everything about Lady Jocelyn. Floris also had to worry about her own self having a husband sooner or later, and she would feel better if she knew Lady Jocelyn had something to say on the matter.

Floris slightly smiled down at her food. “Ah, yes, I did want you to come with me. But it was not my choice to come here, it is only made better by your company.” She took a long sip of tea, feeling the warmth from the steam on her face. “To surprise your daughter may be nice?” She asked this as a question, as she knew Lady Jocelyn and Princess Rhaenys did not have a great relationship. ‘For better or for worse’, Lady Jocelyn had said. It almost reminded her of how she felt about her own mother. Floris shook her head at this thought, thinking, what a family I have.

Floris looked down at her food once again, which was barely eaten. She stabbed meat with her fork. “Yes, venison… and yes, my sisters do well with this sort of life.” She sighed, taking a small bite of food. “I would much rather play my harp in my room. Or be with my dog. I am glad to have brought Rainy along.” Floris could not help but mention her music and her beloved pet, her two favorite things in this life. Once she had started to talk of these things, she could not stop.

“Father told me I could have another dog, if I only act accordingly this time at Kings Landing. It means no hiding and more searching for a husband. I hope to find a companion for Rainy, so…” Floris thought hard about her own words. It made her horribly sad to think of her father’s expectations on her, yet, she thought of what she had promised to her mother. She promised her mother she would try to behave at court, and she really did want another dog.

[thefourthstormfloris]

A Strained Family

( A part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Starter with @rideroftheredqueen

Deep in the library of the castle, Floris scanned her surroundings, looking for any book that caught her eye. She wasn’t here for any particular reason, she was just bored and needed a distraction from the world for a time. She felt the company of a good book would solve that problem.

She walked around, continuing to search for something that seemed interesting. Her fingers ran across book spines, feeling their textures. Her focus was completely on the literature in front of her, ignoring all other people in the area. That was until a glimpse of silver hair caught her eye.

Being in Kings Landing for a Targaryen wedding, she knew she was bound to run into Targaryens and have to speak to them from time to time. But this was no ordinary Targaryen, the figure she saw was Rhaenys Targaryen (Rhaenys Velaryon from her marriage, she knew). Her own family member. Someone she was supposed to be close with, and someone who she felt nothing but coldness towards.

She felt panic, not wanting to be seen by Rhaenys, she quickly strolled over to another area in the library. Her feet made loud stomps, but she hoped it wouldn’t be noticed. She had no intention of conversing with others at the moment, especially not someone from her family.

Floris had a feeling Princess Rhaenys did not like her, and whether that was the truth or not, she did not care to find out. She knew she had an estranged relationship with her mother, Lady Jocelyn Baratheon, whom Floris was especially fond of. So perhaps, she thought, it is best to leave this relationship strained. What would they even have in common? What was there to say?

She quickly went back to looking at books, but feeling tenser than she had and less focused now. She heard footsteps coming in her direction but chose to ignore them, praying they would fade out into the distance, coming no where near her.

[rideroftheredqueen]

The library of The Red Keep had always been one of Rhaenys’ favourite places to relax. She had read since she was young and her muñazma had encouraged it as much as her mother had discouraged it. Rhaenys had read varied scrolls of old and new, familiarizing herself with politics, families of Westeros and stories. Her Mother would have wanted her to stick to stories and needlepoint.

The library still felt like a sanctuary to her, though less so than in her childhood. After she had claimed Meleys, the dragon pit had taken over. These days she longed for the dragon pit, however, the descend down there was too much for her hips and pelvis to handle and the ascend back up seemed impossible. And the fact that she could no longer ride Meleys put a natural stop to going down to the dragon pit. Meleys had stayed behind on Driftmark where Rhaenys knew she was well tended to, but Rhaenys missed her oldest and dearest friend.

The library had a perfect view of the city below and on clear days Rhaenys knew she could spot the ocean and incoming ships. She had paused by the window, pressing her fingers against her swollen belly. “Kostilus,” she begged softly. “Don’t make me call for your kepa, I know you react to his voice. Can’t you react to my voice and move your foot out of my ribcage?” She asked softly. “Kirimvose little hippocamp,” she added in a tender whisper as the babe shifted away from her rib.

Rhaenys had been sure she had heard footsteps behind, but as she turned there was no one there. A servant perhaps? It seemed unlikely, she was on good terms with most and they generally greeted her, rather than running away. Perhaps someone she was not familiar with? Royal and noble families from near and far were gathering for the royal wedding, Rhaenys knew most personally and knew all theoretically.

Upon turning a corner, heading towards the scrolls about Old Valyria, Rhaenys encountered another woman. “Apologies,” she said and stepped back a bit. Rhaenys took in the young woman in front of her, she was unmistakenly of Baratheon descent, but due to the years Rhaenys and her mother’s relationship had been strained, Rhaenys was not personally familiar with most of her younger cousins. Her mother and her had build a new relationship after Rhaenys had become a mother herself. And when they were both at Court, they often spent time together. “Good Afternoon, lady... My apologies, I cannot tell which of the Baratheon sisters you are, cousin.”

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris was horrified when Princess Rhaenys approached her, but that horror suddenly turned to confusion when she realized the Princess had no idea who she was. Do I look so much like my sisters? Or has it truly been so long since she has seen me? An interesting family I seem to have.

“Yes, good afternoon.” She said to be polite. Floris was exceptionally good at being polite when she willed herself to be, or at least she thought she was.

“Floris.” She spoke in her usual quiet and unbothered tone. “The youngest.” She studied her cousin, noticing her pregnancy right away. It was a subject that Lady Jocelyn did not love, she knew, so Floris did not have a positive opinion of it either. She held Lady Jocelyn’s opinion high and trusted her judgment immensely. But she held her tongue. Floris would not be rude to a family member who was almost a stranger to her.

Not sure of what to say next, Floris stood there, eyes dropping down to her shoes. Her feet shifted as she felt uncomfortable. She wished desperately she was back in her rooms with her harp. Music was a way out of her troubles, and she desperately needed that at the moment.

[rideroftheredqueen]

“Floris,” Rhaenys said and nodded. “Is that really so? No, it can’t be..?” Rhaenys mused with a soft smile. “You were… ten last I saw you and that wasn’t …” She paused, thinking back to her last visit to Storm’s End. Her last visit to her mother’s had been while Corlys had been away. Mayhaps it could indeed be true. “Time is a strange thing at times,” she concluded.

“Did my mother arrive with you?” Rhaenys asked curiously. She knew her mother thought highly of Floris and her sisterd, The Four Storms, perfect ladies, in every way the way she had wanted Rhaenys to be. However, Rhaenys had had too much Targaryen blood in her veins, needing adventure and dragon rides. “I have not seen her since the ninth moon, we have so much to catch up on.”

Rhaenys pressed her fingers against the side of her bump again, massaging the spot the little hippocamp had just kicked repeatedly. As Floris’ gaze turned downwards, it allowed Rhaenys a moment to truly study her younger cousin. “Floris Baratheon, the youngest of the Four Storms, you are the harp player, correct?” Rhaenys asked kindly. “Mother says you plays beautifully. I do hope I might have the honour to hear that one day.”

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris’s thoughts raced as the Princess in front of her spoke. “Yes, time is strange… I am six and ten now. Here at court, not by my wishes.” The last words of her sentence came out as a whisper, a very soft and angry whisper.

Floris paused at the mention of Lady Jocelyn. She does not know if her own mother came here? “Catch up on”, do they not write to each other? Maybe I underestimated the coldness of their relationship. Or perhaps she is just saying this to be polite. Every new thing the Princess said made Floris’s mind burst with many questions.

“Yes, Lady Jocelyn arrived with us. I saw her not long ago.” Floris’s eyes moved all around the room, not wanting to see Rhaenys’s reaction to what she had said. Would she be upset that she was spending time with her mother? Or would she not care?

Her eyes shot back over to Rhaenys at the mention of her harp. “Why, yes, I do play the harp. I play the flute and I sing as well.” She thought about the Princesses words for a moment before resuming. “I have brought some of my instruments to Kings Landing. Perhaps you will hear me play eventually. I have not gotten around to it yet, but I plan on playing in the gardens.”

The words seemed to flow out of her now, not feeling the uncomfortable tension any longer. Speaking of her music always helped to calm her, and was always a topic she could talk endlessly about. She forgot her previous questions and worries. “Or somewhere else. I am not so sure of other places where my music would be welcomed. Perhaps you know somewhere? I am sure you are more familiar with this place than I am.” Floris looked at Rhaenys more closely now, remembering the pregnancy.

“Well…I have heard music is a good way to soothe a babe on the way, especially one that likes to squirm.”

[rideroftheredqueen]

“I’m pleased to hear my mother decided to come. She mentioned in her last raven that she was still undecided about whether she would attend the wedding or not. I reasoned that even if she wasn’t attending the celebrations, being at court gave her an opportunity to see the extended family.” Rhaenys said with an easy smile and diverted her eyes, as she noticed Floris’ fluttering gaze. She knew people often found the bright purple eye colour of the Targaryens hard to look at.

For once Rhaenys had been excited to see her mother. Her mother had worried about Rhaenys being pregnant and Rhaenys wanted to show that she was safe and cared for. Sure, this pregnancy was nothing like the two she had before. However, she wished for nothing. Between Corlys, Rhaenyra and her family and her ladies in waiting, Rhaenys was well taken care of.

“The gardens are lovely, aren’t they? I know we are still quite close to the coast, but it’s much different from Driftmark and Dragonstone. I believe Princess Visenya also enjoys the gardens. Have you been introduced to Princess Visenya? She shares your passion for music, she will surely know all the best places to practise and perform.” Rhaenys had been fortunate enough to be treated to private concerts from The Little Princess more than once, since arriving to The Red Keep.

“Music is always welcomed here, as far as I know. And yes, I am quite familiar with the castle. I didn’t quite grow up here, not officially anyway, but I spent much of my childhood here with my grandparents and my cousins,” she said with a fond chuckle. She had run off to The Red Keep as often as possible, even more so after she had claimed Meleys and did not need to ask for transportation.

Rhaenys nodded as she noticed Floris looking at her bump. “That much is true. Babies, even before they’re earth-side, tend to calm with music. This little one however, prefers their father’s voice. Though music has also proven to work sometimes. They're quite active now too, they like your voice."

[thefourthstormfloris]

Another Targaryen to be introduced to, not Floris’s ideal situation to be in. But the thought of another who loved music intrigued her. She could not remember if she had met Princess Visenya before, but she had heard of her. The Princess who was born too early, the one who was constantly sick, and the first Princess born to Queen Rhaenyra. She had not known she was a music lover.

“I don’t believe I have had the honor of speaking to Princess Visenya. If she is a music lover as I am I would be grateful to hear her opinions on a place to play.” She thought of what it would be like to share the love of music with another. She often played by herself, not minding the isolation of it. Would she enjoy playing with a Princess? She folded her hands together, unsure what to do with them and feeling rather uncomfortable at her questions.

“I have only been here once before, the rest of my life had been spent at Storms End. I’m not sure I have a love of moving from place to place…” She drifted off, unsure why she was revealing this to the Princess in front of her. It was true enough, she was not a fan of traveling or being away from home.

Floris’s eyes widened. “You know that the babe likes my voice?” She was astonished. “I did not know a babe in the womb had such preferences already. How interesting…”

“Pardon me for not knowing, but does the babe have a name yet?”

[thecleverestorm]

a starter for @thefourthstormfloris

Maris had been on the seas and waves back to her home. It had been a bit since she had last seen her parents and her youngest sister Floris.

Something about not being able to see her baby sister hurt her soul and she was nevertheless excited.

She waited for her arrival looking up at the gloomy sky, alongside the large castle that approached them.

Her hair was neatly tied back where she was able to get hair out of the way, and she was in a pretty purplish grey dress. She was very ready to be returning back home.

Maris had arrived as she got out of the carriage and she went into her castle. Guards greeted her as she gave them a small smile. She entered the castle, the smell of sea… just like her name.

She went to greet her parents, and quickly ran to her room afterwards. She loved the view of her room, the balcony alongside with the large she shelves of books she had.

Her hands traveled down the bookshelf in her room before she opened the balcony to feed the breeze, Against her face, it felt nice to be able to be home again.

The lady unpacked her bags quickly to gather her gifts for her sister Floris, all the different things she brought back. Things included, dresses, books, journals, perfumes, jewelry. She got all for her sister.

Maris put it into a nice basket, so it would be easier to carry, she neatly placed everything. Then she took her way to her sister’s chambers.

She gave a small knock, “Floris, sweet sister, I’m home now!” she called out.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris sat in her chambers staring out of the open window, studying the gloomy weather like it were a book. Reading the clouds like words, feeling the chill in the air like crisp pages. Her face a statue, unmoving and focused on the scene before her. Images and memories of her sister passed through her mind.

She was waiting patiently for her sister to arrive, knowing she would hear a knock on her door soon. While not close with many members of her family, Floris had a soft spot for her sister Maris. After all, they shared many common interests, and Floris found her witty personality to be intriguing.

When that said knock came, Floris was broken out of her stillness and stood up. She almost rolled her eyes at her sister’s words, who called out “sweet sister”, as if Floris could be considered sweet. Did Maris really believe that? She wondered to herself before deciding to let her in.

“Come in.” She spoke plainly and softly, as she always did. She smoothed out her black dress, feeling the flower patterns woven into the fabric. Hearing the door creak open, she watched as Maris came into view. Her sister looked the same as Floris could remember, always so elegant and put together. There was a fierceness to her, yet at the same time, kindness there. At least, that was how Floris saw things.

“Maris…” Floris said, bowing her head slightly. She did not move towards her sister, staying still in the spot where she was. “How are you?”

[thecleverestorm]

Maris came in as the door creaked open, she had a basket of stuff for her sister as she looked at Floris who was sitting on a little bench that gave her a view to the outside. The lady placed down the basket of gifts as she looked at Floris, in her eyes she saw her sister slowly growing up. Maris felt a bittersweet moment realizing that her sister wasn't that same young girl anymore. She got out of her little soft thinking moment before she looked at her sister again, "I have gifts from King's Landing," She placed the basket in front of Floris to look at. It was nicely organized as she looked at her sister, there was something seeing her younger sister grow up... was this what motherhood felt like... "There are jewels, headpieces, necklaces, just stuff, you like," Maris responded looking for a reaction at Floris. She knew that Floris knew wasn't going to give a big reaction but she still hoped for one. Just seeing Floris back, Maris wanted to just hold her sister as much as she would. There was nothing else then just wanting her sister grow. "It will be nice if you came to King's Landing with the rest of us...." She mumbled. "I miss you too much," She gently held her sister's hand... "You will enjoy court more than anything... and this atrocious weather.. there's more than rain and storms." Maris looked at Floris, with soft caring eyes, just wanting her sister to know that she really cared for her.

[thefourthstormfloris]

Floris looked down at the basked Maris had brought for her, her eyes scanning everything she could see peeking out. It was a lovely gesture and warmed Floris’s heart. When was the last time someone had gifted Floris something? She could not remember.

She slowly walked over towards it, touching the basket but not yet bringing out the contents inside. “Thank you, sister. I shall wear them with honor. You know exactly the things I like.” She looked to her sister with a small smile, closing her eyes and nodding her head. She hoped her words had sounded sincere, as she felt immense gratitude but was unsure how to express it.

Floris tensed suddenly, the new topic being the reason of her distress. The talk of Kings Landing was a subject she was going to avoid, but it had somehow worked its way into this moment. She sighed. “Worry not, Maris, I am coming to Kings Landing whether I will it or not. Father and Mother have made that clear to me.” She ignored her sister’s words about missing her. In truth, she had missed her sister a lot. But she felt uncomfortable revealing that information with her, not sure how to tell Maris she felt that way too. Not many feelings made sense to Floris, and expressing them was extremely difficult.

She felt her sister’s gentle touch, but did not return the gesture. She rolled her eyes at the little comment about court. When had Floris ever been pleased to be at court? It was full of things she disliked. How could she possibly enjoy it? Was Maris trying to convince her to be happy at court?

Feeling her sister’s genuine eyes staring her down, she decided to ignore the previous annoyance. She even felt a bit of guilt for rolling her eyes, knowing her sister was just being kind and caring. She appreciated it, even she didn’t understand how one could see things in that positive of a light.

She gave her a look back. A softer look than usual, but sadder than it was kind. Floris was tired of Kings Landing already, and the journey there had not even started yet. “I enjoy the weather here. But never mind that, our parents are very adamant on me securing a betrothal. Or at least, they want me to have a better chance at securing one. I am expected to act better, in their words.” She sighed again, feeling somewhat better to tell her sister this information that had been weighing on her, but feeling the heaviness of it nonetheless.

“I may need your help. Not that I want to try to act differently, but I want them to stop talking about it, so I’ll pretend. Now that I have new jewels and headpieces and such from you, perhaps others will find me beautiful?” She smirked the tiniest bit, hoping her jest at the end of her sentence was clear.

[thecleverestorm]

Maris was hesitant as she looked at Floris, just one day…. just one day she needed to be in Rhaenya’s Household and she will be able to bring an extrovert side of her.

She looked at Floris, there was something so strange about her sister. There wasn’t anything else, but just hidden and patient in her eyes. Maris knew that. She was good at observing people.

Her hand slowly raised from Floris… she thought she had made her sister uncomfortable, it had been sometime she had been home. There was two sides of her that truly showed.

Back… at home… when she said that to herself. Home was King’s Landing now. She was very hands on with everyone, hugs and kisses and holding hands.

When she was in Storm’s End it felt very different. It was dull… she missed Rhaenya’s household already enough. Her focus went back to her dear sister, as she looked at Floris.

She was growing up so quickly in her eyes… as she looked at her sister, “Betrothal, shall take some time, they always come so quick,” she told her. “Mother and Father promised me a beautiful lord, and yet they have succeeded. You are just a girl, Floris,”

There was some sincerity in her words, as she had kept her own secrets from her sister. Elaena… she missed her lover.

Maris looked at Floris, so young, yet so childlike. She kept so much to herself—and she should’ve shared them out.

“Everyone can never get their eyes off a Baratheon sister,” Maris laughed, “The minute you enter court everyone knows…”

It was the truth. One by one each sister will arrive and once again be the talk. It was what happened every time a Baratheon walked in.

“Floris…” Her voice turned serious. There was truth in her voice as she looked at her younger sister once more. “I worry about you, more than anyone. And I need you to open up your feelings to me… anything.”

Maris took a breath looking at her sister, it was saddening to know Floris was like her child self.

“As much as I know you do not like talking or the attention, I need you please tell me anything that has been bothering you while I have been gone. I care about you, sister.” She mumbled as she looked down at the floor. It hurt to know that her sister wasn’t going to share everything out.

Maris felt… hurt.

That’s the only ways she was able to feel that moment. She cared so much about Floris more than anyone. Knowing that she didn’t know how to share out her feelings made her want to cry for her sister more.

[thefourthstormfloris]

“I am no longer a girl in our parent’s eyes. They would see that I am married as soon as possible and leave this place. I am a burden to them.” Her words were full of resentment and distaste towards everything in her life. She was not even sure if what she said was true, but she believed the worst of everything, no matter if it was false or not. Why would her family want her near to them when she brought them nothing good?

“I do not want everyone’s eyes on me. But I suppose if it quickens my betrothal, then I can handle it. Once it is over I’m sure they will forget about me.” She rolled her eyes, not at her sister but at the prospect of being examined by others. She had hid the whole time the last time she came to Kings Landing, but things would be different this time around. She couldn’t help but already feel annoyed at others who would watch her as if she was an extraordinary piece of clothing ready to be sold off and worn out.

Floris’s eyes narrowed, taking a hard look at Maris. Defensively, she spoke. “I don’t seem to understand what you mean. Nothing has been bothering me, nothing that is different from the usual, I suppose.” This was not how she envisioned their reunion to go, full of her sister’s sadness and Floris’s unsureness. What in the world was happening?

Floris sighed, continuing to stare at Maris. Wanting her sister to know she also cared about her, she questioned her back. “But you… has something been bothering you? You seem… on edge. Sad, or something of that sort.”