banter starter for @tiriusrowan
where and when: in the personal chambers of theo westerling inside of the crag. he is hosting his cousins, the rowans, within the crag as they travel into the westerlands for the celebration of arthur lannister.
the arrival of the rowans into the crag was call for a celebration. his mother, miray rowan, was excited beyond compare to get to see her family again and to host them in her home. in the years since his father’s death it felt like it was so much lighter within the halls of the crag. or at least it felt that way to him.
after celebratory evening spending dinner together, almost everyone had retired back to their respected chambers. but theo was thankful his cousin had agreed to meet with him afterwards. there was much that the two of them needed to discuss, things he wished to clear up or understand better and others he just needed advice for.
“i am glad you are here cousin. it’s been too long since you have gotten to visit us here. it’s all my sisters have been talking about for days and days getting to see everyone” he smiled. of course now tirius was here and there were certain changes that had happened. big changes in tirius’ life that theo was no so sure how to bring up. afte rall he wasn’t even sure if his cousin wished to speak about it at all, but then perhaps it was best they did. instead theo thought it might just be best to ask. at least his family knew he was never a man gifted with charisma and the ease that came with speaking. “i....um...how have you been tirius?” he finally asked, figuring getting straight to it was better than dancing around it all.
The children enjoyed going to the Crag and while they didn't go often, they always were happy to see Theo and Miray. And while the younger children were happy, it was Tahir who struggled to hide his desire to be anywhere other than where they were. Such an angry young man, and there was nothing Tirius could do about it, not now. Boys thrived on anger. Boys lived in that place of rage and when they were men they could speak. Because they had the words.
"Thank you for hosting us, the King allowed for a brief detour. I informed him the children would like to stay here and I thank you for allowing them to be here. I would prefer they spend their time here among our own verses in Casterly. No offense to your King or Queen, I just know Tahir is looking for a fight. Better to be among his own."
Tirius paused, raising his cup to takes a drink from the cup, the tea had cooled considerably and he preferred it that way these days. Something he grew used to as he spent many nights in his office surrounded by scrolls, cups cold tea, and linger cloud of smoke from the candles that burned out. "You know, it's been quite the series of conversations around this marriage ending. None sound surprised, some briefly look it but it seems all knew." And he frowned briefly. "I fear that no matter what we did success wasn't going to be an option." Tirius took another drink. "The High Septon intends to make it difficult."
.
“i think it will be good for them to stay here. tahir can spend some time with his cousins and others his age. no need for him to be with the rest of the kingdoms just yet.” theo understood what it was like being a boy at that age, and he believed that staying in the crag with his cousin and the other children of the local lords would be beneficial. at least to be around others who understood him instead of those who might question him. best for tirius not to have to deal with so many fights.
theo had heard of the troubles in tirius’s marriage. he knew of the bickering and fights, but this seemed to be on a whole other level. he could remember the uproar amongst his aunt and his mother when tirius first married. they had all wished for tirius to change his mind, some trying to be happy for him, but others fearing the writing on the wall. she wasn’t accepted, and that was a hard place to begin a new life from.
“i never wish to disparage your marriage, cousin, you know this. i know there was a time when you both cared for one another, but this is for the best. for you and for the children,” theo said, looking over at tirius. he wished he had better words to say, a better way to express his thoughts. they had known each other for years; tirius would understand that his lack of words did not constitute a lack of care. “when does the high septon not make things difficult?” he grumbled, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his drink. “no offense, given. i know the reach still follows his guidance, but i cannot for the life of me understand why. the man is a fool. corrupted and foolish.” he said. “what trouble could he be giving you? i’d think he would want to please the lords he still has within the reach.”
the room was warm with the glow of the hearth, shadows dancing on the stone walls. theo’s gaze moved to the window, where the night sky stretched vast and unending. the flickering light seemed to soften the tension in the air, though the weight of their conversation remained.
theo turned his attention back to tirius, his expression one of earnest concern. “perhaps, with time, things will settle” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “but until then, you must do what is best for your family. you will navigate these challenges you always have. we all know you are stubborn enough to.” he said with a hint of a teasing smile.
