The sun above radiated hot over the top of the keep, shining down on the many small courtyards and gardens, littered across the grounds. Here, the air was clean. Cleansed by the winds from the Blackwater that whirled around the keep. The breeze did little to cool the place, but at least it didn’t stink of death, fish and piss in the corridors. His apartment, here on the eastern side of the keep, was spacious. He didn’t need as much room as he’d been given, but he was grateful for it, none the less. He’d at least have some semblance of comfort in the heat of the capital. When he’d arrived a fresh bottle of cooled wine had been waiting for him and after washing and changing, he had refreshed his tongue with it rather gladly. The heat of this bloody place would kill him.
He knew that in the evening, he’d be expected to make an appearance in front of the court. The castellan had instructed him that, as an honoured guest, he’d have to come in front of the throne. Not a problem, Edrik reckoned, though he did not look forward to making a show of himself in front of these southern ponces. He’d rather the king had shown up to greet him at the gates. Get the whole ordeal over with. But the south seemed rather more invested in its pomp. He’d play along. It was the least he could do for his new friends from the South.
A breeze tickled his face, blowing his hair, which had grown long, out of his face. While he had tied most of it back, he seemed to always miss some strands, which constantly seemed to find their way into his face. In a light tunic, topped with a leather vest, he leaned against the balustrade. Down the cliffs he was looking over, the waves slammed against the rocks. He’d been by the sea before but had never really seen waters this beautiful. The sea up North was rough and cold. Here you could swim if you knew how. Up North, you’d freeze and drown.
The sound of footsteps alerted him to another presence. He pushed off from the balustrade and turned to see who’d come to join him. “Three weeks of travel and it’s like we’re in an entirely different world. I haven’t seen this much sun in my entire life.”
she understood the general northern dislike for the heat & smell of the capital. its general bustling and frivolous appearances seemed to turn the nose of those used to a simpler lifestyle. however , jayne was rather enchanted by the south. perhaps it was the fact that the sky here was a different color, or the fact that it was the most water she had ever seen in her life , but something about being this far south captivated her. she had always wanted to travel - to see the world outside of the grey barriers of the north , but it had never been possible. instead, she had been shipped further north to ironrath. while she loved the north and its people , she recognized this southron voyage as a realization of a dream . an opportunity the likes of which she would not see again.
with it , came the opportunity for reunion , both with her son and the man who had taken him under his wing. it had been several months since she had seen either face , and her heart longed for them both. she had been the last of the guests to depart winterfell , and had made a temporary residence of it , loathe to be parted from its master or her boy. in truth , her presence had become rather obvious. the washer women , she heard, referred to her as the king’s mistress. and perhaps she was , though she gave little attention to gossip. it wasn’t until affairs at ironrath called her back to the seat that no longer felt like home. her duty was still to maintain her son’s birthright , and to care for the occupants of the keep.
she had been without a heart for too long, and now sought to reclaim it. nerves wracked her stomach as she made out the outline of his frame , and began to tread lightly towards him. what her fear was , she was not entirely sure. perhaps time had altered the affection. perhaps the capital would help him to see the necessity of a southern partnership. she stood in silence for a long moment , watching him wordlessly as breeze flicked long dark hair across her face. a fond smile touched her lips , and his turning to face her stole the breath from her lungs.
❝ you ought to take care not to remain too long in it , my king, lest it go to your head. ❞ she did not budge from her spot , but love radiated in her gaze. ❝ it would serve no one to have two mad kings in the capital. ❞
