courage in flight, wisdom in fall @wisdominfall-blog - Tumblr Blog

“Instead of just standing there, just tell me what you want.”

princessbeyondthewall:

It was another cold and dreary day at Castle Black, the snow fell as usual and all who need not be outside were taking shelter within the castle’s walls. There was one however who braved the cold, a woman in a bearskin cloak who seemed neither bothered nor eager to get inside. She was a sight that the men of the nights watch had long since become accustomed to, one many of them enjoyed as a matter of fact. Val, the Wildling Princess. It was a well-known fact that Val hated to be idle, she didn’t like to be huddled up inside all day and if she got bored well…gods help them all. Despite her having lived at Castle Black for many years she had still not grown fond of the Crows that surrounded her day in and day out, when she got bored she would often take to fighting them under the guise of ‘training’ and very few escaped without injury. It was perhaps for that very reason that all the trainees below breathed a silent sigh of relief as they saw someone approach her. Val, however, was less pleased. She had become accustomed to having to deal with the southerners on behalf of her people but that did not mean that she enjoyed it any more than when she had first bent the knee to Selyse Baratheon. She didn’t bother to turn around to address them “Whatever you are here for must be very important to bring you this far north” It was only a little patronizing, that was something Lord Crow had requested she work on when dealing with the people south of the wall.

The free folk were outnumbering the men at Castle Black more and more every day. For Bethany, she found them curious. She had only ever met one before and they were inspiring, to say the least. “I came to check on the men here.” A few months prior, Castle Black had suffered a massive loss from when they were attacked and Bethany had helped as much as she could’ve. “I don’t make a habit of travellinghere though.”

#c: val #princessbeyondthewall

queenmxker:

“all family is bound by duty. every noble person is as well. duty, duty, duty. i live for my own and never let it waver but i do not stop it from keeping me from getting what i want. a higher station? was it lord or perhaps someone even higher? if you give me a name, i will give you the name of mine and of the one i actually loved.”

"It is the way my father has raised me and my brothers. House Blackwood would always serve the king or queen of the Riverlands and we have never done so to seek personal gain or favor.” Though Robb was the first Northern King, he was born in the Riverland’s and had the Tully look about him. “Robb Stark. I gave everything to him and I believe I loved him. I may still but I haven’t seen him in over a year.”

#c: arianne #queenmxker

dutifulwolf:

❅ open starter for kingdomofseven

A long walk was exactly what she had needed after the previous day she was cooped up inside the castle. The weather was slightly colder and she was happy for it because of how much it did remind her of her first home. “You can join me if you’d like,” she said with a smile on her face for a greeting, “I always enjoy walks when they are with another person.”

The Vale wasn’t a place that Bethany had felt at home. It wasn’t like Winterfell nor did it have a similar feeling to Raventree Hall but Bethany had tried to adjust and feel as if she was part of the castle. She had just assumed it was because of her trip to the free cities and had hoped that was all there was to it. “I would love to join you.” Bethany smiled after putting her book down.

#c: sansa #dutifulwolf

stainedalys:

“It is very far away,” Alys replied with a nod. Dorne was the very edge of Westeros–Alys had never seen so much of the realm, and now she would have the chance to see some of it as they traveled south. “But I hope that we will. I will pray for it.”

"Do not think of the distance from your first home, think of Dorne as a land that will truly allow you to be the person that you are meant to be.” Bethany would never know the hardships of being born with Alys’ station but she would not be like the others and simply ignore her. No, Bethany wished the best for her friend even if it meant her moving away.

#c: alys #stainedalys

thornedmargaery:

“Women face different sorts of monsters, ones which are less interesting to the story-tellers,” Margaery replied with a smile. “Joseph is a wonderful brother. It troubles him that he is so far in the Reach while Cassana remains here–we write one another very often, and he’s worried that she’ll grow to not know her brother.” Margaery’s smile softened some at the edges. There was nothing she wanted so much as to have both her children with her, though the positive effect staying alone at Highgarden had had over Joseph was undeniable. “That is untrue, of course, and once Cassana is just a bit older we will travel to Highgarden and spend time there.”

"But equally just as brave as the men fighting dragons in the stories.” The hard ships that women faced on a daily occurrence was something most just pretended did not exist. Int this time, most women were only judged on how many heirs they could produce but no one seemed to care what more there was to a woman. “I’m sure that Joseph will return to the rock soon and he’ll spoil his little sister.” Bethany had been fortunate to be surrounded by loving brothers who not only protected her, but encouraged her to be more that what the world wanted.

#c: margaery #thornedmargaery

stainedalys:

“By a very small amount of people,” Alys answered with a sheepish smile. She had no firm connections in the Vale even amongst her fellow servants–and she had not seen her mother in years. As it was, Cissy’s letters had caused for Alys’ feelings towards the woman to cool considerably. Alys wasn’t certain she would miss her, and given that she hadn’t done what Cissy had wanted, Alys didn’t know if her mother would miss her either. “But…I do very much cherish your kindness towards me. And though I cannot say I hope I will return to the Vale again, I hope that your travels will somehow bring you to Dorne, so that I might see you again.”

Bethany knew practically nothing of Alys and her mother’s relationship but she could tell that something at the vale was making her miserable and Bethany had assumed it was her own father making things a little complicated. “Your words sound so final,” Bethany smiled a little, hiding the sadness growing. “We will see each other again Alys. Dorne may be far but it is a distance that can be traveled.”

#c: alys #stainedalys

xiijonx:

“it is.” jon breathed. a small smile appeared on his face. “honestly, i can’t remember the last time i had a decent meal.” the commander spoke; brown hues finding hers.

"I imagine the wall doesn’t have much to offer in terms of fresh meat.” Bethany added. It wasn’t meant to be an insult and the whole realm had known about the state of the wall’s circumstances and despite this, hardly any had offered help. “How come you are so far away from the wall?”

#c: jon #xiijonx

queenmxker:

“if you are a friend then you are a concern of theirs. that is how ifeel about my own friends and i would think they would feel the same, regardless of a kingdom. i gave my virtue to someone who was a bastard and i do not regret it. i wanted it. that does not mean i should not wed and it is the same for you, bethany.”

“I understand that your grace but my family does not share the same views. We are bound by duty and my duty is not to have my king or queen find a match but to rule the people with honor and justice.” It wasn’t surprising that Arianne was not a maid but the surprise was that she had given it to a bastard despite her station and his. “I gave mine to someone of a higher station and I care for him still but I am just a lady from a small holding in the Riverlands.”

#c: arianne #queenmxker

acrownedwclf:

Now that he could look at her properly, he could definitely tell she had changed. Her posture, the way she walks, or maybe it’s just him. He smiled a little as she bowed, none of that was necessary and she probably knew it.

“Perhaps you’ll lead an army one day, who knows ?” He replied. From what he had just seen, she had learned new fighting skills on her trip and Robb could not help but being curious. He had never been outside Westeros, and even on this continent he had not seen the half of it. Unconsciously he took a few steps towards her. “So, how was Essos ?”

It was hard not to notice Robb’s smile. It becomed him and it was something she had missed seeing while she had been away. Bethany smiled in response, just a little smile at first, but as it grew it pressed her rosy cheeks up and then the smile reached her eyes, lighting them, causing them to crinkle at the the corners.

“You have more faith in me than I do.” Bethany laughed. It was a way of deflecting the compliment as she had been away for so long, it was still a little strange to hear such things. “Essos was different,” Bethany began to explain. “I learned so much but my heart will always belong to Westeros.” Bethany hadn’t noticed that Robb had moved closer as she herself had subconsciously moved closer to him. “How was your year, I feel as if it’s been a life time since we’ve seen each other so you must tell me.”

#c: robb #acrownedwclf

thornedmargaery:

“Yes, well…the people prefer stories of knightly bravery, as compared to the stories of a profoundly clever man. I’m equally proud of both of my brothers, and all that they’ve done.” She smiled softly, and added: “and all that Garlan did for us, before he was taken.” Margaery smiled brightly as Cassana was brought in by her nursemaid, and was clearly elated by the chorus of coos met by her cousins and ladies that had sat to join them. Eagerly, the Queen took her daughter into her arms. “She has, hasn’t she?” Margaery brushed a hand over the child’s dark curls, and smiled warmly as Cassana opened her eyes. “What can I offer you to drink? We have rosewater, and wine, of course…there is some hippocras as well, made at Highgarden.”

"The same can be said for women. Many prefer stories of gallant men who face monsters daily and yet no one speaks of the women.” Even her own relatives had stories that were almost forgotten had it not been for her father’s personal library. Those stories had showed Bethany that she could be more than a mother and wife. They had inspired her but the stories of women were so few.

It was lovely to see the queen so besotted with her daughter. Even at such a young age the little princess seemed to have the Baratheon look, just like her older brother. “And how is the prince liking being a brother?” Her own brothers were kind and caring but often they had teased her mercilessly but in a fun, sibling way. “Rosewater would be fine.”

#c: margaery #thornedmargaery

stainedalys:

“I do not think the Queen will break her word.” She was more concerned that other forces would impede her from leaving the Vale–it was a paranoia of hers to be trapped in the Eyrie forever. “Queen Arianne is very kind. And…people like me are treated differently in Dorne. I want to go very badly.”

"She does not seem the type to do such a thing.” Arianne did seem kind and Dorne was almost like a different part of the world with their forward thinking ways. In many ways Bethany had thought they were more advanced in some areas than the people of Westeros. “I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful life for yourself in Dorne Alys. You’ll be very missed though.”

#c: alys #stainedalys

xiijonx:

Bethany watched with peculiar interest as she watched the night watchman engorge in the finer meats of Winterfell. It had been so long since she had been back but she had to see Eddara after she returned and Winterfell one last time. “The food is rather good isn’t it?”

#c: jon #xiijonx

thedragonreturns:

Aegon was wrapped in a loose fitting black shirt, though half his chest and his right shoulder were armoured with a thick leather shoulder pad. His trousers were off-white and covered in the dirt from the day he had spent in the practice yard against his best knights. It had been a productive day and Aegon had learnt a lot about trying to take on multiple swordsman at once; he was thoroughly covered in dirt, scrapes and sweat. While he normally maintained an aura of aloofness that kept him looking like a traditional prince, as it was he was more like one of his mercenaries.

Aegon washed his face in the water bowl and ran a damp towel over the back of his neck after a particularly hard session. As he did so, a runner appeared from his messenger team, the sun hitting his face turned his pale skin amber, and his breath heaved as he arrived.

“My King, Bethany Blackwood is here, she was assaulted on the road.”

Aegon’s charming face pulled into a vicious snarl.

“Garth! Bring me a horse!”

His guard obliged while the messenger continued relaying his information.

“She’s at your tent Your Grace. It appears she was attacked personally.”

The dark stallion was brought quickly and Aegon swung onto him bareback in one fluid motion; demonstrating the strength and skill of a seasoned rider. Bareback he kicked the horse strongly into a gallop so he could cross the camp as quickly as possible. The horse wasn’t his strongest, probably unsuitable to a cavalry but he was fast, much faster than a stock stallion. Aegon would see this one brought to his personal stables. His training leather boots drove the horse to find a new gear and within a couple minutes he could see his own tent.

The sun hit his back as he approached his tent, Bethany Blackwood as eerily cabalistic as her name could make her stood reverently outside.

Did she think he was inside? Fuckwit guards, how dare they keep my kin waiting for me.

The sun behind him drove him the last few yards, and he threw his horse and person into a sharp rear on his hind legs and a loud bray.

“Lady Blackwood!”

Aegon dismounted as easily as he had mounted initially and gentle put his arms around her protectively. Her face was red and her hair in tousled tumbles evidently from her running.

“Please come inside Bethany, tell me everything.”

Bethany had only just noticed that her dress was torn. It usually had a natural feathered skirt that had pleated accents for the bodice with a cutout back, but now her dress had different rips and fabric torn apart. She was still covered which was the main thing but she was hardly ready to receive royalty. “Your grace.” She was about to bow but instead she was taken by surprise when he pulled her into a protective hug and then she soon followed him inside the tent. “I hate to disturb you, your grace, I had no choice. It seems House Greyjoy still has some loyalists.”

“I came because I fear for Daenerys. I haven’t heard any news of her in weeks and I fear that something may have happened.” Though she did not believe it was Harrold’s fault, she had a duty to protect Sansa and now her son. “Last I heard she was heading for Dorne and I was hoping you had heard something.”

#c: aegon #thedragonreturns

acrownedwclf:

The noise had caught Robb’s attention, the familiar sound of steel against steel reached his ears and he could not help but at least take a peek. From where he stood he could make out two figures fighting — nothing out of the ordinary. He took a few steps towards the pair, careful not to intrude.

There was definitely something familiar about the woman, which was weird because he could only see her back. One thing was sure though, she was good with a blade. Robb leaned against the small wood fence in front of him and could not repress his smile when the woman hit her opponent.

Then he finally saw her face and felt a bit stupid for not recognizing her sooner. True, they had not seen each other in a long time, but he remembered her perfectly. Never he would have expected to see Bethany today when he woke up this morning and seeing her now made him realize how much he had actually missed her.

Without really thinking he took a few steps towards where she was resting with her partner. It was strange, seeing her after all this time and for a moment he wondered what to do, what to say — it was almost like meeting a new person.

“Well, I wouldn’t want to be faced with you on a battlefield”

The last time Bethany had saw Robb was the morning of Sansa’s wedding. It was the morning that she had given her king her virtue but soon after, Bethany’s father had sent her away for a year to the free cities to refocus her priorities and to learn more skills. She had carried that back to Westeros when she arrived a few weeks back. She bowed to her king, a little breathless from her work out but still, he was her king and he needed to be shown the proper respect.

Bethany nodded to her partner who then gathered their things and left without any haste. “With any luck you won’t have too.” Bethany smiled, still red in the face from the work out. “If I’m fortunate, perhaps one day I’ll be fighting in your armies.” A bold dream but Bethany had much preferred the royal guard but it was no place for a noble woman. She was no lady of House Mormont nor was she as skilled as Ezzara but she was allowed to dream.

#c: robb #acrownedwclf

queenmxker:

“being friends with someone royal is considered personally close. if you want a husband, your queen or her brother can find you one from a house more noble than your current one. say some out loud and i will tell you my own reasons to why i have not found a suitable match for myself. its a good tale.”

“If I were to need a husband, I would prefer to look for one myself. The queen and king have kingdoms to run and I should not be a concern of theirs.” Even though she was friends with Sansa and something more with Robb but a husband was a personal matter. “I...” Bethany could barely find the words. “I gave my virtue to another and I don’t regret it, not for a moment, but I know I can’t marry now.”

#c: arianne #queenmxker

stainedalys:

“We are not and we will never be siblings. I had three brothers who died. That’s all.” Alys replied, her tone forceful. She did like Bethany quite a bit–she was kinder than the majority of the noblewomen she’d known–but she felt that the older woman could not truly understand her predicament or her feelings. She tried to smile even still as Bethany embraced her, and the gesture worked slightly. “I hope to. Nothing is certain yet. But I hope for it. I pray for it often.”

Bethany could tell that the subject of Harrold’s new son had been a difficult one which was to be expected, so she dropped the matter entirely. “If the queen has promised it already I doubt that she is one to break such promises.”

#c: alys #stainedalys

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