⊰ ── ( CHAOS IS A LADDER )

[vaermina]

---

[skydust]

✧ 𝑅𝐴𝑌𝑀𝑂𝑁𝐷 𝑇𝑈𝐿𝐿𝑌
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✧ cis male ✧ 22 ✧ lord of riverrun ✧ tags: Janessa, Rheva, Kermit, Andrik (Valian)

“Long may he reign,” Raymond Tully echoed with the rest of the room. He politely clapped with everyone else as the new king sat on his throne. The room once again filled with conversation. Raymond kept a pleasant smile on his face, but it felt wrong for some reason. It was strange having to suddenly treat someone in a completely different manner. To look at them in a different light. All Raymond could see in Andrik was a profound tiredness. His eyes held something heavy, almost as if it was weighing on his shoulders. A burden that was so heavy he could barely carry it. A loss that was so heavy he could barely stand it. Raymond swallowed nervously. It was never a pleasant sight to see someone holding the world on their shoulders. What was even less pleasant was the new threat on the horizon.
Whoever had killed the last king was still out there. Rumours about who had done it scurried throughout nobles walls like bugs between rocks. He kept his mouth sealed of course. It wouldn't be a wise decision to mention the assassination of the late king in front of his children. He wouldn't let himself speak of it even if he wanted too. He constantly thought of how he was failing as a lord of Riverrun. Like he was letting someone out there down. His perfectionism could be a flaw to some, or a blessing to others. Raymond didn't mind being the best version of himself, but nothing ever felt like enough. Of course he would be helpful, brave, fierce, and kind. It was what was expected of him. But when he came to simple things, that's when it became something he hated. Like if his smile wasn't perfect, or if he walked awkwardly. Or maybe it was practicing swinging a sword over and over, because he couldn't possibly let his family down when the time came to actually swing it at someone.
Raymond pushed his thoughts back, trying to distract himself. Which came rather easily, as his older brother decided to speak up. Which of course lead Janessa to say her peace on what Kermit had so graciously commented. It seemed the two of them were constantly fighting about something. The carriage ride to King's Landing hadn't been much different either. Kermit and Janessa at each other's throats practically the whole ride here. At least it was slightly warmer in King's Landing then in the Riverlands. It had already started to cool down in the Riverlands, another sign that winter was coming. Raymond cleared his throat, trying to get the attention of his two older siblings. It didn't work though. They only continued to glare at one another before Janessa turned to both him and Rheva. Rheva was the youngest of the Tully bunch, and Ray probably got along with her the most. She was rather timid most of the time, but she was probably the closest friend Raymond had. Ray smiled sweetly and nodded at what Janessa had said, his teeth glittering white. "We should. You can only stare at the same river for so long. It's a lot different here. A good different. The trip over here was...interesting," he said, clearing his throat once again and avoiding eye contact.
He found Rheva's eyes, and he could tell she was a tad overwhelmed. He squeezed her shoulder slightly, giving her a reassuring smile before nodding at the suggestion to give their support to the new king. He followed Janessa through the crowd, his tunic a flash of red and blue as he made his way up to the iron throne. Raymond could see that several other noble lords and ladies had made their way to talk to the king. Once they had finished, he followed Janessa's lead and bowed with her towards the new king. Andrik looked even more sad up close, the bags under his eyes deeper in the lighting. He was last to say his support and congratulations to the king, nodding along with his siblings until it was his turn. "Your grace. As my sister said, House Tully gives it's utmost support towards you. I will gladly raise my sword to defend your cause." Ray smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He could only focus on the sadness that engulfed House Tyrell before turning around and following his family.
As he made his way down, he caught a flash of black hair and equally black fabric swirl past him. He turned, ignoring Kermit taunting his sister for a second as his dark blue eyes landed on the woman he had spotted. Valian Baratheon and himself had been bethroated for a bit, and yet they really hadn't spoken all that much. He knew that she adored the more lavish things in life, and wasn't really all interested in the ongoings of Westeros. He was still curious about knowing more about her. Afterall he was betrothed to the Baratheon. All plans of that had been canceled for the time being though, the assassination of the king a much bigger priority for the Tullys at the moment. He blinked, finally realizing he was staring before turning back to his family. Janessa looked like she was about to bite his brother's head off, so it was probably about time he should step in and mediate the conversation."Let's not bicker at a time like this. How about we all get ready for the feast?" Ray suggested, trying to change the subject and avoid yet another fight. Hopefully one of his siblings would support the idea instead of ignoring it. He really didn't want to stop Janessa from strangling Kermit in the middle of the great hall.

[landogate]

𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒X𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋

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XTWENTY-FOUR. PRINCESS OF DORNE. HOUSE MARTELL. PANSEXUAL. LOCATION: DRAGONSTONE. TAGS: MARKAS, ASIRA, CULTISTS, THE TARGS
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xxxAMARIS chewed at her inner cheek, nerves rising the further the two siblings were forced to wait outside. she took her time now to play with the skirt of her dress, picking up one of the thin layers of fabric and relaying it. she also made sure the leather parts of her dress were shown correctly, flat and curled around her body like snakes. she pushed her hair back over her shoulders so it hung wildly, three small braids from the top of her skull merged into one, among a background of thick dark hair. a quick glance to markas and amaris knew he was getting impatient. she mumbled a prayer under her breath and readjusted her posture as the great doors began to creek. she stood tall now, and would know a genuine, toothy smile would make this interaction go better. when the doors did open and let the dim light of the clouded day flood into the throne room, amaris was forced to keep her mouth shut in awe. in the dead center of the room along the back wall was the throne. the hall was lined with the bulky guards, who wore horned helms and pins like the guards that had greeted them all the way back on the beach.

xxxTHE throne sat empty, for the heir presumptuously who asira was to marry. had he already taken her to bed? the targaryens certainly moved quickly. a woman, unknown to either of the siblings seemed to float just behind or near the throne, perhaps the queen mother? putting her thoughts aside amaris walked in tandem with her brother, shoulders held high and face inviting. she didn't hold any features from just prior, the slag of her shoulders or the nervous chewing of her cheek, she made sure of it. "prince markas, princess amaris. i introduce to you lady naerys, lady saenera and lord rhaegon of house targaryen; the rightful rulers of the seven kingdoms." amaris gave a simple nod and smiled, would they not give themselves the titles of prince and princess to the throne? she wondered, before the guard, marcun spoke again. "your sister is being shown the castle by lord dramon as we speak. i also introduce lady myrrine, their mother." as would be expected, it is her marriage after all.

xxxAMARIS first curtsied to the lady myrinne, even though she floated about the siblings in front of her, she seemed to hold the power. then she dipped further to the lords and ladies who stood before her, in tandem to markas. before she could even open her mouth to give her thanks to the family, markas began a speech of how the two families would be joined now, so she clamped her jaw shut and smiled and nodded along to her brothers words. "aye, my brother and i give our fullest support to overthrow the usurper boy, for house targaryen is the true ruler of the seven kingdoms. those who should stand in your way of conquest should suffer." she turned to markas who had forced a smile upon his face, "house martell, as well as dorne, is entirely willing to give you the army, the ships or the cavalry for the fight to follow; as it should." surprisingly amaris' face shifted, to a more serious tone and her voice evened out. "there are not enough words to give our thanks to the new couple's betrothal, or our two houses alignment. i pledge my life and sword to your cause." she curtsied again, her skirt poofing out as she did so.
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[landogate]

𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀X𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑

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XXxxxXTWENTY-FIVE. LANNISTER HEIR. LADY OF HOUSE LANNISTER. CLOSETED LESBIAN. LOCATION: KINGSLANDING. TAGS: TYTOS, LAURANE
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xxxDESPITE her snarky nature toward her brother, priscilla couldn't help but break out into a small smile, but hid it behind the sleeve of her arm as she pretended to fix her earrings as the two walked. it was always like this with those two. priscilla would burden herself with everything the heir should do and tytos could do as he pleased. it wasn't like cilla was jealous of tytos for that, she had just taken the brute of her duties. sometimes it felt like she held both of the duties. one thing she certainly was jealous of her brother for was his personality. jovial and upbeat were two words one could not describe priscilla with.

xxxWHEN tytos took off with a grin priscilla reeled back and blinked. "of course i'm coming do you take me for a fool tyt- oh forget it." she complained and sighed, this time following him, picking up her skirts as she swirled around other guests, passing by the tully gaggle who seemed to be in the midst of a family feud. she passed numerous other guests but saw no martell or greyjoy symbols. priscilla's ability to double cross still hadn't given way to who was or wasn't aligned with the targaryens. she had yet to greet them, lie to their faces about her support while still funneling lannister coin into tyrell hands. anyone of these houses could be doing the same thing she was doing, alliances were faulty at best, and priscilla always liked to be on the winning side. if the martells and the greyjoys backed the targaryens and their serpents, it meant that they had the largest fleet, aside from the redwyne and tyrell fleet at their backs, as well a large portion of south westeros to take for an army. she made a mental note to ask her advisers when she returned to casterly rock on updates of those two houses. it wasn't like they were an imposing threat, three greyjoys and three martells compared to all of westeros?

xxxTRYING to keep her thoughts about who was or wasn't targaryen aligned, priscilla arrived to where the lady laurane stood, imposing in her frock. "lady laurane," she said with a short nod of her head, her hands falling in front of her skirt neatly. "what a pleasure it is to see you." priscilla played with the jewelery of her rings with her fingers subtly. "my apologies, what a pleasure it is for us to see you." she corrected herself, for tytos seemed lost.
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[vaermina]

---

[vaell]

ＬＡＵＲＡＮＥ　ＡＲＲＹＮ ！
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( title. lady of the vale; protector of the vale ) ( tagged. nathaley, priscilla, tytos | mentioned: micah ) ( location. kings landing; throne room )


indentthe procession of nobles wishing the king good fortune and pledging their fealty would be a long, drawn out one, unfortunately for the arryn sisters. neither of them particularly enjoyed venturing outside of the eyrie, let alone the vale, which garnered them a few inquisitive exchanges from some lesser houses that came and go in approaching them. was it that they were surprised the arryns had made an appearance at the coronation - and not because of the utter inaccessibility of travel that the vale faced in the winter, but rather because many knew of their avoidance of the other realms? she could hardly understand as to why anyone would want to willingly leave their homelands, unless absolutely necessary, of course. such values had been preached by the former lord and lady of the vale, laurane having gladly absorbed the entirety of their beliefs throughout her life. her own love for the vale was matched only by nathaley, and her parents, whom had tried to ensure the arryn children hold a high appreciation for the sentimental value of their homelands. so of course she felt strongly that adventure was only another form of recklessness, just an excuse to parade new lands for the fun of it. and what for, amusement and pleasure? it was nearly pitiful. so, if it wasn't already evident by the way her her lips were pressed into a hard line, laurane was ready to wrap things up, and the feast had not yet even commenced.
indentshe glanced down to her younger sister as they finally caught a break, a lesser lord giving them a final bow before he took his leave. unsurprisingly, nathaley had stuck to her side, as dutiful as ever. at least someone was mindful. she couldn't say the same for her daft brother, whom had decided to slip off from her side at some point during which they made to congratulate the new king. of course he would take any chance he could to mingle with other lords and ladies, probably spouting some sort of nonsense about how he was so glad to be in the capital. as if he were cooped up in the eyrie, some sort of prisoner. what a joke. she had thrown a single glance over her shoulder after having descended down the dais to see if micah had come that far with them, though obviously he had not. she had given him too much credit, assumed he still had some sort of sense not to wander off. though truthfully she couldn't say she was shocked.
indentnow, laurane looked back to the crowd, eyes slowly scanning the guests. it didn't take long for her to spot the back of micah's head from across the gallery. though surrounded by others, her brother often stood out amongst crowds, mostly thanks to his height. she pursed her lips at the sight. he seemed to be talking to someone, though her view was obstructed by other guests. laurane, knowing well enough not to bring any negative attention to their house, made no move to approach him, the only sign of her irritation being the slight tightening of her clasped hands. how lucky he was, for he could escape her scolding just this once. she told herself that he was doing her a favor, giving her a chance to relish of time spent without him in company, whether he knew it or not. and besides, more important matters needed to be tended to over the likes of micah. so when she did turn her gaze from where her brother was positioned, she only was met with an even more disconcerting sight. for a moment, she couldn't do anything but eye the two lannisters approaching her. oh gods. her eyes barely lingered there before she forced herself to look back to nathaley instead, as if she hadn't just witnessed tytos lannister all but strutting toward her, his sister not far behind him. objectively, ser tytos was undeniably pleasing to the eye, a handsome man whom probably found no trouble in attracting both women and men alike with his looks alone. she could admit this. though, unfortunately for him, laurane wasn't so easily enticed. she knew that sometimes, the words that came out of his mouth..well, they weren't so attractive.
indentalready unprepared for what would await her for not only now, but for the rest of her life, she looked to tytos as he first arrived at a pause in front of her, lowering himself into a deep bow, leaving the arryn lady to meet his eyes as he rose. "ser tytos," she greeted him evenly before giving him in return a low curtsey. though his tone didn't entirely let it on, laurane could nearly tell that he was holding back in some sort of enthusiasm at seeing her once more. so, she tried to offer him a small smile once she rose, despite her naturally indifferent disposition not having otherwise budged an inch for her betrothed. "mmm. oh, yes. wonderful, indeed," her words came off as a whole lot more half-hearted than his own, as though trying to move along from the niceties that he was already beginning to put her through. she made sure to hold eye contact with the man, though, blue eyes locked upon his own hazel ones, as something of a challenge. when he spoke again, this time regarding the coronation, she was just about sure he had simply ran out of things to say. "i suppose so. though, given the circumstances, i'm not sure beautiful is the most fitting of words." she spoke rather bluntly, not even her future husband spared from her cool demeanor. simply put, the crowning had been memorable at most; the newly crowned king of the six kingdoms seemed somber, probably as a result of his father passing, and the red keep was drab and she was stuck in a castle full of many for gods knew how long. what of that contained any beauty? "nonetheless, still a grand day," she continued on, making sure he knew she did enjoy the coronation to some extent, even if it had been more exhausting than anything. thinking about the festivities to come was even worse. but still, she humored him anyway, adding, "and, one to be spent in one another's company from here on in." could this be the very start of their lives together? it wouldn't be long until the celebrations wrapped up, and the arryns, along with ser tytos, would be heading back to the vale. even sooner would they be wed, there was no doubt about that. she needed to secure the fate of their two houses as soon as possible, and laurane would act swiftly, even if that meant marrying the man within days of their arrival.
indentthankfully, lady priscilla arrived at her brothers side just in time, the perfect escape from more aimless conversation, and all at once, she took in her adornment. the lannister lady wore her house riches shamelessly, donning a deep red gown significantly different than her own. her future sister in-law, she realized. "lady priscilla," she greeted in return, giving the woman a small nod as well. it was slightly painful that she had to correct herself to include ser tytos, but still, laurane made no show of such. "please. the pleasure is mine. i do hope you both had agreeable travels to the crownlands?" her gaze shifted from both the lady of casterly rock and the lannister knight. she couldn't say she had the most pleasant journey herself, with short-lived bickerings between her and micah - nathaley, too, whenever she decided to pull her into their disputes - and musings filling her own trip to kings landing. none of that would need be mentioned, though. so getting right to it, still trying to push through the pleasantries, she made sure to keep a small smile upon her lips as she then spoke. "if i may, i am so very thankful for the union of our houses in these trying times. while the vale encounters hardship, especially with winter upon us, i can only see a fruitful, sure future for both house lannister and house arryn." this was more so directed to priscilla, whom was just as well aware what this alliance meant for the both of them. with prospects of war on the horizon, their arrangement was even more pressing than ever before. promptly, she turned her attention back to her husband to-be. "i do hope you look forward to our arrival in the vale, whenever we may depart from kings landing, ser. i'm sure you will find great joy in the beauty of the eyrie," her tone grew more lively than usual as she continued on, the mention of her homelands clearly eliciting a more passionate response from her. "it is like no other castle, surrounded by the mountains of the moon. a stark change from casterly rock, but i can assure you, it won't take long to grow fond of. and though i know you have travelled westeros far and wide, i can think of no better a place to settle down. it's magnificence is, in fact, unrivalled." and while she had no intent of flaunting over the lannisters the wealth they clearly possessed, if she were being honest, who would enjoy looking out onto the sunset sea at casterly rock their whole lives? the eyrie was simply vastly superior over that carved, colossal stone hill they resided at.
indent"and, of course," she then turned to nathaley, her hand once more resting upon her younger sisters shoulder as she took the courtesy to introduce her to both her future in-laws. "my lovely younger sister, lady nathaley arryn." though nathaley was strikingly quiet in nature, even having some believing her to be a mute, laurane knew of her sisters voice, soft and delicate. hearing the younger woman sing to herself always brought a smile to her lips as she passed through the halls of the eyrie. and just now she was realizing how embarrassing it was that micah wasn't with the two of them. so, eager to avoid wonderings of his presence or any otherwise painstaking inquiries, she then added, "you both must be looking forward to the feast?"

[vaermina]

---

[landogate]

𝐄𝐋𝐌𝐎X𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐉𝐎𝐘

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XXXXXTWENTY-SEVEN. GREYJOY PIRATE. LORD OF HOUSE GREYJOY. BISEXUAL. LOCATION: DRAGONSTONE JAIL. TAGS: CULTISTS, NAERYS
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xxxTHE dim light of the torch strapped to the wall kept elmo company as he remained bound. a guard would occasionally walk by, the shadows flaying over the bars. eventually he stopped pulling at his binds, slumping down against the wall. his hair fell into his face, sweat pouring down his head, separating into dollops along the front of his face. it was uncomfortably warm, despite being in the early stages of a winter. elmo had just traveled from pentos, where it was always comfortably warm, the air tinged with spices and perfumes, which was unlike his current situation. he was left to sit in a daunting silence. the only noise he could make out was his own breathing/panting, the occasional crackle of flames and the rare set of footsteps.

xxxTHE damp dungeon was silent, and as elmo re positioned himself against the wall, letting his legs uncurl from below him, as he sort of threw himself onto the floor. he grimaced but got up the best he could and finally rested his back against the bumpy wall. it didn't feel as though it were brick, but rather as if a dragon burnt the wall into shape, long, long ago. he swallowed thickly and closed his eyes for a split second. without even thinking he knew straight away to sing, it had always calmed him, for as long as he could remember. even if it were just under his breath or to his beloved bear when they docked at some port he was unfamiliar with. "it's always summer under the sea, i know, i know, oh, oh, oh." he rung out, tilting his head back, eye's still closed. "the birds have scales, and the fish take wing, i know, oh, oh, i know." his shoulders slumped as he began to finally calm down, and his temperature began to regulate, the sweat dripping from his forehead drying, and his hands began to soften, pain no longer coming to them. "the rain is dry, and the snow fal-" elmo's eye's snapped open and he visibly jumped in the dim light as a voice interrupted his singing. his quiet, melodic tone turned sour instantaneously.

xxxHE snarled and attempted to rise to his knees, his hands going taught at the pulling of the tight ropes. "who are you? the executioner?" he laughed boldly, if he were imprisoned, talking to a lesser guard like this would not aid him in his escape or release, so in his mind he could speak as vile or boldly to this woman, she looked like a regular noblewoman, if that. "i have not been to westeros in years, i only don the kraken out of empty promises to my brothers. word from pentos is that dragonstone is inhabited again, but yet, i only see guards with serpent pins, quiet cells and you, a noblewoman, surely." a night before his departure he had been with a woman who told him of the ghosts of dragonstone, where if you sailed close enough you might see the ghost of a dragon diving into the ocean to feed, or a fire lit from one of the turrets. he had laughed her off, before she had looked at him with a complete seriousness in her eyes saying, "my brothers have sailed there. a fog lingers. there's these cliffs that seem to never end, and a mountain of this shiny black glass." elmo reminisced, "dragonglass is what you speak of," he had returned, "dragonglass. what if i asked you to return to me with dragonglass?" elmo had smiled and rolled over, blowing out the candle that illuminated the room from the bedside table. he had never returned an answer for her question, eventually slipping away in the night and boarding his ship, preparing to sail before the sun would even reach over the horizon.

xxxIF he could get out of here alive he would return to pentos with his life, he would find her and tell the tale of how the ghosts of dragonstone are false, real humans, fleshy and bloody walk the halls. "i have barely even seen the coastline of the west in decades," he sneered up at the woman. "you say how weak i am as a pirate, but where did the strength to free myself of the current come from? magic?" he chuckled and successfully got himself to his knees. his eyes were fixated above him, onto the woman. "i'll answer my own question, strength. what is dead may never dead may never die." he seethed, crawling with his knees further. "ironborn do not die to the sea, woman, we control it." he grimaced as he tried to stand, finishing his jumbled speech, "you seem powerful enough, with allies behind you, you could slaughter me like a lamb, do not humor me, nothing i say can help me now."
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[winterfell.]

─ ♔ -- ( ＳＡＥＮＥＲＡ ＴＡＲＧＡＲＹＥＮ ) ─────────────────────────────────
⇉ [ location : dragonstone ] [ title : lady of dragonstone ] [ tagged : myrrine; targs; martells ] [ 1653 words ]


- - - - -As uncomfortable as it might have been, there was nothing more that Saenera could do to appease Myrrine -- to please the cult -- than simply await their guests. There was a small smile on her lips at her mother's compliment, at the notion that she might have been beautiful. Valyrian blood was supposed to make one beautiful. She saw what it did to her brothers -- and Naerys, despite her features favoring her mother rather than their shared Targaryen father. She had a hard time seeing beauty in herself though. She supposed that wasn't uncommon, but it shouldn't be the case for someone of such exceptional blood. Dramon was sure to remind her of that regularly. He never, for a second, doubted his own greatness on account of his lineage. If all went well, his view of the Targaryen bloodline would influence how the rest of Westeros viewed them, the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms. She had to at last pretend to be deserving of such a title, to hold her head just as high as the rest of her siblings. She needed to be the picture of grace and power. This meeting, their new allies coming to swear fealty and discuss tactics, was the perfect opportunity for her to showcase herself in such a manner. It was why Taenyr sat so proudly on her shoulder, his sharp claws in her skin a reminder that it was her blood that allowed her to coexist with the beast. He served as a symbol of her bloodline and of her future. At the moment, she was a Lady of Dragonstone. Soon, she would be recognized completely as a Princess of Westeros while her brother sat on the Iron Throne. Myrrine would be the one who was actually in control. That was obvious. But, frankly, Saenera didn't care. The woman could have what she wanted as far as she was concerned, so long as the Targaryen regime was restored, the usurpers defeated and punished for casting out her family.

- - - - -Rhaegon joined them shortly after she fell in line, brushing past his siblings as if they didn't exist. After all these years, it had lost its sting. They were the closest in age and, as a child, she expected something from him; acknowledgement or friendship or even rivalry would have been fine. She wanted a brother, but she didn't end up actually getting one until Myrrine brought Dramon into the fold. At this point in her life, however, she as content with that fact. She stood among four siblings, but only really had one. Of course, upon learning more about Naerys and Rhaegon, she learned that this probably wasn't a bad thing. The eldest and youngest of the Targaryen bastards were unpredictable, unhinged, difficult. It was why Dramon was to be married before the heir to the Iron Throne. Rhaegon would make a terrible husband and Naerys a terrible wife. Though it did make her wonder when she would betrothed herself. Perhaps Myrrine was waiting to see if more allies emerged or it the ones they had were trustworthy. It was much less risky for Dramon to take a wife who would take Dragonstone as a home. If things went poorly with the Martells, the Cult wouldn't lose a Targaryen. If Saenera were shipped off somewhere and an alliance were broken, she'd be stuck outside of her ancestral home. Myrrine was nothing if not calculated, so she was sure she had a good reason for how things were unfolding. She knew better than to question her. To her face, at least.

- - - - -The sight of Myrrine on the throne didn't even faze her. It seemed fitting. As she spoke, Saenera also found herself completely unmoved, her speech practiced and unsurprising. She'd heard the bulk of it before. Silverstone was perhaps the most mesmerizing thing about the ordeal, the serpent seemingly actually agree with her master. Despite having a dragon perched on her own shoulder, she found the snake to be a bit unsettling, sentient to a point that she thought was impossible for such a trivial creature. Her eyes were pulled from the serpent at the sound of footsteps, Marcun leading a woman into their chamber. Saenera's eyes fell on the woman, the one who was supposed to marry her brother in a short while. She was a beautiful woman, one whom she was sure Dramon would find alluring. She felt a tinge of jealousy at the woman's dress, far more beautiful than anything she had. However, she took pride in realizing that she suddenly wasn't the weakest woman in Dragonstone anymore. She was certain that she could break the Dornish princess in half if she wanted to. Not that she would, as long as she treated her brother properly, of course. She studied the girl's nervous movements in silence as Myrrine took care of the formalities. The princess was then off with Dramon before Saenera could even realize what was happening, leaving her without her closest confidante. She supposed she should get used to that too.

- - - - -More guests were escorted into the chamber just moments after Dramon left with Asiria Martell, the remainder of the Dornish party. Prince Markus and Princess Amaris were introduced to them. She noted how Markus acknowledged Myrrine before any of the Targaryen bastards. She stiffened at the sight. They were the ruling family. He had no way of knowing that Myrrine was pulling the strings. Did he? She'd keep her mouth shut regardless. It wasn't important, she reminded herself. He bent the knee with a smile on his face and she fought the urge to roll her eyes. No one pledges their fealty to strangers and is happy about it, right? She supposed she should be grateful that he wasn't putting up a fight, that he had done the smart thing and sided with the dragons instead of the Tyrell usurpers. She supposed it didn't matter if their joy was false, so long as they had the Dornishmen to count on in the upcoming war. It was how Amaris spoke that sparked more interest in her. Her words were much more aggressive, focused on the impending conflict rather than the niceties of the alliance. A small smile played on her lips at that. Perhaps sensing some of the tension leaving her, Taenyr also relaxed, his claws resting atop her skin rather than piercing it now. On her other shoulder, she felt the gentle hand of her mother-figure, her body going stiff again as she spoke. Saenera gritted her teeth for a moment, but she knew that the woman was right. She had grown too used to having someone speak for her. Of course, as far as she was concerned, that was always supposed to be her place. Rhaegon would be the one to speak, since he would be the one named King by the end of all of this. She shook that thought off. Now wasn't the time to overthink.

- - - - -There was another intrusion, apparently. A rogue Greyjoy man was in their dungeons, eliciting an eye roll from her. He was a fool to approach Dragonstone unannounced. Still, she felt her blood run cold when Naerys was dismissed to handle the situation. Her sister was ruthless, took pleasure in unspeakable things. Saenera certainly had her aggressive tendencies, but Naerys was bloodthirsty. The Greyjoy man would not survive the day. She wanted to fight that decision, if not for her own moral fiber than for the sake of their alliance with the Iron Islands. Would Lord Cardan Greyjoy be content with allying himself with those who murdered his kin? She couldn't imagine it. If anyone were to lay a finger on any of her siblings -- even the two she didn't talk to -- she'd make sure they paid with fire and blood. But Myrrine certainly thought that part though. She never made a single move that wasn't thoroughly planned, carefully thought out. Surely, the alliance wasn't in jeopardy. So, there was just the matter of Saenera's convictions getting in the way. Shipwreck victims, regardless of what they thought of Dragonstone and the Targaryens, were not worthy of death. They should at least hear what the man has to say for himself, perhaps just hold him until the Greyjoy party arrived and decide on his fate together. But Myrrine had made her decision and already sent her little sister off. The amount of death on Dragonstone in the short while they'd inhabited the island was haunting, but she supposed that was another thing she needed to adjust to. The carnage on the island would soon pale in comparison to the hell they'd unleash on the continent during their conquest.

- - - - -"I can assure you my brother will be an excellent husband. Your dear sister is in wonderful hands," she said, straightening up. Taenyr craned his neck, as if studying the Martell prince and princess. She carefully reached up, brushing her fingers along the dragon's neck. "You loyalty is much appreciated. House Targaryen is grateful to have the power of Dorne at our backs during this time," she added, glancing up at Rhaegon. Surely, he would be the one to ask what they wanted, right? That was his place. Saenera wasn't supposed to deal with the diplomatic things. She wasn't supposed to deal with much of anything, if she remembered correctly. She'd always been the least impressive, least important of the Targaryen siblings. She didn't understand why she hadn't been dismissed already, admittedly. But maybe she'd go a little further, just to get everything out there. Rhaegon wasn't good with people anyway. Maybe he'd appreciate it. If not, he could yell at her later. Myrrine wouldn't have her punished just for doing what she asked, right? "Your house is certainly among the wisest in Westeros for backing the rightful rulers. A wise house like your own doesn't act selflessly. You seek something in return for your loyalty, yes?"

[vaell]

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( title. princess of winterfell ) ( tagged. rodrik | mentioned: lyra, felix, adryana ) ( location. winterfell; courtyard )


indentwhatever peace celia had found in the godswood had been short-lived. she could hardly even spare a moment to react as her twin brother barrelled right into her, tackling her into the snow. a yelp of shock left her lips as she was knocked down by him. "rodrik!" she just about shouted, feeling herself fall backward into the snow beneath them. her attempts to wrestle him back were basically futile as he pinned her into the ground. "get. off!" the princess struggled against him as he disregarded her, making no move to cut it out. if any of her elder siblings were here she'd make sure to get him in trouble for this, but she was out of luck today. there was no lyra or adryana or felix to tell him off. which was exactly why he had no qualms in harassing her. this only made celia more frustrated at the fact that they had left her behind. she was stuck all alone to deal with him? while they were at a coronation for the new king of the six kingdoms? feeling like she most definitely got the wrong end of the agreement, she continued fighting off rodrik, trying to get out from under him as he clearly had the advantage over her. beside them, their direwolf pups battled just as they.
indentthough he yelled about the targaryens and calling the soldiers and whatever else he felt would elicit a response from her, celia couldn't help but feel annoyed at his lack of care. really? making jokes about these kinds of things during such a tense time for everyone? sometimes she wondered how they were even related because she, on the other hand, was definitely put off by the rumors surrounding the late kings murder. it was hard not to be, when you barely knew of war or seen unrest between the great houses of westeros. none of that was familiar territory to the stark girl, not really. learning about it would never be the same as witnessing it or even living through it. so yes, she was nervous and rodrik was doing her no help in settling the concerns she had.
indenta voice sounded behind the two of them, though she could hardly make out the figure coming to approach them. "prince rodrik!" she recognized the voice as winterfell's maester, the man somewhat out of breath from probably having to follow after her twin brother, wherever he had came running from. "princess celia?! both of you, get up!" she wanted to say something but she was too busy grappling with rodrik to reply, finally giving him a final shove as she escaped his grasp. she glared at him as she slowly raised herself up with her elbows. "you shouldn't be joking about that kind of stuff, you know!" her hands brushed what they could of the snow off from her thick dress as she kept her eyes locked upon her twin, making sure he wouldn't try something again. "and besides.." she mumbled, finally rising up from where he had knocked her down to. "..you're just trying to act like you're not nervous, like how everyone else is. you know, it's okay to be." of course he was hardly put on edge by the rumors of the how the late king was murdered. how typical of him to take something so serious and make it a joke.
indentreluctantly, she met the maester's expectant gaze. "he tackled me. i swear it." ever so fast she was to make sure the blame was pinned upon her twin. well, seriously, it hadn't been her fault, so she was undeserving of any critical words he had in store for the two of them. besides, the man would probably take her word over his any day, obviously being the more careful of the two. she looked down to rodrik, making sure he saw that the corner of her mouth had quirked up into something of a smug smile. jaide, having backed out from her encounter with holt as rodrik and celia had broken up their own fight, had come back to her side and gave a small whine. she gave her cloak a tug, snow falling from the dark material and back to the ground. still keeping an eye on rodrik, she made to step around him. "hurry and get up, why don't you?" she hissed beneath her breath. "i don't want to have to sit through lessons any longer than usual just because you decided to mess around."
indenther arms crossed over her chest, still looking more than slightly disheveled thanks to being basically ran into, her dark locks a whole lot less neat than they had been only moments earlier. coming to the maester's side, she kept her eyes mostly downcast. "i'm sorry for being a disturbance. if you will forgive me?" she mumbled, not that she had much to apologize for in the first place, but still, it wasn't out of her nature to do so. "there is nothing to forgive, princess," he sighed, looking back to rodrik with dismay. clearly he had been causing some kind of trouble all morning, that much she could tell judging by the annoyance written across his features. she was glad to have avoided rodrik's foolishness, being alone by herself in the godswood for the better part of the morning. "prince rodrik, i do believe you have some explaining to do? just what do you think you are doing? first, falling from the roof of the stables..by the gods, and now you're running around winterfell as if it's some sort of a game!" she stood by as he chastised the prince, enjoying this moment more than anything. it was like pure and utter justice. the hopeful part of her wanted his disapproving words to deter her twin from doing anything else that she herself wouldn't do, though realistically she knew it just wasn't going to happen. rodrik wasn't like that, he would probably play it off and get into more shenanigans soon again. only this time, she was going to follow along with him, and maybe she'd even be able to stop him from getting himself into anymore trouble than he needed to. seriously, what were their siblings going to think? winterfell would be a ruin by the time they were back if rodrik didn't get himself together. "and do trust me, i was being serious when i said this behavior will be made known to your brother and sisters!"