wild thing

Burn them. He couldn’t begin to express how many time’s he’d pulled them from their hiding spot in his rooms, sat beside the fire and considered tossing them into the flame. Yet each time he’d gotten close, something had made him pull back last second and return them to where they’d been. He was ready to grunt in acknowledgement ( a dismissal at her suggestion ), but when she stilled ( her hand moving to her skirts and a clear darkness falling over her face ), he found himself doing the same. It was the shaking in her voice that propelled him forward, any prior anger or heart break he’d felt immediately forgotten. Moving into her personal space until they were but a few breaths apart, his head bent down. “Did he hurt you?” The words were a growled demand ( though his flare of anger was directed toward the man whose name he didn’t know ). 

Before Ashara could process what was happening, Azriel had broken the space that had felt like a wall between them. He was close enough now that she could feel his breath against her skin. Anger, no, rage rolled off of him in dark waves. Ashara turned her head away. She did not want to look at him. He had left. He could do so again, and she would be left in ruin. Her father would be left in ruin. From the moment her fiance’s demeanor had begun to change, Ashara knew that this would be a precarious situation to navigate. One wish she was wildly unprepared for and did not know how to handle still. All she knew was that bringing anyone else into the problem would only put them in danger as well. She was entirely unwilling to do that. It was the reason she’d not told anyone in King’s Landing what had been happening either. “It doesn’t matter.” It did not confirm or deny anything, but for some reason tears had sprung into the corner’s of her eyes.

Rhaena had been worried about her dear friend for a long time, she had hoped Dorne would cheer her up. She listened before standing beside Ashara. “I think home is wherever our heart is,” she said softly with a gentle smile. “Even if you are not here, it is still your home if you wish it to be.” Her lavender eyes gazed out on the city as well. “A beautiful home.” She let a moment of silence pass before speaking up: “Ash, you know if you are unhappy with me or your life in King’s Landing, I will never force you to stay. I would miss you, of course, but I will never deny you happiness.” 

Wherever our heart is... Ashara wonder where her heart truly belonged. It felt like it had been torn in every direction for some time now. Even if she were to return to Dorne, would it feel like home? It wasn’t the location that she’d longed for, but how she’d felt while she lived here. Surely it would not feel like that any longer. “I have not been very many places, but I think that few could rival Dorne in beauty.” She agreed. “I know, Your Grace. You have been very kind to me, but the only other place I could go from here is to the Iron Islands with my betrothed. That is not what I desire, either. Were you frightened when you were meant to be married to someone you did not know?”

Hazel orbs gave her an assessing glance—  somewhat curious if she had forgotten so much about him in their time apart. He had been a slave for years, and the idea of hiring a maester to teach him seemed to be a pointless waste of coin ( particularly when his profession didn’t require the skill ). “It’s an easily forgotten thing.” After all, the woman surrounded herself with Queens and highborn ladies —  the idea of any of them unable to read was unthinkable. “If my time within the capital taught me anything, it is that anything can be used against you.” Perhaps that was why he’d packed them, the fear that someone would discover the plethora of unopened letters and grow curious. And when they later returned and that person told him something about what the said, Azriel would be unable to confirm. “Why?” Why would he want to know what she had to say, when he was now standing before her? Could she not say it now? “If you’re still marrying, then I don’t want to know. Isn’t fair to either of us.”

“No, I didn’t forget. I just hadn’t ever thought about it. I read so poorly myself that I assume everyone else can do better.” Ashara admitted weakly. She felt foolish and embarrassed that something so obvious had gone completely unnoticed by her. She began to anxiously chew on the inside of her cheek. It was a habit that she’d been trying to break to no avail. Her heart quickly sank again. He had only brought the letters so that no one would see them. “If you are that concerned about someone finding them, and don’t care to know what they say, then you can burn them.” She offered quietly. Ashara had written them without expectation that he would return any of them, but a foolish part of her had hoped he would listen to what she wanted to say. Then, when she believe he would never respond, writing the letters had simply become the best way to escape from everything that was happening. Her hand moved to rest on her dagger beneath the layer of her skirt. She noticeably stilled. A shadow fell over her face, and it became impossible to look him in the eye. “If you do not wish to speak with me, then you do not have to. I will walk away right now if you’d prefer it, but no matter what happens, I will not marry that man.” Her voice shook. “Not ever.”

“I’m sure it was,” Lysella said with a smile, watching the girl’s face as she described her home. She truly did admire it. It would have reminded Lysella of herself, if the Rock did not contain as many bad memories to accompany the good. “Then it’s settled! I thought I might need a true Dornish guide and now I have one,” She tilted her head at the girl, her expression turning thoughtful as she appraised her. “I admit, I heard your name among my brother’s court many times, but I had never introduced myself. I do apologize for that,”

Ashara had known that she missed Lemonwood, but perhaps she did not realize how much. All her life, she had dreamed of traveling on grand adventures far away from the town of orchards, but that felt like a lifetime ago now. The comfort of Lemonwood would not be amiss. “I will have to ask Rhaena for leave to travel with you, of course, but I am certain that it should not be a problem.” She said simply. “There is no reason to apologize. I’m sure that you had far more interesting people to talk to.”

In truth, she’d listened to her fathers tales of his travels, but had never cared much for the politics behind it all… and Sunspear or the Watergardens was clearly a trip for just that —  politics. “I am a bastard. I was raised across the narrow sea in Asshai by my mother and grandparents. When she told me of my father, I traveled West and have not returned home since.” Dropping her gaze from the woman, her fingers moved across the surface of the water —   back and forth. “Just a feeling I suppose.”

“I have never met anyone from Asshai except for the Red Priestess. I’ve heard that it is like a different world. Is that true?” She asked, wondering who the woman’s father was. Ashara wasn’t sure that was something she should ask though. It seemed like this conversation had made her sad. That was the last thing that she wanted. “I would prefer to be in Lemonwood, I suppose. I have been very homesick.”

His head inclined into a nod at her thanks, but he couldn’t help but hesitate at her offer for him to come in. Her flinch had given him enough pause that he wanted to be cautious —  but someone had placed that fear into the woman since they’d last spoken, and it was only fitting that he see it rightened ( he was to be her good brother after all ). “There isn’t. But much like it’s people, you’ll find there are a select few plants that persevere. My late wife always kept some in our rooms. Petals of blue mixed with purple. A mix of the sea and the setting sun she said.” Moving into her rooms, Viktor couldn’t help but observe what was scattered about the space. “Forgive me, my lady, if I am being to forward… but did something happen while I was away?”

The way that Viktor spoke about his first wife reminded her of how her father spoke about her mother. There was a sweetness in it and a hope. “They sound lovely. She sounds like she was lovely too. You must miss her terribly.” Ashara took the vase of flowers and set them on a table near her window so that they would have enough light to stay lively for a few more days. “That’s not forward...” Ashara said and furrowed her brow. “You were away for several months. A great deal of things had to have happened while you were away.”

“It sounds like a dream,” She said with a smile, imagining the very groves she spoke of. Questions circled her mind at the young woman’s response. Why wouldn’t she be able to visit to her home? Surely with her proximity, she should travel to Lemonwood any time that she liked. Lysella sensed there was more to that story and placed a kind smile on her face. “Well, I would like to visit this Lemonwood- if only to taste fresh oranges. My family hardly cares for the expenses of a short day trip, perhaps you might accompany me?”

The brunette nodded with a smile. “It was a wonderful place to grow up. I used to spend far too much time in the orchards. I think I fell asleep under the trees more than I did my own bed.” Despite having lived in such close proximity for the past several months, Ashara did not know the King’s sister all that well. She seemed like a kind person, though. “I would like that very much, thank you. I’d be happy to show you around everywhere. You probably couldn’t pay for a better guide.”

Azriel stilled entirely when she flinched ( he even stopped breathing for several beats as eyes roamed her frame ). He hadn’t so much as made a sudden movement and yet he’d earned such an unexpected reaction ( it was enough to tell him that while what he could visibly see was only just scratching the surface ). His teeth ground together, but he tucked the information away for a later time. It was no longer his place to dig, particularly when she so readily avoided his question. “I got your letters.” He admitted. His gaze left her ( the move appearing to be entirely natural as eyes moved over the crowd —  and though they looked, they didn’t truly see anything ). “I can’t read more then basic words.” There was a touch of anger ( embarrassment ) in his voice, though it was directed more so at himself then at her. “They’re in my trunk.” Why he admitted that last part, he didn’t know ( particularly when he always packed light and somehow the stack of letters took up a portion of his space ).

Her heart fell into her stomach for a moment when he admitted that he’d gotten her letters, but had not responded to a single one. Instead, her mouth fell open a bit. “You can’t read?” She should have thought about that. It wasn’t as if he would have had the opportunity to learn. Ashara had a tutor growing up, and she’d still only read the basics. Her septa constantly reprimanded her for her poor spelling. “I’m sorry. I- I didn’t know.” Her hands moved awkward to pull at her skirts. She could feel the metal of the throwing knives and his dagger that was strapped her leg beneath the fabric. “You brought them with you?” That did surprise her. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t written back, but Ashara had simply assumed that he’d thrown them away. “I could read you what they said if you’d like.”

{ @ashoflemonwood​ } 

In the months when the crowds had left King’s Landing and the capitol had gone more quiet than Adelayne had thought possible (though, that didn’t quite mean it was quiet, but the sounds weren’t the same anymore,) the bastard had never been more grateful to have Ashara stay within the Keep. She’d worried constantly about the lemon girl during the six months before the summit – staying up late in Ashara’s chambers, drinking wine and talking, sometimes not talking at all – and was hopeful that her return to Dorne would improve her health. Yet, there still seemed to be something off about her dear friend, even after a day in the sun and laughter into the evening festivities. 

“Do you want to take a walk, Ash?” She asked as she approached her once more, slipping her arm into her’s. “Lady Tya looks preoccupied – I don’t think she’d miss me too much.”

The company of Adelayne had been invaluable to Ashara in the last half year. She was not quite certain where she may have ended up were it not for her ever pleasant friend. The girl was made of sunshine, and they had been friends almost immediately. That friendship had only grown over time. Each could confide their shared insecurities at their positions. They had spent many nights together planning the trip to Dorne. Ashara had been happy to show Adelayne the different fashions. 

“Hm?” Ashara asked looking over to see the blonde. She’d been quite lost in thought when Adelayne had approached her, but a smile spread across her lips. “Oh, that would be nice.” She nodded. “Has she found out everything there is to know about Dorne yet? Speaking of, what do you think? Do you like it here?”

Though Viktor wasn’t always the most observant of men, he was aware enough to witness her visible flinch at the sight of him. Knowing he’d done nothing that would warrant her offense, he quickly deducted it had to do with his brother. Brows furrowing, he quickly shook himself from his thoughts. “Ah.” Offering out the flowers, Viktor gave a small smile. “Yes, I brought them from the shore. There is something familiar along the rocks of the Islands.”

Ashara watched him carefully. He’d noted her flinch, and she wondered momentarily what he made of it. She reached out and accepted the flower, leaning down to take in their sweet perfume. “They are beautiful. Thank you.” She said with a smile. Ashara tried to remember that this man had been nothing but kind to her. “Oh! Oh, please come in. You don’t need to stand out there.” She said and stood aside. “I thought that there was not a lot of vegetation on the Iron Isle.” Ashara turned to find a suitable vase for the flowers.

What a lovely dream that must have been. Casterly Rock was a sight to behold, of course, but one that she had grown used to with time. The water was almost startlingly clear, mirroring the stars in the sky. “Good, then it’s grandeur won’t wane.” Lysella commented with a small smile. “Oh? I’m afraid I do not know much about Lemonwood, aside that it is the seat of House Dalt. Is it truly so different? Ah- well, it’s spectacular, of course. It certainly exceeds any expectations I had, books and texts do not do it justice.”

Ashara nodded. “It is, actually. Sunspear is the largest city in Dorne. The Water Gardens are very large, too. Lemonwood is far smaller. It’s one of the most lush places in Dorne. It’s covered with orchards of lemon trees, orange trees, vines, and all manner of plants. It is not too far from here. I hope I get the opportunity to visit while we are here. I do not know when I will have the opportunity to visit again.”

At the confirmation of her fathers stories, part of her seemed to ease. Ceryse hadn’t doubted the man for a moment, but to know someone else had held similar experiences was refreshing. “He visited for both business and pleasure. Funnily enough, this was where he was when I first arrived in Skyreach.” Settling into the water until just her eyes were visible, the Asshai native watched the woman for several long seconds before rising enough to speak once more. “Is your return to Sunspear not joyous?” Ceryse was familiar with the shadows —  the clung to her like a second skin ( a welcoming presence ), and yet this girl before her looked as if they were attempting to suffocate her. 

“Skyreach... Hmm, that is quite a ways from here. The Fowler’s visited as much as any House in Dorne.” There was always politics being discussed in the corners of the Garden. It was an easy place to sway the opinion of the Martell’s if you needed to. “Are you not from Dorne?” Ashara had assumed the woman was. She certainly looked Dornish, but perhaps she’d made a mistake. “I’m very happy to be in Sunspear.” She had been looking forward to her return to Dorne for a long, long time. “Why do you ask?”

A part of him had wished he’d been wrong in his assumption that she would feel his gaze upon her skin, and while he hated to admit it, hearing her voice form the shape of his name made some inner part of him ache with longing. Jaw clenching at that mere sign of weakness, Azriel forced himself to slow to a stop ( body angling slightly to acknowledge her ). “Ashara.” Up close it was all that more evident how poorly she’d faired in his absence, and despite himself, his fingers balled into fists at his sides. “Have you slept?” It wasn’t the question he’d prepared to ask, but it seemed she still had that effect on him ( to force words out he hoped to keep internal ).

Balled fists had Ashara flinching in spite of herself. She knew that Azriel would never hurt her, at least not in that way, but too much had happened now to stop herself. Ashara carefully schooled her face. There was no point in trying to lie. She was still no good at it. Besides, from the look in his eyes, the answer was obvious. It was simply better to avoid the question altogether. “I wrote to you.” She said quietly. “Why didn’t you answer any of my letters?” The Dornish girl bit inside of her cheek while she waited for an answer. At first, she’d thought that perhaps the letter weren’t reaching him, but she’d written nearly every week. There was no chance he hadn’t gotten at least one. 

@ashoflemonwood​

Upon his arrival to Sunspear, Viktor was quick to realize the mistake he’d made. His attention had been so entirely focused upon the rivalry that had formed with his eldest brother, that not once had he dared turn his gaze away ( effectively ignoring his youngest brother and his future good sister ). Hoping to rectify the situation, he’d plucked up some blooming flowers along the shore and prepared a graceful apology to the lady in question, but when he’d knocked upon her chamber door ( and she’d opened it ), he was given pause at her appearance. “Are you well, my Lady?”

Ashara was surprised to hear a knock at her door. She quickly tossed a blanket over the daggers that she’d been sharpening before anyone could bother to enter. It was equally surprising to see the brother of her betrothed at the door. At first, she’d thought it was her fiance, and Ashara flinched back slightly. Upon realizing her mistake, she bowed slightly. “I am well. Thank you, my Lord.” She said and smiled to him, noting the flowers in his hands. “Are those for me?”

@ashoflemonwood​

“Are the Water Gardens always this spectacular?” Lysella questioned in an almost breathless tone, taking in the splendor of the palace. It took all her willpower not to let her jaw fall open in awe as she took in the sights and colors. It was unlike the Red Keep with it’s great stone walls, and certainly not like Casterly Rock. It held a magnificence all it’s own. “Your family’s seat is in Lemonwood, yes? You must be quite happy to be home,”

Ashara couldn’t help but smile softly. “They are always this spectacular in fact. I came here often when I was little, and I loved it every single time.” The water was beautiful and had always perfectly reflected the stars at night. It was like looking at two skies. “Hm?” She turned her head to the sister of the King. “Yes. It is Lemonwood, and I am happy to be back in Dorne... But the Water Gardens and Sunspear are hardly anything like home. Lemonwood is far smaller. What do you think of it all so far?”