High As Honour

Sofina visibly relaxed around her cousin, though the time between their last meet was great, she always felt connected to the other woman, more than by just blood. They were the same in so many ways and her presence was a comfort. “Goodness, yes!” She replied. “These are the families we’ve learned about all our lives, but I just never imagined we’d all be brought to one place, at least not in our lifetime.”

She took a moment to look at their surroundings, they luckily had found a rather low volume place to speak. “How are things in the Vale? I cannot imagine the weight of your title, now.” She added, solemnly, offering a comforting touch to Ryella’s arm.

Ryella had always felt as though the two of them were kindred spirits of sorts. It was blood that tied them loosely together as it did with Sofina’s other siblings but it was their similarities that tied them even closer. Soft smile touched her lips, nod of agreement given to her cousin. “It is most certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Undoubtedly one for the history books.” 

With almost anyone else she might have censored herself, carefully selected words to not give voice to her doubts and insecurities. However, Sofina was someone she trusted dearly and so the soft words that fall from her lips are as honest as they could be. She could only hope that they were not too damning of her skill as a Ruling Lady. “They are well or at least I am reassured by my advisers that my home has been going from strength to strength.”

Small sigh escaped her, in the wake of the death of the Queen she could not claim to know what was best for her kingdom but she was certain that she would not be putting her own name forward for contention.  “I do not know what this news will mean for us now but I will continue doing what I can. Where do the Riverlands fall in all this?”

The gardens were lovely indeed, but Sofina was a bit overwhelmed but the people that surrounded them. It was a lively event, but Sofina was very much out of her element here. She could do small conversation in more private settings. In fact, she much preferred that and found herself more engaging with others that way, but there was almost no roome for intimate conversation here. She found herself wandering away, near another young woman, when she turned at the question asked. “Ryella?” She asked, a smile coming over her face at the sight of her dearest cousin.

“I knew you’d be here, I’m so glad I finally found you. I honestly never imagined so many people in one place!”

Even with the years of preparation she had been given when it came to social gatherings, she could not help but still feel daunted by it all. There were so many opportunities to put a foot wrong and her desire to be flawless was almost crippling as she found herself doubting and analysing every word that left her lips. So it was of some relief to her that the voice that replied belonged to someone with whom she knew she could relax. “I am so glad that you did. I was beginning to think that perhaps it would be impossible to find anyone.”

Warm smile lit up her features, tone far more at ease than it had been throughout what felt like the entirety of her visit. “The corridors I expected to be something of a maze but I had not predicted having to make my way through a maze of people.” 

“I should write a song for the fallen queen.” she plucked at the strings of the lute sitting in her lap. She was a guest of Kings Landing and a bard, it was expected for her to sing of her greatness. Even if all Jaela had grown up hearing was of her selfishness. “Did anyone know her well?”

The words were harmless enough but the worry that had been brought along with the news of the Queen’s death made her even more hesitant around strangers than she had been before. She knew it was likely just paranoia ( an unfortunate trait to have run in the family ) and so she offers the unfamiliar woman the flicker of a smile, knowing they were all supposed to be grieving at a time like this. “I think that would be a fitting tribute to her. I am only sorry that I do not think I will be able to help you all that much. Though I have heard numerous tales and accounts of her triumphs and successes.”

This was her element. Julyana could chat and dance the day away. She was naturally sociable, always finding ways to make conversation with anyone, and figuring out their needs and ways to help them. She was a natural caregiver, and when she saw a woman standing alone admiring the gardens, she knew she had to approach her and find out who she was. When the woman made the conversation first, she was happy that she was at least welcome. “They are quite lovely, I must say.” Julyana replied kindly. “I’ve really enjoyed it. Getting to know all sorts of people. The Queen was kind to bring us all together. I don’t even know the last time this has happened.” She admitted, stepping beside the other. “And how have you been faring? How was your journey here?”

“Truly a sight to behold.” Almost wistful smile crossed her lips when she knew that no matter how hard she tried she would be unable to replicate such fine greenery in the gardens of The Eyrie. Gentle icline of her head was given to show her agreement on the matter. “It was most kind of her, I do not think that an opportunity such as this presents itself often.” Soft but smooth words left her lips, always at ease when it came to small talk. That much she knew she was capable of, being a Ruling Lady she had yet to convince herself of. “Quite long but I was luck to be able to travel in comfort. It has been so easy to recover here while everything is so taken care of. And yourself, my lady?”

“No?” he raised an eyebrow, “You are missing out on wonders if you have not been. Am I correct in assuming you’ve never been to Dorne either?” Not everyone stopped in Sunspear but ther was little doubt to him that he would have heard of it if an Arryn had been in Dorne. “It was better for him to be in the Vale no? He was very strong when I had the honor of meeting him.” His father had told him that Lord Robin Arryn was very sick as a child. He’d not seen that in his visit but he was far from a child then. “What is has to offer… tension.” Trystane laughed to himself, “You should have come at a better time.” It wasn’t unkind, if she wanted to truly enjoy herself this wasn’t the best time for that.

Small, almost embarrassed shake of her head was given when she could not answer yes to his question but she reminded herself that she was only young and there was still time to embark upon such journeys. “I very much wish to see both with my own eyes, I have heard such wonderful things about both but I feel as though words would undoubtedly pale in comparison were I fortunate enough to.” For all she knew it was prudent to be complimentary about someone’s home and also to not challenge the views of others too much, she meant every word she said. The Vale would always be her priority but it would be a lie if she were to say that she had no interest in seeing the other Kingdoms. “Sadly the opportunity for me to make either trip has yet to present itself but I am hopeful that this gather might allow for the arrangement of such plans.” 

Graceful incline of her head was given as she confirmed that politics had ensured that her father spent most of the time in his homeland. “He preferred to stay home, yes, but visitors were always welcome so I am glad that you could enjoy his hospitality.” He had been a complicated man but she knew that there was much she could have learnt from him if she had not been robbed of such time by The Stranger. “Perhaps.” Small, wry smile was given in response as she allowed herself the small luxury of enjoying a joke before more level words left her lips. “My mother always used to say that there is no time like the present. Perhaps I shall be able to come during a calmer period as well and enjoy both sides of Kings Landing.”

                                THE HUBUB OF THE MAIN GARDENS   was simply not for her  —  never mind the fleeting glance upon the markets she had caught not a half hour before . so many people clamoured into one place without rhyme nor reason , no routine to stick to , had developed a fine layer of goosebumps upon her skin . lilyana was not yet used to this sort of life , the largest court seen was from a comfortable balcony chair in her own home , purposefully kept from any excitement . the tranquility and sheer comfort of greenery was more than she could ask for  —  and the soft spark of conversation was nothing but a relief to her ears .

                                “  …  you can tell whoever might tend them holds a great affection for each flower . i think maybe i’d best poach them for my own . ”   she speaks , after a moment of consideration , with bright eyes and upturned lips , and the tyrell turns her head and brightens her smile considerably,  “ –i am enjoying myself very much  — though , i suppose i might enjoy myself more if it were a little quieter . but with an event such as this , that seems a little bit of a silly request .  are you enjoying yourself ? ”

Gaze shifted back to the blooms, small nod given as she cannot help but agree with the other woman. The Queen certainly had a very talented gardener and she wondered whether they would be able to work such miracles in her home. “They certainly have a talent that most would covet.” Soft tones lilted slightly, allowing for the slightest hint of humour to mingle with her usual clear words. “If they have a change of heart I shall give no hint you tempted them away.”

Expression softened and some of the polite mask she wore faded to make way for a smile of genuine familiarity with what the other woman mentioned. “I do not think it is silly at all. It is such a fine gathering and everyone here is of great interest but sometimes it is refreshing to have just a few moments of peace.” In truth she found the whole ordeal quite exhausting and testing. The pressure she was putting herself under to ensure that she put her best foot forward for her home was easily reaching heights that would rival if not surpass the mountains that it was so famous for. “I have found it most eye opening and there is much to like about the capital. It it quite a contrast to The Eyrie.” Words were cautious, given smoothly but as they hung delicately in the air she hoped that they would not be easily seen through.

❛   𝐓𝐇𝐄   𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒   𝐀𝐑𝐄   𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐋   ,   𝐘𝐄𝐒   ,   ❜   selyse   agrees.   then   ,   rather   diplomatically   ,   she   says   ,   ❛   there   is   much   to   enjoy   here.   ❜   but   ,   there   is   also   much   to   say   about   the   stench   of   the   place.   DROWNED   GOD   ,   it   smells   horrible.   however   ,   because   she   has   manners   ,   she   doesn’t   voice   it   aloud.   ❛   this   is   very   different   from   saltcliffe.   i   am   trying   my   best   to   soak   it   all   in   while   i   have   the   chance.   i   hope   to   see   everything   king’s   landing   has   to   offer   before   we   leave.   ❜   she   is   carefully   polite   to   the   woman   (   after   all   ,   it’s   as   if   everyone   is   either   a   ruling   lord   ,   or   lady   /   of   a   great   house   /   or   may   simply   just   hate   her   at   first   sight   )   ,   but   her   curiousity   still   gets   the   best   of   her.   ❛   what   would   you   say   is   the   most   exciting   thing   about   king’s   landing   ,   my   lady   ?   ❜ 

Brown eyed gaze fell over the blooms once more, soft smile flickering over her lips as she took in their beauty once more. “I must admit I am rather taken by them.” Attentiveness had always been a strength of hers and so it came all too easily for her to listen with interest to what the brunette was saying. “I do hope that you are successful in seeing all that you wish to see.” Sincerity had always been important to her when she found it so hard to mask her emotions and so for all she knew better than to be too honest or forthright, she always did her best to ensure that her words were as close to the truth as they could be. “It is quite different from The Eyrie too but I am also finding much to enjoy. I am not certain that I could single just one thing out so far - it feels as though there is something different every day that catches my eye.”

“Once you’ve seen the gardens of Highgarden nothing seems to compare.” Speaking like this was safe, perhaps that was what the Arryn woman was focusing on. There was an edge here in the capitol that he’d not seen in many years. Tensions were high and Trystane was here to watch these things happen, see things play out however they did. Bloodshed was probable but then again this was Westeros. If there was anything people should be used to it was that. “Same as I have found it before, more important people here than last time however. I’ve not seen an Arryn here before. Is this your first visit to Kings Landing?”

Soft, polite smile flickers over her lips as she listened. “I have not yet been fortunate enough to witness their grandeur for myself. But I can easily believe that they are quite a sight.” For all she was so often uncertain of herself she took comfort in knowing that she had plenty of practise at small talk. Her mother had ensure that she would be charming enough to make a good match, not that it mattered now. “It is. My father did not travel well so it has been quite some time since one of us were last here.” She knew all too well that her grandfather had not left the capital alive and she could only hope that she would not share the same fate. “However, I am quite honoured to be here and I have been enjoying familiarising myself with all that King’s Landing has to offer.”

he blinked at her, momentarily confused. “you mean it wasn’t? you’re not handing out bread, are you? i wouldn’t do that around here.” erik wouldn’t do it period. he’d been known to share a bit on occasion, but for the most part believed that, at this level, it was every man for himself. mainly because doing anything vaguely kind tended to get one robbed. and this woman hardly seemed common; she’d be in more trouble than he ever would. “the gull is just as happy with it as they would be, and they’ll come by it just as the gull did. don’t worry about it.” he glanced behind them, at the street stretching past the inn and further into the shadows of the city. “you’d best be getting back to wherever you came from; it’s getting dark. i’ll escort you there, if you like.” he wasn’t expecting her to say yes. he was, after all, a stranger.

How foolish of her to think that she could make the right choice when she had chosen to be guided by her heart and not her head. Countless times her advisers had warned her that her compassion would only result in mistakes if it was not balanced out with logic and yet she still seemed to not have learnt her lesson. Colour flushes to her cheeks in shame and she breaks their gaze for a moment or two as she recovers herself. “I only meant to make things easier.” The words are said softly, more to herself than to him as she does her best to regain an air of grace. It would hardly do to give an impression that she was simply nothing more than a naive young woman who thought she alone could solve all the troubles in the world when she was supposed to be a leader. Slim shoulders straighten somewhat and she holds her head a little higher, actining more like a Ruling Lady and less like a chided young girl. Gracious smile flickers over her lips as she turned back to him. “If it would not be too much trouble for you then I would greatly appreciate that.”

a historical / fantasy / period / medieval friendly character survey.

reblog and bold your muses preference.

roses / cherry blossoms / orchids / tulips

winter / summer / autumn / spring

thunderstorms / sunshine / snow 

indoors / outdoors

meat / fruit / sweets

extravagance / traditionalism / minimalism

god fearing / non god fearing

cats / dogs / horses / birds

sunrise / sunset

day time / night time

fire / earth / water / wind 

reading / writing

rising early / sleeping late 

wine / ale / neither

fur / silk / satin / lace 

rubies / pearls / sapphires 

horse back / walking / carriages 

love / power

having company / being alone 

lakes / rivers / oceans 

knife / sword / bow / poison 

the day had been as long as any other, and as evening made its way through the world, erik sat outside an inn which felt very much like nowhere, and thought of nothing of consequence. it was getting colder, and he wondered if he ought to go in and have a drink, but just as he’d been about to stand up, there was a commotion in the corner of his eye. he looked over just in time to watch a seabird flying away, bread clutched in its beak, and snorted. “too quick for you, eh?” he shook his head, smiling after the thief. “i suppose it’s earned that bread.”

The chaos of King’s Landing was a far cry from the almost endless peace of The Eyrie and if she were ever to be honest, she found it all quite overwhelming. But there was no room for honesty at such times and she found herself adapting the practised, enigmatic smile that her mother had taught her, all the while hating the insincerity of it all. She had felt quite numb to it all except to the plight of the common folk. They were not her people but she found herself unable to refrain from helping when she knew that she could do some small thing to help. With the best intentions she had made herself as inconspicuous as possible and slipped out into the streets with a satchel full of bread. Nature soon intervened though and as she held a piece in her hand a bird swooped in on it. “A falcon bested by a seagull.” The words were said softly, slipping from her lips in the form of a sigh and meant for her ears only. A somewhat familiar voice meets her ears and a small sheepish smile finds its way on her lips at the realisation that she will not be abale to remain as anonymous as she had hoped. Smoothing her skirts slightly as she tried to regain her composure, soft words fell from her tongue once more.“That I cannot deny. I would not mind so much if it had been intended for me.”

stars watched her careful & were jealous of her shine || answers

moonsoaked & dawn flavoured || headcanons

dusted with night stars but still carries the glow of a sun || inspiration

kissed by the wild and loved by lightning || music

her wings will grow and she will find the sky || words

|| about