;;a spirit of fire

the scent of freshly turned earth lingered in the air, mixing with the sweetness of cider and the warm spice of roasted apples. the rye sowing festival was in full swing, laughter and song weaving between the golden fields as farmers and nobles alike took part in the ancient rites of the harvest.

mathis rowan stood at the edge of the gathering, the autumn sun catching auburn strands within his brown hair, lending him the air of something out of an old song. but his gaze was not on the fields nor the revelry, it was drawn, unbidden, to a princess of the riverlands, with striking red curls.

“princess mellara,” mathis greeted, his voice warm, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. “i was starting to think you’d forgotten me entirely.”

he approached her, the buzz of the festival fading into the background. he had been away for some time, after all, lost in the quiet of standfast, where the world moved slower and the days stretched longer. but seeing her again, with the same ease and grace she always had, brought it all back, how time, for all its passage, for all of life's trials, never seemed to truly change certain things.

mellara turned at the sound of his voice, the familiar lilt of it pulling her attention faster than she cared to admit. for a moment, the festival around them seemed to blur—the music, the laughter, the sun-dappled chatter fading just enough to make room for him.

even in a surprise to herself her lips curved into a smile, soft but steady. “mathis…lord rowan” she said correcting herself, with a polite incline of her head, though her eyes betrayed something gentler. 

“forget you? i ..i could never forget you.” she said. was that too fast? or too forward. how she was doubting every word she said now. was this silly to even talk to him? no. the court didnt know.

but he looked well, or at least well enough that it stirred a warmth in her chest she hadn’t expected to feel so sharply. her fingers fidgeted at her side, brushing her skirts as if the fabric might ground her.

“you look different,” she said lightly, tilting her head. “not so much changed… more like—refined by distance.” she smiled again, smaller this time. “standfast must have agreed with you.” she said. “honestly the quiet of it sounds lovely. hills and horses and quiet. it sounds peaceful”

the breeze stirred the curls around her face, and she glanced briefly toward the fields, giving herself a breath before meeting his gaze again. “as for me… i’ve kept busy. riverrun is always full of something—duties, festivals, gossip,” she added with a dry little laugh. “not quite as busy as others there but it’s enough.”

her expression softened further then, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her features before she reined it back. “it’s good to see you, mathis. i didn’t expect to. i’m glad you're here.”

she hesitated, as though about to say more—something weightier, perhaps more personal—but instead she simply gestured toward the tables. “have you eaten yet? a drink? would you like one? i could get us one.. or you. you a drink i mean” she said finding herself nervous. there was a faint pink to her cheeks as she looked at him fully now. waiting. curious. guarded, but not closed.

"ah, your grace," rhys greeted, his tone both teasing and respectful. "the riverlands look positively radiant, though i must say, my journey here was not at smooth as i hoped, i'm not quite as young and fit as i once was," he gave a wink as he eased himself up, his cane clicking against the stone. "but I’ve arrived in one piece. i trust your riverlands are ready for the festivities ahead?"

his gaze lingered on her for a moment, noting the tension in her stance, the way she held herself with such careful grace. he had always admired that in people, the ability to wear a mask so seamlessly. but beneath that poise, he sensed the unease she likely felt. after all, mellara was no stranger to the sharp tongues of court.

"as for the festival," Rhys continued, stepping closer with deliberate ease, "i must confess, i’ve missed it. it’s been years since I’ve had the privilege of attending, and I’m curious to see how things fare this time. the last one, if memory serves me right, was filled with far too much gossip and far too little amusement." he grinned, giving her a sidelong glance. "but perhaps, with your guidance, this one might be different."

soft smile spread across the river princess’ face at his teasing, her shoulders relaxing just slightly as she took the offered seat. it had been some time since she had seen the man last. so long it was hard to picture exactly who he was before but the man who was here now was certainly changed. maybe more confident even with the cane he carried. perhaps a determination. but to her he seemed to still have a way of putting others at ease unlike some others within the vale.

“well, i’ll do my best to ensure there's a touch more amusement this time. with my sister at the helm some of the more…aniquated things have changed from my father’s time.” she replied lightly, folding her hands in her lap. “though i can’t promise the gossip will disappear entirely. it’s as stubborn a guest as any.”

she tilted her head as she regarded him. “i’m glad you’ve come, truly. your presence means something to many here, and not just to the court.” her words were measured, but sincere. “we’re not the same realm we were a few years ago. the riverlands have changed. we’ve had to. and iona…” mel’s expression softened at the mention of her sister. “she wears the crown with more grace and strength than i think even she expected. there’s strength in her now that… well, i’m proud of her. more than i could ever say out loud.”

she paused for a moment, then added with a quiet laugh, “as for me—my place is a quieter one these days. i stay where i can be useful, but i’ve grown fond of the background. fewer eyes, i suppose. i dont mind it so much.”

mel's gaze flicked to his for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “but i am glad we’re speaking like this. you… you’ve been missed. even if some don’t dare say it.”

there was a spark of warmth in her expression as she leaned back slightly. “so, what has the vale’s falcon seen in his time away?”

The queen did not see herself as a pawn of her council, though she could understand why her sister might see it that way. “I trust my council, Mel,” she began. There were different levels of trust Iona granted to those who sat in the council chambers. Some she trusted without hesitation. Some, she granted a degree of confidence to maintain peace within her own realm. But generally speaking, Iona knew she could rely on those individuals to do their part. She had seen every piece work effectively already when the faced the Lyseni and took the battle to their shores. Iona trusted such cohesion, such collaboration could become the norm.

Turning back to Mellara, she held her sister's hand and squeezed it gently. Even if Mel didn't sit in the council, she was as much an advisor for Iona as those who officially held the title. The queen needed someone in her corner who cared for her beyond just the crown. “I will not marry Owen Stark,” she added with a sigh. As great a prospect the man could be, there were too many complications in such a match. One would not be a mere consort to the other, for both had crowns in their own right. “Circumstances are different now, but truthfully, after I returned from the West when Harold died, I always considered I would marry a Riverman if I were to marry again”. Marrying was a necessity now, not a mere option. “I wish to marry someone who understands these lands, who will care for this realm and its people the same way I do”.

mel's lips curled into a warm smile as she returned the squeeze, her thumb brushing gently over iona's knuckles. she let her silence linger a moment longer, watching her sister closely—taking in the weariness in her shoulders, the weight in her eyes. iona bore the burden of a crown with such grace. a true queen.

“i’m sorry. i know you’re not some pawn, iona,” she said gently. “i just dont want anyone to think they can use you. i understand why these talks matter, why the right match could mean safety—for you, for all of us. i just… i hate that it has to fall on your shoulders. that after everything, you don’t even get the peace to choose for yourself without everyone else weighing in.”

“i trust most of your council. some of the outer members or those stuffy older lords trying to make their way in. i dont trust them” mel shifted slightly in her seat, angling herself toward her sister. “you’ve done so much already. you’ve held this realm together when it was ready to splinter. i know you will make the right choice. making sure the riverlands stays strong, then i trust you to make the right choice.”

there was a pause, her thumb brushing lightly against iona’s hand. “but i also hope… that you won’t settle. you deserve someone who understands the way you love this realm. someone who’ll stand beside you. i trust the riverlords to do that”

a small flicker of guilt crossed her face. both of her sisters were queens now. and she was…unwanted. an unsuited match to many in the realms. maybe it would be easier to become a septa but that would have been when she was still just a lady not a princess. now there was a weight over her as well. pressure to not screw up again when so many were expecting it. she wondered if iona or niamh might be expecting it. or if it was just her self doubt creeping in. “i have been looking around as well though i have been careful, i know people watch me like a hawk”

His red hair was still wet from the time he spent in the bath washing off the sins from the night before. It would be perfect to prepare him for the sins of the evening that awaited him. Many missed him in the Riverlands and he intended on making sure all felt welcomed before he went on a brief trip around the realm, ignoring the dragons it would be a splendid season.

He picked up his goblet and then grabbed another and handed it over to her. Aidan downed his drink then sat it down and smiled at her. "Well, I've missed you as well sister, it's nice to see you again." Aidan hadn't seen her since their treacherous father sent him to what he hoped to be the doom of his lawful son. Aidan mourned a loss chance to gain his vengeance. He spit on his memory.

mel accepted the goblet with a soft smile, watching as aidan moved about his chambers with a familiar, rakish ease. though his wet hair and rumpled shirt betrayed the lingering chaos of the night before, there was a comfort in seeing him like this—unchanged in some ways, despite the years apart. she felt stupid for not hugging him. she didn’t want him to think her love for him diminished in any way since he had been gone. she perched on the edge of a chair near the chaise, swirling the wine in her cup thoughtfully before taking a small sip.

“you’ve clearly been busy already,” she said with a teasing lilt, her gaze flitting over the disarray of his chambers. “but compared to all your grand adventures, my life has been… well, rather calm i suppose.” she shrugged lightly, leaning back in her seat. mel tilted her head, a spark of humor returning to her voice. “and, before you ask—yes, i’ve been staying out of trouble.” she gave him a pointed look, though her smile betrayed her amusement.“lucian is getting older now. most of my time is spent arranging his lessons with the septons and septas. they tell me he’s clever for his age, though i’m sure they’d say that to any worried mother.”

she paused, her smile softening as she glanced at aidan. “i’ve had more free time now that he’s so occupied, though. i’ve been helping iona where i can, mostly behind closed doors. quiet little things. you know how it is.” her tone grew quieter, a touch of self-deprecation sneaking in. she knew it was best for her to help behind the scenes than up in front of everyone “nothing like the excitement of reclaiming a tower or charming the entirety of the riverlands, i’m sure.”

“and you? please tell me all about what you’ve been doing. i know there is only so much you could send in your letters”

It had been an exhausting day, to say the least. Hours slipped by and the Queen of the Riverlands ultimately arrived late to meet her sister for tea. “I'm sorry, Mel,” Iona said as she walked in, closing the doors behind her. They needed no guards, servants or attendants here, in the sisters' favorite drawing room. It was their private corner in the keep where they could be just sisters, rather than princess and queen.

“There was much to discuss,” she said as she plopped herself down on the couch. It was quite an understatement. “And yet, we barely resolved anything,” she sighed. Iona hadn't expected agreements to everything in a single meeting, she never did. Progress took time, a calculated step after the next rather than rushing headfirst into the very first suggestion that was brought up. “They want to make me a Northern queen, you know,” she said with a laugh, half chuckle, half scoff. King Owen was a promising prospect, she wouldn't deny it. But the fact that it was presented as an option to help legitimize her position was less than ideal. Or the fact that both of them were monarchs in their own right for two distinct realms. No doubt something she was keen to discuss with King Owen when he arrived for the Litha festival.

mel let out a soft laugh, settling back into her chair, hands wrapping around the warmth of her teacup. "a northern queen?" she shook her head, an amused, if slightly disbelieving, smile playing on her lips. "they always have their plans, don't they? arrangements, schemes, alliances. as if you're some pawn to be placed where they deem most fitting. and here i thought the riverlands was quite enough to rule. but i suppose they won’t stop until they’ve tried to marry you off to every eligible monarch in westeros" her eyes sparkled with a playful glint, but there was a note of sympathy there, too, buried beneath her teasing.

she took a sip of her tea, her eyes not leaving her sister. "but you’re no pawn, iona. not for the north, the council, or any nobleman who fancies himself your equal. they may wish to bind you to some king, but i don’t see why you couldn’t have a partner who truly respects what you’re doing here." mel's voice softened as she looked out the window, admiring the view of the river below. "besides, the idea of you up there, ruling in cold stone halls… it doesn’t suit you."

with a knowing smile, she reached across to take iona's hand. "and i’d miss you terribly. what would riverrun be without its queen?" she paused, her gaze flickering with a rare vulnerability.

And with securing coin came marriages, marriages to a princess. He'd spoken to her, charmed her and perhaps he would have even more from her. Marriage. He needed the marriage and wanted the dowry. Yes, it would be small compared to other great houses but it was an order. Find a bride in the Riverlands. Why not pick the Tully princess?

"The Gods, your highness, are known for putting us right where we are meant to be and it would seem we are meant to be right here on this lovely evening."

mel was used to the stares. to the whispers behind her back. she’d gotten almost good enough at ignoring them that she’d barely hear them anymore. but she knew they were always there. lurking. waiting. judging. it was rare to find someone who didn’t seem to come in with the assumption that something was terribly wrong with her. she was just a woman who made a mistake, that was all. but she tried to correct herself again and again, hoping this time she gots things right.

from the first conversation, she had with lord belaerys she never felt that judgment. he was kind to her, spoke her as he might any other person in his presence. and that was worth something in her eyes. none of them were complete innocent of mistakes.

“it seems so. at least they are sending me someone to escape from the same boring conversations over and over again. i think i have talked about ‘how lovely the weather is tonight’ a dozen times with various people. the gods were kind in that regard” she laughed.

there was no judgment in his words but something else. something far more dangerous, charm. an easy smile. such pretty words. how long had it been since someone charmed her. since someone took an interest in her that way. but she should walk away. back into the party where there were others. back to where it was safer. away from his smooth words and charming smile. 

but she didn’t move.

mellara tully just blushed, her eyes cast downward at his statement. “i will admit lord belaerys i have thought of our conversations since you left. i had enjoyed getting to tour you around riverrun.” she said, her fingers toying with the sleeve of her dress. have you thought of me? the question was on the tip of her tongue. but it was forward. too forward.

but that smile.

"be careful," celia says instinctively when her twin goes to sit on the stone wall. they aren't far up or anything, but still the young tully can't help but to worry. she's always worrying, always fussing over something or someone. it is simply in her nature.

"oh yes that's right!" how could she have forgotten about their visitors that would be arriving so soon? it seems to have completely slipped the little fish's mind. "no, i don't believe i've ever met them.. or even seen them in passing, for that matter. do you think they'll be handsome?" she asks her sister, giggling like a young girl.

as they walked mel observed her sister and her interactions with everyone in the castle. the way she smile at each one of them. she was almost certain if she asked she would be able to name every single maid and courtiers that walked by. that was who her sister was. kind, gentle, thoughtful. she’d always been. while mel was adventurous and headstrong her sister was there to keep her balanced. though there were times when the scales were tipped too far and mel’s impulsivity came out.

a small teasing smile came out when celia instructed her to be careful. she took her sister’s hand for balance and pulled herself to stand up on the wall. turning to take a look out over the grounds, looking back to celia with a confident smile. “how many times have i walked up on this wall and how many times will you always worry. i’ve only ever twisted my ankle once coming down…..or was it twice”

“oh i am sure they are very handsome. i don’t think the dragon king would want to send out a bad impression. i am sure they are very handsome. the both of them.” mel said keeping her eyes out over the horizon to see if she could spot them coming. maybe it would be for the best if they both were terribly ugly. probably would make it much easier to stay away. she didnt plan on talking with them that much anyways. best to keep a distance with everything happening and cas’ gaze on her. the entire court’s gaze on her waiting for her to mess up again. it seemed like it wasnt a matter of if she messed up again it was when.

mel stopped her gazing when she heard her sister’s respond. moving down from the wall, she sat next to her. “don’t worry about you? that is my job to worry about my siblings. now tell me what’s going on?”

an assembly of lords and ladies had convened at riverrun, their purpose clear - to extend a warm welcome to the envoys from this “new valyria”. he new king seemed to already be setting himself up nicely with his two kingdoms and it comforted her to witness the swift initiation of trade negotiations, cementing yet another potent alliance. the burden of being a kingdom so surrounded by other meant they must secure alliances.

the envoys held their own distinct air. the bespectacled one, still imbued with the trappings of a maester-in-training, exuded an air of cautious reserve, seeking solace in select conversations. the second envoy, monterys belaerys, remained something of an enigma. his interactions exuded charm, though it remained an enigmatic sort. was it sincere or a wily facade, designed to draw in unsuspecting prey? perhaps, both. curiosity tugged at her.

no, no. she restrained herself. she was a princess, and such curious pursuits no longer suited her station. 

when the lord addressed her, she responded with a respectful nod. "the pleasure is mine, lord monterys. you and your cousin are warmly received in riverrun. expanding our trade routes holds great import for the riverlands. i look forward to prosperity your partnership with my brother may bring."

doubts flitted across her mind. was this the right time for trade discussions, amidst celebration? perhaps he wearied of the topic amidst a gathering of lords. she was a princess and it seemed now her role was to host, not discuss such things. or was it better for all of them to help on things such like this. it seemed she was still stuck as a woman unsure of her position within the family. something it seemed the sisters had in common. but despite her worries, she watched him keenly, intrigued by the enigma he presented.

"i would be delighted," she replied with a gracious smile, accepting the offered glass of wine. what was the harm of one drink with their guest? this was a good thing. just one drink.

"have you had the chance to explore riverrun before, my lord? if not, i hope someone has given you a tour of the grounds. it truly is beautiful this time of year, particularly by the godswood."

"Allow us to have a tour, your highness. I've always thought it important to learn the history of a place, of a people. Our time in the Reach was educational and fascinating." And the women were beautiful with their seven-pointed stars shoved firmly up their asses. Lord Belaerys finished his drink, sitting it down, keeping the space between them low.

mel found herself unexpectedly enveloped in the conversation, the rigid walls she usually erected around her emotions crumbling away faster than anticipated. in recent times, she had confined herself within a fortress of silence, limiting her interactions to family to avoid any unnecessary gossip. speaking openly with someone felt like a forgotten luxury, and she reveled in the feeling.

"i've always enjoyed traveling," she confessed, a glint of enthusiasm brightening her eyes. "usually, it's tied to courtly matters, leaving little room for exploration beyond the confines of a single castle. but i've had the chance to see much of the reach with my brother."

a moment of hesitation gripped her as the prospect of showing him around flashed in her mind. would it be appropriate? or, on the contrary, would refusing be construed as rudeness? he was their guest, and he exuded kindness. embracing the impulse, she smiled warmly. "i would love to my lord." she replied. seizing the initiative, she gently took his arm and maybe it was a little bold but she assumed it was the best way to show him around.

just as she is trying to distract herself, mellara appears. it is as if she knows, as if they both know that they need one another. then again, it has always been this way. they've always been quick to seek each other out in times of turmoil, finding a comfort in one another that only each other can provide.

"twin instinct, i suppose," mel said with a gentle smile. truthfully there was something there. some instinct that could tell her if something was wrong. it happened time and time again when the two of them could just sense something about one another. she never questioned that instinct and it had never lead her astray.

their stroll meandered until mel chose a picturesque spot, perching on a small stone wall. tilted back, head facing the sky, she closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of sunlight. the air held the beginnings of a chill as soon soon and ice would begin to fall. mel wanted to savor these final moments beneath the benevolent sun before winter's grip settled.

"i heard our visitors from the crownlands should be arriving any moment now," she mentioned, still basking in the sun's glow. "maybe we can catch a glimpse of the two lords joining us. i don't believe i've met either of them. do you know a lord estermont or lord belaerys?" mel inquired, her mind perhaps seeking distraction from the weight of the castle's concerns. a prospect of visitors brought with it the promise of cheer, maybe even a small celebration. something they all could use.

opening her eyes, mel turned her attention to her sister, perceiving a lingering shadow of worry on her face. "you have something on your mind as well, i can see," she remarked, glancing at her sister. "is something troubling you?" the concern in mel's voice echoed the shared burdens that had become more prevalent in the castle

The Princess has a bastard. The other one was barren and he didn't know the other one very well at all. Monty thought it wise to get to know the one with a bastard. Soon the King would have to marry and in marrying the King would have his heirs. It was important for kings to have their things in order and that included sisters. His own King had a sister, dead in the head but a sister all the same and she was in order, not whoring herself if she even could understand what it meant to whore ones self.

"Princess Tully, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lord Monterys of House Balaerys. Much like my cousin, we serve as envoys. And it's my desire to make myself known around the warm court of the Riverlands. Very welcoming feast from your brother." With a practiced ear he put his cane out to stop the serving girl and took a goblet of wine from the tray and held it out for her.

Monterys Belaerys didn't enjoy speaking common. It was an ugly, harsh language on the tongue. It didn't weave with his accent, it didn't hug his tongue and if not for practicing with the maesters he would sound halting. It was a slow, drawl, a voice deep baritone that around such commonly used words.

an assembly of lords and ladies had convened at riverrun, their purpose clear - to extend a warm welcome to the envoys from this “new valyria”. he new king seemed to already be setting himself up nicely with his two kingdoms and it comforted her to witness the swift initiation of trade negotiations, cementing yet another potent alliance. the burden of being a kingdom so surrounded by other meant they must secure alliances.

the envoys held their own distinct air. the bespectacled one, still imbued with the trappings of a maester-in-training, exuded an air of cautious reserve, seeking solace in select conversations. the second envoy, monterys belaerys, remained something of an enigma. his interactions exuded charm, though it remained an enigmatic sort. was it sincere or a wily facade, designed to draw in unsuspecting prey? perhaps, both. curiosity tugged at her.

no, no. she restrained herself. she was a princess, and such curious pursuits no longer suited her station. 

when the lord addressed her, she responded with a respectful nod. "the pleasure is mine, lord monterys. you and your cousin are warmly received in riverrun. expanding our trade routes holds great import for the riverlands. i look forward to prosperity your partnership with my brother may bring."

doubts flitted across her mind. was this the right time for trade discussions, amidst celebration? perhaps he wearied of the topic amidst a gathering of lords. she was a princess and it seemed now her role was to host, not discuss such things. or was it better for all of them to help on things such like this. it seemed she was still stuck as a woman unsure of her position within the family. something it seemed the sisters had in common. but despite her worries, she watched him keenly, intrigued by the enigma he presented.

"i would be delighted," she replied with a gracious smile, accepting the offered glass of wine. what was the harm of one drink with their guest? this was a good thing. just one drink.

"have you had the chance to explore riverrun before, my lord? if not, i hope someone has given you a tour of the grounds. it truly is beautiful this time of year, particularly by the godswood."