𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖜𝖍𝖔 𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖉

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀wise words with sage intent the brother imparts, yet there is no good dragon save a dead one. " the cunts from overseas shall come whoever sits the throne. perhaps they'll be at each other's throats one more. " a horrid thing had the dance proved, a century hence behind them; thus declare the maesters and the bookish folk, who know of war only as written word and never as flesh torn open. lyonel grimaces then, sweeps aside a hand in dismissal. " little glory in bloodying a son of daeron, eh? whether i'm fighting with or against one. " with a laden sigh tumbling past the lord's lips, his head lolls rearward against the seat's luxuriant rest, forged in twin antlers, and eyes of amber roll shut. " the lad was a fine one. a big fucker. he did as was just. " a hum. " you would've liked him. " hooded eye lingers upon the ceiling in a stretch of elegious stillness, ere head lifts with no scant effort and lyonel fixes upon his brother a look, a vulpine grin curdling 'cross his face. " and i was not about to miss a chance to tweak maekar's nose. " a gemmed finger levels upon the lad. " and oh, did i rend the cunt well. "

“⠀ ⠀ ⠀i hope it was worth it,⠀ ⠀ ⠀“ and wether he refers to his brother's decision to take the hedge knight's side or the losses that came with the trial he does not say. he can believe that he would have dissuaded lyonel from taking part in the fight, had he attended the tourney, but he knows his brother well enough ( pridefully, at times, he thinks more than most ) to know that nothing would have stopped him. sympathy towards the knight's cause, or rather the reason told with that grin. “⠀ ⠀ ⠀and what of this big fucker, now?⠀ ⠀ ⠀“ he pushes himself forward, blue of eyes appearing darker in dim light, “⠀ ⠀ ⠀some nameless knight who attacks princes and disappears on the road once more?⠀ ⠀ ⠀“

Idk how to caption this (pose referenced from kaySD999 on twitter and Davos' design is inspired by shripscapi)

I reread ACOK and overdosed on Baratheon doomed siblings cocaine

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀the first trial of seven in over a century ⸻ 'tis a grave and lofty honor indeed, yet such renown is scarce recalled when the tribute comes at the cost of a dragon's life. truthfully, that alone had proved the sorest nuisance of the whole accursed ordeal; the sole mark left in memory of the trial shall be the prince, and he lives not to witness it. so marvelously turn the ways of the gods. " and the realm fares better for it. " he hoarses, and thus they come upon the threshold of the study, wherein stannis had claimed the lord paramount's duties in his absence. " awful lot of prattle around it, though, mm? " anon, the arm yields its brother unto freedom and lyonel, with hefty gait and burdened limb, wends his way to the stout oaken desk. " by his cunt brother's hand, too. " a wry cackle tumbles forth then, then, and he casts a glance over his shoulder unto the fledgling of the stags. " shall you put a mace to my head, as well, once you grow weary of me? "

he leans forward, taking a better look at his brother’s battered features, finally giving in to the question that pressed him the most. “⠀ ⠀ ⠀why did you take the hedge knight’s side? justice or glory?⠀ ⠀ ⠀“

• The realm requires stability, not affection. You would do well to remember as much. • They shall name us usurpers regardless of our actions. We may as well prove effective. • Do you think I desired this burden? That I find rest easily in my chambers? • History is penned by victors. We need only ensure our triumph. • The smallfolk care nothing for legitimacy. They desire full bellies and protected hearths. • I do what our father ought to have done years hence. • Sentiment is a luxury ill-afforded in times such as these. • Every choice I make serves this house. Every single one. • They were given opportunity to bend the knee. They chose steel instead. • I know well what is spoken of me in the streets. Let them speak. • The council is peopled by old men playing at loyalty. We require true allies. • Do you name me cruel? I am practical. There lies the difference. • The throne was sworn to me. I shall not beg forgiveness for claiming what is mine by right. • You desire mercy from me? Mercy delivered us to this precipice. • I protect what belongs to our bloodline. Why can you not see the necessity? • The gods may pass judgment upon me, but the realm shall remember me as its salvation. • This crown bears a weight you cannot fathom. • I shoulder this burden so you need not. Show proper gratitude. • We stand as the final bulwark against chaos. Conduct yourself accordingly. • Your conscience holds less import than our house's survival. • I shall not permit sentiment to unmake all we have built. • They desire a monster? I shall give them a sovereign. • The histories shall vindicate our cause. They always do. • I hold this realm intact with bloodied hands and you dare question my methods? • Do not mistake my resolve for wanton cruelty. I do what must be done. • The Faith stands beside us. The commons shall follow in turn. • You think them honorable? They would gladly see us put to the sword. • I did not desire this war. But I shall see it concluded. • Each day I choose duty above my own yearnings. Each and every day. • We are the rightful heirs. The law itself speaks for our claim. • I have sacrificed all for this family's future. • I know what I have become. Do you know what you are? • The hand that wields the sword commands the realm. Do not forget it. • They forced our hand in this matter. We merely respond in kind. • You seek peace? Peace demands victory first. • I stand as shield between our house and annihilation. • The crown cares nothing for your uncertainties. Bear it or step aside. • Righteousness does not win wars. Strategy does. • I undertake what you prove too craven to attempt. • This matter extends beyond any single one of us. Can you not comprehend as much? • The realm shall offer thanks when the dust has settled.

Here, at the end of all beautiful things.