#(;;self)

Felt cute, won't delete.

(( art by @jujulebee !!!

celebrating the marriage of lord axell royce and lady yuna upcliff

As the sun dipped below the horizon, it painted the sky in a fiery canvas of crimson, marbled with hues of gold, orange, and hints of cobalt. This celestial spectacle cast an ethereal glow upon the standing stones. The stage was set for the union of Axell Royce and Yuna Upcliff, a sacred bond that would be consecrated amidst the honored stones of Runestone. While the rugged mountains of the Vale echoed with the clamor of battle, Axell Royce and Yuna Upcliff, both figures marked by others with trepidation, otherworldlyness and notoriety, took a respite from the conflict to embark on this most auspicious journey. The entirety of the Vale's nobility, and even emissaries from realms beyond, had been invited to gather to partake in this momentous occasion. The air hung heavy with the weight of both celebration and caution, for Axell remained a target of the Mountain Clans, and he was resolute in ensuring the safety of his new bride and the sanctity of their celebration. And while one plan of attempted assassination was discovered a few days before nothing happened at the ceremony itself. Or at least none that the newlywed couple were aware of. Within the hallowed circle of standing stones, an exquisite fusion of heritage transpired. It was a dance of customs, a harmonious marriage of Runestone's storied traditions, a tribute to the legacy of House Royce, interwoven with the mysterious tapestry of practices brought forth from the Witch Isles, paying homage to the Upcliffs. The very stones that bore witness to centuries of history now stood witness to this union, a bridge between realms and legacies. As the clock struck midnight and the celebration continued on inside, the newlyweds stole away as part of an ancient tradition in Runestone's lore. It was within the protection and blessing of the standing stones that the newlyweds consummated their marriage and the start of their new life together.

The Order of Sand Sages:

No one knows the exact time the Order of the Sand Sages begun, but their time seems to have begun with the very start of Dorne itself. The Order of the Sand Sages, also known as the Sandhealers, stands as a beacon of compassion and healing in the arid lands of Dorne. Rooted in ancient traditions and guided by their unwavering commitment to non-violence, they have become revered across the region for their profound belief in the healing power of peace.

Spread far and wide across Dorne, the Order's presence is felt in bustling cities and remote villages alike. They hold firm to the belief that access to healing should be a right for all, not a privilege for the few. While they serve the common folk, it's not uncommon for certain noble houses to have dedicated healers, forging a unique bond between the healers and their patrons.

The Order of the Sand Sages is one of the few groups in Westeros that accepts both men and women as healers. This equality is fundamental to their belief that healing transcends gender. The wisest and eldest healers are both men and women

Upon joining the Order, each member solemnly swears an oath of non-violence, a sacred pledge to never harm another living being. Instead, they devote their lives to the relief of suffering, offering solace and care to those in need. New members of the Order must take the "Healer's Oath," which binds them to their duty of tending to the sick and wounded. This oath is recited under the light of the desert stars amongst the other healers, symbolizing the healer's connection to the land and commitment to one another.

Their mastery of herbcraft is unparalleled, possessing a deep understanding of the desert's flora and its medicinal properties. Their remedies are renowned for their efficacy, with some even surpassing the knowledge of maesters from distant lands.

Members of the sages travel across the desert, setting up temporary camps in various locations. They offer their services to some of the most remote settlements, building trust and mutual respect with the diverse communities of Dorne.

Through a peaceful trade network, they exchange their precious medicines for essential supplies and valuable information with intrepid desert traders. Crossing paths with a Sage is considered both an honor and a good omen, while harming one is viewed as the gravest of misfortunes, often met with severe consequences.

The healers have developed a form of silent communication through hand signals and coded gestures. This allows them to work efficiently in the field without the need for verbal communication, especially in situations where noise could attract danger.

The color within the pleats of the aprons worn by the members of the Order of the Sand Sages holds special significance, reflecting their hierarchy, roles, and accomplishments within the organization. As the sages grow in their ranking, they gain more and more colors within their aprons. Here are some of color ranking of aprons for the Sand Sages:

Sandstone Beige: This is the foundational color, worn by all members upon initiation into the Order. It symbolizes purity, humility, and the beginning of their journey towards healing. Sage Green: After completing a period of rigorous training and demonstrating exceptional proficiency in herbcraft, healers are awarded a sage green apron. This color represents growth, knowledge, and the mastery of the desert's flora. Royal Blue: Those who have shown exceptional leadership, wisdom, and have made significant contributions to the Order may be granted a royal blue apron. This signifies their elevated status within the organization and their dedication to guiding their fellow healers. Goldenrod Yellow: Reserved for healers who have excelled in creating rare and potent remedies, the goldenrod yellow apron is a mark of their expertise and innovation in herbcraft. It symbolizes the radiant impact they have on the healing community. Burgundy Red: Healers who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of compassion and selflessness, going above and beyond their duties, may receive a burgundy red apron. This color embodies the deep well of empathy and care they bring to their work. Iridescent Silver: The iridescent silver apron is a rare and prestigious honor, bestowed upon healers who have made groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, surpassing even the knowledge of renowned maesters. It represents their unparalleled contributions to the field of healing. Amethyst Purple: Reserved for the eldest and wisest members of the Order, the amethyst purple apron signifies a lifetime of dedication, learning, and leadership. These individuals are the guiding pillars of the Sand Sages, embodying the essence of their beliefs. Crimson and Gold: The highest honor that can be bestowed by the Order, the crimson and gold apron is reserved for The Sunlit Sages who are the Grand Masters or Grand Mistresses, the leaders of the Sand Sages. This regal combination of colors symbolizes their wisdom, authority, and the profound impact they have on the Order and the wider community.

These aprons serve as tangible symbols of the healers' achievements and contributions, creating a visual representation of their individual journeys within the Order of the Sand Sages.

During times of conflict, the Order maintains a steadfast policy of neutrality. Trusted by all factions, they offer aid without bias or judgment, ensuring their safety even in the midst of war. This unshakable commitment to healing and peace has made the Sand Sages an enduring force for good for all.

Ophelia within the Order of the Sages

When she was a young girl one of the Sages begun to live in Skyreach as a healer to her entire family. Being the guardians and protectors of the Prince's Pass it was important that all the family stayed healthy.

One day Ophelia ended up helping the Sage when he was bandaging the wound of a soldier. Something sparked within her and even as a little girl Ophelia knew being a healer was her calling in life. Her mentor has said he had never seen someone so young have such an understanding for the skills and compassion it takes to be a Sage. Surely in her previous life Ophelia must have been one of the Sunlit Sages

Barely a teenager she took the Healer's Vows with the complete support of her family behind her, all of them proud of the young girl's commitment to helping people across Dorne. While she completed a lot of her training within Skyreach, she was allowed the ability to travel with her mentor across Dorne to get hands-on experience

T H E  L A S T  R I T E;; westerling’s valyrian steel sword

Last Rite has been passed down for generations within the Westerling family. The Westerling lords have wielded the sword for the last 500 years as it is passed down from generation to generation.

The blade itself is engraved. Intricate decoration patterns have been carefully etched into the blade, along with small words in the old tongue; both are supposed to bring the user luck in battle. Like all the Valyrian blades it has a rippling pattern in the blade but the Last Rite is unique that has a faint shade of blue. It is unknown why this sword has that particular color to it but some believe it is because of the writings in the old tounge.

The blade has a wide, curved cross-guard, creating the ideal weight balance to allow for smooth and accurate swings with this blade. On each side of the blade is one of the many names of god in the old tongue are written. One side has the name "Al-Qawiyy", meaning the possessor of all strength, to remind the user of the power of the sword and the strength they must have to uphold their duty. On the other side is written is "Al-Muhaymin", meaning guardian. This is to remind the user that while they have the sword, they are the protector of their people and those who cannot defend themselves.