#roseflamed

Why was she so nervous? She was a bloody Lannsiter, for god sake, simply meeting someone was not supposed to be this nerve-wracking. Yet, it felt like her betrothal being accepted by the rest of Edwin's family began with Lady Alara. Why her? Simply because she was the first Stark Eliana had seen that day. So, taking in a deep breath, she put on a calm face and walked up to her, "Lady Stark," she began with a kind smile, "I was wondering if I could trouble you for a moment?"

dire wolves weren't meant to live south of the wall. in the same way, maeric mused as he leaned against the stone wall of the battlement and gazed out over baratheon land, starks weren't meant to wander too far south of the twins. though his trip had been informative and overall he'd been successful in forging new trade agreements and relationships, he was eager to return home.

he couldn't hear the footsteps behind him because of the wind, but he felt the presence of someone joining him at his side. he glanced to his right and offered the lady baratheon a smile and a polite nod.

"i just left a conference with your husband, my lady," he said conversationally, eyes returning to the sea of rich green before him. "a striking man without question, though i feel now by the way you carry yourself and look at me that you are the true stormlord of this holding."

maeric chuckled, his words and laugh carried to argella by the howling gale before being masked to anyone else who may have dared to listen in.

"our common friends found me and let me know you wished to speak to me. you have a proposal?"

It felt that there had always a distance between the family members despite them being close in appearance. He had never truly pursued a relationship with her, too busy with his own affairs, but now that things seemed to have relatively calm down plus with knowing his hearing would eventually disappear completely he wanted to make note of his sister's voice. Not many knew of his disability, only his father and himself seeming to have known - paying the doctors to keep their mouths shut to everyone else.

"Janna," he said as he stepped besides her, hands clasped behind his back, "you seem to be alone. I hope you don't mind some company?" he asked, knowing she'd probably make up a lie to brush him off but still, he knew it was too late to truly make amends but he wanted to at least try

She had been in the North for quite awhile since the jousting tournament and she had to admit she had gotten along quite well with the Stark family. They were going through their own internal chaos and she tried to be there as best as she could, especially after their sister had died in childbirth. "Lady Alara" she smiled, "I hope the heat isn't too bad for you, I did find a good shady spot if you need it"

"I love you sister and I will give you hugs later but I need to see my precious additions to the family," she said as she gently picked up one of the babies and gently hugged them. "Oh this is what I needed," she said as she let out a sigh as if she had been holding it for hours. "Remind me to seek you out when I'm stressed"

He was not one to interfere unless asked but the girl seemed helpless, plus she reminded him of his own daughter in a way. Despite not having seen her in nearly a year he kept in close touch with her, often sending presents and letters to her but he knew it wasn't the same as being there physically. He had come to the realization that this may be his last year in the military, opting for a peaceful life with his daughter and mother of his child.

Shaking those thoughts out, there were more important things going on, so he quickly walked forward and stepped in between the two, grabbing the man's hand and pushing it back to an almost uncomfortable position. "I suggest you leave, the girl is with me," he warned, voice low and eyes void of any emotion. As they pulled away, they muttered a meek apology and ran off. "I apologize for assuming, you seemed to need help," he said as he turned to her, hoping he also didn't scare her. "Would you like a guard until you get home?" he asked

While she may have, at one point, had vast dreams about getting married and sailing the world with her beloved, she found herself not even remotely interested in marriage let alone settling down with one person - be it man or woman. For now, though, she found solace with the different men and women who she welcomed into her bed. And while this was the middle of the woods, and it was with the Greyjoy lord, she had enjoyed herself nonetheless. "Great," she sighed as she buttoned up her dress, "my buttons popped off" she said as she turned to him. "I'll charge you for my tailoring" she teased