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House Marath

Region: The narrow sea; north of the Step Stones

Coat of arms: Three winding black swallows over a golden patterned backdrop.

Words: ”the mountain rises beyond soil.”

Head: Lord Azzen Marath

The house Marath is a noble house, previously royal, found on the island ”kingdom” of the same name, the Island of Marath; situated in the centre of the narrow sea. They are the official rulers of Patri Sezen, the island’s capital, but in essence, they rule over the entire island. The land is known for its caging mountains, that make it naturally defensible, and their admirable naval force and cliffside artillery. Their biggest export is sheep’s wool, embroidery, and carved stonework. In the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, these native products are treasured as the height of luxury; for their remarkable quality, detail, and all in all, rareness.

Until a few generations ago, the house Marath stood among the royal dynasties of the realm. Only loosing their royal title after bending the knee to King Aegon lll Targaryen in 139 AC. The current members of the Marath family are however, still considered royals by the Marathian population.

As Baelor Targaryen puts it:

”There is still soil left on Marath that has touched the soles of their last royal family. Their noble house may have bowed before the crown, but on that island they are king, and they are treated as such; one cannot find more loyal inhabitants than the ones on Marath.” - Baelor Breakspear

Many natives believe that the house’s ancestors were made of stone and water by the mountains themselves; some folk to this day still treating the Marath family as living deities. A common interpretation of House Marath’s words claim that it echos this belief, and that the Maraths ”are the mountain” and the rest of the realm, just ”soil”.

Because of their natural defense, the island is also naturally isolated. Their cultural customs often mirroring their sense of reclusiveness toward the rest of the realm. Taking identity in family and island loyalty, proudness and superiority, as well as strength and endurance. Until recently, a high lady of Marath marrying outside of the island was unheard of; the Marath ladies were more likely to marry commoners on their island, than a king of the mainland. With the current high lord of Marath, Lord Azzen Marath, marrying off his daughter, Lady Aeyela Marath, to house Velaryon, this proud practice was forsaken. And signaled to the eager noble houses of Westeros, that the ever compelling alliance with house Marath, was suddenly made possible.

The new lord of Patri Sezen believes that the island will be swallowed by mainland politics and that they must globalise to survive. He aims to achieve this by allying with powerful mainland lords through intermarriage. However, not every high lady of Marath is keen to marry some weak, pathetic, lord and be traded off like livestock, just because she is told to. Especially not, when the lady has been raised as the heir apparent, and been expected to rule.

Enter, the Lady Monez of Marath, the mountain swallow, who will do everything in her power to be the most undesirable, improper, and rude noble lady that the Westerosi scum have ever laid eyes upon. After her father’s sudden passing, Monez was stripped of her destiny as heir to Patri Sezen, by her uncle; who took the claim for himself. And so, for all eternity, Monez has vowed to live her life as a ruthless spinster. For she is determined to keep her uncle’s biggest asset out of reach: the offer of her hand. She would succeed in her method, if only the Crown Prince Valarr Targaryen would leave her be. But alas, her untamed nature is too offensive, and intriguing, for Valarr to simply dismiss.

Story: ”A Vow Unwilling”

In which Valarr is slowly becoming smitten with her, and she acts like he’s a poisonous caterpillar.

That is, until she needs his help to prove her right of succession.

-> Spotify playlists for the Island of Marath

I have way more fun lore and world-building for this Island and house but I’m gonna save it for the actual story lol

Now posted on ao3.

dividers by saradika.

@the-devils-widow hiii ♡