#traegedys

❝ interesting things , these dance cards , right ? also curious . ❞ when circumstances demand — frustrates to his own parents to no end because the potential is there — the lord heir of pyke can be ... pleasant , charming even by the southerner's standard at that . goblet of wine in one hand , and the determination to be jovial at another . it was as if he is different man entirely . those known to him would think it strange , walks the thin line of suspicious and disturbing . but those who have not matched the face to the infamous name , would think him just like any lord looking to socialize . ❝ shall we dance ? or exchange stories over wine until the next song plays ? ❞

Gysella  isn't  so  much  as  dressed  in  gold,  but  embodies  it.  It  coats  her  frame,  is  woven  through  her  hair  so  it  catches  the  light  like  flame,  shines  as  she  walks  through  the  revelries.  It  is  the  perfect  theme,  for  a  crow  like  her,  dark  gaze  spanning  over  the  glititering  people  until  they  settle  on  a  silver  that  could  never  be  replicated.  "Princess  Visenya.  Don't  you  look  spectacular.  Now,  must  I  beg  you  for  a  dance,  or  would  you  put  me  out  of  my  misery?"

"Goodsister."  The  smile  that  graced  her  features  was  as  close  to  genuine  as  it  had  been  since  the  first  dance  of  the  night,  now  she  was  finally  face  to  face  with  another  lion.  She  had  started  to  find  comfort  in  the  family  she  had  married  into,  in  a  way  she  had  never  intended,  when  she  had  left  Ten  Towers.  Not  trust,  nor  love,  but  something  close  enough  to  fondness  to  seek  out  her  husband's  twin  in  the  festivities,  over  other  familiar  faces.  "I  find  I  am  in  desperate  need  of  a  break  from  dancing.  Would  you  join  me,  as  I  pillage  the  sweets  tables?  It  would  give  my  feet  a  much  needed  reprieve."

Blue  eyes  scanned  the  room  from  the  edges,  watching  as  people  laughed,  and  danced,  and  talked.  It  was  a  cacophony  of  music  and  voices,  of  feet  against  floor  as  they  danced  and  laughter  from  groups,  and  utterly  overwhelming,  even  if  it  was  beautiful.  With  her  dance  card  in  hand,  Myranda  found  herself  walking  the  edges  of  the  room,  running  fingers  over  the  opals  as  she  watched,  as  much  an  entertainment  as  any  play  they  had  put  on  in  the  previous  nights.  She  found  a  lot  could  be  learned  from  quiet  watching,  though  as  she  made  eye  contact  with  another,  she  found  herself  stopping,  giving  a  gentle  smile.  "It  is  a  beautiful  night,  is  it  not?  Are  you  enjoying  yourself,  my  liege?"

every detail of the plan is crucial , scrutinizing is a must . one , twice , thrice , and four times , at least . like a scene from a staged play , acted out to his preference , strings tugged and spun to his will . steps , turns , and lifts executed without missing a single beat . vein pulsing on necks , sweat trickling , and chests rising to a melody of his choosing , his creation . his father taught him well , and he will see to it that he is worthy of this legacy that was passed to his capable hands . ❝ i don't need any of your nonsense sulking at the ball . ❞ his sister's frivolities will not ruin a life's work . she can mope , scream , and throw how many tantrums she so desires across the narrow sea , when and only if she has secured a wedding band on her finger — the only way he might consider forgiving her . ❝ do you understand , gwyneth ? ❞

repercussions are on the prowl , looming over his shoulder and awaiting him to finish digging a hole in the earth where it may lay him down . and yet pride swells within the lord commander where shame and regret should bloom . theodore thought he had tasted freedom in the clutches of the dragon , heart and sword true to his duty , no force in the world that can shake him . except , perhaps , the truth that danced right before his eyes . from the very lips and lilac gazes of her majesty to which all else has been set aside for . there was no freedom to be tasted , not even one to possess . the glass of illusion shatters and he finds himself face to face with the less than honorable virtue he held for banner . not even the air knocked from his lungs can match the satisfaction that pulls his shoulder back and pushes his chin up , allowing him to face the liege of seagard unabashed , ❝ i thought i'd get used to falling off my horse after being unseated in tourneys before , but the feeling remains the same . ❞

❝ do you think they will notice if i take a handful of these things here ? ❞ baris stood restless before a flowering bush that towered most , but retained the integrity of its height next to him . he thinks it late to step out for a proper bouquet for rhaenys , with the nobles already gathered for the ruling lady's name day feast . wild flowers grow in abundance in tarth , each of them free to take as much as their hands are able and not find scarcity even after . things may be different here in highgarden . he had made a promise to be respectful , to employ appropriate avenues when he needs to .

❝ i think i'd know that face anywhere , ❞ dwelling is not his best quality , and for good reason . the lord heir of pyke forbids himself to be swept by ill - intentioned currents and riveting tides , he weathers them as he does any force sent by the storm god himself . ❝ how are you faring , arwyn ? ❞ his worries are reserved for those he held closest , but they did not need to know that he utters their name in prayers to his deity , to be salvaged , to be left alone and under his care . they will only get a glimpse of man seemingly unaltered , untouched , even by the most horrid of circumstances . all the distress dragged , tied , and smothered , thrown off deck to be swallowed by the placid waters . ❝ has seagard finally learned how to properly man its shores ? or must i pay another visit ? ❞