#with:

"duck."

there's a split second for reaction. it's like slipping back into a pair of pants that never fit quite right, but are the only option. daye's movement is graceful in a way that's almost bored. she's been a soldier, she's fought before. this isn't like that. this is chaos, massive and wild, and she's aloof, not frantic like the people around her. she's tucked herself away in a corner, watching it unfold like the best drama she's ever seen on a stage, and only intervenes when it's necessary to keep the peace in her sacred little hideaway.

she hadn't expected company, but now she has some, and she supposes it's her job to keep them safe, too. the punch to the infected sends it backward, and she watches it hit the ground with a thud before a handgun appears from the holster strapped around her leg, and a single bullet disappears between it's eyes.

The Red Keep, 129 AC. With: @black-queen-rising

✦┊⟩» Baela sat in front of her window the whole night. Her muña was poisoned weeks ago, but she never found the strength to go and actually see her. Baela asked Rhaena about how she was doing almost daily, if it wasn't her sister, she asked her ladies in waiting and if they didn't know, Jace did.

Baela usually didn't get why Rhaena would use embroidery to calm herself until she actually tried it. Her sister probably wasn't actively stabbing her fabric, though. The training yard had been her most efficient distraction, but Baela started to feel she might murder someone if she kept training while feeling so powerless. Embroidery did the job just as well as fighting. Her work was half way done: a little kraken and a sketch of a scythe slowly started to form. It'd be finished on time for Lady Alannys, or at least Baela hoped it did.

As the sun's rays grew brighter, Baela sighed and decided she had waited enough. Teora Grafton, one of her closest friends and companions, arrives some time later and wake her up from her nap beside the window.

After everything that happened, Baela was sure the last thing her muña would care about was her appearance, but she still took care of her hair and dress up in a simple and comfortable gown before going to visit her muña's solar.

She arrived and opened the door, before her head had time to tell her to turn around and go back to her own chambers. Rhaenyra was in front of her, alive. Her feet run towards her before Baela could truly react.

—I'm glad you are alive. —She hugged her tightly. Some tears escaping her eyes.

The Raven, 129 AC. With @theredripper

𖤓┊⟩» It's been a while since their last raid, Dalton saw how his men slowly soften and became a bunch of drunken sailors. Fortunately for them, soon they would have the opportunity to attack again. He knew one of them missed the assaults more than anyone, his own son Toron.

That's why today he summoned him to the Raven. Dalton's flagship was far away from any eavesdroppers. Perfect for planning without distractions. He waited on the port until Toron's figure appeared, Dalton couldn't resist the urge to hug him. So he did.

Dalton guided him to his cabin with a smile on his face. He waited until they were inside the room, surrounded by candles and maps, to speak. Nightfall was resting on the side of the table.

The Red Keep, 129 AC. With: @rhaenaspearls

Sabitha was oddly calmed that morning. She had barely slept for a few hours, so maybe her tranquility was in fact just fatigue. Any screams during the feast were just echoes now. Sabitha composed herself. A long day was waiting for her. She had woken up early into the morning and gotten herself ready before her husband woke up. Dress in a black gown, her hair was neatly braided; a simple white ribbon decorating it. The first day after the Queen's poisoning was the most important one, it would decide if the court would crumble or stand together. It would decide if she could be useful as a Lady in waiting.

Everyone was focused on the Queen's health, her condition was still unknown to Sabitha. As her newest lady in waiting, she didn't feel close enough to visit the Queen's chambers and ask about her recovery herself. Instead, Sabitha opted to help in her household affairs. It was a task she felt more comfortable and prepared for. Sabitha decided to start with something she was confident with.

Queen Rhaenyra's youngest was the same age as her son Theo. Sabitha accompanied the little ones the night before and happened to be the one closest to them when the chaos unfolded. She tried —and failed— to calm them. Sabitha was a new face; no matter how kind she could be with the children, she was still a stranger. She helped escort them to their chambers, but Lady Elinda was the one who stayed with them during the night. Sabitha tried to sleep alongside her husband. Forrest was more successful in that regard than her. The sun was already out as Sabitha walked towards the Tower of the Hand where the princesses and princes resided.

She was unsure which child might need her help, she doubted if they would even accept her. « Someone has to take care of them. They have their nannies, tutors and nursemaids, but will it be enough? With the lockdown everyone will be anxious. Any help would be appreciated... or would they look at me in suspicion? » She was so focused on her thoughts that she almost missed Princess Rhaena walking across the hallway. Sabitha stopped walking and bowed.

—Your highness, is there anything I can help you with? I know today must be suffocating right now. The Queen is strong. I'm sure she'll recover.

The Red Keep, 129 AC. With: @josswesterling

Dalton was about to make a bad decision because he was bored. But he could afford to make a bad choice this month. He was actually proud of himself, he hadn't made any bad decisions this month at all. However, he still planned it. He looked at the boy as he painted in the Red Keep's garden. He usually came from the same hallway around the same hours. Learning his painting schedule was fairly easy. Stopping him in his tracks was going to be even more simple.

Dalton hid in one of the corridors and waited. He heard the steps of servants and nobles as they came from one place to another. Eventually he spotted the figure of the young painter and stood in front of him. He looked at him for a few seconds in silence. For some reason people panicked when Dalton saw them with a serious face. When he was sure the boy was the one he was looking for, he simply nodded and said.

—You owe me a favor.