Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

Rhaena had taken a break from her packing and making arrangements across the narrow sea to stare at the water. Driftmark had plenty of amazing views of the sea, sometimes freshwater was more entertaining.

Just from walking Rhaena already spotted salamanders and trouts. Trouts like House Tully's symbol.....

Rhaena could not think about the last few months or the assassination. One disaster after another followed by tighter political tensions. Was it so difficult for everyone to get along and leave each other alone?

She sensed someone draw near, though she was less jumpy then the last time she was caught by surprise months ago. "Sometimes, I envy the animals" Rhaena said serenely. "They have such joyously simple lives"

Throughout his travels Jasper has taken more time to appreciate the lands and animals that reside in the realm. Jasper does not understand the cowardice of assassinations. As a knight he was trained by honorable men who taught him to fight someone straight on. As well as never striking the innocent.

He offers Rhaena Velaryon a friendly yet gentle smile. “I understand your wonder my lady. I have at times dreamed of life as a fox at times.”

She was amazed to discover that when he was saying, 'As you wish,' what he meant was, 'I love you.' And… she truly loved him back.

This moment was one he had been dreading since this idea wormed its way into his brain. It was finally coming to fruition. If he had his way, the Dreadfort would be stronger, and bend to his will. He only hoped he could convince Torrhen of his ideas. What he had asked was to travel, just once, but to have the same privileges as he did. His word must be as powerful as its current Ruling Lord’s to do this.

The lights burned low from the skeleton hands, the gloom overtaking the dark stone, yet even in this darkness, he knew his brother’s form well. He was a presence he couldn’t ignore, but it had always been a familiar feeling. It created a sense of calm around Gyles, something he hadn’t felt since before this began.

There was no need to talk, but Gyles had to have answers. There was so much he didn’t understand. After all, he was the second Tyrell to be married. “How did you know it was Sybelle?” he finally asks, voice soft and low. He leaves it up to interpretation.

“Gyles– Sybelle and I did not marry for love. Mother and father arranged for us to marry. When… my adoration and endearment towards her came to be I just knew that I wanted the marriage to continue on.”

“Feeling nervous?”

Had one of you killed me, everyone would have lived. How boring.

PETER CLAFFEY | SER DUNCAN THE TALL

to my dear brother, jasper

i suppose i ought to begin with an apology, though i cannot say it is a particularly dramatic one. distance has a way of making silences feel more deliberate than they are, i suppose. i will say it plainly: i am sorry we have not spoken as much as we should have.

there is no great excuse for it. only the usual tangle of obligations, distractions, and the quiet assumption that there would always be more time.

you may find it curious to hear that jayse is presently at brightwater keep. his arrival was not announced far in advance --- to me, at least --- but i have my ways to stay informed.

i cannot say i mind it. the castle has felt... livelier with him here, though i suspect he would scoff at the word if he heard me use it.

i hope you are well, brother. and that whatever occupies your days now does not weigh too heavily on you.

your sister,

You do not owe me an apology whatsoever, you are a married woman, you have a new family now. I am not insulted that the silence between us has grown. I do miss your presence, you are not the only one who is sorely lacking in communication. I am always on the road and I should visit you during my travels.

All I hope is that married life is doing well and that your lord husband is treating you well.

Please keep an eye on jayse for me. Perhaps I shall come by to visit Brightwater Keep should my travels bring me to the reach.

Much has happened since last I saw you. Until then, stay well.

With much love,