— ELEANORE SERRETT!

where: highgarden, the westerlands apartments

adrian serrett did not much like the reach. he never has. he did not much like anywhere but his own home in the domain of the lions, of course, but there is something especially grating about the reach. he can’t quite place his finger on it. perhaps it is the holier than thou attitude that ran rampant here. oh, how he despises the faith and the hold it has on these people.

that is no matter though. he has requested a meeting with his sister, the queen. it has been some time since they’ve talked, since he has spent so much of his time doing the task that tyland had asked of him. making himself useful to his king. his sister, though she is the queen, has never been much of a priority beyond what she could do to serve his own interests.

there was a part of him that cared for her, sure, but it never outweighed that desire to use her as a pawn. of course she was happy to play that part, seeing as she’s always had an infatuation with the king. how easy it had been to move her along the board as he wished.

“sister,” he greets her, that familiar smirk on his lips. he wears it almost always, only letting in fall in situations that call for it. maybe there is some part of him that is genuinely happy to see her, though. “how are you finding it here?”

his blue eyed gaze falls downward, looking to her belly. it does not appear swollen, though he hopes it is simply obstructed by her dress. she needs to give the king a son, soon. if they are being frank, she is getting old. her biological clock, as they say, continues to tick. getting pregnant will only get harder from here. just as quickly as he had looked, his eyes are meeting hers again. undetectable.

@westerlcnds··

✯

      ORBS OF BLUES AND GREENS REMAINED  locked on the fabrics one of her ladies held out to her, curious optics studying the different patterns and shades even as her doors opened and especially as her brother walked into the room. ill manners, perhaps, but she knew her brother better than he himself and she would do well to remind him that he had little power if any over her now. the game had changed. something that adrian serrett, maybe, struggled to remember himself. she loved him, of course, as a sister should. but her brother was cold and calculating, even she knew.

         ❝ brother. ❞ the golden haired woman echoes, all but hearing the smirk in his greeting. gaze flickering over to his features for a moment if that and... there it was. the mighty adrian’s signature smirk. as though he had won it all. maybe he had. she does not linger, finally glancing back to the fabrics and running nimble digits over the shade of coral, her own signature smile on doll like features stretches in gratitude as she affirms her choice. ❝ that will do nicely, my lady, thank you. ❞ 

         she watches as the lady folds the fabrics gingerly, nodding before thanking her and making her exit. it is then, and only then, that her gaze falls back onto her brother and she watches him carefully - appearing as though she isn’t because that is what serretts do. they watch, they study, they size up, they calculate, they observe in silence and appear to do anything but.  

who: @westerlcnds​ where: the queen’s apartments, casterly rock, the westerlands

Word was always sent ahead by a pageboy to the appointed Ladies in Waiting of the Queen’s state apartments within Casterly Rock whenever the Lion King was gracing the presence of the newly anointed Queen of the West. There was no other in the realm that was as fair as she, who had climbed the highest of ranks a woman could climb within this slippery court they called home; the golden crown, gilded with rubies and diamonds, sat rightfully upon soft golden curls the day of her coronation within the Great Hall - the crowds had lined the dirt road on procession to Lannisport to catch a glimpse of the lady who now truly held no rival.

Their roles were truly golden in itself, and something seemed almost mythical about the pair of them - the Lion King and his Queen, who seemed to be heralded from a time of chivalry Westeros had not seen since the chaos of the Dance of Dragons. If chivalry included his blade being permanently tainted with the blood of those guilty only for the actions of their fathers; rotted bodies that had been buried in unmarked locations along the Ocean Road to forever be forgotten by time and history itself. The sound of his steps echoed down the hallways of her apartments, with tapestries showing various scenes of lions atop the highest of rocks and the Lannister’s of Old, ornate velvet curtains hanging as gilded gold covered the ceilings. 

There was nothing she did not have, nothing she could not have.

The doors opened as he walked within her chambers, to find her quietly curtsying already with her surrounding ladies accompanying her; though not because she considered herself to be lower than him, but because it was the role they had been born to play. The level of understanding that quietly lay within the threads that bound them to one another, through the sacred vows of marriage, held a strong union; quietly strong. 

“Leave us.” The man’s voice was firm, yet not as harsh as it would be if he were in any other place of his court - only, within these chambers with the sound of the lute playing and the distant singing of the musicians the woman had accompany her, this was not the court of Tyland Lannister.

It was the court of her Grace, Queen Eleanore, First of her Name herself. Murmurs of majesty filled the room as the various women and pages bowed, musicians coming to a halt as they left the chambers behind various heavy curtains. His emerald orbs looked upon her for a moment, and within the back of his mind he could not always hope, always pray, that she would be with child soon. A son to declare before the world, a son to declare before the sky; as there was none other above the son of Tyland Lannister. “A strange request has come to my attention from your household.” He spoke as the door shut behind them, watching as the woman remained curtsied; he said nothing else but extended his hand to raise her from the graceful curtsy, admiring the way such ornate rings looked upon her dainty hands.

“How many peacocks do you intend to bring from Silverhill, Eleanore?” His tone was utterly serious, and yet, it was not - not with her, who he had developed a sense of grounded affection for. Not blinded, not passionate, but a grounded mature sense of understanding and support he would give her - he would ensure she had everything to fulfil her role. She merely needed to do it.

✯

       SOME WOULD DARE SAY  that the newly annointed lion queen had never looked better. born to play the role of the lannister queen, born to stand besides the king of the westerlands, born for the life she now lived. some would say it, yes, and others knew it. cemented in the way she had so quickly adapted to her role, as though it had always belonged to her. and perhaps it had - perhaps, even the very tyland lannister had always been meant to be hers. her husband, her safety net, her king. a man who led with an iron fist, tone so curt and stone cold, firm in his actions, confident in his motives. and yet... there was a certain tenderness, in his own way, whenever emerald orbs found the frame of eleanore lannister nee serrett. 

         lithe frame had sat besides her ladies, contently observing another as she shared the details of her newest interaction with a man she swore she would surely marry. eleanore hoped she would, if only so the joyous spark in the brown gaze of her new friend did not dwindle. it had not taken long, only a glance in her mirror to realize that spark she had grown fond of had long since grew within her own light gaze.a spark she had familiarized with tyland lannister. much had changed since her union to the king, the music playing in her apartments being a prime example. soft laughter bouncing off the walls of the court he had given her - hers, he called it and so she had made it every bit hers. joyful, pleasant, warm. a most fitting court. 

           she looked... like herself, as she always should - happy. with good reason, of course, for her lord husband had truly outdone himself in every possible way. there was nothing she longed for, he never quite gave her the chance to. everything she could possibly wish for, he had given her. and it was much more than the material aspect of being his wife. it was so much more. a part of him that she rather liked to think only she had the pleasure of seeing. the part of tyland that was every bit hers, perhaps, always had been.

              light gaze had flickered away from the browns of her lady’s and towards the frame of the pageboy that had entered her apartments, announcing the nearing arrival of none other than her very own husband, the king. thus, the slim frame of the westerlands queen had stood, moving to face her doors before her head drops ever so slightly as she shifts into a graceful curtsy. as she always greeted him, as she always would.          

          the doors opening confirms his arrival and yet, she knew him in every possible way - even by the sound of his footsteps, as odd as it seemed. everything about him was familiar to her, second nature, even. her gaze does not lift nor does her pose stir. not even as he dismisses everyone, cutting the music to a sharp halt, scurrying footsteps contained in a way she had also grown to know well. she figures the people of her court are used to this, used to him. his hand is extended towards her and while her own finds his as instinctively as the very first time - her gaze lingers over the golden band on his ring finger, an everlasting symbol of their union. a sight she never did grow tired of. there’s a flash of mischief in the warm hues of eleanore lannister the very moment he brings up the topic. though, it’s gone as quickly as it came. 

           her grin, however, lingers behind - bright and cheeky. 

ＤＵＲＩＮＧ　ＴＨＥ　ＴＩＭＥ　ＳＫＩＰ

𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴. 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘺, 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. @casterlygldcs​​​

                      eleanore lannister nee serrett

          QUEEN CONSORT OF THE WESTERLANDS

location: anywhere in casterly rock or lannisport

open starter

another war had passed and the lord commander was left wondering when the next one would be coming. it seemed inevitable that he would be sent to fight once again for his king as things still were in a place of turmoil. but who knows if this time he would come back from this battle. he had seen countless soldiers cut down in front of him. he had seen men talented in swordsmanship lose a hand or another limb. what if that would be him next? theomore knew his talent with a sword and knew he could best most men on the battlefield but that did not mean mistakes could happen. maybe not even his own mistake but one of a fellow soldier could cost him his life.

and what would he leave behind?

a legacy he hoped. something that would carry on the westerling name. he has title of hero of the crag. a man of honor in a brutal war. he had his position as ruiling westerling lord. but there could be more? husband…that could be something. father. would he even be good at those things anyways. or was a life with a sword in his hand the only thing he may be able to do?

the thoughts could not leave his mind, even on his day of supposed rest. there was little to be had as he wandered. his thoughts were all he was paying attention to until someone else came across his view. “ah, good afternoon” he greeted them. “pardon me if you had said something, i am afraid my mind was somewhere else.”

✯

        NO LONGER A LADY OF THE  lannister court, rather the betrothed of the lannister king, eleanore serrett seldom had time on her own. followed by ladies, watched by guards to ensure her safety was unquestioned - it was a shift in status, she could only imagine how things would be when she actually married the king. every change was received masterfully, elegantly embraced. hells, she even smiled and nodded upon every suggestion towards their wedding. not that she needed to, the eldest lady of house serrett had always known what she wished her wedding to be. rather, she had always dreamed of a specific wedding and had somehow been blessed with the probability of having just that.

         floral arrangements had never been so... stressful. roses ?? absolutely not. she much preferred peonies and gladiolus. the lady lets out of a deep sigh the moment she exits the room, gaze lifting from the ground and straight ahead as she further adds distance between her and her chambers in which her sister remains - perhaps still going on about color schemes and how roses would be absolutely perfect for an event such as the wedding of a king. only, tyland had already been married once... to the very princess of roses. somehow, it seemed to eleanore that should the king have a favorite flower - it was most certainly not roses.   

           slim digit slips into the grand hall, seemingly empty apart from the frame of the lord commander. she slows, gaze taking in the thoughtful expression on the features of theomore westerling. her head tilts, pastel green hues suddenly just as thoughtful. he seemed... troubled. a strange sight for all who knew theomore.

who: @westerlcnds​ where: the dornish ball, the princedom of dorne

hues of deep rose pink glittered with golden zaari embroidery beneath numerous glittering dornish chandeliers, the candlelight emitting a warm glow that caused a similar glow to come to the cheeks of guinevere herself; the sounds of anklets chiming and the rhythmic pair of clapping along with the sound of drums had caught the attention of her emerald hues. a few moments ago there had been a crowd she had carefully been placed at the front of, for the sake of ensuring none accidentally elbowed the visible curve of her bump beneath said silks. a few moments ago a certain vibrant, lady of house serrett adorned in shades of blue had been by her side, before slipping off.

flickering her gaze over her shoulder to look for where it was aliza could have possibly ended up venturing off to, she found herself in close proximity to another lady of house serrett she was not entirely the most aware of; only that in some ways over their brief exchanges over the years, guinevere had seen much of herself within the orbs of the older woman. one that could not afford to allow the cracks to show, and one who held a responsibility possibly too great to bear at too young an age.

their shoulders had moulded with that burden over the years, learning to carry it and all the choices they had made rather than feeling their very spines crack under the pressure. as emerald hues met with those of striking ocean blue, she felt as though it were too rude to simply look away, and thus over the sound of the group of female dancers singing, anklets and claps that came with each graceful twirl or leap, she wordlessly stepped aside to allow the woman to stand beside her in an area that was far less crowded.

her very presence here was one that caused a question to immediately float to the very front of guinevere’s conscience, considering there was a time where even the court of casterly rock was considered a place where the woman did not belong; not when she had a duty to her own household back within the hills of silverhill. the invitation to join her was an open one, though she knew the situation was a precarious one, and association could thus taint whatever it was she seemed to want from her trip this far south.

unless, she had already gotten what it was she wanted; her mind trailed back as she watched the twirling figures of the women, their claps almost entrancing as she thought of a masquerade so many years ago; where seven of the women at court had been unmasked as the seven virtues. guinevere could hardly remember what it was she had been assigned that day, knowing that it was theomore westerling who had initially struggled to untie the thread at the back of her mask, resulting in the pair holding back their laughter amid the noble court of casterly.

not until she looked to the side, as she had just now, and seen the now king of casterly rock slipping a mask off the eldest lady of house serrett as though it were the most natural thing in the world. she knew that look, one of spark and connection, now so many years later - though she wondered if it was already too late.

✯

         THERE WERE FEW THINGS THAT  had managed to slip through the fingers of the king of the westerlands, some that the eldest lady of house serrett could not even manage to find through the memories of the passing years. but there was one thing, a major one, that perhaps troubled the royal house of the lannister lions much more than they would ever dare admit. the exile of guinevere had been sudden and yet slow, as though she remained even in absence. which, of course, she did.

        familial burdens were delicate subjects as was and yet all the more where a man such as tyland lannister was involved. despite the cold nature in which he had cast his sister aside, even kings were flesh and bone. tyland lannister was not made of stone, regardless of how hard he tried to be. and neither was guinevere lannister, the ruby adorning gold, deep down she was just as soft as eleanore. a kind friend to her little sister, a loving daughter, a supportive sister, a caring leader. falling in love was not a crime and yet... a sentence had been dealt and punishment given. it made her wonder, now more than ever, as pastel orbs found the familiar emerald gaze of yet another golden haired lannister - if it had truly been worth it.

          the older blonde slips past the space opened up for her by the other, shifting away from the dancing crowd and into a more private area of sunspear. guinevere seemed to be doing well, wearing a glow that only an awaiting mother would ever be blessed with. but none knew better than eleanore serrett just how easy it was to overlook the bad for one’s loved ones. did the glow reach her eyes ?? was the glint in emerald orbs joy or curiosity ? neither. it was the permanent remainder of the strength women such as them possessed. elegant beauty, biding prying eyes away from the true manner in which they truly functioned. how they ticked, how they truly got their way. 

            she supposed that she should have stayed away, kept herself out of this and allowed the lannister siblings to do their own healing. sometimes... however, people needed more than time. slim digits find the golden tresses cascading over her shoulder, neatly running through the waves - light gaze flickering away from the greens of guinevere to carefully study the room they had slipped into. 

Though she would never say such a thing aloud, Charlysse was convinced that the King was not as good as he wanted everyone to think he was, and she found that to be pathetic. The part that sickened her the most was that the men surrounding the king had nerve enough to smile at her to her face after everything was said and done, after she had seen what they did. She would be lying if she said that she hadn’t thought about taking her children and her trusted handmaiden Eyme and making a run for it. Charlysse was surrounded by people she no longer trusted, and she hadn’t the slightest clue on how to handle it. Of course she stayed, where would she go? But the more the murderers smiled at her after everything, the more bitter and less trusting of them she became. She was steadily growing to hate them all, which only made her want to isolate herself further so she wouldn’t say anything she would later regret… she hadn’t known her own anger would ever be like this and it scared her.

“Indeed, for she’s very fast now too. I’ve no idea where she gets her quick legs from, her Septas and I have trouble catching her.” Charlysse said with a chuckle.

“The wedding planning is certainly important, you will have the most grand wedding El. One fit for a Queen.” She replied with a smile.

Upon hearing her, Charlysse nodded.

“I have never expected to force emotions out of him El, nor would I ever try to. He is his own person as am I and you are as well, we all are. Every marriage is different and I pray to The Seven that yours will be happy and peaceful. I know our king is not Adrian, and probably will never be Adrian, and I thank the Seven for that. Perhaps now I see that I cannot have Adrian’s love but I only wish for his compassion… but he doesn’t even have that to give me, does he?” Charlysse started tear up a bit as she held Eleanore’s hand.

“Yes, I trust that. I do.” She paused before lowering her voice, speaking in a soft tone… a near whisper.

“I can’t help but love Adrian, but it drives me mad that I love a man who had a hand in murdering my family. I’ve thought nonstop about what to tell the children as they age, why they’ll never see their aunts or uncles or cousins ever again. When I married your brother, I had no idea what I was in for… and…” Charlysse had to force herself to say it.

“El, I’m miserable. And I have been for a very long time. I’m unhappy, very unhappy. I can’t help but have feelings, and it all gets to be too much, I can only keep everything down beneath the surface for so long. I feel so lost and confused and angry and alone. How I felt only got worse after… what happened to my family. I no longer know who to trust, I see everyone smile at me or give me pitiful looks when I walk into a room and I can’t stand it… oh Gods I can’t stand it. I am the ruling lady of House Serrett… but how can I be when the ghosts of my family haunt me every time I close my eyes?”

Charlysse shook her head as she quickly wiped her tears.

“My apologies, this is very unbecoming of me. I did not mean to burden you.” She said, pausing before speaking again.

“I try my very best to do everything good El, but… it’s never enough, it will never be enough… especially to him. I’m starting to accept it for what it is, but it’s difficult to come to terms with. For it is all very tiring but I must keep going, keep appearances up… if not for my marriage then for the children. They do not ever need to know or see how much their mummy suffers everyday. I would never forgive myself if they were to see me in such a state and start to think of me as a weak woman or worse… resent their father, I refuse to let that happen.” Her eyes still glossy yet a look of determination emerged from the sadness.

✯

         IN ALL HONESTY, SITTING BEFORE  the other, eleanore was well beyond possibly marrying the king. rather, she was fully set to marry him, engaged, more specifically. but to look her good sister in the eyes knowing very well the weight of her grief and choosing to inform her of such things seemed entirely inconsiderate. not because she cared for the tarbecks or the reynes but because she did care for charlysse. no matter how utterly joyous eleanore serrett was following the recent shift in her relationship with tyland, she could not find it in her heart to make this about herself. at least... she had not intended to.

           a delicate laugh follows the mention of her niece's newfound speed, remembering all too well how quick aliza and edmund were as children. she knows, all too well, just where carynne had acquired her fast legs from. ❝ he loves you, charlie. in his own way, he surely does. ❞ though, she does not entirely believe her own words. it was easier to believe that her brother held his wife in some kind regard, cared for her in a way that bordered love. he was not a gentle man but adrian cared. he always had and he always would. there had been plenty of weight on him after the passing of their mother, carrying the slack their father unknowingly left behind during his stage of grief. of course, he remained present - never quite forgetting his kids. but even he was human and completely imperfect.

           there is a visible shift in her demeanor upon the further words of the other. a sudden coldness that runs through her veins, carrying to the very tips of her fingers. eleanore's body tenses, hands resting on her lap hesitantly. her gaze drifts, thoughts running rapidly in a way that could only mean she was stuck at a crossroads. ❝ your family, too, were murderers. ❞ her voice is steady, tone soft and just barely above a whisper. a moment of silence weighs heavy between the pair before her gaze finally meets that of the other blonde again. ❝ my brother is not perfect, charlysse, but he is still my brother. and... he held no fault for the murder of lanna lefford - your family did, them and the reynes. ❞ fingers thread together slowly, carefully, as to to help keep her composure. eleanore was entirely good at remaining in character but even she was capable of defending her family with the unrelenting nature of the lannister lions, one she would become. a lioness, in her own right.

           ❝ i wish not add to your grief, i assure you, but just as you so fiercely defend your family... i must do the same. for my brother is no traitor to his king, he has only remained loyal to him, to his home, to his family, to you. ❞ a pause follows the slow inhale of a calm breath. ❝ you are allowed to mourn, you truly are. but... to speak as though you have no family left ?? that is offensive to house serrett. a house to which you were openly welcomed into, a family that cared - one that your children are a part of. is adrian not your family ??? aliza, edmund, my father... myself ?? are we not your family ? ❞ there is a visible speck of hurt in light optics, evidently tired of the constant vilifying of her brother. he was no saint but he was no traitor nor was he a monster.

            her next actions are entirely composed and not at all sudden - eleanore stands, a solemn smile on her lips. ❝ you are no burden and you are most certainly not alone, charlysse serrett. ❞ hands rest comfortably in front of her flat abdomen, golden locks cascading neatly down her back. ❝ you must learn to be enough for yourself rather than for my brother. should you choose to learn anything from me, anything at all, let it be that. you must pick yourself up, hold your head high and decide that you are enough. ❞  her head shifts in a motion that calls for her to follow.

.

with all that seemed to remain weighing upon his mind, the very fate and destiny of a kingdom that once again knelt before no king or queen that was not their own, where the lion ruled over both pride and dynasty in itself, it was often for many to assume the king of the rock was a burdened soul. burdened by all it was he firmly called for in the name of securing the uttermost stability of their realm, in looking toward their allied neighbours and those he deemed an enemy from even further away. in truth, the oldest son of house lannister had long since made his peace with the reality of what life was to be for him; and when the responsibility of the rock went from lordship to kingship,  it was only something he seemed greater and better for his realm. something he could handle.

and whilst there had been proven missteps and issues, namely regarding his lack of a legitimate male heir and the vassal houses who had seemingly become intoxicated on gold, intoxicated enough for their ambition to become an infection he would rip out root from stem, tyland believed his firm hand had ultimately paid off. lannisport was once again thriving, a bustling centre in itself and the coin put toward the farman fleet ensured, along with the targaryen bride, defence was on the rise. all that was left to do was to resolve matters at home, that within his own household; help to try and ease the strains within relationships that were tested and subject to years of distance. his attention had once been swayed toward the eldest lady of house serrett so many years ago, in what felt like another life, when he had been the one to finally unmask her at a masquerade put on by multiple noble ladies of the greatest vassal houses.

and so, as he remained stood in her presence with the guards and other servants remaining around them for the sake of ensuring her honour was not questioned, he knew what it was he wanted to do.  he knew little of what their relationship would consist of if agreed to, what he would be willing to give, how much they would understand one another; he had tried with helena, before ultimately giving up when realising they were too starkly different. it was her maturity he seemed to respect and admire, just as he had all those years ago.

she seemed to have a place in him, whether it be his memories or even his heart for that brief course of what could have been. and it was a place that had not moved, despite the years of bloodshed, cruelty and chaos that surrounded that sacred place in his mind. hers was untouched, untainted, almost like that portion of the private shore she had so often enjoyed to take her strolls upon.“know that your presence is no inconvenience, nor a burden to me, my lady.” he spoke, his tone completely poised and formal and yet there was an element of warmth in which he spoke to her, regarded her. as though she should have been the one all along, and here she still was so many years later; it made sense in his eyes. that this was always supposed to be.

“silverhill is your home, where you have always remained, despite many joining and thriving in the court.” he responded, a golden smile crossing over his features as he heard her speak on the drama between her brother and his wife, no doubt a result of her family being brought to a brutal, final end. “though it is entirely possible that this place be a home, should you desire it to be." he was firm, and he had an iron hand on what it was he ruled over and what it was he controlled, and yet when he looked upon her he always saw the very beauty of the ocean and the might in that. there was no claiming or owning the ocean, as there was no claiming or owning her - lest she take a position that should have always been hers all along.

"you would have no rival…” he spoke, a reference to her house words, stepping forward in what felt like a natural orbit; they had never been anything more than innocence, and if this was to be another go,  it would be done legitimately. he would have none question the validity of this union should it occur, nor question her honour. 

“as queen of this realm, by my side.” a hand was extended out to her, for her to sake should she see fit, though as emerald hues held those of ocean, he knew the tide would come in. “above it all.”

✯

          HE ASSURES HER AS  though it is the most natural thing, affirming her to be no burden in his home. more than that, it feels as though she is entirely welcomed in casterly rock as much more than just a lady that had joined his court. the lady smiles, genuinely and brightly, the kind of smile that reaches even the eyes of the woman - emphasizing the content his words had given her. words were just words, that much she knew, but not when it came to him. there was firmness in what the lannister king spoke, an underlying promise that held weight on its own. the actions that followed only further cemented such things. 

         she had learned, at a young age, that a man was nothing without his honor and the will to uphold that which his tongue carried. and so she had no doubt in her that he meant it. ethon serrett lived by that and adrian followed, blunt in his narratives and firm in his actions. it was all she had ever known and perhaps because of that, she had grown fonder of tyland. not for his status or crown but for the personality and traits she had always wished to surround herself with permanently. 

           a nod follows his words before the light gaze of the lady finds the bright smile of the king, urging the very smile on her lips to widen lightly. silverhill, indeed, was home. though - she had remained in it not out of fear of change but rather wishful thinking and security. deep inside, she had always hoped they truly would find their way back to one another. that and her lord father was a very determined man that was in no rush to marry her off after the divorce of the king. the next words seem as though they are meant to deliver a deeper message, though, she takes it as an invitation to further make herself at home.

            ❝ well, i suppose i could... add more personal decor to my chambers. ❞ orbs flicker around the walls of the room, to the duvet of her bed and the empty shelves of her wardrobe and desk. it did seem as though she had kept it how it had been assigned in which case she can suddenly note exactly why he would assume she did not feel at home. but she did, truly, and the pleasant nerves of leaving a mark within the walls of his home was proof of that. her gaze does not linger, instinctively finding the greenery within his gaze.

            and then her eyes narrow gingerly, curiosity suddenly mirrored in the pastels of her irises as he references her house’s words. a house’s name which she would no longer carry should she accept his now evident proposal. gaze remains locked on his even as a step is taken in her direction. though, it falls to his extended hand - one that her own smaller hand finds as though it is second nature. ❝ you wish to make me your queen. ❞ a statement uttered as a question, as if to confirm his intention. 

Charlysse was starting to think now that perhaps if the process of Eleanore possibly becoming Queen happened sooner then maybe some of her family… the women and children at least who hadn’t directly killed the old Dowager Lady… would have been spared… after all, El was certainly a peaceful person and would balance out their murderous king nicely but she couldn’t blame El, she had nothing to do with the blood of innocents and some who deserved it that had been spilled that day.

“Oh no, it is a secret between us two. But yes, Carynne has missed you as well. She’s beginning to talk more, only one word usually but she’s still very smart.”

Her daughter was hard to catch too, she recently discovered running and hadn’t gotten tired of it yet. She was getting to be too fast for both Charlysse and the Septas to catch, it only made her wonder where in Seven Hells did the girl get her fast legs from?

“Yes, I’m sure he would be proud.” Charlysse replied with a smile and a nod.

Upon seeing Eleanore shake her head, Charlysse gazed at her in genuine surprise.

“You have been that busy that you haven’t thought about your wedding dress? I shall certainly help you with any ideas you may want to see come to life. I know a few seamstresses.”

Indeed she did, they were kindly old women who were very skilled at their work and had made many of Charlysse’s gowns.

Upon hearing her, Charlysse nodded.

“That is a very nice foundation for any marriage… understanding, trust and communication are also very important… but I would be leading you astray if I told you that love will be in your marriage the way my mother told me before I married… if she hadn’t told me that then perhaps I wouldn’t have been so… disappointed and foolish. Love may come later in your marriage or it may not come at all, do not hold your breath El. There maybe moments where you wish to spend time with him or lay with him and he treats you coldly for doing so, be prepared for that. I’m sure you see some good in our king, but please be prepared for when you see some bad… for he is a good king but no one is perfect, and marriage certainly reveals that. I wish not to scare you, but I wouldn’t be a very good good sister if I lied to you, like my mother lied to me.”

Charlysse gazed at her with a serious look before her gaze lightened up a bit.

“My apologies for getting all serious all of a sudden. It is just that I know more now about marriage than I did then and I thought it best for you to know as well.” She added in an apologetic tone.

✯

         IT WOULD REMAIN UNKNOWN  whether the lady of silverhill would have any luck in swaying the decision of the king of the westerlands. it was, however, internally confirmed that she would never stand in the way of tyland lannister. innocents had died all because of one woman, a woman that the king held to a standard higher than most if not all. wiping two houses was indeed a brutal thing but if it were the choice of the king... perhaps it was best. where mercy would have prevailed that day, it would prove to be a problem for the future children of the king. theirs, perhaps. a selfish decision, one she should not ponder on for the king had made his choice and what was done was done but it was a choice she would never wish to see again. should it be her family or another’s... the choice would remain clear.  

           her smile remains tender, soft and kind when her niece is mentioned. the smallest and youngest of the bunch, definitely the mightiest for even her brothers stood no chance against the little lady carynne of house serrett. ❝ she’ll be making out sentences in no time, charlie, you will see. ❞ a nod offered when regarding the topic of not telling her sister about her standings with their nephews and niece. though, something told her that charlysse was exaggerating.

           ❝ i trust that he will be, him and adrian. ❞ she can only imagine the two on her wedding day, victorious grins plastered on the similar features of both men. ❝ it is not that i have not thought of it, rather, i prefer to not dwell on it before there is a wedding to plan. ❞ 

           the words of the other are slowly registered, mirrored in the way gentle features shift noticeably to portray the disagreement within her. it was entirely wrong to think eleanore and tyland were anything like adrian and charlysse. her head tilts, slowly and carefully. she must not let herself step out of character. ❝ some people, believe it or not, end up with the person they have longed to marry. that is what he is to me, the person i always wished to marry and could not. for different reasons, of course.  circumstances have now changed and while it may sound... perhaps, unkind  - tyland lannister is no adrian serrett and i am no charlysse tarbeck. i understand my brother has been... cold towards you and as you are more than aware, i am not condoning his behavior nor am i in agreement with him. but you cannot expect to force emotions out of him nor can you expect my marriage to be anything like yours. ❞ her tone was kinder than her words perhaps were, the calm nature of the other hopefully softening the truth of her words.

Charlysse used to like the King, but now she hated him… though no one knew this but her. She’d rather keep her head than go around spewing her own thoughts or putting forth her own emotions or acting a fool, especially now since she knew what he was capable of.

She’d never commit treason, besides… why would she? She had no reason to do so. Her family had been rightfully murdered… or so everyone around her thought. Charlysse knew that deep down her family had made a stupid move that cost them dearly… but part of her couldn’t help but feel deep down that Lanna Lefford deserved the fate she had received… she was no saint and neither were the Reynes or the Tarbecks. They had all suffered fairly.

Her cousin Vittoria would call Lanna an old hag in private to Charlysse on one visit to Castamere she had taken not long after her cousin had been betrothed to Jason Lannister, back then Charlysse would scold her cousin for saying such a thing and give her a look of disgust, but now Charlysse felt that her cousin wasn’t too off the mark. After all, the Dowager Lady Lefford had been old anyways, how much time would she have really had left if she hadn’t been killed?

These bitter thoughts were hidden deep inside Charlysse and she revealed them to no one… because she now knew she could trust no one. She could trust Eleanore, but only to a certain extent… for she was in the King’s good graces and it would be foolish of Charlysse to say such things to her, especially now.

“Oh no El, they won’t forget you. How could they? You are their favorite aunt after all. You’re also Carynne’s favorite aunt too.” Charlysse said softly with a smile, her eyes beaming with cheer and pride as she spoke about and thought about her children.

“Indeed it is, I’m still getting used to wearing such clothing outdoors.” She sheepishly admitted as she looked down at her own two piece and her blue shoulder fabric that had been delicately draped around her.

“Really? I am happy to hear that, El. I’m sure you’ll be his Queen yet and it’ll suit you well good sister. You’ll be fantastic at it, you did help me become a proper ruling lady after all so you’ll certainly make a wonderful Queen.” Charlysse said with a grin.

She genuinely meant what she said, El would make a wonderful Queen and she was sure that Adrian would be more than pleased about his sister becoming Queen. Perhaps he would lighten up a bit as a result and pay more attention to Charlysse after Eleanore’s status as Queen was cemented. But then again, that was only wishful thinking in the blonde’s pretty little head.

“Should he choose you, have you decided what your wedding gown will look like? My mother always said that a lady should always prepare her gowns for such events should they happen.” Charlysse said with a smile as she gazed at her.

“Are you ready for marriage, El? It is nice but it has its moments.” She added. No one knew that better than Charlysse herself.

✯

        THERE WERE NO ILL FEELINGS  when charlysse was involved, at least, not from eleanore. there never could be and while she would understand that perhaps she was upset with tyland lannister, eleanore serrett admired each and every action he had taken. a man of power who could and would remind his people of why exactly he was king... there was honor even in the vilest of actions. he had defended his family, avenged his aunt and crushed every and all threat against him. it was humbling, in a sense, but entirely reassuring that should she marry the lion king, not a day would go by that her safety was not a guarantee. after all, his wrath knew no limits and only a fool would ever try their luck against him.

          perhaps it had been the long years of longing, the years of unsaid feelings for a prince that would one day be king. and one day, indeed. she supposed if anyone could compliment the limitless vengeful nature of tyland lannister it was the peaceful aura that enveloped her. there had never been two quite like them, that much was clear. and yet the compassion in her had danced with his anger, stared it right in the eyes and... nothing had changed, no feelings were different. the tarbecks were not only murderers, they were traitors and had gotten everything they deserved for the murder of lanna lefford. and yet, it was only human for the living to mourn.

          no love had been lost on her end, not truly. only the love she held for charlysse had truly tugged on her good nature, the true nature of eleanore. ❝ we mustn’t tell aliza. ❞ her voice is seeping with humor, amusement evident in the pastel orbs of the woman. ❝ my sweet girl, i could never forget her. it was a given that i would see her and them. ❞ 

            her gaze finds the lemon tree once more, lips pressing together in thought, minding the words of her good sister carefully before a smile finds the features of eleanore and her gaze falls, studying her hands carefully. ❝ gods know my lord father would be delighted, it had been his dream to see me besides our king. ❞ and it had been her dream, in a way, for different reasons. she shakes her head slowly upon the question of the wedding gown, though, it was mostly a lie. of course, she had considered the dress she would wear while swearing her vows in the eyes of the seven. though, it was most difficult to explain and something she held truly to her heart. 

“Yes, thank you El. Everyone is, well at least ones that had nothing to do with it.” The sadness and pain was slowly leaving her but anger was starting to take its place. The feeling made her happy at least, now she had confirmation that she could still feel something other than sorrow.

“How are you liking Dorne so far? The children love it, they tell me they wish to go out to The Bazaar to find new things everyday they are here.” Charlysse said, her face lighting up as she talked about her children.

“I myself like Dorne, for it is a bit hot for my tastes but I suppose after a while one gets used to the heat.” She mused as she gazed up at the lemon trees above them.

Charlysse smiled at Eleanore.

“So, your time on Casterly Rock… his majesty, what is he like? And do you think he likes you good sister?”

✯

       SILENCE CLAIMS THE FRAME OF  of the serrett woman, mint like gaze studying the features of her good sister. refraining from speaking so that she may do so without interruptions, lending a listening ear and comfort was all she truly could do at this point in time. her family had betrayed the crown and had suffered accordingly. charlysse, however, had done nothing wrong. 

           smile brightens significantly at the mention of her nephews, golden tresses shifting as she further accommodates herself in her seat. ❝ i must see the boys soon otherwise they might forget me all together. ❞ the woman adds, half joking and half not. ❝ it is better than the north, i suppose, the clothing style is certainly much more... revealing. ❞ the lady comments, glancing down at her two piece. of course, the shoulder fabric that the lannister staff had added did enough to cover most of her torso so it was nothing she could not get used to.

            her gaze lifts along with charlie’s, inspecting the lemon tree above them. at her next words, her hues stray from the dornish greenery and back to the familiar gaze of the other. the curious nature of the younger blonde was something eleanore was entirely used to, having grown up with aliza and even adrian - who was nosy, in his own right. amusement settles in the features of the golden haired woman, head tilting ever so slightly. ❝ enticing. ❞ comes the description of the king, hues flickering to the lemons above her.

Closed starter! @westerlcnds

Location: One of the Gardens in The Westerlands Estate in Dorne, The mid-afternoon

One of the Septas had taken the children off of her hands for the day, and Charlysse currently cared not for wherever Adrian was or whatever he was doing… for things had been relatively frigid between them lately. Now left to her own devices, Charlysse spent time in the garden. She had sent for Eleanore, she needed someone she truly liked and trusted, a friend to share her thoughts with… the thoughts about her marriage and her now dead family among other things… these were the same thoughts she kept locked away deep inside her head.

She sat on a bench in the shade and admired how beautiful the garden was. There were gardens back home in the Westerlands but none as intricate and luxurious as this one.

Charlysse smiled as she saw a bee land on a nearby daisy. She found that she liked being out among nature more and more often these days, it gave her a much needed sense of peace.

She then heard footsteps and saw one of her guards.

“She has arrived, my lady.”

“Thank you.”

Charlysse stood up and curtsied as soon as she saw her.

“I am so happy to see you good sister. For I have missed you terribly.” She said as she hugged her.

“Please, sit. We must catch up. Would you like anything to eat or drink?” She asked as she gestured to the comfortable garden benches that sat in the shade of two lemon trees.

✯

        THERE HAD BEEN MANY OCCURRENCES  since eleanore’s departure from silverhill, many changes ever since charlysse had been left to her duties as ruling lady by herself, officially. some things good, some bad. the murder of lanna lefford had done much more harm for the family of charlysse and their traitorous friends but they were gone now and had, instead, left behind a living charlysse. to mourn despite her new standing, her new life. it was only natural to mourn a family regardless of how traitorous they may have been. oppositely, eleanore had spent her time adjusting to casterly rock once more and... alongside tyland lannister. they had spent much time together ever since she had settled in and while she was no fool, the lady of house serrett was mindful of the fact that they had not yet cemented anything.

         pastel hues find the frame of her good sister, standing instantly before politely curtsying. it was not the first time charlie had greeted her as such and yet it felt different. as though she was not only here as charlysse’s good sister but as someone that was potentially being courted by their king. ❝ i, too, have missed you - charlie. ❞ a delicate smile graces her lips, not a single indication of her inner thoughts. ❝ no, no, thank you, i am quite alright. ❞

.

sea blue turquoise, however fleeting it would be to a gaze as emerald as his own, was a hue that seemed to only lead back to the eldest daughter of silverhill; tracing the winding labyrinths of his mind like footsteps in golden sand,  with the sound of the gulls cawing and the distant sound of the ocean. never before had something as simple as a colour brought him back to a time where all seemed right in the world, where all seemed united and in one piece; there had always been a warm glow that seemed to emit from the aura of lady serrett, one which felt like a space for healing and true peace. it was not something the king of the rock had felt in a number of years, to the point where it now slipped from his memory as seamlessly as the tide beckoned in and out; perhaps it was something he felt as though he did not deserve.

there had been some shimmer, some reflection like sunlight hitting the ocean surface between them once many moons ago; nothing more than conversations and a draw of glances across a glittering gold ballroom, nothing that had ever truly accounted to anything worth to continue having a quiet hold upon his heart; and yet, there was no denying the fact that even now, the sense of serenity and peace she brought seemed to have a hold on his heart in a way no other woman had ever done before. “and what is it that has changed most of all?” it had never been a matter of lust, nor even of passion; only kindred flames that found more in common with one another then they could have ever possibly fathomed. 

their conversations had always been one of questions, the gentle coming and going that seemed to ensure they revealed and even learned more and more about themselves. never once had he found himself having such discussions on such a casual basis, discussions that made him wonder what it was he truly wanted to do with his life, who he wanted to be. it had never been king, that was something he could swear on. “that, you will find not changed.” he asserted, referring to the area that had always been her favourite during her time at the rock; perhaps he had never changed it, made it part of some long line of naval defence, for the sake of ensuring it was the same should she ever return. 

“now you are doomed to hear the bickering of lord and lady serrett instead.” he spoke, a sense of dry humour within his tone; the entire westerland court seemed to know how the married pair seemed to pull and tug at one another, and yet adrian had never sought an annulment of his marriage vows. there was the warmth of a smile across her features, and how he had wanted to ensure her world of purity and heavenly white was not tainted by the scandal and slippery nature of gold…how he wanted to ensure her world was not tainted by the crimson blood he would spill in the name of what was rightfully his. 

in the end, that slight shimmer upon the ocean surface had been swept away in the natural tide of life; the golden rose had instead found root within casterly rock, and eleanore serrett slowly, then all at once, slowly faded from his thoughts. the dragons danced, the flames had roared, and the battle had been lost in the very end; or won, considering it was he that now wore a crown of gold and ruled according to his own sovereign rights. he was ready to put this away in the chest stored deep within his heart, turn the key, and let it be done with; another courtier finding a place in the court of the westerlands, and yet her final question was one that caught him entirely off guard. 

if only she ever knew, what it was exactly tyland lannister had been planning to do; following the death of his aunt, following the direct attack upon his own blood, he would ensure the sunset sea ran crimson itself. only, he wished she would not be at those rocks to see it. “truly, i feel as though i am in a clearer mind than ever before.” he knew what he needed to do, what his priorities needed to be; he only wished to never see the look on her face when she heard of what it was he was truly prepared to do. 

✯

                  ILL TONGUES HAD ECHOED THE  tough character of tyland lannister, whispered how no one would ever be good enough for the king of the westerlands. eleanore wondered, each and every time, if anyone had ever tried. he was a man of high standards, impeccable taste and used to the very best so perhaps no one ever would be good enough for the lannister king... but she was not no one and so she would be more than enough. she would surely try her very best to be. perhaps... the very reason why her father had always been so stern was because he had always intended to see her on the throne. perhaps he had always wished to unite his house with the lannisters. was she not lucky that her heart’s desires aligned with her father’s greed ?? she certainly thought so. 

          many things had changed, eleanore realized, though perhaps some were best left unsaid. still, light orbs shifted away from the forestry within the king’s gaze to inspect the noticeable changes outside. light hues squint momentarily, eyebrow raising before her features ease back into a light expression in which she meets his gaze once more. ❝ the dock seems... different. ❞ perhaps it wasn’t, perhaps she had simply not committed it to memory the way she had him. wandering stares and shared conversation was not all elle recalled when it came to tyland lannister. but rather everything that made him who he was. expressions he might not realize he made, small instinctive motions - as strange as she often felt for remembering... she had, at one point, committed his scent to memory. though, she figured that often happened when one was fond of another. they held on to every and each memory of them and that was exactly what she had done.

             smile widens noticeably the moment he assures her that her spot has not changed. it invites a flutter within her chest, one she can not seem to drown out. ❝ we could go then - should it please you. i could benefit from leaving my chambers for more than only meals. ❞ 

           light melodic like laughter spews from the heart shaped lips of the golden haired woman, nodding at his words. ❝ those two can never be at peace. seven hells to choose from and they have created another in silverhill. ❞ she is joking more than anything, though, perhaps to her brother charlie had indeed made a hell out of silverhill. eleanore wondered how they had managed to get along well enough to produce three children as was. ❝ adrian has always had a particular taste for chaos, aliza and him take after our lord father in that aspect. ❞ her mother, gods rest her soul, had been the only thing that kept their father level headed. she had left a reminder of herself in eleanore, not only in physical appearances but also in temperament. everyone needed someone to balance out their crazy.

.

how much did the life of tyland lannister consist of the crushing, overbearing weight of duty; how many times a day did it cross his mind, how often was it that he thought about the moment he awoke from his slumber, and the last thing he thought about before another day would pass, and the sun would rise again. the king of the rock was hardly ignorant to how heavy it weighed upon his shoulders, every aspect of his kingdom that came down to his final judgement, and the stroke of his quill. in his early youth, it had been enough to cause him some sense of panic, an overwhelming feeling that would make him feel as though his very chest was closing up and air itself was the most precious of all commodities. in time, he had learned to work under that pressure, finding a sense of motivation in knowing the world would keep moving, and he needed to ensure his family name remained atop it all. 

perhaps it was easy to assume he was a man of a high ego, thinking mostly of his own pride and what it was he would not allow to cross him; and yet, tyland lannister had long since resigned himself to knowing he would find the gates of the seven heavens barred to him, and had long since found peace within that notion. he would forever remain locked out of heaven, and cast to the most dangerous of the seven hells, if it meant his family and his kingdom did not find themselves at those said gates far before their time. there was a time his dedication to the westerlands had slipped, throughout his time as hand to the king upon the small council of the greens, and how mighty were the consequences of that choice. it was that day he decided, nothing else would be important, than the family name and the westerlands; and if one could not understand or accept that, come to see the love he expressed through that, then they were no longer family, blood or not.

he had proved it, and gods know, he would prove it again if need be. his steps seemed to bounce off the walls of the rock, one of the many cavern staircases that consisted within the halls of the majestic fortress he had always called home; his intention was to seek out his aunt lanna for her opinion on a certain matter, paying no attention to the servants who would move from his path or bow their heads in respect; a certain matter regarding the reynes and tarbecks, and yet, he found her chambers empty. though it would have been possible for him to summon her to his office, he found he needed some time away from his desk and all the matters of legacy that remained upon it; and how he found himself missing his daughter most of all, safe within the rolling hills of the reach. it took all he could muster within himself to avoid calling her back home, for he knew in this moment, the westerlands was not the safest place for the heir of the lannister fortune. 

continuing to walk down another golden, gilded corridor, tyland was not entirely sure as to who was now allocated these rooms considering it was his aunt that mainly managed the household of casterly rock, however a door remaining adjacent allowed him to momentarily catch sight of a familiar figure stood, going through her belongings. the lady eleanore of house serrett merely reminded him of another time with her ocean hues, where that human what if seemed to always creep into the back of his mind; what if he had not needed to cement with the reach, what if the dragons had not danced within the sky, what if he had taken as a wife who he had truly wanted at one point in his life. he stood for a moment, noting how the light from the sun reigning high above the sunset sea seemed to reflect from behind her; his emerald hues warmed slightly, so different to his usual hardened gaze. 

“no, you would not have.” he spoke, his comment a quiet assurance that there was no need for her to suddenly change whatever it was she was doing in this moment in account for him suddenly being in her presence. in truth, he had entirely forgotten that he had invited her to court to be one of the ladies attending upon his sister, entirely swept up in the chaos that had only followed house lannister since that night. “it is good to see you within the rock once again, lady serett. you will find that much has changed.” it was not the first time she had been within the glittering, deceitful walls of the rock; no, she had played graciousness once, hidden behind a golden mask at a masque play. “are you finding yourself feeling somewhat at ease?” 

✯

         LIGHT ORBS REMAIN FIXED ON  the emerald of the lion king’s hues. an emerald tint she was all too familiar with, before life toughened the heir of the lannister throne. a dashing man, previously and still. he speaks, a voice as firm as it always had been, firm to mirror the sureness he held in himself. how much weight did he carry on his own, eleanore wondered. heavy was the crown but tyland lannister wore it perfectly. a cruel man, she had heard him to be - but had anyone taken the time to know him ?? to truly know him ? ❝ i suppose not. ❞ the lady of silverhill agrees, he had things to do and an audience with her was perhaps not one. still, she was grateful he had stopped by, wandered to her. golden tresses are gathered into her hands gingerly, digits brushing through the tips slowly before allowing the long locks to further cascade down her back. 

          she had just barely gotten dressed before tyland’s unexpected arrival and for that she was grateful - at least she looked presentable. there was a time when the eldest of the serretts had been... more in attendance during the familiar arrivals at casterly rock. when tyland lannister had been a possibility, unwed and available for the most valuable houses of the westerlands. that is, until it was established that the reach would be an ally they had to cement. thus, eleanore serrett managed her distance from the rock. albeit, she had never truly been a constant like aliza who had declared a lannister her best friend. it was... calming and reassuring to be back within the walls of casterly rock. 

          ❝ much has, indeed, changed. ❞ the woman mused, hues shifting away from the intense forestry within the eyes of the other. how she had managed to look him in the eyes for so long was a mystery to even herself, suddenly aware of just how expressive his gaze could be. ❝ i have been meaning to go down to the rocks. ❞ she admits, having been there after the exact masquerade ball with... well, him. given, it had all been conversations shared. she wonders then, if that area had been known to him - a spot he shared with little to none. casterly rock had many spots like that one but... none compared.

             slim hands move to grab onto a dress, making quick work of her actions to distract from her statement. ❝ i often wish silverhill had the sea as the sound is quite relaxing but... i suppose there can only be one casterly rock. ❞ there’s a hint of humor in her words, gaze finally finding the unusual soft of his own. she does not pay his eased features any mind, thinking that perhaps he was just comfortable within the walls of his home. ❝ i will admit, it is strange to not hear the bickering of children upon waking. ❞ adrian and charlysse had done a good job at filling the silence of silverhill with their three children. ❝ but i assure you, my king, i am much more than at ease. thank you - for being so... accommodating. ❞ 

          THERE WAS A CERTAIN SENSE  of excitement when new beginnings were involved. and yet, the noble lady of house serrett had been but a stranger in different homes for the past many moons. a stranger in the north, not welcomed and distrusted. yet she had fared well, adjusted to the furs and the bitter cold. remained as uninvolved as she could in northern antics, not at all fond of their loud characteristics. it baffled her, at best, how one could be so... blunt and vulgar while baring a high title. slurs spewing from masculine and feminine lips alike. strangeness and unfamiliarity. there had been relief when the stark king had dismissed his guests, freeing them of a duty to their own alliances and friends. 

          the westerlands were familiar. and yet... she had not stepped foot in her home for such a long time that... well, nothing was familiar all at once. now a part of the lannister court, eleanore had traveled with them to casterly rock. your belongings will be awaiting your arrival, honor your house. a poor goodbye on her father’s part, though, the glaze in his orbs said much more than his hollow words. eleanore had nodded, bid him a final embrace and had entered the carriage. silverhill had been home, once upon a time and now... it would be casterly rock. until the king of the rock decided otherwise. if he did.

           her belongings had, in fact, been awaiting her arrival. though, much too tired from the voyage to the westerlands - eleanore had not spared them a glance. that was the day prior and today was a new day. lithe fingers had worked to adjust her wardrobe, thankful for the aid of the staff and still much too perfectionistic to have things done a different way. she had been given quarters that were undoubtedly beautiful, elegantly furnished and providing a breathtaking view. still, she was adjusting. while she had been to casterly rock before - she did not truly know anyone anymore. thus, she was but another stranger in another home. 

             the balcony doors are opened, inviting the warm breeze she had longed to feel. lithe frame stills just as a firm knock all but echoes in her new chambers. head tilts, golden locks swaying with the movement. she does not hesitate, effortlessly moving towards the door before gingerly pulling it open. pastel orbs meet the subtle blues of the very lannister king, taking her by surprise. something that is not at all mirrored in the soft features of the lady. ❝ your grace. ❞ eleanore greets, head bowing respectfully before she once again meets his gaze. ❝ i was settling in. ❞ her head turns towards the room, eyes running over every corner. ❝ forgive me, i was not expecting you but - please, come in. ❞ 

aliza snorted with a laugh, almost in comparison to the comment of her attitude. she did have quite the attitude, although she managed to reel it in better as the years passed. she knew when to press it further and when to hold it back, but it was still something that was just lingering about her. she couldn’t help what was in her nature. she moved towards her sister to look at the gown, beautifully created.

“its lovely, thank you, sister.” she replied, a genuine smile crossed her lips as she gave her sister a quick embrace, before going and running her hands over the soft fabric. it felt thicker than her usual garments, and she was grateful to have something that did not always require furs for being in the north. it made her fear slightly how much longer their stay would be, but she was certainly grateful for the gesture. she turned back to her sister, a grin on her face. “well, certainly you had yourself made a matching one?” she questioned, a childlike shine in her eyes at the notion of matching with her big sister as she had always enjoyed even as children. perhaps it was the one thing that she felt she could be successful at when comparing herself to eleanore. 

✯

             THE EMBRACE IS NOT PARTICULARLY   surprising as the serretts were not unaffectionate towards their loved ones. but it is not entirely expected as pastel orbs were previously admiring the very dress. still, delicate grasp is returned with a warm smile. ❝ no need to thank me, iza - it is only a dress. ❞ though her appreciation is just as welcomed. eleanore would never ask for gratitude for something she did out of her own kindness or anything at all. gifts were just that, gifts. a token of the love she held for her sister and yet... nowhere near as accurate to its entirety. she had wished for a sister when her mother’s belly had began to round for the fourth time and she had been entirely delighted when the gods had listened.

aliza gave a polite smile to the woman leaving the room, who was still eyeing the extra coin in her hands with wide-eyed admiration. her sister was always incredibly generous, a quality that aliza actually felt she could try to compare in herself. it was easy to be generous, it was far harder to know the limitations of such generosity, to withhold such kindnesses in the face of an adversary who would take advantage of it. aliza was good at reading certain things about others, but when it came to whether people were genuinely a friend, or it was a facade, she had a difficult time deciphering it.

she laughed, an airy, light laugh as she returned her sisters gentle embrace. “really? i thought i must’ve been early.” she joked, although she gestured to the door where the dressmaker had just left. “i wanna see what she made that was that good.” she teased, referencing the large tip that eleanore had given. she knew her sister would tip well, but she also knew that the dressmaker certainly had to have earned what she was given.

              THERE’S A MELODIC LIKE LAUGH   that slips from the older blonde’s lips, light emerald like optics suddenly brighter with delight. absolutely overjoyed by the company of her sister. ❝ have i ever said how utterly charming that attitude of yours is ?? ❞ she’s joking, of course, a rare sight as opposed to the usually composed and elegant way she presented herself. long locks bounce delicately with the motion of her head nodding, moving towards her bed so that aliza could join her and inspect the winter dress she had ordered for her.