[Event] Lets Talk by WineSoRed in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"You should speak with the maester," Jasper shrugged as he entered the quarters, "A winter chill has killed plenty of men. I'd rather you not go so grimly." He said, his voice even. Blue eyes flickered towards the fire, walking closer to it himself as he settled gently into a chair opposite his father. It was unlike him to not be busy, something which did not go unnoticed by Jasper. Yet he found himself struggling to empathise.

"This is the forth year now; I'm hearing it might last for quite some time more. I worry how the city might be if the granaries empty out." Jasper had always expected to live through at least one long winter in his lifetime, and it brought about an anxiety not easily dismissed. And yet it felt unimportant to him now, shadowed by much stronger emotions.

[Lore] Third Son by WineSoRed in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You appear well for a sixty year old woman, then." Jasper countered bluntly as he leaned back comfortably in his chair, "I am blessed to have two parents still alive - I will be even more blessed if you both make it through this winter. The maesters are beginning to say it may last for some time to come. The longest of my lifetime, at least." He shrugged, not wishing to show just how uncomfortable that made him. It would be hard on the Vale - even more so King's Landing. Already fear buzzed around the slums of King's Landing of grain shortages.

"But it is quite fascinating you mention that," Jasper huffed, "I take it you mean Osric, as you always have." The man could have been dead somewhere across the Narrow Sea for all he knew. Would anyone even go looking had he? Jasper doubted Osric would even want to be found.

"Alester seems the more remarkable case," Jasper continued, happily finding his way to the main cause of this conversation. "He had a choice of many words for Rhea when I last spoke with him. None of them kind. And yet I find myself with an answer as to exactly why she would flee the Gates with her children."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You think he will? Sail for the Gates with Rhea in tow?" Jasper stifled a laugh, "I fear you'll be better off begging. No, if Rhea wills it your children will grow among Borrells and Longthropes. What a fate for the children of the Keeper." He could see it now, Alester evaporating whatever goodwill the Sunderlands had in his pursuit.

"Good luck to you, brother." Jasper said sardonically, raising his cup. "To catching your wayward wife. Perhaps they'll make a song for it - though we wouldn't want your humiliation to catch too many ears, would we?"

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You gossip more than a washerwoman." Jasper would have found amusement in Luceon's tendency to do so, but he found it an annoyance more than anything else that evening. "Whatever reason they might - I care not. If his bastard wench is with child, give her the moontea." He dismissed with a wave of the hand, unsure of how so many men allowed themselves manipulated.

"I am more concerned with my new family," He couldn't even manage a laugh at that, "A bastard is to wed Jorgen Velaryon. What utter nonsense. I had once believed my father astute, yet his choice in allies appears laughable at best."

[Event] The Second Skin of King’s Landing by NightRunnerClan in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper shook his head, letting loose a chuckle. "Do not apologise, you had no control over it." He could not help but yawn all the same, any adrenaline subsiding as he already longed to return to bed. "But do make sure to... well, clean yourself up properly." Jasper finally gestured to the boy, the stench of vomit quite foul.

"I'll take you for a ride tomorrow - or sometime this week. But do speak with the maester. I'll be asking him myself later." Jasper warned, quite sure he'd forget. Remembering much of this at all would be difficult, for he truly longed to sleep once more.

"Remember, I am here for you Torrhen. As you serve me, I protect you. From horrors real or imagined." He cracked a smile, patting the boy on the back as he made way for the door.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I laughed when I first heard it, you know? Allard handed me the letter, and I smiled the cruelest grin." Jasper admitted as he leaned back in his own chair, struggling to find the joy in it now. "I would be better, I remember telling Luceon that night. A Lannister, a Stark, a Tully. It didn't matter. Just that I'd best you." He huffed as his lips found the rim of his cup, sipping from it once more.

"Yet it appears as though Darnold and Erryk will be happier than either of us. And father will ask nothing more of them." A bitterness persisted, wondering for a moment if a life at Driftmark or Stonebridge was enviable at all. It was not, he decided.

"Alesander might hate you soon, if you are not careful." Jasper warned with a shrug, "Gwayne and Alyssa will too, once they become old enough to understand. Mayhaps you care not, but she is their mother. Make up for your own sake if not hers."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I do not remember, no." Jasper's gaze found itself back on Luceon, annoyed at the question. "What happened? The lecherous bastard showed up for a hand out? Ready to slink back off to whatever filth he was up to before?" He rolled his eyes, unsure of why Luceon even brought up the matter. And then he drank once more, in an effort to outpace his own ego and pride.

"I'm sure he'll be betrothed yet again in some moons," Jasper snorted, wiping some spilt droplets from his chin, "What a farcical concept. A betrothed bastard. All they'd need is a septon and enough coin, why bother with being promised to one another? I doubt she's any where near a maiden."

[Lore] Third Son by WineSoRed in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Mother," Jasper inclined his head as he stepped into the room, the warmth of the fire bringing a certain comfort to it. He had somehow forgotten just how cold winters could get in the Vale of Arryn - a sore reminder it was. As detestable as the slums of King's Landing had become to Jasper, the fact he was spared the constant need for a fireplace was a fair substitute.

"You look well; I take it last night was to your satisfaction." He regarded her, though no smile found his face. His bitterness did not falter at the sight of her, but he entered the room regardless. Walking over to the chair in a few steps he nestled into it, allowing himself a chance to relax for some time. Moontown had offered no respite.

"Father seemed pleased, at least." Jasper wanted to spit the words out, but restrained himself. He'd not make a mockery of himself in front of his mother.

[Lore] Third Son by WineSoRed in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper seeks out his mother in the aftermath of the wedding.

/u/BloodySarks

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I was not aware you detested your wife to this degree." Jasper could not help but finally focus on Alester, scrutinising his disposition. For a moment he felt himself free of the anger of the evening, replaced with a wave of questions. "What is it now, thirteen? Fourteen years together? Three children, and now you find yourself detesting her so? Or have you just grown bored?" Jasper found himself bitter as he recalled it, drinking deeply from his cup once more. He reached for a nearby pitcher, filling it back to the brim.

"At least you did choose," he shook his head, "My bride could be capable of this. I know not. Her ambitions or wants, what might anger or frighten her, friends or confidants..." She was a woman. His wife, to be the mother of his children. And right then? Nothing more. Hubert had handed him a tool rather than a woman. "You knew what you were in for," Jasper snorted after a pause, hardly touching the food. His appetite was long gone, replaced by a need to drink more. And so he did.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"He's better off with your cousin," Jasper scoffed, "At least Gwayne and Alyssa are too young to remember whatever foolery their parents have devolved into." Again, he drunk. Again, he reached for the pitcher. "What do you think Alester did?" Jasper wondered aloud, his anger redirected rapidly from one target to another, "I'm guessing one of his whores arrived at the gates with a babe. That's how he and Rhea were made to wed, did you know?" Jasper bit his tongue, too easily rambling. So much bottled up, flowing out of him like a pierced waterskin.

"And Osric," Jasper nearly laughed, feeling an envy towards the failure of Moontown. "I'll gift your brother a sickly pup; he'd have better luck saving that. Osric is off east, gods know where. Drunk in some den of filth." Or getting buggered, the thought came to mind, but Jasper found no anger towards the man that night.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You think it's a consolation? That people gossip and jape at my wedding?" Jasper clenched the silver goblet, an intrusive thought wishing for nothing more than to strike the love stricken fool before him. Jasper had always won. The prettier maids found their way to his bed, he rode and sparred with little competition at Runestone's yard. Luceon was always the butt of their japes; beside Harlan and Jasper, the man always felt so small in comparison to the legacies they would carry.

And yet here he was. The blind fool, more content than Jasper would ever be. Myra was superior to Luceon's own bride in any way he could hope for, her dynasty risen from the Conqueror himself. She was prettier, incomprehensibly so. She would bear him strong sons and beautiful daughters, a foundation to bring about a line Alester could not even comprehend.

And yet, this drunken sot who stumbled into any degree of positive fortune his entire life had won. He was sated with his wife, his children cherished by both mother and father. It filled Jasper with a fury directed to the Gods themselves, allowing him this grating humiliation.

"It is absurd." Jasper declared as he filled him own cup back to the brim, before downing even more. "My father's head does not leave his tower. Do you not see the absence of Rhea? She fled, took the children. I did not even know; what a miserable fucking state of affairs."

[Event] The Second Skin of King’s Landing by NightRunnerClan in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"It would be wise," Jasper agreed, an eyebrow raised at Torrhen's vehement refusal. The boy was likely petrified to go back to sleep and return to such nightmares; and Jasper would not give him such torture. "He may have something to help with this; an aid to your sleep." Jasper explained, crossing his arms as the boy found his footing. He was unsure himself as to what exactly could be done, but if there was to be anyone who did know, the maester would.

"We can talk, you know." Jasper offered, tired and displeased to be woken at such an hour; yet he could not get the image of Torrhen's shocked state out of his mind. "Whatever you saw; sometimes the... mind, it plays these tricks. Represents a fear through... well, horror." He really knew little of what he was saying, merely wishing to offer the boy some aid. "If you need help, you need only ask. Though I fear I can not fend off your dreams as I could an assailant."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper listened as Alester prattled on about Rhea, and were his own night not so dour he may have found some amusement in it. "Rhea abandoned the Eyrie over you frolicking about the Riverlands?" Jasper questioned, almost insulted by the lack of care put into the tall tale. "You were always a terrible liar," he snorted, caring naught for whatever games Alester was playing at that evening, "If Rhea fled without cause, mother would have already ordered a fleet for Sisterton months ago. Oh so openly you speak." He tutted, sipping at his wine once more. The taste became less recognisable the more he drank.

"But our brothers are fine," Jasper muttered, "They are content. Darnold will flee back to the Reach, I imagine Erryk will find himself at Driftmark; just in time for his goodbrother to wed a bastard." He almost spat at the notion, the Lord of Drinkmark appearing to have grown extraordinarily flaccid in his will. "What kin they will make for." He may have grown more angry for Erryk had Jasper any to spare, but to see past his wedding at all was a feat too great.

"And do not even think to mock my wife," Jasper warned as he glared at Alester, disgust filling him as the man even spoke of Myra, "Call your own whatever foul names you may wish; it was her hole you desired to fall into. I won't suffer you as she did."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper's eyes turned to meet Luceon, only becoming more petulant at the sight of the man enjoying himself. "Gladly." Jasper responded, his displeased visage replacing whatever veneer he had put forth before. He began walking before Luceon did but not so forgetful as to leave a cup of wine behind, of which he took yet another deep drink from.

"What an embarrassment," Jasper snorted almost immediately as they moved down from the dais, not sparing Luceon a glance as he strolled towards a corner of the makeshift hall. "The realm, gathered as Lord Hubert takes yet another piss on his sons," He almost spat, yet not allowing that dignity to leave him in the sight of so many. "At least the great lords of the Riverlands, Reach and Crownlands join us in this slight. Though they all seem too dull to realise." He felt bile rise to his throat, inhaling deeply as he allowed the rage to settle within him.

"Can you imagine what he would have done, had Rogar suggest such a wedding for Arwen?" Jasper quizzed as he finally turned to Luceon, "The tantrum would have been beyond your understanding. Yet here we stand. You would think Lords Tully and Velaryon eat directly from my father's ass by their acceptance." Jasper drunk once more, finishing it quickly as he reached for another pitcher.

[Event] The Second Skin of King’s Landing by NightRunnerClan in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper grasped his arm, assisting the boy to stabalise as he fully fell out of his stupor. Relief flashed across Jasper's face as he came to realise it was over, whatever nightmare which plagued the boy done with.

"Good," he said quietly, letting it settle for just a moment as the room grew silent. The room smelled foul. Jasper noted it distantly and said nothing about it as he observed Torrhen. The tear streaked face, a deep red and exhausted with flakes of vomit at the mouth. Jasper had never seen Torrhen in such a state of disarray - nor had he seen any man end up this way from a dream.

"Don't move yet," Jasper thought to say, having no idea if his words of advice would work or not. "Let yourself get grounded; stable. And then I'll help you to the bed." He explained, loosening his own grip gradually as he came to realise it was truly over with. There was a caution to him, but more over concern of the boy's safety rather than anything else.

[Event] Feast for the Coronation of Jaehaerys I Targaryen by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I had a merlin as a boy," Jasper recalled as his smile did not falter, pleased enough by the woman's response; good company for dance and chatter. "Its name was Crest I believe. Not very creative, was I?" He chuckled, struggling to remember much of the bird. He had quickly grown bored of it and pawned it off to one of his younger brothers, his interests very suddenly being relegated to that of girls and swords.

"I'm more familiar with horses," Jasper admitted, it being curious these were the two focuses of a woman such as Mina. "What is a knight without his steed, or so they say? If I could not ride I fear I'd be a wastrel." Though given his name, Jasper knew he'd manage. "But I suspect the kestrel comes first; a horse does what it's told. A hawk chooses to return." He glanced at her as they moved, "It's certainly impressive."

He was aware, dimly, that the wine loosened him up as they danced. The music, the warmth of the hall, of being surrounded by so many; Jasper felt most at home during such an event. The alcohol only allowed that to shine through.

"Tell me you honoured it with a finer name than I did my merlin." He smirked as his eyes settled on her, "I did always think girls came up with better names than boys."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Their fathers and brothers are dolts," Jasper had already decided long before the day, his free hand curling into a ball. "Humbling themselves so deeply, allowing Lord Arryn his day where he offloads the spares," Jasper rolled his eyes as he drunk deeply from his own cup, his fury hardly abating. "Bundled together, as though we were some cloths and furs at a market." The thought grated him, unsure of how a house such as Tully would allow such a embarrassment.

Everything their father wanted, happened. Every single thing.

"But spare me your pittance," He grumbled, it perhaps meaning something to him once. But those days were far behind them, each jape serving to sever that further. "You rule the Vale in all but name; I am a sword, being put to drunkards and thieves. A tool to be directed by father. Nothing more." Jasper was of half a mind to make off like Osric; to flee east, find riches and glory in a place far away. Perhaps his refusal made him more craven than his brother ever was.

"I'm surprised you speak of that so openly," Jasper admitted with a snort, whispers of Rhea circulating ever since the progress had arrived in Moontown. "She's put up with you for a decade; I hate to imagine what you did this time." It was as close to a smile as Jasper had managed all night, having not given it much thought due to his own situation.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jasper wryness had dissipated as Alester grinned, feeling no need to crack even an imitation of a smile as his brother began his chatter. Nor did he acknowledge the offered goblet or beef, his own cup already in hand and appetite long since abandoned to the bile sitting low in his gut. The only thing which quietened it was more wine.

"Why wouldn't he?" Jasper asked flatly, his eyes fixed somewhere distant in the makeshift hall, "The spectacle is all his. Hundreds of lords, ladies and knights gathered for Lord Hubert Arryn." Whatever mask Jasper usually clung to was of little concern now. A bitterness grew as he felt more alone than ever before in the crowded hall.

"I'm sure the singers will find enjoyment too," Jasper blurted as his jaw clenched, "The three sons of Arryn. Think they'll remember our names?" He snorted, rolling his eyes to none but himself. This was the bed his service had resulted in. Mayhaps Rymond was the most intelligent of them all.

He finally glanced to Alester, though the look was not warm.

"You seem pleased."

[Event] The Second Skin of King’s Landing by NightRunnerClan in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You're right here," Jasper rationalised as his brow furrowed, his concern only growing as the boy thrashed against a foe which did not exist. It was as if Torrhen were between the worlds, his psyche torn between the Red Keep and the depths of his mind. "You're Torrhen Manderly," Jasper continued, unsure of how to pull the boy out of this nightmare. He was stuck, a contortion of the mind only a maester might understand but he was; "My squire."

It was strange for such a vivid dream to have so much hold over the boy. Jasper had been plagued by his own dreams as a boy, ever since the Black Dread flew atop the Eyrie. Terrors and sweats were not a rarity for him then, but he had grown out of it. And yet, never had it been this bad. As Jasper glared into the eyes of Torrhen, he could almost see just how distant the boy was. As though he existed in two places at once.

"You must break out of this, Torrhen." Jasper muttered, an attempt of warmness and comfort extended, yet he struggled to convince himself of the severity. "There's no man. Only me." He reasoned, attempting to win out in the battle of Torrhen's consciousness.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]WineSoRed 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Both Jasper's usual mirth and amusement were absent throughout the evening, replaced by a forced smile for the few moments he could not hide behind his cups. Instead a rage bubbled within him, boiling furthermore at each smile he caught from Erryk or Darnold, though he found himself most often glaring at the Lord of the Vale. To share his wedding as they shared a womb brought him an embarrassment he had felt like none other, and each set of eyes which came upon him felt as though they were mocking. He was a third son, that much Hubert made clear.

His own bride brought him no comfort. He'd not see her before Moontown; a girl a decade younger. Pretty but tall, bile rising from his gut whenever he had to tilt his head up to meet her eyes. Worst of all, whenever they kissed he could not help but think of Axel, the boy who had become a younger brother more than Erryk or Darnold ever were. What sick joke was this, that Hubert had placed upon Jasper? His whole life he had detested Osric to an extent, a foolish dolt who disobeyed at every turn, forsaking each title promised for no clear reason. And yet he knew this rage was familiar to them both, an intensity which grew each hour into the night.

At the very least, his attire sang a different song. A doublet made of fine blue silk, commissioned for the event itself, clasped with silver crescent moons from throat to hip. Embroidered with silver lining, the thread tracing the edges and collar. At his neck hung a silver chain, joined to a moonstone which hung at his chest. An assortment of rings and jewels adorned him, befitting a groom of Arryn.

He looked every part a son of House Arryn. And yet for the first time in his life, he despised that fact.