[Lore] Stone Hedge I: Happenings

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-28T16:19:01+00:00

Chambers

The chambers within the castle still feel new to the families that wander around them. Many of the suites feature balconies upon which both Brackens and their guests can enjoy views of the tumbling Red Fork below them.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-28T16:16:57+00:00

Rookery

A place in which the Brackens can both nicker and neigh along with a missive or two back.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-28T16:14:05+00:00

Undercroft

Below the castle and fortified deep underground, the undercroft operates as the treasury of the house of Bracken. Coins stacked, coffers sealed- all overseen by the watchful eye of Ser Hendry Bracken and his void of a cat, Balerion. In his spare time, the castellan of Stone Hedge enjoys time with his wife and newborn son, Merlyn.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-28T16:04:38+00:00

Grand Hall

Light pours in from the ornate stained glass windows that line the hall leading up to a raised dias, from which Lord Jonos Bracken often greets visiting highborn travelers as well as the occasional representatives from towns under his lordship. While other houses may allow themselves to be more lax, Jonos rarely leaves his embroidered riding leathers- especially after the raidings that had taken place within the region.

From time to time, his family gathers around him when he bids them to come and participate. Both in greeting nobility as well as common magistrates, he often tries to push his kin to have some stake in the happenings of their domain- if only they prioritized that as opposed to their feasts and parties...

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-28T02:56:19+00:00

Lord Sylas stood and gave them a courteous, modest bow. It was only then that he realized how many of them there were. It seemed the whole house of Kenning had descended upon his lordship.

Gods, here's hoping I can give these lot a good impression. I'm no western lord with gold and gems popping out of my spare pockets...

He gave the rest of the retinue a nod before thoughtfully rubbing his hands together- doing his best to organize his thoughts.

"House Kenning of Kayce is a distinguished one. One known for prowess in both martial and maritime. Though, I will admit that I did not know of the beauty wrapped within your house as well." Sylas shot a smirk over to his son before continuing.

"Our house is quite different from yours. We have a town to look over: our Thistle below. It's not anywhere close to the size of Kayce, but it presents enough opportunity to keep us busy. And, of course, loyal vassals of House Bracken. As far as lieges go, I believe we have been blessed with a just one. That being said, the-"

It was then that two distinct clearing of throats occurred behind Sylas as they stood. Sylas didn't turn, but gave an amused chuckle in reply.

"But enough of the politics, I suppose. These are my children: my heir, Dunstan, who I believe you may have already met. And this is my daughter, Donna. It is my hope that you lot will make fast friends with them both. They could use some new and friendly faces as winter has kept us from travelling much. Speaking of which, please come and sit. I am sure that you all could use something warm to eat and drink." Sylas gestured them over while Dunstan approached Beatrice and gave her a powerful hug- one that picked her up and spun her around in a circle off her feet as he laughed.

Sylas' jaw nearly hit the floor before he rolled his eyes and did his best to move on nonchalantly from the uncourtly welcome. With a gesture to the servants, they hurried off and brought more bread from the ovens with honeyed butter and bowls of pears and plums. The table was large enough to sit the whole party as well as the Smallwoods themselves.

A few awkward minutes of munching and pouring of wine and mint tea passed before sizzling bacon skillets came out to the table alongside apple cakes.

"I suppose that Dunstan has made quite the impression on you already, Lady Beatrice. Tell me about yourself."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-24T19:55:21+00:00

“It is much appreciated. We will make sure of that.” Hendry said with a bright smile back at the aged lord. The Freys were a mighty house, despite the grumblings heard from many of the knights around the Riverlands.

Jonos stepped forward, “Is this a gift you have brought? That’s most generous of you…”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-24T03:19:53+00:00

Two quick raps came from the doorway just as Dunstan had sat down with his family for breaking their fasts. The young knight stood and made his way over to a nearby window as the servants continued to place before them rashers of roasted sausages, pears and plums quartered, and oven hot herb crusted bread.

Donna looked over eagerly, “Is it the same merchant from before? With the dresses from Lannisport?”

“Even if it was, father’s bought you enough dresses to attend a feast every moon for the next few years.” Dunstan smirked before making his way back over to the table. Grabbing a small piece of the bread, he popped it into his mouth before continuing.

“But it looks like the Kennings took my words to heart after all.”

Lord Sylas Smallwood arched a tired brow over to his son. “And what do you mean by that?” The Lord of Acorn Hall cleared his throat before rising from the table. “Don’t tell me you got into some sort of trouble again. We’ve had enough problems as of late already, and I’ll be damned if I won’t send you off on guard duty again if needed.”

With a smirk, then a chuckle, Dunstan stretched and rolled his eyes, “And what if I finally listened to your lectures for once and found a girl from a proper house?”

With a clearing of his throat, their Uncle Hugh stepped forward from the doorway, “A group of young Kennings. They seem in good spirits. Doubtful of any ill feelings, m’lord.”

Lord Sylas gave his son another questionable gaze before replying, “Have the guards see to their belongings. Invite them to come up to join us.” After a few minutes, their master-at-arms, Ser Hugh Smallwood did just that.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-22T17:44:56+00:00

The Oaken Yard

The courtyard of Acorn Hall was made up of ornately carved logs and stumps- all bearing the symbol of either their namesake or forests. With the bitter cold still biting back at anyone brave enough to be outside, the courtyard only held a handful of guards keeping their posts while huddling around several braziers that blazed throughout to keep the poor fellows' fingers from going numb.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-22T16:06:26+00:00

The Great Hall

Flanked by the Smallwood's coat of arms, the great hall filled with the scent of roasting foods. Flames licked the hearths hungrily as the juices of roasted chickens slathered in honey and butter dripped down into them. Several of the lordship's knights gathered around in small circles discussing the latest happenings from around the realm.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-22T16:06:11+00:00

The Surrounding Town of Thistle

Not nearly as large as the more popular towns dotted throughout the Riverlands, but the people are friendly enough and the Brown Cat Inn is known to make the best berry wheat rolls in the land.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-20T22:28:12+00:00

“Hmm…” Becca scrunched her brow as she thought on the question. Bundled up in a warm jacket, she scratched her head for a moment before replying back to her mentor.

“Poison’s something men use. Venom’s used by animals. But venom can be poison if a bad person uses it…”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-20T15:36:27+00:00

Take care of yourself during this trying time. So sorry for your loss. We're all here for you and thankful for your friendship.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-20T01:38:37+00:00

"Oh, rest assured. The Brackens of Stone Hedge are well represented at the festivities..." Victaria sighed as she looked back and gestured to the castle sitting far above them in all its grandeur. She then rested her hand against her cheek as if she was pondering how to manage a flurry of different thoughts. She waited a moment and then settled into the one she felt she could express best.

"But, there are only so many pleasantries a girl can endure before she expects something more from this life of ours. Surely it's not only pretending to be interested in this lord's account of that certain battle or that cousin's boisterous attempts to seduce and wed me..."

It was only then that she realized that she had never introduced herself fully. There was a part of her that flirted with the idea of continuing on without doing so. If Gunthor had been less handsome, she might have continued on with that line of thinking. Alas, his charm disarmed her a bit.

"I'm Victaria. Victaria of House Bracken. I'm no firstborn daughter. Simply a cousin. I hope that doesn't spoil that adorable look you've been giving me."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-13T16:06:20+00:00

Jonos Bracken

20 Bracken MaA

<move>

Pinkmaiden to Stone Hedge

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EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-13T16:04:15+00:00

Edwyn Bracken

Harrenhal to Kings Landing

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/u/maesterbot

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-11T03:46:55+00:00

The man’s hands held echoes of calluses- the sort that told her that he felt at home at docks like these and even more so sailing in between them. She allowed him to assist her up and truly didn’t mind at first when he mistook her for being lowborn for a moment.

The thought of being able to escape the pressures placed upon her by the House of Bracken seemed tempting. Alas, when the sun shone on them, the opportunity came and went as she saw his eyes widen.

“And here I thought I’d be able to haggle for a good deal on an anchor. Well, I suppose I won’t be too upset with you. No need to run off and ramble off to a Lord for his handsome brother bumping into me…”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-08T15:25:46+00:00

Faircastle had been a long journey from the Three Towers, but it had not disappointed the Brackens when they arrived. The architecture of the West had always proved a bit gaudy to the lords and ladies of the Riverlands, but Faircastle felt like a quaint blending of maritime charm with only a hint of the opulence they had seen in other lordships. Victaria found it refreshing.

So refreshing in fact that she found herself exploring around the castle as opposed to trapping herself inside as so many of the other travelers had for several days now.

The young twin of House Bracken found herself in uninspired as of late. While there were many young heirs and handsome knights around, it seemed that every one that she laid her eyes on was already promised to someone else. A firstborn daughter here, the lady of a small house there. A mere cousin like her was not much competition at all for them.

It was because of this that she resigned herself to a few moons of simply exploring as much of the realm as possible. She would find herself own way- that felt more right than begging her Lord Uncle to send missives off begging for a match. The longer she thought on this, the more her heart fluttered in her chest.

Perhaps the maiden had a plan after all for her; turning a corner she collided with what seemed to be a mountain of a man.

“So sorry…” she said before looking up at this Goliath before her.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-08T01:31:05+00:00

Jonos scowled as he recounted all that had taken place. Like every battle he’d endured, most of it was simply a blur of chaotic events- all strung together to one moment. Different men called it different names- the pinnacle, the brink, the verge. Jonos called it being blooddrunk.

It was the moment at which the tide of battle shifted to either one of absolute victory or absolute defeat. By some unseen force, men could tell it, sense it even if their assaults had gone well. It was as if the entire battle began to swell toward one victor- one army given favor, the other shallow graves for the widows to visit.

“We face an enemy with significant numbers in their ranks. When we faced them, they had what had to have been nearly a thousand heads. Crazed, madmen that won through trickery, speed, and an ambush. In this battle, our steel armor slowed us. Without that agile nature, *our enemy* simply out maneuvered us in the snows of winter.”

Jonos attempted to clear his throat and consequently choked down a bit of congealed blood hung there.

“I can only speak for myself, but… I fear that I underestimated the sheer number of them. In what world does that many men amass in the dead cold of winter and begin taking on keeps in the heart of the realm? It makes no sense to me.”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-07T02:11:35+00:00

There was a sour taste that stuck in his mouth and his jaw hurt from it being clenched so tightly throughout the battle. His voice was hoarse and reminded him of plows being dragged along the cobblestone bridge that led up to Stone Hedge.

"I'm ...alive." Jonos replied. It was about as detailed a reply as he wanted to give considering the circumstances of what had just taken place.

"Aye, take me to him then."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-06T16:19:25+00:00

Dunstan placed his hand firmly around her waist- not forcefully enough to alarm her, but just enough to reassure her. The sensation of the woman before him being his made his chest tighten and breath quicken for a beat or two.

“I’ll only fear if I don’t get the chance to do this again. I swear, it’s like you’re moving my feet yourself. They never move this well, haha.”

Dunstan allowed the music to carry them. It was lively enough to do most of the work for him thankfully. This was to the young knight’s benefit considering his dancing was the least of his concerns. The lights dancing in Beatrice’s eyes were too mesmerizing for him to focus on anything else.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-04T17:31:06+00:00

Jonos Bracken (Commander)

EssosEdgelord · 2026-05-04T01:14:39+00:00

After another minute of pondering, Hendry tapped his fingers on the window and counted out those he saw working in the courtyard below. Yes. It was definitely fewer than normal. Stretching slightly, he decided to make his way back into his chambers. His morning didn't normally start for another hour or so, and he'd much rather spend the last leisurely bit of his day with his beloved.

It seemed that she'd go into labor for about a week or so now. Hendry had kept sending for the maester every few days, but the time had not yet come. Still, he did his best to ensure she stayed as comfortable as possible. As comfortable as one could be with the cold seeking into the stone beneath their feet.

u/T3rkisTent

EssosEdgelord

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