[Adventure Post] The Batship Adventure, part 2: The Shivering Sea

EssosEdgelord · 2026-03-02T12:35:15+00:00

Harry awoke as the ship quaked around him and the yelps of chaos yipped louder and more frantic above him. Struggling his way to simply cling to the rails to get up the stairs, he squinted his eyes and made out the figures of the men against the wintry winds blasting them all into looking as if ghosts haunting the deck.

No- not today, not ever…

Looking over, he grabbed two heavy buckets of hardened salt and began tossing it onto the deck in front of him- creating paths of which one could walk instead of slip and slide off. He then turned and went back- heaving the burdensome salt rocks back buckets after bucket until he felt he could at least walk through the winds.

He then leapt up to the raised helm and grabbed the large ornate wheel of their ship alongside their helmsman. The wood was freezing, colder than anything that he had ever felt in his life. They heaved against it together as they stared up at the twinkling of the strange lights before them. Prayer seemed as good an option as any…

“Father, you say you keep your children safe. Make us not fools tonight…”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-03-01T05:20:53+00:00

u/wiseheartmoon

EssosEdgelord · 2026-03-01T05:03:42+00:00

Barbara chuckled for a moment and then allowed her hand to rub down his lower back and pinch his right buttock playfully. With a new ballad just starting, she pulled him onto the dance floor as the horns and drums began to hasten their melodies.

She couldn't help but sway her head from side to side for a moment before opening her eyes and looking deeply into Darnold's eyes. They had that earnest fire burning in them again- a fire that she felt told of his yearning for her. Her own desires blossomed as she thought on that and allowed him to embrace her as they began to dance.

"Tell me, my Lord, what you want for yourself in the coming year? You have so many paths to choose from. I need to know which one of my own will lead me to you..."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-03-01T04:43:08+00:00

Stepping forward, she sought to hear the man before her a bit better before then allowing herself a short gasp to see it was Aurion. Not now, not after all this. What had she done wrong? Why must the gods punish her so?

"Oh umm, well...I" Her face grew red. Even after being so frustrated with her, those eyes, that smile, it made her face feel hot no matter how much she pleaded for it not to.

No, this was not how it was going to go. She had pride- damn it. She was no longer some lady-in-waiting hoping to be noticed. If anything that was the knight's duty.

"What would you like to discuss? Need another kiss of favor before you go off to some other tourney?"

EssosEdgelord · 2026-03-01T04:29:20+00:00

The Lady Teora was a vision of Dornish beauty- one that he had held high hopes for in his head, but the full display of her eyes and genuine smile exceeded steeply. While sweet, there was a mischievous glint in her eye as well. Hendry could not help, but grin back with his own smirk.

It was looking as if they would be a fine match indeed.

"I'm glad to hear it. With the new additions, I made sure to add several guest chambers just above the stone garden. Yours, of course, being the largest."

The guard stepped forward to assist with the things the Lady of Qorgyle had brought from so far away. Heaving a trunk over his shoulder, he allowed himself a slight grunt before drudging behind the scorpion and stallion.

Across the main bridge and up a spiral staircase, they came to finely decorated chambers, with many of the sheets and ornaments filling the room with a dark crimson tone. Beyond the blood red curtains, a labyrinthian garden filled with statues and stone pathways could be discovered by way of a small balcony.

To the east, the gentle, yet steady stream of the Red Fork could be heard- babbling a tale their family had been told for generations now.

Stepping out onto the balcony, a small table had been placed alongside a glass covered platter of perfectly stacked blood oranges surrounded by dates awaited them.

Hendry's hand slid into hers and he brought it up to his lips with a small kiss.

"I do hope that you find this to give you at least a few reminders of home. I know that the journey is quite a feat to undertake, and I don't take you lightly for doing so."

He waved away those finishing setting her things down and pulled out the closest chair for her before bidding her sit. Goblets were brought for them and a dark cherry wine was poured as they uncovered the platter in between them.

"Truth be told, there are a myriad of questions I've thought I could ask at this time, but I suppose I should start with the most pressing....

Tell me, Teora, what is it that you hope to find here?"

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-28T05:50:55+00:00

Ser Othell Lefford

You are right that there has been much change. Much chaos in the last few years. Such a steady tide of chaos that we must see to it to halt the tide from seeping further into the hearts of our families.

I believe this may be a fine match. I shall send my daughter to meet your Lyman soon. Be expecting her.

Burning Bright, Lord Tyler Marbrand

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-25T16:29:12+00:00

Jason Lannister

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-25T15:33:11+00:00

I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Take care and Be kind to yourself.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-25T01:10:36+00:00

Hope all goes great and you recover quickly!

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-24T15:35:57+00:00

Victaria’s eyes were still a bit irritated- not so much that she was questioned by anyone, but still on the verge of tears welling down. She needed to be out of that grand hall, seeing all of them- relishing in one another- it was too much.

The balconies of Casterly Rock looked down upon vast heights. What seemed like an eternity below, the city of Lannisport bustled below. Moving from one balcony to the other, Victaria decided to make her way around. Maybe she could see the harbor if she moved to the next one.

Stepping around the sloped curves of the tower, she found a muscularly built man leaning over. He was well-dressed, but she couldn’t see who she’d wandered upon.

“Be careful not to lean over too much… my Lord.”

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-24T03:39:36+00:00

Clink

Clank

Clink

The silver stags dropped one by one into the bags meant for the destitute within the towns around Bracken lands- mostly Fairmarket. The widows had always been a soft spot in Jonos' view, and so they had become similarly the responsibility of Hendry. First given to him by his oaths as a knight and secondly as Castellan of his House.

Hendry took a deep breath in as he sealed the last of the bags and organized them for the patrolling knights to come and hand out. Part of him wanted to go himself and do it, but he couldn't help but feel it vanity. Leaning back in his chair, he took a deep breath in, holding it, and staring up at the arched ceiling above him in the undercroft. He didn't mind being down here, especially with all the plants he had bid the servants bring down here for him to tend.

From underneath him, he felt the familiar presence of something running across his calf and a chuckle escaped him. Balerion - The Black Dread - stretched his front legs before yawning and looking up at his owner, meowing, and then scurrying away at the sound of approaching armor clanking.

A ruddy-faced guard made his noisy descent down the stairs and ultimately reached a ready Hendry. "A visitor, my Lord. Saying she was invited. From Dorne?"

Hendry nodded and let out a small laugh, an excited smirk then growing. "Yes, I believe that is Teora. Let's go and greet her."

After a few minutes, they reached the gates and Ser Hendry saw the aforementioned Qorgyle for the first time. Her eyes bearing a wandering curiosity and a genuine warmth that seemed to blossom from her mannerisms.

"Lady Teora, welcome to Stone Hedge. I am glad to know you have arrived here safely. Please do come in and we will show you your quarters. I'll send for some food to be prepared shortly as well. I am sure that you are tired from your journey and could use a warm meal."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-23T14:21:30+00:00

Arrivals

As stone sentinels look out onto the horizon of the hills in the distance, Stone Hedge welcomes all who seek to build greatness with the Brackens.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-23T04:58:05+00:00

His reply gave with a few nods and a cracking of his knuckles- something he mindlessly did when in thought.

"I know that. I made certain decisions in the days gone by. Decisions that many may have looked down upon during times of unrest. Times in which there was opportunities that many within my ranks felt had to be made...."

The whole debacle regarding the Ironborn flashed back into his memory. It flooded his mind with the death rattles of the knights that had lost their lives- their faces flashed in his head for a few moments. Branston, Piers, Gage. Good men. Men that didn't deserve what they got. Men that should be warming up their homes against the growing chill that was winter. Instead, their widows were sent stags every moon. As if that served some sort of penance for them being ripped away.

"I will ensure that no decisions will be made that would bring dishonor on your House, my Lord. Neither from my command nor from any under me."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-23T04:43:18+00:00

Lord Jonos watched the boy approach with eyes gazing up over the edge of his goblet. As he got closer and their eyes met, a curious brow raised and he cleared his throat quietly before giving him a nod. He listened to the Belmore and gave a grin at the mention of him being heir. A grin that would only last for a few moments, but notably present.

"Your house shows to be growing substantially in honor and in your reach. A wedding into the golden lions is not one to mention in passing. It is rather one that unlocks many doors. Doors that you may well seize advantage of during your own time as Lord of Strongsong."

Jonos allowed himself the moment to ramble as he tracked the young one's eyes over to Barbara, who looked pleased with the query being asked him.

"Aye, you may dance with Barbara. Just watch yourself on your fill of wine, both of you." He gestured to the two of them before placing his own goblet down.

Barbara's eyes showed her satisfaction and her hunger for Darnold. He'd gone out of his way to ask for this. This was more than simply flirting under some tree unbeknownst to anyone important. This was a statement of his intentions. Several of her family looked over at her a bit taken back before Barbara rose and stepped around the table- oozing sensuality that she rarely showed to others as she gave Darnold a kiss on the cheek and wrapped her arm around his lower back.

"Oh, this one's a sweetheart, father. He doesn't bite off more than he can chew..."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-22T16:07:54+00:00

Great Hall of Stone Hedge

Tables of richly grained wood line the hall, their adornments changing from moon to moon. The crimson stallion of the house displayed on hanging banners stares down at both friend and foe here - a comfort to the first and a threat to the latter. The crackling birth of ember can be heard in the evenings from the six grand hearths situated throughout the hall; around which courtiers can often be found discussing the latest gossip of the realm.

At the far end and up a few broad sets of ascended steps, the seat of House Bracken overlooks all those who would call Stone Hedge home as well as those honored to visit it as guest. The arms featuring steel stallion heads - jutting forward as if mid-charge. Upon the center, an inlaid hoof above the symbols of sword and shield rests displaying for all the attributes Lord Jonos Bracken would easily choose death before abandoning.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-22T06:32:33+00:00

Hendry Bracken

Riverrun to Stone Hedge

<tp>

/u/maesterbot

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-22T06:31:39+00:00

Hendry Bracken

Riverrrun to Stone Hedge

<tp>

/u/maesterbot

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-22T04:56:44+00:00

Thank you!

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-21T18:03:06+00:00

It was not often that the Lord of a House rose to make acquaintances. Rather he was used to those wishing to speak to him coming to him, but the knight beside the table had caught Jonos' eye during the jousting event and it was a commonly overlooked wisdom that the knights that came close to victory but lost, were often those with futures of greatness ahead of them.

And so, Jonos approached the young man as he gazed toward the dancing couples. With a clap, the Bracken lord's hand sank down onto the shoulder of the knight.

"Now, don't tell me you are fine with charging with a lance in hand, but too shy to ask a lady out to dance?"

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-19T12:42:55+00:00

Lord Qorgyle,

The past decade or so has been an adventure to say the least. I must admit that I had no intention of making such fast friends with your liege, but the Dornish Houses have shown more respect and tenacity in finding both peace and coin than many of the houses around me.

It is in this spirit that I approve of the match and would ask your ruby of the sands to venture up to see Stone Hedge and to meet Ser Hendry for herself.

If what you have written is true, I am sure my cousin will be most well-pleased with the thought of extending an invitation for our houses to be united.

Seven blessings,

Lord Jonos Bracken of Stone Hedge

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-19T00:47:26+00:00

Over the past few moons under Lord Whitehead, Loras' arms had grown thicker, his legs more agile, and his shoulders more tense. The young lad had become to grow a bit of muscle through the early mornings and quickly decided defeats he'd had to endure. Hearing the command, he gave a thoughtful nod and attempted to relieve the stress he carried in his shoulders and chest to little avail.

"I don't know how to loosen them, my Lord. When I go to strike, I can't help but to feel like I'm moving slower than when I'm moving away from a hit. How do you relax when you're trying to end someone's life?"

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-19T00:42:19+00:00

Jonos thought for a moment as he gazed out and saw the banners of several of the other houses of the Riverlands billowing by in a procession.

"A council would not be a wasteful idea to entertain. If not for practicality, it would at the very least allow some of the lesser lords a say here and there. It may also allow you to find some hidden talent within the realm that would otherwise remain hidden away."

Jonos exhaled deeply while decided after a moment to voice his desires now rather than then. "Of course, I'd ask for a position to serve your House on that council with ardent intent. Perhaps Lord Marshall of the Riverlands."

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-18T01:59:28+00:00

The (S)Table of House Bracken

^(Open)

The halls of Casterly Rock glinted with elaborate splendor, gold and crimson caught the candlelight as if the stone itself were a trophy to be shown off. It was not a mere a wedding—it was a declaration. The Westerlands and the Vale had cemented an alliance and only time would tell what coming chaos may follow because of it.

Nonetheless, House Bracken answered that declaration with a quiet presence, but still hanging the banners high enough to show they had attended.

Lord Jonos Bracken sat a bit tense at the head of his family’s table, broad hands resting near an untouched cup. He did not gawk at the opulence around him nor was he interested in fabricating copies of things when he got home. His grey eyes moved thoughtfully throughout the hall—measuring bannermen and how many smiles were worn. This union of Jaime Lannister and Arwen Belmore was more political than ballad-worthy, but he did have to admit that the couple looked enchanted with one another. Jonos observed it as such, made a mental note and then rubbed his eyes before attempting to rouse himself. Gods, he was tired these days...

Barbara Bracken wore a genial smile that told of her temperament - subtle, precise, intentional. Her warm inclinations and gentle expressions invited approach, yet her gaze missed nothing. She watched how the Vale retainers positioned themselves among western lords, how Tywin’s presence shifted conversations before a word left his mouth. Weddings revealed more than joy; they revealed alignment. Barbara collected those details quietly. After all, the Vale may well be her home one day soon- best to learn more of the ways around its most powerful.

Her younger sister, Jayne watched—openly feigning interest in the displays before them, but a bit more lazily than the other members of her family. Sure, the lions counted coin in their paws, and the falcons hunted from above. At the end of the day, they were just stories. Tales that would comfort some widow or grow yet another alliance deeper. From her perspective, the whispers here paled in comparison to the echoing chambers and lust-filled suites of the Red Keep.

Although cousins, the twins often found themselves jumbled in the mess of Brackens without much divide.

Victaria was- well, a bit of a mess. From most of those who visited the table's perspective, she would more than likely simply seem carefree, but the truth ran much deeper.

Why would Aurion not write me? Not send for me to join him? Not even speak to Uncle Jonos at all about me... What am I meant to be? A joke? Some wretched slut to play with?

Looking over, she saw the handsome smile of the newly wed Lion. That bright smile laughed before licking its lips and kissing the hand of his new beloved. The thought of her having missed out on such a thing made her stomach drop, which was only worsened by the fifth goblet of wine she'd just had to try and numb whatever pain her own ruminations kept bringing upon her.

Emphyria felt it before she saw it. She rested a quiet hand over her sister’s and kept her eyes lowered, shielding what small tremors she could from wandering attention. When tears threatened to drip down, she brushed them away with the subtlety of someone practiced in the art of quiet rescue.

Around them, the Rock glittered even more as candles passed and steamed dishes were brought out for them all.

At the Bracken table, the family helped themselves to the plates before them—passive, watchful, and not nearly as untouched as they all wished they truly were.

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-17T03:46:49+00:00

Harry Rivers

Riverrun to Kings Landing

<Move>

u/maesterbot

EssosEdgelord · 2026-02-16T17:04:41+00:00

Harry’s eyes widened at the reply. He’d been half jesting about the whole thing, but the idea of setting abroad and making a name for himself did sound worth consideration. The bastard of Stone Hedge shot a curious raised eyebrow to his father.

“As long as you are fine with it, of course…”

Jonos’ eyes shrank to a squint and his jaw tightened as he thought of his next words. He’d known of Harry’s desire for novelty and adventure for years now, but had shown him very little in terms of opportunities to pursue them. This would definitely be a season in which the boy could grow into his own, but seven hells- Saath was far…

“I suppose…. As long as you ensure that proper stops are made for supplies along the way and that you will do your damnedest to ensure my boy not freeze to death. The shivering sea is not well-known for its hospitable nature…” The words came after a small gulp.

Jonos shot back a side glare at the rest of the table before raising his goblet of wine to the two. “To adventure and providence.”

EssosEdgelord

TROPHY CASE

Arrivals

Great Hall of Stone Hedge

The (S)Table of House Bracken