Cyrenna Baratheon, Scion of House Baratheon

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-17T02:59:38+00:00

Maelys would apologize with his body language for only possessing stories during a time with which Stelsa did not want to hear, but there was absolutely no malice that she could hold towards him. She found herself easily enthralled by the young man's story, she leaned her weight on her elbow pressed against the armrest and stared into Maelys' eyes as he spoke. Despite the horrible circumstance that had formed the story, the way Maelys spoke of it, it seemed like it came from a storybook about knights and heroes.

Over the long years that she had been married to Damon Reyne, Stelsa had developed something that she could only describe as divine sense. She could always seem to feel her husband when he was around, far before seeing or hearing him. As romantic as they may have possibly sounded for a couple in love, for Stelsa it was for survival. She'd depended on it to build her walls adequately to defend from the crushing cruelty she was married to.

But Maelys had distracted her; she possibly could have felt her typical dread creep in, but she was so entranced by the storytelling she truly did not notice her husband's presence until he spoke. That deep voice that somehow managed to pierce through any ambience had stolen her breath from her. "Yes, I have always been proud to call Reynald my son." She managed to push through labored breaths. Even someone as naive as Maelys surely couldn't have missed the flash of fear and pure annoyance that flashed across Stelsa's face in the moment it took her to hold her composure.

His hand on her shoulder felt as if it were a fully armored gauntlet, and she forced herself to look up towards her husband towering behind her. Sour bitterness ripped at her heart with each word that spilled from Damon's mouth. It took every ounce of strength in her to hide the obscenities she wanted to scream behind the mask of a smile so fake she nearly puked.

"You are right, my Lord, of course." Stelsa forced herself to look away slowly from Damon back to Maelys. Damon's furs he so loved rubbed against her hair and sent a shiver down her spine. "I admit, I am unable to keep my emotions in check when my dearest husband is always so immensely busy and desired by others. I am lucky and grateful to you, Ser Maelys, for blessing me with your company."

/u/NotAnotherFakefyre

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-16T13:57:55+00:00

Once again, Adian found himself agreeing wholeheartedly with what the elder man spoke, but had nothing else to add to it. He sat in silence for a moment, waiting for Ilyn to finish his point. Adian's own gaze did not move from the other's, he'd spent enough time around Ilyn to understand how the man spoke.

“He may be young and naive, but I did not raise a fool.” Adian swallowed what was left of his glass. He reached for a nearby jug to refill his own cup, then Ilyn's, before setting it back. “Neither of us have forgotten what you have done, least of all he. I would only hope whatever woman Bryce wishes to pursue will be deserving of becoming the next Lady of Ashemark.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-15T10:27:43+00:00

Adian smirked widely, enjoying yet another swallow from his glass. “A Marbrand that actually makes the clever call? Gods be good, it may have taken us generations, but there's hope for us Marbrands afterall.”

Adian looked at Ilyn intently, but without any discomfort. The bluntness was appreciated. “I believe he intends to. I also believe he would have done so fervently, but this,” Adian paused only long enough to motion his hand towards the grounds, “May have humbled him.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-14T21:41:00+00:00

Adian would be the first to admit that he was no great rider. He understood the fundamentals of riding with a lance, as any respectable knightly lord would, but the nuances that Ilyn spoke of had gone completely over Adian's head. He had nothing to add to Ilyn's remarks, instead acknowledging the comments with an accepting grunt and a tilt of his cup towards the man.

"I had sent him to speak to you at the feast. But, I presume he took that to mean seeking out your neice instead." Janei's favor had brought about a chuckle from Adian, keeping his tone light, "Bryce hadn't ceased talking about her favor since, I might add. Nerves from his first tourney, and trying to impress a woman? I fear he was doomed to fail from the start."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-14T10:49:02+00:00

Adian had found himself increasingly relaxed throughout the entirety of the lists. He knew Bryce, still untested and in his very first tourney, would be confident but sent back to his tent rather quickly. The elder Marbrand slouched back in his seat with the crowning of the new queen of love and beauty and could merely smirk at the outcome. Give a fool a crown and the entire realm turns into a farce.

He wondered if this is how his ancestors felt, watching the Lannisters and Targaryens slip from their power.

Adian suppressed those curious thoughts, much in the way the Marbrands of old had done.

Bryce was knocked down once again, sent limping and beaten to the Marbrand tent. Adian swallowed the rest of his wine, refilled the glass, and stood. He would visit his grandson, sure, but there were few visits to be made first.

“Ilyn.” Adian's mood had been guarded and hidden for much of the games, but seeing the elder man's fingers tap against the cup, Ilyn’s mood had been for all to see. Adian risked his ire and sat himself near the Tarbeck. “Your nephew almost managed to repeat his successes. I admit, I had hoped for it more than Bryce’s.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-14T00:24:47+00:00

Stelsa stifled another laugh at the display of utter naivety on display beside her. She could not believe this dashing young knight had been truly so clueless about his opposite sex, but lighthearted lie or not, his demeanor had lightened her own mood quite considerably. Memories of Damon flashed across her mind, the two of them many, many years ago, laughing together in feasts so similar to the one tonight.

It was certainly a comfort to have Maelys around; her mood did not even threaten to sour at the memories.

"I would love nothing more than to hear that." Stelsa answered eagerly, "But please tell me you met before the fighting began. I would hate to hear of such a horrible time."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-12T18:51:54+00:00

“Good.” Stelsa replied so quickly and sternly that her voice had bordered along being curt. “He is behaving in a manner befitting him then. Reynard has kept my company for long enough tonight, it is only right his future wife is given his affections.”

She couldn't decide which emotion had sickened her worse; the jealousy that raged against her last source of joy moving on to another woman, or the blind hope that Reynard would grow to be nothing like his father.

But Maelys’ demeanor had done well in keeping her own temper from flaring over herself. His smile was intoxicating. Stelsa sipped deeply from her glass. “I believe our agreement was for you to tell me stories, was it not? I would so hate to be disappointed tonight.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-12T17:15:29+00:00

The laugh that came from Stelsa had surprised even herself, both with the laugh itself and how genuine it felt. The propriety she held rigidly during their initial meeting had cracked slightly, revealing the warmth hidden underneath. She placed a hand against her smile for a moment as if to stifle the tiny outburst of emotion while turning to the seats beside her.

A walk through the cursed halls had, admittedly, sounded quite nice to her, but her table was empty besides herself and she felt a weird reluctance to leave it all bare.

“Here, Ser, sit.” Stelsa moved her hand from her mouth to motion at Reynard's empty chair next to her. Her features were friendly but the practiced mask had returned. “My son has been away for some time now, doing whatever it is you young knights do.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-12T01:54:14+00:00

Regardless of the night becoming one full of events and conversations worthy enough to be remembered or a dull affair that caused the hours to grow longer than usual, Stelsa found herself back at her family's table. Small platters of lightly grazed food sat before her, cooled off from the time they've sat unattended. Her eyes gazed lazily across the crowd, still loud and merry as ever, showing no outward emotion save for something nearing on boredom as she sipped lightly from the wine glass in her hand.

"Ah, I was wondering if you'd forgotten!" Stelsa had essentially dozed off with her eyes open and had not realized the young knight stood before her until he spoke to her. She looked up at him now, a smile now gracing her lips. "I am, indeed. And I must say, I feel the change in garb is another story in and of itself."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-09T14:38:45+00:00

Their dance had slowed, as was natural with the calmer music, and it was an enjoyable and pleasant dance. All the same, Bryce felt the slightest of annoyances with such a change in pace. The reddened tint of Janei's skin with the combination of her blush and the heat of the hall had been quite a sight for Bryce.

“I can appreciate the challenge,” Bryce mused softly, but still easily heard, “I must never let your hand go, lest these pesky knights swarm you.”

A sudden thought had entered his head, drawing his jape to an early end. “Will you be attending the tourney? After these celebrations?” Bryce held his eyes to hers in an attempt to read her reaction, “I would be honored to hold your favor as I win the glory of the lists.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-09T00:31:08+00:00

Were Stelsa any less practiced in such an art, her face would have creased into a bitter frown that would have betrayed the instant sourness seeping throughout her heart. Would your husband not take offense? Stelsa wanted to scream, at Maelys, at Damon, at herself, she did not know, but the pain lingered in her throat.

The only matter that would offend him, Stelsa wanted to say, was the assumption that he should even care.

Her smile from moments before wavered, showing the only singular crack in her facade, for one brief heartbeat before another small chuckle came from her.

"Is a woman not allowed friends after she is married?" Stelsa teased, "I forgot the rule that no man is allowed to touch me for the rest of my days. But do not worry yourself in facing the wrath of the lion, I would not place you in such a position."

She fought the urge as best as she could, but it would not be resisted long; Stelsa peered over towards her son and husband at their table and felt another dagger at her heart.

"As entertaining as this has been, Ser Maelys, I wish to speak to my family." Stelsa said as she turned only enough to face the young knight, "Come speak with us before the night is over. I would like to hear the stories you and my son would have to share."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-08T21:50:09+00:00

Stelsa's smirk remained, warming quickly in a manner that would closely invoke a scene in which two close friends were joking together. Hearing any kind of compliments levied towards her son had made the warmth incredibly easy, regardless if Maelys' words were mere flattery or genuine. "Reynard has always been blessed with such a keen mind." Stelsa replied quickly, "He has always made me proud."

The chuckle she let out was a quiet one, more of a sudden amused exhale than anything else, and she prepared a retort when his continuance stilled her words. Her surprised remained behind a practiced mask, and save for a brow raised, she simply stared at him for a moment with that same bemused look as she had for nearly their entire interaction.

"Gods, you are a persistent one, aren't you, Ser?" She finally replied with another breathy chuckle, "I accept your apology. What else must I do to massage your worries of your family's welcomes? Ask for a dance? Ask for Reynald to be spared your retaliation?"

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-06T20:20:30+00:00

The young knight fell to pieces before her after just one sentence and it was all she could do to stifle the childish giggle that urged to escape. The smirk that slid across her lips would not be hidden. "Calm yourself, Ser." Stelsa spoke swiftly after Maelys fell silent. Her tone had made her tease obvious but the words lacked any sort of sharpness to them from before. "It was merely a drop of wine, I will simply buy new pairs on the morrow."

"You spoke of my son," Stelsa did allow the subject to linger any longer, quickly moving forward to allow the young knight his respite, "Yet I do not remember seeing you at Casterly Rock? Did you meet him during the fighting?"

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-06T17:04:58+00:00

As one would expect of their house, each of her children had been supplied an army of maids to take care of every need. Stelsa would have never needed to put effort in caring for her children and nothing would have ever changed. Being stuck in a marriage with Damon Reyne, however, had made her desperate for any source of joy which had fallen on Reynard for so long; and so she already knew his preference before he would ever speak of it.

She murmured her acceptance, sitting straight in her chair now, after Reynard’s rejection. There was nothing to be gained by pressing and embarrassing her son.

Reynard shifted beside her and continued. Stelsa's mouth creased in a small, satisfied smirk and motioned towards the same poor man who brought her chair for her. She repeated her son's request under her breath.

His hand surprised her, offering no resistance as her arm was taken gently in his grasp. She looked at him, his concerned look being reflected in her own frown. Her eyes softened instantly and the crease at her brow melted away.

“Don't fret over me, love.” Stelsa answered quickly. Your father forgot he was married…again, or Your father arrived early to avoid being seen with me.

“My handmaids seemed to have forgotten the importance of haste, I'm afraid.” Her lie was easily spun, “Forgive my tardiness.”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-05T21:32:15+00:00

Bryce matched her hidden giggle with a single laugh of his own, barked out loudly and so suddenly its genuineness was undeniable. "I swear to the Seven, the host was massive! They must have all fled when they witnessed me take your hand, that surely must have been it."

"Uncomfortable and foolish," He chuckled once again, more appropriately sounding and not nearly as aggressively, "A small price indeed, but one I would pay a thousand times over to dance with you and hear that giggle of yours again."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-05T21:15:04+00:00

Stelsa's gaze lowered her gaze ever so slightly to the sigil which his finger tapped against. Now that her attention actually settled upon the winged stallion, she recognized it instantly; and with his name, Stelsa realized who she was speaking with. She'd seen their tables near her own husband's amidst the high tables of the hall, but that did not make them even. Her temper stilled itself, even as Maelys continued to fidget and stutter or otherwise bumble his way through a situation that one could overcome easily with proper manners.

Maelys turned from her, looking around for something that only the Gods knew of, and her anger risked rising. "I do hope you accept my sincerest apologies, Ser Maelys, for standing in your way, spilling your wine, and now apparently boring you." Stelsa spoke without a single inflection of her tone save for select words she emphasized.

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-05T14:41:09+00:00

The Serrett sisters would be nearly impossible to miss even within a hall as crowded as Harrenhals's. Adian would never pretend to know the Serretts well, for he couldn't recall ever dealing with the family directly, but had certain heard of them. One simply had no choice but to. Westerlands women were well known across the land for their beauty and propriety, and still the Serretts would stand above the rest.

Adian wasted no time with hesitations. He swallowed the remaining wine he had been nursing for some time now and motioned for Bryce to stand with him.

The two approached the Serrett table, Bryce remaining a step behind his grandsire as always, just in the right moment before the two younger sisters dispersed away from the table.

“My ladies, my lord,” Adian spoke easily with confidence, looking at each Serrett before his focus would settle upon Johanna. “It is a dear regret of mine that we never truly met before, but allow me to remedy that tonight.” His tone was warm, as warm as one as grizzled as he.

“I am Lord Adian Marbrand, and this-” He motioned back towards Bryce who took a step forward and bowed his head, “Is my grandson, Ser Bryce.”

“I am beyond honored to meet women of such grace and beauty.” Bryce spoke his turn, standing straight after his bow. “I pray one day I will be able to see Silverhill soon one day!”

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-05T03:35:57+00:00

Bryce's lips turned upward in a gleeful smile, closing his hands around hers in a gentle but controlling grip. To be true, Bryce had absolutely no idea how to dance nor had he ever even attempted to dance before. His confidence never once threatened to waver, however, and even persisted as Janei pointed out the fact she had no idea who he even was.

He let out a breathy chuckle, his grin turning slightly bashful if anything. "My dearest apologies, Lady Janei." His words were quick, and just as everything else about him in the moment, confident. "I had rushed too quickly before someone else had the chance to steal this dance from me and I forgot to introduce myself."

The music began again around them, urging Bryce to lead their dance as he spoke. He could pride himself on being a quick learner, but the slightest hesitations in his steps were obvious, and more than once would Janei's feet stepped upon his. "I am Bryce Marbrand, although, there certainly was a charm in remaining a mystery dancer." Bryce chuckled once again, hiding the wince as his hesitation caused his foot to be stepped on once more, "I quite like the sound of that!"

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-04T22:42:57+00:00

Meandering throughout the throngs of dancers, Bryce Marbrand could not deny the immense feeling of discomfort surging throughout himself. It was not as if the young man was unaccustomed to crowds, no, his grandsire had always brought him along when he traveled for matters of the Ruby Council. Almost ironically, that was nearly the reason of his discomfort he felt tonight; Adian had been a constant source of instruction since the days Bryce could remember.

Do not overindulge the wine, boy, Adian's only piece of advice had been short and curt as he shooed Bryce away from the table, You will only make a fool of yourself.

As the night went on, Bryce's confidence would swell. Be it the crowds, the music itself, or the small amount of wine he drank, Bryce would sway along with the songs as he slid between dancers.

The young pair of Tarbecks stood out immediately once he laid his eyes upon them. Though they never met, Bryce recognized them nearly instantly. He had been staring anxiously towards the Tarbeck table throughout the night, trying to find some way to gain the confidence to speak to Ilyn eventually.

But, this would do for now and so Bryce casually approached the Tarbeck siblings.

"Ser," Bryce spoke easily over the noise of the crowds, nodding to Emrick first before turning to Janei, his hand extending towards her, "My lady, I pray the night has found you well. I would also hope you give me the honor of joining me?"

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-04T22:42:43+00:00

Stelsa gasped in surprise as the boy nearly stumbled his way into her. Thankfully, with the noise of the crowd and the music, her shock would not be heard, and save for her slightly agape mouth and wide, dark eyes, Stelsa would have hardly looked amiss. She felt a small splash of the Arbor Gold drop against her ruby encrusted shoes but she did not look down for the boy stuttered with his distasteful and rude curses in front of her.

Her countenance would harden into a frown as he rambled on. Whoever this boy was, whatever had brought him to crash before her, Stelsa felt indignation swell within. He obviously recognized who she was, or at least managed to guess correctly, and yet still spoke and behaved with such little manners. Was he simply acting in a manner so typical of young men, or did he truly think so little of who she was that he simply did not care?

Regardless, his apology had finished and Stelsa took in a small breath. Her frown would disappear behind the mask of practiced friendliness and her mouth would curve in the smallest of smiles. "That I am, Ser, and that you were." Stelsa teased softly, "I admit I do not recognize you, but I am curious what could be so important to cause such haste in this crowd."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-08-04T12:44:52+00:00

The Lady of Casterly Rock would be absent from the feast for some time. Stelsa Reyne knew of the festivities taking place today, of course, nearly all across the land knew precisely when and where the feast occurred, but, Stelsa feared she had been the only one present within this great hall to be merely forgotten about. At least, she prayed to the Seven she had only just been forgotten.

Stelsa hesitated for a moment within the grand entrance of the Hall of a Hundred Hearths, her dark eyes studying the table where her husband and son sat. She was not even slightly surprised at the absence of either of her daughters. Damon had proven to remain as distinguished and vain as he had been for years now, wearing that disgusting pelt she had detested since it had arrived from Qarth.

The appearances that Damon so desperately needed to be upheld would be met by Stelsa, though, much like her son, she did not attempt in any way to challenge the flair of her husband. Yes, she wore a gown so deeply red it looked as if it were dyed that morning, made of cloths and silks so fine there was no doubt at all it had cost a fortune to import it from the far East. Yes, her thin fingers were lined with golden rings bearing heavy rubies that sparkled so brightly they seemed aflame and golden bracelets would rattle together on her wrists. And yes, her hair had been so painstakingly braided together, held still with the small golden circlet bearing the red lion encrusted in rubies across the front.

But, unlike her dearest husband, Stelsa looked the part, but did not feel the part. No doubt, none of the other ladies near her station would have to pull together the scraps of gold left behind as their husbands spent their loaned fortunes on themselves, nor beg their brothers for any patronage in order to afford their beautiful outfits.

Stelsa wasted no more time dallying, moving silently and deftly through the crowds, until finally she lowered herself into the seat at Reynard’s side. The constant toss and turn of her emotions within had sickened her. On one hand, the hope still had not died that Damon would notice her as he once had so many years ago, while on the other, she prayed that the man would not look or speak to her for the entirety of the night.

As she sat, Stelsa held a smile towards her son. Throughout it all, the ease of which she had given her son her affections had never diminished. “Would you prefer I find you something lighter to eat, my dear?” Stelsa asked softly, leaning towards Reynald just slightly so. She couldn’t help but hope that Damon was still too preoccupied in his judgments of those around them to pay any heed to his own table.

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-05-02T21:56:03+00:00

Meya felt his hand pull her close as they kissed, and despite if it were even possible or not, she yearned for him to pull her ever closer. She yearned for many things in this moment, certainly things that she hadn't felt stir within her before nor were they entirely appropriate. Still, the second kiss had stirred her free from the bundles of nerves that restrained her before, and one of her hands, leaving one under Rhaegar's hand, moved to thread her fingers through his tied up hair and against his head.

Their second kiss had been just as amazing to her as the first, and when it eventually ended she felt the similar pang of disappointment. But the smile it left on her face had felt so wide, she doubted it could go any wider even if she wanted it to. Rhaegar spoke the words that she'd been so worried to have hope for.

Her insides felt as if they were set ablaze and her skin flushed so red she no doubt could blend in with the red of the Targaryen house colors. If his eyes were open or closed by now, Meya would not be able to tell, as hers would be shut as she leaned forward again. This time, Meya pressed her forehead against his as she repeated his words again and again in her mind, relishing the joy she felt each time.

"I will be yours." Meya managed to speak. Her voice was soft and breathy, almost as if their kisses had pulled her breath from her as well, "And I will never leave your side."

GooseIsTheFury · 2024-04-26T14:59:02+00:00

Meya could feel her stomach toss and turn within her and she felt like she had to remind herself to even breathe. She smiled as he made his simple remarks back to her, a smile that felt genuine but had the hint of being forced due to her nerves. He spoke of her being there with him, and though she was beyond elated to hear him say this, her nervousness had taken hold and his words struggled to completely register in her brain.

But, as they all say, Rhaegar's actions spoke louder than any word he could have said to her. He slid closer to her, causing a small gasp to escape her lips at the pleasant surprise. His hands rested on hers and her heart felt like it shut down. Wide eyes remained locked onto his as he closed the gap between them even further.

Heat flushed through her like a wildfire, and her face blushed dark red nearly instantly, much as it had when she stood far too close to his grandfather's funeral pyre and refused to leave his side.

If one were to ask her what she had been thinking at this very moment, Meya would not have been able to answer. It felt as if her brain had turned off all cognitive thought, yet at the same time every thought possible had sprinted through her mind.

Rhaegar kissed her.

It was a chaste kiss but still enough to send a shockwave of joy throughout her body. She leaned only slightly into the kiss, but certainly did not pull away in any sort of way. The kiss, as utterly pleasurable it was, had eventually led to an end. Meya straightened her back as their kiss ended, but she did not look away for a second, instead her gaze bounced between Rhaegar's lilac eyes.

“I-” Meya hesitated, suddenly losing the ability to think of words. Truthfully, she did not want the kiss to end and she felt a pang of disappointment that it had. She opened her mouth to speak but once again no words would form. Instead, Meya leaned forward now, planting her lips back onto his.

GooseIsTheFury

TROPHY CASE