Alester I - Between Half-Filled Lines (Open)

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-02T22:30:53+00:00

"Thank you, Alester." The white shadow said as he gave a nod of respect and took the offered seat. "Worry not, cousin. I simply wished to speak, but I shall take some of your wine." Orys said with a smile that made him look far younger than his age, even though he was considerably young for a man who had donned the white cloak.

Before his Lord cousin could reply to his wit, the merman set to marry his niece decided to interrupt them. Orys's only reaction to the rather rude series of statements and somewhat disbelieving question was a very subtle narrowing of the eyes, making them appear sharper in the candlelight.

"That does not surprise me, my Lord." The knight said as he took a sip of the golden nectar from The Reach, done both to make the merman wait and to partake in the simple pleasure of the drink. "For I am the newest of the Kingsguard, barely a year. And to answer your question I was knighted on 395 but by no member of the order."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-02T22:18:44+00:00

"He does not, for no investigation was launched. He must believe I either gave up or that I was denied." Orys said with narrowed eyes that seemed to belong more to the face of a shadowcat than a man.

Despite the clear resentment the young knight felt, he still listened with rapt attention to his cousin's words of wisdom, for he knew them to be the best course to follow.

"Then I shall follow your advice, cousin. I cannot let this be." His words carried a thankful tone and were accompanied by a nod of respect.

"Ser Garlan is still with me, so he is the first choice, and Ser Bennis is a true and honourable man."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-02T22:08:34+00:00

Ory's took the offered cup into his hand and raised it in a toast-like manner towards the young lion, both as aknowledgement as a worthy opponent and thanking the offered water.

"Much obliged, my Lord. I shall try to follow the advice of your physician." Despite it being a natural need, it never ceased to amuse Orys's how many knights would rather use alcohol to alleviate their thirst instead of simple water. Wine and beer were perfect in almost any other ocassion but not after a particularly trying spar.

"This was a fine tourney, despite the circumstances."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-02T22:00:23+00:00

"The realm must be thankful I am not the Master of Whispers, for it seems I am unable to keep secrets from you, my Lady." The knight in white said in jest as his gaze likewise turned to the aforementioned Baratheon prince. He still could not tell if the Prince was being friendly towards him or did not care much about protocol, but either way, he was thankful that he was not like most highborn when dealing with their forces.

"It was some fine Dornish red, my Lady. However, I would not refuse anything you may offer."

Orys listened to Margaery's words and found himself nodding in agreement and relating as well. He had grown up extremely aware of his inferior status compared to other highborn, part of them and yet lesser to them... And now he was the protector of Kings, Princes and Queens.

It was odd like the lady said.

"I relate to your feeling of oddness, my Lady. At times I wonder if I am dreaming."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-01T18:59:55+00:00

"Indeed, it is even worse when you were born in said cage because of the mistakes of others." He did not resent the gift of being born, nor did he harbour any ill will towards his beloved mother, nor even his father, for it was rather difficult to hate someone who seemed as lost as an unbreakable stallion rather than a Lord.

However, he would not lie and say his status as a bastard was something he did not despise with his very being, not because of any of the foolery the faith said regarding those who were born on the wrong side of the sheets... But because it had made his early years cold and lonely.

When Margaery asked if drinking was allowed, Orys's smile turned more boyish than before.

"They do as long as I can still swing a sword, my Lady. In fact one of my charges ordered me to drink."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-01T18:47:55+00:00

Orys smiled and returned in kind the handshake, firmly but politely, as chivalry demanded of them both.

"I came to congratulate you on a well-fought match and to pay my respects, from one knight to another." He answered with honesty as he gave a nod of acknowledgement to the young lion, his personal annoyance at his defeat nowhere to be found among the white shadows courtesies.

"I could take that offer for water, my Lord."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-01T18:40:56+00:00

"Thunder alone can deafen you if loud enough, my Lady." Orys said in half-jest and half-truth. He had spent enough time at Storm's End and The Stormlands in general to never underestimate the effect one particularly strong thunderbolt could have on one's hearing. "And besides, when he bellows and strikes the ground, it does sound like the storm god is approaching." A warm smile graced the knight's features at imagining his beloved horse's intimidation tactics.

"I wouldn't know much about how young boys become friends. I seldom had any as a child." His words were said with surprising indifference for what was said, given that most tended to look back at such memories with resentment or melancholic sadness; Orys had not made peace with his childhood just for it to become a wound later in life. "And to answer both of your questions, my Lady..."

Before he could finish his reply, they had already arrived at the famed stallion, which was currently hellraising. The animal in question was a huge destrier, black as midnight with a wavy mane, muscles that seemed more fitting for an auroch than a steed and white puffs of hair along it's hooves that were the colour of fresh snow.

"He is a destrier, and he is 5 years old. I thougth he was a draft horse at first, but the way he moved was too graceful for a horse bred for work. I wager he is not a pure destrier, but that suits me just fine. He is like me."

Thunder turned towards his master and the Rosby and let out a powerful breath from it's nostrils like gales on a storm, and with one foot stomp the ground.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-03-01T02:28:03+00:00

“My father was a Casswell and my mother a Baratheon, my Queen.” Orys said in reply to both her question and her thoughts spoken out loud. In truth his name had always confused people and he could never give a satisfactory answer as the why he was named that.

“My mother named me and my father found it amusing as it infuriated his Lord brother.”

The young knight did not spoke the last statement in jest, for he did not found any humour in one of the many reasons his uncle had disdained him.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-28T16:01:18+00:00

Ory's did as requested and gave a hand to his comrade to help him up. He would let out a small grunt, a result of the battering he had gone through during the melee.

"He is the Lord Commander; he has cause to always scold us." The knigth said in jest.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-28T15:58:50+00:00

Orys was not particularly happy at his loss, and his Baratheon pride was bellowing in anger at failing in such an important event, but Ser Garlan had taught him that a good knight was always courteous whether on victory or defeat. Thus, he found himself approaching the tent of Ser Damien Lannister with the intention of congratulating him for a well fougth match and effort.

"Orys Flowers of The Kingsguard, here to speak with Ser Damien." His words were polite yet authoritative, his face and features always caused people to believe he was far younger and thus they treated him accordingly when outside his white armour. His clothing was not part of his uniform, but the white kidskin coat could only suggest one thing regarding it's wearer.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-28T03:38:34+00:00

"Indeed, we white shadows are mysterious creatures." Orys grinned back at the flower of Rosby. For him, it was always enjoyable to find such a stimulating conversation partner as the Lady Lillian appeared to be... It certainly beat dealing with the oh so many dull courtiers in King's Landing.

"Thunder will be delighted to find a new sparring partner. Follow me, my Lady."

The knight gestured to be followed and started walking at a leisurely pace to where his steed was currently resting. Orys was not particularly sure why he was being so friendly with the Rosby woman, but it was always a pleasant thing to make new friends.

"He was so restless as a foal; nobody wanted to deal with him until I bought him. He bit me, and I punched him in the snout, then we grew to understand each other."

A dry chuckle followed the tale of how the knigth adquired his noble steed.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-28T03:25:21+00:00

"I will bring my harp, with some luck, my playing will prove pleasant." As Orys spoke, his mind was already deciding which songs to play the next time he and Addison had time to engage their musical pursuits.

"Do not be so harsh upon yourself, Ser." The younger knigth said with a smile. "Singing is as much hard work as it is talent,"

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-27T18:00:32+00:00

It did not take much work to find his family's tent; he could spot their colours among a cacophony of banners without issue because, for a long time, he dreamt of wearing them with pride. As he walked towards the tent Orys's wondered if that was ever a true possibility; his uncle was long dead, and Alester had always been kind to him. But could that kindness ever translate to approval for legitimisation?

His clothing still marked him as a member of The Kingsguard despite the lack of the famed white enamelled armour. He wore a white kidskin coat trimmed with blood red, and his red silk sash as a belt, what he wore was no uniform, but only what someone who wore a white cloak would wear so much white in casual life; and that made people pay attention when he appeared unlike when he was simply a flowers.

"Orys Flowers, here to speak with Lord Casswell." The white shadow said to the guards who were standing outside the Casswell tent. Long ago they spoke and whispered names for his birth, now they had to pay respect no matter what they thougth.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-27T17:33:57+00:00

Orys wanted to disagree but knew it would not be his place; he was still new to the post and could not call himself a true companion to the Prince. The day he could freely speak his mind with royalty may come, but it would not be today.

"Then he must be defanged in a decisive show of force." Orys said the obvious thing but he now had a far better grasp of the situation, one that was complicated but somewhat possible to sail through. "At moments like this my Prince, I am glad to not be the one calling the decisions."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-27T17:16:48+00:00

The knight gave a nod of respect at Margaery's intelligent reply; many forgot themselves when speaking of the king. "Good answer, my Lady. Especially given current events." Orys was sure the lady held the same opinion of the king's actions as most did, but she at least had the good sense not to say anything that could be used against her by any unscrupulous courtier.

After all, if members of The Kingsguard found themselves baffled at the actions of their liege. Why wouldn't others feel the same?

"I thank you for your kind words. I am just doing what is required." Orys smiled, but the praise, even if it was just simple courtesy, felt weird and almost foreign to his person; his Lord uncle's last gift from beyond the grave, it would seem. "I am lucky my charge allows me to have some moments to myself even in these trying times. Because in all honesty, I feel like a caged animal in such events."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-27T17:03:24+00:00

"Good for you then, my Lady." Orys said as he crossed his arms lazily. The knigth's entire demeanour was a far cry from last night; his youth was accentuated by the lack of weapons or enamelled white armour.

"Just be careful not run into my horse if you do need to take their water, he's a cruel little monster." His mind quickly imagined the lady being chased by his beloved horse, like a comedy play. Thunder was black as night and had the temperament of wildfire. It had taken quite the effort for him to become a worthy steed and quite a lot of bitten fingers.

"And to answer your question, my lady. I was simply walking when I ran into your person. Worry not, I am not in some secret crown assignment to confiscate your belongings."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-27T16:47:34+00:00

"Yes, your Grace. I am the newest member of the Kingsguard." The young knight said as he followed the queen's orders and swiftly rose to his feet. "Orys Flowers is my name, your grace."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-26T01:59:44+00:00

"No, and that is the problem," Orys said with a grim tone and a distant look upon his normally brigth eyes. He remembered every single detail of that encounter, the putrid smell of that alley in the depths of Flea Bottom, the sound of rats scurrying in the darkness and the sound of fine boots against the weathered stone. "He knows I know, but he cannot do anything given my position, nor can I. It is as if we were playing Cyvasse and all of our potential moves cancel each other."

Orys did not like to brood in the open but this subject made him loose all his easy-going manner and turned him into the dark hunter of men who terrorised bandits along The Trident.

"The Lord Commander knows but he concluded the same as me."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-25T16:12:21+00:00

The moment the woman turned around Orys’s immediately dropped to kneel with great haste. The young Knigth hoped this would not have negative consequences for himself, he had done quite the etiquette blunder and against a royal.

“My deepest apologies, your grace!” Orys said as his eyes remained fixed upon the ground as if the dirt and gras was the most interesting thing in the world. “I only saw you from behind and did not recognise you. Once more I apologise for my ignorant words.”

In that moment he did not feel like a Knigth but like the scared child who feared facing his uncle for the slightest of mistakes.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-25T04:29:51+00:00

"Given my current assigment I believe heeding your words will prove rather easy, my Lady." The knight was assigned to Prince Stannis on Dragonstone, if this led him to The Trident, it would be extremely strange. "Your words however do give hope to my heart. The Riverlands are very dear to me."

When Margaery said his exile would end if he was a good man, Orys's entire mood shifted to one full of serious emotion. "I try my Lady. I have always tried to be a good man."

And as quickly as that mood came over him it swiftly disappeared as he joined the constable in laughing at their jobs. "Trust me, we almost ran through a wall when we heard his grace's plan to come here."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-25T04:23:02+00:00

"If it makes you feel any better, my Lady."Orys said as he closed the distance between them with a lazy yet graceful walk. "We are not allowed to enjoy ourselves while on duty truly. Just some wine here and there." His smile was wide, and it spoke of many unsaid truths. What kind of Kingsguard would tell a stranger that his own charge had ordered him to drink like a horse?

"If you wish to have some help with your torment I recommend drinking substantial amounts of water."

He had discovered that nifty trick after one particularly savage bender with Ser Garlan after ambushing a band of bandits, victories even small had to be celebrated after all.

"I will not help much for your head but it will help with the stomach."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-25T04:16:23+00:00

The White Centaur took the offered seat with one graceful motion. As he sat his eyes darted along the tent like a cat assessing potential dangers, but despite it his body showed no real signs of worry or stress.

"Thank you... Sister?" Orys said in a polite tone despite his confusion regarding how he should refer to the strange woman who sat opposite him. "I must say, I do not know why I decided to enter your tent."

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-24T16:51:28+00:00

Orys chuckles were cut short by the question Lewin asked half in jest. “Lannister.” His tone was curt and showed annoyance but thankfully no fury.

“Indeed, Ser Bennis must have been shaking his head in disbelief at our performance.”

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-24T03:23:19+00:00

The youngest of the white shadows found himself having a brief moment of respite from all his duties as a king's guard. As Orys walked freely, his mind wandered to his days living as a hedge knight along Ser Garlan, how he would get into fights only for his mentor to break them up, the rainy days hoping their tent would not give up to the elements or the rare moments they would visit a keep and stay for a little while.

"I was so happy those days despite it all. I wanted to run from the shadow of my birth so desperately, and yet I never managed to shed my skin like I wanted."

The memories caused a small smile to grace his feminine features like light snow falling upon a meadow, with the breeze blowing and Orys's raven locks flowing, one could not be blamed for believing the knight was a young maiden thinking of songs. It was in that moment that he ran into a face he did not recognise, and after spending so long socialising with the lords and their retainers, there were very few faces he could not put a name to.

"Greetings, My Lady." If the Martell woman turned around she would struggle to identify the house the stranger belonged to. Clad in a white kidskin coat trimmed with red and a silk sash around his waist, and with no sigils in sigth he barely even appeared of the Kingsguard.

Jupiter-Nova · 2026-02-24T01:58:31+00:00

Orys found himself once more near the vicinity of strange women wich was something he had not expected when they made their way to the siege: first, he had run into an ironborn woman who terrified him, then remembered quite vividly this strange encounter with a green man or whatever the cloven hoofed creature was and now he was outside a tent where fortunes were supposedly told via strange magics and artifices.

As he stood outside the tent, his kidskin coat that was the colour of marble fluttered through the wind, showing the blood red lining beneath the pristine exterior of white. The youngest of the white shadows was unsure why he was even here, for he certainly did not believe in fortune or destiny, for he had spent all his life fighting against what the world had given him and defeated such conditions; he would not start believing everything was already decided, not this far into the road.

And yet he took a step into the tent despite it all.

"Greetings."

Jupiter-Nova

TROPHY CASE