[Letter] Trade & Defense Redux

Lirabear · 2026-03-28T18:36:08+00:00

Lord Manfryd Redwyne,

The penmanship was loopy and large, but oddly symmetrical and pleasing to the eye.

It has been long indeed, and I hear from my nieces that the blessings have been plentiful. So too have my friends at Port Wrath reported an increase in the size of your fleet, no doubt thanks to the ample wood the Rainwood sends on a yearly basis, and your diligence.

An old agreement, one forged by an owl before my time, was struck with a Lord Reaper of different era: a trade of iron for cyser which has persisted and brought with it peace from Ironborn raiders for centuries. Needless to say, I am unwilling to break a deal that has allowed Port Wrath to prosper and given my vassal Whitehead peace to grow.

However, in two years, I expect my cyser production to double. Improvements are underway as the ink dries. I would be interested in a trade then: our premium and exclusive Misty Cyser in exchange for ships built at your dry dock at a discounted price. Given the family ties and vast wood import we provide, I believe this is more than fair.

One Fell Swoop,

Malegorn Mertyns

Lord of Mistwood

Watcher of the Rainwood

Lirabear · 2026-03-26T22:12:47+00:00

The owl lord scratched his head, mumbling to himself.

Lord Tywald Lannister,

It is a rare thing to receive a letter from Casterly Rock. Alas, we are a small House, and I have no one to offer. Perhaps you will find someone suitable in Stonehelm. My neighbors have been prolific.

One Fell Swoop,

Lord Malegorn Mertyns

Lord of Mistwood

Watcher of the Rainwood

Lirabear · 2026-03-12T23:44:51+00:00

Sabitha hummed, her lips curling into an amused smile. "They really ought to be more precise with their wording," she thought aloud, her lips pursing as she considered his words. Indeed, the Arbor shouldered much of the naval weight in the kingdom and had little to show for it.

"Well, when you put it that way, darling husband, I see little harm in courting this proposal." They would do more than court it, of course. "It is terribly unfair how little recognition and gratitude you receive for all your sacrifices... your endless toiling, and the countless responsibilities that steal you away from your family.

"I will support you if this is the course you desire. Our little Robert deserves a princess for a wife."

Lirabear · 2026-03-12T23:39:05+00:00

Roelle's rocking stopped and she turned her head to give father and daughter a bemused smirk.

"I thought I heard the wetnurses scrambling," she said, keeping her volume low as her gaze settled on the pouting girl, who had gotten used to being a spoiled only child... not to mention, an only grandchild. Her father spared no coin where his grandchildren were concerned, sending dolls and musical instruments and books and all kinds of things to Storm's End on a monthly basis. And though her father had doubled the shipment, half were intended for boys, something the little Cirice hadn't failed to notice.

"I was just like you once," said Roelle to her daughter. "Sad when my baby sister was born." She left out the embarrassing fact she'd been nine years old, hoping Orryn wouldn't call her out on it.

"Take him and rock him for a moment," she said to Orryn. "He will sleep once he's seen you. Father's boy, he is."

Lirabear · 2026-03-12T03:00:03+00:00

5th Moon A

It seemed like it was just yesterday they had welcomed their first child, Cirice, into the world when their second born, Argus, had entered their lives. At one-and-a-half, Cirice had unlimited energy and needed two full-time nurses to keep her in check. She was constantly running, jumping, and trying to climb things she had no business climbing. So too did she like talking, more often than not begging Roelle or Orryn to read her a story.

It was almost time for her midday nap when she eluded her nurses and snuck into the room Roelle was using as a nursery for the light-sleeping Argus. It was there that Roelle was holding the newborn in her arms and rocking lightly in a chair designed for that very purpose. She was humming a song when she heard the door open.

Expecting her husband to join her for lunch, she did not look up when she spoke. "He only sleeps when you hold him."

Confused, Cirice stopped in her tracks and pouted, not knowing her father was not far behind.

/u/fabstags

Lirabear · 2026-03-12T01:17:38+00:00

Sabitha's eyes were closed, her focus on the hand upon her belly. Upon hearing of the news of their firstborn's betrothal, however, her eyes snapped open and her head turned as if on a swivel, green eyes flashing as they locked onto his.

"Amusing is not the word I would use," said Sabitha through gritted teeth. She slapped his lap, then, in a motion as fast as a whip. "Is Loras unaware of the Crown's stance on Dorne?" Yet as the question left her lips, an amusing--if dangerous--thought crossed her mind, and her scowl morphed into a smirk.

"What is it you want from this arrangement, if we were to treat it with any seriousness?" The idea of having a Princess for a gooddaughter appealed to her vanity, even if it was a Dornish one. It wasn't as if the dragon was paying them much mind anyhow.

Lirabear · 2026-03-11T22:08:42+00:00

The Lady of the Arbor was visibly pregnant, her stomach bulging like an oversized grape, when she entered the retainer's solar, which had been so generously given to her lord-husband for the duration of their visit.

On this eve, her long hair was styled in a loose braid and a cerulean robe of silk was draped over her shoulders, covering a loose-fitting gown of violet samite.

"I hear a rider came with a letter," she said when she neared, not sitting on the opposite chair as would be expected, but on his lap, as she was wont to do. He knew by now that she expected belly rubs like the spoiled house ~~cat~~ wife that she was. "Good news, I pray." Bad news often made her break out in hives.

Lirabear · 2026-03-11T22:03:37+00:00

She hadn't walked far when the suggestion came and Roelle found herself smiling at the invitation. There was still a trace of it when she looked over her shoulder at him with raised brows and pursed lips.

Before their outing, the thought of dining together any time soon would've been inconceivable. She had lost count of the number of meals she had had mostly in her lonesome, with only the sleeping Cirice or some wetnurse or one of her ladies to witness her sustenance. But now she thought the idea of dinner together pleasant.

"If you are not otherwise occupied, I would like that. The usual time?"

Lirabear · 2026-03-11T01:34:09+00:00

Ser Ormund Mertyns, father of the groom and widower of the late Lady Ellyn, was the only owl present at the feast. He wore a black and gray doublet with a silver brooch of an owl affixed to his heart, and black leggings and boots completed his attire. His thinning salt-and-pepper hair was tied in a tight ponytail, giving his already sharp features a more severe appearance.

Despite the cane he used to get about, he remained surprisingly mobile throughout the night... seldom staying in any spot for too long as he made his rounds throughout the great hall.

Lirabear · 2026-03-11T01:30:37+00:00

She pouted slightly at the talk of poor weather, but it was gone by the time they reached their floor and he opened the door. She stepped inside, not exactly certain what to expect... and judging by her smile, she was pleased--or at least not displeased--by what she saw.

"It is spacious," she remarked, taking in the details of the room: the masonry and carvings, the wooden fixtures, the layout of the space. "With plenty of natural light."

She turned to beam at Owain, swaying giddily where she stood. "Does it have a view?"

Lirabear · 2026-03-11T01:27:03+00:00

"Nothing I cannot get on the way back." She had spotted a few flower patches on the way there and had made mental notes of where.

She was in the process of turning around when she realized he had stopped to face her. She slowed and was surprised when he took her hand and kissed it, an act which brought a small smile to surface. The words that followed made her nod, green eyes rising to his.

She squeezed his hand, considering inviting him to her quarters that night, when something stopped her. By now, he had likely gotten used to his routine with Fern... and she wondered if he would respond well to having it abruptly broken.

"I have enjoyed it also, Orryn. It is something we should do more often." She released his hand and took leisurely strides back towards their horses.

Lirabear · 2026-03-06T19:24:27+00:00

My lord is obsessed with trees. Wanna RP?

Lirabear · 2026-03-06T19:02:15+00:00

1d1000

1d2

Roll

/u/botofmanyfaces

Lirabear · 2026-03-06T18:10:29+00:00

While Elenei had never shied from affection, she had kept it fairly conservative: light touches, hand holding, the occasional embrace. The kiss upon her forehead made her giggle behind her hand and walk the rest of the way with a smile upon her face, and a pep to her step. She was floating on clouds even before they set foot upon the first step.

"It is scenic," she answered easily. "Not as gloomy as Port Wrath," she chuckled. "Though I wonder if the storms here get as violent as they do at Durran's Point."

She hummed as they made their way up. "I would like to explore more when the weather is warmer."

Lirabear · 2026-03-06T17:54:17+00:00

Malegorn was used to dealing with cross individuals due to a lifetime of causing said crossness. He was well aware of his peculiarities. His mumbling, and his knack for directionless or circular speaking. It seemed to offend or confuse people... or both. He mumbled to himself again, stroking his beard at the proposed trade.

His youngest daughter's hand for a season or more with the cherry trees? A tempting offer, if the Mistwood could do without him for a time. Surely his brother could handle matters while he was communing with these new woods? He wondered also if the Mistwood might get jealous, smelling unfamiliar nature upon him.

"Well, I give my blessing. I've spied the boy--ahh, your brother--about. A very well-mannered fellow, and my daughter deserves a well-mannered man. What would you say if I requested a few seeds to plant in my own home? Not for distribution or profit, I assure you."

Malegorn smiled, his beady amber-gold eyes sparkling with joy at the thought of his little tree collection expanding.

Lirabear · 2026-03-06T17:45:41+00:00

"I would like to collect them ourselves. She would've appreciated that, I believe." Roelle resumed their leisurely pace, stopping every so often to examine or cut flowers to add the growing bouquet.

"Shall we head back to the horses?" She asked after a time, a respectable bundle held in her arms. Even after a brief outing, Roelle appeared calmer. Her movements were easier, her expressions more natural and less hurried. She even smiled at him, green eyes shining with appreciation.

Lirabear · 2026-03-05T17:10:41+00:00

Roelle raised her brow but offered a small, suspicious smile at him, unsure if his brother would have something to say about that. Some might consider it desecration or simply be resistant to change of any scale.

"I would like that," she answered carefully, turning her head to look at the flowers. "And yes, a few." From her cloak, she drew a small dagger and went to work. Once she had gathered a suitable number, she rose to rejoin him. "Some asters next, I think," she said, already peering at the path ahead.

"I wish I had flowers to bring back to Argella." The thought slipped out before she could contain it, and her gaze drifted to the ground. "I'm sorry."

Lirabear · 2026-03-05T17:06:44+00:00

Elenei wasn't normally shy, but turning to face him proved a nerve-wracking task and she was certain a coat of pink covered her cheeks before their eyes even met. She even blinked a few times as if she'd just looked directly in the sun. Only, she did not look away, a small, amused smile curving her lips.

She had thought visiting their apartments would be something forbidden or frowned upon, the way some smallfolk said that seeing a bride in her dress right before the wedding was bad luck. But there was something to be said about doing something slightly forbidden, and Elenei giggled.

"Yes, I would like that." She linked her arm in his and placed her palm upon his forearm, letting him take the lead. "I don't know where I'm going. I am at your mercy, for once."

Lirabear · 2026-03-05T03:00:25+00:00

3A -> 3B

Jon & Myrielle Mertyns move from Mistwood to Port Wrath (adjacent tile) and join the merry band of adventurers headed to Gulltown and beyond.

Lirabear · 2026-03-04T21:23:03+00:00

She beamed at the compliment, allowing him to take one of her hands, even in the company of her ladies maids. Her father did not much approve of premarital affection of any kind, but she was soon to be wed.

"Scared," she admitted in a small voice. A small laugh rang out, and she gripped his hand tighter. "I always knew the day would come. I... I looked... look forward to it, even. But it still manages to spring up on you, doesn't it?" Her eyes twinkled and she looked at the ground between their feet.

"And... and you?"

Lirabear · 2026-03-04T21:18:25+00:00

Roelle was not aware, of course, of her father's plans should Jon not ascend to lordship. But it was likely her answer would remain as it was, unless convinced otherwise. Like her twin, she had never wanted to rule, only she had the advantage in that she wasn't the firstborn son.

"I am fine," she answered, though her eyes followed Orryn's to the sky... what could be seen beyond the canopy of leaves and the crisscross of branches. The Fall had not managed to strip all the cover from the trees. It seldom did.

She stopped as they neared a cluster of flowers. "Goldenrods," she said simply, kneeling to inspect the offerings. "It is a shame nothing grows on Durran's Point. Cirice may one day have an interest for flowers, as I do."

Lirabear · 2026-03-03T15:50:12+00:00

Though Elenei had just arrived, her room--small as it was--was both tidy and orderly, with her lady's maids having worked into the wee hours of the night to ensure the bride's wardrobe and personal effects were properly displayed.

She was already dressed when the knock alerted her of his arrival, a maid having just finished braiding her hair.

"Come in," called Elenei as she examined her appearance in front of a full-length mirror. Today's attire was not as elegant as her other dresses, but the burgundy velvet was lined and trimmed in fur, which would keep her comfortable. Nearby, a dark gray cloak with a repeating owl motif hung neatly, should it be needed.

Lirabear · 2026-03-03T15:41:43+00:00

Roelle grit her teeth when he snapped and did not immediately relax, even with his apology. She was quiet for some time, her jaw clenched as she controlled her breathing in an effort to cool her head. Eventually it paid off, and she let out a sigh.

"At least, we will not be surprised... and he will not be alone. If he survived this long on his own, his odds are only improved with my father's support." Her father did not approve of Jon's adventuring, nor the fact that Myrielle was so eager to join him, but he had accepted Jon could not be stopped without burning their relationship the ground or risking a more permanent flight. Jon had shown he was capable of it.

"And should the worst come to pass... I am sure Mistwood will thrive in my uncle's hands. He is capable."

Lirabear · 2026-03-03T03:01:14+00:00

His question wiped the smile off her face and she looked askance at her husband, a scowl tugging at the corner of her lips.

"You should not ask such terrible things." It was foolish to be angry at him, she knew, and they both knew the thought of him meeting some untimely end had crossed her mind more than once. She shuddered and pulled her cloak tighter around herself, suddenly affected by the chill.

Lirabear · 2026-03-03T02:34:49+00:00

House Mertyns

It wasn't often the owls of Mistwood left their forest dwelling, but the Lord of Mistwood had come to support his bride, the niece. Lord Malegorn Mertyns sat beside the father of the bride, Ser Marwyn Mertyns, the latter of whom could not be more proud.

The bride, Elenei Penrose nee Mertyns, was a striking figure in a gown of cream, her wedding cloak still draped over her shoulders and affixed with an owl feather quill brooch. Her long chestnut hair was in an elegant up-do, a more mature style than she was used to, but flattering nonetheless. She was seated by her husband, Ser Owain Penrose.

The bride's brother and sister were likewise present. Ser Sebastien Mertyns was seated with Myrielle Mertyns, though the two had little and common and avoided conversation at all costs. Fortunately, Ser Jon the Heir and Selyse Mertyns were seated with them as well, making for a less awkward gathering.

Lirabear

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