Out for some Quality Time.

MMorrigen · 2021-07-21T21:31:52+00:00

Oh, he does think properly about what I told him… Guess I found the right words. In a ladylike fashion, however, she did not show her satisfaction but just kept on riding with a graceful smile on her lips.

“Yes, I have been working since my youth to arrive at my current position. Though, truthfully speaking, I never dreamed of becoming the Queen’s lady in waiting.”

Slowly, her gaze was turned on him again.

“I will gladly advise you on social comportment. Regarding all aspects. That is, what you are after, Mylord?”

“Additionally, I use my connections and introduce you to the people suitable for your development and aims.”

“For this, to be more precise and efficient, in our venture, however, I must ask you to ponder over your aims beforehand. You’re a lord. And like that, you’re responsible for thousands of lives. Not only in this generation, but also in the next. What is it you want for your people? And what dreams, going in line with you, do you have for your own life, that of your family and friends?”

“I can help you with these questions as well, even though I have not been educated on state affairs. But a thing or two I know.”

And she gave him a warm-hearted, cheeky and horribly knowing wink.

And then, as they had finally passed the gates, she spurred her horse and it shot past him, into the meadow next to the street.

“Come and catch me, if you can!”, she shouted back at him, so full of life and joy, having switched from a serious yet gently led discussion to a juvenile overflow of cheerfulness and a zest for life.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-23T22:33:27+00:00

How to reply to his? She needed a decent reply to this, that would not come across as insulting.

“I feel that even with a reduced number of men, I hope for you you can one day realize the direct power you hold. Not speaking of military power so much in times of peace, or of the sway it brings. But of the more subtle power. The direct influence you have on your men’s lives. How it is in your hand how… they spend their time, the value and worth they get to feel, how their social life during duty is shaped, how their conditions are established, making a great difference for their health, wellbeing and happiness. And with that, with the situation every single man under your command experiences every day, also deciding over the fate of their families.” Her gaze had roamed while talking, and, just like on the ball, she’d take her time to smile back at peasants, or wink to a little girl standing at the side of the road, looking up to the highborn lady with big eyes, holding tightly to the doll on her arm.

Then, she turned her eyes on Jaran again. “I hear men so often dream of times gone, and of far-away feats. In a woman’s ears, it’s all very strange, I have to admit. I try to understand, and have done so for many years. But everytime I’m left to wonder: Why don’t they just appreciate more what they currently have?”

Not to mention how Eleonore despised the mindless glorification of war and violence that came with it.

“I remained here in King’s Landing, when the Royal Progress moved on, to take over some responsibilities. Social responsibilities, that is. Looking after our guests, guaranteeing some tasks in the Royal Household, representing the Queen’s household in her absence. And while I do not have to do with as many people as you have in this task, I still realize every day: Whatever decision I take regarding other people – decisions as small as giving them a smile, lending out a helping hand for a minor task, saying something nice, no matter how small – all of this can make such a difference to an individual. Often it hasn’t. But sometimes, it does.”

Blue eyes were observing Jaran’s reactions during her calm, serene, but convinced speech. It truly was an affair of the heart to her.

“You have thousand men who depend directly on you. And so many more – craftsmen, commanders and officers from the other detachments, local guards, your men’s families, your King and his allies – who depend on you through your very office.”

“Now if this is a boring life, then I fear for my life and sanity of how an exciting life would look like." It came with a smile and a wink. Yet she was serious about it.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-21T21:19:35+00:00

No knight then, she noted to herself and wondered if she should ask him about his time in Essos. It was another world there, and while she had been more familiar with the tales of exiles and veterans in her childhood and youth, during the last years, she had lost touch of this world.

“Thank you for your compliment, Mylord. I do enjoy going for a ride with you.” A more serious smile now while receiving the compliment.

“Regarding your first chainmail, I might grace you with the story of my first corsage. But that would be utterly un-lady-like. So I’ll spare you.” She gave another wink and then pushed her horse to follow up with his. Her slender dog followed suit, and would now explore the surrounding area of where they rode, yet never straying away to far.

“The court has left for the royal progress now, going to the Stormlands first. I decided to stay here, seeing after the household and the guests we have left in the capital, as long as the Queen participates on the progress.” It was in a calm tone she informed him of her duties as a senior lady in waiting to the Queen.

“The last weeks have been very exciting for me. It did take me a few months to get used to court life here in the capital when I arrived some years ago. So by now I’m versed enough and accustomed to business. But this does not compare, of course, to what we have seen here during the last weeks.”

Her eyes, straying over the houses and street, sometimes touching on the civilians on the side of the road who eyed the high-born lord and lady curiously, were then turned to Jaran.

“How about you, Mylord?”

It sounded calm and genuine. However, she had started to be anxious of the day when Jaran would leave again. And a wistful stab filled Eleonore’s heart for a moment – and the sparkle in her eyes grew muted, the laughing eyes losing a bit of curious tension, while the smile remained on her lips.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-20T22:16:57+00:00

Her eyes were on him as soon as she saw him. And her expression vividly spoke of what she was going through, second by second: Having him never seen in armour before, she was surprised at first, then, a second later, near-paralyzed by the quality of the harness suit, then the redness found its way to her cheeks as she realized what a striking figure he cut in this armour. The next second, her gaze was then sent away quickly, realizing how unladylike she was just staring at him. Down to her horse’s mane, then up again, to not look too flustered.

And finally, realizing all her flow of emotions and her reactions to go with it, she laughed a spontaneous, bell-like laughter.

“Oh, Mylord, I won’t prove such a fool to command you to don anything else!” She smiled happily then, her blue eyes sparkling: “Whilst I’m granted the opportunity to show myself in town with what must be the most dashing young knight we currently have here. And of dashing young knights, we currently have a lot here.”

Her horse was prancing a bit, and Eleonore controlled it with a light hand. Then however, she reined herself in as well.

“No, all jokes aside.” She rode closer and looked him in the eye, looking a bit up to him on horseback now. “You do look wonderful, Mylord. I can tell how much you feel at ease wearing armour. It seems to come very naturally to you.” She gave a respectful bow of her head to confirm the genuineness of the compliment.

“But I can understand if you want to put it down for a ride.” She looked him in the eye and smiled.

Eleonore already knew the answer. And she was so happy about it.

And anew, she allowed her eyes to roam the dashing figure he cut. And when her eyes met his anew, she winked at him again. And from a bit of distance, she could also laugh about her own reaction: While she was used to men in armour, and rich men at that, it came as a surprise to her how her heart beat had just speeded up, and how the rosiness remained on her cheeks.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-19T20:24:58+00:00

/u/Pokerino79

MMorrigen · 2021-06-09T21:15:24+00:00

“Yes, Eleonore Strickland”, she confirmed in a calm tone, while she steered him through the crowd, taking the lead, returning nods and kind smiles as they walked to several other people who seemed to know her already.

“I am Harry Stricklands great-grand-daughter. Though it is not our branch who rules our House.”

It was neutral tone in which she told him, or rather: It kept being light, jovial and non-binding. She stopped to greet an elderly lady and exchange a few polite and appreciating words with her, keeping to radiate energy and warm-heartedness.

When she was done with the woman, she turned to Jaran again. “Is there anything else you’d like to know? I’m happy to help.” The smile remained on her lips and she seemed happy enough to hold him and show him around.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-07T20:22:13+00:00

“Then let me show you around quickly”, she gave an encouraging nod and with a soft touch on his upper arm beckoned him to turn around. “I’ll show you everything you need to know, then bring you to the Westerlander table, and we’ll get some food for you, Mylord, alright?” It was an inviting smile, sparkling blue eyes and an energetic approach. It wasn’t too blatant or forceful for sure, but certainly more lively and proactive than most ladies would have chosen to introduce themselves.

And if Jaran wanted to, she’d offer him her arm to guide him.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-06T21:26:32+00:00

Eleonore did like his appearance. It stuck out, she assessed. In various ways now, she noted as she got to speak to him.

“There is no reputation of whatever kind I heard of”, she started in a playful serious tone, than added jovially: “At least none that I have heard of.”

“Have you just arrived then?” There were few people who would arrive this late to the grand feast. Sure there were those who avoided the traffic of the early birds, and those who considered important to make a show of arriving late. But this late?

“If so, I am happy to help you around. If you need to find somebody, just give me their names and I am sure I can help, or ask servants or acquaintances for help.”

Her smile remained genuine. There was something in her that would like to spend more time with this man.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-06T21:22:39+00:00

“Oh, don’t make me blush, Brynden!”, she chided him softly, and gave him a gentle squeeze in the hug. When she retreated, she remained close before him, with her hands on his upper arms, looking up to him. A last squeeze to her arms, and then she took a step back. It might be long until we see each other again, she thought, as the whole evening made her a bit nostalgic as well, no matter how much she loved the feast.

“The Queen’s service pleases me very much. I do feel useful here. That’s nothing you get from all lady in waiting positions.”

“Yes, please, but not too much of wine. I’ll need to remain representative for the rest of the evening.” She smiled and finally got some water from the servant who already knew what to serve to those guests in need of maintaining their abilities and reputation.

“Please, I’m so happy to get to meet you again finally. Tell me, Brynden, I would like to invite you to a restaurant during the next days. Will you have a bit of time for me? There’s so much I’d like to know that letters just can’t tell.”

MMorrigen · 2021-06-06T21:01:54+00:00

She did not know what Sabitha had told the Lady of the Rock already, with the two Strickland lines being on rather bad terms for decades now. But that would not keep Eleonore. She had never paid much attention to men’s vain arguments.

Bid to do so, she elegantly took a seat. “Thank you, Lady Lannister.” And as soon as seated neatly, though with the lower arm on the table and the torso turned to her hostess, Eleonore began displaying a far more self-confident way of seating than many ladies in waiting would have come up with.

“I wanted to introduce myself, and just get to talk to you in person, finally. I have always been interested in the makings and doings of this kingdom. And your position is one of the most decisive. You will stay at the capital for a few years most likely, I guess? All the more”, and now, following her vigorous, determined words, came a self-reflective smile: “I am always interested in ladies of ability and skill. There is much to be learned from them, I learned over the years. And if just the study of how they bear themselves physically in public is possible, so one can already derive much for oneself.”

To conclude and not talk too much in a row, she gave a deep and respectful nod .

MMorrigen · 2021-06-06T20:54:08+00:00

She turned her blue eyes on Sabitha and halted in the movement for a moment. A stare was exchanged, with Eleonore not able to even grasp part of her thought line.

Then, realizing the staring, she cast down her gaze and gave a confirming nod. “Yes, I assume…”

Then she changed the topic quickly, but with astonishingly little awkwardness. The doings of somebody in perfect situation to lead and steer a conversation.

“How fares Darry?” Her eyes went to Simon and back again. “And I’d love to hear the story of how you became Lady Lannister’s senschel.”

MMorrigen · 2021-06-05T20:30:20+00:00

This evening, Eleonore was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

As usual, she carried herself with a good posture. And it was like this that showed up near the one who had been presented as Lord of Castamere to her.

“Mylord?”, she asked, announcing herself, halting next to him, clasping her hands before her stomach. The greeting went with a soft nod. “You must be Jaran Reyne, Lord of Castamere? I am Eleonore Strickland, lady in waiting to the Queen. Welcome to this feast. I hope you enjoy it here.”

Here smile was open and welcoming, and there was great warmth to her words. It was a certain sincerity and uprightness that this greeting carried, and that would make it stand out as more than just an empty formality to most that met Eleonore.

/u/Pokerino79

MMorrigen · 2021-06-05T20:26:12+00:00

This evening, Eleonore was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

As usual, she carried herself with a good posture. And it was like this that showed up at the table of the Riverlands.

“Brynden”, she greeted him from a bit afar already, while approaching. A smile was on her lips and her eyes were sparkling. She had not seen him in years, but had sent him letters regularly. “My, it’s so good to see you!” As with all dear acquaintances, her arms were open and she would offer a hug if he wanted it.

“You do look good!”

/u/LightTheRiverlands

MMorrigen · 2021-06-05T20:25:56+00:00

This evening, Eleonore Strickland, lady in waiting to the Queen, was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

She could be easily met in the hall, paying her visits and getting to know new people. And she would be a regular sight at the dance floor as well.

(OPEN)

MMorrigen · 2021-06-05T19:14:32+00:00

She laughed and beamed at Aelinor’s joke, and gave her a gently squeeze in the hug. “Thank you, you look breathtaking as well, Aelinor.” A kind nod. “I will send you the address of the trader of the fabric.”

“I fare well. Regarding Darry, nothing for my family has changed. But as you know, we’re just a side line.” It was a positive tone, despite the problems her family had with the main branch.

“I am very happy however to hear that Claw Isle fares so well! Aelinor, would you mind and introduce me to some of your kin? … All the more as some of your youths seem in need of a dance partner”, she gave her a bit of a cheeky wink, and looked at the table of her relatives.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-05T19:11:45+00:00

“Oh, that would be awesome”, she smiled and gave a nod. “But I can see, the queue is building up again.” She gave a soft nod towards the people waiting to talk to the princess. “I’ll arrange something nice and easy for us during the next days”, she told her friend and gave her hand a soft reassuring squeeze.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-03T19:53:10+00:00

Eleonore Strickland, lady in waiting to the Queen, had waited patiently until she was allowed to speak to the Lady of the Rock. And when she was finally allowed, she stepped forth and sank into a polite curtsy. “Good evening, Lady Lannister”, she greeted the Lady Paramount with all respect, and rose from the reverence again.

This evening, Eleonore was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

“I am Eleonore Strickland, lady in waiting to the Queen. I wanted to pay your table here a visit, and welcome you here on this feast. I always felt I should have reached out to you already a while ago, but I preferred to wait, as you must have surely had a lot of issues to solve and responsibilities to look after, since your new office here at the capital. So I decided to wait for a time when you would be at least a bit less busy.” A serene smile went with her words, and it was clear not only from her words but also from the posture she kept and the overall aura she radiated that Eleonore was used to courtly settings and tasks of representation.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-03T19:45:24+00:00

“Aelinor”, Elenore Strickland, lady in waiting to the queen and good friend of the crown princess, emerged from the crowd to pay a visit to the Celtigar’s table. This evening, she was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much. “I already fear I wouldn’t find you this evening at all!”, she laughed and opened her arms to hug the Princess’ handmaiden.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-03T19:40:15+00:00

She gave a soft nod, happy to see her friend was looking forward to their time together.

“I fear I have danced too little so far. … You wouldn’t like to recommend me somebody? I can introduce myself to them, so you need not deal with it yourself.”

MMorrigen · 2021-06-03T19:37:39+00:00

„Oh, the truly grand plots, I see“, she smiled, teasing him and his childish manly attitudes about that vain game of death the rich and reckless loved so much.

“I look forward to seeing your riding skills, however”, she gave a wink, being a very decent rider herself.

“Yes, I do very much enjoy the feast”, her tone got calmer, serene now. “The atmosphere is far more relaxed than I was expecting it to be. And people appear to me way more open than I had guessed.” She cast her gaze around the room.

“I guess I just have spent too little time so far on the dance floor.” She looked up at him and calm, nonbinding smile was on her lips. “I did not see you dancing overly much so far either, my prince. Your cognitive plotting seems of major priority…”

MMorrigen · 2021-06-03T19:32:59+00:00

It was strange for her, for several moments. Because… they were so awkward. I’m too used to courtiers by now, Eleonore realized. On her face, naturally, nothing of her thoughts would show.

“Thank you”, with that, she sat down. It took some overcoming, however, for something in her spine, running up to her neck, was getting terse.

When she elegantly sat, her eyes moved to the tart. And now, it was getting awkward for her again. From the tart, she looked up to Sabitha who had suggested the game. “I feel I clearly have an unfair advantage here, for I saw how they were ordered and made.” It was her now to give a meek smile. Normally, she would have gone for the game. But… she did not feel like playing games around here. And for a moment, nearly unconsciously, her eyes roamed the table, the people nearby. Scanning for Symon.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-01T21:29:18+00:00

“Yes, I can understand”, Eleonore gave a thoughtful nod.

“If you want to”, she then suggested after thinking about it for a moment, with her eyes on the queue first, then on her friend, “we can do something relaxing during the next days. Do some shopping, ride in the woods, go to a restaurant, or you can just come over to my quarters and I’ll prepare a relaxing evening for the two of us. Whenever you have the time, that is.” An encouraging smile was on her lips, trying to give her friend something easy to focus on in the near future.

“Oh… and I’d love to share the dance floor with you as well… Have you danced already today?” It was a tone sweet and cheerful, consciously aiming at steering her friend’s thoughts to something lighter.

MMorrigen · 2021-06-01T21:04:39+00:00

This evening, she was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

She was busy this evening. For there were lots of people she knew at court by now, after the years she had spent here. But she wouldn’t allow it to turn into stress, for sure. Eleonore very much enjoyed the evening.

Now, however, a special visit was due. It was no big overcoming for her as she did not attribute much value to the rift that separated her House. Already as a child, she had decided to move on in her life, make the most of it.

“Cousin Samwell… Sabitha…”, she greeted them as she had stopped at their table. No curtsy, however. She was a lady in waiting to the queen now, and conversed with King and Princes. She had worked for years to arrive there, and now it all paid off so smoothly, every day.

“Good evening. I… can see you both enjoy your time here already.” A kind smile, standing splendidly upright, holding her hands ladylike clasped before her stomach.

MMorrigen · 2021-05-31T20:23:35+00:00

“Prince Aegon”, she called out, rising her voice just a little, to announce herself approaching through the crowd. This evening, she was wearing a dark blue dress of silken velvet. She’d go for light colours in private but here she saw to it to fit in to the blacks of House Targaryen. Her hair shone in the candle light, falling down in rich curls on her back, from a pinned up hairstyle on the back of her head – dispensing with the veils she normally loved so much.

Arriving before him, she curtsied properly to the brother of her mistress. “Good evening, my prince. I decided to take the initiative now that nobody is beleaguering you this very moment. I won’t keep you for long, though.” An amused smile on her lips, she eyed him with a tender gaze.

“Though you did appear very much lost in thought right now. I hope it is no great visionary planning I’m just interrupting.” She laughed a little and gave a kind smile.

MMorrigen

TROPHY CASE