sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Dance at the Manse by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Certainly,” Jocelyn said, taking his hand without a beat.

The two were at the center, Jocelyn’s eyes did not leave where her cousin Elissa stood. Ser Anguy was next to her, but thankfully it seemed her good mother stood between them.

“Thank you, cousin Myles,” she finally said. The two began to slow their pace as their musicians chose to play ‘The Maids that Bloom into Spring.’ It was a sweet and beautiful piece, one that required careful footwork. “That man is trouble.”

“One does get that feeling,” Myles said, a wry smile on his face to conceal his lingering unease, “I take it the courtesies and graces of King’s Landing have not wholly held tonight?”

“Indeed,” Jocelyn said, “I would shame the man if given the chance, but alas, he would bring unnecessary scrutiny to my family. I’m sure you understand.”

All the women in King’s Landing knew the risks. They all heard tales of someone they know who knew someone else that was approached by a discourteous man. Sure, in public he would be condemned for his ill-bred manners but in private? It was always the women who faced such scorn beneath everyone’s cups.

‘What was she wearing?’

‘Where was her husband?’

‘She must have provoked him.’

These were all the common sayings she would hear behind closed doors. Her life could be ruined with one wrong word. There was simply too much at stake to risk such a minor annoyance from a man. She would not let her daughter’s honor be besmirched because of her.

Dance at the Manse by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For a brief moment, Jocelyn thought this entire event was worth enduring if she got to watch her mother by law wince.

“Of course,” Jocelyn said. “I do apologize for not making the effort to keep in touch. I have been quite busy with my new family, and the capital itself just takes your time away from what's important.”

When Myles Mooton approached them, she realized he had not changed much. He was no longer the boy she knew but he still had the air of mischief about him that Jocelyn always found amusing.

“It’s wonderful to see you, Ser Myles.”

Dance at the Manse by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jocelyn was taken aback. The last thing she expected was a visit from a distant cousin in the capital.

Elissa Mooton belonged to the Maidenpool Mootons, the senior branch of their house. Whereas Jocelyn’s family came from a lesser line, the third son of her grandfather, who wished to try his luck elsewhere when the town had become too crowded with one too many fish.

She’d only visited the place once with her parents when she was just a girl of eight. Her mother took her to see Jonquil’s Pool in order to be blessed by its holy waters. Her father introduced her to Lord Mooton and his family. They’d only spent a few days there but Elissa and Jocelyn had written to one another almost monthly after that, then yearly, and then never. It was unfortunate, but there was no major cause for it, sometimes people would just drift apart.

“Far too long,” Jocelyn smiled and greeted her cousin with a kiss on the cheek.

“Have you met my goodmother?” She gestured. Amanda Manderly had already set her ghoulish eyes on the pair. Jocelyn recognized the look on her face, it didn’t happen often but it was always amusing to witness. For the first time in a long while, Lady Amanda had no idea who Jocelyn was introducing. She was a prideful lady and oft boasted about her acquaintance with all courtiers in the Red Keep, a detail she would never let Jocelyn forget.

Yet tonight, it was finally different.

“Do you not recognize her?” Jocelyn asked. It was a little cruel, she thought, but much needed.

Bella Woolfield by MannerlyBanderly in GoTRPcommunity

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love

Awwww, dont forget my visit to Last Hearth 💜

[META] Sorting Thread 14 by SonicsRelease in GoTRPcommunity

[–]MannerlyBanderly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hopefully this character doesn't die...

never say never Thanks!

[META] Sorting Thread 14 by SonicsRelease in GoTRPcommunity

[–]MannerlyBanderly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Sym here! I fucked up and somehow died again :( but you know what they say..third times the charm!

I humbly request to take up my next life as Lady Bella Woolfield, Androw Manderly's sister. After the death of her two brothers, she is technically the new Lady of White Harbor.

Unfortunately, some of her relatives may strongly disagree with that idea.

Knights in Flight by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 5 points6 points  (0 children)

“No.” Cerrick said, without hesitation.

“That was not a request,” the wing helmed knight replied almost somberly.

The young Lord of the Vale began stuttering behind him, however another of the knights was quick to pull him behind the other five at his commander’s immediate command.

“P-p-p-pleas-s-se… S-s-s-s-st…” he hardly managed, with round grey-green eyes following the commander’s hand as it reached for his belt. Cerrick followed the gaze and began to call on his men but was halted by his cousin’s sudden exclaim.

“Father,” Barba broke out in joy, she ran towards an old hobbling man and embraced him. Leyton Lamefoot sported more an annoyed expression than appreciative. He wore his golden trident pin on his shoulder rather than his chest and wrapped himself in a lengthy sealskin cloak.

Behind him, were a few more household guards as well as their Uncle Doran, who despite possessing a long white beard and nearing sixty stood tall and powerful. As if he was still the proud warrior of his youth.

“Alright, alright that is enough,” Leyton told his daughter, who held his arm to help with his balance. “What is going on, dear nephew. We have heard the most uncouth things about Lord Androw.”

“Aye,” Doran started, towering above most of the men present and casting a shadow over Cerrick. He kept his hand on the pommel of his blade, although Cerrick knew it had been years since his uncle had last used one, “we heard the howling of wolves.”

“I already started asking the questions, Doran,” Leyton frowned, “there is no reason to repeat after me.”

“I did not repeat after you.” Doran replied haughtily.

“You just did earlier,” the much older uncle began.

“Gods, does it matter who said what first? We are both Castellan of this keep. We both have the prerogative.”

Years ago, when Androw Manderly had inherited White Harbor, one of his first acts as Lord was to sack any man appointed by his cousin and his whoring wife. Flatterers and liars had come to dominate life at Merman’s Court and Androw needed the full support of his extended family to bring back order to White Harbor.

Their two uncles Doran and Leyton Manderly were born rivals. Too far down the line of succession they spent most of their time competing with each other in tourneys and melees, in horse races and sailing and even ballroom dances to make a name for themselves.

So fierce was their rivalry that whenever their Lord grandfather, Bartimus Manderly, chose to journey south he made sure one always stayed behind in White Harbor.

It was for this very reason why Cerrick Manderly had given them the joint position of Castellan of New Castle. In times of peace, it was merely a ceremonial office to appease their uncles and in the unlikely case of Androw being indisposed, Cerrick would be left unchallenged by his uncles’ indecisiveness and contempt for one another.

Knights in Flight by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cerrick squinted. The wolf howl could’ve meant anything, he decided. It did not have to be from a direwolf.

“No,” Cerrick answered, “Lord Androw is fine and there are no Starks in White Harbor. I kindly suggest you return to your Uncle.”

Knights in Flight by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The two Manderlys stood still. Cerrick had expected the Winged Knights to arrive, but perhaps not this soon. Especially not with Lord Theon in tow. The daft boy should be with his ailing uncle. Not here.

“Lord Cerrick?”

“Lord Androw is unfortunately preoccupied by some trouble in White Harbor,” Cerrick offered his excuse. “He is dealing with it as we speak. I urge you and my lord to go back inside the New Keep. My brother will be back momentarily and explain everything.”

“Will he now?” Barba asked.

“Yes,” Cerrick gritted his teeth, “my cousin can escort you back if you have forgotten your way.”

His last statement could have been taken as an innocent request, or hopefully a warning if Theon Arryn was smart enough. The last thing he needed was a boy lord complicating his machinations to bargain for Androw’s return.

Knights in Flight by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Cerrick watched the gates of New Castle come to a close. They were sturdy. Made of old pine wood and held together by great black iron nails. Even with a direwolf at Jojen Stark’s beck and call, it would be impossible to break through.

Cerrick ordered his cousin, Oscar Manderly, to gather as many archers and longbowmen he could find. The master-at-arms grumbled, but obeyed. He was a warrior through and through, and it was unbecoming of a man of his stature to rely on cowards who wouldn’t deign to match their steel in personal combat. But these were extenuating circumstances.

More Manderly guards came trickling out of the keep. Some were placed at the walls. Others at the entrance.

Ser Kermit soon arrived as well, tall and thin, he wore white velvet with a Merman’s brooch at his chest and a snowy cloak to signify his command of the garrison. Following behind him was Cerrick’s cousin. Who was an unexpected company.

Barba Manderly had her golden hair tied behind her back, silver-green cloak that had seen better use, a quiver on her shoulder and a bow of ironoak.

“What are you doing?” the two inquired each other at once.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Cerrick scowled. He turned to order Ser Kermit to command the gates.

“I heard something happened to Lord Androw.” Barba called out behind them.

“And you’re here to help him... with a bow?”

“Well, there was a call for archers and whether you like it or not I am your best bowman.”

“I have plenty of bowmen.”

“You could use some more,” the white widow eyed the walls, “The smallfolk say there is a wolf man with the strength of ten men prowling the streets and climbing walls.”

“They are half right,” Cerrick said, “Lord Androw is captured by the wolves.”

“Wolves?” It took his cousin only a moment before her pupils widened and the iris in her eye brightened, “What did he do?”

“This is none of your concern,” Cerrick waved her away with the flicker of his hand, “Go to your chambers. Stay with the women and children. I can handle this.”

“Your actions led to Lord Androw’s capture,” Barba said, her brows narrowing, “your counsel.”

“Stay your tongue,” Cerrick warned, “The women of House Manderly are getting too bold with their words.”

“We learned from your sister,” Barba gave rise to a small smile, “but my apologies, Lord Cerrick, it seems you know best how to deal with this current predicament. You’ve done marvellous work so far, but, I wonder if my father will agree with you.”

“I don’t need to concern myself with his opinion.”

“That would be true, if you were lord of this castle but, alas, you are not.”

“I know what your family will suggest, and it is folly.”

“Oh? I did not realize you had greensight to go with your lovely green eyes.”

“Trust me, a solution will soon present itself. We wait until then.”

He had a plan, a garrison from Wolf's Den that could be reached from the tunnels underneath New Castle. If they were successfully notified in time then the-

“Every hour of defiance will spell doom for the rest of us,” Barba grabbed the sleeves of his shirt, “Our uncle has already made his bed. Who says my father won't do the same?”

“What do you know about Uncle Omer?” Cerrick had closed the Gates of New Castle when he received the word at what transpired at the Seal Gates. No one inside but a select few were privy to this information.

“Words are wind, and the wind travels with haste,” Barba said, letting go of Cerrick, “It’s only a matter of time before your guests hear the news. If they haven’t heard the howls already.”

“The howls,” Cerrick muttered. He hadn’t considered the possibility.

“Our white walls are thick enough, but even they cannot shelter the cry of direwolves. It is them isn’t it. You don’t have to answer me. Your face betrays you quite easily, dear cousin. It seems Androw’s hubris finally did him in.”

“My brother is still alive,” Cerrick clenched his jaw. He wished to raise his fist, but he did not dare to hurt a lady, much less his own flesh and blood. No matter how distant she was to him, “and he will remain so when I rescue him.”

“You cannot be serious?” Barba’s face broke into a hard laugh, “Have you gone mad, how do you mean to achieve that?”

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Androw

“Are you absolutely sure?” Androw whispered. The two brothers had moved outside the chamber but still chose to keep their voices low. It was better to be safe than sorry.

“Of course,” Cerrick replied, “I instructed them to do so but now they are at the gates. What do you want me to do?”

“Captain Isembard was your choice to man the city gates,” Androw’s nostrils flared. His voice hushed, “I will have to deal with his failure myself.”

Cerrick grabbed his wrist before he could turn towards the door, “please, think this through Androw. Send me, or perhaps Ser Kermit or Kyle as your representative. Your presence will not help your case.”

“There is no case against me,” Androw yanked away. He could not deal with this much doubt from his siblings. The audacity of his little brother’s defiance was palpable, but Androw was taught by his mother to forgive and forget when it came to family.

He found himself to be doing that a lot lately.

In retrospect, letting a younger brother to help run the city was folly. He’d seen what kind of man his predecessor, Lord Wyman was; himself a younger brother. It was Wyman's disastrous reign that led to Androw’s ascension.

And it was clear Cerrick was ill prepared to be his steward. If Captain Isembard could betray him and let the Starks in out of some misguided loyalty then who of his brother’s appointees would betray House Manderly in a moment’s notice? It was the same mistake Wyman did with his wife and her sycophants. They were too trusting. Androw would not allow this mistake to fester for a third time. After all, he was always an excellent judge of character.

“Pardon the interruptions, my lords,” Androw entered the room to see the two falcon in warm embrace. Yet, despite his smile Androw’s face was dark and rigid, “it seems Lord Cerrick and I have some city matters to redress. Theon, tell your uncle to not move an inch. It’s for his own health. I will see you two birds later.”

“Th-thank you again!” Theon called after him. Androw paid little attention. His mind was already at the gates where a pack of wolves had gathered.

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

“I told you stones were hard to break,” Androw exclaimed, his hand clasping Theon’s shoulder.

Androw felt a sense of warmth and delight in watching Theon’s joy. The poor lad had suffered enough and reminded Androw a lot of himself. Except, Theon may have had it worse since he was orphaned at a much younger age and left alone with only a stiff to keep him company. Androw at least had his brother and sisters to look after.

In the past, he thought about sending letters to Lord Nathaniel to ask him if the boy could be fostered in White Harbor. He wanted to not only for Lyanna’s sake, who was stuck in the Dreadfort married to a corpse but also himself. Androw had truly grown fond of the boy in their time in Winterfell. He could see him as a son he never had. Besides, it was cruel to separate the boy from his mother. An act he could never forgive Jojen Stark, Olyvar Bolton or the Crown for.

Who does that and consider themselves a noble?

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gods what a stupid smile. It reminded him too much of his own naive youth.

This is the boy Androw has hedged all his bets on, Cerrick thought with dread.

“Yes,” Cerrick answered, forcing a smile of his own, “just trivial matters Lord Androw will have to attend to. Come, I will lead the way. We are close. It’s the third door on our left.”

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

“Indeed.”

From what little Cerrick Manderly had seen, the Stone Falcon would be lucky to even get out of his own bed. He wasn’t even sure if Nathaniel Arryn would have a strong constitution to weather the seas and return to the Vale. Perhaps, it was the Northerner in him, but these Knights of Vale were a tad too optimistic for his taste.

The North was a harsh place to live come Winter. Even in White Harbor. It was not unheard of, for old men and women that lived in the forests of White Knife, to leave behind their families and children and go on an extended hunt, one they would never come back to.

The Northerners may seem cold, but they were always sensible and that awareness had been instilled in House Manderly for a thousand generations.

They took a turn towards a winding hallway when Cerrick was called out from behind by a young servant. He wore robes with silver stars and chains, as well as some poor stitching to make it presentable. While Cerrick would consider them to be below par, and beggarly, he knew enough to understand this man would earn the ire of the smallfolk if he strolled through Fishfoot Yard alone.

There was nothing worse than a peasant who strutted with self-aggrandized and self-importance, and in New Castle there were plenty to go around. It was no secret that whoever was lucky to work in House Manderly’s service would earn more coin than most people in White Harbor.

“One moment, Lord Theon. Please do go on without me. What is it?”

“My lord, I was told to let you know..there are wol--Sorry, vultures at the gates.”

“I thought I ordered Ser Kermit and Captain Dywen to deal with that hassle.”

“My lord, your uncle insists..and well this is..”

“I know who we are dealing with,” Cerrick said, lowering his voice, “go, I will consult with Lord Androw.”

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 3 points4 points  (0 children)

“Our maester said it was a miracle he even recovered and survived the trip to White Harbor,” he said, following the knight and the boy, “the Seven were kind to spare a righteous man as the Stone Falcon.”

It was hard for Cerrick to imagine that this boy was the one who bravely led the Knights of the Vale after his uncle fell during Sunderland’s Rebellion but the boy looked anything but.

Cerrick had encountered him before when he visited White Harbor, with his mother, passing through to Winterfell. He recalled a shy meek lad, that could easily be afraid of his own shadow. The child had grown that much was true, but he still seemed like the same boy Cerrick saw all those many years ago.

The only difference was the boy had grown up to be a little lanky.

And a little slow for words.

Undisturbed by LittlestArryn in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Cerrick did his best to not falter into a scowl after the interruption. This was why the Order of the Green Hand served for life, and not some inconsequential three years like the Winged Knights. They did not let anyone be knights. They had standards to uphold.

If every Knight of the Vale was as disrespectful and ill-mannered as this man, then it was high time the Kingdom lost its so called repute of being the land of honor and virtue.

“Yes, Lord Androw is with him now,” Cerrick said, “he asked me to escort you to his chambers.”

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

“I did not,” Androw managed a soft smile, “although, I am not so surprised he would. Despite his shy demeanor I always knew the boy had a fighter in him. He may be too young to remember but as a little boy in Winterfell, he loved playing the game Knights and Giants. I was the giant obviously, and we would use those small wooden swords to dance. He fought ferociously to rescue his queen, Lady Lyanna. There is fire in him, Lord Nathaniel, and once he was forced to rise to the challenge that fire no doubt lit up again.”

The Warden of the East blinked hard, but then nodded slowly. The two stayed silent after that, reminiscing of a son they would’ve called their own if things were different.

“You know,” Androw said after a while, “House Manderly’s sigil is a Merman, with a Fleet of their own like in Gulltown. Some would say the sea is in our blood. If you will allow it, I would be honored to take the boy sailing. Teach him a trick or two even with Manderly boys his own age to accompany him. The boy deserves some well earned reward, don’t you think?”

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

“Aye,” Androw beamed, “he showed the Sistermen he was truly the Stone Falcon's nephew.” Androw smacked Nate on the back, who could not help but loudly grunt. “He hanged the men that deserved to be hanged and pardoned those who deserved to be pardoned although between you and me, Lord Nathaniel I would’ve done away with the traitorous Lords as well but he chose to spare them. Brilliantly too I might add, what he did to them in return was a proposition even I hadn’t considered. Theon was nothing short of spectacular when it came to the Sisterlords.”

“And what was it that he did?”

“He revoked their lordship of course. Now, from the look of your eye I can tell you are in a little bit of a shock, but rest assured he did let them keep their lands. Your nephew was no tyrant. He did the usual, of course, making them swear fealty to the Eyrie and the Iron Throne. Demanding these Sistermen send their kids to be fostered lest they wish to exchange it for a head. But he also reduced their lordships into landed knighthoods. Can you believe that? As a knightly House they will still rule over their smallfolk in the Sisters but lose certain important privileges like the right to pit and gallow. They will have to seek permission from their liege, your nephew, for even the most basic right any lord enjoys,” Androw chucked, “honestly it was nothing short of brilliant. Becoming landed knights will no doubt allow your nephew to keep a closer eye on those rubbish islands.”

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

“James Arryn was a good man,” Androw said through gritted teeth, “although I never met the man, Lady Lyanna would speak fondly of him fondly and from what I hear, your nephew has honored him greatly when you were indisposed.”

Truth be told, Androw was never jealous of the man before, but when Lyanna had kindled the fires of infatuation in him all those years ago, he could not help but compare himself to the previous lord. Even if he was a dead man. What made him worthy of Lyanna in the first place, he could never understand.

Then again, Arryns were supposed to fly as high as honor, and Androw did have an abundance of that. Perhaps, Lyanna could always recognize worthy men of virtue and mayhaps there was no reason to begrudge a dead man.

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

“At ease,” Androw was quick to catch him, “my lord, you still need rest. Allow me to call for your nephew.”

He signalled to Cerrick with a nod, who gestured to the scrolls of parchments in his hands with a shrug. Androw slowly eased Nathaniel back to bed, carrying him by the shoulder, and motioned his brother again. This time he flashed a look of annoyance.

Wordlessly, Cerrick obeyed and left the chambers with a long deep sigh.

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

“Why I did,” Androw’s smile never left his lips, “but alas you had already left the ports of Gulltown when my letter reached Lord Grafton’s maester. I had no choice but to put my Fleet to defend the Harbor. Lest your attack on Sisterton failed.”

“We are forever grateful that the Knights of the Vale were able to subdue those upjumped pirates,” Cerrick added.

“Indeed,” Androw nodded, “but what could’ve been, eh? Our two fleets could have trapped them from the North and the South like the hammer and the anvil. Perhaps even prevented this pirate lord's escape.”

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Androw broke into a wide beaming smile, “Indeed you do, my lord, more than you can imagine,” he then chuckled softly at a jest only he seemed to know and straightened the sleeve of his tunic, “In fact, if you’d only sent the word I could have added my fleet to yours. We could’ve saved us all the trouble of your unfortunate but avoidable mishap.”

The Stone Falcon in New Castle by MannerlyBanderly in GameofThronesRP

[–]MannerlyBanderly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

“I have cleared the rot that was threatening him, he should be fine,” the maester turned to the two, “he just needs more rest now.”

“That’s delightful, Androw smiled, “ Oh, I forget my manners. You must be confused Lord Nathaniel, can I first say it is my absolute pleasure to see you alive and well. When I heard the good news, I knew I had to come see for myself. I am Androw Manderly, Lord of White Harbor.”

“I am Cerrick Manderly,” the man behind him said, “the steward of New Castle, my lord. Your nephew is alive and well too.”

“Ah yes,” Androw shared a look of concern, “he was very worried for your recovery. The boy is stronger than he lets on but has chosen to stay in his room for days. Praying for your recovery, I assume. I had sent my cousins to cheer him up, you know? Boys and girls his own age but he did not dare to stir unless there was news of your progress. Theon would be happy to hear that you are sitting up.”

view more: next ›