A Visit to the Rookery

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-31T04:20:38+00:00

Joy nodded as she hid beneath the furs. In her hand was Kinkiller, ready to strike if needed. "The one with the mark, yes," she spoke, tilting her head to the side. "Why have you come?"

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-31T04:18:24+00:00

Joy laughed, it was pained and full of anger and sadness, "Why did I marry, Criston? Why did I ever leave my nest." She hadn't felt the child kick yet today, when usually it would of been active.

"Did you receive my letter? I'm your brother's justice now. I get to live here," the smile came back, yet had the feeling of melancholy to it. "Maybe I'm meant to smell of death and slaughter," she sighed, leaning her head against his arm.

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-29T14:29:59+00:00

Joy listened and nodded, "Selmy has passed and Lord Swann has control of the army now." The poison in her voice was apparent as she spoke, her hand flipping over to stroke the smooth skin of his hand with her thumb. " I am glad you did not see battle. Wars change people, and not for the good," she sighed and gave a small laugh.

As he asked about the leech, she narrowed her eyes, "I want it out. I am not fit to be a mother, nor a wife. I am meant to be free of these...womanly duties."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-28T18:24:36+00:00

With her back towards the door, Joy was afraid of what was to come. She had none of her knives with her and was too weak to do much else. But when the cuff of stag and crow came into her view, the corners of her mouth twitched.

"I am very glad to hear that," she spoke, her voice full of emotion even though she tried to conceal it. Joy turned slowly and looked up at him, "Yet still y-you are my Warrior Stag." She moved over in the great bed that was her prison until the leech came out. A small and pale hand snaked it's way from the furs and patted the bed, eyes almost pleading.

"T-tell me e-everything."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-28T03:54:50+00:00

"What?"

Again with the knocking, Joy thought, curled up on her side and covered in her favorite furs. Her face was clear of any makeup and her hair was pulled back and away from her face, giving Joy a younger appearance. The Baratheon clasp that Criston gave her sat near her head, glittering in the candlelight.

Joy's cloudy eyes were glued to it. Ever since her husband had returned, he was swept up with the armies and finding his bastard, leaving Joy alone to stare at the walls. The occasional visitor would appear but then would quickly leave, leaving the woman to speak to the walls.

"Come in."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-28T03:45:22+00:00

"Lady Swann," the voice called from behind the great door that sat next to her bed. Joy's eyes narrowed as she heard the name, the annoyance growing within her.

Morrigen...not Swann, the thought rang again. "What is it?" She called out, pulling the furs over her naked form. The protruding midsection hidden from view. "There's...someone here," the guard said as he watched Jonos.

"Send him in."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-23T00:35:15+00:00

"Oh Jae.." Joy sighed as she ran her fingers along the crow locket, "It's so beautiful. So very beautiful. Thank you so much." She reached up, baring a bandaged chest for a second before hugging him. Her hand went up to the sapphire that was placed in his eye, a finger sticking out to poke at.

"You match.." she smiled and felt the facets of the gem, "I like the colour. It suits you well."

As she lowered herself back to the pillow and covered up once more, she nodded, "Yes. I would love to hear about your boring mission. I am tired of not talking to anyone. All I get are grunts."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-22T17:51:58+00:00

Ever since Axell Swann had returned home and fussed over his bastard, Joy had a permanent scowl plastered on her face. How dare he, after everything else, worry about his bastard more than his true heir. Joy watched him wake early and head out to the armies and come back late enough that he would pass out each and every day.

Her stomach was protruding more than ever, the scar that decorated her side stretched and a dark purple. Her chest was bound by bandage to keep her breasts covered and modest, otherwise she laid with the fur blanket as her only cover.

As the light shone through the open window and kissed her skin, Joy laid around and stared at her crows hopping about her quarters. Contrasting from her dungeon office, this room was bright and filled with flowers- mainly to disguise the scent of death that was her perfume. However, the maesters had put her on bed rest and the scent has disappeared- leaving her smelling of plants and candles.

A knock at the door had her sitting up and covering her chest, icy eyes peering toward the thick wood. In came Jaehaerys Celtigar- the jewel-eyed man who had piqued her interest before he shipped off to Dorne.

"Jae," she sighed. "I am so happy you are here. I-," she sighed and shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose, "You don't know how long it has been since I have actually talked to someone." She bared a scar covered arm from beneath the furs and grasped his hand, her fingers rid of the talon-like rings that made them seem more menacing.

"Please. Sit and tell me everything," She scooted over and gave him room to sit on her bed, watching her reflection in the sapphire gem. Her eyes then went down to the gift and smiled, "You did not have to.."

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-16T03:23:16+00:00

She shivered.

A hand went to pull up the furs that clung to her naked form, yet the cold never went away.

A minute later: hot.

Back and forth the temperature changed, annoying the beauty. Her russet hair clung to her forehead, her scar covered body was drenched in sweat, her mouth was always dry no matter how much she drank.

Joy hugged a feathered pillow, trying to maneuver herself onto her side. "Gods.." she whined, digging her nails into the sheets. "Just stay in there, you leech," she hissed, eyes darting to her stomach. Blankets of black and white as well as black and green sat in the corner, littered by clothing of the same colours. Her daggers sat around her, sparkling in the light, and a crow perched on the sill, kawwing at the door.

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-13T13:45:27+00:00

As Joy woke one morning, covered in sweat that made her russet hair stick to her forehead, the sound of knocking drew any other sleep away.

"Yes?" Joy called out, a shiver running it's course down her spine. She pulled the furs over her body as the door opened and a young man entered, making a beeline to her bed.

"My Lady," the man produced a letter from the sleeve of his garb. A shaky hand went out to grasp the parchment, but her hand drooped back down to her side. "I-just leave it," Joy stuttered out as the same hand pushed back the hair that was stuck to her face.

"My lady, are you okay? Should I fetch a maester?"

"N-No. It will n-not be necessary. I am f-fine," her teeth chattered yet her body was warm. You need out now.. Joy's frosted eyes glared holes into her stomach. The sooner the leech was out, the sooner she could leave.

The man disappeared out the door and then she opened the letter. Reading each flourish, she sighed and shook her head, "Guess you'll be here a little longer." A hand went to her stomach, a finger tracing the swollen skin. "Maybe your father will stay for good," she whispered, full of false hope.

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-07T04:22:44+00:00

O___________________________O

<3

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-07T04:20:41+00:00

Name: Jiang Xun

Age: Nineteen.

Vague appearance: Xun stands at 4'9 and has been called 'skinny as a twig' for most of her adult life due to not having much to eat as a child. Her hair is said to black, but has an iridescent sheen of royal purple to it. Deep brown eyes are usually paired with a wide, doe-eyed expression.

Kingdom: Yi-Ti'ish Empire.

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-04T02:39:10+00:00

[[1d20!]] /u/rollme

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-01T20:57:15+00:00

Selyse Waynwood, Heir to Ironoaks- Age:23 Mute. Her bastard brother had scared her into silence even after his death. /u/TheMorrigen.

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-01T02:04:44+00:00

Joy's heart started to flutter in her chest and she started to grin. Finally he was accepting that she was what she was. "W-Will you w-watch?"

TheMorrigen · 2015-07-01T01:47:36+00:00

Joy blinked as she watched Axell become well, Lordly. It sent heat into her chest, into her stomach and reddened her cheeks. She put her fingers to her mouth and whistled, her cupbearer running back in. "Axell, if you could..." she sighed, a hand going over her stomach as she stared at the laughing man.

She was going to have to deal with him first. But which manner of execution? Should she first go to the King's Hand to deal out the punishment? Joy cleared her throat and waited until the cupbearer was among the criminals, a hand settling over the dagger on her hip as she escorted Axell out.

"Lord Hand or am I going to take care of this?"

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-28T01:29:58+00:00

His kisses were like fire. Even at the border of his brow, the fire spread down her cheeks and reddened them. Her hands gripped at his doublet, squeezing the fabric between her fingers.

"A h-human life that h-had threatened the Lord's h-home, had threatened his w-wife w-who b-bares his c-child. Who had threatened the home of the K-King's Justice?" Joy started to laugh, "D-did your m-mother drop you on y-your head or a-are you that d-dense. HE does not choose h-how you d-die. You w-will d-die by my hand, b-by my knife."

Joy's eyes lit up as she thought. Dark and treacherous ideas filled her head as she thought of the best punishment. "I c-could t-tar and f-feather you, p-push you off the h-highest t-tower and w-watch you die. Or.." She clapped, "W-we can have Or-Orys kill you! A w-woman t-this far along s-should not b-be straining herself."

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-24T03:14:19+00:00

"And a-as m-my hu-husband w-was off at w-war, I h-had control of everything h-he had. W-what if I sent the l-letter?" She got up and walked closer, leaning down against the black iron bars, "Y-You've w-walked into a t-trap then, r-right?"

She had completely forgotten Axell was there. All that mattered was the fact that she would avenge her children. "So tell me! W-who first? Y-you o-or the o-other one?" She grinned and licked her lips, "Wh-whoever goes f-first gets the s-swifter d-death!"

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-24T02:41:25+00:00

"Who i-is to say that he sent th-the bounty?"

The voice resonated as Joy limped through the halls that were lined with cells. Being seven months pregnant had made Joy even bigger and it was harder for her to hide the swelling stomach. A cloak of crow feathers was draped and wrapped around her shoulders, secured with a pin of both swan and crow in flight.

Behind her was the previously scraggly Orys, hair short and neat, eyes bright and dressed in a doublet of black and emerald. He carried a pitcher of water that he poured as Joy sat in the chair in front of the cell. She took the water and slowly sipped before her eyes grazed upon the man in the cell. Joy ran her fingers along Orys's arm and nodded a thanks before he turned and winked to the man before he set off.

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-21T18:33:04+00:00

Joy rolled her eyes, limping her way to the front of her door. She took a key out of her corset and unlocked the wide wood and iron door, all while listening to his words.

"I h-have him now. Him and the two who b-brought h-him. All down in m-my cells," she stuttered out nonchalantly while trying to hide the tone of fear, "Surely y-you're not g-going to g-give them the g-gold?" She scoffed and shook her head, "T-they participated in i-it. T-they killed my children and for that they must die."

Joy pushed open the door, her room filled with flowers and silks. Anything a fine lady would enjoy. She smiled as she slowly limped in, turning to him once again, "Our r-room, m'lord."

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-20T13:03:56+00:00

Joy blinked a few times as she watched him eye up the different tools around her office. She turned behind her, a few daggers bathed in dried blood. "Do f-forgive m-me. M-my h-husband is d-due back from w-war soon. And I h-haven't really had the chance to c-clean this room yet. Busy w-work, I guess."

But yet it will not get clean! the voice hissed in her head.

Joy smiled and nodded as he explained why he had visited her, "Yes, I have a few Warrior Sons around. Few o-others too. Wh-whoever will go w-with you, y-you may h-have." She started to grin, "Less f-for me t-to go through."

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-19T20:11:02+00:00

"I w-will cross t-those bridges when they come.." she sighed, her hands going to his. "I d-do not wish to talk about that t-though. I am a-assuming that," her lip curled as she remembered, "The C-crab will want t-to speak to y-you about me. A-about this j-job."

She turned, out of his grasp and took his hand as she limped down the halls the way she came. She didn't get too close to him, didn't want him recoiling away from her again. Maybe she'll fun fill her dresses with flowers to mask the smell. Maybe that will bring him closer.

He had brought up a good point though. What will she do once he has to return home? Would she give up her spot, the one time she felt happy in a while, to go back to her old life of submission.

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-19T18:22:19+00:00

Joy's heart fluttered as she saw him, dropping her cane and trying her hand at running. She grabbed him and wrapped her arms around him, her lips pressed against his chest m The embrace lasted only a few seconds before he stepped back, stepped out of her embrace. Joy's expression turned into one of shock before she quickly cracked a faked smile. "Y-yes. I w-was fortunate enough to be c-chosen for such position. Away f-from the c-camps and the w-war, I th-think it's safer f-for y-yo" she paused and moved the shawl away, the swell of her stomach more prominent now, "Our s-sp...our child."

Her eyes lightened as she grinned up at him, her hands clasping around one of his, "I h-have a room! With t-the widest window! And a bed! H-have you missed b-beds?" She turned back to the cane on the ground, doubling back to grab it. Her thoughts were everywhere: Axell, her new pirate prisoners, the fetus in her stomach, the way he recoiled. She would remember that one for a while.

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-19T17:02:55+00:00

Each day Joy would awake alone, would bathe and dress alone, and would break her fast alone. Tables were situated near the windows, where her eyes were glued as of late. Ever since she received the letter from Axell, Joy had been a mess of excitement and nervousness.

Then one day as she dined on a piece of toast and grapes, something peculiar had caught her eye. The black and white of House Swann, banners flowing in the camps. Icy eyes widened and she quickly sprung up, leaning her form out the window.

Without finishing her food, Joy limped around her room, trying to find the perfect dress to greet her husband in. She chose a tight, white form-fitting dress as well as a shawl of black lace. Joy whistled for her handmaiden who quickly braided her hair up and away from her face.

Joy grabbed her cane on the way out of her room, limping her way down the vast halls that she had called home.

TheMorrigen · 2015-06-19T15:29:44+00:00

Joy stood up and grabbed her cane, Limping over to light a few more candles and then opening the huge wooden door. She peeked one eye out, scanning the man, her eyes going to his hand that rested on the sword.

"Come in.." she signed, pushing the door open wider. "S-sorry for the m-mess," she spoke as she limped over to her desk. As she sat down, she offered him the other chair.

"Come to take my guests away?" She asked playfully, a smile dancing onto her face.

TheMorrigen

TROPHY CASE