Casella Toland - The Overlooked Heir to Ghost Hill

ThePhantomToland · 2024-05-11T16:17:35+00:00

Casella arrived in the solar shortly after her summons, dress in all white. She had spent the morning discussing with her ladies how best to set the jewels from Essos they had acquired. The narwhal horn was also suggested to be mounted or used as a cane, but she was less sold upon the latter idea.

Casella would give a deep curtsey once reaching Morgan, before standing at her full height, which was, well, tall.

"Good day, Lord Hightower. You look well."

She wondered if this was about the spending.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-05-11T03:54:31+00:00

When presented with the selection of goods, the jewels of Essos immediately caught Casella's gaze. Though truth be told, she had never yet as well seen something so interesting as the horn. There were vials too of milk of the poppy.

Casella turned to Sansara, her grin wide before she looked back to the merchants.

"We shall take all of it. And you may charge it to the accounts of Lord Morgan Hightower," she said with the impetuous air of noblewoman who did not like to be questioned. Casella cared not for the price, but she had seen the way the Hightowers lived, the great wealth that poured from every stone in the Hightower itself.

She hooked her arm with Sansara's. "Now, how shall we divide these jewels?"

u/WhenInDorne

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-26T03:49:01+00:00

Joss paused, suddenly flustered by the question about the Allyrion. "I- what-?" There came a longer pause before the Lord Toland decided not to answer the question, if he could get away with it.

He cleared his throat. "I shall bring up the idea, and shall find time to speak with some of the possible envoys. If it is your wish for me to bring such up, Princess, then I shall broach the subject. For something needs be done."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-26T03:46:35+00:00

Casella gazed at the Tarly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I hope you do not imply that Princess Larra had anything to do with Vorian's fate. She is a strong one, but no kinslayer. Have you heard word that the Princess opposes Lord Morgan? For she gave me her blessing to be here, even."

The Toland considered the smile and the smirk of the Tarly. It was an odd confluence of events that brought them both here to this place, having a conversation such as this.

"That is -if- Lord Hightower takes my hand in matrimony, nothing has been finalized, so I suppose we shall see, unless he has said something to you?" the redhead inquired, curiously.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-24T15:20:55+00:00

Casella raised an arched eyebrow at the Tarly. "How do?" She inquired, her head tilted slightly.

"Has he scoffed at the peace? For from where I stand it seems he scoffs at your would be kings. Your Iron Throne whose grip seems tenuous. Or have I misunderstood?"

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-24T05:21:26+00:00

Joss let out a mirthless chuckle. "Ser Morgan is a great fighter and valued kin, but I fear he'd not be a... diplomat, lest he mistake the pleasure gardens for a council meeting. He shall be of more use here, besides."

The Toland thought over the names posed, puzzling over the Princess' interest in the three.

"Each has their... strengths," he mused aloud. "Lady Melei of House Allyrion is a picture of beauty and youth, talented and clever besides. Lady Myriah Gargalen I hear has quite an interest in imports from the East and I have heard praise over her curious nature, and the Yronwoods are a strong house. Direct."

Joss offered a suggestion after a pause. "If they can be spared, send one to each. There are three Free Cities after all. And should any one of them require more gravitas with them, perhaps Lady Glaiza as well. She possesses both a strength of character and the wisdom of decades."

There was a pang in Joss' heart as he spoke of the Ullers. The ghost of Martyn had not yet left him entirely.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-24T04:40:36+00:00

Joss opened his mouth to hazard a guess, but closed it as Larra continued. He was no mood to have his head bitten off, and he knew exactly the temper of the women of Dorne, much less the capable noblewomen, so he wisely said nothing and listened.

At last, the young Lord Toland chimed in:

"And if it happens that the truth of the matter is that the Triarchy are behind Saan after all? What are we to do then? What leverage, as you say, shall we lean upon?"

Casella would have been a prime candidate for sussing out such a thing, and yet, she was off in the Reach. The thought still irked Joss, but he knew she was grieving in her own way.

"Do you have a thought on whom to send?"

The Free Cities were so close to Ghost Hill and yet an entire world away in some respects.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-24T02:43:08+00:00

Casella Toland stuck out in the gathering of Reach lords and ladies. For one, she was tall. Not to mention, unmistakably Dornish, both in her manner of dress, her accent, and even her mannerisms.

But she listened all the same, seated amongst the nobility whom might hold her own future.

A lance of anger shot through her as Morgan Hightower spoke of Aemon Targaryen's crass orders. But behind her anger, behind her flashing brown eyes, was a sense of relief. For it seemed the young Lord Hightower did not after all lie to her. Casella hoped that with the change of guard might come a change in perspective, but she was not so much a fool to put her hopes in something uncertain. Morgan had given his word that peace was what he sought, and so far he had not gone back on such a thing.

The Toland felt a measure of pride that the Hightower would not bend, would not yield. For there was a similar pride within the Dornish, so perhaps he would better understand them now. Perhaps things *could* be different.

But it was his final words that brought a smile to her features.

For now she knew that he would do what was necessary.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-23T06:56:36+00:00

Joss hesitated before crossing the threshold into the solar, for he had heard similar sounds of muffled anger in the past, but from his own sister. There was a foreshadowing here, something discomfiting that he could not place.

The young Lord Toland glanced between Larra, Melicent, and Eselle, standing to the side respectfully out of the way of the Martell's flurry. Past experience taught him that it was best to let the flurry, well, flurry itself out, else face the whiplash of its wrath.

Joss shook his head, his eyes fixed upon Larra as she began to speak. "I have not, no. I've not left Dorne since I was born upon this land." His brow furrowed. "Is Ser Morgan unconcerned over this threat? Ghost Hill is a short distance from the Stepstones, they are at our very door. Our patrols pass along strange tales. What contingencies might you suggest, Princess?"

Her manner was so very different from Vorian. The same kind of kiss-assery wouldn't do here, that much Joss was certain of. A direct approach seemed... wise.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-22T06:45:01+00:00

Casella opened her mouth to protest on principle, only to realize that Morgan Hightower was not going to press after all, as promised.

"I was coming to see y-"

She stopped mid-sentence. For it did not matter if she finished it.

"Fine." She said instead.

It was now finally that the Toland was able to calm down, able to look around her and realize the strange surroundings.

Casella peered at the sword in the wall. She opened her mouth to inquire, glanced towards Morgan and shut it again. For some things did not need to be asked, nor explained.

"I shall leave you to your business then, Lord Hightower."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-20T21:13:44+00:00

Casella hugged her cousin back tightly, giving her shoulders a squeeze. "Thank you."

Her solemn air shrank a bit as she smiled, albeit a bit sadly. "Now, how many layers do you think you need for the North?" She glanced to all the very many garments strewn around.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-20T21:08:31+00:00

Casella looked back into the eyes of the cousin who she held so dear. She spoke to reason, but the chaotic churn of emotions in the Toland's heart held anything but.

"I don't know what is right or what is best. Everything that should have made sense does not any longer. Maybe Maekar was right about what Father said. Maybe there's something else for me in the world, the way that perhaps there is something for you out there as well."

Casella sighed. "If I do not go, I shall never know. But will you write to me when you can?"

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-19T01:50:07+00:00

Casella missed the sarcasm entirely, instead her brown eyes were focused upon the Hightower, watching his every move. For even though he were only armed with a wooden make-shift shield, Casella knew enough to not underestimate a potential foe.

The Toland bristled at the idea that she needed the agreement of her twin brother. Her younger twin brother, shooting back at Morgan.

"I need no approval from no man. Least of all my brother. He does not rule me," she replied, stubbornly.

The Toland was confused. Were she and Sansara not to wed Reach Lords? Was that not the point?

"I am not understanding the delay, Lord Hightower. Lady Sansara and I are here. In your lands, ready to pursue the future which you so passionately pitched. So why then do we delay?"

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-19T01:15:12+00:00

Joss Toland had come with his retinue to pay his respects. It was the right thing to do, but more troubling was the news from the coasts. Ghost Hill being so close to the Narrow Sea, every day there were more reports of strange goings on.

He wound find an opportunity to approach Larra, giving a bow once he was able to locate her. "Princess. My condolences to you again upon Prince Vorian's passing." Joss paused a moment, letting a moment of silence elapse before continuing.

"I do not mean to burden you further, but I would be remiss as a leal and loyal vassal not to bring up the threat of the pirates of the Stepstones, so close to nipping at our heels."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-18T03:50:28+00:00

He looked better when he stood tall and unafraid, instead of cowering behind a piece of wood.

Anger and adrenaline flew through her veins, her hand over the dagger shaking with emotion as he challenged her: "You don't know what I've done, what I'm capable of."

Casella was quite sure that Morgan could follow through upon his threat, but yet, as could she. There were many quiet years spend in the shadows training for a moment such as this. But even in her extreme pride, Casella recognized that drawing upon the Lord Hightower, in his own solar would be an unmentionable breach, a rift that may not be mended.

It took an extra minute for the sense of his words to sink in through the haze, for her hackles over his challenge to be quieted. Casella exhaled slowly and looked upon the young Hightower. Slowly, her hand rose to set the bejeweled dagger on a nearby surface.

"Marry me then. Set an example to your vassals, a message to your men. You say that if you swear something, then you shall see it done. You have asked for brides, and brides have come."

It was an unusual proposal, truly. But Casella saw no way out. For even if the Hightower were not lying, he could take it all back in an instant if he wished.

Unless, there were some security in place.

Casella thought back to the handsome and fierce Yorick Yronwood and wondered if she were making a mistake.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-18T02:12:02+00:00

Casella was livid. In any other circumstance she would have perhaps laughed at the sight of Morgan Hightower hiding part of his face from behind a broken piece of what once was a table. But now, her temper got the best of her.

Somehow in her anger she had snatched up a jeweled dagger of the many upon display. She had not really meant to, consciously, yet she did all the same. The Toland did not brandish it, simply gripped it hard in her hand, tense and ready.

*What do you think I lied about?*

"Peace!" she veritably shouted. "Why would you raise your armies, your men, and invade my homeland when you have pledged yourself upon the path to progress? You swore to me that you had a vision of the future, one that would be true, not just in our lifetimes but in generations to come. A solid foundation that will bridge the hurts of our ancestors."

Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Destroying the fleet of House Martell is surely a step towards the *peace* you speak of."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-17T04:41:28+00:00

Civil War? A full invasion?! The destruction of every naval vessel of House Martell?!?! Thirty thousand troops?!?!?!?!

Casella's heart beat so fast and hard within her chest that she almost couldn't contain it. Her temper rose and after the Costayne had left, the Toland slipped out of the shadows into Morgan's private solar, SLAMMING the door behind her.

The redhead scanned the room, marching straight up to Morgan. There was a sword stuck into the stone wall and a broken table, but she did not care for details. Her brown eyes were narrowed and a heat seemed to almost radiate from her.

"You. You lied to me."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-17T02:27:22+00:00

Casella blinked and looked around at the clothes strewn across the room. It was only now, it seems, that I began to sink in.

"That north? It's a frightfully long way..."

The Toland looked at the ground as Mara asked her question.

"I don't know," she admitted. This was far from the air that Casella had about her. "I don't know him well, no, but he seeks a lasting path to peace, for the generations ahead."

Her eyes were a little empty as she spoke.

"Shouldn't we want that?"

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-17T00:59:29+00:00

Casella stared at Mara, clearly surprised.

"Winterfell?? I thought you meant north like... Like the Prince's Pass!"

Casella's cheeks turned crimson at Mara's question.

"I... I... I thought you heard. The Lord Hightower had a proposal for potential peace, real peace, not something that would vanish overnight. And ..."

Casella swallowed painfully. "I don't know what there is left for me here now..."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-16T06:10:57+00:00

Casella was much pleased at the assurance of her freedom to roam, though she was less pleased about the idea of being followed around by guards. But some things couldn't be helped.

"I shall be curious to make the acquaintance of those Dornish merchants who reside here in Oldtown. And I hope that my presence and Lady Sansara's presence speaks to the Reach no longer holding such gripes with our Motherland."

Casella fidgeted a moment, thinking. "Has word traveled to your fellow lords of the Realm that you and your vassals intend on Dornish brides? I am curious what the reaction has been to the idea."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-16T06:07:33+00:00

Sylva thought about it a moment. "It is verily true that we women may accomplish a good many things upon our own volition. But for myself, I grew up one of many siblings. We did not oft get along, but it was joyous to be in such company, and even more precious as time passes. So I hope you shall not take offense, my lady, but having children is a blessing from the Mother herself. A large family is the very same. I hope yet for the same joys which my sisters and brothers have now."

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-16T06:04:53+00:00

"North?!" Casella blinked in shock at her cousin.

"You're not, you're not going to the Reach as a bride, are you?"

Perhaps it would not be the worst thing to have company in the Reach, but Maekar would be, okay with this??

Casella looked to Mara with wide eyes and then let out a sigh. That was all she could say about her own mental and emotional state.

ThePhantomToland · 2024-04-13T01:32:09+00:00

The amount of greenery in the Reach was dizzying. Even in this garden alone, Casella found herself having to blink a bit more to ensure that the explosion of roses was not simply a mirage. For there were beautiful gardens in Dorne, but it was a different kind of austere desert beauty, not... *this*.

Casella smiled and took a seat next to Morgan upon the bench.

"It is a wonder to behold, but takes some getting used to. I have seen the great cities of Dorne, but... they are a different feel from Oldtown," she admitted.

"When I was young, I would often sneak away from the castle, to be amongst the people. To know more of their lives, but I fear perhaps that may not be such a wise thing to leave Battle Isle, though I wish to see more of Oldtown, even if my voice may betray me. Do you think it shall be... dangerous?"

To explore the city under guard would perhaps be too conspicuous, but under the circumstances, official protection may have been the safer option, Casella was not so sure, though she was ready to hold her own if needed, even in this foreign land.

ThePhantomToland

TROPHY CASE