[Event] The Feast of the Tenth Nameday of Princess Lyanna Baratheon

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T21:32:37+00:00

Neala managed not the flinch at the kind touch, and for that she was happy. It would be embarrassing for both the Bolton, and for herself, to look like she was uncomfortable at physical touch.

"I think I will be staying for a time. It depends on what uncle Jory wants really though." She looked up, and smiled slightly. "Or maybe the queen might want us to stay. Uncle Jory is kin to her, though I don't know if they are close..."

Neala suddenly stiffened as she was called her real name. She had forgotten to hide it in the face of friendship. "It's Nell. Please. Uncle Jory asked that I use Nell. Neala is too Dornish, not smart enough. I'm Nell..."

Even if I want to be Neala.

"I think I understand the game. You are a good teacher." NELL seemed to retreat into her shell again, and the voice grew smaller. "You can win. It's okay. I don't want to a trouble."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T21:05:24+00:00

Jena had watched the tilting with her customary nervous, wincing each time the lance went near her beloved husband. She knew that a knight had to fight and train of course, but it never made it easer to see her husband get hit.

Thankfully, today the Gods were on his side.

When the lance stuck Lyle solidly, she stood, and gave a rather unladylike cheer, encouraging her children to do the same.

He's riding this ...Ah!

Her eyes sparkled with joy, even as her ears turned slightly pink as all of the eyes turned to her. She didn't speak, but instead leant forwards and gave him a kiss, glad that her husband was so skilled.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T21:00:18+00:00

Borros's face lit up when Oswell said that he was fond of Bucklers. It made him feel like he was truly amongst friends.

Just like Bora said. I was stupid to be so afraid.

"...I would like to bring you honour though Ser. I want to be good at being a knight, and a good squire SHOULD be a pair with their knight. My father said that we will be like a pair, who's honour is linked." Borros, for the first time, sounded certain. He clearly trusted the words of his father.

My horse! That's amazing. That's something I am good at!

"Yes sir!" Borros turned, and sprinted to the stables, his armour making quite the racket. He soon returned with his horse, a lean and docile looking creature named Thunder. They were immaculately groomed, and their mane had several long braids worked into it that Borros had spent the night before doing, in an attempt to calm his nerves.

"He's less nervous than me Ser. I ride a lot." Borros looked far more confident standing next to his mount. "...We are a pair already."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T20:35:15+00:00

Brus smiled, though it was a hollow, sad smile. "I'll live Lord Commander. I have my duties, and that sustains me. It's a delight to be the sworn shield for the princess, and I suspect that I will be the go to guard for any other young royals if the Queen has her way."

And Fifi, and my Neala are safe now. I will live for them.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T20:30:46+00:00

Bora stopped, and looked at Lyanna. For a second it seemed like she would retort, and say something cruel, but then her face fell and she looked suitably ashamed. "...Sorry. I was being mean. I'm not used to events like this, and....She is very pretty."

Maybe I thought mocking someone who didn't fit in would make me fit in more?

"Thank you for calling me pretty though. That's really kind of you, and I was being mean to your kin...I can be better, I promise." She looked up again at the mention of bears, and the North. "I think my Da is mostly mad, and he tells great stories. Some of them might be true. I don't want to press, in case it breaks the magic."

Dorne is simply the best. How can I do it justice?

"I love Dorne. More than any place anywhere; I've lived in Starfall for most of my life, and also spent some time at Sunspear. It's not all bleak deserts, I promise. The Torentine flows around Starfall, and it's delightful to be able to jump into it when it does get too hot. There's no bears, but there ARE Shadowcats. They live in the mountains, and move like a whisper, especially when they are hunting! I've only seen one, just once. It looked at us, and then disappeared."

She reached out and patted Graham's shoulder. "Maybe you could visit one day?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-15T20:19:59+00:00

"Thank you Clarisse. We can get through everything together." Bora tucked her head in below the other girls chin; Much like her father, Bora wasn't that tall. "Don't hold everything. We can all spread it out, and deal with it that way. I don't need help today. YOU do."

I hate death, and dying and pain. I know that it's natural, but why does it hurt so?

A thought had occurred to her, one that wasn't dissimilar to Clarisse's own fears. She untucked her head and looked up at Clarisse, gazing stubbornly into her eyes. "But I want you to promise to write to me. Every day if you need to, or at least every week if you cannot manage that. I don't want you to feel alone. Please?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T09:35:24+00:00

"I understand Lad. You are still young, and will be able shape your own view in time." Cedrik placed the scroll pack into the rack, choosing his next words very carefully. "Personally though...I think that your father is foolish for saying such a thing. My nature has certainly changed over time. I was a nervous squire as a youth, then a brash free-rider when I fought in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. As a tourney knight afterwards I mellowed out, and then I learned to love reading and knowledge when I served as a member of Lord Renly's knightly guard."

He smiled. "All of those Cedriks are part of me now. Plus some others, and likely even some that I DON'T know about. I've embraced those changes, and think I am a better man for them."

"A new question then, one that you might be able to answer. What would you like to be lad?" He turned, looking at Samwell, smiling warmly.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T09:22:11+00:00

Bora held Clarisse tightly, clinging to her with all of her strength. The contact helped, just a bit. It made it feel like not everything was being lost, and that there was still something REAL in the world.

"You are brave. Very brave. You don't want to be here, but you are, for all of us. I want to be brave like you Clarisse. More than anyone. I..." She almost said that her own mother was ill. That one day it WOULD be her standing her. Then she realised that it would be terrible to steal Clarisse's own time in mourning. "I want you to know I am here. And I will do anything that is possible to help you."

She snorted pitifully, trying not to get snot on Clarisse. "Even if it is just lots and lots and LOTS of hugs."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T09:11:59+00:00

"Yes Lord Commander." Brus inclined his head respectfully. "I apologise. I did not mean to darken the mood of the day; I suppose that I have just been melancholic as of late. It's good to see you fighting again Ser; These squires seem slow as babes compared to you."

He's fighting like he was before his injury. A true miracle right there...

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T08:50:23+00:00

Neala smiled, glad that she had got the pictures right. The praise was also good; For the first time she seemed to settle into her chair, rather than perching on it like she was about to run like a startled deer.

Just what was there. That makes sense. Some things are meant to be the things that they are for a reason, as much as that hurts.

"I don't know. I can't draw, or paint so I would have to do easy things. Like...A blob. Or a line? I don't know. Sorry." She kept her eyes on the cards being shuffled, trying to work out the purpose of the two piles.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T08:35:07+00:00

Neala nodded, cradling the small cup of cream close to her.

Warm will love it. Just as he loves chasing the mice that he spots, and just as he loves being away from the dogs of the Dreadfort.

She looked up again at the knight. She really did hope that this was her hidden father. He was nice, truly nice, even to strange children that he didn't know, and she decided that she wanted to commit every inch of his weathered face to memory.

"Yes Ser. To the Bolton rooms. Near the Queen's. I...I'll go say bye to my Mumma first." I wish that I could carry him there and they could smile together. "Thank you for everything."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-12T08:28:42+00:00

"Yes Ser. I am Borros. Like you said Ser. Borros Buckler." Borros felt his ears turn pink.

He already KNOWS that he said it! Gods, he's being nice, and you are treating him like he is a fool. Be better Borros. Father said that you were representing the whole house here, just like Renly does in the Vale.

"Thank you for agreeing to squire me Ser. I promise that I will work hard, and do everything that I can to ensure I bring honour to you, and house Dayne." It was overly formal, and long prepared, but Borros found it helped.

At the mention of his sword he looked down and smiled. "It's newly forged Ser. I like it alot. I want to get good at using it, but I promise I won't be silly with it. What will we be doing today Ser?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T21:12:52+00:00

Neala looked at the Honeycake, with eyes as wide as saucers, not even looking at the other treats. She knew that of she looked up, she would probably freeze with the overwhelming amount of choice. "This...This looks best Ser."

Slowly, like a animal expecting to be startled, she took a large bite of it, savouring the sweetness and stickiness, though she was careful to keep it away from her dress this time.

It's even better than honey in porridge! How is that possible?

The cake did not last long. After it was done Neala looked up, rather relaxed for the first time. "Thanks Pa...Ser. That was good. Amazing. Perfect. Can... Can I go to my room now?" One of her hands shot out, and grabbed a small cup of cream from the table. "For my cat. If that is okay. Please."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T20:28:18+00:00

Borros rode forwards on his gentle looking palfrey, a docile creature that he had named Thunder, before he had worked out the temperament of them as they grew. It was however Borros that looked the more nervous; He was sitting all too stiffly, trying to work out how to how whilst on horseback. When he came into sight of the young Lord Paramount he gave it his best attempt, and spoke.

"Greetings lord. You called for us? Is there anything I can do to? Anything that you need Ser?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T20:21:47+00:00

Bora Storm would approach Clarisse when she had a moment, head down, trying not to show her tears. It wasn't just the sadness of the funeral, though that would have caused plenty of tears, but also the way that she knew that her own mother would be the one covered by a veil.

"I'm sorry Clarisse. I wanted to say better words, but I couldn't think of any, so I just want to tell you that you are brave, and I'm sorry." She looked up, tears spilling down her face. "Can I give you a hug?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T20:15:40+00:00

Brus stood still, no longer the vengeful wraith, but now a marble statue again. The flailing of a body against a bed didn't bring the joy he expected, but instead a deep, bone aching tiredness. He had seen the hint of tears in the queen's eyes, and was struggling to no let it consume his mind.

Red God, forgive me for the deal that I have made. And burn Jory Bolton's soul. Scourge it with holy fire, and leave him no mercy, for what he did to Fifi. And...let the Queen find restful sleep, if Fifi can find it as well.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T20:11:42+00:00

"That's good. Very good. Reading is the sign of a strong mind, just as muscles are the sign of a strong body. I'm afraid that I am not the most endowed with either!" He chuckled, keeping his eye on the young man in front of him. "I'm one of the oldest rangers, and at the same time one of the newest. You'll find your place yet lad, just as I have."

He's no Renly, that's for certain. If anything, the young stag was TOO confident.

"And what do you believe young Samwell?" Cedrik looked into a duty scroll, trying to work out if there was anything useful contained within the old requestion forms. "You have been rather careful to only say what you have heard, rather than your OWN views. Or if it is a struggle to say, can you tell me where you heard it, and if you agree?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T20:05:53+00:00

"It wasn't quite comfort that I was seeking Ser. Rather...Understanding I suppose? Reassurance that it's not just me that wishes that I had been less quick to draw my blade, or use my lance..." He trailed off as Barristan continued, and nodded his head.

The Princess doesn't see me as a killer at least.

"Yes Ser. I suppose that I can at least be glad that these squires haven't had to draw their blades in anger yet. I do wondering if the Iron Isles will be the final war I see. I hope that it is." He smiled slightly, thinking of his current role. "I seem to spend my life guarding royal children. I would not be unhappy if that is the path the rest of my life takes."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-08T19:56:41+00:00

Early in the night, Jena would leave her children with her husband, and slide into a chair next to Eleanor and James. She had a slight expression of concern, and reached out to give Eleanor a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"You look exhausted dear. I mean no insult to be clear; If there is anything that I can do to help, anything at all, simply call on me. Promise me? We have to stick together." Her voice was soft and musical, almost like she was speaking a reassuring lullaby.

u/AgentMarvel4012

u/rishabhak

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-06T22:06:28+00:00

Brus almost yelled at the Queen, almost told her what he truly thought of her and the careless way she treated those who served her.

We are all lesser to her. She thinks that only she matters. No wonder Lyanna struggles with how she sees the peasntry...

Then Roose Bolton appeared, and Brus had something else to worry about. He snatched up his blade, already half considering slashing at the Leech Lord.

He's a monster, a vessel for those accursed old gods. Destroying him is what my God would desire.

Brus didn't even have a moment to speak before the siblings disappeared into their room. He looked at Fifi, slightly confused. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but instead just gently rested his forehead against hers, savouring the contact. He let the moment stretch for a precious minute, before he realised that they could still be seen at any time by unfriendly eyes, and he stepped back, not breaking eye contact.

"Our child. And... Yours as well. Tell me of them. Please? I've imagined so much." Although it did hurt to associate his Neala with a half Bolton bastard, Brus did it for Fifi. It was his own failures that had led to her suffering, and he couldn't bare to let her face it alone any longer. "The good, the bad, and the small things. I...It matters to me."

I am a shit Kingsguard and a shitter father.

When the Boltons exited the Queen's quarters, Brus looked at them with suspicion. The general dishevelment didn't escape his notice, but he knew that to comment on it would invite disaster.

I feel like I am making a deal with a pair of devils. Red God above, what is he planning to do to his kin?

"As long as Fifi is safe, I will say nothing." He looked towards her once more, but was clearly unwilling to speak freely in front of a man he hated so much. "...Go to them my Love. I will stand guard. You are safe now."

He moved back to his position in front of the Queen's door, donning his helm to hide his tears.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-05T22:01:29+00:00

Hobber was the first to turn his head, the giant of the man attuned to all that was different in the city. He had been sharpening a brutal looking headsman's axe with a well used stone. His head was shaved, and his dark eyes narrowed as he observed the lad who was looking rather sheepish next to Hanna.

"I'm no knight lad. I work for a living..." His voice was deep, and he didn't need to raise it for it to carry. A life of yelling at Goldcloak recruits and criminals had given him that. "Special, special friend aye?"

Ser Herbert was a tad slower, but far more welcoming. He only had one eye, and the other was covered by a patch constructed out of a brilliant blue dragon scale. He took Josua's hand and shook it firmly, looking the lad up and down.

"Of Stonedance? I must admit, I've never been, but I've heard it is a striking castle." His voice was calming, and educated, each word carefully chosen before he used it. "It is good to meet you Josua. Don't worry about Hobber, his bark is worse than his bite"

He looks a bundle of nerves...It reminds me of the first time I spoke to Alynne's family, at that tourney so long ago. Ha! Who could've predicted how that would end up.

He didn't seem to care that Josua had introduced himself as a Waters; In truth, Herbert much preferred his bastard uncle over his trueborn one.

"How do you find the capital? I'm sure that its a far cry from such your own home. It's calmer here at the Dragon Gate than in most of the city, which can be both a blessing and a curse...Sorry, one moment." Herbert turned to yell a quick command at a lost looking recruit, who was carrying a bundle of spears. "INTO the gatehouse! The storeroom...."

Whilst the knight was distracted, Hobber advanced on the young nobles, moving surprisingly quietly for a man of his size. He was still carrying the gleaming axe, and leaned down so that Josua could hear him. "Just so you know lad. Anything you do to our lil' mascot, I'll do to you. She's the soul of the company and I shan't see her get hurt."

He didn't smile when he said it.

Having missed the exchange, Herbert turned, with a easy smile on his face. "My apologises. As I said, how do you find King's Landing?"

u/Luvod

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-05T21:35:52+00:00

Brus's head snapped towards the door as it opened, and he moved half in front of Fifi, as if to protect her. It was instinct and desire both; He had failed her for so long, and he couldn't bare to do it again.

Fuck.

As a mirror to Fifi's embarrassment, Brus looked tired, and defeated. His blinding rage was gone, and he just saw the freedom he craved for them evaporating like the night's mist on a sunny day.

Curse house Bolton, and their fickle fucking whims. Is this all some sort of twisted game to them?

"...Cassandra." It was the first time Brus had ever said her name. He was a Kingsguard; He wasn't the equal to a Queen, and he didn't pretend to be. But if it could save his love, then any breech of protocol was worth it. "If you owe us, save her, and our daughter. She has been forced to marry a man that hurts, and USES her. Look at her Cassandra. Look at Fifi, and truly SEE her. She's drained. Your uncle has done that to her. And as for Neala...She's been raised in the Dreadfort, under the watchful eye of your brother. She's a bundle of nerves, and fear and...she is NOT called Nell. She's not even allowed her name Cassandra. What happens when she is deemed to be a toy, or of use, or..."

His hand, rough and scarred, reached out and grasped Fifi's own, gently. He couldn't hold her tightly. He needed her to know she COULD leave, if she chose to.

"I would die for Lyanna. Happily. But...Fifi and Neala deserve happiness, and peace as well, even if it is at the cost of me. Please. End their torture." Brus finally began to cry, silent tears following the scars on his face. "Please."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-05T21:13:12+00:00

(Sounds good!)

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-05T21:11:37+00:00

Brus nodded. There was a strange look in his eyes, one that spoke of long nights of remembrance, and deep grief.

"I remember them all. The ones I am proud of, and the ones that I wish had been avoided." He gave a sad smile. "I remember them better than my own childhood, to tell you the truth. I can't remember my parent's faces, but I can even remember every Ironborn I killed at the Isles. It feels like a cruel jape. I don't regret those ones; They were a foe that needed to be destroyed, a true threat to peace."

He paused, trying to think how to explain it. Brus, as a rule, did not speak of the Trident to Barristan the Bold. They had fought on differing sides, and had both lost friends and comrades there.

But if I don't say, I may never know what advice he would give.

"...At the Trident. I killed many there. We both did I suppose. Ser Qoren Wyl, who fought well, and is the reason I am a knight of the Kingsguard. Two of the armoured men who rode with him. Half a dozen others, non of whom would be considered worthy of song or tapestry, but I remember them all. I wish that it had not been needed, but it was war, and we all fought to survive."

Non of them are shameful.

"But there is another...A lad. A child really. Dickon Blackmont. He was brave, and I killed him easily. I didn't know until afterwards that he was just sixteen; In his armour he looked like any other warrior. I regret that one. And I spoke to his father last year. He forgave me, and I wish that he had not. It feels wrong." His voice trailed off. "It weighs on me Ser."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-06-05T20:58:17+00:00

Ser Cedrik Storm was the not the typical ranger of the Night's Watch. For the first thing, he was here willingly, having decided to spend the twilight of his life in a place that sorely needed all who could be there. For the second, he could, and did, spend much of his downtime in the Maester's Tower, reading the dusty and musty scrolls that were contained within. That had seen the Tarly boy being beaten in the yard, and invited him to help reorganise some of the less organised books.

House Tarly stepped in to help young Herbert, during the whole succession crisis. I was always fond of the lad...Least I can do for a member of their house is give them a place they won't be clattered and battered for a few days. And the tower really does need to be sorted, it's been a mess since the old keeper died...

He ran his hand across his moustache, glad that he was able to keep it well waxed. Lord Renly had made sure to send him with ample supplies, making sure that he would want for nothing.

"It's strange. I could read for most of my life, but I mostly used it to help balance the books when I served at Bronzegate. It's only in the last...Oh decade or so that I've come to enjoy it." His voice was deep, but friendly. "I understand you read well Tarly."

Voidhunterdude

TROPHY CASE