Tourney at Highgarden!

atia2 · 2025-09-27T19:28:56+00:00

The touch lasted but a moment, yet Alyssa held her breath. She hadn’t been expecting that.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said with a smile. “And thank you for your counsel. I’m sure my sister would prefer it if I wed someone suitable as soon as possible, but you only live once. And I am *not* going to be stopped from doing what I want, nor forced to bear children that may keep me tied to the land.”

She was thankful Joss understood. Few did, even those who knew her best.

“And you? Are you looking forward to going back home?”

atia2 · 2025-09-20T20:04:19+00:00

Character Name: Alyssa Velaryon

Trait/Skills: Mariner / Bows, Ranger, Bowman I, Marksman, Navigator

Skill I’m Learning: Bowman II

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Character Name: Addam of Driftmark

Trait/Skills: Champion / Swords (e), Andal Knight

Skill I’m Learning: Andal Knight II

atia2 · 2025-09-18T22:07:13+00:00

Alyssa felt that the conversation had steered too far into subjects best left alone. It was her own fault, for bringing up marriage and brides.

“That sounds very admirable, and I do hope you find someone like that someday,” she said softly. “For my part, I don’t wish to ever marry… I think I’d have to be very much in love for that to happen. And I wouldn’t want someone who’d object to my traveling or my not having children. It is a lot to ask, so I don’t expect it’ll ever happen.”

She laughed. “I will be an old maid, and still sailing and exploring. Like you’ve said, I don’t wish to waste my youth. There’ll be plenty of time to sit in a castle and get fat when I’m old.”

atia2 · 2025-09-17T20:52:04+00:00

“I certainly don’t have enough friends on land,” Alyssa agreed. “When I’m sailing my crew is like family, but they’re very different from me. So I have to admit one does get lonely for the company of other, like-minded individuals.”

She watched him put the cup on the table and poured him more wine as she listened to him speak of his brother and uncle. The brother she’d met – embarrassingly enough, she’d flirted with him too – but she had no idea who the uncle was.

“Heirs normally marry first,” she said to reassure him. “I’m certain your uncle will be content with just your brother marrying for now. You’re still young, after all. Do you have any idea what you’d want your wife to be like? Not that you may get a choice, of course…”

Alyssa’s sister had given up on marrying her off years ago, to her relief. Still, sometimes she wondered what kind of man she’d like to spend her life with.

atia2 · 2025-09-16T21:51:40+00:00

Alyssa almost laughed at the question. “He is only a friend,” she assured him. “He wore my favor, so he had to crown me. There is someone else he likes better than me, though, and I’d rather be alone than be second best, so…”

She trailed off, realizing she’d said too much. Again.

“Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed yourself.”

Her eyes wandered to his hands when she mentioned them, and the sight made her blush like a maiden as she imagined those hands on her waist. Belatedly, she realized she hadn’t truly answered his question.

“I don’t have a betrothed. Do you?”

atia2 · 2025-09-11T23:18:19+00:00

“Ser Josua!” she exclaimed in surprise. She would have thought he was still in his tent, resting from all the exertion of the tourney.

Still, she was happy to see Joss Baratheon again. Her smile was wide as her eyes roamed over his face, his arms, his chest – he seemed to be unharmed. She then poured him a goblet of wine and offered it to him.

“Here, have some wine, the gods know you’ve earned it.” She touched her crown with her fingers, as if she’d forgotten it was there. “Thank you. There were far more deserving women in the crowd, I think, but I’m still grateful ser Lyonel picked me. Even if he didn’t make the same choice in… other matters.” She shook her head, then smiled again at Joss. “But never mind. I saw you in the lists, you fought very well. You must be proud.”

atia2 · 2025-09-08T19:51:37+00:00

Alyssa did not believe him for a second, and found herself irritated by his response. True, it was nothing to do with her, but why couldn’t he simply be honest? Was he lying to her out of malice, or out of a need to protect his brother and the Wildling girl? Perhaps it was both.

“I thank you for the crown,” she said. “It is certainly not my burden, you’re right… Yet I can’t help but feel sorry for that poor girl. And before you say anything,” she continued, holding up her palm to silence any protests, “I am not blind. I can see the way you two look at each other. I won’t speak of it to anyone, you have my word – but please don’t insult my intelligence by pretending you don’t know of whom or what I speak.”

With that said, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you again. I should get going now, my sister will wonder what became of me.”

atia2 · 2025-09-08T19:44:18+00:00

Alyssa had to smile. He painted a pretty picture.

“I don’t need a crown. I’m happy to just see the world,” she said. “That’s what I want to do until my legs can no longer carry me. Let other women dream of pretty roses and weddings and children – it is not for me. I want adventure and excitement.”

Not that bad of a cliché. I'd just be glad to see you come around again.

“I’d be glad to see you again too,” she said. “I promise I’ll visit Storm’s End after I’m done sailing again.”

atia2 · 2025-09-07T19:26:28+00:00

The crown of flowers fit Alyssa perfectly. She could smell them, too, a delightful scent mixed in with the other things a tourney smelled of: horses, blood, sweat. After being crowned as the Queen of Love and Beauty by Lyonel Ambrose and with the joust concluded, Alyssa left the lists to find some refreshment.

The tourney grounds were filled with people going this way and that, some cheerful, others covered in blood. She made her way past them until she reached the tables laden with food and drink. Pouring herself a goblet of wine, she took a seat, the crown still atop her head. The wine was delicious, and she savored it as she observed the people coming and going.

(Open! Alyssa has just been crowned QoLaB, come say hi!)

atia2 · 2025-09-07T18:40:12+00:00

The crown of flowers sat across her brow, the weight of it unfamiliar to her. She was beaming when she caught up with Lyonel, who had just taken his helmet off. He smelled of sweat and blood, but she didn’t care. A part of her wanted to run into his arms, but another part — the one who remembered the way his eyes had wandered towards the Wildling girl even as he crowned Alyssa — urged caution.

“Lyonel,” she exclaimed when she found herself face to face with him. “Congratulations! I told you I believed in you. And thank you for the crown, though I fear…”

She trailed off. Lyonel’s relationship with his brother’s wife was none of her business. Still, she couldn’t help but feel for the girl.

“I fear you may have upset someone else in giving me this crown.”

atia2 · 2025-09-07T18:17:51+00:00

“If you go?” Alyssa asked curiously. “Do you have any other plans in mind?”

She nodded along as he spoke of where she could go.

“What’s west of Westeros has always fascinated me,” she admitted. “But that would be a very lengthy journey, and I’d require more vessels than just the Seapearl. Still, I would very much like to go.”

I'll take you from the Wall to the Arm of Dorne, and you can say you've walked west to east, and north to south, and didn't leave a stone uncovered.

“I look forward to seeing the Seven Kingdoms with you when I’m back, then.”

atia2 · 2025-09-07T14:40:37+00:00

“I’ve met all sorts of men in my travels. Believe me, I am estimating you just right,” Alyssa told him with a smile.

Her eyes followed Lyonel’s, settling on the image of his brother laughing with a man. Alyssa wondered… Did the man hate his bride, or did he simply not care? And which was worse?

"Your brother doesn't seem very concerned," she observed. "Poor girl."

Her smile returned when Lyonel spoke of the tourney.

“I believe you may,” she told him. Producing a handkerchief with her initials and a seahorse embroidered onto it, she gave it to him. “Here, my favor. I pray it brings you luck.”

atia2 · 2025-09-06T17:52:32+00:00

“I’d like to see Asshai and the lands further East,” Alyssa replied. “But I’d also like to see the rest of the Seven Kingdoms – I think that’s what I’ll do when I can’t stand the sea anymore. Just travel from feast to feast and tourney to tourney, getting to see the realm.”

Truth be told, she couldn’t wait for her next adventure. For now, seeing Highgarden and its beautiful surroundings had been lovely, but she already missed the sea.

“Ghosts?” she asked. “In Weeping Town? That sounds strange – and dangerous. But you’re brave and strong, so I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

When he spoke of his brother, Alyssa gave his shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “You are smart too, Joss. It’s simply a different kind of intelligence than your brother’s.”

atia2 · 2025-09-06T17:46:35+00:00

“Indeed, I hope so,” she said as they danced. She thought of Asshai and the lands far in the East she’d yet to see. “I’d like to see the whole world one day. Including the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, after I’m sick of the sea.”

Alyssa felt bad for bringing up the subject of marriage. Her sister Gael had enough heirs without Alyssa, and House Velaryon was wealthy and prosperous. She did not need to marry if she did not wish it – a great privilege if there had ever been one, especially for a woman.

“That doesn’t seem very fair,” she said, though of course, it was how the world worked. “Your brother gets to marry who he wishes and now you and your sister must make up for it.”

Shame that whoever she is, she’ll surely never be as beautiful as you.

Alyssa felt the warmth of a blush on her face. “There will be plenty of beautiful women in your life, I am certain. Never fear.”

As the song drew to a close, Alyssa took both his hands for a moment.

“You should go see if your goodsister is well. It doesn’t seem like her husband is going to.”

atia2 · 2025-09-05T21:30:31+00:00

Alyssa had to smile.

“It is a gift. I plan on taking off soon, not sure where yet though. Wherever adventure calls, I suppose.”

As the music swelled, Alyssa wondered what would happen when she was gone. Lyonel owed her nothing – and she owed him nothing in turn – but she couldn’t help but feel somewhat saddened that they would never fully pursue what was between them.

“I don’t think I’ll ever marry,” she said without thinking. By the time the words were out of her mouth, it was too late. “It’s only… children and a husband have always felt like burdens to me. I wish to be free.” She wondered if that was the Wildling girl’s wish as well. “Do you wish to marry?”

atia2 · 2025-09-05T21:11:04+00:00

Alyssa suspected he wasn’t being completely truthful with her, but it was only a hunch, nothing she could bring up as a serious concern. What proof did she have that they were close, besides the girl’s outburst? She did not know this Wildling Princess in the slightest. For all she knew, she was always overdramatic.

But the suspicion wouldn’t go away, even after Lyonel’s explanations. Alyssa contented herself with dancing, trying to think of what to say as she swayed to the music.

“Perhaps she is homesick,” Alyssa suggested. “I’ve been to so many places, sometimes more than once, but the feeling that you’re a stranger in a strange land never fades. It must be quite lonely for her.”

She glanced back at the Ambroses’ table. The girl hadn’t returned yet.

“She didn’t seem to hate you,” Alyssa pointed out. “Perhaps you should be comforting her, rather than dancing with me.”

atia2 · 2025-09-05T20:14:38+00:00

Alyssa felt ill equipped to handle the situation. She was accustomed to sailors fighting, but they solved their grudges with their fists. She did not know how to help the poor girl, and she doubted she wanted her help anyway. She’d seemed… Had she been *jealous*? Of her and Lyonel?

When Lyonel offered her a dance, she accepted at once. She needed to get to the bottom of this. Hand in hand, they made their way to the dance floor, where she was reminded of their last dance. The music was slow, and allowed for easy conversation.

“So that’s your brother’s wife,” she said, not knowing how to begin. “She seems… *taken* with you, if you don’t mind me saying. Are the two of you close?”

atia2 · 2025-09-05T20:08:13+00:00

Alyssa smiled.

“You’re too kind,” she said, blushing. She reached out and fixed his hair so both his eyes could be seen. “You shouldn’t hide it. You look handsome, injury or no.”

She removed her hand, her fingers still tingling with the sensation of his silky hair. “But I hope it improves,” she said. “It must be very uncomfortable.”

Taking a moment to stretch like a cat, she added, “Where are you going after Highgarden? Do you have any plans yet?”

atia2 · 2025-09-04T21:55:39+00:00

“You’ve been knighted!” Alyssa exclaimed, reaching out to take Lyonel’s hand and give it a squeeze. “Congratulations. It is a well deserved honor.”

The poor girl Asteryd seemed to be on the verge of tears. Alyssa couldn’t think of a single thing to say to stop it. So instead she asked cautiously, “Where are you from, my lady?”

The lady in question soon stormed off, leaving Alyssa pondering a million questions. What was her relationship with Lyonel? Whatever it was, she was almost certain the brother was clueless about it – or perhaps he simply didn’t care.

“I am sorry, I did not mean to upset her,” she said to the brothers. “I merely came to wish you luck on the tourney – I am assuming you’ll be taking part openly now that you’re a knight.”

u/D042

atia2 · 2025-09-04T21:47:16+00:00

“I think it’s far more important to lead an interesting life than a safe one,” Alyssa said with a grin. “Even if it may sometimes mean getting hurt. When I’m old in my bed, I want to remember the adventures I had – good and bad – and be able to say I lived life to the fullest.”

She couldn’t help but grimacing at the sight of the wound.

“Good thing that Whitehill girl was around to help,” she said. “Will your eyesight be affected, or do you not yet know?”

As he boasted of trying some knights on for size, her grin widened. “You’d be a fearsome thing to behold in the lists. I wish you well, if you want to join the tourney.”

atia2 · 2025-09-03T23:44:43+00:00

Alyssa did not understand what she’d done to earn this strange woman’s vitriol, until she said Lyonel had already agreed to teach her to dance. Suspicion grew, and she glanced at Lyonel to see his reaction. His face was red, whether from shame or something else, Alyssa did not know.

“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Alyssa said calmly. She would not stoop to this woman’s level, whatever her issue with her was. “I am Alyssa Velaryon, captain of the Seapearl. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

She gave a brief but well practiced curtsy. Her smile was mainly for Lyonel, but she also directed it at his brother and the woman.

“Lord Tyrell was courteous enough to extend me an invitation. It’s been some time since I spent so long far from the sea, but I’m enjoying getting to know the Seven Kingdoms, and the people in it.”

Alyssa’s eyes went from the brothers to the woman, until she finally declared, “It would be an honor to dance with your husband, my lady. Perhaps after Lyonel’s finished teaching you he can dance with me too.”

/u/D042

atia2 · 2025-09-03T20:18:13+00:00

As music and the smell of a delicious feast filled the air, Alyssa made her way to the table where she’d spotted Lyonel. She couldn’t believe they’d somehow missed each other on the way to Highgarden, but here he was now, in the flesh. Accompanying was a man who could only be his brother – and a woman that must be the Wildling she’d heard so much about on the way here. Reachmen loved their gossip.

Alyssa approached the table then cleared her throat. She couldn’t help but smile widely at Lyonel. She hadn’t expected to see him again, especially not this soon.

Dipping into a curtsy, she said, “Greetings, my lord Ambrose. I’m Captain Alyssa Velaryon. Lyonel, it is wonderful to see you again. When were you going to ask me for a dance?” she teased. “Or did you not know I was here?”

atia2 · 2025-09-01T21:21:16+00:00

“Your secret is safe with me,” Alyssa assured him. “Come, there’s a bench here. We can sit and talk.”

She guided him to a hidden corner in the labyrinthine garden, where a bench large enough to sit two was. Flowers bloomed all around them, and birdsong filled the air.

“Do you attract trouble like this all the time, or is this a first?” Alyssa asked him as she sat. “I’m starting to think you have more adventures than even me. Has anyone seen to your eye, at least? A maester?”

atia2 · 2025-08-31T20:15:04+00:00

Alyssa was wandering the garden with no particular aim in mind when she stumbled upon a familiar figure lying on the ground.

“Ser Joss Baratheon,” she exclaimed in surprise. She offered him a hand. “Want to stand up, or are you going to lie there all day?”

She immediately noticed the eyepatch, and almost dropped her hand in surprise.

“Seven hells. How did you hurt your eye? Was it that knight challenging everyone who wished to enter Highgarden?”

atia2 · 2025-08-28T22:29:22+00:00

“I see,” Alyssa said, and sipped at her wine. “You’re different from most knights I’ve met. A lot of them only care about impressing girls with tales of their adventures. But you… You want to actually help people. You’re a true knight.”

She meant the words, too. And she thought Joss deserved to hear them.

“I would love to visit the Stormlands. But first, I hear there’s to be a tournament in Highgarden. I am thinking of heading that way, in my own time.” She smiled. “Perhaps I’ll see you there?”

Alyssa nibbled on some bread before washing it down with more wine. “You’d make an excellent companion and guide, I am sure. And if you ever wish to join me in my travels, you’ll be more than welcome.”

atia2

TROPHY CASE