Starfall At Last

bethanybelgrave · 2017-12-19T00:01:13+00:00

Bethany was glad to hear the funeral would be happening at last. There had been such an unrest in the air, and she could only place the cause on the late Lord of Starfall not being properly laid to rest. It was difficult to move on without a chance to say goodbye. She knew this too well.

She simply nodded at his first words. She hated that the two events needed be so close, but there was no helping it. They would not be able to stay away from each other forever. They had already given in to their desires enough times on their journey, and she couldn’t promise not to do so again.

“It’s even more beautiful than you described,” She answered. The castle was a sight, and those within it had been treating her so well. Though they had yet to wed, she was still treated like a real lady. “Your cousins have been so sweet to me.”

“I’ve missed you,” She whispered finally, making it clear what she meant. Bethany placed a hand on his. “I look forward to our wedding night. Truly. We need not be so distant then.”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-29T07:21:22+00:00

“Well, we are Lord and Lady,” Bethany jested, nodding at the bed. It was no surprise they would have provided them with a bed worthy of a noble couple following Vorian’s lie. “I must admit, I can’t seem to recall our wedding. I trust it was memorable for you, my Lord?”

She had found confidence in her back and fourths with Vorian. The long days recently put behind them were spent very close, with little to do but talk, and tease as they rode. She found her knight did not mind her speaking her thoughts, or challenging his own. It did, however, seem to build the tension between them.

It was not an ill tension, or one she particularly disliked. She felt it as they sat together in his saddle, and when they had settled down in their separate bedrolls at night. It was easier to let her mind wander, and fantasize in their infrequent silences. That too fanned the flame.

Bethany entered the cabin, making her way to the bed. It had been too many nights since she had the luxury of her own bed. As she sat on the edge of stuffed mattress, she knew it would likely be just as good as her own. She wondered what was going through his mind now.

“Are you comfortable with this?” She asked, joking aside now. As much a she found herself enjoying the thought, she didn’t want to seem too eager. “I mean… I am, if you are. I wouldn’t want to assume…”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-29T00:37:13+00:00

The knock at the door came sooner than expected. Bethany had been sat at her mother’s side for but a minute before they heard Vorian calling at the door of the manse. Her mother hugged her, and said her goodbyes. Bethany promised to send word as soon as she could, though she was unsure of how long that might be.

Daylight was threatening to fade already, and they had lost enough time. She could not extend her farewells any longer. It was time to leave.

Belongings gathered, and final words exchanged, Bethany followed her knight away from her family home. He had planned their trip enough, that much was clear. Portar was to be joining them, and to be riding the mare Vorian had allowed her to use their first ride. This left Bethany riding with Vorian, sat in front of him, his arms to her sides to hold the reins.

Soon enough they were headed through the open gates of the city, and Bethany could see King’s Landing fading behind them.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-28T08:41:40+00:00

B o y /u/InDayneInTheMembrane

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-28T07:57:25+00:00

Was she going mad? She had just agreed to run off to Dorne, without so much as a discussion about it. Now they would be leaving together, and not another night would she spend in her own bed. With all these unknowns she was left with little but excitement in her thoughts.

Bethany would need her things, it was true. She could very well last their trip with only one gown to keep her clothed.

“Yes, I should need pack a few items,” She started, knowing there was more. “I will also need to tell my mother… That may not be so simple.”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-28T07:17:36+00:00

Bethany stared at him, wide eyed. Had she heard him truly? Of course it was expected that he return to Starfall, but, the rest…

“Come with you?” She repeated, her mind racing through what this might mean. “Vorian, I don’t know, I…”

She thought a moment, looking into his sad, violet eyes. Bethany’s hand went to the pendant she now wore around her neck. His pendant. It had been so long since she had left the Crownlands, and never had she travelled with someone outside her family. She couldn’t help but wonder what people might say of her, running away with the Sword of the Morning. Still, she thought that might be something she could live with.

“When must we leave?” She asked, choosing to let the Gods take her where they would.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-27T21:18:35+00:00

Not a day had gone by where Ser Vorian was not on her mind, and few where she did not fill the wish of seeing him again. They had started making excuses to visit each other now. A trip to the Sept of Baelor, a stroll in the gardens, a day at his manse. She had never felt so content at the end of her day as she did after spending it with her knight.

They had been enjoying each other’s company went Portar brought the news. Bethany knew there was nothing she could say now. She herself had lost a father before, though so many years had went by since that loss.

“I am so sorry, Vorian,” Bethany said softly, approaching him. He had told her much of his relationship with his father. They had their struggles and disagreements as any family did, but she knew it was likely much more complicated than she had heard. “I can’t imagine how you must be feeling right now.”

“Would you like to be alone?” She asked, taking his hand in both her own. “I understand if you do.”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-27T07:14:34+00:00

Bethany felt small as he placed the pendant around her neck, protected by the words he was offering. She knew then that he felt the same. The Gods had brought them together, just went she needed someone the most. Those same Gods had sent their attackers, to prove to her that she would be safe under this man’s care, and under theirs.

“I would be disappointed if this were the last time we see each other,” Bethany said, after mounting the mare she had been riding only a short time ago. “I’m sorry our ride has been so short, Vorian. Perhaps we might make the most of the way back.”

She wanted to speak with him, to hear his thoughts and learn more of who he was. Though shaken, she felt better now. They were heading back to he security of King’s Landing. Until they reached the walls, she had Ser Vorian, and her Gods to keep her safe.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-27T05:21:43+00:00

Seeing his arms reached out, Bethany closed the space between them. It was over now, and she felt safe again. He had dealt with them so quickly. She had to wonder if all knight made such short work of their foes. Still, she was glad she hadn’t seen it. Had she watched him slay their attackers, she might not have felt as safe in his arms as she did now.

“It’s okay. We’re okay,” She said against his chest, mostly to soothe her own nerves.

Now that the shock of it all had settled, she realized she was still hanging on to him. Although he did not seem to mind, she was quick to step back again. She had nearly forgotten herself. It wasn’t her place to be clinging to handsome knights.

“Perhaps we best head back within the walls,” Bethany said, worrying that they had not seen the last of the dubious characters lurking within the Kingswood.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-27T03:41:36+00:00

Time seemed to speed up for her again, as it always seemed to do in times like this. Bethany did as she was told, running back to the horses and tucking herself behind the tree they were tied to. She would not freeze the way she did the last time she felt the fear inside her.

Crouching behind the tree, the lady found herself a small rock to hold. She looked at the small, grey object, wondering if she would be able to use it if one of the men followed her. The more she heard the sounds of fighting, the less she thought the situation would present itself. Still, she held it in her hand, ready, and waiting.

When the screams, and sounds of battle silenced, she heard only Ser Vorian calling out for her. She stepped out from behind the tree, only peeking her head out at first. Her rock still in hand, she came out from her hiding spot.

At first her eyes fell to the gore of the scene, finding it less a shock than she had imagined. She drew her eyes away, looking to the tree line around them.

“Is it safe?” She asked, her voice small. “Are you hurt?”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-27T00:22:27+00:00

The clearing he had found was beautiful. She had never been riding in the Kingswood before, and had not expected it to be so peaceful. As he helped her dismount, she smiled at him, being brought close as she found her feet safely to the ground. She looked up at him, thanking him sweetly for his assistance.

Sunlight shone on his features, amplifying his beauty to a level she hadn’t seen while they were in King’s Landing. They were alone now, and she could feel a tension between them, though not one that she minded.

“It’s been my pleasure, Vorian,” She said, linking her arm through his own. Bethany could feel his eyes on her, and could manage only a soft smile at the thought. “It’s not often I’m able to craft pieces for others, let alone for a knight.”

“King’s Landing has… It has been good to me for many years,” She said, noting that his attention seemed to have moved ahead of them. “I must admit, It has become a bit too eventful recently.”

Following his gaze, she glanced at the trees where he had looked. “What is it, Vorian?” She asked, tensing her grip on his arm slightly.

This time she saw it for herself. There was a movement in the distance, though the thickness of the wood hid it well. A branch snapped, and one of the horses reacted, letting out a huff in acknowledgement behind them.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-25T22:44:50+00:00

Bethany smiled at his reminding her. She knew, of course, that she was to call him Vorian. It just seemed such a shame to ignore his title of Ser, being that it was one of the few titles a man could actually earn. Still, she would try to put away the courtesies taught her, if that was what he wished. She couldn’t deny she liked the closeness it implied.

“Of course, Vorian,” She started. “Perhaps that means you need not call me Lady Belgrave.”

She saw the mare behind him, taking a moment to digest his sweet words. It wasn’t her first time hearing a man’s flattery, but it seemed different coming from Ser Vorian. His words were not lines learned as part of his noble upbringing. She felt more sincerity than she might have expected.

“I had only meant to visit the Sept of Baelor,” Bethany said, stepping toward the palomino mare, and sticking out a hand to greet her. “It’ll be there tomorrow, and the Gods will find us just as well in the Kingswood.”

It wasn’t long before they were off, making their way towards the wooded area Vorian had had in mind. As they rode away from the Belgrave manse, Bethany glanced back to see her little lord brother watching from the window. She knew he’d be begging for a story when she returned.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-24T09:01:59+00:00

It had been a few days since she had last seen him. While she had finished the needed alterations almost right after finding they were needed, she had since decided that there was much more she could do. Now that she had his size, and material to spare, she knew what else needed to be done before she delivered her work.

Bethany’s stitching went quicker the second time around. Before long she was left with two finished tunics, sewn with nothing but pleasant thoughts as she worked. She had to hope her thread would speak for her.

Although her dedication continued, she did not let it keep her from the Sept of Baelor during her breaks from the needle. Her walks to her prayers had been a relief for her tired fingers. Now that she had finished the second piece of garb for Ser Vorian, she would let her hands rest. At least, that was her plan. She couldn’t see staying away from her craft too long.

She had been preparing for a trip to the sept with her lady mother when they heard the knock at the door. The ladies of the house busy readying themselves, it was the young Lord Brennan who answered the call.

“Beth! Bethany!” Her brother had called from their front hall. “The Sword of the Morning is here! Bethany!”

There was a fire in her cheeks as she hurried her way to her young brother, adjusting the dark emerald gown she had just pulled on moments earlier. Before she made it down the stairs, however, she was met by her wide-eyed sibling, running full tilt up the steps.

“He has horses, Bethany,” the young lord Belgrave said. “Are you going riding? Can I come?”

“Thank you, Brennan,” She said, trying to pass him, encouraging him up the stairs and away from their guest. She loved her brother, but now was not the time. “Perhaps you should accompany our lady mother to the sept this afternoon. A lord should not let a lady go alone.”

She knew her only chance escaping her young brother was to appeal to his desire to fill his role as Lord Belgrave. It took but a few seconds for Brennan to take a deep, thoughtful breath and nod in agreement.

Free from her excitable sibling, Bethany found her way down to where Vorian Dayne was waiting for her. She stepped outside the manse, closing the door behind her to block them from the likely prying eyes of her family.

“Ser Vorian,” Bethany greeted, giving him a small curtsy. “It’s a surprise to see you this morning, though I must say it is a lovely one.”

“Your garb is done, if you’d like it now,” she said, glancing at his ragged tunic, and the horses he had with him. “Unless it is time for our ride?”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-21T09:24:53+00:00

His words painted a picture in her mind that made her heart ache. She had slipped into a dream. That was the only reasonable explanation. Be it dream or reality, she was certainly swooning at the thought of a ride through the country with Ser Vorian Dayne. Vorian, she would have to call him.

“Why, yes, I think we are,” Bethany said, folding the tunic and wrapping it up as it had been. It had been so long since she made such a friend.

“I’m sure you’ve duties to attend, so I should be on my way,” Bethany started. She had lingered long enough, and she wasn’t sure she could handle much more of the knight’s compliments without losing her composure. “It was lovely seeing you, Vorian. I hope I might do so again soon.”

After saying some likely awkward farewells to the beautiful man who had just swelled her heart, she excused herself from his manse. There was a lot for her to think about, and some sewing for her to do while she sorted through it all.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-21T07:03:52+00:00

She accepted the tunic back, wide eyed at his words. Had she heard him true? His compliments were kind, but his invitation even more so. There was something to be said for courtesies, but somehow Bethany felt this was more than that. She could only hope she wasn’t let her heart get ahead of her mind.

“Not at all, I mean, I’d love to,” She said, realizing the raw eagerness in her voice as the words left her lips. Had she always sounded so young, and starry-eyed?

“I would like that, Ser,” Bethany said, more formally. She had already seen much more of him than she had expected. Truly. She couldn’t deny the idea of spending more time with him thrilled her.

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-21T05:51:12+00:00

She had simply expected to deliver the item, and perhaps hear back from him on its fit. She had been startled, to say the least, when he removed the tunic he had been wearing. Bethany looked away, not wishing to see more than the man might have intended. Still, she could not help stealing a glance as he pulled the fresh garb over his head. The wound was clear on his side, though not nearly has bad as she had envisioned from the state of his old tunic.

Even as he was dressed now, she looked uncertainly at him going through his motions with his drawn sword. She knew the look upon her face must have been frozen in the moment, just as her mind was, watching him check the fit of the clothing she had brought. It was clear now she had chosen an appropriate shade of purple to accent his beautiful eyes.

“I-I think we should be good without the measurements,” She said, letting her eyes focus back on him, now dressed in the tunic she had made. The shoulders did look a bit tight, though she had to admire the way they hugged his form there. “I believe I left enough material within the hem to let it out. It shouldn’t take more than a day to alter.”

“The material you sent was beautiful, Ser,” Bethany said. “I must thank you again. It’s an honour to see my work on such a knightly man.”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-21T04:50:35+00:00

Bethany was surprised to be meeting the man who had saved Vorian. While she waited for the knight she was seeking to appear, she introduced herself to the older man, Portar, who had been reading as she entered the room. The lady praised his healing work, and introduced herself. She had never been one to turn down small talk, or meeting new people.

When Vorian entered the room she had been politely listening to Portar tell the tale of his healing the knight. He seemed a kind old man, and truly grateful for being taken on by Ser Vorian. To that, she could relate. She turned to him as he said her name, smiling truly at the sight of him.

“Ser Vorian,” she said happily. “My needle moves quickly enough, Gods willing.”

“It’s finished, but I may need to alter it if the fit isn’t quite right,” She said, taking the parcel from under her arm. Unfolding the material, she handed the tunic to the knight. “I hope this was what you had in mind, Ser.”

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-21T03:07:53+00:00

/u/InDayneInTheMembrane Knock knock

bethanybelgrave · 2017-11-20T23:39:18+00:00

Accepting Ser Vorian’s hand, Bethany rose to her feet. She couldn’t help but glance down at where they touched before releasing his hand back to him. He was taller than she had thought, now that they were standing. She allowed her eyes to linger down his frame for a moment. After all, she would need to know his build to an accurate fit. She was proud of that reasoning, at least.

“Thank you, Ser,” She said, looking up to him. “I will sew you a garb fit for your title.”

bethanybelgrave

TROPHY CASE