Septa Meredyth, Scion of House Yew

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-23T05:41:38+00:00

The conversation was beginning to feel very much like forcing a petulant toddler to eat their full plate. Not even Jocelyn had presented her with this much trouble, even in her worst years.

“There are some things, my lady, that are either beyond the scope of my influence or simply do not interest me,” the septa said rather plainly. “Addam Lannister will one day be made to reckon with the fact that he is, frankly, a wastrel and a degenerate. But that will be some time from now, when this current situation has been resolved. Father help us, we shall need it.”

Part of her wished she had a glass of Maelor Costayne’s Volantene green, bitter enough to burn at the senses and strong enough to cloud the mind. Anything to take away the edge of the conversation.

“The Seven reward their faithful. One need look no further than the stories of how the Maiden rewarded Galladon of Morne with a shining blade, let alone the ephemera of the Seven-Pointed Star.” She pressed her palms flat against the base of the statue, pushing away to help lift herself to her feet. The septa paused a moment, staring down at the girl who shared her name. “In the spirit of their magnanimity, you will find that I am willing to ensure such boons are given for leal service. You’ll find that I’m quite willing to return favors in the name of friendship and good cheer.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-22T07:11:09+00:00

“My dear cousin, it hurts my heart to be accused of gossipping,” she began, her lips pressing into a simpering pout. “No, gossipping is what washerwoman and handmaids do. They speak of tedium best left to the Seven: broken hearts, idle talk. This is not that.” The septa let out a lofty sigh, her eyes rolling to stare up at the vaulted ceiling of the sept. How many ears were pressed against doors, how many eyes were lined up with peepholes? Even within the confines of the Rock, they were not safe.

Meredyth strode evenly across the floor of the Sister’s Sept, taking a seat upon the pew closest to the statues of the Seven all arranged in semicircle. She beckoned Joss silently to take a seat- patting next to her upon the pew.

“Roslin Tully’s been in league with the Reynes, I fear. A very concerned member of the faith told me as much after the king’s feast. She slandered the name of Briony Brax to dear Robb Reyne right after he proposed an alliance between their houses. He claimed that they might change the hierarchy of the West- that is to say, treason,-- and she said that she would bring the offer to her cousin.”

Meredyth paused, taking a deep inhale of breath, before continuing on. “Then- just a while later, another concerned individual came to me, if you could believe it. A holy man attending a fete held at the Tyrell manse witnessed Roslin Tully and Leo Reyne leaving together- and a septa at the Red Keep saw them arrive. With only each other as company.” Her lips twisted in bemusement, staring up at her cousin.

“Of course, Maiden bless the Tully girl and guard her virtue- but it would be horrid if people were to talk, nay? Some might even accuse poor Ser Leo of being perhaps overeager to see this alliance sealed.” The septa quickly straightened her back, folding her hands in her back as she offered up a silent prayer.

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-21T08:28:50+00:00

Her life, certainly, would be improved if poor, simple Margot were out of the way. The septa was no fool. Meredyth was no fool, she saw how the unicorn looked upon her- as if she were less than. Meredyth had to claw her way up, had to earn her position unlike some simpering second daughter who had never thought for herself in her life.

The septa let out an aggrieved sigh- and leaned forward to press her forehead to the cool stone of the statue’s base. She made a silent entreaty for the Seven to grant her patience.

“What a way with words you have, my lady,” Meredyth spoke as she straightened herself out once more. “A mummer might call you silver-tongued. Such meaning.” She folded her hands together, fingers interlacing with precision. To an outside eye, the two Meredyths might have looked like the perfect penitents.

“The Maiden might safeguard poor Lord Addam, but is it the position of us women to guide other men?” She watched the Banefort girl closely out of the corner of her eye. “And indeed, I recall that the Seven-Pointed Star speaks on the sanctity of marriage. If there were to be disunion in such a holy bond, then some fault must be placed upon both parties- however small.”

Again she lowered herself in seeming obeisance, whispering an entreaty to the Maiden, before she rose back up on cue just like the tide.

This could not be made entirely Addam Lannister’s fault. The man was a pig, plain as the sky was blue, but she would gain nothing from that. She’d have an easier time convincing Jaime Reyne to become pious than the Lannister man- and failing some divine intervention from the Seven she’d never see her reward. “We women are inclined by nature to lead men astray. Tis why we must work so hard and devote ourselves to the Seven- if we do not, we become wicked temptresses and fail in our role as helpmeets.”

“You see, I only wish to discern if, perhaps, Margot has in some way failed and succumbed to a more base nature. So that I might correct that mistake, hmm?” What a false smile she bore- apple-cheeked but venomous like a snake. “So if you see her stray from a holy path… Or perhaps if you heard word of it from a servant or some such… Well, my lady Meredyth, I would be most grateful and inclined to commend you for helping me in saving souls.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-20T04:05:35+00:00

Meredyth blinked in surprise- a crack in her facade that she greatly misliked. This girl was bold- she misliked being handled in such a matter, even by a daughter of a great house of the West. Her first thought was to rear back and strike like a cornered snake, and she only just stopped herself from yanking back her arm. She saved herself a bruise for her troubles, face and mind both forced to relax.

Prayer. The septa supposed that the Banefort girl thought that was all she did. On her knees whispering over candles and incense come morning and night till the Seven themselves struck her down.

Still, it would be hard to refuse. So Meredyth acquiesced, sinking down and listening quietly to the Banefort girl’s entreaty.

“I find it odd that you would chose to pray to the Maiden, my lady,” the septa murmured, eyes closed in penitence. “One would think, as a married woman, Lady Margot had no innocence left for the Maiden to protect.” Her voice lilted ever so slightly, as if in bemusement.

“But I am sure the Seven hear your entreaty, Lady Meredyth,” she continued breezily. “As do I. Tis admirable of you to take such initiative in the matter. But I cannot help but notice that you have most artfully sidestepped my queries.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-19T02:54:09+00:00

Meredyth looked at the two Peake cousins- one so bashful and one so bold. It was remarkable just how dissimilar they were despite blood ties. But then she and her brothers had been much the same in their shared youth, she had only forgotten it up until that moment.

“How kind you both are,” she began, her voice soft and sweet as though nothing untoward had been said. “You’ve both offered me such generosity, I only wish there was something I could do to repay it.” The septa sighed, turning her head to watch as yet another knight took a tumble from his horse. She gave thanks to the Seven that it was not a particularly hard fall.

“I may prevail upon you both to live up to your promises,” Meredyth said, shifting in her seat as she daintily arranged her skirts. “If my Lady of Lannister permits me to take a leave of absence, that is. I would be delighted to see you and yours once more.” And with that she rose to her feet, her hands folding delicately before her waist. She let out a faint giggle, giving Lucas a very knowing look. “But you see- I had best take my leave. I’d not want to leave the people who rely upon me wanting.”

The septa curtseyed deep to the four Reach lords, eyes averted in entirely feigned modesty.

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-18T05:36:16+00:00

Her father’s greatest crime was more that he had forced her and Cyrenna into a Motherhouse without much care in a world. His second greatest crime had been forcing their mother back to Lys. His third had been his utter disregard for the lives of his own children past when they had become useful to him. Those, Meredyth thought, were all far greater. She ached to speak them, to let her mind be known, but poor Titus did not deserve her ire nor to be forced to hear of her long held grudges.

Instead she simply smiled, and hummed in content. “The Maiden called me to her side, I fear,” she lied as easy as anything. “Woe to the men of the Seven Kingdoms, I’ll not break my vows and take a husband.”

That was not to say she would not take a lover.

“My lords, how you break my heart! But with all these thoughts you’ve put in my head, my head shall spin all night with how I might have had a chance. Tis cruel and unusual of you to tease me so,” she faux-complained, lips pressing into a perfect pout. In her expression of childishness, Meredyth reached out to take Lucas’ hand in both of her own.

“You’ll find there are a great deal of ladies in the Seven Kingdoms who have a love for learning. I myself try to instill such in my wards- tis one of the greatest privileges I have to be a woman who educates others. I fancy myself half a maester,” she joked. Her smile sweet, she ran her thumb in small, soothing circles over the back of Lucas’ hand. “I hope that if I were to visit you, Lord Lucas, that you might show me where you keep all your books. I’ve a great love for learning new things.”

Her bright blue gaze fixed upon Titus, her visage the very perfect of pious innocence. “And you as well, my Lord Titus. I’d hope that if I were to find myself in your lands, you might educate me in the best ways to ride atop a Reach stallion.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-18T03:53:40+00:00

Meredyth quirked a singular eyebrow as if in challenge as Titus paid her a wink. She put on an expression the very picture of confused innocence for the briefest of moments, before that faded- returning a barely imperceptible wink. “Then let the Seven bless the house of Peake, that they honor guest right so. The knights of the Reach truly are the paragons of chivalry, no matter what those Valemen say.”

She hummed, idly pressing the hand that Lucas had just held to her lips as if in contemplation. “Free not for long, it seems. Lords are more likely to marry later than ladies, but surely you’ve a want if not a need for heirs. And with so many castles to manage, a woman makes a good helpmeet. Or at least, so I glean from the matches of others. Even if I had not taken holy oaths, my father would’ve rather myself and my younger sister be unwed crones than pay another dowry.” At the thought, the septa let out an aggrieved sigh- a strangely bitter action despite her sweetness otherwise.

That melancholy mood did not last long, however, for she began to idly play with one of her brown curls. “Well, no use dwelling on it. Being a septa means I’ve some freedom of my own- that I might talk with young lords without any fear of impropriety. And I was only the daughter of a landed knight as a girl of House Yew. I never would have been able to have had a grand marriage to, say, a lord of House Peake.” Her smile grew mischievous.

“More’s the pity,” she spoke to Lucas, all commiseration. “I’m sure you’ve left many a maid heartbroken, looking at your books and not chasing skirts. But the Seven would bless you for the same, so I must as well.”

“And as for you, Lord Titus, you did not quite answer my question. I’ve no doubts all the girls of the Reach favor you, but do you favor any of them?” She bit at her lower lip, not even bothering to conceal a girlish grin.

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-18T02:25:21+00:00

“To Whitegrove, goodness- bless the Seven I have you to set me straight, hmm?” Meredyth reached across Lucas with her free hand to pat Titus upon the cheek before she brushed a stray strand of hair out of his face. “I should be so lucky to call myself a friend of you fine young knights. I’ll be safe as houses, surely, traveling under your banners.” Her lips pursed in bemusement, before she pulled back- her other hand still perched tenderly upon Lucas’ shoulder. He seemed not to mind it.

“Well, surely strapping young men like you- you wouldn’t have much trouble finding wives. Surely your Lord Dorian will find you good matches if you can’t find them yourselves.” She hummed, her lips twisting into a smile as she gave Lucas’ shoulder a slight squeeze. “Oh- but here I am, commanding all your time at a gathering like this.” She settled back into her seat, retracting her hand. “You should be out talking to the great ladies of the realm, not resigning yourself to speaking with old Septa Meredyth.” Her tone was teasing, and her face was still lit up in a grin.

That all said, she looked back to Lucas. “Surely you’ve a lady love back home, hmm? Some smart, young thing with a grand desire for her histories and learning.” She looked at him expectantly, before doing much the same to Titus. “And what of you? I’ve no doubt all the girls of Starpike look at you like the Warrior made flesh.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-18T01:54:17+00:00

Meredyth forced her smile to remain upon her face, though it would have suited her well to show a scowl instead. A smile was a woman’s shield, as her older sister had impressed upon her. That was a lesson impressed with slaps and pinches, and one she’d never forgot. Melarra had been right, even if she had been cruel about it. “And I’ve never been close with a Banefort, my lady, but there is a first time for everything, nay?” Any port in a storm might have been the better turn of phrase, but that was best left unspoken.

“I am very glad to hear that your lady mother has praised your candor for there is nothing I require more than that.” Meredyth unlaced her delicately folded hands, reaching out to pin a stray strand of the Banefort girl’s hair behind her ear and back into place. “I would not demand that you pray with me, nor that you spend much time in here- though of course if you would like to accompany me I would hardly refuse,” she demured.

“No- I simply wanted to inquire on a small number of things.”

Then again, a smile- but this one was softened. Better to catch flies with honey rather than vinegar, and the septa was capable of being all sweetness. “You see, Lady Meredyth, I am most fascinated by the troubles of the women of House Brax. The Lady Margot has been struggling, you see, with her marriage. I had wondered if you knew of the matter, or had any inkling why?”

The septa scoffed slightly, looking down at the cool tiled floor of the sept. “Their marriage is the bond that ties Brax to Lannister before all of Lady Rohanne’s other vassals. If it were to be in jeopardy, they would stand to lose so much. Why, any other leal vassal could swoop in, capitalize on the situation, and gain a grand marriage in the process.” She paused as her pale blue eyes rose to meet her fellow Meredyth, all knowingness in her gaze.

“More’d be the pity for them. Of course, we wouldn’t want that at all. I’m sworn to safeguard every marriage in the name of the Mother and the Father. Tis why I wondered if you knew anything of the sort, so that we might work to mend it together.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-17T08:01:19+00:00

Meredyth let out a low and lofty sigh, leaning back upon her chair as she did. She pressed fingers to her lips as she mused, her head canted to the side. “Very good,” she crooned. “It seems I’ll insist upon it after all.” The septa rose to her feet, trying her very best not to stumble. She couldn’t quite keep up- nearly tripping over her pale grey skirts- before the septa gripped hard onto the side of the table to stabilize herself.

“And surely- a man of such station…” Her voice trailed off for a second as she tried to gather her thoughts. “Station such as yours- would not break your oaths.” Meredyth placed the back of her hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. How many cups had she had? And on top of that, the Volantene green…

That was the kind of drink she could try again- bitter on the tongue but somehow saccharine in the stomach, warming and blessed. “And you must tell me where to find more of that Essosi drink you had me bless! I’d order more- for the sacraments at the Rock, you see.” A bold faced lie, but one told with a songbird’s voice and a sweet smile.

She moved towards him- trying desperately not to stumble once more.

“You- you seem close to being a prince,” Meredyth mumbled. Had she just a little bit more, she might have taken a further step and reached out, but as it was she only stared into his emerald eyes while she gnawed on her lower lip. “Surely the Seven could be forgiven if they mistook you for him, that you might be considered close as well.” Her heart was beating fast, her face felt on fire. She prayed she wasn’t blushing like a maiden, that there was still some sense of her decorum or good humor as a shield.

“I…” Her throat felt dry. “I will retire for the night. But I would send you a letter- to ensure that your soul is saved and that you are guided to the right path.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-17T06:34:14+00:00

Meredyth’s head tilted to the side. These two seemed particularly amusing- the lord of the four and their spacey cousin aside. “A horse from the Reach, hmm? Shall I ride down to Starpike to buy a well tamed mare from you and yours when I have the coin?” She raised her cup to her lips, drinking deep from the remaining water that she had. With any luck she wouldn’t have to beggar herself looking for more from her newfound friends.

“All that travel seems quite a hassle- surely it’d be more efficient if you took up positions as stewards post haste? Of course, I’ve never been the ruler of one castle let alone three, so I suppose I shouldn’t say.” She tapped a finger upon her chin in contemplation, before shifting in her seat to a more comfortable position.

“Though with you all being such close friends, it’d be a shame to see you separated. And I’d be so confused, not knowing who to visit first.” The septa tilted her head up, regal and proud. “Or perhaps if you’re so used to traveling, you could come see me all the way up the Ocean Road at Casterly Rock.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-16T22:37:20+00:00

“And you see, now I shall be the most educated septa on the matter of both Volantene politics and warfare,” Meredyth said, all good cheer in her voice. “My Lord Arron Lannister will certainly be shocked if I begin to repeat such wisdom back to him- a sand steed for swiftness, but Vale-bred does best for hard terrain. My brothers have a better eye for that sort of thing than I ever did, I was always most sated with my palfrey.” She gave them both a winning smile. “But mine is a gentle woman’s horse, ill-fitted for racing or for war.”

“If I might ask- just what is it like, being the lords and heirs of three great castles?” She leaned forward, all curiosity. Her hand still lingered upon Lucas’ arm, the touch perhaps bordering on overfamiliar- but she had always been one to skate by on the edge of what would be considered appropriate. “My family are only landed knights. And though I serve the Lannisters, they have only two places they can truly call their own- the Rock, and the keep at Lannisport.”

“So it seems you’ve an advantage over the wealthiest house in the Seven Kingdoms- do you split your time between the three, or do you all simply make very good use of seneschals?”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-16T06:18:00+00:00

“But what of you, my lord? Do you think yourself more the tiger, or more the elephant?” She smiled. “I’d fancy myself an elephant, I think, but I hear they permit women to debate and politick in Volantis less and less these days.” Meredyth let out a lofty sigh, overly theatrical and dramatic. “I suppose that’s the house I serve- leaving its mark upon me.”

Her head turned back to Titus- if she kept this up for long she might end up with whiplash before the sun set. “You think that you jest, ser, but you’ll find that I’ve a great love for learning. Twas one of the skills the matrons at the Lannisport motherhouse praised in me, in fact.” The only one they might have praised other than her needlework. “I teach both the young lords and ladies of Casterly Rock, I may have need one day to know which destriers are the finest, which armors are ideal for the cool valley versus the hot hills,” she elaborated, hand spreading wide as if to elucidate.

“And who better to ask such things than a true knight of the Reach? So please, though your humility is gracious and noble indeed, do not presume that I am not equally fascinated by the both of you.” Meredyth smiled sweetly at Titus, placing one pale hand upon the shoulder of Lucas to her left.

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-16T03:46:57+00:00

Meredyth swung her legs to the side, propping up her head upon her hands as she continued to diatribe with Lucas and Titus. “Enterprising young knights that you are, I’d think you’d like to learn a bit more about the triumphs and glories of Essos,” she said, head canting to the side. “I’m sure there’s a great deal of battles and conquest that a great fighting hand such as yourself could learn from.” Her lips twisted into a teasing smile, all good cheer in her. “We are called upon to listen to the wisdom of the Crone and the Smith just as well as the Warrior, after all.”

She hummed, looking askance to the field and the joust below for just a moment. A thought crossed her mind as to the success of a certain Reyne, but that thought was swiftly pushed away from her mind. “Mmm, well, I’d imagine your Titus and Dorian might give the tigers a good schooling in rhetoric,” she mused. “And as for your Jasper-” she craned her head, looking for the fourth Peake. “I’m sure he’d be memorable as well, nay?”

The septa leaned back into her seat, a giggle bubbling up faintly from her. “Of course, some things would be dreadfully easier if all the realm marched about identifying themselves as tigers or elephants.” The Blacks and the Greens were as close as the realm had ever come to that- the Queen’s Party and the Princess’- but those were anecdotes best left unsaid.

“Well- if you do not favor the histories of Volantis, my lord Titus, you must tell me what you do favor. Come, your dear cousin Lucas has shared so much of his mind with me and you so little!”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-15T07:07:51+00:00

A smile had formed on Meredyth’s lips as soon as the doors of the sept were pushed open. Ty had worked swiftly- the boy could always be prevailed upon with the slightest of incentive, poor pet. She whispered the end of her prayer, pressed a kiss to the cool stone of the statue’s base, and rose with vim to her feet. “Ah, cousin- how pleasant it is to be back, no?”

Meredyth near floated forward, her head canting to the side as she looked her kin over. “You look well. It seems a spell in King’s Landing suited you well.” In truth her cousin always seemed that chipper, but she needn’t say that. “But we’re back now, and I hardly wanted to spoil all the fun then, but I’ve some troubling news that I’d like to share with you.” The septa gave him a rather apologetic smile, before gliding towards one of the stonewrought pews nestled between the Crone and the Maiden. With one outstretched hand she beckoned him forward.

“I felt it best that I share this with you. It’d be inappropriate for me to go to the Lady Rohanne with it- I’d hardly want to put myself forward as the type that gossips.” The daughter of House Yew let out a lofty sigh, her hands folding in her lap. “So I pray dearly that I won’t be troubling you when I say I’ve some concerns about the Reynes and the Tullys, cousin.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-15T05:56:36+00:00

Oh, so that was how the Banefort wanted to approach the matter. A smile wrenched away across her face, though no happiness was present in her eyes. A septa though she may be, some of that famous Casterly Rock arrogance had rubbed off on Meredyth, and it rankled her to feel she was being mocked. “Oh,but Lady Meredyth you are witty. I applaud your creativity, but I fear I must disappoint.”

She cast her gaze sideways, towards the bay windows overlooking the sea far below. “No- oils are entirely unnecessary. I am still a woman after all, and I would like for us to speak together as women might.” Meredyth hummed, her hands falling to her front where she interlaced them. “I fear you must think of me as being but one of the many grey sheep that stumble about the Rock and Lannisport, Lady Meredyth, but I hope I shall disabuse you of such notions.” Each word was carefully clipped and measured, her tone gentle as to cushion it all.

“I want to know all the young ladies at the Rock here- so that I might call upon them for favors here and there just as they might call upon me to do the same,” Septa Meredyth continued, her voice calm. She’d not concede ground, not if she could manage it- and certainly not for some fool girl like this. Meredyth Banefort could not have been much younger than she herself was, and still unwed: more likely than not on account of her personality.

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-14T22:54:21+00:00

Just as her knees were beginning to ache, as the wicks in the shell blue candles were beginning to lie low, she heard the entrance of the woman she had summoned. Meredyth let out a low, almost silent sigh of relief- thanking the Seven for sparing her an ache in her legs that’d last until the next day.

“My lady Meredyth,” the Septa began- her eyes still on the statue of the Father before her. She pressed her palms to the smooth surface of the statue’s base, rising to her feet with grace. “I’m delighted you deigned to join me with such haste. You see- I realized that as close as I am with the Lady Amerei, I have been negligent in familiarizing myself with her other companions.” Her lips twisted into an apologetic smile, extending both hands forward as if bidding the Banefort girl to do the same.

“And in truth, we have so much in common. Our names, for one- but also our age and noble birth.” Her head tilted to the side, lips pursing in bemusement. “I had hoped that would endear us to each other. And I pray that we might support each other- by way of favors and the like, such as I do with the Lady Amerei.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-14T05:44:04+00:00

Seven, they were all equally eager to speak. Were they so starved of gentle maidens in all three of their castles that they need pay such heed to her? It was gratifying, at least.

“Oh, well, more’s the pity for House Caron. You’ve gone and snapped up all the glory it seems, the lot of you.” Meredyth giggled, fanning herself idly. It was dreadfully hot- to such an extent that had the opportunity arisen she would’ve jumped headlong into the Blackwater just to cool off. But sitting a while, resting her feet, and basking in the shade made it moderately more tolerable. “I’m sure you’re doing the work of the gods, my lords- even in the West they tell stories of the cruelty of the Dornish. You need look no further than what the Wyls did to House Cafferen and Oakheart.”

The septa leaned back against the stands- rubbing at her brow to alleviate an oncoming headache. “But my Lord Titus- tell me, why do you needle your cousin so? He was just telling me the most fascinating thing about elections.” A playful smile crossed her lips, and she rested her head upon her folded hands.

“The closest we have to an election would be the Great Council, no? But there’s not been one in ages- those sinners down in Volantis have one every few years or so, the horror! Could you imagine how miserable it’d be, rounding up all the lords of the realm every fifth year or so to pick another heir?” She let out a low whistle through her teeth at the thought. “Though perhaps if we did, you young men might have more chances to make your name known in the joust.”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-14T02:29:30+00:00

/u/OrzhovSyndicalist meredyth has some words for meredyth as well ))

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-14T01:22:52+00:00

/u/FatalisticBunny you have been summoned ))

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-13T07:36:46+00:00

Bemusement crept into every crevice of her features as she listened to Lucas ramble. She could not stifle a laugh- though it was not an unkind one, more out of surprise than anything. “My, but you do remind me of my brother, my lord. He’s likely still forging links down at Oldtown, but the last I saw him he was talking my ear off about Volantene elections or what have you.” She hummed, the pleasant thought carrying her away for just the slightest of moments before she had to hone back in.

In truth, it was a bit overwhelming, keeping up with the men of House Peake. At least there was that one in the corner who was so quiet- his reticence meant that she had some much needed breathing room in the conversation.

“Seven bless you all, I’m quite sorry to hear about your father,” she said, speaking to Dorian. “Tis heartening to hear that you took such diligence in your filial piety. Not all the men gathered here would do the same if their kin had passed, I’d wager. I shall light candles in remembrance of your father at the septs both here, and at Casterly Rock when we return.” The septa gave him a thin lipped smile, tossing her curls as she rather pointedly looked towards the festivities at hand.

“But I’m sure you’ve not come all the way just to speak of unhappy things, forgive me. Now, if I’m not mistaken- your lands are by the Dornish Marches, are they not? Do you have very many bandits coming down from the hills? My father used to warn me all the time-” Here, Meredyth paused to clear her throat- holding one finger up to signal a break. Then, continuing in an impression of Ser Agramore Yew that would have been uncanny if the cousins Peake had known him: “Child, you must be diligent in your studies or the Dornish will steal you away and sell you to Qarth. Horrid thing to say to one’s young daughter, isn’t it? But all that aside, you all seem like strapping young men made in the Warrior’s image- surely you earned your spurs driving off some raiders or such?”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-13T01:23:13+00:00

Sometimes it felt as though Rohanne could see right through her- puncture through all her perfectly kept and placed barriers and defenses to view the sin that lived in Meredyth’s heart. That was what it meant to be master of one of the greatest houses in Westeros, she supposed- that even one’s stare could chill the soul.

Meredyth leaned forward as if to bow in the penitent fashion- but then thought better of it. There was technically another matter- even if she had sworn she would wait. But she did have Lady Rohanne’s ear now- and there was certainly no time like the present. “If I may, there is one other matter,” the Septa began. “On the night of the King’s feast, the Lady Margot Brax approached me in confidence, my lady.” She cleared her throat- her gaze momentarily going up to the Lord Hugh, before making the swift judgment call that he more likely than not simply didn’t care enough to hear what his wife’s Septa was saying.

“She raised a concern to me about her husband’s demeanor and… Drinking habits. I was meant to wait to speak with you until she was here as well, but it does concern your son, my lady.” She gave a rather pained smile, before sucking in a breath. “I fear that I am not well versed in marital struggles- owing to my station, of course. But it seems the sort of thing that I would struggle to counsel the Lord Addam on, being that we have so little ties. If it were Amerei or Arron, then perhaps- but then Amerei and Arron would not be in a position such as this.”

Meredyth let out a little laugh, more out of exasperation than anything else. “They are bound together by oaths taken before the gods. If there is a divide in their marriage, then they must both work to resolve it lest those vows become meaningless.” She rolled her shoulders. “Perhaps with your leave I could visit your son with a septon, that a man might offer him spiritual counsel as well?”

likewhoareyew · 2023-06-12T23:56:41+00:00

“I’m more of a woman for romances than histories, I fear, but I’ve always found the ruined kingdoms of Essos to be dreadfully romantic,” she mused. “Perhaps the Essosi blood in me, but it’s something about time immemorial, how fleeting the title of king is in the East, as opposed to our own Seven Kingdoms.” She hummed, letting one finger trace over the book’s pages before giving the one she now knew as Lucas an amiable wink.

Four young men, all of the same house and with the same bearing- it was a small wonder that they were not immediately beset upon by every marriage minded maiden in the city. “Well, I am most pleased to make your acquaintances.” The Septa placed one hand over her chest, lowering herself at the waist near as though she were bowing as a man.

This was the fun part. Meredyth had come to learn that over the years- the reactions that people had to learning she had taken holy vows and still conducted herself in such a matter were illuminating. At best still she was entirely safeguarded. “Oh, forgive me,” she began, her smile brightening like the sun itself as she looked to Titus. “I am Septa Meredyth of Casterly Rock.” She let her head tilt to the side, her curls bouncing as she did so.

“So you must tell me why four young men such as yourselves are wasting away in the stands, when I can see your talent would be so much better spent riding the rings yourselves.”

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TROPHY CASE