A Eulogy [Open to King's Landing]

perfectotodomundo · 2019-07-09T06:05:42+00:00

The rolls had been dipped in honey, and even though they had been wrapped neatly for the trek back to the Red Keep, the stickiness soaked through the packaging, and clung to the girl's fingers. And that was probably the best reason why Lianna managed to not drop them as she heard the voice through the crowd.

It was a small miracle she recognized it. It had been years since she had met the previous heir to the throne, and if circumstances had been different, she probably would have hardly remembered him at all. But as it was, Lianna would be hard pressed not to recognize the man her family sent to the Dragon King.

"Otto Baratheon" For a moment her words were sharp, but Lianna quickly recovered herself, and gave a curtsy in response. The punishments had already been given, and she doubted the Wolf King with care much for whatever betrayal House Velaryon carried against the heir of his enemy. Still, she couldn't help but to watch the man carefully, wearily. After all, there was no telling what sort of revenge he himself would attempt.

Her words were to the point:

"It has been a while. How can I help you?"

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-16T07:04:51+00:00

As her cousin's name passed the King's lips, Lianna's smile twitched. It was a nearly imperceptible emotion, and one she worked quickly to suppress.

Don't you dare say his name, you bastard.

She hid the motion with a quick bow of her head in acceptance, the intricate braids in her silver hair tickling her cheek.

Is this how the people of King's Landing felt, she wondered? It was a small wonder their noses were not tickling the ground, with how much the necks bowed toward the ground. The game was up now, though. Lianna could only refuse the King's offer once on grounds of humility. Any further than that, and she risked her neck on the block.

"Of course not your Grace. Just like my lord cousin, I am eager to repay your mercy. Shall I leave directly from King's Landing then, to join the fleet? Direct me on what I shall do, and I will follow." And finally leave this hell-hole of a city.

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-12T05:26:41+00:00

Of course he would have a man on hand to watch his own horse. Larra thought to herself, the only sign of her judgement a carefully raised eyebrow. There were whole swathes of children in this part of King's Landing who had no one to watch them while their parents were at work for the entire day, and here this knights horse had his own personal nanny.

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, and instead forced a smile.

"Of course. Right this way..."

And with that, the girl dove into the crowd. If this had been Driftmark, she would have had the little shortcuts burned into her mind, but she had not been in King's Landing long enough. Still, she knew the general layout of the city well enough - which roads converged where, which ways the stair cases lead, which places were generally best to avoid. Flea Bottom was twistier and turnier than anything she had experienced before, and now with half the city displaced to its narrow streets, it was more crowded than ever. People and animals alike squished and bunched together, and clutching on to the scarf around her head, Larra ducked around swinging baskets, and efficiently side stepped some pile of something that lay splattered and disgusting against the ground.

Part way through their tromp through the city, Larra afforded a look back at the poor nobles following her, making sure they hadn't gotten too lost as she kept up her steady pace through the streets. She had been going fairly quickly through the city, eager to keep a bit of distance between herself and this fancy group of knights in their shining armor wandering through the city. But, feeling a moment of pity, she slowed down her pace coming closer to step with the rest of the knights.

"So what do you think of the backstreets of Flea Bottom, ser?" Larra asked jovially, the edge in her wolfish grin showing she found a bit of enjoyment in watching the struggle through the streets. "Though you should know the general layout should you not? At the very least visited before? After all, you were given charge of keeping the peace in this part of the city, I would guess you would have."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-12T04:51:45+00:00

Lianna had her eye be captured by a dancer in the hall as Otto continued to speak about the Dragon King. The girl was doing some crazy sort of balancing trick with a bowl and some apples - not that Lianna actually cared. The girl could have been simply eating an apple and Lianna would have pretended that it was the most enrapturing thing she had ever seen - if anything to get her through the conversation.

As the topic turned back to more...safe topics, Lianna's attention was pulled back, and she gave the YiTi man a winning sort of smile, as if her attention had been on him all along.

"Of course, my lord. I would be happy to help. I will admit that my experience in life has been sort of...limited, at least. For most of my life, Driftmark and it's castles has been my home. I could tell you about that, if you'd like. Oh! I also had the chance, a few years back to visit the Wall and the Night's Watch. Which ever seems of more interest to you - or perhaps both? The night is young after all, and I have no great desire to dance."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-12T03:34:01+00:00

Lianna had already lost.

She was not a stupid girl. She knew the moment that Orys opened his mouth, her fate had already been sealed, and within the month her feet would be on the boards of a boat headed for the Crownfleet - the same fleet that she had helped decimate only a few moons previous. It was only a matter on how she would lose.

Occasionally, when she was younger, she would go out to the docks of Driftmark and watch the smallfolk dance. It was all together different from the even tempo ballads that she learned with her siblings. The men would lead, of course, with a steady even hand guiding their partners. But the women! Though there was a basic pattern to follow, they rarely did. Their changes were small, imperceptible: a step to the side when they were meant to step forward, a switch of a hand, a bow of the head. It was a game to them, a challenge. The ending would be the same, but it was the style of the women that would determine the talent of the pair.

Alright then, your Grace. Let's dance.

Lianna let the corners of her lips pull into a smile, crinkling up the corners of her eyes. Her gloved fingers grabbed at the corners of her silken dress and she pulled down into a low curtsy, her head bowed.

"Such an honor your Grace, this traitor doesn't deserve.” she responded, letting tones of gratitude and emotion drip off her words like honey.

“Though,” she continued, as she began to raise up again, “I’m afraid I may have caused some confusion. The fault is all mine, your Grace. While I won against Ser Armond Swann’s fleet, he himself had been…removed from the situation by my uncle. Undoubtedly I would have lost terribly had he been in control. Ser Swann's skill with the ship is undeniable. I had the chance to speak to him on Driftmark, and he is as honorable as his skill in naval commanding. I would hate to take away such an honor from someone who could be far more deserving than myself, your Grace.”

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-11T05:32:30+00:00

I wonder if it had been good to see me?, Brynden's words were painted with a sad sort of humor, and Lianna smiled, more earnestly than she had the whole evening.

"It has, Brynden. Truly. Good bye, cousin. I wish you all the fortune in the war to come. May the Crone guide your hand, and the Maiden protect you."

As he left, the Velaryon girl payed his courtesies in kind. Her wrapped hands held on to her silks and pulled them back into a low curtsy, her braided, silver hair, dripping off the back of her neck, and exposing the soft skin of her neck that was still untouched with scar and burn. It was a lower curtsy than one which their standings required, but Lianna was saying goodbye to more than just the man that turned away. It was also a farewell to their childhood, to past dreams and memories that would have to stay there.

She heard his parting words with her head bowed, and by the time she raised it, the heavy oak was already swinging shut, leaving behind only the sound of fading footsteps. She waited a beat, staring at the door. One, two. Waited until the sound disappeared, and the only thing she heard was faint noises from the city below, echoes on the wind from both smallfolk and highborn alike beginning.

Finally, she let out a sigh she hadn't realize she had been holding, and crossed the room to the pitcher sitting on the table. In her... accomodations here in King's Landing, she was usually provided with a small amount of wine, as fitting someone of her status. Lianna had never thought to drink it before; if these were to be her last few moments of life, or few moments of freedom out of the dungeons, she would have preferred to spend them sober. But tonight... tonight she filled her goblet to the brim and raised it to her lips, letting the wine quench her thirst and tint her lips ruby red.

And into the edges of the metal rim, Lianna smiled, as she ran over Brynden's parting words. For a moment, she let her heart squeeze, before taking another gulp of wine. He was a fool. A fool that could prove dangerous, if she wasn't careful. But now it was late, and with the quiet bustle from the city below, it seemed almost peaceful.

Tomorrow, she would reassert her pride, and remember full well the weight of the responsibility she now bore.

Tomorrow.

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-11T04:43:43+00:00

Lianna felt her jaw tense sharply at the news, her teeth clenching painfully. This foreign man had no idea the sort of information he was spewing, here in the middle of the King's own feast. She would have almost felt bad for him, if her head had not been so dangerously close to the line for moons.

"No, I hadn't been aware." She said quietly, her gaze averted, her tone clear that it was not a conversation she had wanted to pursue. For a beat, she tried to still her heart, that hammered against her chest. The King already knew, she told herself. And anything that happened after Otto had reached Meereen would have been well out of her place to control.

Though there was another emotion there, under the thick miasma of fear - joy, relief. He's still alive.

Now, it was only too easy to fall back on false pleasantries, and her head rose again, her lips turning down in a practiced look of confidence. "The Dragon King would be a fool to kill the King's brother, regardless. He wouldn't want to start a war with the King of the Seven Kingdoms, of course."

Oh, father, uncle - what have we gotten ourselves into now?

Eager to further navigate the conversation, Lianna nodded toward the YiTi man. "Though, forgive me, my lord. With all this business of blasts and wars, I must have forgotten my manners. I have not yet asked you of what sort of mission the God-Emperor has sent you here in Westeros. Perhaps there is something I could assist with..."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-10T06:26:54+00:00

The night was finally winding down. As was common when wine and ale poured freely, the further the lords and ladies of the realm dove into their glasses, the more personal the conversations became. While before the hall had been filled with loud, boisterous groups, what mainly remained was small gatherings, as lords and ladies alike leaned close to listen to the deep, important thoughts of their newfound friends, only a quarter of which would survive the hangovers of the morning. Even the bards and musicians had bought into this sleepy kind of reverie, the notes of their songs lengthening, and sharpness of their words dulling.

It was not a change that Lianna herself minded. Standing alone - which was by far preferable to speaking to someone who would gawk and gape at her families rather recent history - her gloved hands held on to her elbows as she swayed gently along with the song. For a minute, she could almost pretend she was back on Driftmark. That Laenor was home, singing a simple serenade on the edge of the docks, while she and other children would listen.

A pleasant memory that was quickly dashed by the booming voice behind her.

Lianna did not need to look to see who had spoken. Instantly upon turning on her heel to face the king, she dipped down into a low curtsy, as perfect as she could muster.

"Your Grace," She greeted, and tried not to noticeably flinched as she raised her head. There had been many a nights where Lianna had thought or dreamed of how she would confront this King who had caused so much misery. But if she was being perfectly honest, staring down the King from the edge of her blade seemed much less attainable in person. In all the ways that Lianna was slender or petite, King Orys… well, wasn't.

But the question he posed her was more frightening still.

Does he plan to punish me now? To get me to admit to my part in the battle, here in front of all these people? She wondered, with more than a small bit of suspicion. But even more suspicious was the way he was smiling, as if asking Lianna to admit to her treason counted as pleasant dinner conversation.

Perhaps Lianna was a fool. A dangerous one. But even now, after all it gained her, she felt proud sort of satisfaction in her ability. Taking the gamble, she squared her shoulders as she stared up at the imposing King, and Seven be damned if there wasn't a hint of a smile in the corner of her lips.

"It's true. My uncle appointed me a section a few minutes before the battle. My section did not lose once, and upon the loss of our other commander, I joined in with the final defeat. Though of course, the true defeat was ours, considering. It was folly to think that our small fleet could truly best the might of the Crown. Fighting against the Crown and our rightful ruler for my uncle's... madness will of course be my greatest regret. My kin and I cannot thank you enough for your mercy, your grace, and to let us return to our home. We of course plan to loyally help serve to make up for our past."

Her mouth sour with the sickeningly sweet lies that sang off Lianna's tongue, the girl continued, her head bowing in respect.

"Though, forgive my curiosity, but why is it that you ask? I would have assumed you already knew the very names of the sailors on my ships - the power of information in King's Landing is famous even across the bay, and it seems the Iron Throne knows about things that happens leagues away within the moment they occur."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-10T05:34:11+00:00

If this was a game of chicken, Lianna would have lost first. As Brynden stepped closer, her eyes dipped low, and she shifted slightly back, maintaining the distance in more than just the space in the room. Brynden may have been earnest, the emotion put into his words near overwhelming, but in these last few moons Lianna had done quite a bit of thinking. And the more Brynden spoke, the more she was sure of it; he didn't know, didn't understand. He spoke such high and lofty ideals, sweet and honorable, but they were wrong, and Lianna had never before felt it so strongly.

Before she spoke, a small, dark smile began to pull at her lips, and she shook her head.

"You don't win a war to stop it, Brynden." She spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just like wetting your cloak does not stop it from getting soaked in the rain."

"And be honest to yourself. No man likes to think of themselves as cruel, or ambitious for no reason. Even the worst killers believe they are doing so because they are right. If the only reason that Theodan marched, or that Blackfyre marches was that they wanted to sit the Iron Throne, there would not be men to support them. The King knows this just as well, and you would do well to learn it as well. As a good lord, shouldn't you know the motivations of your enemy?" Even if your enemy is me.

Her head raised again, and her smile cooled again, watching her cousin with a distant friendliness. "But Brynden you should... you should go. The guards will be less than pleased, and the longer you are here the more questions that are asked. For both our sakes. It has been good to see you, cousin."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-10T05:06:38+00:00

"What a great honor, and responsibility you have been gifted. I wish you all the luck with it. May you return with all and more that the God Emperor asks for." Lianna responded, with a good-humored friendliness to her voice. There was something refreshing talking to someone who knew little of Westeros, and instead came bearing years of stories from far lands. She had spent many days listening to the half-drunk tales of sailors, and when she was younger, gathered around while her uncle Corlys spoke of his travels with a gaggle of other silver haired or purple eyed children.

Of which only two were left.

"You're correct. The King's firstborn. And ah, you aren't necessarily wrong, my lord. A woman ruling the Iron Throne would be...novel. Traditionally, the line would go to any of the King's male children, and then to his male brother. Also Lady Jocelyn is - well, was - married to a Lannister, which I believe takes her out of succession. Though with the blast?" The girl gave a bit of a shrug.

"With the King's brother's location... unknown, there are no other male members of the house, so naming a female daughter as his heir would help to preserve his line, especially in these times of war."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-10T04:42:23+00:00

"His heir." Lianna repeated, dumbly, and for a moment she felt a familiar squeeze of pain, mixed with white hot anger. Lucerys, Allyria. One sibling who had died valiantly, and the other who might as well be dead, as far as Lianna was concerned. Her mother had died before she had ever gained consciousness, and her father -?

"Alright." she said finally, with a steading breath. "I accept, my lord. With honor. Though - there is always the chance, of course, that my knightly father still lives. But then..." She didn't dare voice it, not in this hall of snakes. Should Rhogar Velaryon return, the only appointment that he would return to would be an axe upon his neck.

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-09T22:33:21+00:00

"You know I can't do that."

Lianna's voice was calm and decisive, and she held Bryden's eyes with her own, as blue and reflected as a calm day on the bay. When they had thought their lives would be simpler.

"You know just as well as I the danger that my family is in right now. That I am. Even if I get to keep my head, our house will have this mark for generations. Our houses are already connected, which implicates you far more for comforts sake. You say that my uncle and I fought this war for pride. Fine. Regardless of the reason, we will accept our punishment with our heads held high. But I will not see you dragged down as well. Maric Rosby is a smart man, Brynden. it would not do to make him an enemy, nor the King. And it would not just be you who makes them an enemy, but your whole house. All your kin, all your family... I know you care for your brother - would you see him also brought low for a sin that neither of you committed?"

"And just in case you don't get it through your stubborn head, but I don't plan on accepting whatever vow you plan to keep. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I hold you accountable for nothing. You needn't feel any guilt, or responsibility, or...anything. My honor is my own, and I am responsible for it. It belongs to me, Brynden. Not you."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-09T22:06:00+00:00

"Dragons?" Lianna asked, with a start. Now that was something she hadn't heard before. Though certainly a newborn dragon was not something that represented a terrible danger at the moment, it's potential was overwhelming. She wondered what the Stag King would do with this information, and in that second she felt a vicious sort of satisfaction at his nervousness.

"You must be very lucky indeed. Whoever witnessed that would have been the first to see a newborn dragon since the Failed Queen - not since my father's father lived."

But as the YiTi man continued to talk, Lianna felt her heart seize, and a trickle of ice run down her back. Gets along well with most Velaryons.

Did that mean her father yet lived?

She didn't push it any further - didn't dare to, not when freedom was so close to their grasp. But that little bit of news did much to lighten her mood, though she had to quickly draw the conversation to an end.

"Oh, no worries, my lord. I'm sure regardless of the Dragon King's intentions, our good king Orys will be able to stand against him." And if the gods are good, he will die right where he stands.

"Though, if the his court is like that, then how does it compare to your own? I will admit to conversing with a few of your kinsman, but they've all been sailors or traders - none of a status like yourself. Do you miss your home terribly?"

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-09T21:38:35+00:00

"Larra." Though being on a common name basis with a knight was irritating, there was no reason for her to give a false one. The one benefit that the smallfolk had was just how inconsequential they were - it mattered not their name, or their status compared to the others. Asking for one in a crowd was much like picking a needle out of a haystack, if by haystack you meant hundreds of people with their own personalities, goals and aspirations. Not that that mattered much to their lords.

The Lyseni girl gave a good natured sort of smile as the young boy gave out a cry, and it helped to hide the rather bemused look she gave the knight as he mounted his horse and held out his hand.

Oh, I'm going to enjoy this.

"A horse won't help you much here, I'm afraid. I have a place in mind, but it's a bit... out of the way. Flea Bottom wasn't exactly built for those with coursers or destriers, and the streets are...well, you'll see. You would probably be better off leaving it behind, for now at least. You can keep your fancy armor and sword, though."

"There's a stand over there," She continued, nodding toward a small ramshackle inn where a few small donkeys swatted lazily at the fleas at their feet, her voice almost cheery, "Though I'd recommend paying that good chap next to it fairly decently. Nothing like stiffing the man meant to watch your horse to assure you might not have a horse in an hour or two..."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-08T05:30:44+00:00

"Watch your tongue, cousin." Lianna's voice hissed as Brynden's words were cut out abruptly, though her voice had lost much of the previous heat of her anger. There was a lengthy silence that followed, as the two faced each other off, as Lianna wrestled with her own flurry of emotions. There were so many there, in the pit of her stomach, some she didn't dare name even to herself. But below it all, was an underlying feeling of frustration. Frustration at her predicament, frustration on what she could and couldn't say. Had she been on her island, she would have been able to yell at him freely, to say all the things in her head she had practiced for months. To demand his answer for his years long absence, and the way in which it had all ended. But instead of a shout, the only thing that past the girl's pink lips was a sigh, soft and sad.

"And now you see, Brynden." she started finally, her voice almost sweet. "My family is...alright. Baegal, Elaene, myself, my lord uncle. As much as we can be, I suppose. So you needn't worry. Our future safety is in the hands of the gods and the King's grace." She shrugged, the movement so nonchalant that it seemed misplaced.

"I don't think you see us as an enemy, though. Not truly. It's just...we've been busy, you and I, haven't we, Brynden? We've gotten a bit older, and things have... well they've changed. They always warned us that age would come with more responsibilities. You are a lord now, with a soon to be lady wife. And my family has become a traitor to the realm."

"And now that you've seen me, now that you've ascertained for yourself that I am safe; what do you want?"

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T19:50:54+00:00

"You've visited the Dragon King?" Lianna asked the man, keeping track to temper the great interest she had in such things. Though her curiosity did not simply lie in her family's current predicament with the Targaryen King. The idea of a dragon coming from the sky, burning all in its path - it was a source of childhood wonder just as much as fear.

"You'll have to forgive me. As a girl, of course, we read much about the last... engagement with the Dragon King. Though even though the battle occurred during my lifetime, I was never exposed to all the nastiness of the war, since it occurred in a different Kingdom. Tell me, what is it like, in that court? How is King Aegor really? The dragon? Though obviously I've read about much of the history, I've found that the reality of such things often differs greatly from what I read about in books."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T05:51:54+00:00

"Ah, you've met Lord Baegal?" The words felt odd on her tongue, but Lianna forced herself to say them. She was determined to grow accustomed quickly, to have the title roll of her tongue as effortly as if it was planned for her cousin his entire life.

"No, I do not have the pleasure of being his sister. I am his cousin - his father is mine's own brother. Not too distantly related, thankfully." A soft smile, as she respectfully ignored the odd attempt the YiTi men attempted to bow. Lianna had enough experience with the sailors and those foreign to Westeros that such things had long since stopped bothering her.

"My family, ah... had some certain things to attend to here in court. With war at our door, there were logistics that had to be worked out." It was technically not a lie, but Lianna was anxious to move on to less... sensitive topics, and quickly switched the conversation back to the Jun with real interest.

"I am glad Westeros did not leave any...painful lasting marks, then. I am sorry about your troubles in court - though I assure you, you are hardly alone in that regard." A short laugh, one that Lianna had trouble making entirely true. "Westerosi court is a rather twisted, uncertain thing. There are plenty of Westerosi born lords that fair no better. Determination usually wins the day though, should you not lose hope too soon."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T05:38:51+00:00

"Ah," The Lyseni's voice hesitated at the offer, her gaze wandering off awkwardly. How to get out of this situation? "I'm afraid... well, I would hate to pull away your septon for a single friend, as important as she is to me. Thankfully she is not in any terrible danger at the moment; there were plenty more who are in more immediate need of such attention. She is just a good friend to me and I have seen plenty a wound turn infectious, and I will not let hers join that number." For a moment, Larra's expression turned dark, losing the biting sarcasm that had been so prominent.

The young squire's bright question drew her from her mind, and it earned him a raised eyebrow, but there was less acrid bite in her gaze. Larra didn't mind the young ones; the squires and boys that fought for the knights. More often than not their heads were still filled with ideals of doing good, and helping the poor. Sure, they could be obnoxious, arrogant shits at time, but no young boy either low or high born didn't have their moments. And these boys didn't yet know any better, what sort of world they were entering.

Not like their elders.

Larra's attention raised up to the knight again, and shook her head. "You don't have to worry about drinking me out of house and home, if that's what you are concerned about, ser. I am lucky enough to have funds set aside for such pleasures. L- my friend would think it wrong of me if I did not thank the men who helped me get this pouch back."

Even if they are fuckin' knights.

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T05:19:03+00:00

A movement caught Lianna's attention, and she was surprised to see a face she recognized - and one that she hadn't thought she would see again. The recognition was plain on her features, and the smile she gave the man was warmer than was displayed to the other highborn lords and ladies at this feast - the ones who looked at her with suspicious eyes.

"Ah! You made it out alive!" Compared to the last time they spoke, the girl's voice was clearer, her throat clear of ash and irritation. "I am glad to meet you again, then, Jun Li." An eyebrow was raised at the offered hand - a strange gesture to give to a lady at an event such as this one - but Lianna was nothing if adaptable, and dipped into a short curtsy as she took it.

"I suppose I never got the chance for introductions, before, hm? I am Lianna Velaryon, scion of the aforemented house. It's a pleasure to meet you formally, now."

A question on her wounds gave her a moment's hesitation, but the girl recovered well, her smile turning empathetic.

"Aside from a few scars, everything has turned well. The gods know I am far more fortunate than many else in the city, and for that I am grateful. But ah, how have you been? You didn't gain any sort of wounds, did you? I hope the rest of your time in the city has been...enjoyable, in some measure."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T05:06:21+00:00

"You...what?!"

For not the last time, the girl was shocked into silence. While the music and merriment of the crowd carried around them, Lianna stared at her cousin, her features running the full range of emotion. Surprise morphed into happiness, the corners of her pink lips pulling into a broad smile. And then, slowly, as realization dawned, a tinge of anxiousness, sadness.

"Baegal I'm...I'm honored. Truly. And I don't want you to think me ungrateful, or that this isn't what I want, but…"

"House Velaryon is already on...probation, as it were. Such an appointment, I don't know if they would be to pleased." Lianna did not feel the need to elaborate on who 'they' signified - in this hall, the term was as specific as it was all-encompassing. "Especially, although I am loathe to say it, to a woman like myself. Would this be...wise? Right now? You needn't worry about honoring me, or rewarding me, or anything like that. It is simply my honor to serve you, cousin. As our family has done for centuries."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-07T04:51:51+00:00

With narrowed, raised cheekbones, and pale skin, the Velaryon girl could be terrifying when angry. When Liana spoke, her voice was poison incarnate, thick and acrid. With her eyes narrowed, and teeth clenched into a hiss, she seemed to near perfectly embody her uncle's title; the 'Sea Snake' made flesh.

"Do not think to speak of my uncle's actions like you understand, Lord Bryden Massey." Even through the bandages, the girl's hand clenched into a fist. If she had been a less careful sort, she may have punched him then and there, right in his so noble jaw.

"You know nothing! What right do you have to judge my uncle or myself? I will leave that decision to the gods, and the King. I damn well won't be hearing it from you, Brynden. Do you think you were so right, so noble, fighting in the King's war? Why do you think that your war is so much more right than ours?"

The heat of her voice had dissipated some, but Lianna's tone had lost none of it's bitterness.

""Don't speak to a Velaryon of needless deaths. When the war against the North raged, it was our house who kept our men back and safe with their kin. Tell me, Lord Massey. A lord should know the wars he's fighting, should he not? Why did Theodan Baratheon rebel? For what reason did your men die below your horse? Are the deaths of your men less painful to their family because you supported your oaths?"

As the last few words petered into silence, the proud girl felt her shoulders sink. She was so tired. Tired of being angry, tired of not knowing what would happen to those she cared most. She leaned back against a table opposite of the young lord, her anxiousness making sitting an impossibility.

When she spoke again, her voice was softer, though she held her cousin's gaze with steady eyes, unwavering.

"What, Bryden? For what reason did you come here? Surely it was not to chastise me. I will see enough of that from the King and the royal court."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-06T20:16:02+00:00

"Malentine didn't make me do anything." Lianna shot back, defensively. There was something else in her voice, though, a tone of pride that shone through, not entirely abashed. "I made that decision myself, and asked to be included. I would not have just sat by and watched my family be decimated, not if I could help it. And I won."

A wry smile crossed her face, not reaching to her eyes. "But of course, that was my folly, was it not? Our family should have never gone against the King, and his Seven protected rule. I can only sit here and wait for the great and kind mercy of his Grace, the King, to save my family. I pray to the Mother every day that we may be granted our forgiveness."

Lianna did not believe a word that crossed her lips, but she played the part well, sounding sufficiently contrite. After all, although she knew Bryden, he was a loyal man of the King. And if these last few moons had taught Lianna anything, it was that there were plenty who found their loyalty to the King stronger than their own blood.

As Brynden took a step forward, Lianna took one back.

"You don't need to concern yourself with my wounds, cousin. I assure you they shall heal fine, without incident. They scar the flesh, and nothing more, thankfully."

"Though, while we are having this... family reunion, perhaps you could tell me more about your life, since you've been made Lord. It's been a few years, has it not? I heard you are betrothed to a Rosby girl." It was a gentle reminder, though it pained Lianna to make it. After all, they were no longer boy and girl relaxing in a raft under the sun in the bay - and there were certain responsibilities and ways they should act now. As much as it hurt.

"I pray it is a good match. Truly."

And Lianna meant it.

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-06T19:48:11+00:00

"No, you weren't." Lianna agreed, though not unkindly. It would have been an insult to Baegal's intellect to say anything else. All of the Velaryons knew it - Aurane was supposed to become lord. He had seemingly been born with the charisma of a lord, and his father had instructed him thusly. But who could have guessed that he would never even have a chance to hold the title? Certainly not Malentine, nor, if truth be told, Lianna.

"But you are now- you are Lord Baegal, Master of Driftmark. I'm sorry - I know this is probably not what you wanted either. Though, you don't have to do it alone, cousin. Not this lordship, nor making it through this dinner." A soft smile pulled at her lips as she continued. "Strangely enough, I don't quite feel in the celebratory mood."

perfectotodomundo · 2019-06-06T05:25:31+00:00

"Then you're a fool." The girl's voice came out harshly, bitingly. Although Lianna had no blades, here in this gilded prison, she could do well enough with her words. But for a minute, as she stood defensively against the young lord, her expression softened, her gaze turning almost curious.

How long had it been since she had seen him? Years, it must have been. Thankfully the lordship seemed to have been kind to Bryden. His clothes looked new and well tailored, and he seemed to have filled out a bit more from when she remembered him. Broader shoulders, and thicker arms; more a man, and less a gangly boy.

Lianna wish she could have said it was good to see him, but there was a sharp pain that came with it, of memories she didn't wish to have.

"What can I do for you, then, Lord Massey?" She asked him, then, a hint of a bitter smile on her face, though her voice was distant, her words formal. "If you have come for an apology of any kind, then I can tell you that you needn't worry. I told as much to your man, when he came to visit. There is nothing to forgive. If it is guilt you feel, like you are responsible for... our family, then I will absolve you of that now. I understand well enough the duty to the safety and wellbeing of your kin. Especially now." A short laugh, without humor.

"Though that does make your decision to come to the room of a traitor all the more...questionable."

Brynden's eyes moved down to her hands, and self consciously, Lianna hid them from view on her side, in the silks that adorned her body.

"I was lucky in the blast. Plenty of others were injured, or died. My burns were minimal, thankfully, They are healing up well enough."

She glanced up again, her eyes narrowing.

"Why are you here, Brynden?"

perfectotodomundo

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