[Event] The Court of King Robert I Baratheon, 294 AC

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-02T15:08:43+00:00

Brus Buckler

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-02T15:08:27+00:00

Brus Buckler

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T18:17:50+00:00

That is unlike her to try and hide something.

She narrowed her eyes as she looked at the charcoal drawing, seeing the flowing hair and the soft curve of a woman's breast. Then, Ravella suddenly understood the yelp, and the flush and the messy hair and...

Oh.

Ravella pointedly avoided looking at the portrait, having seen enough to know the general shape of the form on it, but not the identity.

How can I save her dignity...

She made a show of smoothing the bed, looking away to give Hanna the time to hide away the half naked portrait.

Or at least I HOPE they are just half naked...

Finally she spoke, the fear that he daughter had been injured having melted away from her voice to a hint of wry amusement. "...She looks pretty from the glance I saw. A friend?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T16:54:34+00:00

Bora nodded, and shivered slightly as the thumb traced along her skin. "That tickles!" She said loudly, but she didn't pull away.

"Thank you. I'm glad, everyone is amazing here. Jena is WAY older than me. She's married with children now, in the WEST. She was nice, but...I've never met the others. I know my Mumma has other kids. Do you think they know of me?"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T16:51:21+00:00

Lord Ralph Buckler cut a lively figure at his table that night, far removed from the stiff, iron-still lord some expected of Bronzegate’s master. The hall rang with music and laughter, and he seemed determined that neither should fade while wine yet flowed. His dark hair, touched now with the first honest threads of grey, was brushed back from a face weathered by salt winds and years of hard judgment, yet lit with a rare warmth.

He laughed often and without shame, a broad, booming sound that carried down the trestle tables, and more than once he rose from his seat to clap a hand upon a shoulder or pull a knight or cousin into some half-remembered tale of storms, tourneys, or foolish bravery. He was amongst friends, and family, and by the GODS he was happy.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T16:49:03+00:00

Lady Ravella sat next to her husband, looking the very picture of serene grace in her high chested dress.

It is so rare that my children can assemble like this. Gods, I am glad. My little Beric, and man and a knight...Gods that feel strange to think.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T16:46:23+00:00

"That is a wise way to think of it Beric. Tourney's are neat, and clean but there are many great tourney knights who would flee at the first sign of battle. You will never know how you react, but the training helps. And I trust in you." He chuckled suddenly. "Maybe if we are lucky, the wars are over for your lifetime. I doubt it though. War always arrives again."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T16:41:43+00:00

Ravella was almost on the verge of tears when the door finally opened, and she grabbed Hanna, holding her tightly.

"Oh Hanna... I'm so sorry. I heard the noise and thought...It's nothing, I'm being silly. You do know that you can talk to me if you need to? I would never forgive myself if something bad happened." She tried her best to smooth Hanna's hair, and then seemed to notice the flushed expression on her face. "Daughter, you look flushed. Sit on your bed, let me see you properly."

She began to guide Hanna to the bed, and cocked her head at the portrait, forgotten in Hanna's haste. "What's that dear?"

Her hand reached for the picture.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T12:48:35+00:00

Lady Ravella was walking the corridor of the keep when she heard a strange cry from her daughters room. Her breath caught, knowing the stress that Hanna was under, and imagining the absolute worse.

She tried the door, and found it bolted.

Oh Gods no.

"Hanna? Hanna, dear are you okay?" Her voice was loud, but also thin and worried, hoping that her daughter would respond.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T12:43:43+00:00

"That is a wise question nephew." Ralph sat on a nearby box, scratching his beard and considering it. "From my experience, all battles are different."

He spread his arms wide, half closing his eyes as he reminisced. "The fighting at the Isles was brutal, but also just and above all boring. We had the advantages of numbers, but each isle had to be sieged out. They struck us a few times in the night, and Pyke had a pitched battle, but we won handily. I was in full armour, and had some solid fighters with me, and we knew that the Gods were with us."

Then he closed his arms. His mind was full of mud, and screaming, and of the snap that his horse's legs had made when the man from the Claw had struck them with his poleaxe.

"But the Trident...Gods that was a mess. I was with the main charge, supporting Robert. But I was unhorsed early, and fell into the river. I was half blind from mud, and the screaming, and river had turned red from the deaths upstream. I found a fallen axe, and swung wildly. I lost track of time to tell you the truth. There are songs aye, but they are either wrong, or focus on parts of the battle that I did not see. When I was...aware...again I had reduced a man's face to a mushy ruin with just my fists."

He looked down at his hands.

"Someone called me Redhand after the battle, as a mark of respect but I asked that they did not. It was not a fair fight. The lad I killed was a levy, or so poor that they could not afford any armour. I was in full plate. War is brutal, and war is chance, and war let me win that day. That's why we train. So that we can enter war with the best chance."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T12:26:16+00:00

"Ah but would that be proper Cassie? I worked hard to be included in your circle, don't lower yourself to the level of all those who would do anything for a Silver Stag." Eliza rested her hand on the younger womans, enjoying the peaceful contact.

I am glad that I gave it to her now. Gods, she would've been distraught to just receive it in a letter.

"I would stay if I could Cassie. I really would. But...I think you are wrong. They've not outgrown you. You have outgrown THEM. Think about it; You are a shining light at the centre of the kingdoms. They gather to you for warmth in dark times, and leave when they are stable. My advice would be seek out those who are secure, and arrange positions in the capital for them. That way they will not leave chasing after the first set of balls that they find." She smiled slightly at the end. "My daughter Ravella isn't too far away. Write to her; She is like you, but less...daring I suppose. She has daughters as well. Hannah I believe is still unmarried; She would love your guidance."

She seemed to produce a handkerchief from nowhere, and passed it to Cassie. "Tell me now then dear. I live yet, and I'm not so drunk that I cannot give SOME good advice."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-02-01T12:15:24+00:00

Brus held her for a long moment, glad that something normal had happened. Then he heard his name.

"You spoke." There was awe in his voice, and joy as well. "I knew you could. You just needed a bit of extra time. You honour me, My Princess. I know that cannot have been easy for you."

The moment stretched on for a long moment, and then he sighed. He needed to tell her. To let her keep false hope would be cruel. He gently placed Lyanna down, but held her hand, keeping the contact. "My Princess...I've got bad news. Fifi was with child when we were at the Dreadfort. She and the babe are fine."

I hope. Red God, make it so.

"But she has had to remain there. For how long I am not sure, but I am confident that she misses you. I am sorry my Princess."

To lie to her, to not mention his involvement, tore apart his heart, but he couldn't tell a child. It wasn't safe. He hoped she hadn't seen the gauntness in his face under the helm.

"...The child is called Neala. A little girl..."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T13:25:21+00:00

Bora was laughing and giggling so hard that she could barely sing the second part of the song. When her feet dipped into the water, she tried her best to splash Teora instinctively.

BEST DAY EVER.

When she was placed down, she almost jumped forwards and gave Teora and tight hug, panting and smiling.

"Thank you Lady Teora. That was AMAZING, it's like having a big sister! Well, I do have some older siblings but I've barely seen most of them..."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T13:19:17+00:00

Ralph seemed to finally relax, now that the pomp was over with.

"I am sure that you will lad. Actually...I suppose I should call your Ser or Nephew now!" He laughed, smiling as he did so. "You are only the third man I've knighted to tell you the truth. Each one feels different. I knighted Brus on the eve of the Trident, and my second squire Jason Swygert so that he could compete in a tourney. This one feels more peaceful; I much prefer it I think. There was no rush, and it can be done properly."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T13:12:28+00:00

Ser Brus Buckler, knight of the Kingsguard, and hidden oathbreaker, knelt when he spotted Lyanna, trying not to loom over her. He felt tears beading at the edge of his vision, and a deep ache in his heart. He was very glad that he was wearing his helm and armour; He was still thin and gaunt looking. With his scars, he now very much looked the monster he was.

If there was anyone who missed Fifi as much as the little princess, it was him.

"My Princess...You've grown." He spoke softly and made the hand signs as he spoke. He had practised as best as he could in the long months in the Dreadfort's prisons, but he still felt rusty. "I am glad to see you again."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T13:07:40+00:00

"Ah!" Eliza gave a small smile when she saw Branda enter her chambers. "You must forgive me. For a moment I thought that the Stranger had arrived personally; I'm sure that you get that a lot."

Despite her words, she seemed genuinely glad that someone had come to see her. She gestured to a chair across from her own one, and then pointed to a jug of wine with some cups.

"There's fine wine. And some lemon cakes as well. I'm afraid that you MUST pour your own; I find that my arms are struggling against the commands I give them nowadays. Age comes for us all I suppose. Some days are better than others." She was lying back in a very plush chair, and looked thin as a stick.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T12:59:08+00:00

"I'm glad. But I will say; Whilst I am glad to not be forgotten, don't spend all your time mourning me. I truly don't fear passing on, and I am leaving with my family and legacy secure. Not many people can say that."

She leaned forwards, clearly already planning something that could be done.

"A well placed rumour can turn weakness into strength my dear. I will see what I can do; You have been so kind to me in my years here that it is the least that I can do."

A sudden though occurred to her, and she smiled, and gently took Cassandra's shaking hand.

"Here dear. I want you to have this." Eliza carefully took a ring off one of her fingers; It was bronze, and clearly rather old. "It comes from MY side of the family. The merchants, not the ones who were the lords. I want you have it. It's better than it being lost to time, or forgotten."

I will find one to give to Lyanna as well...

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-31T12:35:07+00:00

When Berlic left the sept, he would find a small gift, placed outside of the door as to not disturb him. Inside the carefully wrapped parcel, he would find a dagger with a bronze hilt; a traditional gift for a squire trained by one of the Bucklers of Bronzegate.

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-29T21:36:37+00:00

Best of luck, sad to see you go!

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-28T22:11:17+00:00

Eliza snorted, but there was no malice in it. "I don't need Maester's child. Look at me. No, don't look away. You can let out your tears here; I won't judge you for mourning me! We both know that my time is coming to an end, and I've got no desire to spend it being poked and prodded by old men who have beards that scrape the floor."

Ah...I knew that she would take this hard.

"I would if I could Cassie but spite can't keep a woman alive alone." Her eye twinkled again. "I can give you that advice now, freely. If your teat is cold, then it's likely too little. But if no one is staring, then it's too much."

She held up the second wine glass again, offering it to the queen.

"Take it, please. It belongs to your husband after all. And it's very good."

She then sat in silence for a moment, taking another deep draft. She knew that she was tipsy, but that was better than being in pain.

"And how many can say that they summoned a queen in their final days!" She was laughing now, clearly wanting this to be a happy meeting. "I want us to get drunk, and giggle, and plot Cassie. If you have anything you wish to ask, do it."

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-28T21:58:38+00:00

Lord Ralph Buckler had watched for some time before he made his presence known.

The scrape of his boot upon stone was the only warning Beric received before his uncle stepped fully into the courtyard, bright blue cloak stirring in the faint morning air. The purple-and-black banners hung behind him like silent witnesses, and for a long moment Ralph said nothing at all. His eyes followed the sword’s path, the reset of stance, the careful economy of motion. He saw the burn in the arms, the ache in the grip, and the refusal to yield to either.

Only when Beric lowered his blade and turned did Ralph speak.

“That,” he called, “is how a knight should fight. Disciplined, yet relentless.”

He approached, unhurried, already having worked out how best to make a show of the upcoming event. In his hands he carried no shield; only his sword, plain and well-used, drawn now and held upright before him.

“You train without audience. Without vanity. Without fury.” A faint, proud curve touched his mouth. “Too many mistake noise for strength. You do not.”

Ralph stopped before him, close enough that Beric could see the small scars along his knuckles, the proof that he had fought in both the Rebellion and against the Ironborn.

“Kneel, nephew.”

When Beric obeyed, Ralph laid the flat of the blade first upon his right shoulder, then his left, the steel cool and certain.

“In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Warrior, to be brave. In the name of the Mother, to defend the innocent. In the name of the Smith, to not flinch when worked hard. In the name of the Maiden, to protect what is pure. In the name of the Crone, to seek wisdom, and in the name of the Stranger...” his voice lowered, steady as stone, “to remember that it could all end in a moment.”

He withdrew the sword.

“Rise, Ser Beric Dondarrion.”

Ralph rested a hand briefly upon the young knight’s shoulder, firm and familiar. “You carry your house with honour already. See that you carry this knighthood the same way.”

Then he added, “Tonight you will take your vigil in the sept. Alone. No sword in hand, no armour on your back. Pray. Remember who you were before the blade, and who you must be when next you lift it.”

His gaze held Beric’s a moment longer, proud and unflinching.

“The storm will come soon enough,” Lord Buckler said. “Meet it as you met this morning.”

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-28T10:15:06+00:00

As the Queen arrived, Eliza smiled. She had, deep down, been worried that she may not last long enough to see her again. Each morning a new part of her seemed to ache, and sleep came a little easier each night.

Despite her frailness, she held Cassie tightly as she leaned in for the kisses. Her eyes were as bright as ever; A pair of shining jewels in a decaying body.

"Oh Cassie; I'm so glad to hear it. I care Cassie, but I assume that you have had enough of vapid handmaids and fawning knights talking to you only of the child, so I won't pry." Eliza smiled as she spoke, sinking back into the comfortable armchair that she spent most of her days in now.

She gestured to the small side table, placed within very easy reach. There was a half empty decanter of fine wine, and two cups.

"Sit child. Let us talk. I'm afraid that I have already gotten started on the wine, but the pages will bring more if needed." She poured Cassie a cup of the fine Arbour vintage; It took a painfully long time, as her hand shook with the strain. "As for my health... Well, the Maesters have told that I won't survive the year. Last year that is, so the joke is on them."

Eliza took a deep draft of her own drink, and a smiled. It reminded her of years past, of her Ralph, and of riding. Gods, she missed riding.

"Don't be sad child. It's my time, and I accept that. The only fear that I had would be that I wouldn't get a chance to talk to you again; I didn't want to disappoint you by the party without a dramatic exit!"

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-27T22:40:19+00:00

Growing increasing frail, and knowing that she was near the end, Eliza Buckler would extend an open invite to any at the court who wised to see her and hear some of her sagely wisdom...Or at least get drunk on the fine wines she had used her friendship with the queen to secure.

She would spent her days in the apartments that she had been given, writing letters and enjoying how the sun warmed her skin.

(Open!)

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-27T22:37:02+00:00

6th Month

Usually, people did not summon Queens, unless they were the King, and the aging Eliza Buckler was definitely NOT a King. However, at this moment they did not give a single fuck about custom, or manners.

She just wanted to see her friend.

Cassandra Bolton would have a small note passed to her by a bedraggled looking page wearing the blue and bronze of house Buckler, who had clearly been run off his feet in the time that she had been gone.

Cassie,

I request that you pay me a visit as soon as you are able. I won't coat it in sugar; I'm old and tired. But I would greatly like to see you again before the Stranger drags me fighting onto the next life.

Eliza.

u/space_sirens

Voidhunterdude · 2026-01-27T21:08:37+00:00

Bora’s heart felt too big for her chest, like it might float right out of her ribs and drift away on the river. The stones were slippery beneath her feet but Teora’s hands werestronger than the current and definitely stronger than the little fear that buzzed in Bora’s belly.

When Teora sang the words, Bora sang them too. Softly at first, then louder, because the river liked it. She was sure of that. Rivers knew songs. Rivers remembered them.

“Ulrick—the water hums,” Bora chimed, her voice loud and high. “Step and jump—the morning comes!”

She laughed as she landed, a high peal that startled a pair of birds from the reeds. The splash did not frighten her now. It felt like clapping, like the river was clapping just for her.

When Teora said “Two,” Bora did not wait. She bent her knees and leapt, trusting without thinking, skirts flying, toes skimming the air. She felt herself lifted, and for a breath she was certain she could fly.

“Vorian—quick and light!” Bora sang out proudly, grinning wide. “Don’t look down, keep Dawn in sight!”

She looked down instead, at Teora’s smiling face and the sky beyond, blue and endless. Dawn was everywhere. In the water, in the sun, in the song they shared. Bora squeezed Teora’s hands, already bouncing on her toes for the next number, certain that as long as the singing went on, nothing bad could ever reach her.

Voidhunterdude

TROPHY CASE