gcuienveres:
closed starter for // @rosaaaryn
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golden skirts swishing around her ankles as the sound of her footsteps bounced off the marble walls, guinevere held the grand, admittedly heavy, bouquet of ornate roses close to her chest as she made her way through this specific wing of the eyrie, a part of the castle she had never yet explored before. the two woman had never spoken much in all the time they had been in the vale and back in dragonstone, aside for when their ladies would cross paths on their daily duties and they would engage in civil small talk for the sake of politeness. her first impression of the youngest arryn princess was one of fragility; almost reminding her of the sunflower fields back in the rolling hills of the westerlands, vibrant, but delicate, and needed to be cared for properly.
the lannister woman knew how a lady of her rank was supposed to behave; hiding true feelings and thoughts behind a facade of sweetness and kindness, whilst silently observing the situation around them and supporting their own causes privately. and in the years a woman spent learning to be quiet but observant, one would pick up the ability to be a decent judge of character; the woman had learned to listen to her senses, her gut, the tone of one’s voice and the warmth in their eyes. and guinevere, from a quiet distance, had begun to think that rosalyn was good; truly good, in the purest way. and so when her engagement to rodrik stark became the court’s main source of gossip for the week, guinevere done what she had aways been taught to do; play the part.
congratulating a princess hosting you in her home for news of her engagement wouldn’t be considered brazen, or bold; but rather women being women, fawning over foolish notions of romance and chivalry, and finding anything excuse to gossip. guinevere did not intend on even knocking on the door of the chambers and alerting the flame haired woman of her presence, motioning to the guards on either side of her door to leave the bouquet at her door, accompanied with a small note expressing simple congratulations for the engagement on behalf of the house lannister. with that, the woman had ushered toward her own lannister guards to turn as they began to make their way back up the corridor, only to hear the chamber door open before she could leave the doorway. “apologies; i did not wish to interrupt. a small gift, for your good news.”
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the last thing she expected to see as she stepped out of her room was the sigh of the lannister princess, and a small gift that was sat at her doorstep. a smile spread across the young arryn's face as she realized what gwen had done.
"you brought me a gift?" rosalyn said, pure surprise in her voice. how incredibly thoughtful that was of her to do. with the last-minute nature of her wedding, she figured it would not be such a big deal to other houses. it was nice to see someone congratulating her like this. someone thinking of her.
"thank you so much for these. they are truly so lovely." she smiled once again. "please, your highness i would love for you to join me for some tea if you have the time. as a thank you for such a thoughtful gift." bending down she picked up the bouquet of flowers that had been left for her. how beautiful they were. and the thoughtfulness behind them made them even more beautiful.
it would be nice to get her mind off the planning of the wedding for a few moments. and getting to spend time with gwen who she had barely gotten a chance to see since they had arrived back in the vale. everyone seemed so busy that it was hard to stop to enjoy simple pleasantries.
stepping aside to allow guinevere inside, she took a quick moment to sign to her handmaiden asking her to grab some tea and other small goodies for them. placing the bouquet on one of the large windowsills she turned to look back at her new companion.
"you know, it seems a little silly but ever since i was a little girl i have collected pressed flowers. if you look through my books now i'm sure you will find a dozen of them tucked in between the pages." she laughed. "they are like little memories hidden away. i've started a collection of flowers that have to do with the wedding. when the time comes i will be adding these to it, so i can remember."
ravellaarryns:
ravella silently wrapped her arms around her little sister’s more petite frame, rubbing her back comfortingly; whilst rosa was the sun and she the moon, she couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief to see rosa able to still walk unassisted, and talk. pulling away from the embrace after giving rosa’s hand a soft squeeze, ravella motioned for her to sit before her mirror, beginning to loosen the fiery red braid that hung over her shoulder. "the king can’t get rid of me that easily.” ravella mused quietly, gently bringing a brush through rosa’s unruly curls. in truth, ravella had ensured no drama would reach any of her siblings by raven, laying low for weeks - making it easier to slip away when need be. “i’ve had your maids run you a bath.” ravella paused, biting her tongue; there was no need to get into the details of last night yet. “go on.”
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rosa could stay like this for hours. her siblings always made her feel safe. and with everything that happened during this visit she needed any comfort she could get. and with the surprise visit of her sister, rosa felt like a small kid once more seeking the comfort of her big sister. settling down at her mirror like they had done hundreds of times before as her sister tried to tame her curls. "thank you." she said, happy to relax back into the water. "when did you get here? how?" she asked, having a hundred more questions but holding herself back. stepping behind the partition she undressed before she stepped into to the water. "this is exactly what I needed "she said moving the divider so she could at least see her sister. "i missed you sister."
location: in the great hall of winterfell after one of the nights of the northern games
@anya-snow
the northern games had cast a spell of joy across the castle that seemed to have been in hibernation. laughter echoed in the corridors, people recounting the day's events or enjoying catching up with people. for a land that had weathered the storm of a war, the northern folk deserved the pleasure of celebration, a collective exhale after being ensnared by a man's unwarranted quest for power.
as the sun dipped below the horizon, various houses and families gathered in the great hall for an evening feast. the air was full of merriment, the spirits of the north rekindled by a shared joy. rosa, the queen, found delight in conversing with lords and ladies, the hall alive with the burgeoning cheer of a people reclaiming their right to happiness.
amidst the revelry, rosa spotted anya across the hall and beckoned her lady in waiting to join at the table. with a server gracefully pouring glasses for each, the queen inquired, "are you enjoying the games, anya?" her words carried genuine interest as they settled into the lively mood of the feast.
"i wanted to speak with you, to get your thoughts on some matters," rosa continued, her demeanor earnest. "as a representative for the merchants guild, and with the wars now hopefully behind us, i believe it's time to look to the future of our trade. i know you've discussed matters with his grace before, but i was hoping to hear directly from you." she offered anya a reassuring smile, her intentions clear.
"i think you should consider reaching out to other merchant guild representatives from different kingdoms as one of our ambassadors. alternatively, if you're willing, you could venture to yi-ti. i recall your desire to visit. you would be going as our representative, ensuring northern support accompanies you." rosa spoke with both warmth and wisdom she had recently begun to embrace, delicately addressing a desire she had sensed in anya during their late-evening conversations in the court. she aimed not to pressure but to guide—a gentle nudge towards a decision anya may have yearned for but hesitated to embrace.
rosalyn had been looking forward to the dinner with her family all day. in between packing up the various things she had brought along and helping to organize some of the arrival details the time came quickly. however, rosalyn had found herself caught in reading a book as it reached a cliff-hanging moment, before realizing she was going to be late. rushing down the hall to where they were meeting, two guards rushed to keep up with her.
the two guards outside opened up the door for her as rosalyn rushed in a flurry of fabric and bouncing red curls. sorry sorry she signed. i was lost in a book and lost track of the time. i didn't keep you all waiting did i? rosalyn signed as she took her seat, thanking the guard who pulled out the chair for her. slightly out of breath but smiling she greeted her siblings, happy to see all of them in one room together again.
"agreed robin. i have missed our family dinners. although it won't feel the same without madelena here, but we will be seeing her soon enough." another amazing reason why she was so excited to be back in the vale.
Robin had asked his siblings to join him for dinner tonight….all of them. Robin typically dined on his own, writing letters, looking over books, working on various things late into the night. Tonight however was far different, after the events with the jester….and then his confession to his eldest sister Ravella about who he was….what he was. He had thought on it quite a bit, and he had reached a decision that left him terrified and anxious. His palms were sweaty and he was anxious, something that he wasn’t quite used to. Eventually, however, all his siblings were gathered around the table where a herb roasted capon was sitting along with spinach, leeks, and a bowl of mushrooms cooked in garlic. Smiling as he took his own seat,
“Thank you all for joining me here, I thought it would be good for us to have dinner together, as a family before we began the voyage back to the Eyrie. After everything that’s happened we need to spend more time as a family.”
@rosaaaryn @ravellaarryns @kingarryn
what's your relationship like with your siblings now that you have moved to the north?
“i still love them all dearly. i wish i was still close to them as i feel like i cannot be there for them as much. and i feel like there are things are they are not telling me because i am married into another family. but i will never stop loving them, ever.”
@ravellaarryns @kingarryn @falcxnprince
“the fire had been put out, ten years had passed in a flash, and aegon was only ‘home’ for a few days, before he was to sail back to braavos. ”
penned by L
@facelesstargaryen
bethanystark:
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war was the worst of all the ways she had been separated from her twin. it felt wrong at times, to sit in his chair and act with the authority he possessed. it wasn’t that she was unfamiliar with the duty that was being the stark in winterfell, but it was the fact it meant her brother was off getting himself into trouble, into danger. during the dance she’d been the one to wrap a bark and leather good luck charm on his wrist, but now that charm was secured by his wife. things were so different this time, but yet still also the same.
at least this time she didn’t have to prove herself as a capable leader. gods, the amount of old men challenging her before… they were lucky bear hadn’t tried to eat them in the night.
bethany rose early -it was hunting season and her body refused to listen when she tried to sleep in and say she couldn’t go out- and had been looking over some reports from along the way to sea dragon point and deepwood motte when the queen entered. brown eyes shifted up to acknowledge her goodsister’s presence before going back to the papers. “mornin’ rosa.” she sounded preoccupied, rightly so, and the huge direwolf that was her shadow and companion came up to circle and sniff at the queen, checking her over in that protective way before being content and flopping down next to bethany’s chair. well, theon’s chair. it was just hers for now.
“the siege has begun, but it’s slow going through the wolfswood to sea dragon point. we have logging trails through there, not roads fit for soldiers. not yet at least.” she said as she took a dagger to a sealed letter and read it over before rolling her eyes and setting it aside in one of many piles. men. “i’m sure you know this, but no news is good news in war. our concerns are to keep the home fires burning while theon collects more war stories to tell us when he gets back.”
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it was strange being in a position to make some real decisions and have power over what may happen during a time of war. during the last battles of the dance rosalyn had been locked safely away in the eyrie to ensure nothing would happen to the arryns not in the fight. they would be safe up in the mountains from almost everything. there was no time to help with decision-making, nor would her voice be heard anyways. her father never was someone to promote his daughter’s talents.
often the young queen wondered what he might think of his daughter now if he could see her. the queen consort of the north, mother to a future king. maybe there might be a small sense of pride. she would never know.
rosalyn watched her goodsister as she spoke, picking up what she was saying. she would have to teach her a sign or two to help her communicate. luckily reading bethany’s words wasn’t too hard of a task to do.
after giving bear his well earned pets, she moved to the table next to bethany. “at least we will have the advantage of knowing these woods over the iron born raiders. this will be unfamiliar land to them, could lead to many mistakes on their part.” she said, looking over the pile of letters. “one of the elder lords stopped me in the halls last night to ask for an audience with the two of us. he said he did not have time to write a letter but wishes to discuss his taxes, seeing that his supplies are going towards the war efforts now.”
in the embrace of the hearth, amidst the flickering flames, her father's scornful words echoed like a haunting melody—etched into her mind like a searing brand.
“warm his bed, have his children and stay silent. that is all that is needed from you in your marriage, rosalyn. anything more than that and you may risk embarrassing us all again.”
rosalyn, burdened by the fear that these words would never truly vanish, knew her role well as a wife in this land of nobility. yet, her life had taken a different course than the prescribed fate. her husband, a man unlike any she had known before, saw beyond those confines, yearning for her voice, thoughts, and emotions.
the weight of responsibility now rested upon her shoulders, and she felt a mix of trepidation and determination as she prepared to lead the kingdom alone, without a fellow stark by her side. only a month after the birthing bed, she was called upon to assume this new mantle of authority. yet, her husband's unwavering faith in her, the trust he placed in his wife—an arryn, an outsider— or had it become she was an outsider to the lands of the vale. perhaps the snow and ice had hardened her skin.
"it is an honor to be the stark in winterfell," she declared, absorbing the magnitude of her new station. "i won’t let you down; i vow to prove myself worthy. when we return to winterfell, i will ensure there is ample space for those seeking refuge."
with their child in his tender embrace, she found solace and strength, witnessing his loving care for brandon, as well as his affectionate she had seen for edric and ravella. his kindness extended beyond his own family to encompass her as well, granting her a profound sense of gratitude and awe. the blessings she had received exceeded her wildest expectations.
"thank you, owen," she murmured with sincerity,. "thank you for entrusting me with our home. i will strive to be the leader our people deserve."
| a starter for @rosaaaryn | | setting: in highgarden before leaving for war |
“You will be the Stark in Winterfell. Edric will be with you and so will our Wisdom. He will guide you in matters of state and decision making. You are the queen of the North and it’s time for all to see you as such. Since the Dance, it was a responsibility to fall on Alys’ shoulders as my twin sister and the eldest girl here it was only fit. This time, you have given birth to Bran and Ravella. It is time. Of course, you will be tired as you recover and that’s where the wisdom will come in. I’ve need for Alys that will keep her far too busy for this.”
Owen smiled at her, settling comfortably with Brandon in his arms. Another boy. Ravella was sleep and little Bran seemed to always be awake, always looking around. Owen promised he wouldn’t keep waking them so whenever they both were sleep he only woke one which was keeping his promise and on this day, Ravella would sleep. “I’ll leave soon and you’ll heal here with Ravella. Much of our court will return North, some prefer Winterfell, but those who will have need of you will be here until it’s safe for you to come home. At the very least, the neck. Greywater Watch is quite secure as is Moat Cailin.”
Already planning. Always planning. Rebel. False King and his master. He kissed Bran’s forehead.
“What say you, my lady wife?”
rosa's voice was low, quiet but knowing her sister could hear her words. "i missed you more than you could ever know." she spoke to her.
since she was a child it felt like she only ever had her siblings on her side. their father was harsh and cruel towards his youngest daughter. and while their mother tried to help, it seemed she was spacey in her own way. rosa had been glued to her sisters side ever since then. looking up to her, admiring her strength. they did not meet eye to eye with everything but that hardly mattered to rosa. her heart was over bursting with love for her dark haired sister.
and now it was time for rosa to discover the world on her own without her siblings by her side. which had proven to be both exciting and a little scary at times. and while she was adjusting to life in the north it did not mean she didn't miss her sister's daily presence in her life.
"i actually have gotten used to the cold weather up here. i mean, some days are just brutal but i do not seem to mind it. however perhaps you are right." a laugh left the lips of the new northern queen, as she took her sister's hand in hers. "ah yes, allow me to escort you to your rooms. i am sure you would like to change." with a knowing smile rosa switched to sign towards her sister don't worry i have made sure you have the best rooms. but don't tell anyone else
rosaaaryn:
location: white harbor, the north
it had not been that long since she had seen her family last, only a few months. but to her it felt like forever. over the past ten years of the war she barely had ever left the vale, for safety sake. and during that time she had her family by her side. and most of that time was spent with her sister as their brothers left to fight in their own ways.
first arriving in the north she felt lost without having them by her side. rodrik was there for her, along with the other stark siblings but it took some time to adjust. and even still there were times she doubted herself and her place in the north.
rosa had asked that the moment word came that the party from the vale had arrived that she be notified. her heart fluttered every time someone walked down the halls, expecting news to arrive. the moment the fresh-faced maid stuck her head into the room to give her the news, rosa had tossed her book aside and hurried out the door.
“your majesty, please be careful!” her maid called after her. all of the staff were more cautious around her the past few weeks now that her stomach had begun to swell. the bump just barely visible under the dark navy dress she wore and the large cloak to keep her warm.
racing down the white stone halls of new castle, she turned the corner into the main entrance. there she could spot the familiar raven-colored hair of her sister. “ravella!” she called out over the crowd, a smile on the young queen’s face. she felt giddy, like a child once more as she bounded her way across the hall towards her. she gave little care to who else was there or watching as she threw her arms around her sister. “you made it here safe. i am so happy to see you.”
@ravellaarryns
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there was a tragic history between house arryn and the bustling northern city of white harbor; whitewashed walls gleaming under the harsh winter light. only a handful of years ago did maddelena manderly board a grand ship with the eyrie as it’s final intended destination, wedding her eldest brother - though she never openly spoke of the matter, ravella had grown to quietly appreciate the woman’s presence within her family. the smell of the northern sea made ravella’s stomach twist lightly; now knowing the bride had long since returned to the gods. wherever they were.
indicating for the servants to load their belongings carefully upon the stationed carriages, she barely heard a familiar voice call over the bustling noise, not until she turned her icy gaze over the crowd to fall upon a familiar head of fiery hair. and soon, that fiery head of hair had ran through the crowds, arms thrown around her. ravella ’s face was momentarily buried in her sister’s curls, and if one looked carefully, one would be able to see the swift, bright smile cross the woman’s features.
“we all did.” she spoke, squeezing her sister firmly before looking down at the small bump, covered by the warm cloak. “come, we must get you inside - gods know this harsh weather is good for nobody. would the queen of the north care to escort me?” she asked, a slight eyebrow raised as she stressed upon the new title bestowed upon rosalyn.
kingarryn:
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so she knew for awhile now. he couldn’t help but nod at her words, not overly surprised or upset that ravella had informed rosa of his marriage to guinevere. it was not that he was purposely keeping it from her, but rather, he feared that his news would only add stress to her; stress she did not need due to her current condition. he knew stress was not good for the baby. it also didn’t help that pregnancy was a terrifying concept to rowan arryn; having lost his late wife to childbirth a little over six years ago now. the uncertainty of it all was difficult for him to tolerate; the not knowing how his little sister will fare and if she would survive the labour. he did not wish for her to be taken from him like his wife was. he tried his best to not think about it. “i swear i wanted to tell you. i just didn’t know how. i’m sorry.” he took both her hands into his, giving her a gentle squeeze. “but i can promise you that moving forward, there will be no more secrets between us. i swear to it.”
he felt a sting of pain form at the back of his throat when she mentioned daemon’s body; still in disbelief over all that has happened. “truthfully?” he asked, his voice hardly above a whisper. “awful. i don’t know how to feel. it’s a lot. it feels like everything we have fought for these last ten years were for nothing with him gone.” he couldn’t bare to say his name out loud.
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a part of rosa wanted to be upset with her older brother for keeping such a secret from her. something that would so deeply affect not only their entire family but the entire vale. but another part of her could understand why he did it. there was no secure way to get the message to her without risking it falling into the wrong hands. that would have been them all in far more danger. rosa gave his hands a tight squeeze back, “you don’t have to tell me every secret. you deserve to have things that are just for you. but if you promise to tell me the important things then i will be happy. there is nothing you can’t tell me.”
“it was not for nothing rowan. look where we are, look how far we all have come. we keep things going, the change going for daemon. i wish more than anything he was here now, i truly do.” it was hard seeing rowan in such a way, knowing how close he and daemon were. the years they all spent together in the vale had helped to shape who they all were as people. as rulers now. daemon’s death could not be vain. “right now, it’s okay to be sad or angry or anything you are feeling.” there were only a few times that rosa had ever seen her brother like this. and it broke her heart each time to see it. but she was glad he could be open with her instead of bottling it away