;;ravella - Blog Posts
tears flowed down the cheeks of the queen of winter. this couldn’t be. this simply could not be. there was always hope that one day their niece would be returned home safe. that one day soon she would be found amongst the mountain clans that took her and she would be returned back home to them. reading the letter her sister had given her broke her heart over and over again with each new word she read.
why would her sister allow her to read such a thing without warning? why not tell her herself to soften such a blow. perhaps she thought this would be easier…it was strange. but grief made everyone act strange. rosalyn’s hand clutched at her swelling stomach as she tried to process the news.
“rowan made me promise i would look after her.” she remembered back to the time when their family was whole. rowan holding his young daughter and making her swear to look after his daughter if anything happened to him. and now she had let him down. at least the guards who allowed it would also be punished. how they could lack in their duty to protect someone so innocent, so young. they needed to be punished.
“sister please,”rosalyn said looking over towards ravella who’s eyes had barely moved away from the window. “please sit with me, i need you.” she said reaching out her hand for her sister. gods only knew how different they were from one another, they always had been since they were little. but that never stopped the deep connection of love between them. rosalyn doubted very little could ever stop her from loving her sister.
who: @rosaaaryn where: the queens of winter and the mountains of the moon sit together within the private bedchambers of ravella within highgarden, upon the news of their niece’s murder being broken to the queen in the north. a corpse had been found, and identified as the late daughter of rowan arryn.
and the sound of the crying that seemed to come from the lips of her sister at the news was a sound that would once have caused something within her to stir, the way it did upon hearing the way rosalyn’s voice would break whilst having conversation within their father. never once had his favouritism of his eldest daughter gotten in the way of the sisterhood they shared. one that was not filled with affection from the queen of winter, but a level of tolerance that could only equate love.
“cry. you need cry. you can cry.”
and yet now, there was nothing as she stood by the window; she had not spoken the words directly to her sister, instead allowing her to read the letter that had been received to the queen directly. the small council had already been gathered, and she attempted to ignore the ways in which lord stone’s dark gaze looked upon her. somewhere along the way, it was decided that sacrifices would be needed to make the mountain stronger. the mountain needed to be fed, and falcons had lived in delusion for long enough. they were not untouchable. the mountain needed to be fed.
“the guards who allowed it were put to death by the lord commander.”
how was it people reacted to news of such grief? did they sob and sound like a wounded animal, pouring their hearts out into the void amidst the wracking of shoulders? no, that would be entirely undignified. but rosalyn would react in that way, considering she was entirely fond of the girl. the daughter of rowan arryn. weakness ran in blood, and thus so did the undoing of their realm. sacrifices needed to be made to make matters stronger again. sacrifices needed to be made to ensure there was no threat to her own legitimacy, apart from what lay between her legs.
ravellaarryns:
who: @rosaaaryn where: the great hall, the eyrie, the vale of arryn when: the wedding feast of queen ravella arryn and lord graham royce
The sound of a baby crying won’t leave the very fringe of her mind, as though she could just about hear it over the sounds of talking and the lute, the sounds of footsteps hitting the floor, the sounds of bodies hitting the floor. The ruling Queen of the Vale of Arryn appeared as distant and untouchable as the most holy of stars as she remained sat upon the Weirwood throne, which so many Arryns had sat upon in the centuries, decades, years and even weeks leading up to this very moment; finally the Gods had played their dominion over her in a way she had always suspected they would, and bound the houses together.
Those houses that were always supposed to be bound, with the two same souls as it were in the very beginning. What had all of this been for, if not to start again in the very beginning? How much of a say did any of them have, over any of it?
What the fuck was that sound? Who was crying? Her hand clenched around around the weirwood, looking down upon it; was it not a very twisted symbol of that Andal conquering over the First Men, chopping down those trees that held some sense of meaning only to sit upon it. Her hand was a fist upon the edges, her knuckles white as her jaw stiffened; those who had been in the far North had already seen a vision of those icy, dead orbs that now fixed upon the King Consort in his negotiations with the Braavosi dignitary. Why did she feel so, so far away?
The Queen barely noticed her sister approaching her, the glow of motherhood remaining upon her porcelain features, with hair that had been kissed by fire; the only two Arryns seemingly left in the world, from what felt like a dynasty in the very beginning. How it had all had fallen down from such dizzying heights, and how she would ensure to fix it, dragging it up if she needed to; the Arryns needed to be untouchable once again. It was the only way.
She did not react as her sister spoke to her, though there was no doubt the women were entirely opposing figures in what their wedding day had looked like; Rosalyn the blushing bride of the Mountain, and Ravella had not cracked a smile once. That was hardly out of the ordinary though. She looked upon her sister in silence for a few moments, realising she would need to put herself through the same torture she seemed to love putting herself through. She would need to now. There was no other choice.
Oh well.
.
the music swirled around the halls of eyrie like it had done so many times before and would continue over and over again. although to rosa is was barely audible to her, enough for her to hear what was happening and for her to enjoy the melodic tunes. when she was little, she hated being sent away from parties by her father since if she ventured too far from the room the music would be lost to her. all of the party would be lost to her the moment she was out of the doors, while her siblings could at least enjoy the sounds of it through the halls. ravella was always there for her, ready to interrupt something for her or steer their father’s anger away from her. there was a bond of sisterhood that not even their father could sever from them.
it was strange they were the last two arryns left standing. how their father must be rolling in the crypt to think his daughters would be who would carry on his legacy. it was frightening to think how large and strong their brothers were growing up and to think where they fell to.
no. she could not think of such things at her own sister’s wedding. this was a time for celebration and happiness. the vale would be in good hands with ravella and graham. both of them cared for the future of the vale, they always had been. they needed that now, they needed people who could carry the burden of ruling.
the music reached its end and everyone in the hall gave polite applause for the dance. rosalyn had thanked her dance partner, a vale lord who said it was an honor to be dancing with one of the arryn queens. and the younger queen searched for where her sister was. and unsurprisingly , she was in the same spot atop her throne. but as she approached her sister, there was no recognition on her face.
rosalyn knew what this marbled silence from her sister could possibly mean. it was like her sister was staring into another world. one that she could not fathom to understand. while rosalyn loved her sister so very dearly, feeling as if she was part of her own heart, she knew of the walls that ravella had built up. of the cold exterior that must be maintained for some reason. had it always been like this? or lately had the marble become more and more frequent? it was hard to say as her time was spent in her new home.
“sister are you alright?” she asked, her voice quiet so none other would hear. but she got no response, just a silent look from here sister. oh gods she really was in that other world today. the winter queen took a seat down next to her sister, turning to face her. her hand rested gently on her sister’s hand that gripped the throne so harshly. “come back to me for a moment.” she spoke softly. “something is wrong. what is troubling you? this is your wedding day you should be dancing with the rest of us yet you sit up here all alone.” she said, her hands signing along with her words as they often did when speaking with her family. “i know you now have this new weight upon your shoulders that was not supposed to be yours…but bearing it alone is not something you must do.” she told her. “what is troubling you?” she asked again.
letter sent to @ravellaarryns after a few weeks after fighting breaks out
dear sister,
i have missed you terribly since my visit back home to the eyire. it warmed my heart to see you once again and i hope i will be able to visit you again soon. please give my love to graham as well, it was wonderful to see him and i am so happy for the two of you. i know i said it about a dozen times when i saw you in person but i know in my heart you will be an amazing queen. i am so proud of you.
there is some slight unfortunate news upon returning back to the north. it seems not even us could escape the trouble in the iron islands. some of the escaped men have found their way into our woods and have joined forces with the thenns. theon and the others have left to deal with the issue.
however with bad news come some good news. a week after theon left to fight i discovered i may be with child. the midwives here have confirmed it and they believe it may be more than one. but it is still too early to tell for sure. i have yet to tell my husband yet as i am afraid it may be a distraction while he is fighting. but i am in good hands and being well protected and taken care of. i wanted you to know as quickly as i could tell you.
i love you so much. and eddie says the same.
your loving sister,
rosa
location: the vale’s buildings, day after the attack
@ravellaarryns @falcxnking
time had stopped when the news of the attack reached her.
there had been such joy with her sister’s return so recently. so many plans she wished to make with all her siblings. hoping to get to spend time with them all after being away for so long. for most of her life they had been her whole world, the one thing she cared about more than anything else. them and their happiness. and now they were all together again.
and then in a moment, it was gone.
the news of her brother’s death had reached the young queen as quickly as it could. at first she could not believe it, knowing it had to be wrong. not her brother, no way could he gone like that. then a deeper worry sunk in worrying for ravella and rhys and if they were alright or had they been taken too? would she have to burry all of them at once? be the lone falcon still atop a mountain of sorrow she would never wish on anyone?
but the gods were kind and kept her two other siblings safe.
her husband had come with her, as she saw for the first time the body of her brother. he had held his wife up as she barely kept it together seeing what had happened to him. but after some time he had left to give her some space and allow her time alone with her siblings.
alone she sat waiting for ravella and rhys to join her. asleep next to her was her baby, still too small to be away from her for long. but thankfully he seemed as if he would sleep through most of this. rosa’s fingers fiddled with the black fabric of her dress, trying not to let her mind wander to what her siblings must have gone through that night. her eyes closed for a brief moment as she uttered a prayer to herself, “please gods, watch over them. keep them safe.”
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
ravellaarryns:
.
though she quietly appreciated rosalyn’s gentle comfort, no doubt a reflection of the optimistic innocence that the fire haired woman had been able to contain through most of her girlhood and even now, a queen expecting an heir of the wilderness that was the north, the woman found herself strangely unable to fully find herself comforted. not because of reasons to do with rosalyn being unable to break through some emotional wall, but ravella herself genuinely believed there was nothing to be comforted for; an epitome of marble sat upon the wooden chair, perhaps a reflection of the sternness that was alfrid arryn himself, in the time where the falcons became kings once again; she had championed the break from the crown of the dragon, and would champion anything for the vale.
and, however unknowingly miserable that may be perceived by the kind eyes of rosalyn arryn, the princess of the vale would always champion the vale over herself without a second doubt; without even recognising her choices. “it will be.” she spoke, her tone matter of fact as though had already made her peace with the idea; she was thankful for the fact that lord grafton himself was hardly the type to be restrained and place boundaries upon her, for the boundaries and expectations he himself discarded. her icy orbs rolled slightly at the mention of happiness, as it seemed all made foolish decisions based on such petty emotions that were not considered needed when fulfilling duty, “my happiness lies in the stability of the vale; when it is firm, so am i.”
and right now? it felt like it was anything but. ravella simply nodded, as though the request was enough; the gods knew she would appreciate being away from the eyrie for what felt like the first time in years; she did not understand what madness had come over their home in recent weeks. she paused somewhat, noting an issue that her baby sister would be fretting of; the comment of that fanatical lunatic, regarding the blood moon. “superstition is nonsense, rosalyn - you know that.”
.
ravella had always been someone to sacrifice so much for the greater good of her siblings, of the vale in general. there were many ways rosalyn had observed this throughout their years together. and she was sure there were many ways that she never saw happen. secrets perhaps her sister would hold close to her forever, only coming out when they absolutely had to. she knew this about her sister. it did not mean she couldn’t dream of something better for her. a dream where her sister’s happiness would match the sacrifices she had made.
so many people talked about the strength of men during times of war. how much they did to help everyone. very little people talked about the strength of the women. rosalyn had a front-row seat to all that her sister had done during war times. maybe this marriage would be a good thing. another move her sister would make to better their homeland. time would only tell. but rosalyn had some power now, a power she never had before. if something was to go wrong rosa wanted to be there to catch her sister if she needed. it was her turn.
“people everywhere believe in superstitions ravella. not just in the north…” she frowned. “if this child is to be born under a blood moon, even if he is not cursed people will believe him to be so. i will do everything in my power to keep that from happening. i will not let some pirate’s words follow my son throughout his entire life…” how on earth she could prevent something like this, she had no idea. but she would do everything she could to make it so. “oh!” suddenly rosa grabbed her sister’s hand placing it on her stomach. “do you feel that? i think he is saying hello.” so much trouble had come their way already and she was sure there was much more to come. but right now, in this moment they could just be two sisters enjoying this special moment together.
ravellaarryns:
.
A PARTICULAR HARSH gust of wind seemed to answer the queen of winter’s question before the princess of the vale could even open her mouth to retort an answer; an icy blast putting out some of the candles lit on the mantelpiece. for a moment the fiery haired woman made a movement to appear as though she were ready to raise herself to relight the candles, much needed in the darker room of the north considering the later time of day as the sun began to set over the wintery horizon; ravella simply wordlessly shook as her head as if to insist the woman remained seated, rising to her own feet to relight the torches with a spark resting upon the windowsill. “fetch some more quilts for the queen; the sun is setting.” the woman instructed one of the serving girls; who meekly responded in a usual strong northern accent ravella herself could hardly understand through the crackling of the fire.
the woman remained stood, her hands clasped together before her cape as she paced back and forth beside the firelight, opening her mouth as if she wanted to speak before closing it again. it were unlike the woman, for as much as she wished to prioritise the security of the arryn throne by binding house grafton through a royal dowry, her pride would surely someday be her downfall. as much as she wished to never have to leave the vale, to remain close to all she had ever known, she had admittedly never once thought this prospect would be a possible one. a dark smile seemed to cross her features as she pondered her thoughts, remembering the moment the king had told her of the news before their youngest brother; and all that had happened between them that night. no doubt irritation had gotten the best of them all, and the news was delivered in a way that was unlike the mountain king, and she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “of all the times i would have wished for him to be sterner, he chooses this matter.”
the serving girl had returned with the quilts, and the woman simply took them from her at the door before closing it in the serving girl’s face with a nonchalant attitude about her, resting the warm blankets over rosa as though she were tucking in the little girl afraid of thunder once again. “you know i am not one to turn down a challenge sister; especially not in this crucial moment. when the coup fails, i will find myself married into the greatest naval house in the kingdom; it has more benefits, unfortunately.” she paused, momentarily looking at the woman’s small curve. “would you request my presence for the month you are due to take to your bed?” she asked, her mind working out the logistics already.
.
there was so much that could be said about her sister. so much that rosa had always admired. and so much she did not realize she had done for her throughout the years. for a time it was just the two of them. the two of them against the world, up in their mountain castle. father gone. mother gone. brothers fighting in a war. it was ravella who comforted her in the nights were fear seized her tightly. it was ravella who was able to take on the harsh words of the older lords who clamored at a chance for power without their brothers around. rosa had done her best, always had. she helped where she could, were her strengths lied. but deep down she knew the weight that had been on her sister’s shoulders was greater than her own.
part of her wished there was a way she could make it up to her, even if ravella never gave her a hint of resentment. even now she took care of her. there was a confidence that emanated off of ravella. an unspoken air of it that encircled her. rosa had wished to learn it. maybe day by day it grew within her but she doubted it would ever be as strong as her sister’s.
“you are always up for a challenge but married life doesn’t have to be one.” however they both knew the truth. marriage for them would always be something that benefitted the family. it did not mean she could not wish for her sister. “my wish more than anything in the world ravella, is for you to be happy.” rosa said reaching out to take her sister’s hand. “if you can find happiness in this then i will not fight it. but you deserve to be happy.” with such new power she had she was unsure what she could even do, but she could hope it would be something to help.
rosa’s other hand moved her graze over her stomach. the time would come quicker than she would expect. already it felt like time was flying by. “y…yes. if you are able to be here. i know it is a lot to ask. but i would like you to be here.”
ravellaarryns:
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AN UNCHARACTERISTIC SHRUG came from the shoulders of ravella arryn; for a moment it looked as though the woman were truly exasperated with all the events that had seem to stir within her life as of recently, to the point where she wished she were brazen and careless enough to discard of her duties completely and make up some nonsense excuse to visit jocelyn baratheon in kings landing, or perhaps even remain in winterfell with rosalyn for some time. “why would he?” she asked, her tone momentarily harsh at the question; it were obvious what the reaction would be from the closest lords and ladies of the court of arryn, those lords who were essentially pillars for the arryn throne.
he had already married outside of the vale once; though that alliance was beneficial; however to dismiss a vale lord’s daughter as a potential queen for a woman from an opposite faction with no use at all was something she never thought she would have to live with. and yet her eyes softened slightly when she realised that perhaps rosalyn’s question was not from a place of logic or reason, but emotional hurt; she knew her sweet little sister had a steadfast and close with their eldest brother, and perhaps she felt blindsided by the sudden revelation. how she resisted the urge to welcome her to the club.
“i am sure you can ask that question yourself… though perhaps also ask him why a betrothal between myself and lord wyatt grafton would prove beneficial in his mind.” she paused momentarily, knowing the information was a lot to catch her up on; how much had changed since she had left the vale for her new marital home? “i would do so myself, however we are not exactly communicating.” she gently looked over the small bump on her sister’s stomach, momentarily imagining her sister as a mother; and how she thought any child to have her as a mother was blessed. “enough of this; there will always be something to stress over. how are you finding your condition?”
.
rosalyn knew that with her move away from the vale that things were going to change. but she had not expected her siblings to get into a blowup fight so soon from her leaving. it wasn’t as if they never fought when she was around, of course, they did. all her siblings were strong-willed, capable people. she knew they fought, but she always was there to encourage everyone to come together again. maybe she could do this now even from her place in the north.
“lord grafton? why….why would he engage you to that man? after all that has happened?” this was getting more and more confusing as ravella told her each thing. the pit of her stomach dropped thinking of it all. reaching out she held onto the seat near her and lowered herself into it. was it a mistake leaving to the north? to get married? maybe she should have stayed closer to home to help everyone. what if she wasn’t able to mend this together like she always tried? for now she could bury the hurt that came with learning this secret. rowan would have an explanation for this and for the secrets he was keeping. “i…i will speak to our brother when he is free. i’m sure he is going to be busy up here. i’m sorry i was not there to help you. i will do my best now though.”
her hands ran over her stomach and the small bump that was beginning to show. it wouldn’t be long now until it was going to get bigger and bigger. she wouldn’t have such freedom of movement she has now, she was going to enjoy it while she still had it. “i have been feeling fine, honestly. perhaps a bit more tired than usual and i am a little sick in the mornings but i am okay. you should see my handmaidens they act as if i cannot walk ten steps by myself.” she smiled. “i have been happy to have times to escape away to walk.” reaching out she took her sister’s hand in hers. “but i have wanted you to be here with me and i’m so thankful you’re here now. it feels better knowing you’re here.”
ravellaarryns:
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“I CAN IMAGINE IT WOULD BE PEACEFUL AMONGST THE DEAD.” her comment was casual; a sly indication to her dark sense of humour, referencing to the barren lands surrounding the harsh, ancient beauty of winterfell. it was a quiet place, away from the bustling of a city and much further north than most southerners would visit lest on route to castle black at the wall. there was beauty in isolation; whether it were atop the highest mountain within the mountains of the moon, or within the cold white landscape of the rugged north. ravella of house arryn found the most peace in order and routine; in knowing what to expect and remaining steadfast to the traditions the arryns had followed for thousands of years.
after all; the andals invasion of westeros had started with the vale of arryn; her own bloodline tracing back to the andals rather than the wilderness of the first men. she thought the reason the arryns had held onto their grip on power for so long was their understanding of their people, their landscape, and their traditions; there was safety in sticking to what one knows. and for the vale, it was military warfare and knighthood being used solely within the vale of arryn; historically at least. since the dance of dragons, her family had spilled vale blood for outsiders; just as most of westeros had done - and yet it were the first in a long history for the vale of arryn.
there had always been something different about rowan; his mindset, his opinions, his view that differed greatly from the way alfrid arryn had taught the rest of his children. it was something she resigned herself to ignoring; for she knew him to be steadfast in his pursuit of fulfilling duty, as they all were. he was her brother, he was her king; she would never dare to question him before their subjects, for then she would be questioning her blood and her own line. and now? there was different, and then there was being poles apart from what she thought she knew of rowan arryn. even rhys admitting his secret was less of a shock than what had been brought upon the family; a shadow, and a lion’s roar.
“i couldn’t send a raven - for fear of it being read by the wrong eyes. it stays between us, rosalyn. not even your husband can know yet, as he hasn’t informed any of our allies.” would they have allies after this move? how could they consider them allies, when their own king married into the enemy? “it seems the king decided to gift us a lannister queen; for love, as he supposedly says. he eloped.”
.
this moment felt familiar to the new northern queen. the two sisters huddled together in secret. during the war it felt like the two of them worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure everything was going to be alright. secrets whispered between them of everything they knew or what they had found out from their brothers. in that time it felt like all she could trust was her family. even to this day some of the secrets shared in that room had stayed between the two of them. only to be uttered to themselves. this would be a new secret to add to it all. but now it felt strange to have to keep it from her new growing family. rodrik would understand though, she hoped he would.
ravella’s words struck rosa harder than she expected it to. part of her knew that if ravella couldn’t send a raven then it must be important. but she never expected this.
a lannister queen? how could that even be possible? a flicker of a memory came back to her in that moment. her wedding. the night was so full of laughter and happiness that the small memory had been buried somewhere within her mind. but she remember it now. the small fleeting moment between her brother and gwen. it was only a small moment she caught before she was pulled away. but it was a look. had she missed those moments all along? were they right in front of them all but they were too busy to see it. and did that make her a bad sister for not seeing something that could make her own brother so happy? “they must really love one another” her voice quiet. “why else would he do something like this? risk so much if it wasn’t for love.” like a story in one of her books. “how could he not tell us of his plans though….”
ravellaarryns:
.
pulling away from the queen in the north’s seemingly ample amount of furs; she took a moment to cup her porcelain hands on her sister’s rosy cheeks, before placing a swift kiss on her cheek. the arryn sisters had known much of sacrifice over the long ten years they had spent within the clouds; ten years in which the vale had uncharacteristically involved itself in the wars of others. thankfully her family had all returned in one piece, without a major loss; though she briefly wondered how long the gods intended on extending that blessing for.
the north became rosalyn, in a strange way; almost as though they both offered one another something that was previously missing. she brought a sense of beauty and softness to her new kingdom, whilst they graced her with a sense of steel she perhaps was growing accustomed to. at her sister’s signing, ravella admittedly did not know as much as their eldest brother, though she would rather of anything than him as of this current moment; how she had spent most of the journey up north to white harbor quietly seething, often ignoring his presence utterly unless there were lords present. “thank you.” she whispered, her face brightening as she pulled away from her.
for the first time in a long time, it felt the way it had when it was just the two of them, high atop the rest of the world. they knew there was a war raging beyond the giant’s lance, and yet all they saw from beyond their window was cloud. it was difficult to grasp the true severity of the world wrapped so high above it all; only taking short trips to runestone to pass on official messages to lord royce on behalf of their own lord father. she had chosen loyalty to her family during those days; remaining in the eyrie to ensure her sister was not left alone with their father, rather than settling with the happiness she knew she would find with the eldest son of lord royce.
it had costed her that connection with him; though she would do it again, for it was duty to not only the eyrie, but her little sister. though perhaps she was only more bitter to know not all within her family prioritised duty as her and her own sister did. “you’ve just missed rhys; i believe he went ahead to meet with the baratheons. and the other one…” she trailed off, her voice sour; king? he did not act like one. brother? barely. “he’s somewhere.”
.
“i have much to catch you up on. and even more to show you if we end up going to winterfell. i think you secretly might like it there. it can be rather peaceful at times.” rosalyn happily looped her arm with her sister and began the walk towards the rooms she had set up for them. “but what about you? i wish to hear everything about you.” rosa had been hoping for good news to arrive with her siblings but with the tone her sister spoke of rowan she knew something was wrong.
it was clear as day there was some tension going on between the siblings. rosa had feared that when she had left for the north. she had always tried to play peacekeeper between her siblings most of her life and mostly between rowan and ravella. they loved one another sure but they always seemed to be butting heads. each of her siblings had a unique strong personality. each one of them able to hold their own in a fight or conversation. that lead to strong thoughts, strong options and lots of arguments. without her there she feared there was no one to try and calm things down.
however much she wanted to ask her more about it she knew it would be best until they were alone. a few halls and turns later and they arrived at the rooms set for the arryns. opening the room to the meeting hall she had arranged for them, she waited until her sister was there and close the doors behind them. the large room was heated by a hearth that already was blazing for them. a stained glass window illuminated the rooms in various colors as the sun had finally begun to peak through the clouds. here they could be alone. no guards and no listening ears. “what has happened? is everyone alright? are you alright?” the red head asked, taking her sister’s hand in hers. “you did not send me a raven about it. is it bad?” rosa’s mind said quickly jumping to some horrible conclusion.
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.
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
ravellaarryns:
kingarryn:
“they have absolutely no claim to the throne at all.” he hears rosa state, causing rowan to look downwards to the floor for a moment, knots forming in the pit of his stomach at her words. although none of his siblings knew or even suspected his lineage, rowan could sense of guilt and shame slowly start to wash over him. his cousins held a stronger claim to the arryn throne, his throne, than he himself. he felt the burden on his shoulders only grow heavier.
the threat needed to be taken seriously if house grafton were involved, as well as if even lesser lords or locals were whispering about such a coup as it must meant that their support was growing. rhys’ news made him immediately begin to question himself and his rule. rowan leaned forward in his chain, resting a hand on his leg. “can house grafton be persuaded or do your informants tell you that their allegiance is set?” he pauses for a moment, “what has led to this? was this my doing?” his mind started to wander.
@ravellaarryns
there was a claim for the gulltown arryns to make; though it were weak, and overextended at best considering the stark contrast between the older, prouder lineages of the noble houses of the vale compared to the richer, merchant families. as well as the fact there was no succession crisis in sight; for the mountain king had lived through the recent wars, and gods willing would continue to do so. the ambitions of their cousins was rooted in trade money, stemming from their close links across the narrow sea; a world away from the ideals and notions of the noble houses of the vale. at her elder brother’s question, she remained silent, her orbs fixed upon his features as though she wondered how he could even think such a thing, so soon after returning from defending their border?
“how could we have failed them?” she asked, her tone typically harsh; her world was one of black and white, of the arryns, of the vale … and everyone who was below them. “our people remain safe within our borders, whilst the people of other kingdoms have become destitute or at worst, buried or scattered ashes.” shaking her head slightly, the woman refused to acknowledge any fault; for how could it be? she understood her brother had his own approach, his own method of dealing with his men and his people, though at times she believed he needed reminding that he was the mountain king; there was a reason for such a placement. “do not question yourself brother; for then we question our very blood and all we know. this is treason; reasons be damned.”
@rosaaaryn
.
how could family think such a way about them? did they not see that if they prospered as a family the entire kingdom would prosper as well. if there was going to be a fight that broke out between them then everyone was going to suffer for it. rosa's feared that she would be away in the north and unable to help her family. but there was still time now to help if she could, as her move to the north was not this moment.
"i agree with what ravella says. there is no reason to doubt yourself rowan. you have helped to lead this entire kingdom into a time of peace and then helped protect our borders. we are growing as a country with new allies and protections and all of that has been done under your care. please do not doubt yourself." rosalyn said, signing with her words. "if grafton can be swayed than it would be worth reaching out to them. even if they might be leaning towards our cousins. if we can squash this before anyone else hears than that might be best.
@falcxnprince
ravellaarryns:
kingarryn:
falcxnprince:
@kingarryn @ravellaarryns @rosaaaryn
>mini event: cutthroat cousins
Rhys paced around the room, finger tapping lightly on his chin while his other hand was folded behind his back. Rumors he believed would soon be dispelled only grew, as did his concern. It was best that he brought this to the attention of his family members. Tensions had grown as of late, and it was time to decide what to do about them once and for all. When the last person entered, he began. “I’ve brought up the subject of our cousins once before, and unfortunately they’ve become the topic of this meeting here tonight. Whispers of a coup have only grown stronger, and I fear they may rally more support before long.”
it was late in the evening when rowan received word from one of his servants who informed him that he was being summoned by rhys arryn. rowan was in his own rooms at the time, but quickly rose to leave and make the trek down the many corridors and make his way to his spymaster’s chambers. he enters the room and sits down until ravella and rosa eventually join them. rowan felt the pit in his stomach drop as he anxiously runs a hand through his hair. he lets out a breathe before speaking, “do we have any confirmation of who is supporting their claim?”
@ravellaarryns @rosaaaryn @falcxnprince
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a summoning at this hour was enough of an indication that something was afoot; and as ravella made her way toward the royal apartments of rhys arryn, she found herself looking harder at the subjects of other kings that continued to linger the hallways of the eyrie. her face remained like stone in reaction to the news; in truth, she knew this moment in time was the least favourable for the family to deal with internal tension within the vale of arryn. they needed to seem united, and strong; to both their allies and opposition the same.
she too awaited the answer for the question the mountain king uttered; how grave was the situation? how credible were the rumours? how much support did isembard arryn have, if any at all - apart from his own wealth; stemming from siding with merchants and trade, rather than a strong lineage of noble blood. “the great gilded falcon…” she spoke, her tone mocking as she poured herself a goblet of bitter wine. “seems to have forgotten that his gold does not equate to a crown.”
@rosaaaryn
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there was still much work that needed to be done with an upcoming move to the north. rosa had been looking over various paperwork when she had gotten word that her and the other siblings were being summoned by rhys. busy as she was, she would never be busy enough to ignore a message from her siblings. and seeing that the strange message came at night lead her to believe that this would be rather important. her work could easily wait.
making her way to her brother's chambers it seemed she was the last to arrive as the rest of her siblings were already gathered together. quietly she listened to the news her brother had to share, watching the reactions and words from each of her siblings. the shock of the statement had yet to leave her. "what?" she muttered. "they have absolutely no claim to the throne at all. who would support such a ridiculous claim as that?" she wondered. "perhaps this is a misunderstanding or another lord twisting the words of our cousins."
@falcxnprince
rosa would be lying to say she wasn't the slightest bit nervous for the dinner about to take place. it was the first real time all of them were going to be able to get together as one. soon enough both of their families would be joined together and all the princess wanted was for them all to get along. her siblings meant the world to her, and rodrik was soon to be her husband, she needed them to get along. but rosa came from a family of people all with very strong personalities and ideas. she loved them for it but she hoped that it wouldn't clash with the starks. but perhaps with the threat of war looming over them all, a night of a joyful celebration was what they all needed.
the red head looked around at all the people gathered in the room. letting out a sigh of relief, she smiled. at least so far so good.
@kingarryn @ravellaarryns @robinofthevale @rodrikofwinter @harrionstark
the floating sound of laughter and giggling filled the hallways near the arryn princess' room. inside young ladies scampered and bounded around as they all gossip and chatted about the latest news to come out. the engagement of rosalyn arryn to the king of winter. some of them ladies of the vale, others some of her ladies in waiting but all of them there to share in the exciting news and congratulate the princess.
a smile seemed stuck on the red-headed princess as she talked with the other ladies about it all. when would it be? would they travel to winterfell? would it be here? what would she wear? comments on how handsome her husband to be was. questioning if it meant she would be a queen. rosalyn didn't mind the questioning, in fact it was nice to be /excited/ for something for a change. for some happy news to be present in her mind and not all the tragic things that had befallen her recently.
a knock at the door pulled rosalyn's focus away from the ladies as one of the guards came in to announcement the arrival of her sister. excusing herself from the still mirthful ladies, she moved over into the other room to find her sister waiting. "ravella!" she smiled, hurrying over to her sister to hug her. "i am so glad you are here. i was going to come and see you later but this is much better."
@ravellaarryns
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.
dinner before departure
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
ravellaarryns:
didn’t know? ravella’s eyebrows furrowed for a moment, wondering how rosa had somehow gotten lost in the chaos and was completely overlooked. the perpetrators should have been publicly flogged in her own opinion, paraded for all those who called this tomb home to recognise and shame. by only letting a select few recognise the brute, it was easy for such … unstable individuals to take advantage of others ignorance. "darling, neither you nor i would have been able to outrun such a beast.” she sighed slightly, lifting her royal blue skirts to just reveal her footwear, raising an eyebrow slightly in rosalyn’s direction as if to say, especially in these shoes. “you should have been made able to identify a criminal who sought to harm you all; you had no idea not to approach him.” she thought it something she would take up with the targaryens whenever she caught them; regardless of tensions it could cause. “you are not at fault, not at all. do you understand me?”
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maybe it was true she should have known what he looked like. but maybe she should have sought out that knowledge too. deep down she knew it wasn't her fault. but that nagging feeling was still there. "i should have found a guard or not approached a stranger. "she mumbled quietly, resting her head on her knees. "he had this horrible laugh. i can't get it out of my head. last night i just tossed and turned hearing it over and over. despite everything i could still hear that laugh, it's unfair" everything she was denied hearing but felt cursed to hear that." he grabbed me by my throat and held a dagger there. i could barely speak. i forgot any self- defense we were taught. i just felt so helpless." what more could she have done? if rowan hadn't arrived and he got her down to boat, what then? would he have killed her or taken her with him to gods know where?
ravellaarryns:
ravella remained in her seat, emerald orbs flickering across the mirror toward the purple, blackish hues around rosalyn’s neck. the colours moved in a haze, somewhat shielded by her fiery red locks - but she saw it nonetheless. the only sign ravella gave of her unease was the sharp rap of her platinum sapphire ring against the desk as she drummed her fingers, momentarily getting lost in her thoughts. she had been told that the attack was not one based on politics, but a madman looking to escape his grim fate - still, she couldn’t help but hold her breath. "the crack of dawn, though the targaryen guards were questioning all travellers in and out of dragonstone. by the time my presence was cleared, it was midday.” offering rosalyn the beginnings of a small smile in response to missing her presence, she hoped her own sister would know had missed her too - despite not admitting it. “forgive me, for i must stop dancing around the topic. last night?” ravella began, turning in her chair so she was facing the tub, crossing a leg over her skirts. her question was introductory; wanting rosalyn to take lead of the conversation and indulge the details she could bring herself to.
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rosa was thankful that his sister's arrival came this morning. after everything it was nice to have some good luck coming her way. knowing her sister her entire life she knew that smile from her meant a great deal. plus her sister coming to visit her first reassured her that ravella missed her as well. the red-head knew the conversation would lead to this. pulling her knees close to her chest, the younger arryn frowned." it was awful" she started. "the man... I didn't know it at the time was rholk, the man the tully king hired to attack us all." she said, "i saw him in the hallway... i was alone... i. .. i tried to run ravella, i really tried. but he was bigger and so fast. "she closed her eyes trying not to bring back those memories.
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."
ravellaarryns:
@rosaaaryn
upon entering rosalyn’s chambers, brushing past the guards that had been stationed on either side of the double doors with a nonchalant brush whilst her own arryn guards discussed details and identities, the emptiness of the room was immediately apparent. well, not entirely empty; some serving maids, definitely not those rosa had left her home with. “are you not paid a wage to attend on my sister?” ravella demanded, her voice as stern as a whip as she remained in the shadows of the room. “quickly run a bath for the princess and get out of my presence.” ravella immediately busied herself by closing a window that was allowing in cold draughts of sea air. ensuring the hot water of the bath was filled with relaxing scents and salts, she lingered by the window to see rosa slowly crossing the courtyard, making her way back to her chambers. nobody had been clear in regards to what had happened the night before; the woman intended on hearing it from her sister first, before seeking out robin and finally, rowan.
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most of that morning had been spent arguing with maesters. all of whom had told rosa of the benefits of regular walks in the fresh air and how it could help with healing of her neck. the last thing she wanted wanted was to leave the safety of her room. every corner and dark spot could hold new danger she was not ready for. but eventually she gave in and took the walk surrounded by guards. asha as she made her way back to her chambers, she was stopped by one of the guards to inform her she had a visitor. "who? "she asked. the guard only shrugged before opening the door. stepping in nervously she looked around before spotting a familar dark brunette in the corner. "ravella..." the shock of seeing her there not setting in. maybe it was a vision. but that couldn't stop her from running toward her, flinging her arms around her. "how? how are you here?"
