Latest Posts by rosaaaryn - Page 3

how do you feel amongst the starks? do you truly feel around family?

rosa paused, unsure exactly how to answer. “it is complicated. there are times i feel at home amongst the other starks. they all have been as welcoming as they possibly could be. but...” she paused. “there are still times i feel like an outsider. maybe with the baby’s arrival i won’t feel so much like that. i would like to feel fully at home”

TRUTH SERUM

feel free to ask anything, in character or anonymously, and my character will be forced to answer truthfully.

rosa | ophelia | morra | cassana | harlon | theo | mellara

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.

kingarryn​:​

.

the falcon king was an utter mess. it felt as if his whole world was crumbling before him. the loss of his closest friend, his wife’s public banishment by her brothers, the antcipation of what the consequences of their marriage would mean for his kingdom… it was all too much for rowan arryn. the image of tyland lannister holding a knife to his sister’s throat was also still burned in his mind. he stomach turned into knots at the thought of the trauma his loved ones would be forced to carry from this night for the rest of their lives. he was to overwhelmed by his own grief and emotions that he wasn’t able to go to his youngest sister right away. it wasn’t until much later into the night did he find himself calm enough to make his way to her chambers.

he knocked softly on her door, knowing she would not be aware of the knocking unless she had a servant in the room to notify her. “thank you.” he said softly to the queen’s servants, nodding his head at them. waiting for them to leave the room, he made his way to where rosa sat. he bent down to on one knee, taking her hands into his own. “i’m sorry i did not tell you everything sooner.” he stated tenderly, “how do you fare?” 

.

“i knew. i knew the first day you all arrived here at the north. ravella told me so. i was just waiting for you to share it with me.” rosalyn never wished to be angry at any of her siblings. especially not now, not when she hadn’t seen them all for so long. all of them were important, all of them being pulled in hundreds of different directions with different duties and responsibilities to maintain. still, she had missed her eldest brother dearly and it felt like she had yet to see him. maybe he was avoiding her, avoiding telling her the news or avoiding disappointment. 

the new northern queen didn’t know what it was. whatever the reason was rosa was sure to forgive him. they all needed to be strong now. “i am shaken up. seeing daemon like that….the chaos of everything. the sword…” she paused, knowing she didn’t need to say more. everything happened in the blink of an eye. she had tried to take control of everything but there was too much happening. a small seed of disappointment was left inside of her that she could not help better. maybe she could have helped her brother and his new wife now. who’s to know?  “and you rowan. how are you faring?”

within the library of barrowhall, the ever-growing shape of rosalyn stark darted around the room. probably much to the chagrin of her lady maids who do desperately wanted her to just sit and relax in her state. but how could one relax when there were people missing within her kingdom. she was the new queen here wasn't it her duty to help? she could not hold a sword, she could not travel into the freezing temperatures of the north. but what she could do, is her research.

in front of her dozens of books and maps were laid out. pages of notes were quickly being written by her as she looked over everything she could. if these people were holding so many people captive surely they would need a big place to hold them? and that somewhere would need to be isolated. and maybe somewhere there would be a record of a place like that, or maybe a mention in notes of a tax collector or traveler. ink stain fingers continued to furiously take notes when she heard the sound of someone entering the library. brandon karstark, a dear friend of her husbands and to the stark family in general. infact she had learned the two families considered themselves family. which meant he was now hers as well. the kindness he had shown to her in her first days of the north was something she was sure she would never forget. "lord brandon." she said starting to stand up from her seat. "forgive me i did not see you there. is everything alright? did you need something?"

@wintervsuns​

wyattgrafton​:

who: @rosaaaryn​

where: white harbor, godswood in the wolf’s den

heavy feet hit the pavement made clumsy by fatigue. an effort had been made in the first weeks of his stay in the city to familiarize himself with whatever culture and entertainment white harbor had to offer but somehow his troubles followed him everywhere, plaguing his thought and even alcohol in excess did nothing to drive them away. he’d even visited the famed godswood in the wolf’s den but in his troubled state even spirituality was no fit remedy. the gods in all their magnanimity and wiseness had been no match for all the questions he had. questions only he could answer. and yet in the grand scheme of things the pride of one wyatt grafton nor the fate of house grafton weren’t of great importance. not in light of recent developments. not when westeros was facing more threats than ever before. still how was he meant to fill the role his king had entrusted him with when he was so aimless, so lost as to where to even begin to rebuild both himself and his house. 

and so here he was on his knees, hands joined in prayer, searching for the words. there had been prayers on the kingfisher, only far less solemn ones. the men in his employ would often make some up to gods he’d never even heard of, gods he suspected were for a good half at least partly invented. he hadn’t prayed for much over the years. when he was a child he had made a habit of praying for strength and courage. two qualities his father insisted he lacked. and when the strength and the courage he found all on his own proved to be no match for his father fury, he’d stopped praying. there was no use in sending wishes up to the heavens, hoping against all hope that one day he’d be what waleran grafton expected of him or even more grotesque a wish that he would be himself and that would be enough. the gods couldn’t change him any more than they could transform his father. so he’d ran and turned his back on the gods and now here he was, hands shaking and joined and praying anyway. standing up and dusting snow off of his dark coat he made to leave but stopped in his haste as he heard distant footsteps, reflexively looking for a place to hide but finding to his dismay that he was exposed for all eyes to see, with nowhere to hide. catching a flash of red hair he immediately bowed his head in reverence. whether they belonged to a tully or an arryn he was no doubt in the presence of royalty. the face that came into his view still managed to surprise him though and he stuttered an incredulous “Your Grace. What a surprise! Should I leave? I wouldn’t want to intrude between you and them.” He let out, looking up at the sky with his finger pointed to the clouds, with a wink.

.

it had only been a month since everyone had arrived up in her new kingdom. just a few weeks and yet it felt like they had been living through all of this for a year now. each new arrival of news ready to seed the next roots of worry and paranoia within all of them. what else could happen next? the question itself had struck fear into so many of their hearts. and now all of them needed to move somewhere safer. somewhere they could be together and still keep their distance. the close quarters halls of new castle felt like a chessboard to maneuver through. part of her was almost thankful to leave.

however there was something she wished to do before she left.

heavily guard, rosalyn stark walked through the streets of white harbor towards where daemon targaryen had met his final moments. she had wished she did not see what had become of him. she wished she could keep the memories of him in the vale instead. all of them so young then, so unaware of everything to come their way.

the guards around her, stayed close as they neared the weirwood tree. not only were they protecting their queen but the child she was carrying. now five months along in her journey, there was no hiding her stomach. clutched in her hand was a beautiful bunch of winter flowers. walking into the garden that held the tree she paused when she noticed another man there. her heart beat raced until she realized who it was. an unusual relationship the two of them found themselves in. "please lord grafton, no need to hurry away on my account. i only came to leave these behind." she said motioning towards the flowers. "i hear from my family that the vale is leaving soon for barrowtown? are you joining them?"

edricxstark​:

Who: @rosaaaryn​​ Where: Barrowtown

“Rose? I wanted to come check on you after all that happened. Those Lannisters are lunatics.” Edric entered the room and draped a blanket over his sister in law’s shoulders. “If I had the chance I would have run him through.” He hated how it seemed more and more like he couldn’t just ignore the problems surrounding them all. “How are you? And the baby?” 

.

he chaos that happened that night was still so fresh within her mind. in a moment after things had settled enough she was whisked away back to her room by her guards and lady maids. all of them overly concerned at how she faired. would the lannister king have hurt her? surely if he wanted to he simply would have but…he didn’t. his concerns lay with his family. could she blame him for that? for wanting to keep his brother and sister safe? still the cold feeling of his sword on her neck was not one she would forget soon.

she only had a moment alone before her brother in law came to check up on her. pulling the blanket closer around her she nodded to his question. “i am okay… thank you.” she told him. “the baby is fine, kicking up a storm but not harmed in any way.” her mind wandered back to the lannisters, to gwen being threatened. to the news that everyone now knew. they were family now in a weird twisted way. “they aren’t lunatics…the lannisters. everything was just, chaotic. that’s all.”

starkwhitewolf​:

.

deep in thought as he was, it took him a moment to process that rosa was right there. rosa arryn. she was a natural beauty. the match had been made to connect their two kingdoms, but torrhen never had any objections. for one, he was an honorable man bound by duty, and to the north. he knew his marriage needed to be incredibly beneficial for his kingdom, and it was. he would be lying if he said it was a love match, it was simply an arrangement, a convenience for both of them, but he’d also be lying if he said that loving rosa arryn didn’t come easily for him. she was beautiful, kind, smart, and she brought out the best things in him. while it seemed he learned something knew about his wife every day, there were times where it simply felt they knew each others own thoughts.

he stood up, looking at her a moment before walking up to her and wrapping his arms around her. it seemed day after day they were bombarded with new stressors, he wanted a moment to simply be with his wife. he was not very open with his emotions, especially in the company of others. torrhen preferred to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself unless it was necessary. feelings only overshadowed good judgement, in his opinion. there may be times that would prove important, but he believed those times were rare. “rosa.” he replied, firmly, but voice low an gentle, for him. “how do you fare? and the child?” as he spoke, he signed as he kept his voice low. he knew what was said to her. the king in the north was privy to all that was happening around these parts, except for the mysterious signs being left, of course.

.

‘you will marry a great man one day my daughter’ her mother had said that to her hundreds of times. rosa still could remember the time her father scoffed as her mother told her that. it seemed to only encourage her mother to tell her it more and more. letting her know that she was worthy. rosa knew her father never thought she would be able to marry. who could look past her faults? there was no hiding how he felt about her. part of her wondered what her father thought of her now if he could see her. married to a king. his own daughter a queen of an entire kingdom. his daughter who he assumed would be nothing but a burden to the family. 

and yet here she was. married. a queen. and soon to be bringing in the heir to the north into the world. rosa had known her marriage was to help both the vale and north. but torrhen was a good man. there was no denying that. neither of them expected the feelings to rush to them so quickly. it was like the books she read growing up, stories of love and the ends people would go to for it. she always knew she would marry a great man. but torrhen was more than just a great man. he was strong and capable and so very very smart. and deep down he was caring, affectionate. he wrapped his arms around her then and she felt completely safe. like nothing outside their walls could touch them if he stayed by her side. the queen watched carefully as her new husband signed out his words to her. here in this room with torrhen she felt safe. and yet the man’s words still rung out in her ears. his threats. “i would be lying if i were to say i didn’t feel scared.” she said, her hand clutching her stomach. “what if his words are true. what if what he said….” she shook her head, not wanting to think on such a thing.

C H A R A C T E R  I N S P I R A T I O N S 

 task 001

ella  - cinderella

“Have courage and be kind”

yvanie -stardust

“But to see the way that mankind loves. I mean, you can search the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So, yes, I know that love is unconditional.”

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.”

falcxnprince​:

.

it was odd, seeing his sister as a queen now, of course, he always knew she would marry well. ravella, too, but as they grew, he began to realize the elder arryn sister had more of a sway with whom she would be shackled to forever, or at least, the king knew better than to align her with just anyone. that is, until none other than wyatt grafton became the most suitable person to become her fiance. he scoffed at the idea, a traitor marrying an arryn who resided in the eyrie itself. it was laughable, and he still couldn’t put his mind to exactly why that decision was made.

rosa, on the other hand, would likely fair just well with anyone. she was kind, obedient, qualities that made a good and faithful wife, but nonetheless, worried the youngest arryn. he hoped no one would dare take advantage of his sister’s good heart. she seemed, however, to be doing plenty well up in the frigid north. he embraced her hug, however, partly for it’s warmth, but mostly because he truly did miss her. she was always the neutral party when the other siblings bickered. “we certainly do.” he replied, releasing her from his arms. “yes, yes, yes, sister, please do not stress yourself with worrying about me you know i am perfectly self-sufficient.” he smiled. “you have plenty of things to worry yourself about as it is, i’m sure, please tell me how everything has been for you up here.” 

.

rosa had begun to build a life up in her new home. when her engagement was first announced rosa had always feared that she would not be able to settle into her new home. that she would not be able to fit in, that she would always be an outsider. the people of the north were strong, protective of one another and wary of people from the south. it had only been three months of living up in winterfel but she already felt herself beginning to relax. she had begun to make friends, to become closer to torrhen. and now with their child on the way everything felt like it was starting to fall into place.

but a piece of her would always miss the mountains of her home. miss seeing her brothers and sister every day. even if some of that time was spent breaking up petty squabbles, she would not mind it.

the distance away made moments like this so special. getting to hold her family close in the crisp chilly air. “of course, of course. but a sister still worries. i want you enjoy your time here.” rosa looped her arm through her brothers to guide him out of the cold. “i have been well up here. there is much to get used to and much that is different but i am happy. torrhen has been wonderfully attentive and helping me through the change. i couldn’t ask for more.” she smiled. “you are going to be an uncle again soon enough. i will have to request another visit from you all after he is born if you are all able to go back home before he arrives.”

harlon | morra | theo | ophelia | cass | mel

HALLOWEEN AND HORROR THEMED MUSE Q’S —

content warning for overall dark themes including morality, murder, death, blood, addiction etc

NECROMANCY - What are their views on death? Undeath? Immortality?  TOMBSTONE - What do they think their legacy would be? What do they think people would etch on their tombstone or say at their funeral? VAMPIRE - Be honest, do they have any secret addictions or deeply hidden vices? DARK DIMENSION - If there was an entity living under their bed or in their closet, how would they react? Would they befriend it or be frightened? SUCCUBUS - What is their best asset when it comes to manipulating other people? Money, connections, sex, words, etc? GHOST - Have they ever been ghosted? What effect did it have on them mentally? RAVEN - What sad song, poem or sonnet would they be associated with? NIGHTMARES - If they had a chariot leading them through their universe’s version of Hell, what animal or creature would be pulling them? MIDNIGHT - Have they ever had a lurid affair? Ever broken someone’s heart with messy passionate actions? MONSTER - When they look at the world what is the first thing they see and hate? CRYPTID - Which cryptid or urban legend best represents your muse?  TAROT - Do they believe in a fixed fate? Or does free will have more power? What are their opinions on prophets, mystics and oracles?  BLOODBATH - Would they ever kill for pleasure? Is murder a turn on or turn off for them? EXORCISM - Is there anything your muse dislikes about themselves so much that they wish it could be removed completely? ie. a mental, physical or emotional trait or habit.  PUMPKIN - Out of character real quick, what’s YOUR favourite part of Halloween? WITCH - What are they readily willing to sacrifice to ensure their plans work? What is too much and how far are they usually willing to go? CAULDRON - What is their favourite comfort food? HAUNTED - When they’re suffering are they willing to admit it? To who? Why or why not? POTION - If they had to bottle any ingredients to create their own essence what would the ingredients be? What would the bottle look like? SCRY - What is one thing in their life they would have been better off NOT witnessing? LICH - If they had to choose, which physical item would they pick for their phylactery?  FULL MOON - What is one thing they try their best to stay ignorant of? What illusions do they uphold but really shouldn’t?  SHADOWS - Do they believe people can be just “good” or “evil”? Or is morality a grey area to them? Considering their logic, where do they think they fall in a moral alignment? NIGHTSHADE - How would they prefer to die? HORROR SHOW - Muse, name three people in your life. Who’s sacrificed? Who’s the killer? Who survives until the end? Where does that leave you? ENCHANTED - What is one kind of bait that would absolutely lure them into someone’s trap? Something they can never say no to? DEMONS - If they were in hell and walked into the night club, what song would be playing? ZAGREUS - Are there any cycles they seem to never escape? Any lessons constantly following them?

it had been a night of complete hell. each moment getting worse and worse than the last. anxiety gripped her heart tightly not wanting to let go. every time she paused she felt the world crashing down on her shoulders. she saw the face of the sailor threatening her unborn child. she felt the cold steel of tyland’s blade against her neck. her mind barely had a moment to think about the reveals that had been made about her brother and his new wife. 

gods her brother. what secrets he kept from all of them. something as big as this was not something that was ever going to come out well. even still the explosion of emotions that came out that night was far beyond what she thought would happen.

her mind wandered thinking about everything. her hands tracing her stomach, hoping that all these troubles would be solved before she brought this child into the world. she barely heard the knock at the door as she was too focused on her thoughts.

one of her ladies in waiting opened the door. a young woman who had followed her over from the vale. they gave a deep curtsy seeing the king of the mountain there himself. “your grace.” she greeted him. “she seems a bit…fragile tonight, your grace.” the lady said softly before leaving them to their privacy.

@kingarryn​

starkwhitewolf​:

closed starter for @rosaaaryn​

rough hands gripped the ledge of a balcony and the wolf king looked out at the landscape below. strangers flocked by the hundreds to his homeland, and as much as he would hide it, it truly made him uneasy. he knew not everyone who might claim to come to their aid had the best intentions, and he certainly could think of a southern ruler or two who merely came to see the north fall, but that would not be that day. winter was coming, and if it didn’t stop before winterfell, it would overtake them too, eventually. whether they could convince others for their aid, however, was still up for debate, and torrhen was still unsure as to why he thought it a good idea to even put that kind of faith in those he was not well acquainted with.

to top off the tension that loomed around them constantly, a mad man attacked another regions princess and lady, and threatened his own wife. what he meant by his words, torrhen was unsure. truly, though, he believed they were merely that: words. but how rosa felt, he believed would be different. she was kind, empathetic, and likely would feel haunted by it. he would do his best to minimize this, especially now that she was carrying his child. he turned back to enter their chambers, and closed the balcony door behind him. as much as he savored the cold, northern air, the dropping temperatures were becoming less tolerable, even for him, some time by the fire would be best. he took a seat in one of the chairs placed in front of it, poured himself a cup of ale, and waited for his wife to return.

.

worry had been plaguing her all afternoon. as much as she tried to distract her brain it just jumped right back to what that man said. but surely he was just trying to scare her. what could he possibly know about her and her child? he was not the man he called “the shadow” he was not some god. he was just a violent criminal. she had to believe that for her sake. but what if he was right? what if her poor child was to be born under a blood moon. 

her hand traced her stomach as she lost herself in thought once more. fresh air would do her well. that was what her handmaidens told her as they encouraged her to get out of her room and hopefully shake whatever worries she had. all she wanted now was to see her husband. 

reaching the large wooden door of their chambers, she dismissed her handmaidens for the night. but she made sure to thank each of them for the company and support they have given to her that day. truly it had meant more than she could say in that moment. her breathing shook as she stepped inside of the chambers, shedding off her fur cloak once inside. would he be upset with her perhaps? maybe she had done something wrong and that was why that sailor had threatened her. had she not done her best to fit in with the people of the north? 

maybe her fears could melted away like the snow near the fire’s edge as she saw him sitting waiting for her. but still her worry for what the man said stood strong within her. “torrhen.” she said softly, trying to remain strong. she was a queen now. but even a queen could feel fear.

ravellaarryns​:

.

         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.”

falcxnprince​:

my sister the queen ;; rhys & @rosaaaryn​

The north was not unknown to the youngest Arryn, and yet the white landscape before him still took time to sink in. The powdery ground beneath his feet felt like mush with every step. He wondered how his sister liked it here, how different this trade city was from Winterfell. It reminded him of Gulltown, and that was perhaps not in the best way. He decided he would keep that thought to himself. This entire journey and meeting was quite important for the Arryn family, and he was not going to be the one to squander whatever important business lied before them before it began.

Within the halls of White Harbor, nobles bustled, making niceties with one another, it bored him. He grew tired of all the small talk, the manners, when so much of it was a false front. He preferred the company of those who could be honest, wouldn’t bite their tongues. How their titles were held in such how regard, for people to only show one half of themselves to one another, was almost offensive. Amongst everyone, however, he finally spotted his sister, Rosa. A smile came over his face as he walked a straight line towards her. Giving a dramatic bow. He announced, “The Queen in the North.” Rhys stood up once again, opening his arms for a hug. “Sister, you look radiant. It’s been too long.”

.

rosa had been counting down the minutes until she would get to see her siblings once more. luck had given her the chance to see ravella so early in the day when she first arrived into white harbor, but her brothers she had yet to see. he was not in his rooms when she tried to visit him earlier, so she set her mind to walk until she could find him. and after some time he stood before her giving her an over dramatic bow.

“rhys!”

reaching out to him she flung her arms around him, holding him tightly. closing her eyes for a moment she felt like she was back in the eyrie. she was waiting for rhys to come home from whatever new trip he was taking for information or for fun. but like she would do when any of her siblings were gone she would wait at the entrance gates for them. and then the moment she saw them once more she could pull them into her arm knowing they were safe home. and maybe they were not home but at least in this moment she could know rhys was safe. 

hugging him for a few moments longer she finally pulled away. “i have missed you so much. we have so much to catch up on.” of course there was the ever lingering issue their sister had brought to her attention but that could wait. for right now she was just happy to have her family back. “have you found your rooms already? is everything alright? was the trip safe? have you eaten anything? i can get something for you if you need?” the slew of questions pouring out of her as she wanted to be sure he was content.

rodrikofwinter​:​

—.

he disliked being out of winterfell, if he was being frank, but rodrik was thankful that he was still in the north. he had so little desire to travel south again, though he knew eventually such a thing would occur. the king of winter had been preoccupied with trade routes and plans for the north, so much of his free time was spent poring over letters and documents when he would rather be enjoying the brisk air of white harbor.

he heard his wife before he saw her and his lips twitched as a kiss was pressed to the back of his head. “trade routes, mainly,” he remarked carefully, his fingers moving to sign for her. “while i’m allowing some lands to pass through unhindered, i do not want to give them the ability to enter the entirety of the north.” his voice was brusque for a moment before he turned and pressed a soft kiss of his own to rosalyn’s temple.

her question was a welcome one and his lips twitched. “you could, perhaps, convince me to take a break.”

.

with each day that passed rodrik’s signing had gotten better and better. while rosa was used to being in a world with those who knew no sign language at all, it felt comfortable to know her husband was there with her. and one day when their children grew up they would learn as well. it was times like this that she felt included in what was happening, instead of having to watch from the sidelines. “i think that is smart. we don’t want everyone to think they are able to come in without us knowing.”

right on cue, rosalyn reached out to take rodrik’s hands within her and to try to pull him away from his desk. “come on a walk with me then. you have been behind that desk all day long and the sun is about to set. and i believe the sunset is going to be beautiful. and maybe i am wrong but i do not believe you have eaten either.” she noted. “i think the trade routes can wait a little longer.”

ravellaarryns​:

.

         “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.

TRUTH SERUM

feel free to ask anything, in character or anonymously, and my character will be forced to answer truthfully.

rosa || mellara || ophelia || morra || harlon || theo ||

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

.

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.

truth serum

@mellaratully @harlonvflowers @kingvmorra @opheliafowler @cassvstark

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

location: white harbor, the north

the party from winterfell had arrived days before any of the other kingdoms were set to arrive. it had given them time to be sure everything was prepared for the arrival of everyone. rosa had worked along with the manderly house to ensure that all the rooms were set up for people. she had been spending a lot of time making sure the placements of the rooms were just right so there would be no tensions near one another. despite how much her handmaidens were insisting she rested. finally she gave in and headed back to her chambers

there she could see her husband sitting at his desk working hard. seemingly in the same place she had left him in, however this time with a much larger stack of papers in front of him. walking over to him, she placed a gentle kiss on the back of his head. wrapping her arms around him as she looked down at the papers on his desk.

"what are you working on? you have been sitting here for what feels like hours?" she said, trying to get a better look at what he was working on. moving to his side, she took a seat next to him to see him respond back to her question. "is there anything i could help you with?" she asked, wanting to take some pressure off of rodrik's shoulders.

@rodrikofwinter​

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​

.

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​

.

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​

two figures sat on a large, smooth stone way. red and dark brown hair contrasting against the marble they sat upon. hours ticked by and the two of them still sat there, waiting. rosa had promised that she would take madelena down to meet her father as he arrived back home. of course there was no telling exactly when he would be back, but by her best estimates, she would assume sometime in the afternoon. yet the little girl could hardly wait, she couldn't sit still. rosalyn couldn't blame her. she felt the same tickling nerves in her stomach of excitement that her family was finally going to be home. they could finally be safe as soon as they were within eyesight of her.

after much persuading, rosalyn agreed to taken madelena down early if she promised to bring the needlepoint they were working on together. rosalyn doubted she was going to get the young princess to do much else. "come now maddie, only a little bit more work until it is done. and then you can give it to your father as a gift." that seemed enough of an incentive to get her to sit down next to her aunt to finish the piece filled with soaring falcons in the sky.

time ticked slowly forward and forward as the two waited for the arrival of the soldiers.

and then they both heard it, the sound of horses drawing closer and their heads looking up in unison. before she could stop her maddie jumped down from the wall and started running towards the sound, her new gift clutched in her small hand rosa hurrying after her, both of them scanning the faces of the men until finally they both saw him, rowan. the king had finally returned back home.

@kingarryn​

wedbedbehead​:

where: the eyrie who: @rosaaaryn​

Sometimes, Ysilla felt that she had spent far too much time of her life waiting. It was the worst feeling in all the world, really, not knowing what was happening somewhere to people who meant the world to you. To have to wait for the outcome, and learn only afterward if all was well. But this was the story of all those who remained behind, be it for the battle that was perhaps occurring right this very moment, somewhere in the Riverlands, or for the whole of the last war.

But if Ysilla was frightened for her brothers, then Rosa must be doubly so, for her brothers and her new husband. Ysilla had been in the very same position some years ago, and even now she woke at night dreaming of waiting, waiting, not knowing—but aware somewhere in the back of her mind the raven that was going to reach them any day, knowing exactly what it would say. But what good was it to wallow in her fears and worries? Thinking about it would send her mad; and so she would not, save where her own history meant she was the perfect person to assuage the fears of another, fears newer and so likely more painful for it.

“It feels as though it’s been forever since we had the chance to speak,” she said, turning from the window to face Rosa so she could hear—that was, see. “Which is only natural, of course, with you married now. I’ll have to make certain my hand is better when you leave, so you may read my writing without all the difficulty everyone says I gave them the last time I had anyone to write to.” She wrinkled her nose. As much as she enjoyed conversation, letter-writing had never been a great skill of hers. She never knew what to keep and what not to. “I know this is a troubled time, but I am glad we have the chance to speak. So—Your Grace—how has being the Queen of the North suited you so far? Well, the parts you’ve seen of it.”

.

the way the sunlight streamed in through the window illuminated the dark haired woman perfectly. it felt warm. welcoming. it fit perfectly as she was getting to see her friend again, after having been so busy she barely had time to think. the two of them having agreed to meet today to catch up. rosa couldn't help but hugging her friend as she approached. "i'm sorry i have been so busy. my mind is all over the place lately but i should hve done better to manage my time to see you sooner." she told her, pulling away.

"i apologize in advanced for the copious amount of letters you will be recieveing from me. i will not care what sort of handwritting i am getting in return as long as it is a letter from my friend then i will be happy." ysilla had always been a true and loyal friend. it was evident in the small gestures she had given to rosa throughout their friendship. even something as little as moving herself to be better seen by rosa in order to lipread better. small moments that didn't need to be asked but were just done. a small gesture sure, but true friendships were built on such things. it was small things that rosa remembered in the longrun. rosa had tried to reciprocate that back to ysilla throughout the years as well. wanting to be by her side, holding her hand when she was sad. being there to tell her over and over again that she was enough. that the terrible misfortune that had befallen her was in no way her fault. that one day rosa wanted her to utterly and perfectly happy. ysilla deserved it afterall.

"oh please, you are one of the last people that need to be calling me your grace. especially when it is just the two of us here." the redheaded laughed softly. "it has been....interesting. i've been trying to talk with some of the other northern women who are here. some have been very kind to me and others are wary...i cannot say i blame though. i am a stranger to most of them. i would never want to demand a friendship out of them all so soon." truthfully it was hard to navigate all of this without rodrik by her side. he had left her in good hands, with people to help teach her about the north and help to guide her. but there was so much she felt like she did not know. so much she just wanted to ask rodrik, but he was so far away. "is it silly to miss him, so much?" she asked her friend, her voice low and quiet. like maybe it was foolish thing to think, not wanting anyone else to know but her. "i know we haven't gotten to be married for long but i already miss him."

TRUTH SERUM: Are you disappointed with Rodrik's fury stick? He sure wears a lot furs. Is it to hide something?

“i.....i do not know what you are talking about.” rosa said, trying to understand what was happening. “is this something i should know about? i am confused i’m sorry.”

gcuienveres​:

closed starter for // @rosaaaryn​

.

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.” 

.

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."