The year is 286 AC. King Jaehaerys II has just passed, leaving the throne without a rightful ruler. While his three children fight for the crown, Winter creeps closer, and unimaginable darkness looms.
Not all alliances will be so typical this time. In fact, many people have a crucial effect on the way this story is told. As for the ending, we only hope there are enough people left alive to tell it after its passed.
Events
Join us for our first event, the wake of recently deceased King Jaehaerys II.
Updates
AUG. 19: So we are now officially open to the public. We have a mini-event flashback thread going on, and our main event just began. Feel free to make a second canon if you can keep both of them active enough.
Don't hesitate in pestering staff with questions; it's what we're here for! Let's raise a glass and make a cheer toward a successful launch of Winds of Winter.
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Aug 26, 2017 1:08:46 GMT
"I don't think I'll be doing any more growing." Aerys said with a chuckle. He was twenty-four now and if he grew any taller he was certain his own personal set of armor would no longer fit him. "This is perfect." Aerys said as he began to wear the armor piece by piece, fastening it onto his person. He turned to both his cousin and Cassius, giving them one last nod before putting his helmet on.
"Thank you, Vaelys." Aerys said, putting his hand on his cousin's shoulder before stretching his arms some and seeing just how tight of a fit the armor really was. The set wasn't perfect, but it was more than enough to do the job it was meant for: blending in within the Red Keep.
Aerys extended his hand out for Cassius to shake. "If the plan sounds good to you then we should get going, Lord Stark. As much fun as it would be to sit here and catch up, the realm needs us now more than ever."
The rose left in her lap by the strange, perturbing man from her past was like a heavy weight in her lap. She'd used to have one just like this, pressed between the pages of the a book out of childish attachment from a playmates gift. Ashe's hand squeezing her own brought her out of the staring contest with the plant.
"Of course."
Her voice made sound, yet was vacant all the same. The hand that wasn't occupied by Ashe pinched the stem of the flower and lifted it up, debating for a moment. Honestly--
The man had about as much tact as a drunk. A drunk horse. "Fresh air would do our minds some good." It'd get her away from the lingering tension, the rising voices of her family members in their parting arguments and bantering. She rose, leaving the rose on the chair that he'd left moments earlier as the two left.
"We are children who will soon begin our ruling when the time comes, and I believe that it is best we form an alliance now." Ayden suggested. He was playing the game of thrones too soon. Though it was better early than late in case their parents, or those who currently ruled, caused it all to mess up. This was the perfect time to discuss with those of he and his brother's generation, right? Plus, Ayden wanted to showcase his political side too. His brother wasn't the only one capable of becoming king.
"I feel that if, should anything happen in the coming future, it would be assuring to know of our standing irregardless of our families actions, Ser Lorent. I would wish to see all of the future rulers as allies, friends that one can call upon. To be enemies, should our house fall apart due to ignorance with other houses, would be devastating to not just us but the people who remain loyal to us as well. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Funny." He spat back at Vaelys, though his face and words portrayed quite the opposite. In normal situations he would have accepted the statement in jest, but today - on top of the fact that they were here under the worst of circumstances - just did not feel like the right time. Alysanne was his friend, His Gace had been nothing but kind to him. Stealing such a prized item from there family felt wrong, even if it was under good intentions.
"See to it that you are not discovered." He turned to Aerys, having to physically adjust his eyes to where he was peering at his face instead of naturally looking down much like he used back when he was a mere youth. "I would very much appreciate it if I made it back home to Winterfell. If you are caught, they will have both of our heads."
Turning back towards the direction he came, Cassius would make his way back up to the chambers. He had to pay his respects one last time before he fully departed.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 29, 2017 3:12:39 GMT
Reach out your hands Don't turn your back Don't walk away How in the world Can I wish for this? Never to be torn apart Close to you 'Til the last beat Of my heart
Lyon extended his hand to meet with that of his partners. Grasping it to secure her heart. Yuliya had spent many hours helping with the late king. Accounting for his heirs and the last days of the merciful dragon lord. Instead of teasing her he would offer her his support.
" I think everyone feels sad, we lost the protector of the realm. Its a title few men can claim to hold."
Bringing her into his shoulder, letting her rest upon his neck as he brought his arm around her. Keeping her warm and close to his heart. Lady Lannister had suffered enough with death. This time he would make sure she was not alone.
" What was your best memory of him Yuliya? I imagine he visited the master of coin often in the Red Keep."
Post by VAELYS TARGARYEN on Aug 29, 2017 5:42:09 GMT
Albeit Cassius' hesitance and slight disdain to his impish prodding, Vaelys was steadfast and confident as always. A swagger was present in his posture, leaning on one leg with arms crossed with lax tension. Turning his attention back to his cos, he shrugged lightly, "Bring me back a trinket when this is all over. I do hear that Asshai has some wondrous and peculiar items; something from there will do." Of course he was only half serious.
"The tapestry of destiny is void of crimson dye around your bodies," Vaelys sung in a haunting and sweet tone. "Wouldn't those be encouraging words for me to tell you two right now. Whatever it may be, I wish you both the mightiest of fortune on your grand quest. I'll be watching and rooting from the stands," he continued. As much as he agreed with their concerns for the realm, it was too much of a risk to be involved. With the very workings of fate detailed before him, nothing short of the destruction of the realm itself would spur him to attempt to deviate from what the Gods have decided for them. At least overtly. He'd have to give himself punishment for what he would committ soon.
"Anything else before the tragic festivities above end?"
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Aug 29, 2017 5:52:29 GMT
"When have I ever failed you, Lord Stark?" Aerys said sarcastically. He had failed him. Many times in fact. However by the end of Aerys's wardship those days had been put behind him. He had grown into someone the Stark could consider reliable. Hence their mutual agreement to the plan that would risk not only their heads but his house should they be discovered.
"No. It was good seeing you again, Vaelys." Aerys said, pulling his cousin in for a hug whether he agreed to it or not. "Stay safe." He didn't need to tell Vaelys that, knowing his cousin was more than capable of covering his own back. Yet the words came out all the same.
Aerys's extended hand reached for Cassius's before he turned around, securing the handshake lest he wanted to hear more of Vaely's comments for the rest of his days. Before the long the three parted ways. Cassius to pay his respects. Vaelys to turn one lie into a truth. And Aerys headed home to the Red Keep.
As he took his exit from underneath the Sept of Baelor, finding himself outside and on the streets of King's Landing once more, Aerys turned back to gaze at the Sept for one last second. His family was there. His parents, uncles, aunt's, and cousins as well as nephews and nieces he hadn't even met. A part of him desperately wanted to return to them. It would be the easy thing to do, especially as they all shared their grief over the loss of his grandfather. Yet his attention reared back towards the Red Keep. This was his only window of opportunity and Aerys had taken a greater purpose in life than his own self.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 29, 2017 6:35:05 GMT
✦ ✦ ✦
She was thankful for his hand suddenly wrapped around hers. He hadn’t left her side since she had take him back to the Red Keep the night before. While he had been able to quell her sorrows back at the castle, Yuliya had become increasingly more forlorn as the funeral progressed. Her melancholy was not as blue as House Targaryen but Jaehaerys had been a distinct figure in her life. More than just a king.
“He was entirely deserving of the title. There will never be another like him, but I am glad he can rest easy now that the Stranger has taken him from this world.”
The affection he had to use as a tactic of consolation meant the world to Yuliya. No one else had the capability to soothe her nerves like Lyon, even after a decade of time creating a gaping fissure between the two. Wandering stares of those were entirely curious fell upon the pair but she did not have the time to fret over their assumptions. Tucked away in his grasp, she expelled a weary sigh as her arms wrapped around his torso. “His tales. Whenever I visited him to discuss funds or financial matters, we would always conclude a meeting with one the many recollections of experiences collected during his lifetime.”
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 29, 2017 6:49:29 GMT
Reach out your hands Don't turn your back Don't walk away How in the world Can I wish for this? Never to be torn apart Close to you 'Til the last beat Of my heart
" The seven will guide him safely into the grand beyond. Though I imagine his heirs will act on his behalf."
Soft fingers wrapped around the decorative chainmail and armor. Lyon could feel her fingers pull upon him as sorrow played with her heart. If he was alive he would imagine that he would want no tears wasted upon him. Softly resting his head upon hers as he starred upon the pyre of the king.
" I can only imagine the tales the dragon lord could weave. I doubt my own could compare with the likes of him. The people he met and saved. If only I could be a fraction of him I would be a better man."
Reyne explained through gentle words, remembering namedays and other events he attended as a child with the king sitting far off from him. Never did he expect to meet the man, a vassal child meant to serve House Lannister. Though even Lyon felt the warmth of his kindness and mercy.
Post by RHAEGAR TARGARYEN on Aug 29, 2017 7:00:51 GMT
Reach out your hands Don't turn your back Don't walk away How in the world Can I wish for this? Never to be torn apart Close to you 'Til the last beat Of my heart
It was a bitter-sweet moment upon his child being returned to him. Hoping that the two could recreate it in years to come. In the wars to come, he wished never to harm his brother. Though he had to make understand his position and plight upon the realm.
" You should come to Dragonstone brother. We could visit our hiding spots. We wont run out of our drinks either."
Rhaegar offered, knowing it would be hard to turn down such a pleasent journey to their past. A man of honor Daeron must have known he would never wrong him. With a little yawn and grasp upon his attire the child stirred. Having them rest upon their own beds would be a blessing as well.
" Let us return home my love."
Resting upon the little frame of his beloved with both their children in tow. Guiding them away from the center of the sept, they had said farewell to his father. Upon leaving he would let all his sorrow go up with the pyre. Moving forward was what he needed to do to survive. Rhaegar could not be distracted with the past.
Post by DAELLA BARATHEON on Aug 29, 2017 20:05:25 GMT
The quiet between her and Selyse stretched long, though not unusually so. Still, it was with a certain relief that her twins returned. Bar the husband, the family was together again. There were many in the room that she did not know personally, only by acquaintance or title or trifling exchanges. And the swirl of activity and plans, the antithesis of the slow mourning she would have expected, made her feel like the ceremony was even less supposed to be about a funeral than it was. In fact, she didn't even know what her youngest daughter had been up to the entire event. Before Daella's very eyes her growing descendants were becoming their own individual players on the board.
"Let's head to our quarters," she said as she stood up to her children, though chances were one of the three would want to detour for something or the other.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 29, 2017 22:35:52 GMT
✦ ✦ ✦
“The Seven will hopefully deliver him to a place where suffering does not exist. He deserves a peaceful life, free of anymore strife and frailty,” Yuli whispered to Lyon, her words echoing with a sense of content finality. He was gone, but it was a much better fate for the late king.
It was a consolation to know he would not witness the chaos and discord about to unfold across the realm he worked tirelessly to keep serene and satisfied. Even if his passing was what served as the catalyst for pandemonium, Jaehaerys would never be pegged with fault.
Yuliya burrowed her head further into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply to allow his comforting scent to fill her lungs. Her arms were slender but the grip she held on Lyon was unyielding; she did not want to be detached from her intended. No one would be able to pull her from his side, like the Stranger had done to the withering soul of the dragonborn king.
“Aim to emulate our late king then. I know he would appreciate such a sentiment if he could’ve heard the words you’ve spoken. I’ll share all of the tales he told me, I promise.” Her hoarse voice mumbled the promise into his chest, finding solace as she remained fastened to Lyon. But even he wouldn’t be able to act as a safeguard for her in the days to come.
Winter was coming. A war was on the horizon. What else would unravel before her very eyes?
martell by blood, targaryen through wedlock. fiery and unkempt, the red sun will go to any measures to assure her beloved is seated upon the iron throne.
Post by RHIANU TARGARYEN on Aug 29, 2017 22:46:25 GMT
☀ ☀ ☀
Their departure from King’s Landing would effectively reopen the crevasse that caused the brother’s to diverge from one another. Rhianu had witnessed the highs and lows of their connection but it was undeniable that the two regarded each other with a deep sense of adoration. A war wouldn’t be able to pit them against one another, not even with the victor being promised the spoils of the Iron Throne and the crown.
“You know that Dragonstone is as much of your home as Harrenhal, Daeron,” Rhianu reaffirmed, a reassured smile appearing on her face as she took a moment to regard the eldest Targaryen.
Rayna had found her way back into her father’s arm, drowsily tugging at his shirt to confirm her desire for a proper resting place. Ryllan wasn’t faring much better, slumped over in her arms with his head lolling to the side as he softly snored. They were the future of the Targaryen house, one day promised the sky as they spread their wings and finally learned how to soar. Not even a war would succeed in tearing the little dragon’s down from the one place they truly belonged.
“Let us return home, dragonheart,” she spoke softly in repetition, the smile now turning onto her beloved.
Rhianu tilted her head to the side, allowing Rhaegar to lean against her while their foreheads momentarily touched to transfer her feelings of affection over to him. One last farewall was spared to Daeron before the two parted, Rhaegar offering his father a final farewell before they departed from the sept.
Post by VAELYS TARGARYEN on Aug 30, 2017 5:32:41 GMT
"You too, cos," Vaelys returned the sentiment although his responding hug was a little awkward. Bulky and a bulky frame got in the way.
As Vaelys pulled away he turned towards Cassius, unable to tell if the expression he wore was one of brood due to the flickering shadows. A proper bow was offered as he spoke, "A pleasure, m'lord." Raising back up with the same serpentine smile, the Targaryen turned and danced into the darkness -- choosing to take another path deeper into the Red Keep, no longer interested in that of the wake. He couldn't see everything in his visions or prophecies, and at times it was nice to be surprised. If anything interesting were to happen between now and his next move, he'd embrace the opportunity of wonder and curiosity.
At least, that's the reason he'd use to convince himself to get back to his room and laze about.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 31, 2017 1:09:40 GMT
Reach out your hands Don't turn your back Don't walk away How in the world Can I wish for this? Never to be torn apart Close to you 'Til the last beat Of my heart
Just what had the old king been to his partner. Words wished upon his soul were that of a beloved elder. Though it took months for the stranger to take him, he passed in peace many could only hope for. Closing his eyes for a moment of peace for the old king.
" With your blessing he will find peace. That I promise you Yuliya."
Yuliya embraced him tighter then he could recall. Stealing the breathe from his lungs as she clung tightly to his frame. Arms wrapped around the little lion. Embracing her softly, letting the little Lannister know that he was there for her as he tried his best to comfort her. Stroking blonde curls softly.
" I just need to follow in your footsteps little lion."
Swaying back and forth with the lion, everyone here need to grieve just as she did. Clinging to these feelings would only bring a noble down. The late king would not desire his subjects either to cling to this untimely event. Instead he would want them all to share drinks and recall the tallest of tales.
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