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.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 20, 2017 2:16:33 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
Kings Landing, never had he expected to end up in the den of beasts. Though he never intended to spend his last handful of years upon Essosi soil either. Perhaps it was fates way to keep them apart. Catching the tailwind of the just where the little lion had made a name for herself. Not terribly suprised, yuli always had claws that could rend lesser men.
Though he expected the kingdom of the Targaryens to be filled with less strife. Upon the streets doused with rain he saw the same problems that plagued the slavers bay and braavos. It was a wheel that needed to be broken and destroyed. Watching thieves and cutthroats alike enjoy the spoils left behind by the nobles. Praying upon those less fortunate. Before him now a simple innocent bump had turned into a display of power.
Brandishing a blade a noble lord called for the hand of the child that sullied him. Having a guard bring up a sword to cleave the child. With a quick slash it came down. A tormented scream bellowed from the mother as the guards blade was meant for mortal flesh. Radiating with the rays of light, washed by the rain Lyon blade met that of the guards. An expression mostly hidden beneath an indigo cloak. Only a smile brandished.
" DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!"
The voice demanded upon the deflected attack. The guard striking a second time only to have his blade parried once more. The hooded knight effortlessly defending the child that skirted around his armored sides. All his attacks ending in failure until the guards blade was thrown from his hand. A heavy strike used by the Reyne firstborn. Knocking the highborn servant onto his ass.
" Can't say I do milord. Though might I suggest that you leave before something unfournate happens."
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 20, 2017 6:39:33 GMT
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She needed to clear her head, which meant abandoning the Red Keep to find herself among the tribulations of King's Landing. The royal city didn't offer anymore of a soothing atmosphere, but at the very least she was free from the grasp of the castle. That alone was enough to temporarily put Yuliya's mind at ease. The worries of the commoner's weren't the effect Jaehaerys' passing would leave on the realm but rather more base needs of survival. It was a cruel realization but she took comfort in their suffering, for it was not talk of the crown's finances or the three potential heirs.
Yuliya Lannister played the part of an unassuming commoner well enough. Well enough to be overlooked as a lady of Casterly Rock by the lowborn who teemed around her. With half of her flaxen tresses pulled back in fashion typically seen on commoner women and a simple dress of a deep blue shade, the only differentiating aspect was her outstanding level of cleanliness. Her stare was more oceanic than Blackwater Bay as she took in the impoverished and overpopulated sight of the streets of KIng's Landing. On numerous occasions she was hollered at by a lustful man or carelessly pushed aside by someone with evidently more pertinent matters. None of these incidents managed to truly catch her interest; they were all common occurrences on the filthy streets that existed outside of the Red Keep.
Until her gaze fell upon a tense scene of a child being harshly punished for merely acting their age. Yuliya was human but she was also understanding of how the Westeros society was intended to function. Her eyes fell to the cobblestone street, feeling no desire to witness the amputation of the blameless soul's limb. The swift cut of the blade through flesh never happened as a servant of justice intervened, his blade clashing against the guard's. Curiosity keep the Master of Coin from instantaneously speaking out against the battle of metal; her mind sent into a stupor at the sweeping arcs and erratic stabs of the cloaked man. Then he spoke, pulling the lion out of her daze at the haunting familiarity of the man's voice.
"Do you know who I am?" Her steely voice cut through the moment, demanding the attention of the nobleman and cloaked figured to fall upon her as she closed in on the two. "As a Lannister and Master of Coin, I am giving you sincere counsel when I advise you to be on your way, good lord. Any harm done to this child would require medical supplies from the city, when this incident could have been entirely avoided had you not fallen victim to pompousness. And you know they say: a Lannister always pays their debts. Is this a debt you would like to have repaid, my lord?" The weight of words needed only a moment to sink in before the lord backed away with a disdained look shot at Yuliya.
At least she had been able to spare one lowborn child an encounter with unnecessary evil.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 20, 2017 18:45:23 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
Safety for the man would come with the arrival of the lion. Had this been Braavos the man would have paid with his life. Lady Lannister dissolved the situation between him and the highborn lord. Sending him off with a speech of owing the capital his weight in gold. Laughter couldn't help but be expelled from his lips. Quite the roar this lioness had.
Sapphires could not mistake the sight of the woman he had yearned for. Though playing into her hands like any suitor would not work. A sly grin forming upon his cheeks, gilded strands shown beneath the hood with the closeness to him with lecturing the highborn and his guards. Taking his blade and returning it upon the sheathe at his hip. Needing it no more.
Sharing a quiet moment where neither made a sound. Just the pangs of the weeping heavens upon his armour. It was in this moment the horrid realization of how much time had passed. Their houses had all but believed him to be dead, did he desire to have her relive those memories. Words that he had rehearsed all but choking his throat. Her life belonged to kings landing and her heart likely to another, by what right did he have to return and make claim to her.
Quietly the boy bowed before the woman and began his walk beyond her. Heavy steps marching beyond the Master of Coin until a little ivory beast stumbled from his hood. Jumping from his shoulder onto the ground. Instinct had him call out to the little hakkar cub. Breaking the vow of silence he held before upon reaching for the feline. Trying to recapture the beast to the safety of his armor.
" Yuli "
Yet it did not heed its masters words, jumping with little bounds towards the Lannister. Coming upon her feet with curiousity that never could be quite sated. It would be the bane of Lyon. All but forgetting his companion shared the namesake with the woman before him.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 20, 2017 19:59:51 GMT
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Yuli’s inquisitive stare remained fixated upon the cloaked man, a question of why he chose to bow to her beginning to climb her throat to be verbally expressed. She was unable to vocalize the inquiry due to the unknown figure deciding to stomp ahead of her once his silent gratitude had been expressed. Had the bow been a display of gratitude or was the stranger mocking the woman for shoving her nose where it did not belong?
She was growing marginally more frustrated at each question that surfaced in her mind as the man continued to make his way down the street. Her fury of questions was halted at the sound of a graceless beast barely landing on its feet, seemingly having appeared from the hood of the man’s cloak. Retraining her stare, Yuliya observed the shock of white bounding towards her with an inexplicable sense of elation.
A hrakkar cub?
“They’re native to the Dothraki Sea, which is in…” The word Essos wasn’t given the opportunity to leave her lips as the owner of the foreign creature called out to it. Eyes widening at the namesake, she knelt down before the snow white beast to cradle it in her arms. She had not forgotten the lion’s name, her gaze settling back onto the hooded stranger while his feline purred happily in her hold. ”Lower you hood now, stranger. Your identity certainly doesn’t match up with who I believe you to be, considering they perished ten years ago.” Her words were fortified, a demand the man would wisely oblige or else the lioness wouldn’t hesitate to roar.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 20, 2017 21:13:38 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
Knelt before the armored knight Yuliya picked up the curious beast. No stranger to affection the cub played with the hand of the Lannister. To no surprise did they enjoy the others company. Commands coming from the Master of Coin for the Braavos water dancer to show his face. Asking for him to bring down his cowl and reveal the remainder of his features.
Fingers danced upon the fringe of his indigo hood before moving beyond to comb the golden strands from his face. Sapphires now visible focused on the lioness before him. Comforting the numb cheeks from the rain. Bringing his hands back down his sides. If she desired to unmask him, Yuliya could do it herself.
Bending the knee before the beauty, honor still tethered to the Eastern knight. Little mewls for its master came from the hrakkar cub. Battlesworn armor decorated his shoulders, this knight had seen much of what the world had to offer. Just what had this little lion seen in his absence in Westeros. Imagining Kings Landing had not been kind to her.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 21, 2017 4:19:24 GMT
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She had never had a pet of her own, aside from the destrier she was gifted on her tenth nameday. Never a fan of equines, Yuilya appreciated the sentiment but never grew attached to the creature. Yuli, as was the apparent name of the feline in her grasp, pawed at her hand playfully and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. For a moment it seemed as if the Lannister woman overlooked the bothersome presence of the hooded figure.
Tearing her attention from the spirited creature, the blond watched keenly as the figure shifted to allow her to take in his stare. Glimmering blue hues, much like her own currently fixated upon him. Even as his hands reached for the hem of his hood, he seemed intent on keeping his identity concealed after she demanded a revelation. Hands fell to side to further assert that he wouldn’t surrender to her commands and it caused Yuliya to huff out an agitated breath.
“Take Yuli back. She’s mewling for you,” the resigned voice of the Master of Coin spoke. Tiredness had caused her shoulders to sink and noticeable purple shadows to form underneath her eyes. Her role was taxing and the effects showed on a physical spectrum. One hand turned the feline over to the kneeling figure while the other swept the hood back to finally show the face of the man. “Lyon...” she mumbled, mouth agape after she spoke his name. She hadn’t expected this, not at all.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 21, 2017 4:38:35 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
Elegant cloth had been drawn away from the face of the wayward knight. With it the dismissal of the rain upon the beck of his cowl. Sunlight drawn to the pair of lions upon her reveal of Lyon Reyne. A hand placed the hrakkar cub upon the streets before retreating to his breast.
" Firstborn of House Reyne, at your service my Lady Lannister."
Playful words did not match the moment of the vassal son meeting with his long lost companion but what his words did not find in meaning his expression did. Sapphires shined brighter then ever before with the reflection of Yuliya within them. A long smile adoring his cheeks.
" Though I suppose you are Master of Coin, forgive me your grace."
Keeping his head bowed before the little lion he had grown up with. Though he teased her with his words he truly was happy to be reunited with the blonde maiden. Countless nights he spent starring at the stars wondering if she was looking upon the same sky cast over the horizon.
" You look beautiful Yuli.'"
A honest expression finally leaving his lips from his heart. The master of coin was worse for ware with all her duties, but even so nobody could match the beauty of the lion in his eyes. The cub finding warmth within the cape that followed his lowered hood.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 21, 2017 5:04:13 GMT
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“You were believed to be dead,” came the next response from the Lannister woman, her words tense while a frown deeply etched itself onto her face. Rain fell from the dull sky but the woman was unaffected by her dress becoming soaked from the inclement weather conditions. “We even held a funeral for you. Not that it did much ease to the supposed loss, considering we had no corpse to lay to rest.” She prattled on, her voice eerily soft as her stare bore into the evidently living Lyon Reyne.
The befuddlement that had fallen upon the secondborn Lannister wasn’t given much time to seep into her system. It was cast aside at the sight of the expression Lyon adorned while staring back at the disheveled woman. The brilliance of his gaze came as a surprise, albeit a welcome one to Yuliya. The look was topped with a smile she hadn’t witnessed in the entirety of her stay in King’s Landing. No one ever glanced at her with a warmness that reached the core of her being. “I’m not a queen, Lyon. Nor will I ever be. Lady Lannister is far too formal as well. Yuliya suits me,” she chided him with a diminished frown.
An unassumingly firm grasp of her hand secured itself on his upper arm, pulling him to stand before her once more. No one presumed that the shockingly small woman was able to handle herself but she proved on numerous occasions that she was more than adept. Unless compliments were being directed towards her. Porcelain cheeks became noticeably reddened before she directed her gaze towards the cub, who had tucked herself away in the security of Lyon’s cape. “A decade lost at sea has done wonders for you,” she murmured back, her gaze flickering up to his face briefly.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 21, 2017 5:18:02 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 had already witnessed the expression of his father and mother upon his return to Lannisport. In disbelief just as the young Lannister was before him. A wounded heart felt bad for everyone that cried for him upon his funeral. Had he only a way to return to Westeros sooner.
" I am sorry if I caused you any misery Lady Yuliya. Only just now was I able to return home to Westeros. I rode by horseback to come to your side as quickly as I could"
Watching in disdain as the lovely little lion felt her heart swell with countless feelings that were dredged up with his company. Though unbeknownst to him his expression would be what cleaved the heartbreak. Warming her expression with the chance of a smile.
" As you wish Yuliya."
Being summoned to stand before the little lion. Knees returned to proper posture as the height that found him across the narrow sea became evident with the difference between the two. A soft smile adoring her lovely rosy cheeks. Extending a metal dressed hand the knight captured the cheek of the Westerosi Lion.
" I promise it wasn't all beauty and glory. Perhaps you would like to hear about my tale. After all just what brought this little lion to King's Landing of all places, tell me everything Yuliya."
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 21, 2017 5:48:35 GMT
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Her hand went to her hip, where Lionheart was secured at her side and she grasped comfortingly at the pommel of the blade. Its namesake stemmed from a term of endearment the two used when they had been younger, a piece of her past she was unwilling to let entirely fade. He would undoubtedly notice the sword and she wished for him to comment about its unfitting presence on a lady of House Lannister. “The most misery I suffered was from the lack of a dueling partner. It’s quite the challenge to best yourself in contest of swordsmanship skills, Lyon,” the little lion chided him with façade of chagrin, her lips even quirking to display a pout.
The position of Master of Coin did not make her anymore elevated than any other of the lord or ladies of the realm. She was more worn and weary; that seemed to be the only benefit she experienced in her five years of serving on the small council. Furrowed brows were directed towards Lyon but then a smile surfaced, airy in nature as he spoke her name after ten years of absence. “I’m glad you came to your senses and have decided to call me as I have requested. Otherwise, I would find myself with no choice but to call you Lord Reyne,” Yuli gently taunted, the smile only broadening once she was through with taunting her companion.
In order to properly gaze at Lyon, the petite woman had to crane her head back to latch onto his stare. He had sprung up to an impressive height while the Seven decided Yuliya was intended to remain small in stature. The redness of her cheeks intensified with his open palm pressed against her cheek. Instinctively leaning into his touch, the woman sighed in contentment before preparing a proper response to his request. “An exchange of our experiences is in order, yes. However, I am going to suggest we retreat to the Red Keep before we delve into ten years worth of tales.”
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 21, 2017 6:00:14 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
" I am afraid I have had no shortage of those. You can never quite learn how to fight the Dothraki."
A small window into his adventure slipping between his lips. To have her blade at her hip though meant that she had remained stubborn and vigilant in her own training. Even when they were kids playing with practice swords the lioness desired claws to attack her opponents with.
" Please, no. I am not my old man quite yet. I'm only just getting used to being called anything but my name."
Had they not been in the middle of the streets the young lion would have tried to steal a kiss from Yuliya. Perhaps he would have to strike later. Having saved himself from the brothels and woman of Essos. Instead he would return his hand to his side after a comforting hold of Yuliya beautiful face.
" I agree, I could use a break. I haven't had a chance to rest yet from riding from the Westerlands. Let us head back to your quarters."
A hand left free for hers if she dared. After all why did it matter if two old friends were seen holding hands. Never once thinking that she could have been promised to another. The action possibly taboo for the Lady.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 21, 2017 22:26:10 GMT
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A look of wonder overcame her face, casting her features in a childlike light that shone through the dreariness of the day. The mention of the Dothraki took her back to the countless hours of studies she had completed with the septas and maesters of Casterly Rock. Her mind always soared to Essos upon learning of a new country, desperately wishing she would be able to witness the land with her own eyes instead of being presented as words on a page. “Did you run into a khalasar? How formidable of a man was their Khal? I need to know everything,” the woman breathlessly spoke, taken aback by the realization of the countless ventures he had experienced.
Her eyes remained fixated upon the man before her, not quite accepting that it was the Lyon she had practiced sword skills with and sparred until their hands were swore from grasping their wooden swords too tightly. He had grown into his lanky body and his face was more charming than she recalled from their childhood. Suddenly aware of the direction her thoughts were headed, the Lannister woman shook her head as if the physical action would dispel the observations from her mind. “As tradition would have it, you’re both a ser and lord in our land,” she informed him with a broad smile, taunting as if he were unfamiliar with the customs of his native land.
The company of Lyon Reyne was a welcome distraction, albeit an unexpected one. Supposed dead until this very moment, his presence would still take time to properly adjust to and accept. Regardless, the smile donned on her face hadn’t subsided since his hood had been lowered. “When was the last time you visited the Red Keep? Years have passed since then, I am sure of it,” Yuliya absently commented, more for the sake of converstion than anything else. She began to head in the direction of the castle, unaware that Lyon’s hand hung at his side for her to take hold of.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 22, 2017 3:00:46 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
" Have you ever battled a bear? The Dothraki fight like beasts. I almost lost my head to a horselord, their arakhs are hard to battle with a longsword ."
Just mentioning the horde across the narrow sea brought back memories of being pushed into the dirt and fighting to survive. They respected strength not coin. Having to earn his place in their society was no easy feat. Yet here he was stronger because of it.
" I am just a man, nothing more nothing less Yuli."
Being a young Lord or Ser did not save him in Essos. It mattered not who he was there. Actions were louder then words. Yuliya began her journey with with him back to the Red Keep. Walking alongside his old friend towards the heart of Kings Landing.
" I barely recall its shape. It was for one of the Targaryen twins nameday. Though I was dragged along then. I had a reason to come this time."
Freedom for his hand fell upon the top of his hilt. Resting his hand softly upon Lionhart. The weapon would now serve the little lion. With all that he had learned in Essos he surely would be a valuable tool for Yuliya.
" Though Kings Landing is quite beautiful nowdays."
Sapphires resting upon Yuliya before chasing the pathway ahead. They would need candles for how long their conversation was to run. Expecting to be up until daylight.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 22, 2017 4:35:37 GMT
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She desired a detail account of every memorable encounter he could recall from his ten years in Essoss. Needed them. Lyon understood better than most that she was voracious when it came to knowledge she could potentially collect and store for future reference. Having been unable to travel to any of the Free Cities, his own experiences would provide the Lannister woman with a vicarious sense of satisfaction. Still, she was intent on stepping foot on Essosi one day, even if her dream was not achieved until she was old and weathered woman.
“If you’re just a man, then so be it. But I still wish to listen to you speak of your time in Essos, even if we are up until daybreak. I assure you that I’ll be so riveted sleep won’t even be a concern to me,” Yuliya chirped to the seasoned knight, her tone airy.
They navigated their way through the packed streets of the royal city, with her finding it unnecessary to keep her eyes trained on the castle. The layout of the streets had become etched into her brain, five years of residing within the city familiarizing herself with its design. Some distance would need to be covered before they would be anywhere close to the Red Keep, allowing the pair to continue with the opportunity to relearn the fundamentals of their companion. “The reason is the inevitable passing of the dear king, no?” Yuli inquired, feigning coyness as she briefly glanced over at Lyon.
A snort was unable to be withheld at the complimented directed towards the city. She overlooked the subtle meaning of his words, believing his words possessed a literal meaning. Scanning the drab and dilapidated setting, she adopted an incredulous stare to direct towards Lyon. “King’s Landing and beautiful are two words rarely paired with one another, Lyon.”
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 22, 2017 4:51:30 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
Sparks had flown with the silver tongue knight sharing his tales. Yuliya declaring that the long night would not claim her. Though he had several tales worth telling, not all of them were epic quests nor glorious. Many of them involved blood and dirt, the world was not kind.
" I heard whispers, but I didn't believe it. The seven kingdoms have lost a true protector of the realm."
The dragon lord had brought peace to Westeros for many years. What would come next brought a lump to his throat. Though his reason for coming was not the late king. It was the blissful little lion that had brought him half way across Westeros. Though he couldn't just say it.
" It is a matter of perspective."
A clever grin upon his cheeks, kneeling down for a moment to pick up the cub from the streets. Placing him upon the lowered cowl. Letting the beast slumber in the fabric as the two continued their walk towards the Red Keep. Hopefully he would have no need to draw his sword again.
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