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 YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 22, 2017 5:16:06 GMT
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As their discussion led to the topic of the deceased king, the steady rain drenching them paired with the nature of the subject ideally. Even the skies needed to bawl to display to the realm’s collective reaction to the passing of Jaehaerys. Her hand raised to her face, brushing away a strand of soaked hair to tuck behind her ear. “Aye, the whispers carried an unfortunate truth. The whole realm is headed down a path plagued with turmoil and tribulation. My only hope is that the most suited heir travels this route safely,” Yuliya remarked to Lyon with a forlorn tone.
A matter of perspective? Once more, her oceanic stare swept over their surroundings to assure she hadn’t missed an obvious trove of beauty hidden amidst the strife. King’s Landing had only descended further into suffering since she had first traveled to the royal city to serve as Master of Coin. The provisions the crown’s budget could a lot to the less fortunate lowborns failed to resolve the issue of poverty. “In this matter, perspective is incapable of locating beauty amongst ruins,” the Lannister woman soberly remarked to him.
Comments and musings were exchanged between the pair, allowing their travel towards the Red Keep to pass with haste. Lyon’s solemn concern left his lips as they arrived at the Red Keep, causing Yuliya to pause before the entered the castle. An earnest stare was turned upon the lord before she spoke, saying, “It’s no fault of your own ten years have passed. Life continued its march forward, I was given no choice but to follow after. But don’t let yourself be fooled; I prayed to the gods you would return eventually. Even if you were proclaimed to be dead, I still prayed.” Sincere words finally expelled, Yuliya let out an uneven breath before continuing to enter the Red Keep.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 22, 2017 7:01:22 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
" Is there a problem with succession? I thought Daeron would have the Iron Throne ?."
Politics in this realm escaped him, he knew the names of old men and young heirs but the names of khal lords and sealords of braavos had swapped in importance in his travels. Blonde curls tamed by the lions fingers, tucking them behind her ears.
" Compared to the Garden of Bones in Qarth this landing of kings shows hope. You have much to see Yuliya"
A melting pot of cultures and Westeros Kings Landing was by no means the perfect place but it was civil and had its humane laws. Perishing in the Red Wastes from judgement was a fate worse then being a lowborn. Hating to admit that it was worse there.
" I spent many nights working my fingers to the bone. I was no heir to a house there. I fought each and every day for my life. Years spent serving false kings and slave lords. Forced to fight, my scars can tell more tales then I can care to remember. Ten years I spent trying to return to you ."
Stopping upon the steps to the Red Keep. Fate had not been kind to him, tortured by his experiences he used them to become stronger. There was good adventures in his journey too but by no means did he ever stop thinking about returning home.
" Thanks you for praying to the old gods and the new. They must have kept me safe and brought me back here to serve you as I did before."
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 22, 2017 19:10:50 GMT
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His worries were not spent on the political affairs of the seven kingdoms, as Yuliya would have imagined. Surviving as a foreigner in Essos for a decade meant the concerns of the realm he had left behind no longer dominated his mind. The Lannister woman would gladly take informing him of the commotion occurring in Westeros as trade for Lyon returning from Essos with his life intact. “By lineage he is the rightful heir, but the king all but actually disowned the firstborn for the way he has carried out his life. The realm believes Rhaegar should assume the throne, as he is fit for the role of king. The most complicated piece this puzzle of dragons is Jaehaerys verbally naming Alysanne as the true heir. Alas, the decree was never written and finalized by the signature of the king,” she curtly informed him, summarizing the latest events of the realm to a brief overlook of the current state of the realm.
The look on her face was overcome with resignation as Lyon spoke of another foreign country she had only read about in the tomes dedicated to the geography of Essos. Stare falling to the steps that led to the entry of the Red Keep, the Master of Coin was reminded of how tethered she had become to King’s Landing and the country of Westeros. “No need to remind me, Lyon. However, I fear that my duties to the crown obstruct the dreams I have to sail far across the sea,” Yuliya morosely remarked as she began her ascent up the steps.
Only privy to a small window into his experiences in Essos, she adopted a bewildered look as no joy or glory seemed to be recalled by the Reyne fistborn. Despite all of the suffering, he still managed to mention the little lion amidst the horrors experienced over the course of ten years. “You won’t be serving anyone besides yourself and House Reyne,” she spoke, words solemn as she reached out to take hold of his arm as they scaled the remainder of the stares. “I beg of you to ignore Vanja, my lady-in-waiting, she will be unable to keep from gaping at the sight of you. She is convinced that I will become a spinster being so dedicated to my job.”
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 23, 2017 3:45:13 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
Words about the Dragon lords sparked memories of dragons and the young childrens namedays he attended as but a young brat at his mothers skirt. With the dying kings words he sealed the fate of the realm. What could have easily been a simple decree made three heirs. Just who had Yuliya decided to serve.
" Who does your wealth support?"
A question that likely revealed her ties. Though knowing Yuliya, it wouldn't be any of three. Helping the people always appeared to come first with her. Its why she was in such a desperate state. Just how many hours of sleep had she lost or sacrfices made for the betterment of the people of Kings Landing.
" There is plenty here yet to see, you just have to know where to look Yuli."
A clever smile placed upon his lips, stolen with her arm wrapping around his. Courting him into the entrance of the Red Keep. Blush accented his cheeks as he hid his heavy breathes. Listening to Yuliya warnings about her servants and aids. Trying to contain his laughter he teased his partner.
" Do you bring anyone younger then the Hand of the King into your quarters often ? I imagine its nothing but old lords and greedy nobles. "
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 23, 2017 5:59:59 GMT
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Lyon specifically mentioned the word wealth and not house when asking about her family’s allegiance to the three potential heirs to the throne. Her lips twitched upward into a smirk, bemused that even her old companion fell victim to the assumptions surrounding her family name. “It isn’t my wealth, Lyon. Nor will it ever be. Regardless, my own beliefs will be cast aside. My duty is to see that the Targaryen who meets the needs of the realm is chosen,” she briskly replied to him, her face tense as she informed him on her wealth’s stance.
The pair had entered the Red Keep by this point, her handmaiden lingering immediately beside the door as they arrived. She wished to disregard talk of travels and foreign lands, knowing she would remain captive at King’s Landing for an indefinite amount of time. Yuliya allowed her focus to transfer to Vanja’s reaction, an utter look of bewilderment on the young woman’s face after she recognized Lyon’s presence. The piercing look the little lion shot her spoke volumes, causing Vanja to clamp her mouth shut and hurry down the hall ahead of them. “As I said before, please excuse her. She is grossly worried over my romantic affairs, or lack thereof,” the lady mumbled, slightly abashed at the intimate nature of the comment.
She pointed her flustered gaze towards the ground, her stride brisk as they neared the chambers of the Master of Coin. His question was unexpected and subconsciously the grasp she held on his arm tightened. Somehow, the Lannister woman was entirely unaware of the faint tinge of red on his face and the breaths he expelled. “Logan was the last man younger than the Hand to be summoned to my chambers. Other than my own brother, no,” she murmured, swinging the door open to her expanse of living quarter to drag Lyon inside.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 23, 2017 7:18:11 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
Perhaps his choice of wording had not been correct for he didn't believe the Lannister to be like her kin. Though Yuliya desired to support whomever the realm choose. People being the core interest of the Red Keep's funds. They owed her a great debt and likely would never thank her for it.
" The realm owes you a great debt."
Lyon retorted to his companion, a compliment in his defense. Meeting the companion of the little lion. Eyes all but drawn to the blonde with blue eyes. Jealously would come to any lady who saw the lion with her arm around his. With a small bow of his head he greeted Vanja, guided into Yuliya private quarters within the Red Keep.
" Are you not promised to another?"
A glimmer of hope returned to his heart. Though they had changed so very much in the last ten years, his heart still became flustered in her company. Hoping to see just what her answer was. The quarters of the Master of Coin was exactly what he expected. Mountains of tomes and papers spread across the entirety of the room. How did she keep track of her progress in here.
" How is your brother? "
Not caring about who came to visit. With her strong grip upon his armored arm the young boy eased his muscle. Slipping his hand down to meet hers. Metal fingers softly pressing upon her own. Softly playing with the paws of the little lion as he gazed around the room of his partner.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 24, 2017 2:51:18 GMT
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His words were not being received the way he intended, and it seemed as if he were conscious of this as he worked to recover from the shortcoming. It was no fault of his own but it still made the look on her face turn sour as their conversation progressed. She came from a family who sat atop a mass of wealth and her current title involved solely the funds of the royal family; how else could anyone view her besides in terms of capital? “The realm owes me nothing,” she crossly murmured, hoping the subject would die right then and there.
Yuliya overlooked how the sight of her hanging off of the arm of a weathered knight would appear to those currently occupying the halls. Upon laying eyes on the two, they appear to be a couple engrossed in conversation as they remained oblivious to the happenings unfolding around them. Perhaps that was the reason why Vanja looked to them with pure bewilderment, never before having witnessed her lady in a quixotic state.
Upon the entrance to her quarters, she was unwilling to part from Lyon’s side. Even after the daring question caused the familiar tinge of subtle pink to spread across her face. His stare focused upon her only caused the little lion to shift uneasily, unsure of how to conduct herself in this sort of situation. “I’ve remained unmarried on the premise that I should be wed for reasons that best suit the interests of my family. No such opportunity has arisen yet,” was the mortified reply she offered to Lyon.
The topic of her brother was a welcome shift of conversation, bringing a light of fondness to her sapphire hues. He knew how fondly she regarded Logan and how envious she had been of her elder brother in their childhood years. “Well, just as he always has been. He’s the golden Lannister child, what else could you expect from him?” More musings of Logan were halted, her whole focus dedicated to his hand sliding down to press against her own palm. Her breath hitched but she did not protest against the action, pressing back and giving a tender smile at his boldness.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 24, 2017 4:08:11 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
Of course she would not accept praise for her job thus far. Though she had to have seen the effect of her governance of the Kings Landing. Though the Master of Coin was the least corrupt person they could have.
" On behalf of House Reyne you have my thanks Lady Yuliya."
Hearing the muddeled lion compromise a reason for not having herself married off. Claiming her family had not found a suitable heir to pair her with. A laugh found his lips as he kept a close eye upon the blushing feline. All the problems in the world and a boy was one of them.
" Just what are those interests?"
Enjoying the jabs upon her, words teasing her gently. Hearing of her brother brought memories of serving the greater house. Enjoying the times he spent sparring and playing games with Logan. Though the golden lion did not cease to surprise him. Sheltered however from the world the firstborn son made his move. Using his free hand to grasp the cheek of the little lion.
" Am I one of them ?"
Words halted by his stare upon the blonde. With the light flooding in from the windows the young boy leaned into the rays of warmth and stole a kiss from Lady Lannister. Ten years had been stolen from him, but he made sure not to let a single moment of his feelings escape his lips. Hearing the door open with her aid inquiring some silly amount of wealth, only to have her close it in a burning expression.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 24, 2017 20:04:43 GMT
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She was a prideful creature, just as lions should be. But she was far more humble than anyone could have presumed. Possible atypical of the golden feline she emulated, but braggarts never before impressed Yuliya Lannister. Her triumphs as Master of Coin were witnessed in the flourishment of the city and the satisfaction she had seen alight in the eyes of the late king. It was all the gratitude she needed. “Hush, Lyon. Anymore talk of appreciation and I’ll have to turn deaf eyes onto you.”
Her request was granted, the direction of their conversation heading towards lands she hadn’t properly prepared herself to brave. Lyon Reyne was a close companion, someone who she had relied upon for an escape when the weight of a noble life threatened to crush her entirely. With a mind focused on her family legacy and the concerns of the realm, Yuliya tended to overlook her own feelings and emotions with ease. “The integrity and reputation of House Lannister, the same interests I’ve tended to my entire life. I won't marry for love, I'll marry for the sake of my family.” Yuliya responded, the words passing through her lips in an uncollected stammer.
Talk of Logan soon ebbed, her mind unable formulate cohesive thoughts to be verbally noted. She became acutely aware of the location of his other hand, placed gently on his cheek to keep her murky oceanic stare fixated on him. A woman admired for her steadfastness and composure, the touch of his hand upon her cheek caused her to crumble into a pile of impassion ruin. “I believe you are aware of the answer you seek,” the little lion uttered, unable to experience a sense of impression at her capability to speak a complete sentence.
Silence was the response received from the lord, who studied her face intently enough to draw a surprised gasp from her pursed lips. Yuliya remained still as he leaned in, aware of his intentions but unsure of how to react. Her lips pressed back against his instinctively, the meshing of their mouths feeling as if it had always been meant to occur. Her fingers twined through his and she reciprocated the kiss earnestly, unwilling to pull away even when Vanja interrupted before hastily closing the door to exit the quarters.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 25, 2017 1:20:28 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 only just arrived and you wish for me to take a vow of silence."
Teasing the little lion with his chivalrous word. For now he would humor her request. To much flattery would earn him the door and a night away from the lady. Not desiring that after how many moons they had stayed apart.
" What about for your sake ? "
A question asked to Lady Lannister upon his breathe returning to him. Feeling the strength of her claws tighten upon his armored fingers. During the duration of their kiss the boy learned just what he desired to do with what days he had left. Taking the knee before the little lion. Letting loose her hand to pull his sword from its sheathe.
" I offer my services Lady Yuliya. I will shield your back and keep your counsel and give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New. "
Holding the blade in both his hands as he kept his head low. Words rehearsed countless times in his head when he spent his days on the Narrow Sea. Feeling the warmth of the lion spread from his lips to his heart as he pledged himself to Lady Lannister. The blade was the only life he knew, he wanted to share it.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 26, 2017 5:15:36 GMT
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His face pulled a respectable distance away from her own granted her the reprieve to catch her breath. Not much air remained in her lungs after their lips had practically sewn themselves together, as if they had always intended to interlock. Contentment within soon department at Lyon’s probing, his question linked towards his earlier inquiries of her marriage arrangements. Yuliya’s brows knitted together in displeasure, not at her feelings towards the question but at his inability to lay his eyes on a blatant answer. “My sake doesn’t matter, Lyon. All I desire to assure that my house will flourish and thrive, long after my time to roam this world has come to pass.”
The man of a vassal house seemed to be full of revelations, leaving the Lannister woman dumbfounded at the unexpectedness of each gesture. First the kiss and now he knelt before her, sword bared for her wide eyed gaze to behold. “Lyon, don’t…” she muttered as a weak refusal, soon abandoning her attempt to convince him otherwise. His intentions were set, no protest she voiced would keep him from voicing this sacred vow. His life was pledged to her, the old gods and new as their witness. It was not a promise to be viewed lightly, which made her heartbeats quicken as the weight of his words settled upon her.
He bowed before her but Lyon would not be the only one making a vow on the night of their reunion. Mimicking him, her knees gently hit the floor to bring her petite form kneeling before Lyon. Though his head was bowed, the action would have easily been recognized by the knight before she reached out to touch her hand to his blade. “Lyon Reyne, I vow to view you as both a companion and my sworn sword. Your presence is invaluable to me, as are your skills with the blade. Your honor will never be tarnished as long as you serve me. I swear this, by the old gods and the new.” Her words were solemn but there was an undeniable trace of endearment in them as her head hung low as well.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 26, 2017 5:51:18 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
" You need to worry about yourself more. Your house wont crumble if you are happy Yuli. "
Furrowed brows were not delight with all the inquistion from the armored guest. Of course she held her duty to her family high but he had been around the world and nearly killed a half dozen times. Knowing that being a lord mattered not anymore.
Taking the knee before the little lion, the master of coin helpless to listen to his oath. Having squired beneath plenty of lords, and mastering his blade in Essos the boy would be the perfect tool for Yuliya. Hearing his master accept him into her home and office as a knight of Yuliya Lannister.
Words were not needed for now, as his azure eyes brought themselves to the reflection of the blade before him. Returning it to its sheathe as the young ser reached out and brought the little lion upon his breastplate. Softly tucking her beneath his decorative cape. For a moment she wasn't in the Red Keep or Kings Landing.
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 26, 2017 18:42:12 GMT
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“Except it will, my beloved knight. My siblings and I carry the legacy of House Lannister and I will do as I must to see the legacy live on. History has shown to me that it is not often that glory and happiness follow one another. I am interested in glory,” Yuliya spoke resolutely, the stoniness of her words conveying to Lyon it was best to leave the matter untouched.
They had been discussing herself at such lengths that a frown spread across her lips. Mentally, she chastised herself for allowing the conversation to flow in an eccentric direction. “Tell me, Lyon: are you happy?”
Being a sworn sword to a lioness did not drum up an image of everlasting happiness to Yuliya Lannister. Quite the opposite, actually. Serving for the crown, she imagined a fair amount of enemies had formed against her since assuming the role of Master of Coin five years prior. Admittedly, she didn’t worry often enough about the dangerous directly related to herself. Instead, her concerns were connected solely to financial matters and the general state of the realm. Perhaps having someone like Lyon, who seemed invest in her safety and wellbeing, would improve her quality of life and, in turn, her state of happiness.
A soft gasp passed through her lips as he once more astonished her by pulling her close to him. He sheathed his sword and chose to wield his emotions towards her instead. Yuliya’s face buried itself into the curve of his neck, taking a moment to breathe in his scent to commit it to memory. Her arms tightly wrapped around his torso, the closeness a sensation she had never experienced before. Home. His hold felt like home. “Only death will separate us this time,” she swore to him, speaking against the fabric of the cloak draped over her.
Post by ROBERT BARATHEON on Aug 26, 2017 19:20:52 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
Yuliya scolded him with the words of her houses future. Though by the end he would turn her words upon her. Letting the little lion take her win before their embrace. Taking a hold of her with arms that had yearned for her soft touch. Perhaps she would feel his desire for the little lion through steel.
" I wasn't happy but that's starting to change."
The warmth of her breathe upon his neck had his cheeks decorated with red. Softly placing his lips upon her forehead, a loving kiss shared upon the little lion. Words declaring that their bond would not be severed until death. Ethereal his voice filled the air with laughter
" Until death do us apart."
Giving her all the time in the world to stay in his embrace until she no longer desired his touch. Rising to his full length he would help guide his little lion up with a hand with a clever smile. Making a wager with the master of coin that he doubted her pride could refuse.
" You desire glory Yuliya? I challenge you, champion of Braavos and knight of the small council. Defeat me with Lionheart and I will offer any reward within my power, however if I win, you will give me your hand."
Post by YULIYA LANNISTER on Aug 26, 2017 20:12:34 GMT
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He was warmth and that should have bothered her given the intensity of the summer heat. Winter was coming but the omen did nothing to temper the blistering days before the great frost. Her quarters were balmy and the various layers of fabric she donned did not cool her. But she didn’t mind the warmth of Lyon. She craved it. Her nose pressed frantically into his neck, the tip of it brushing against his flesh was enough to send a jolt of adoration throughout every nerve in her being. In response, her arms only locked more firmly around her sworn sword, conveying how reluctant she had grown to relinquish her hold. “Happiness is on the horizon, we must ride towards it,” she whispered against the gentle curve of his neck.
Her eyes had fluttered close to allow herself to fully immerse herself in the moment. How many more like this one would they be able to share? Yuliya mused that they would be sparse, meaning each one would have to be properly savored and cherished. The tender moment was made more worthwhile once Lyon affectionately pressed her lips to forehead, craning over her to fully conceal her form with his own. “That sounds like a promise pledged to a lover, one shared between husband and wife,” her ethereal murmurs revealed the current state of her mind before she could bar them from passing through her lips. A fierce blush came upon her face but she found herself appreciative of being obscured by Lyon’s hold in that moment.
Their embrace was broken far more earlier than she would have preferred, but she could have remained in his arms for the entire night. Lyon pulled her to her feet effortlessly, no miraculous feat given the demure stature of the Master of Coin. It was her own inclination to keep her hand fastened in his, giving him a look overflowing with intrigue as his words filled the air within her quarters. “My hand? But that is…a marriage proposal. Lyon, what is the meaning of this painfully evident stunt?”” Her words rang with a sense of befuddled irritation, the keen woman unable to perceive the obvious reason behind Lyon’s wager.
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