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.
Ysera's gaze was involuntarily drawn upward to where the Eyrie stretched higher and higher up into the sky. The very top wasn't visible, though, hidden behind a thick veil of clouds. There was no doubt the Arryns had long since heard of her arrival, though. The march up to the Eyrie was long and easily controlled from high-up watch towers. The Stark had to admit, she was a little awestruck at the hidden-away niche the Valeman had created themselves. It was, from a strategic point of view, a great castle. Appearance-wise? Well, the sight of the Eyrie was definitely interesting, but Ysera was used to a very different kind of castle. And even though she'd never bothered to think about it before, she realized she might be afraid of heights. No turning back now.
The Arryns welcomed her warmly and after a quick share of salt and bread, left Ysera in the hands of a Vale Knight to tour the castle and yard. She was there to train with some of the Knights and although he hadn't said so, Ysera knew the Knight leading her around was curious about her. Female Warriors were rare, even in the North that occasionally saw them, most often among the Starks and Momonts, but in the Vale? Ysera knew she'd never be a Knight, but she was okay with that. Even if there was a chance for her to take the vows, she wouldn't. It'd mean denouncing the Old Gods and that was something she couldn't do. Even the thought of staying in the Vale for a few weeks, where there was no Godswood, set her at unease. But being allowed to stay with the Arryns was a great gift and Ysera would not waste it.
The thought of why her father had allowed her to travel south had come to her more than once. Her best guess was that his hopes were that she'd fall for a Vale Knight - as her father knew she valued strength, though nevermind that valuing something was entirely different from loving it - and end the game she was playing. Or perhaps her Uncle had played a part in the decision? Their relationship had changed since Ysera's decision not to hide whom she was anymore but even after two years, she couldn't tell what her Uncle thought about it. ❝ This is where we train our squires, Lady Ysera. ❞ The Vale Knight's voice pulled Ysera from her thoughts and she realized that the man had led her through the castle and out, to a large yard. She could see many boys there, flinging their mock-swords around. The familiar noise of wood hammering against wood resounded all throughout the training ground. Some of the boys stopped their hits-and-blocks to peer over at her, only to have their instructors yell at them and force them back into their routine. Ysera smiled to herself. It'd been a bold choice to arrive clad in armor but she was glad she'd made it. The Northmen accompanying her had done the same and she had no desire to other herself. It also made it clear that Ysera was indeed there to train and learn, in case the Arryns had thought it a bad joke.
❝ Would you mind if I tried my hand? ❞ The Stark asked her tourguide, who smiled and shook his head. Ysera marched over to the racks and grabbed a wooden dummy sword before turning around and walking towards a pair of training boys and their instructor. Despite the glances the boys were throwing each other, obviously trying to tell whom Ysera would pick to fight, she stopped beside the Knight instructing them. A young man, most likely just a few years her senior, with black hair, wide brown eyes and the shadow of a beard. ❝ If you'd do me the honor, ser. ❞ The Knight was seemed surprised but nodded either way. The training boys snuck out of the way and Ysera as well as the Knight shifted into a fighting stance.
They were almost evenly matched, which delighted Ysera. She'd come to the Vale seeking new sparring partners, whose moves she couldn't yet read from a mile away, fighters with different styles and preferences, who really challenged her. In the end, Ysera won, if only because the Knight had clearly underestimated her. A stunned silence followed but it broke when some of the Squires clapped and whistled. Grinning, Ysera bowed and helped the Knight she'd just defeated up.
Post by VANESSA ARRYN on Aug 21, 2017 12:25:22 GMT
What a sight, what a sight. It was interesting, really. She had never been allowed or even thought of doing so, but that newcomer was clearly at home fighting with men, on their own turf. The second falcon had come here seeking a distraction in the newcomer and she was not disappointed. The display was somewhat reminiscent of her older sister, who was also a warrior. But the Stark that had come from the North was nothing like the older hatchling. Sun-kissed skin, an armor that did not look like it was made in the vale – and a smile on her lips, even when in combat. The newcomer did not have a stick up her butt, only one in hand.
Vanessa though, she was nothing like it. While she had learned what martial skills she knew for her amusement, the lady was a lady. There was a certain feminity to her movements, a bit of grace that those who trained so much more than her often lacked. In a way, she would never trade one for the other. But she was also quite enticed by seeing martial displays like this. It was like jousting, really. Even if she could never do it herself, watching others duke it out was entertaining. This sparring match was no different – but not perfect just yet. There was something wrong with it. It was a victory for the underdog, yes, but it came less out of overcoming an obstacle, and more from her opponent underestimating her.
There was a lack of thrill. Thus, as soon as she could tell that things would go this way, she descended the stairs to the courtyard. People were distracted by the fight, so hardly anyone noticed her. The one who did was the man who owed her, coincidentally also the guide to the newcomer. Ironically, it had been him who’d taught her some tricks as well. Being behind the eventual winner, Vanessa waited for the fight to end and a light celebration to begin, with the knight back on his feet. Then she grasped the wooden dagger she’d picked up and flung it straight at the newcomer. It was not meant to harm, no, but it was meant to register, if it hit the back. After all, guest right was in play, so she would never hurt the one who had come to visit them.
“As high as honour, indeed. But even if you fight honourable and against honourable opponents, you always need to watch out for those who do not. People who come here often think that honour is absolute and a goal and principle in and of itself. But it is a weapon like any other, which needs to be accompanied by others,” she would joyfully state. The statement would come across slightly differently, depending on whether that girl had been able to react or not. It would occur either way. Just like the following courtesy and introduction would. “Nevertheless, it is my honour to welcome you as well to the Eyrie, lady Stark. I am the second born of the house, Vanessa Arryn, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Her words were accompanied by the sweetest smile, though there was some shrewdness to it as well.
Ysera, thrumming with joy at her victory - not her proudest, sure, she preferred to best her opponents because of her skill and not her surprise, but being underestimated was an advantage she wouldn't frown at in a fight for life; it might save her - did not expect another attack. She only realized that another had joined them when she felt something collide with the backplate of her armor. There wasn't much force behind it and Ysera had half expected the attack to have come from a squire, but was taken aback when she saw a lady standing beside the Knight who'd shown her around.
Even before she spoke, Ysera knew she was standing before one of the daughters of Lady Arryn. It was in her stance and the way she held herself. Not necessarily in an arrogant way but simply with a sense of pride embed into her bones, like only highborn lads and lasses were raised with. ❝ Thank you for reminding me, my lady. I forgot to pay attention to my surroundings. ❞ Ysera stated, the smile returning to her lips where previously had been a look of surprise. She'd never been as good at reading people as others of her family and she cursed it again that moment. The Stark didn't know what to make of the Arryn but she was intrigued, that was for sure.
Bending down, Ysera grabbed the dagger and felt its weight in her hand. A wooden dummy, nothing more. She took a few steps, closing some of the distance between her and Vanessa and bowed in front of the secondborn. ❝ And it is my pleasure to be here, Lady Vanessa. ❞ She smiled, small and genuine, when she straightened her back again. Ysera was aware of the fact that a tense silence was about to stretch out between them and even though Lady Vanessa didn't appear to notice - or bother - Ysera disliked it. She'd never been very comfortable in silence. It's why she oft asked for singers and bards at dinning feasts. ❝ I'm very honored that your House has given me the chance to meet the Knights of the Vale. ❞ She added then, hoping more conversation would come of it. The Stark planned to acquaintance herself with the Arryns just as much as with their Knights. It couldn't hurt to have friends in equally high places. ❝ Not everyone would be so generous, I shall not forget your kindness. ❞
She'd already told the same spiel to Vanessa's father, of course, when they'd shared salt and bread. Ysera had heard that guest right wasn't as often practiced in the South as it was in the North, which honored her all the more; whether that was true, though, she didn't know. The few times she'd been south of the North were few and far between and the most recent time was long behind.
Ysera slid her eyes down to the dagger, which she held up between her and Vanessa. ❝ Do you train, my lady? It was a good throw. ❞
Post by VANESSA ARRYN on Sept 1, 2017 23:33:53 GMT
Oho! Now look at that. Gratitude. That was rare for someone that had just taken a knife to the back even with their circumstance. Most people just basking in the glory of their victory did not like to be brought back down, especially not by dishonest means such as this. The fact that this girl did said a lot about her. Someone who was honest, ironically, since her reply could have been structured much better, had it been a lie. But it also spoke of humbleness and directness, two traits she had heard that Northerners possessed very often. Despite the fact that this lady looked very much like someone kissed by the sun.
But the words she chose were rather boring, Vanessa came to think of. So formal, so restrained. Nothing like she had expected. The smile on her face faltered a little bit, but it was still there once everything was said and done. “Hmm, hmm, no, that won’t do. You can’t thank me like this,” she thus replied, feigning a pout. Even someone with bad people skills should be able to see through her ruse. “You can’t just thank me for thinks that I have not done, after all. I mean, what kindness is there in just not throwing a tantrum about a new face appearing? That’s about all I have done. No invitation, not even real hospitality yet. All I did was throw a dagger, so you can only rightfully thank me for that.” A nod followed, before she gesticulated for the lady to do the same. Vanessa could feel a conversation fast approaching. Those were usually not served well by standing in the middle of a training yard full of men that were staring at them. “And yes, I do train. Not like you, of course not. Father would grow mad if even more of his daughters followed that kind of path.” Van chuckled to herself, while leading the young lady back towards the castle proper. She had a location in mind but did not reveal it just yet.
Their knight had already found other matters to tend to, realizing that whatever tour he had had planned was now put on hold. “I do train in tricks like these though. I’ll never be a knight or fighter, but when the stranger comes to visit me through others, I still need to know how to refuse him. There are bad people out there who would want to abduct me or harm me. I must be able to paint the snow red with their blood if no need. No one else can prepare for that but me, after all.” It was true. Her dagger was meant to only be drawn after all her guards were taken out of the equation, one way or another.
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