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.
A year has passed since she'd first arrived in the riverlands and already she feels more at home than she had back in Winterfell, all thanks to Lord Tully who kept true to his word. He was the man of her dreams and more. He was kind, gentle, loving and could make her laugh with the least of efforts. It wasn't perfect of course. Not everyone's happy with him taking a new wife from the north but she didn't feel as rejected as she once was.
Days here had mostly been spent studying, learning her duties as the new lady of House Tully, and of course, getting to know the people who lived here. His family, sister and children, as those who pledged fealty to him. Life was busy for the new lady of the house, however today... today was different.
Today was a day of rest, a day to spend with her beloved. A day where she could pick to do whatever she chose... And of all the things, she chose archery.
She'd done it on a whim after seeing some young knights pick up the bow and practice their aim. It had brought her back to her youth in winterfell, watching the boys train, watching her brother Ayden train. His skill with the bow was amazing to her young mind, and with every arrow that finds it's mark, she'd offer him her sincerest of cheers, wide eyed at such skill. She wanted to try it for herself, but the cold of Winterfell and the pull of the string made it impossible for her frail body, add to the fact, she wasn't even meant to hold a bow. Only in secret.
But now... now however, she was free to do so if she wished, and she'd grown much stronger since then, the warmer climate agreeing with her much better than the cold chill of her birthhome. In her hand was a skillfully crafted bow with a weak pull, and by her side was a quiver with three arrows, in one hand, a fourth arrow, resting betwixt her palm and thumb, nestling the bow string. She hadn't yet pulled upon it, nervous of the strain she must exert. It was to be her first time knoking an arrow.
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
Amber pools witnessed the plight of his beloved from afar. The pale wolf had taken up the day to learn archery. Having the smiths forge her a light weapon for her petite hands to grasp. A string light enough for even the wind to pull upon. It would not slay any armored knight but it would teach her how to defend herself.
Enjoying the brave front the lady of his house put up to use the weapon. A small holster of arrows and a target made of straw a short distance away. Pulling upon the feathers of her first arrow the little lass prepared to fire her first shot. Recalling his training when he was young.
An instructor barking commands with his fathers watchful eye burning into his back. Instead of letting her learn from her mistakes the Lord of the Riverlands approached the pale wolf. Soft steps greeting the archer before him before parting his lips to share tips with his beloved.
" Let your front leg be your anchor, and draw back the strength with those strong little hands. Pull back with all the spirit of the North until you feel your chest swell with fire. Steady your breathe and take aim, let your arrow fly true my little wolf."
Kindness adored his every word. A safe distance from the little wolf to give her room to take her first shot. Watching with a gentle stare, however her first shot ended he would be proud. Even thought he was no archer he could help her train her skills.
She looked back upon far away memories. A time when the sky was grey and all were as dull as a wolf's coat. She could remember the stance Ayden would take as he'd prepare his arrow. One foot back, body straight and string drawn as far back as to rest upon his nose. She did the same, ghosting the memory, her stance that of a beginner, and her pull, surprised at how easily she'd done it, only just barely reaching the tip of her nose. She aimed, the tip of the arrow, dancing circles upon her target, neither passing nor approaching it.
She kept trying, keeping her form even as footsteps approached her from behind, the voice find it's way into her ears. With pursed lips, she did as instructed, finding weight upon her left foot and drew her right hand as far back as she could, her back muscles pulling with all it's might. A tightness upon her chest was her signal, as the fletch left her fingers and sung through the air, hitting the top edge of the straw target.
Her bow hand had quivered, pulling back with her draw as she let loose the arrow. But though she was far from hitting her target, she felt a swell of pride, finally releasing her first arrow, and watch it at least hit the target somehow. She turned to her momentary tutor, pride found upon her lips, she gave him a playful curtsy as though she was a performer doing a show before walking to him to give him a kind kiss.
"I'd ask how I did but I feel like the result speaks for itself." Her words were light, not a hint of disappointment at not hitting her target. "What brings you here love? I thought you'd be out today." Despite her words, she'd more than prefer him by her side, and it showed, face a rosy cheer to find him visiting her at the range.
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
Beauty was witnessed upon the pale wolf playing with the feathers of her arrow. Sight would have him believe the maiden stood before him as the goddess took her shot. With his little lesson his beloved arrow had landed true. Pride swelled in her heart as she turned to him with her target defeated.
" It never stood a chance against your might my lady."
Teasing his betrothed with a delightful smile. A shared kiss had put him in a better mood. Such sway the little stark had over him. Inquiring little lips asking what brought her husband to her. Taking a moment to embrace her with his gentle hand. Resting them upon her hips, with his head brought to her shoulder.
" I find it hard to leave Riverrun as of late Ashe."
Wondering just what kept him here was not much of a mystery. Casting a glance to the quiver filled with arrows, the young man asked his beloved just what had her practicing archery. Remembering his own training from his father and the smiths. They weren't nearly as kind as he was. Though they were training soldiers not little ladies.
" I bet you can hit the center my love. Those beautiful red eyes are that of a wolf. You should try again."
His embrace was most welcome, his comfort unmatched. It almost felt ludicrous to think that she had feared him once. That her mother would instruct her to rob her beloved of his life had he hurt her- something which had never come to pass during her stay. No, she was her happiest here.
"Is that so my beloved? I can't bring myself to complain but I feel it unwise for you to slack upon your responsibilities I'm sure." Young and still a bit of a romantic, the pup responded in a tone reserved only to him. Soft and loving, she hadn't even known she was capable of such emotions until she'd seen him resting beneath the boughs of the godswood.
"I've always wanted to learn the bow. Wanted my brother Ayden to teach me how. But I had not the strength to pull on one, and I can't imagine a smith fashioning me a suitable bow of my own." She turned her head slightly to bring her sights upon her target without moving away from his embrace. One she'd be happy enough not to move away from for all of eternity if she could.
"Hmm... I bet I will if you guided my hand." She reached up to caress his cheek. There was a clear difference in height between them as the girl was still growing, head barely reaching his chest upon their first meeting. Now however, she could kiss his collarbone by simply standing on her toes.
Ashe stepped away from him, bow in hand and facing the target. She took a deep breath and readied herself. Remembered his words and spread her legs, her left foot forward and her right back. Her pull wasn't perfect yet she did her best to keep her arms as straight as can be. Her only fault at the moment was the slack upon her shoulders that lessened her pull.
She'd let him guide her, attentively following his instructions, patiently feeling her bow, trying to feel one with it as many knights would have you hear. As she felt ready, she let loose the arrow, letting the wind guide it straight into it's mark.
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 would face the fires of a dragon just for a moment with you."
Edmund had handled the duties of the Riverlands without tire for decades. The realm would not miss him for a single night. It was kind of her to worry about him.
" The realm wont even know I'm gone my dear. Don't you worry yourself over politics."
A world that the Stark would likely have to face in days to come. Being a Lady would bring her into the fold of allies and enemies he had made throughout the years.
" Hopefully I am a teacher of your brothers calibur."
Exchanging with a smile with his little wolf. Watching her take a stride forward before taking a second shot with all that she had learned. Nearly perfect in technique the pale wolf hit exactly where she desired. Now it was only refining her technique.
" I feel safe with you at my side."
A gentle reminder that Ashe had gotten Coming up behind her his hands followed along hers, resting on top of her own as his fingers intertwined with hers. Pulling the dwindling number of arrows from the quiver as their hands shared the wood of the practice bow.
Taking her stance the young wolf leaned back into the chest of the man, drawing the bow string back with both their strength. The weapon drawn to its full power as his heart began to still itself. Perhaps she could feel or hear it as they shared a breathless moment. Letting a third arrow fly.
Splitting the arrow she had fired before with a confident smile.
" My heart it has been struck I am wounded so ~."
Pretending to be in agony with a his proud smile adoring his face.
No matter how grand and unbelievable his words were, she can't help but wish it were true. Often day dreaming of the scenarios he presented as she had, countless times in the past as they exchanged ravens. It was far too romantic not to, especially for a as young girl as Ashe who'd just experienced love for the first time. "I'd rather you don't do such Lord Tully as I'd be far too wounded if you perished in the flames. I'd throw myself right into the fire after if you did." She shook her head, though still relishing in the emotion he'd inspired in her chest with his words.
"Were it not a peaceful time, think it doubtful they'd miss even a moment of you." She glanced at him with a warm smile, and slight shrug of her shoulders, before continuing. "You say that as though it is not my responsibility as both your wife and the lady of this keep." This time she gave him a raised brow, her head tilted whilst she finished her sentence. "You cannot keep me from such matters forever Edmund. But I suppose there's no harm in simply making the most of such peaceful times without worry."
If she'd felt proud earlier with her first arrow, she'd felt it twice over with the second, missing his approach as his hands moved over hers, and his body pressed against her back. His warmth, a reminder that this was no dream, it was real, and she felt she belonged. She shadowed his motions almost mindlessly as all she could feel was the beating of her heart and the rise and fall of his chest.
It was only when the arrow struck and echoed through the range that she'd broken out of the moment, turning with a grand smile to her spouse who acted as though it was he who was struck, the young wolf laughing at his supposed pain. "And thus the great fish fell into the mighty jaws of the wolf! A successful first hunt she'd say, proudly standing upon the corpse of the king of the rivers." She shook her head and rested a hand upon his chest, straining up as far as she could to kiss him upon the lips. "And thus she offered a prize, to the king who gave her his heart." Her hands wound around his waist as she rested her head against it's chest. Two years of dreaming between ravens, all for a day like this.
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
" If there is one soul who does not have to call me Lord Tully in these Seven Kingdoms, it would be you my little pale wolf."
Approaching him with worry and inquistion about shared duties. Having taken care of the Riverlands by himself since the last winter he had grown a custom to it being just him. Perhaps he would share that world with her, but for now she deserved to be free.
" You are me wife first Ashe, and lady second. I will bring you into the next meeting between my bannermen."
Commanding the air the little wolf could master the bow had she the desire. Coming back into his grasp, her toes arched upon her reach of the lord. Stealing a kiss as her arms fell around his torso. Embracing him his hands fell upon her backside. Stroking the back of her neck and back.
" I love you -"
Words erased with the return of his lips to hers. Sealing his feelings with that of the pale wolf as his fingers yearned for more of her. Never was there a moment that he did not yearn for the wolf. Embracing her softly, their hair mixing as he brushed his head upon hers, his nose dancing with hers. Loving every inch of the beauty.
" I imagine the seven kingdoms quake with the thought of fish pups."
She nodded to him, her look betraying what she truly felt about meeting his bannermen. Even with Edmund by her side, was she ready to face the men who swore fealty to him? She knew she couldn't hide away from the world forever. Especially now. What's more, all those days she spent studying all that she could and remembering the names of those that mattered would be for naught if she didn't make good use of it.
"Thank you Ed. I'd be lying had I said I'm ready to meet them. But I know it'll be fine. You'll be there after all."
His words brought a wide smile upon her face. Music to her ears. A gift second only to the love of a mother. The kiss that came with it felt like an eternity. Her body casting itself into his mold as she tightened her embrace. "Let them quake for all I care. The rivers will be filled with fish pups regardless." She laughed in response, leaning into him once more to brush her nose against his, her hand brushing away the stray locks of red from his face, her palm finding rest against his cheek. Her thumb traced his features as she looked deep into his eyes.
She knew well enough he didn't need another child. He had Edyn and the twins and all of them were boys. If she'd ever bear him a child, she hoped it would be a female, but it's been a year. Were they doing something wrong?
She shook the thought from her mind, opting for a better topic. "Have you thought of a name for a would-be child?" She couldn't help but imagine how the child would look. Would it look like him? A crown of red as it's siblings, and eyes as captivating as his? Maybe it would have the strong features of her pack? Would it be as fragile as her? So many possibilities, all which mattered little as she'd love it regardless.
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
Edmund did not trace fear within the little wolf. Speaking of meeting the lords and ladies that served him and the Riverlands. Knowing that many knew Lady Arryn as their Lady, but he would show them the splendor of the pale wolf. Tickling her chin softly with his touch.
" I wouldn't imagine letting my hand leave your soft mane."
Sharing such a fact with his beloved. Cherishing her face with a small smothering of kisses with his tender lips. Proudly displaying her desire to share each other and bring a child into the fold. Many of his own ilk had begun to sprout off from the keep. Bringing a life they could share, embracing her at the idea.
" You love you brothers, I would let you name our son in their honor, be it a girl, I may have to claim desire over naming her."
Edmund explained, nearly dancing with the woman in his arms. Enjoying her touch as he leaned upon the pale wolf. Guiding her steps with his as they ejoyed each others company. Hopefully this day would never come to an end with his little wolf.
Snowy lashes overshadowed pools of red with his touch, peach colored lips curling into a small smile, a chuckle rising from her throat. "Edmund!" Her voice ringing with joy as he dotted her cheeks with his kisses, the stubble on his chin, brushing against her skin, tickling the young pup with every peck. though she made no move to push him away, only moving her face to shield herself from his lips.
A name in honor of her brothers? Of course she couldn't pick one over the other. A name borne of either would have to do should it come to that. Maybe Jayden? Or Aaron. Either didn't sound too fitting for a fishpup. Instead the little wolf had a name far more fitting to be shared by both houses, tucked away in the back of her mind. But a girl's name?
She was an only daughter, and spent little time with other girls. Most names that took haven in her mind were male or masculine or discerned no gender. Even her own name didn't denote gender, and so she had little qualm with him claiming responsibility over naming a daughter.
Her steps were light as she followed his own. Their only song was the beating of their hearts. Resting her ear against his chest, she listened, humming along to it's rhythm as the world disappeared around them, lost within the moment. A silent wish for this moment to last escaping the pup's lips.
"I wish I can bring you a daughter." She finally whispered, breaking the silence, her eyes raised to meet his, her chin resting upon his chest, love bleeding out with the intensity of her gaze. He had enough sons. It was time to plant a rose by the riverbed.
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