#Runestone

[lupiiny]

Lady of Runestone

[gracielikegrapes]

can we see Rhea Royce ?

I don't know, can you?

[tamburnbindery]

A Yggdrasil sketch - one of the runestone pages for the Poetic Edda project.

[lovelyllamasblog]

Ok, so I've fallen into the rabbit hole of Rhea Royce (one of bad bitches in the Vale) and Daemon Targaryen (huge mess of a guy) having a child together and stumbled upon @murmel-malt's oc Rowan Royce, who I have fallen in love with. So, I did what I do best and made some fanart! (Sorry for the variations of hair/skin color.)

Pic 1: Rowan at her first public appearance in King's Landing. The diadem is a present from Viserys (I) (whose trying to play the good uncle/king card on her. It doesn't work).

Pic 2-4: How Rowan would typically wear in the Vale/riding Vermithor. She is nothing if not practical. Oh, and she knows how to wield a sword and bow and arrows, courtesy of her mother.

Pic 5: What I imagine Rowan would wear to a banquet/ball. This dress was a gift from Lady Jeyne Arryn.

Pic 6: A "family" portrait with her father, Daemon, Laena, and their daughters, Baela and Rhaena (Rowan's half sisters).

Some canon lore and some of my own down below. Check out malt's oc: rowan royce tag on her page for more.

Daemon and Rhea both end up incredibly drunk and spend the night together, which results in Rowan. This makes Daemon's attempts to annul the marriage way more difficult since it would make her a bastard and the crown cannot afford to have that. So he's basically forced to stay in the marriage until Rhea dies like in canon, and then he goes and marries Laena Velaryon.

Laena is by all accounts super sweet to Rowan, and so is everyone else, except Daemon who gives her the cold shoulder, which she returns. She likes her younger siblings (even her step brothers) and is even a tad protective of them. She's even the one who introduces Rhaena to her first husband while she's in the Vale.

Rowan mainly lives in the Vale for most of her childhood, and is partially raised by Lady Jeyne Arryn after her mother's death, since Daemon can't be bothered to come and at least check up on her from time to time. This does not help his reputation with the Valemen, nor the reputation of the royal family.

Like in malt's story, Rowan goes down to the Dragonpit and claims Vermithor, mainly out of spite, but also because she feels a sort of kinship with the beast, both being of bronze and because she thinks he might be lonely like her. Daemon is both impressed and a bit scared of his daughter at this point. (Meanwhile, Rhea is laughing from the great beyond with a stunned and fish-mouthed Jaehaerys (I) watching along side her.)

This raises her reputation in the Vale since it means that they now have the dragon that they were always promised. Lady Jeyne thinks of Rowan like her own daughter and allows her to keep practicing with a sword, despite Alicent's protests that it is unladylike and unbefitting of her status as the daughter of a prince.

I imagine all her newly acquired younger siblings/cousins following after her, thinking how cool it is that she claimed their great-grandfather's dragon. Both Baela and Rhaena want to be like her; Baela because of her independence and Rhaena for her bravery. They ask her questions about the Vale and what it's like there. What they know is from books, classes with the maesters, and Daemon always complaining about how boring and drab it is in the Vale.

What do you think? Once again, this is not my oc, this is just my rambling. Go show malt some love ok?

[victusinveritas]

A man repairing a cracked runestone in 1936 at Svedjorna in Södra Ving, Sweden. Approximately 2,500 runestones can be found along the roads of Sweden, many of them having been maintained by caring locals for centuries. The inscription on this stone reads, "Tole and Torny raised these monuments in memory of Tore and Klakke, their sons".

[nerdyfangirlmel]

Y’all any theories on Liam and Sloane’s mom’s signet?? I’m seeing lots about her making runes and the relics but nothing about her signet. AND I NEED TO KNOW! What are some theories?

[aesthetic--mood]

Daemon Targaryen Aesthetic

[daenysthedreamer101]

Daughter of Steel and Bronze ~ HOTD

Ch 11 - The comforts of home

HOTD x Targaryen!OC, Targaryen!OC x Harwin Strong

Warnings: This chapter includes physical violence, attempted SA, sl*t shaming, threats of SA, cursing, and descriptions of the inflicted wounds; but I swear the first half is cute 😭

HOTD masterlist

"In 114 AC, Princess Rhaenyra started her royal tour with the goal of finding a potential husband. She first toured the Crownlands and the Reach. She then visited the Westerlands and the Riverlands. Her next stop would be the Stormlands and after that, the Vale.

During that time, her cousin, Princess Daena, returned to her birthplace of Runestone. She was joined by Ser Harwin Strong, her new personal guard, and his sisters, Hanna and Joy who were the Princess's maids.

In the Princess's entourage was also her grandmother, Lady Rowena Redfort, a famed beauty throughout the Vale, during her youth. But beauty was not the only asset she possessed - a sharp tongue and a quick mind is also something she passed on to her daughter and granddaughter."

(Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros, by Archmaester Gyldayn)

~

On a peninsula east of the Eyrie, north of the Bay of Crabs and Gulltown, lies the castle of Runestone - the seat of House Royce. They were a proud and noble house and one of the oldest and most powerful families in the Vale of Arryn. 

The current ruler of Runestone was Lady Rhea Royce, daughter of the late Lord Yorbert Royce and Lady Rowena Redfort, wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen, and mother to Princess Daena. 

In her entourage were her ladies-in-waiting, Joy and Hanna, her grandmother, Lady Rowena, and her sworn protector, Ser Harwin. She was very excited to show the Vale to the Strong siblings, seeing they were from the Riverlands. 

~

114 AC, Runestone

Harwin watched in amazement as they neared the castle of Runestone. It was situated on the western shore of the Narrow Sea, was seated on the cliffside, and hills surrounded it. It was nowhere near as big as Harenhall but it was still a large, well-made keep.

It was a bright, sunny day, though it was also pretty windy. The castle gates were open and he could see the Royce banners flapping in the wind. The guards at the entrance let them in and they entered the outer courtyard. 

He was on his horse while the Princess, her grandmother, and his sisters were in the carriage. He saw someone who could only be Lady Rhea standing in the middle of the yard - she was a comely woman with dark, curly hair that was cut short. She was wearing the famous bronze armor of House Royce and riding breeches. Her brown eyes bore into his blue ones, almost like she was sizing him up. She moved toward him once he got off his horse.

"You must be Ser Harwin. Be welcome." She greeted politely.

"I am. Thank you for your hospitality and for hosting me and my sisters."

"Of course. I have heard so much about you and your sisters. I know how fond my daughter is of your family."

Harwin couldn't help but smirk at her words. His sisters have indeed bonded with the Princess and quickly became good friends. As for him, he cannot deny that he too quickly became fond of the Princess. They became even closer once she named him as her protector.

"Mother!" The Princess exclaimed once she exited the carriage and sprinted toward her lady mother. She hugged her mother tightly and placed her head on her mother's shoulders. It reminded Harwin of his late lady mother and how she held his little sisters when they were young. 

"Oh, my sweet girl. Look at you! You're a woman grown!" Lady Rhea said, cupping her daughter's face. The last time Rhea saw her, Daena was 12. Now she was 16. 

"You cut your hair! You didn't tell me!" Daena exclaimed surprised. Lady Rhea laughed. She looked Daena up and down, clearly very proud and happy that her only child was back home. 

Then, Lady Rowena stepped out of the carriage. Lady Rhea hugged her mother and kissed her hand. "Mother."

Lady Rowena was happy to be back in the Vale as well. Harwin watched as grandmother, mother, and daughter held hands and happily talked with each other. It was beautiful, seeing the three women together. He knew how much the Princess missed her mother and how much she wanted to leave King's Landing. 

It was strange, the Princess at first glance shared no physical similarities with her mother or grandmother. But on further inspection, Harwin could see she had the same nose as her grandmother and the same curly hair her mother did, except hers were silver. She was also the tallest one out of the three and had the fairest skin.

"Ser Harwin. Come. Let's go inside." The voice of his Princess brought him back to reality. He looked at her and she chuckled at his dazed expression. He loved the sound of her voice, especially her laughter. 

"Come on." She repeated softly and he followed her inside. 

~

115 AC

For the past eight months, Daena has been staying at Runestone, her birthplace. With Rhaenyra going on tour, she had no real reason to stay in King's Landing. So, quickly after Rhaenyra went on her royal tour, Daena too left the Red Keep.

Today was a special day - it was Daena's 17th name day. And luckily for her, she would be able to celebrate with her family and friends. She was disappointed Nyra wasn't here, but she already received a letter from her. Last she heard of her cousin, Nyra was in the Riverlands where she made a stop at Riverrun and was heading for the Stormlands.

She also received a letter from her father. She hasn't seen him since the egg incident on Dragonstone years ago. Then he went on to participate in a war in the Stepstones. She didn't know where he was, but he wished her a happy name day and that she shouldn't worry about him. He wrote he would soon visit. She wanted to believe it was true. 

~

"Don't move!" Amanda scolded Daena as she braided her hair. Daena chuckled but stopped moving. She couldn't help herself, she was excited to go out and celebrate. She played with her heart-shaped pendant; she decided to wear it to feel closer to her father. 

"You should rest. Not stand for hours braiding my hair." Daena said as she looked at Amanda's swollen belly. Amanda fell pregnant a couple of weeks before Daena's arrival. She was now over 8 months pregnant and the maester predicted she would give birth in the next couple of weeks.

Amanda just waved her hand. "Nonsense. I am braiding your hair because I want to. You are a woman grown and today is a special day. I want you to look perfect. Maybe you catch the eye of a handsome lord." She said suggestively.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Daena replied, rolling her eyes and Amanda chuckled. 

"Oh? Let me be more specific then. A tall, handsome lord with dark curls who happens to come from the Riverlands and is currently our guest." 

"No. No idea who you're talking about." Daena said, looking at her nails. 

Amanda clicked her tongue and chuckled. "He fancies you, you know." This made Daena stiffen her back and turn her head. 

"He does. It's obvious as day." Amanda added as she tied the last braid. 

Daena looked at herself in the mirror - she wore a stunning gown made of velvet and silk; the top was made of red velvet with long cape sleeves and a square neckline while the skirt was made of black silk. A big, chunky belt made of silver and decorated with rubies hung on her hips. Amanda masterfully braided her silver hair. Multiple braids connected at the back into a bun while the rest flowed down her shoulders.

Daena smirked, pleased with her appearance. She then added golden ruby earrings. 

"One more thing," Amanda said, handing her a mermaid-shaped perfume bottle. It was a gift she received from her grandmother. Lady Rowena imported it from Lys. Daena smelled it - it was a sweet, heady scent. She could smell lemon and spice-flower and cinnamon. 

Amanda took it from her and applied it to Daena's neck, behind her ears, and her wrists. "There. When he bends down to talk to you, he'll be hit with this lovely fragrance. You'll have him wrapped around your little finger by the end of the night." 

"Amanda!" Daena exclaimed, embarrassed. She sighed and shook her head. Why did everyone have to tease her about Harwin? Giving herself one final look, she exited her room and walked toward the Central Hall, ready to sweep the strongest knight in the Seven Kingdoms off his feet.

Harwin was in the Central Hall of Runestone where the feast in honor of the Princess's name day was being held. He was standing and talking with his sisters when the door opened. 

Princess Daena walked in and Harwin's heart skipped a beat. She wore a beautiful red and black gown that fit her body perfectly and her silver hair flowed down her back. She was a goddess in a mortal body, he thought as she greeted her mother. 

She then locked eyes with him and he felt his breath being taken away. She then proceeded to walk up to him. "Ser Harwin." She greeted him in her usual melodic voice. 

"Princess." He greeted back and before he could say more he was hit with a sweet, heady smell. It was heavy and it made his head spin, but he didn't pull back. No. He leaned in, wanting to be closer to her. 

He looked into her lilac eyes and could see a spark of mischief in them. She tilted her head and smirked at him. "I hope you enjoy yourself tonight, Ser." And with that, she left, her hips swaying from side to side. Harwin was mesmerized.

"Brother." The voice of his sister brought him back. Joy looked at him with a raised brow. He cleared his throat, embarrassed that he was caught off guard. 

But when he looked back, the Princess was still looking at him. 

This was going to be an interesting night indeed.

~

The moon was now high in the sky, but the castle of Runestone was still brimming with life. Daena was having the time of her life - talking with her friends, dancing, and feasting. She even danced with Harwin. It was exhilarating; being so close to him, feeling his breath on her skin, his eyes never leaving her face, hands barely touching. She was a blushing mess by the end of it.

She was also drunk for the first time in her life. Or maybe she was just really tipsy. She wasn't sure. She decided to get some fresh air and walked to the outer courtyard. The cool night air felt wonderful against her hot skin as she stumbled to a small garden in the back of the castle. 

In the middle of the garden was a heart tree; it wasn't a weirwood but a great oak. Nonetheless, it commanded respect and the carved face was not any less creepy. It always unnerved Daena, especially when she was a child. Though, in her drunken state, she paid it no mind. She sat on a small wooden bench next to the tree. 

"Princess? What are you doing here?" An unfamiliar male voice asked. Daena turned around to see a young man. She couldn't remember his name or his house but she recognized his face; He was one of many lords who tried wooing her tonight. She politely rejected all of them - her heart was already set on someone. 

"Oh, I just wanted some fresh air. That's all." Daena replied politely but kept her distance. 

Unfortunately for her, he didn't keep his distance. He came closer and sat next to her. She was immediately hit with the stench of alcohol. She moved away discreetly.  "Ser, please. Leave me alone." 

"You looked so beautiful tonight, Princess. A true...V-Valyrian beauty." He slurred. She gave him no reaction and just sighed. 

He then proceeded to grab her hand and pull it toward his breeches. Disgusted, Daena tried pulling away but he was stronger and harshly twisted her hand. She gasped in pain. 

"A silver-haired beauty and a silver-haired whore." He hissed. Daena angrily pulled her hand away and pushed him. She quickly stood up and distanced herself. 

"How dare you talk to me that way!? My uncle, the King, will have your head for these words!" She exclaimed, offended. Who was he to talk to her that way? What was he even talking about? 

"You don't think I noticed? You rejected every lord who approached you save for that brute from the Riverlands. What would your uncle say when he learned his niece was throwing herself to men like a common whore?  You're nothing but-" He insulted further but was cut off by a fierce slap across his face. 

"HOW DARE YOU!? I'LL FEED YOUR BODY TO VERMITHOR MYSELF AND I'LL BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN! YOU DARE QUESTION MY VIRTUE!?" 

He looked at her stunned, surprised that she would slap him. He moved closer to her and under the moonlight she could see that the rings on her hand caused him to bleed. He grabbed her long hair and harshly pulled it. He pushed her toward the heart tree and blocked her with his arms. 

"LET ME GO! NOW! LET ME GO!" She yelled but he covered her mouth with his hand. She did the obvious thing and bit his fingers harshly. He cursed and grabbed her neck, choking her in the process. Fear began to set into her heart. Gods, spare me, she thought as her eyes began to water. 

She usually carried a small dagger on her person, but she didn't think she would need it tonight. Oh, how wrong was she. She kicked him between his legs and this allowed her to run away from him. She didn't get far. 

He grabbed one of her long sleeves and pulled her back. He held her tightly and ripped the upper part of her gown, exposing the chemise she wore underneath. 

"GUARDS! GUARDS!" She remembered to yell again. He covered her mouth again and continued ripping her gown. She was desperately thrashing, trying to push him off her body. 

"You little slut! You dare hit me! I'll show you-" Before he could finish his threat, he was harshly pulled from Daena. In the darkness of the night, she could barely see who came to her rescue.

Before she could say anything, the man was getting beaten to the ground. The horrible sound of bones breaking made her realize who it was - Harwin. 

"HARWIN! STOP! STOP IT, PLEASE! YOU'LL KILL HIM!" She yelled but the knight made no effort to stop. He continued beating the man's face. 

"What is the meaning of this?" Her grandmother's voice rang through the night air and made everyone stop. 

Her mother, Joy, Hanna, Amanda, and the castle guards also came. Her mother was quickly by her side, covering her with a shawl. The women led Daena back into the castle while the guards dealt with Harwin and the assailant. 

She didn't even realize when she started crying. 

That night, no one slept. Daena was in too much shock to do anything besides crying. She felt horrible. She felt disgust, anger, and guilt. She felt...sullied. Why? Why did she leave the feast by herself? The only thing on her mind was Harwin. He was the one who saved her, the one who protected her virtue and defended her honor. She wanted to see him, to talk to him. 

Rhea and Rowena, with the help of Joy, Hanna, and Amanda, managed to get Daena to open up and tell them what transpired; all the vile insults that were hurled at her and how she tried defending herself. Rhea was infuriated that someone dared attack her daughter in her home. 

"I shall write to Lady Jeyne Arryn and His Grace. This miscreant will be dealt with. Either he loses his head or I'll have him sent to the Wall! I shall not settle for anything less." Rhea announced, determined to get justice for her only child and heir. 

Daena refused to let the castle's maester inspect her body. She wanted no man near her or her body. After some persuading, she let the castle's septa, Arabella, look at her wounds. Her neck was red and bruises started appearing alongside her jaw and arms, her left wrist was sprained and she had scratch marks on her shoulders. 

Lady Rowena was pained to see her granddaughter in such a hysterical state; she ordered the measter to make some tea and put milk of the poppy in it. The twins were sad their Princess was so viciously assaulted and they did everything they could to help Daena. 

~

"You should rest now, my lord," Maester Cerion said to Harwin as he finished bandaging Harwin's hand. The measter left and Harwin was finally alone. He sighed and looked at his bandaged hand; he beat the idiot's face so hard it caused his knuckles to start bleeding. But he would do it all over again if it meant his dear Princess was safe.

A couple of minutes after the Princess left, Harwin had a weird feeling in his gut telling him something was wrong. To his horror, once he walked outside he heard screaming and shouting from afar. He barely made it to the godswood, just as the miscreant was about to tear the Princess's gown completely. 

Rest was the last thing on Harwin's mind; the only thing he could think about was Daena. From what he's been told, the measter has given her milk of the poppy to calm her down. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her terrified face, her lilac eyes wide with horror and shock.

He felt awful and extremely guilty he wasn't there to protect her.  That was his job, to be her protector and he couldn't even do that. Would she dismiss him from her service? Would she banish him to Harenhall? Would she yell at him and curse him out?

A knock on the door banished such thought from his mind. It was Hanna. She gently closed the door and sat next to him. Her eyes appeared to be red and glossy, which was unusual for her since Hanna was the more aloof one of the sisters. 

"How is she?" He asked desperate to know. Hanna shook her head and sighed. 

"She...there are bruises all over her body and her wrist appears to be sprained. But the measter said it would heal and she's not in any danger. She just needs rest." 

Harwin could feel his heart breaking; his darling Princess, his sweet angel bruised and battered. All because of him. How could he ever look into her eyes? How could he ever come back from this? He felt a great sense of shame wash over him.

"Harwin...It's not your fault." His sister said softly. "She doesn't blame you." 

This made Harwin look up. "She doesn't?" 

Hanna chuckled. "Of course not. The only thing she talked about while she was awake was whether you were alright. You were the only thing on her mind."

His sister picked up his bandaged hand. "Are you alright? You almost beat him to a pulp." 

"I would've if I wasn't interrupted." 

Hanna clicked her tongue, obviously not pleased with his words. "Look. It's been a very eventful night. Rest and try to get some sleep. You know she would want that." 

And with that, she left and Harwin was once again left alone with his thoughts. The last thing on his mind before he fell asleep was Daena. 

***

This was a very sad, angsty chapter. Our poor Daena was attacked and on her birthday no less 😔 Next chapter we'll see how people in KL react to this horrifying news.

Thank you for reading! 💕💕💕

If you have any opinions/questions feel free to ask.

[broomsick]

Signed Urnes-style runestone U 898

“Áli/Alli and Jǫfurfast had the landmark made in memory of Jarl, their father, and in memory of Gísl and in memory of Ingimundr. He, Jarl’s son, was killed in the east. Œpir carved.”

As translated by Jonas Lau Markussen, author of The Anatomy of Viking Art : A Quick Guide to the Styles of Norse Animal Ornament.

[grimmborg-in-the-bog]

Runestone Öl 27

This runestone was erected in the viking age, in what is now a churchyard in Sandby, Sweden.

Eng: "These brothers raised these monuments in memory of their sister, Áfriðr, and in memory of Sveinn, their good father."

"× þeiʀ bryþr × reistu × kubl × þia × eftiʀ × sustur ×× sina × afriþi × auk × eftʀ × suein × faþur × sin × koþan ×"

[ladyofspoons]

new runestone in the works! not a commission this time, it just solicited me from darkness to promote it, so if anyone is interested in picking it up when it’s done, please let me know! it isn’t finished yet, but progress pictures will be poasted here. also it’s way smaller than my previous works, and thus much easier to ship and display. that said, here she is, beware spoilers for Nona the Ninth:

size: 7x7” (at furthest points)

top runes read: why are you not appeased

bottom runes read: this is how meat loves meat

[tamburnbindery]

In the Hyndluljóð, Freya and the seeress Hyndla ride toward Valhalla (Freya riding on her boar). Their mission is to trace the lineage of Ottarr so he can come into his inheritance.

[medieval-margins]

Nylarsker stone

We are happy to show our newest design, featuring the Nylarsker stone, dated to the late Viking age (1075-1125).

"Sassurr had the stone raised in memory of Hallvarðr, his father, (who) drowned abroad with all the seamen"

Find this design in black and white in our webshop!

Medieval Margins is a Norway based design project by medieval-excited HEMAists, combining art from real medieval manuscripts with hand-drawn calligraphy

[l0velytoaster]

Mysterious runes oooo

[gifts-of-heimdall-runes]

The Rök Runestone [Rökstenen]

(Sweden: 9th century CE)

Source: Pinterest

[hiljametsa]

Uppland Runestones U135 & U136

U135: :ikifastur auk austain auk suain litu raisa staina þasa at austain faþur sin auk bru þasa karþu auk hauk þana: U136: :astriþr la(t) raisa staina þasa [a]t austain buta sin is suti iursalir auk antaþis ub i kirkum:

-- Ingifastr ok Øystæinn ok Svæinn letu ræisa stæina þessa at Øystæinn faður sinn, ok bro þessa gærðu ok haug þenna.

-- Æstriðr let ræisa stæina þessa at Øystæinn, bonda sinn, es sotti Jorsalir ok ændaðis upp i Grikkium.

Ingifastr and Eysteinn and Sveinn had these stones raised in memory of Eysteinn, their father, and made this bridge and this mound.

Ástríðr had these stones raised in memory of Eysteinn, her husbandman, who went to Jerusalem and met his end in Greece.