#asongofgf&bb challenge

[oscartullyofriverrun]

The Stars We Share: Monologue Challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

“I’ve spent so many nights wondering if I regret what happened between us.  I know I should.  That’s what is expected of me.  My father won’t speak to me about our relationship, in fact, he truly won’t speak to me at all.  He wants me to get married as soon as possible to prevent any further scandal.  That alone should make me regret our relationship since my own father can’t even look me in the eyes.  

But I don’t regret any of it.  How could I?  I’ve spent so many sleepless nights staring out the window up at the stars, being reminded of that night we sat together by the river and watched the fireflies as if they were constellations brought to earth specifically for us alone.  The Seven created us to love, so how could I help but fall for the only person who I felt could truly see me?  You knew me without even trying and I would like to think I knew you too.  

So yes, my father can’t look me in the eyes but that means nothing.  He always looked past me before and things are no different now.  I don’t regret loving you and I never will.  I wish things had resolved differently and I wish the world was kinder.  I think I’ll always love a part of you for showing me how love is supposed to feel and for reminding me I’m not alone.  When you look at the stars, I hope you think of the fireflies too.”

[black-queen-rising]

I love my sister more than anything in this life, I would choose her happiness over mine every time

14 Years Ago...

There was a fine line between anger and rage for Rhaenyra Targaryen, she was infamous in her ability to slip from one into the other in the span of a single heartbeat, but that day she had already crossed it halfway through the flight over the Blackwater Bay that separated Dragonstone from King’s Landing. The Crown Princess had been invited to a betrothal ball, a formality laced with the sentiment that she need not come, and was now returning to her childhood home for the first time in several moons—forced to leave all three of her young sons and her husband of only half a year, Prince Daemon, behind on their home—with the singular purpose of ensuring the union this ball was being held to celebrate did not occur for another three years at minimum.

Rhaenyra entered the castle in a whirlwind of jewels and finery, as her every attendance of court during her family’s remandment to Dragonstone was to be nothing less than unforgettable in those years; lest anyone try to fool themselves as to who steadfastly remained the King’s heir. Her presence greeted with the half adoration and half ire it always elicited from her father’s court for as long as she could recall. The weight of the matter even tied Rhaenyra through biding both her tongue and time during court proceedings, a small council meeting, and a performatively polite family dinner. Once it was late, however, when night had fully come, and her father finally summoned her to discuss her arrival privately, she wasted no time in initiating her plan of attack while his guard was low. After their expected pleasantries and updates were exchanged, the twenty-three-year old, newly widowed, even more newly wed, Crown Princess decided bluntly.

"You know, I cannot decide if I am more disappointed in you for such an insult to my mother's memory or ashamed of myself for believing in the fantasy you still considered it at all." "You dare to accuse me of such--" "Five dead babes. Wedded and bedded at three and ten, to give you five dead babes, and me, that is Queen Aemma's memory; made to produce your heirs so young, and for so long, that it killed her. I truly believed you mourned that, regretted it, even, only to come to learn by raven that you wish the same fate on my sweet sister, on your own daughter."

Viserys was quiet for so long that Rhaenyra began to fear this time she had finally, truly overstepped. She knew, however, that if this was the line, Helaena was entirely worth it, her youth, her fertility, her life was worth even more. "I have found...few reasons to deny the Queen anything as of late," Her father sighed, it was equal parts a confession and an accusation; this is my position, this is the position you have put me in.

She scoffed, why am I not surprised? and nearly responded with the thought on instinct, but instead rebuked, "You may punish me, reduce my position in your court, jeopardize my sons' futures, all to appease your wife, to provide recompense for a four year old's accident. Perhaps I even deserve it, and even if not, a quieter kind of peace within your court is worth whatever damage it does to the future you still claim to wish will come where I am Queen. But you will not punish your daughter, my sister, a maid, a child, by acquiescing to such an inane request as to wed a Princess of the Realm, while our family is far from wanting in spares, at the age of three and ten."

The King put his head in his hands for another long moment before looking back at Rhaenyra in genuine surprise, "You fear for her life?"

All she could do was sneer at him, "You look at me as if I ordered your son's eye cut out myself."

"Your concern is admirable, and understandable, especially after all that has happened over the last year," His tone has all at once turned gentle, but with a condescending edge better suited to calm a wailing toddler, "But all the same, the idea that what happened to your mother was anything more than a tragedy of circumstance, that her age had the least bit to do with it...you're allowing your fears to be dictated by nothing more than pure speculation by those whose very job it is to speculate on what we do not, and cannot, know."

Her father's attempts at comfort had only angered her further, however, causing her to spit back, "So you wish to bet Helaena's life against my mother's mother, and your mother, and my mother, and all of them succumbing to the birthing bed before they even had a chance to watch their babes grow up?"

"But look at yourself, Rhaenyra, and your boys, you have--"

"I have been lucky!" She finally shouts, her rage pushing her back to her feet to glower over Viserys, "I have nothing to thank except luck and time! And you cannot give Helaena my luck anymore than myself or your Queen, but you can give her time. Allow her to wait until she comes of age, as you did me, as is the least any girl whose family is secure deserves. Allow Aegon the same, allow him at minimum what our "Good Queen" allowed your brother before selling him off out of spite. And perhaps luck will hold, and my sister will find a better fate than my mother, and your son won't be put through all the same pain as your brother."

"Your husband," The King shot back.

Rhaenyra simply smiled, "Yes."

The silence that followed was the longest yet, but this time she did not allow herself to indulge in fear nor anxiety, standing with her hands leaned on her father's desk, daring him to provide a reason why her sister's life was not worth three short years. "I ought to make you my Hand for this."

"Is that so?" She laughed wryly, "I heard you've still refused to name one, tell me, does your indecision extend to everyone except your children, or only to matters that you anticipate will anger others when you finally have to make a choice."

Viserys laughed too then, though his seemed genuinely amused, "And that, my dear, is precisely why. Few else in The Realm could criticize me as you have since you could speak, and unlike the rest, you come to me with solutions. The Lords would never accept you in the role so young, with this marriage so fresh in everyone's minds, so," His voice turned to the business-like formality it always had when he was finally forced to make a decision, "In three years Aegon and Helaena will wed, and once they have, you may become my Hand, Grandmaester Munkun can shoulder the role until then. A deal to benefit our whole family, a remedy to the sacrifices you and Queen Alicent have had to bear."

The King left the room only a few minutes later, satisfied, and set in his decision after Rhaenyra's gracious conclusion and masterful ego stroking. As she stood to leave as well, she knelt sharply by a grate in the wall, behind which was a secret passage the Crown Princess and her Consort both knew of, but the King did not. A pair of large, purple eyes framed by messy silver hair blinked back at her in astonishment, and she simply smiled once more, "Never let there be any doubt that even when it seems I do not like you all, I will always love you, we're blood, remember that this is what that means. Now get back to bed, protecting you from our father is work enough, I don't need you setting off your mother's temper anymore than I already have."

There was a sound that could easily be mistaken for rats scurrying in the walls as the passage behind the grate was vacated. Then Rhaenyra walked off to bed herself, pleased with her accomplishments and ecstatic in her power.

[goldaegontargaryen]

Character Challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

Prompt: Write a scene between your character and another character who is currently NOT in the RP, but it must be a scene involving an argument, fight, or any interaction broadly defined as conflict.

_______________________________________

“You forgot to get Helaena a name day present,” Aegon stated, doing his best to keep his voice even and calm.  

His father barely glanced over his shoulder at Aegon’s words.  All of his focus was centered on his model of Old Valyria.  Most days Aegon was fairly certain his father loved that model ten times more than he loved him.  “Helaena’s name day?  Isn’t that next week?”

“It’s today,” Aegon bit out, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice.  Earlier in the day, he’d gone through the gifts addressed to Helaena out of boredom.  He liked to see what random lords and ladies were attempting to curry favor with the royal family and, though he would never admit it, there was a secret dark part of him that got jealous when Helaena was sent extravagant gifts from boys who clearly wanted to court her.  Aegon didn’t want to marry her himself, but he still didn’t enjoy the idea of her marrying another man.  It left a bad taste in his mouth.  So he’d been investigating her gifts, but instead of becoming angry at what he had found, he instead became upset by what he hadn’t.  

Aegon had gone through the stack of gifts twice to make sure, but none of them bore their father’s name.  Every year, his father always gave them individual presents.  Aegon wasn’t naive, he knew the presents were almost certainly picked out by some appointed servant, but it seemed his father had even foregone the effort of delegating that task to someone this year.  

His father finally turned to him, his shoulders slumped forward and face pale.  His health had been suffering recently and perhaps that fact deserved sympathy, but Aegon couldn’t find it within himself to dredge up any for him.  “Oh yes.  I’ll have a gift sent to her tomorrow.”  

Aegon quickly shook his head.  “It has to be today.  She can’t know that you forgot.”  

“She’s almost a woman grown.  I’m sure she won’t miss a single present from me,” his father replied, a slight smile on his face as if Aegon was being unreasonable.  

“Helaena’s only having her family celebrate with her this year.  She’ll notice if there’s one less gift.”  Even Aegon, who had a tendency to throw extravagant parties with dozens of people, would have noticed the gift’s absence among the countless other ones.  Though he wished it didn’t affect him, his chest still warmed every time he unwrapped a gift his father had supposedly picked out  just for him.  It made Aegon feel like he might be important to him, even if it was just for a moment on a single day of the year.

“I promise I will get her something by tomorrow.  What is it that she likes?  Flowers, yes?”  

“Rhaenya likes flowers.  Helaena likes bugs.”  

His father waved his hand as if to brush Aegon’s words away.  “Yes of course, but all girls love flowers.”  

Aegon felt a surge of rage go through him at the flippant words.  He could understand his father not wanting to put forth any effort for him because Aegon excelled at being a disappointment.  But what he’d never been able to understand was his father’s disregard for his younger siblings.  Helaena was the kindest and loveliest girl he'd ever met, Aemond seemed to be growing stronger and smarter every year, and the twins had just turned eight and were adored by all in the court.  Why couldn’t their father see them?

His eyes drifted towards the table only a few inches beside him and to the ring resting there.  A plan slowly started to form and Aegon turned his attention back to his father, forcing a smile.  “Actually you’re right, father.  I’m sure she won’t notice it.”

His father’s eyes slightly narrowed at Aegon’s sudden change of heart, but he eventually shrugged.  “I am sorry to have forgotten.  There’s a lot on my mind as King.  I’m sure you understand.”  

“Of course,” Aegon replied, but really he didn’t.  His father never forgot Rhaenyra’s name day.  He’d sent an entire ship full of jewels and gowns to Dragonstone only a few months ago.

“I’ll come and visit her later tonight to congratulate her,” his father promised, but they both knew they were empty words.  Viserys would spend the night here working on his model before he retired early to bed and Helaena would have to force herself to smile after she realized her father had forgotten entirely about her.  

Unless Aegon did something about it.  

His father turned back towards the model and Aegon casually stepped to the side, hand reaching out to grab the ring laying on the table.  It was a gorgeous piece of jewelry and there was no mistaking who it had once belonged to.  The band of the ring was silver set with a sparkling jewel of Arryn blue.  All around the room were remnants of his father’s first wife, her items slowly growing old wherever she had left them before she died.  It was almost as if Aegon’s father expected her to one day walk through the door and pick them up again.  

Aegon held no hatred for his father’s first wife, but she was gone and had no use for this ring.  From all the stories he’d heard, she’d been described as a kind and generous woman.  Maybe she would even be happy to know her jewelry had been passed on to someone who would treasure it instead of being left forgotten on a table in the King’s chambers.  It would be easy to tell Helaena that their father had decided to pass the ring onto her and had meant for the blue stone to now represent Dreamfyre.  He knew it would honor Helaena more than anything else their father could given her for her to believe their father had decided to entrust her with an item from his beloved Aemma.  

He tucked the ring into his pocket and strode out of the room, determined to find a servant who could help giftwrap the ring for him.  He was absolutely going to get into trouble, perhaps the worst trouble of his entire life, once his father found out what he had done.  

Later that night, when he saw Helaena open the box and stare in awe at the ring contained inside, he knew he’d done the right thing.  The consequences he would inevitably face would be worth it for getting to see that smile on Helaena’s face.

[jonswann]

Character Challenge hosted by A Song of Golden Fire & Black Blood

Jon Swann OC - Heir to House Swann

( fc adam driver | about | pintrest | spotify )

Jon tries not to dwell on thoughts of her, not because he is haunted by the memory of her, in fact, he now can barely remember her face. It was not as large as the rumors made it seem. It was no story of star-crossed lovers, no song of deep everlasting love. Just two youths from opposite sides of the Sea of Dorne, who met during another failed peace talk, who enjoyied each other’s company. Perhaps it could have been love, one day, if not for the fever that took her in the night. Or there is the more painful thought that she loved him when he did not her, and that perhaps the rumors are true, and his father had a hand in her death. 

Either way, he learned his lesson, that showing affection had a cost, one that could range from lifelong whispers that haunt your steps to death. 

Never again would Jon make the mistake of showing affection or care when he did not have the ability to protect them.

[princeluce]

Character Challenge hosted by A Song of Golden Fire & Black Blood

Lucerys Velaryion - Prince and Heir to Driftmark

( fc harry gilby | about | pintrest | spotify )

If asked who the most important person in his life was, Lucerys would most likely dismiss the question with a smile and a joke about having too many family members to choose from. If pressed by those close to him, he would probably respond with Lord Corlys or his late father, Laenor Velaryon, both fitting for his future role as Heir to Driftmark. However, both would be a lie, as his most important person has always been his mother. He knows with most boys; there comes an age where they start to shun their mothers, where their mothers are no longer their confidant, where they turn their face away from their mother’s hand on their face and a kiss to their forehead. This simply never happened for Luce. But now, as his grandfather’s condition worsens and his mother’s coronation becomes ever more imminent, it reminds him that unlike his many siblings, King’s Landing will not be his home. Lucerys has finally come to the decision that it is time to grow out of those habits, to finally step away from his mother’s embrace as he fills in the seat left by his father. 

His mother is his most important person, but he would never tell anyone as much, not even her. Particularly not now. 

[rideroftheredqueen]

Six Moons Have Passed

A challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

To celebrate and launch our time skip we have a scene challenge for all (or as many as you want) of everyone's muses! Write a scene (at least 200 words) or a series of scenes about important, major, or otherwise impactful moments in your muses lives that happened during the time jump!

Rhaenys celebrated her six-and-fifth name day with an informal picnic on the beach. As it also coincided with her and Corlys’ fortieth anniversary Corlys brought out wines and bubbles. Those who were able to attend we met by a spread of food on the beach, soft pillows and a relaxed setting in the sun. Rhaenys drank grape juice, keeping her and Corlys’ secret just a little longer, though she shared knowing looks with Rhaenyra who had been the first, and so far, only one to know yet.

A fortnight later Rhaenys felt the babe within her. At first, she had been unsure, but after a few hours of constant sensation she told Corlys, who had knelt down and kissed her stomach, calling the babe his little hippocamp. Laena had been their little squid and Laenor had been their little crab. A hippocamp, the Velaryon sigil seemed like the perfect way to complete their family.

About a moon after Rhaenys’ name day she and Corlys finally met up at The Red Keep with her mother. Rhaenys had insisted that her mother must be told, before the rest of the family and everyone else. Rhaenys’ mother’s reaction had not been unexpected, but ultimately Rhaenys knew her mother cared for her wellbeing and happiness.

Two days later Rhaenys and Corlys had managed to gather all their family at Driftmark for dinner. Rhaenyra and Daemon. Baela and Rhaena. Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey. Aegon, Viserys, Visenya, Baelon and Aemma. Corlys rose and announced that the family was growing and that it would not interfere with the succession of Driftmark.

By the middle of the 8th moon Rhaenys’ pains worsened. She could no longer ride Meleys, but still managed to see her daily. Sleep was becoming difficult and travelling between Driftmark and King’s Landing led to excruciating pain that threatened to render her bedridden.

When Corlys announced he was going on an expedition, Rhaenys knew she wanted to near family. And so, she spent half of the 9th moon and the beginning of the 10th moon at The Red Keep. Most of the time was spent in the tub, as the water relieved her pain and eased her worries. Being at The Red Keep, meant that Rhaenys was blessed to spend time with her beloved grandchildren. The pregnancy could no longer be hidden and soon the news spread across the Seven Kingdoms.

Rumours of dark magic from Asshai reached Rhaenys as she made it back to Driftmark during the 10th moon. The rumours only caused her to laugh. The pregnancy had been a surprise, even to herself. It had been Corlys who had made the discovery and broken the news to her.

Rhaenys disliked being alone. And when Corlys was called to the Capital she often asked her grandchildren to come and keep her company. Luckily, they were all indulgent of her whims and she adored getting to spoil them all in turn.

As the 10th moon neared its end, Corlys was once more called to the Capital, however, this time it coincided with Rhaenys receiving an invitation to visit Dragonstone. Corlys took her there and kissed her farewell, promising that they’d be together again soon.

Dragonstone was a heaven for the warmth craving hippocamp. Rhaenys made use of the natural heated pools in the pit. She loved getting to know Aegon and Helaena’s children even better and easily took on the role as the storyteller as they brought her book after book or asked her to tell tales of Meleys.

The gifts Helaena presented her with, brought tears to her eyes. Rhaenys blamed the pregnancy. Gifts for the babe, personal and beautifully crafted gifts, which Rhaenys later packed down with the things she looked forward to using with the new babe. New things, old things from Laena and Leanor, gifts and heirlooms, everything for their hippocamp.

When the 11th moon rose, Rhaenys and Corlys took The Sea Snake to King’s Landing. The ship filled with their belongings as they intended to stay until the wedding of their grandchildren, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and Lady Baela Targaryen.

Honourable mentionings: @lordhusband @black-queen-rising @rogueprincedaemontarg @moondancer-rp @rhaenaspearls @notatargaryenbastard @princeluce @princejoffreyvelaryon @aegontheyoungprince @princeviserystargaryen00 @visenyatargaryen-ii @goldaegontargaryen @helaenasdreamfyres

[alicenthightowerrp]

Challenge: Write a scene of your character either in the direct lead up or aftermath of the wedding, women's court, and all the related celebrations!

Alicent watched as the celebrations continued; the laughter and chatter around her only growing in volume. It was a much better atmosphere than many weddings she had attended, the Dowager Queen could not help but think to herself - her own included. "Thank you," Alicent mumbled to the servant who had replaced her drink without prompt. If she was of sound mind, Alicent might have thought it an insult. Her attention soon returned to the many dancing figures before her.

In the flashes of movements; Alicent could feel her mind slowly travelling back to her own wedding celebrations. If she was honest with herself - she could hardly remember them now. It could not have been so exciting, she thought whilst her delicate, ringed fingers began to play with the wooden dragon in the palm of her hand. The same dragon she once fixed for her late husband. He had been so happy then, happy with her.

As she gracefully sipped the Dornish wine, the Dowager Queen subtly made her way towards the towering boxes of gifts in the corner. Thankfully, her lower rank meant the many eyes that had followed her for decades were no longer. It was in that moment, she made the impulsive decision to settle the wooden dragon on the table of gifts.

In that moment, it was as if her shoulders felt that much lighter.

[thelittleprincesstargaryen]

Six Moons Have Passed

A challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

To celebrate and launch our time skip we have a scene challenge for all (or as many as you want) of everyone's muses! Write a scene (at least 200 words) or a series of scenes about important, major, or otherwise impactful moments in your muses lives that happened during the time jump!

Visenya was excited to take part in mumuña Rhaenys’ birthday celebrations. The beach was one of her favourite places, as she never had trouble breathing near the ocean. The rest of the 7th moon passed in a blur of happiness and constantly growing excitement about the new sibling making its presence within her muña’s belly.

When Visenya learned that she would be gaining and… aunt? As her mumuña Rhaenys and uncle-kepāzma Corlys was also expecting a baby she had clapped in excitement and joy. Her muña looked happy too, while her siblings all looked surprised.

As the 8th moon came to an end, Visenya once more began to struggle with her breathing. For a few days she managed, but when the 9th moon came and she coughed up red tinged phlegm, Visenya called for her muña and kepa.

There was hardly any improvement for weeks and by the late 9th moon her parents sent for help in Old Town. Visenya had many restless nights, coughing, hurting and worrying. She knew her illness caused great worry to her family, so she attempted to be brave. However, when she caught a glimpse of her reflection, her blue tinged lips, the dark circles under her eyes and her messy hair, it even scared her.  

The 10th moon brought wind from the east, filled with salt and lower temperatures. By the middle of the 10th moon Visenya had recovered enough to play her instruments again. And a few short days before her muña’s name day, Visenya was finally fully recovered, much her own and the family’s relief.

Honourable mentionings: @black-queen-rising @rogueprincedaemontarg @rideroftheredqueen @lordhusband

[lordhusband]

Six Moons Have Passed

A challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

To celebrate and launch our time skip we have a scene challenge for all (or as many as you want) of everyone's muses! Write a scene (at least 200 words) or a series of scenes about important, major, or otherwise impactful moments in your muses lives that happened during the time jump!

From the middle of the 9th moon to the first week of the 10th moon Corlys went on an expedition to Qarth. A trade mission that called for his experience and his good name. A few days before his departure he and Rhaenys had travelled to Kings Landing, to ensure that Rhaenys would be surrounded by family, should anything happen. Corlys knew his wife worried about the babe, fondly referred to as their hippocamp, making an early entrance to the world.

Corlys returned a day and a half later than he had promised his wife. And he returned with black sails of mourning. In Qarth one of the young boys onboard had fallen sick which had delayed their travels home. They only set sails after the young boy had succumbed to a burst belly. To honour the boy’s father who was a trusted boatswain, Corlys had instructed to use the black sails.

Upon arriving back at Kings Landing, he hurried to The Red Keep, to ensure Rhaenys’ worries would end. He arrived too late, his wife having been told of the black sails, had thought him dead and had reacted in hysterics. Not her usual behaviour, however this pregnancy had taken its toll on both of them. The Maester had supplied Rhaenys with a few drops of Nightshade, ensuring dreamless sleep and rest.

Corlys sought out the queen.

“Lord Corlys, Lord of the Tides, Master of Dri –“

“That’ll do, The Queen knows who I am,” he said coolly. “Rhaenyra, may I have a word with you – in private?”

Corlys waited until they were alone. “I have something I need to get off my chest. I do not want you to talk or respond. I need you to know.

I need you to know, that I know.”

Corlys clasped his hands behind his back, looking out the window behind The Queen. “As you know, my expedition brought me to Qarth. In Qarth and I met Ser Qarl, I hope you remember him. He remembered me. Asked me why none of Laenor’s ravens were answered. Ravens Rhaenys and I never received. I learned Laenor did not die when we thought he did. It was a decoy. Laenor has lived in Qarth, with Qarl, until his – still – untimely death a year and a half ago. Our son lived for years while The Prince Rhaenys and I mourned him. I need you to know that I know.

I will not burden The Princess Rhaenys with this knowledge. I do not wish for her mourning to begin anew. And I do not wish to cause a flaw in the close relationship between you and my dear wife. I know. That’s all, Your Grace.” Corlys nodded curtly to Rhaenyra and left to find his wife.

A few days later, once Rhaenys had recovered and told him off for being late and arriving under black sails without a warning, Corlys brought his wife back home to Driftmark.

As Master of Coins, Corlys was called to Kings Landing quite often. However, for the remainder of the 10th moon he travelled alone. It felt strange, leaving Rhaenys behind, bit he knew the travels were hard on her and he knew she was surrounded by family and friends.  

By the beginning 11th moon Rhaenys once more joined him on his journey to King’s Landing, in preparation to celebrate The Queen, Rhaenyra, their tala’s name day and help get things in order for the upcoming wedding between Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and Lady Baela Targaryen.

Honourable mentionings: @rideroftheredqueen @black-queen-rising @notatargaryenbastard @moondancer-rp

[creganstarkrp]

(challenge within @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood )

Summary: Write a breakdown or scene about one moment in your character's life they would give anything to turn back the clock ten minutes and do differently, why, and how they believe it would affect their lives (whether that belief is reality or not is all a matter of perception!!

It was not for the first time Cregan got lost in his thoughts of how he could have changed things. Especially concerning his uncle. He wondered if they could have bonded more; maybe it all would have ended differently - and without bloodshed. That young Lord he used to be had trusted his uncle completely. Alas, it seemed power always corrupted.

Cregan watched as the fresh lemon he had sliced began to move over Ice. The blood had stained it after he had been busy with affairs of the southern court as well as his own personal..affairs. Cregan only shook his head; falling back to the memories of his uncle. He thought back to how Ice used to be on his back and how it never seemed to truly fit him. Cregan also remembered the punch his uncle gave him when he touched Ice and Cregan's wish of a different beginning began to change.

No, he would not keep his uncle close if he had the chance again. The Lord of Winterfell would not have changed a thing other than taking his uncle's head off that much sooner. A dark smirk tugged on his lips at the mere thought as his hand began to move faster over the metal of his ancestral sword. The lemon falls to pieces under his strength.

[princejoffreyvelaryon]

Character challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

Challenge: Write a scene between you and another character who is currently not in the RP, but this time it must be a scene involving an argument, fight, or any interaction broadly defined as conflict.

🗡️ ♥️ 🗡️

———————————————————————-

“Aegon! No, no, that is all wrong!” Joffrey rolled his eyes at his younger brother, maintaining a deep frown on his face that made him look as if he was a pouting child.

“I’ve tried doing the stance, but I just can’t get it right Joff. I’ll be able to make a shot, just let me try it a different way.” Aegon held his bow tightly in one hand, giving Joffrey a pleading look.

Joffrey had taken his younger brother Aegon out this morning to teach him how to better shoot an arrow from his bow. Joffrey was able to hit the target every time, and wanted to give his young brother some advice. But it had all gone wrong when every piece of advice he’d give to Aegon had failed. His brother simply could not understand what he was telling him, and every time he did it was wrong, wrong, and more wrong!

At his brother’s words, Joffrey became even more annoyed than he was before. He didnt want his brother to simply give up, he wanted him to keep trying! Joffrey stood tall and replied, “but I’ve already told you, you are not putting your feet in the right direction! Just try it one more time!”

At this, Aegon seemed to become just as annoyed as his older brother. “Just stop Joff! You have already said such a thing about a hundred times!” He slightly raised his voice, causing Joffrey to step back. Aegon sighed, “I am sorry, okay, I just don’t want to do this anymore.” He dropped his bow, looking defeated.

Joffrey suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Had been too hard on his brother? He was only trying to help… Joffrey was always excited to teach his brother things, it was exciting being the older sibling, after all. With his two older brothers, they’d been the ones in charge, but with his younger ones, he got to be the leader, and that made him feel important. But sometimes, he knew, it definitely had got to his head.

“No, I am the one who should be sorry, Aeg” Joffrey replied, using his brother’s nickname. It was uncommon for Joffrey to call anyone anything other than their full names or proper titles. He walked over to hold him in an embrace, hugging tightly.

“You are talented with a bow, for sure, but not quite as good as me,” Joffrey smiled. “You will learn, but for now, we should stop. It seems we’re all feeling low in spirits today. Let us see what our younger siblings are up to!”

And so they did.

[thefallenprincesss]

a challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

prompt: Write a scene (at least 200 words) between you and another character who is currently *NOT* in the RP, but this time it must be a scene involving an argument, fight, or any interaction broadly defined as *conflict*

“ANTOMY”

She sat there punished once again for talking back to Ser Criston Cole. She was seven and she was only trying to get herself out of trouble. No one cared. No one ever cared.

The little princess felt her hands cramping as her door opened and her father walked in. She glanced up at him, not saying a word to the King. Not even a greeting.

It was unusual for the King of all people to be visiting his youngest daughter’s room. She felt her hand shaking from the quill constantly writing lines.

“Have you learned your lesson?” The king spoke, his voice breaking as he did. It wasn’t that he cared but rather the fact that he was sick.

“Yes.” she answered coldly, her answer was clear. She didn’t care. Why must she be punished for correcting the Knight!

He sat behind her, Rhaenya having the eyes of guilt. Was it really guilt? No. There was something way more than that.

“Look at me,” Her father made her looked up at him. Those tired eyes, she looked at his eyes. Something both of them shared, the purple eyes. “You are lying, my dear girl,”

“This is your fault!” She gently tries to pushes her father away. “This is all your fault!” she cries.

There is something breaking in her voice, she never broke out this much. She had always been told the story of how she got her name. And now it got her into trouble and punishment.

All because of her name.

Rhaenya. Rhaenya. Rhaenyra.

“Rhaenyra,” he called out just looking at his daughter’s eyes. The tears forming in the young girls eyes. Her father’s gently grabbed her sore fingers.

Rhaenya pushed her father away, “Go away! GO AWAY!” she cried, all she was to him… she was only half of him.

He didn’t know her at all. She was literally half of him… and he didn’t even know her. Not even her name.

“My name. is. Rhaenya. RHAENYA. not RHAENYRA! I am my own person!” she cried, holding herself together. She was so young but she knew what was happening.

“Rhaenya, I apolg-”

“No! You aren’t sorry! I don’t want to write anymore lines! I don’t want to get in trouble! It’s all your doings! You named me! and not even the smallfolk calls me Rhaenya!” she yelled, her voice completely shaking in tears.

Viserys tried his best to calm her, but there was nothing he could do… because he didn’t know her well enough.

Her hands balled up into a fist and she just wanted to yell. The little girl paced around room in tears, she felt like the wall closing in on her.

“You- don’t even know me…” she cried, the words of the seven year old. “You are just like the smallfolk!”

She sat on the floor crawled up into a ball crying, she was just a girl. She was not use to showing this many big emotions. Viserys let out a sigh. He wanted to comfort her, but she was to vulnerable.

“I didn’t mean for you to be named after your sister,” The king spoke in a sad tone, trying to get some hope. “You were supposed to named after… Princess Rhaenys… but I couldn’t. I saw Rhaenyra in you the minute you were born,”

Silence. Just the sound of breathing. The small girl on the floor with her legs up to her chest and her head buried in it.

She was just a girl.

A girl who liked to play with her brothers and her sisters.

She wasn’t nobody. She wasn’t her sister. She was just Rhaenya.

But not even her father could understand that, she was just, Rhaenya.

“Do you see me… as the Realms Delight…?” she whispered lifting her head up.

“Rhaenya,” Her father’s voice broke, “You are your own person,”

There was some truth in his words, but was it all true? Everyone saw her as the “The false Princess Rhaenyra”. Her own father saw her as her sister.

She was just a nobody.

a nobody.

Just the girl with a name that was going to ruin her life forever. They wanted to build her and make her like Rhaenyra and failed.

“Get out, GET OUT!” she screamed at Viserys, she didn’t want to see her father anywhere in her face. “I AM RHAENYA. YOUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER. NOT RHAENYRA. NOT THE REALMS DELIGHT. NOT THE FALSE PRINCESS RHAENYRA. RHAENYA.

R H A E N Y A. YOU ARE MY OWN FATHER. AND YOU ACT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! I want you to actually care, act like you know who I am without seeing Rhaenyra. I love Rhaenyra, she is sister, but she is not who i am!” The seven years old confronted.

The built up words all coming out of the little girl who was so stubborn was so unexpected from the King. He looked at her with wide eyes, the shock of such an outburst from a little girl.

“Very Well, Rhaenya,” He got up in silence as he walked past her and his cloak brushed past her.

She looked at her father leave and she cried even more. Feeling horrible for yelling at him… She was so young, but never felt this much anger and horror in her.

She was tired, she was annoyed and she was exhausted. She just wanted to be

Rhaenya.

[black-queen-rising]

Promise To Be Dazzling

(A style board for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood RP)

[crimson-kraken]

Every time his father summon him to his chambers Dalton knew he was in trouble. His mind did a recapitulation of all the week's events, trying to find the moment he messed up; if he even messed up. Sometimes his mistakes were imaginary and only existed on his father's mind.

The door opened with a screech and Dalton found himself in the daunting room. The smell of blood invading and filling the space. He reminded himself not to vomit. His father was sitting in front of his desk, looking at him. It would be worse if he showed his discomfort.

—Whose idea was it? —His father's voice was merely a whisper, but that was enough to send chills down Dalton's spine.

—I don't know-

—Don't feign ignorance, the girl from Oldtown. You marry her. I didn't gave such an order. You'll be a man with no honor after breaking your betrothal Jeyne Blacktyde like that.

Dalton wanted to roll his eyes but stop himself before doing it. His father had no honor, after murdering seven salt wives in that very same room. Sometimes Dalton could see their ghosts. How could his father tolerate living and sleeping in there? His father slammed his fist on his table and Dalton flinched.

—Uncle's. —He answered. It felt like betrayal.

—Did you actually bedded her? If I take her and kill the girl, would you be a widower? —The question seemed innocent, but Dalton could sense Tess' life was on the line.

—Yes. —It was a lie. And the last time they would talk about it.

[cerellelannister2]

Too much Lannister, character challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

UNFORTUNATELY, CATS AND CUSHIONS SIMPLY DON'T GET ALONG. Cerelle learned her lesson after having her tenth cat, Parsley — her youngest —, join her family. The sun had already risen two hours ago and the rays were reflecting on the surface of her golden mirror, giving the chambers a particular golden hue.

It looked richer, gold was the only one of her family's colors, Cerelle truly liked.

Her chambermaid, Jocasta, entered with multiple samples of fabrics so Cerelle could choose. Marigold and Lavender and Parsley even on their small side, the orange cats managed to rip apart her entire sitting room (although, it was mostly used for her cats to sleep in) as well as her solar seats. Now, she ought to renovate her entire bedchambers — for her amusement, of course.

"Lavender, my lady.", Jocasta suggested in a soft tone she always used with Cerelle.

Her nose scrunted, she liked lavender and even had her section of the garden where she had planted lavender. However, lavender was a lighter shade of purple and most people she knew who fancied purple, let the color completely possess their soul.

Maybe purple was like poison for some people, Cerelle taught as she rummaged through the other samples.

"No, Jocasta, purple is poisonous.", Cerelle explained, united her thought process.

Jocasta let out a loud sigh, Cerelle just rolled her eyes in response and giggled. Then Cerelle put the other samples of fabrics away on the table. Her emerald eyes analyzed almost every different color, mostly shades of red — carmesim, crimson, burgundy...

"What about red?", Jocasta suggested as she waited for Cerelle's approval. "Your bedchambers were always red.", she reminded her lady.

Cerelle frowned as she narrowed her eyes. Her fingers tip then caressed the light blue fabric softly.

The shade of blue was one of the most marvelous things her eyes had ever witnessed. Blue was a rare color, that had to be found in nature. There weren't many naturally blue plants, only some flowers and berries, but they were hard to find.

"Too much Lannister.", Cerelle said as she separated the shades of red from the other colors. "My bedchambers ought to be all blue from now on. And gold, to honor my house and my future riches.", Cerelle decided as she looked at her maid.

Jocasta's brown eyes just stared back at Cerelle, suppressing a laugh. In her perspective that just sounded like an absurd.

"You are a Lannister.", her maid said as she stated the obvious, but just let out another sigh, clearly accepting her defeat. "Lannisters wear red.", Jocasta reminded her.

Cerelle simply shrugged as she looked at her Jocasta and handed her the light blue fabric.

"Mayhaps my family colors shall be blue and gold from now on.", Cerelle said as she looked at her maid. "My dresses will at least, blue is a more flattering color for me.", Cerelle pointed out as she finally made her decision.

And from that point on, Lady Cerelle Lannister was always seen in blue.

[alyofraventree]

Style of Mourning - A Character Challenge for @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

Alysanne made her way through the gardens of the Red Keep, her path a growing familiar one, as she walked winding towards the weirwood tree that stood tall and ancient, its pale bark a stark contrast against the red of the castle. The white bark and blood-red leaves were a comforting sight, as it was the closest thing to home. 

The air around the weirwood was cooler and quieter. The chatter of the court faded into the background, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the growing calls of ravens. Alysanne’s steps sounded softly on the leaves and grass as she approached the tree. She carried a small stick of incense, a ritual she had maintained since her mother’s death. However, this was a special sent, finding cinamon had a fiery scent more fitting for a Targaryen. Lighting the incense, she placed it at the base of the weirwood, knelt, and closed her eyes, inhaling the familiar and smoky scent.

She had never met King Viserys, but she understood the pain of loss, and she came to the Godswood to offer her respects and prayers for the grieving royal family. 

“Old gods, hear my prayer,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the leaves in the wind, “Guide the soul of King Viserys to the next stage as his body becomes one with the soil and air. Bring peace to Helaena and strength to our future queen.” 

The smoke curled up, mingling with the branches above. Alys opened her dark eyes and looked up, her gaze following the patterns of the leaves rustling against the sky. She felt a pang of sorry for the Targaryens, knowing what it was like to lose a parent. Her father had been a stern but loving man, and her mother’s death had left a void that nothing had quite filled. 

As she stood there, the ravens perched in the branches began their chatter as if in response to her words. Alysanne listened, their voice a comforting murmur. She had always had a way with ravens, although she didn’t know if it was because she spent too much time with the ravens of Raventree or if so many ravens gathered at their tree waiting for another listener like herself. 

“Dark wings, dark words,” she murmured to herself, recalling the old saying. “Do you bring news from beyond the Godswood?” she asked the nearest raven, its black eyes gleaming with an intelligence that seemed almost human. 

The raven cawed softly, tilting its head as if considering her question. Alysanne smiled faintly. In her mind, she could see and hear the mix of images and words, a complicated weaving of information. Their words were not always clear, but today they seemed to offer cryptic advice and reassurance. They spoke of change, of endings, beginnings…. And threats? 

“You speak in riddles, as always,” she said, her tone lightening. These ravens did not seem as used to her presence as the ones in Raventree. “But perhaps that is what I need. A reminder that change and death are all part of nature.” 

The ravens cawed in agreement, their voices blending into a harmonious cacophony. 

As the incense burned low, she stood and brushed off her skirts, although little showed against the mourning blacks. “Thank you, old friends,” a few caws responded, “and new friends,” she said with a quiet smile. Your words are always appreciated.” 

With a final, lingering glance at the weirwood, Alysanne turned and made her way back towards the Red Keep. The somber atmosphere of the court awaited her, but she would honor King Viserys’s memory the best she could and support Helaena and their new queen. 

The ravens watched her go, their dark eyes following her until she disappeared from view within the castle.