forgottensebastian

[forgottensebastian]

[forgottensebastian]

Sebastian wondered how long his father meant to keep him here. The minutes always ticked on slowly whenever they met and he longed for the moment when he would be set free and be able to pass through those doors again, with Roderick at his back.

His heart raced in his chest as he witnessed his father's displeasure. He did not regret taking responsibility for his tardiness (as he did not think his father exaggerated when he said that he should not have tolerated this, had it not been his own son), but he knew that his father's mood had been set now for the duration of their interlude and Sebastian knew he would be at a disadvantage.

The subject matter of their conversation would not help this either. What Sebastian truly wished to say to his father, his father would not care to hear. He would have been tempted to answer in a way that would appease his father (Sebastian doubted any of his actual views would do much to sway his father's opinion and were only likely to enrage him more), but he found that even he could not remain silent when his father wondered aloud if the solution to his problem was to burn them all.

"No, father." He replied, a touch more defiance in his voice than perhaps he had ever used before: his thoughts rushing to Aoife and her family. "That cannot be the answer. There has been enough bloodshed - on both sides. A good relationship between us and the people here will take time. But they are deeply loyal to this land, to their traditions, and to their queen ... and while your intentions have only been to save them from themselves, they do not see it that way. They see a man who has stripped them of their lives, their freedoms, their lands, and their rulers -- all of whom they hold dear."

A beat. Sebastian wondered if he had gone too far.

"While I cannot condone some of their actions, I can understand them. I do not think that they shall take kindly to your rule until it is made clear to them that you mean to improve their lives." Improve was perhaps not the right word: Sebastian did not think that having any Varmont influence upon Astaira would improve it, but for the sake of his argument, it would do the job better than perhaps what he meant to say.

"And they will not see that unless you are more lenient with them. It has been too much change, all at once, and they can only view each new implementation of Varmont values and traditions as an attack on their way of life. If I was in your position, I would offer them mercy .. and I would offer them more choices. They will be resistant to change without it."

Sebastian doubted very much that many in Astaira would abandon their traditions and religious practices for their own, even if the choice was there, but he suspected that they would be less hostile towards Roderick if he did not mean to take everything from them.

"And I would not harm the Staffords," He ventured. "The people are loyal to them, as the riots proved. Marrying Eilionora will help things, I think, but you must make her happy, too. She was a good queen, father, and the people loved her. She would know better than anyone else, how to please them. I would use her experience to your benefit."

Sebastian did not wish such a fate upon Eilionora, but he suspected that it would be better for her to be Roderick's wife, than captive, especially if his father could somehow be convinced to take at least some of her advice into consideration. If she could help lesson the extreme measures his father was, at times, inclined to take, perhaps it would be worth it.

"I do not suggest that you adhere to their every wish and demand," He knew that his father would never allow that, "But there may be benefits in switching tactics. Kindness shall win you more allies than violence."

Summoned | Roderick & Sebastian

"Your Highness, His Imperial Majesty, your father, Roderick Varmont the First of His Name, Conqueror of the Twelve Kingdoms, Defender of the Faith, and god's own Champion, requests your presence this afternoon."

The servant bowed low following this announcement and Sebastian had to bite his lip to catch himself from laughing -- he noted that he had transcribed his father's array of titles in the palm of his hand and was using his bow as covered so he might check that he had said them.

Sebastian was certainly not going to point out that he had missed some.

"Of course, thank you."

As soon as he excused the servant, Sebastian allowed himself to exhale. He never particularly looked forward to these interactions with his father. If he was being summoned, it often meant that his father was angry with him, or that he meant to test him. There had been a time when he would have been eager to rise whatever challenge his father might have prepared for him, even as he knew he would likely fall short in comparison to his brother's. But now? Sebastian was almost more eager to disappoint than to please: he had no interest in ever being a pawn in the same brutal game that Edmund and Arthur had been playing their entire lives.

Still, he did -- and always would -- respect his father and his wishes, and he answered the summons with promptness.

He was admitted to his father's chambers and after bowing to his emperor, he spoke, "Father? You sent for me?"

[forgottensebastian]

The Archery Tournament | Sebastian & Aoife

In a few hours, this would all be over and he would only have the team melees left to dread.

Sebastian had been bested a few days before this, but he could have not been more pleased to have learned that his opponent was none other than his own brother, Arthur. No one had expected Sebastian to win against him and Sebastian knew that Arthur should not be a cruel competitor -- as he suspected many Astarians might be had they been given the chance to fight against a Varmont. He knew that his defeat would be swift: there would be no hope of him making it past the first round and not even his father would have expected more of him than to lose to Arthur.

But today may be different. Sebastian's archery skills were less than what they ought to be, and it had only been a desire to sign up for something where there was little chance he would do harm to anyone that had prompted him to agree to this in the first place. He knew little of the man he was to face up against, but he knew that his father should expect his son to make quick work of what appeared to be an Astairan peasant. Sebastian, however, was certain that his father would be disappointed in him as he eyed Finley Doyle from across the yard.

It was clear that Sebastian certainly did not have his confidence.

Despite everything, he found that he did not fear his father's disapproval as he had so many times before. It hardly seemed as important as it had, once.

There had been an undeniable shift in his relationship with Aoife Malconaire: some awkwardness between them that he couldn't quite account for, but he feared he had offended her in some way, but had not been brave enough to ask her what it might be. He'd been afraid to hear her answer, as though it might be something he could never make right once he had heard what it had been. And as long as the not knowing hung around him, he still had the hope that perhaps he had been wrong and that things would return to normal.

He had noticed eagerly that she had been present in the stands at least for part of the last two days festivities, but he had not sought her out. Sebastian not been quite brave enough to do so, until this moment (a most inopportune one as it would not be long now, before his own name was called). Somehow that didn't seem to matter, and he found himself turning round and heading back towards the stands, when he spotted her standing not far off from him at the sidelines.

For a moment, he allowed himself to think that perhaps she had been there to see him, just as he had felt the impulse to go to her, but he realized that there may be others besides him she wished to speak to.

Still, he would not let this moment pass without speaking to her. "Lady Aoife," he began, "I was just on my way to find you." Sebastian hadn't exactly meant to say that, but the words were out before he knew what he was saying. "I -- only, it has been too long since I have been to Malconaire and I hope your family is well?" He asked, his eyes meeting her's, "And you? ... Has Valentina been treating you kindly?"

Sebastian did not know the effect he had had upon her step-mother, but he had insisted to her that she treat her stepdaughters well -- as explicitly as he dared without suggesting that he knew the truth of the arrangement. He hoped he had been clear enough that conditions had improved at Malconaire, even if they were not yet as they should be.

[forgottensebastian]

SEBASTIAN VARMONT, PRINCE OF THE VARMONT EMPIRE / JULIAN MORRIS

♛ Age: (25) ♛ Relationships: Roderick Varmont (father), Marian Varmont (mother), Arthur Varmont (brother), Cassandra Varmont (sister), Amira Varmont (step-mother), Guinevere Varmont (half-sister), Edmund Varmont (half-brother), Bartholomew Varmont (great uncle), Ciara Varmont, Eoin Varmont (cousins), Tristan Calainon (friend), Aoife Malconaire (friend/interest)

the middle child three times over!

he's the middle of roderick's five children, the middle of his three boys, and the middle of marian's three kids

100% the quietest and most bookish of his siblings

if one of them were ever to be forgotten somewhere and no one would notice, it would be this guy

at the same time, he's definitely the peace maker!!! as well as the mediator and even guinevere trusts his judgement

loves history, astronomy and philosophy

has slowly befriended aoife (although it was no easy task considering her shy exterior)

tbh he's kind of in love with her and would like nothing more than to court her, but he isn't sure how she feels yet and wouldn't want to ruin the friendship that they have established

a strong sense of justice and honestly just wise beyond his years

everyone expects him to his great uncle bartholomew as hand to the next ruler of his father's empire

he does feel that a grave injustice has been to done several of the countries his father has conquered, but especially here in astaira where they were defeated due to having their armies stretched thin after defending against another invasion

he knows his father would never concede to it, but he believes that the elinora should be reinstated as queen -- even if that means astaira is still a kingdom under the varmont empire

he doesn't think he will ever has his father's ear on such matters, but he hopes that one day he will have one of his siblings -- whoever ends up ruling after their father

sebastian is one of the few children of roderick's who is neither vying nor has a claim to the throne and he's more than happy to keep it that way

what he doesn't know, is that his older brother was secretly sired by another man and that he is actually roderick's eldest son ...

TAKEN BY LIZZY.

[forgottensebastian]

Sebastian & Aoife + On the Oceanfront AU

fair warning, i went a little off the rails with this one!

for generations, the malconaire family has owned a few acres of property along the coastline near virginia beach. while the neighboring beachfront property has been bought up by developers, the malconaire land remains largely untouched, a haven for local flora, fauna, and a menagerie of local wildlife.

at the center of the property sits an old brick house where the Malconaire family lives. the current occupants include parents, brandon (better known as bran) and sorcha malconaire and their four daughters: eithne, brigit, aoife, and roisin.

bran's family, as one might guess, has lived in virginia beach for generations. the family has built a few small holiday houses dotted throughout their property, which has become a family business.

sorcha, who grew up in ireland, met bran while she was staying in one of those holiday houses with her friends to celebrate their graduation from university. it was love at first sight.

they raised their four daughters while running their vacation homes and now, after handing over the running of the business to their daughters, the pair are taking a well deserved vacation to travel.

while the youngest daughter, rosie, is off in new york with an internship at a couture fashion house, the other three daughters (along with their trusty groundskeeper and childhood friend, cillian), have taken over all the duties of running the business

aoife, the second youngest, had gone to school for music performance with focus on the harp (though she plays a variety of instruments!), however after finishing her studies realized there was not much work for a professional harpist. she ended up back home where she does a majority of the cleaning for their vacation properties.

aoife makes extra money playing the harp for weddings in the area but at times she'll play the guitar or piano and sing at local bars-- mostly smaller ones tourist tended not to frequent.

in the past year, however, the sisters have been receiving a lot of pressure to sell their property to a conglomerate called The Varmont Group, run by the ruthless business tycoon rod varmont.

with the malconaire property sitting in a prime location to expand their beachfront resort, multiple top officials from TVG have descended upon virginia beach to put pressure on the sisters to sell their family home, including rod varmont's two eldest sons.

while the eldest son decided the best course of action was to win over recently elected state representative, eilia stafford, to TVG's side, the younger of the pair, sebastian, set about trying to gauge the temperature of the local, year round residents of the area regarding the potential development of Malconaire land

trying to connect with the locals was how he found himself at a small, poorly lit bar late one evening listening to aoife malconaire singing an acoustic version of one of his favorite songs

sebastian worked up the nerve to approach her after her set was finished and the pair chatted until last call that evening. it was only after both parties returned home that they realized they'd never gotten a number, or even a last name, of the person with whom they'd spent the past couple hours

due to some unforeseen family troubles in the form of brigit being arrested for vandalizing The Varmont Group property in retaliation for their constant attempts at seizing malconaire land, aoife ends up cancelling her next few gigs at the bar. not knowing this, of course, sebastian shows up each night hoping to see her again

luckily brigit's legal issues are quickly resolved when all the charges are dropped, partially thanks to the local sheriff having a soft spot for eithne along with some intervention from eithne's best friend, representatives eilia stafford.

also luckily for sebastian, the bartender (who happens to be aoife's best friend, saoirse) finally takes pity on him and tells him where he can find aoife if he wants to see her again. he's shocked to find out she lives at the very home he is in virginia beach trying to destroy.

random additional things i thought up in this AU: rosie comes back for a visit with her new boyfriend Edmund, who, SURPRISE!, is the youngest son of rod varmont!!! did he know rosie was the youngest daughter of the current thorn in his father's side?!

some wild side quest involving arthur failing miserably at winning over eilia stafford so he changes tactics and tries to get through to eilia via her younger sister, aria. (this does not go well for TVG)

and there's a family that stays at one of the holiday houses every summer who are a giant pain: Valentina, her son Cass, and her daughter sonya. (some half thought through idea about the place needing an influx of cash and Cass, who has a long standing crush on eithne, has been hinting that he'd be happy to invest if eithne happened to return his affections)

i feel like i had more random thoughts about this so i might end up reblogging myself at some point.

[forgottensebastian]

Killian | Jefferson | Emma | Ruby | Dr. Whale | Aurora | Tinkerbell | August | Mulan | Leroy | Belle | Graham | Peter Pan | Phillip | Mr. Gold | Ariel | Wendy | Granny | Cora | David | Zelena | Henry

[forgottensebastian]

So, I do think that Sebastian trusts Rian to be loyal to his dad/his family, because, thus far, he hasn't given them a reason not to. Of course, all of this has become a little hazy once Sebastian arrived in Astaira, himself, and learned what it was like??? He might have even been more prone to thinking that they might actually be helping Astaira by taking it over at one point -- thanks to the exiled Staffords, haha.

It's safe to say that he doesn't believe that anymore, nor does he think that Rian is really the best for the job of being the steward of astaira!!!!

Rian: I know EVERYTHING about Astaira!!

Sebastian: ... but you don't know Astaira! Even I know more than you ;DDD

jk jk but STILL like any other of the Astairans besides Cormac and Cassimir (basically the dudes, unfortunately) would have Sebastian's vote over Rian, atp so .... yeah :(

Also, I don't think he would like it if he knew that Rian was a potential suitor for Cassandra either??? He doesn't think Rian would be a good match for her at all/knows that Cassandra would not be happy!

I do think that Sebastian might be able to put all of this aside and at least see where Rian is coming from and probably feels a little sorry for him and his situation ... but not enough to want him to take Astaira and certainly not enough for him to want him as a bro-in-law!!!

I do think he'd be friendly with him and I do think that it would come across that Rian actually does want the best for Astaira, even if he is misguided in the fact that he thinks what it needs is him??

OOC | Rían & Sebastian

you know who you should support to your dad for stewart of astaira when roderick inevitably goes off to conquer another country???? this guy!!!! vote rian for stewart!!!

ok so as we all know, rian's out here tryna network but unfortunately i feel like its going abt like [ this ] aklsdjflkjsdfj but despite his wet dog who just got kicked personality, he'd really love sebastian's political support!!! and he will (try) to do whatever he can (that he still thinks is honorable!) to achieve that!!! results, however, may vary lajksdfkljsdkjf

[forgottensebastian]

I kinda feel like Sebastian has always wanted to be a combination of Great Uncle Bartholomew and not!Uncle Tristan honestly? Like he definitely looks up to/hero worships Arthur a lot, too, but Tristan has all of Arthur's bravery and comparable skills as a swordsmen w/o the same amount of arrogance which is more Sebastian's speed??

I do not think Sebastian likes or trusts Amira, at all!!! And likes Godfrey well enough, but doesn't trust him, but I do think that he would like and trust Tristan??? Like Tristan has proved himself time and again to their family and he does not seem to have the same suspicious habits his siblings seem to??

I'm not sure that he spent as much time with Tristan, especially when he was little, as he would have liked thanks to Marian being his mom and the Amira faction of his family feeling like it is like half forbidden to interact with haha, but I do think that they would get along pretty well??? Especially now that Sebastian is older and has learned to shift through some of his mom's prejudices to that side of the family??

Also, since Sebastian was more likely to visit Malconaire when it was planned/with guards, etc. perhaps Tristan would often accompany him in those early days/this also perhaps help facilitate a friendship between Tristan/Eithne?

OOC | Tristan & Sebastian

hi, not!nephew!!!! im here to protect you!!!! alksjdfkjsdkfj

ok but these two actually have some stuff in common, just as brothers whose siblings who give off weird (or in tristan's case bad) vibes, and then there's just like this nice guy hanging w them and its like????? what happened there???? what is going on???? how is that guy there???? yeah lakjsdfkjlsdkjf

anyway lkajsdkfljdsf i def think that tristan v much respects sebastian and cares abt him!! i feel like tristan did kinda grow up amongst the varmont kids and like he's deF not one of them and that was made abundantly clear to everyone, but he def cares abt them all like family but also he's aware of the reality that they might all go to war one day and yeahhh weirdness!!!!!!

[forgottensebastian]

god sebastian intimidating valentina will never not be one of my favorite things that has happened in this rp <3

But yeah that makes total sense! And Sebastian is not expecting Saoirse to trust or even like him, honestly, but he is there basically to check in on her and be able to tell Aoife (and the other malconaires if they talk to him haha) that everyone is okay.

I do think that Sebastian would try to play it off as "I was just in the neighborhood!" kind of thing?? And even though ~that~ was probably true (he probs just came from malconaire!), the visit was very intentional!!! In seeing/meeting the Lorcans, themselves, I'm sure he would have mentioned the Malconaire connection, etc, but not Aoife specifically.

However, when he meets/talks to Saoirse, I feel like he actually might have mentioned Aoife and how he knew that they were friends, etc. but try to make it as casual as possible but .... fail miserably ....

Sebastian: haha no i am not in love with her????? why would you think this?? aside from her being the sweetest, kindest, soft-tempered, kindred spirit i've literally ever met in my life who makes me feel comfortable and inspired in her presence you literally have no case for this!!

me: sure

And even though he's trying to paly it cool, I feel like Saoirse can tell that he likes Aoife!

OOC | Saoirse & Sebastian

ok so im thinking these two might know ~of each other, even if they haven't necessarily met yet (is she just now returning to the capitol area from lorcan, or did that happen awhile ago?), given their mutual connection to aoife? in any case, depending slightly on what ciara might or might not have said, and how vociferous aoife may or may not have been etc, but im guessing saoirse is likely to be positively predisposed towards sebastian, given that so many ppl in her circle likely say nice things given that, well, he's a nice dude hahaha so yeah!

that being said, just bc he's the emperor's son, i think she'd be a bit wary of him esp given her own position being in the rebellion etc, but i do think she'd be like 'damn the tomorrows' and wanna see what info she can get out of him tbqh lakjsdfkljdsjkf 'you seem nice...sorry...you dad is just soooo egregiously NOT nice i gotta at least TRY and use you against him to save the world since i have the opportunity'

[forgottensebastian]

Prince Charming or Prince Philip

[forgottensebastian]

By the Fireside | Sebastian & Marian

The hanging had been this morning.

If Roderick had not demanded the presence of his three sons, Sebastian would not have gone. He did not agree with their actions: he never agreed with problems being met with violence. But his father had wronged their Queen and they had been angry. Perhaps they deserved punishment, but they did not deserve to die.

Sebastian had said none of this to his father. He felt that it would be pointless to do so: Roderick seemed to meet any resistance with anger. He feared it would do more harm than good, but he could not shake the feeling that he had let all of those men go to their deaths and he had done nothing.

He was exhausted when he returned home. He was tired of all of this death; weary with the very thought of it. He had hoped that, after two years, the climate in Astaira would have settled and they would be finished with these public executions for treason, but the people here were restless. They would not give in so easily.

Sebastian had thoughts of retiring to his own chambers, but when he returned he found his mother still awake, seated by the fire. She looked so peaceful sitting there, that he longed to join her -- wondering if the memories of the day would temporarily lift from his mind.

He knew he would not escape them when he was alone.

"It is very late, mother," He said. Had it been any other night, he might have told her she ought to get some rest. But tonight, he simply asked, "Might I sit with you for awhile?"

Somehow he managed a smile. He did not want to burden his mother with his own troubles. "I trust Cassandra has gone off to bed long ago? She told me yesterday that she would be visiting Malconaire early tomorrow morning."

[forgottensebastian]

Sebastian smiled to hear that. He knew that Cassandra loved him more than she tended to let on most days, but it warmed his heart to know that she, at least, spoke more affectionately about him when she was describing him to others, than she might have let on otherwise. "It's good to know that I am not always resigned to the role of her tiresome older brother, but it does make me wonder if she is prone to exaggerate my qualities."

He paused, "As for your own adventures -- I shall admit to knowing that there was some trouble on an island; a forty's day march through a desert where you encountered a band of thieves; and a mistake of identity which led to be imprisoned and nearly falsely executed for crimes you did not commit." There was something about the desert thieves, whom he had somehow won over, raiding the prisons, freeing him, and offering him a place amongst the men. Or perhaps it had been pirates and a great journey across the ocean?

He did not know how it happened, but he had come to meet Lord Ormond to question both his intentions and his worthiness of his sister, but he soon found himself dwelling upon the battle of Malconaire and the horrors that had befallen the Astairans since his father had taken over their lands.

And he found that himself at the mercy of Lord Ormond's questions. His family had a lot to answer for and he knew, instantly, that nothing he could say would satisfy him. He also knew that this was not the place for such a conversation, however much he cared to try to help foster peace between the royal family and the lords of this land. His father could be around any corner and his loyal councilmen and guards around the others.

"I did not fight in the Battle of Malconaire, Lord Ormond," He said. And although it had been the truth, he found that his voice wavered as the suggestion that he had put it to the sword. If he had had more promise in that area, perhaps it would have been him who had led the charge. And he wondered, as horrific as the idea was now, that if his father had commanded it of him, would he have done it?

He did not think that many knew that it had, instead, been his half-brother who had. Sebastian did not wish to reveal it, if it could be helped. Edmund's friendship with the Lady Roisin had been a positive influence on him and Sebastian did not wish to relinquish any information that would tarnish that. If asked outright, he had no intention to lie, but Sebastian knew that things were different now, than they had been then.

He and Edmund had never been close, but he knew that his brother would never let harm come to the place now, even if their father commanded it.

"I am sorry for the your loss of your uncle. Many brave and honorable men were lost that day. I lost many friends and I regret that a more peaceful solution could not have been found." Perhaps he ought not have said the last bit. The only peaceful solution would have been surrender and the Astairans were not cowards. If Roderick Varmont meant to have their lands, they would not give it up willingly.

"Think nothing of it," Sebastian said, hastily. "I understand --- " He stopped. There were too many there to listen for him to say anything more. For Lord Ormond's own sake, he hoped that this would be the end of it.

Desperate to speak of anything else and feeling too ashamed to push him any further on his intentions towards his own sister, instead Sebastian asked him, "Have you any other living family, Lord Ormond?"

He hadn't considered, until the words left him, that he could have lost them all in the war.

A Protective Brother | Cillian & Sebastian

"Lord Ormond!"

It was Rosie's voice ringing out amongst the throng and, turning to look, Cillian smiled a brotherly grin. "Rosi--Lady Roisin."

Her smirk was lopsided -- very clearly trying to suppress laughter -- and she shook her head. "You're hopeless," she hissed. "Anyway, Sebastian Varmont wants to meet you and he insisted -- very politely, he's very polite -- I introduce you! He's such a dear, do be nice--"

"What?"

"And I think he may be sweet on our Aoife! Isn't that marvellous?"

"What?!"

"He's coming this way--"

"What?"

"--but don't worry, I said some very promising things in your favor!"

"Rosie -- I can't deal with another Varmont right now!"

"Another? Wha--"

"Gods, Rosie, what did you say to him about me?"

"What, precisely, does 'another Varmont' mean--"

"Rosie! Focus!"

"On what?!"

At precisely that moment, Sebastian materialized out of the crowd, causing Rosie to hasten to his side, guiding him over to Cillian. "As promised!" she gleamed. "Your Imperial Highness, may I present my dear friend, Cillian, Lord of Ormond?" she said, gesturing to Cillian, who did his best not to sigh.

"And Cillian," she added with a slightly more warning tone (a be-on-your-best-behavior tone). "May I present His Imperial Highness, Sebastian, Prince of the Varmont Empire?" she turned quickly, eagerly to Sebastian. "Did I do tht right? I'm not the best with everyone's elaborate titles. Do you and your siblings have different styles -- oh, but nevermind. Answer me later. I'm interrupting! You two wished to chat!"

"Rosi--Lady Roisin!"

"I'll catch up with the both of you later!" So saying she danced way, disappearing amongst the tumult of people, very clearly delighted with herself, and Cillian was left to face yet another Varmont alone, but this time as Lord Ormond.

Turning to face Sebastian, he bowed very stiffly. "It is a pleasure," he began. "To finally put a face to the name. Her Imperial Highness the Princess Cassandra has told me much about you." What sort of inanities did such people generally chatter about? "How--how do you find the ball?"

[forgottensebastian]

Yeah, so as I commented, Brigit does NOT have nice things to say about Sebastian .... but she also really doesn't have any evidence of him not being nice and is just stubbornly like "he's TOO nice. I don't trust it." And also just being especially suspicious about him because he does seem a little sweet on Aoife (which like I guess even Brigit can't blame him for but that doesn't mean she likes it!!!)

So basically, she won't have have heard anything nice about him from Brigit, but also given the nature Brigit's complaints, it might actually be the nicest thing she's said about any of the Varmonts (aka she dislikes him because she can't find anything wrong him him -- aside from him taking an interest in Aoife -- therefore he must be the worst of all!)

But yeah, given that Eabha isn't as close minded towards the Varmonts as some others/that she is thinking about marrying into the family, I can see where she and Sebastian might become friends?? Especially if he has any hint that there might be something between her and his uncle, given how close Alaric is to the ~Marian~ branch of the family???

Sebastian would adore Eabha tbh! She's smart and capable and, unfortunately, like so many others in Astaira, she has been passed over for a less suited man to rule over her domain (although Sebastian would never admit out loud the specific Eilia/his dad example of this #whoops!) and yeah there's a lot to like about her. Also, I feel like he would appreciate that she's also a big nerd?? I feel like Sebastian might be secretly an astronomy nerd and I feel like he'd kind of like to hear her geek out about her passions!

OOC | Eabha & Sebastian

you seem ok...for a varmont! no but i think eabha's actually one of my more open minded characters when it comes to varmonts, seeing as how she's ok w potentially marrying his uncle and all hahahaha also idk if @forgottenaoife would've shared any of sebastian's kinder points w her but if so that's def a big deal bc aoife isn't one to just run amock and make friends w a random person she just reprimanded for leaving his horse in the way and then roped into helping her prank cassimir, and still choosing to disregard that he's a varmont just bc he made her laugh while doing so (in eabha's view), etc, like rosie is (dont get me wrong she loves rosie she just doubts her judgment like she frankly would w her ~own siblings except maybe aine lakjsdfkljdsf) ;D aoife is a v sober person who doesn't make friends easily so anyone becoming her friend is impressive, little less a varmont, like...my point is that she probs thinks sebastian must genuinely be a good dude if aoife's told her that he is! and espppppp if even @forgottenbrigit has nice things to say abt him?

[forgottensebastian]

arthur & sebastian: "you're the only one i trust to do this"

[ ten years ago ]

"Arthur, you are talking nonsense."

His brother's skin was pale, his hands were cold and the physician who had been attending him seemed to be at his wit's end. It was hard to say whether he had truly exhausted all of his options, or if was the fear of failure that was weighing so heavily upon his head. Sebastian knew that his father would not allow any of his children to die and, without anyone else to blame, the poor doctor would pay for this with his life, if Arthur died.

"Something isn't right, brother," His eyes were half focused on the ceiling, like he was already halfway gone. "I might not last the night."

"Arthur -- " Sebastian gripped his brother's hand firmly, as though that would keep him tethered to this world.

"I never thought I would die in a sick bed," He said softly. "What I wouldn't give to have my life end upon a battlefield instead ... "

"Everything is going to be alright," Sebastian said, "You are going to be alright."

"You must promise me that you will look after mother -- she'll need you more than ever. And Cassandra, too. Don't forget to spoil her once in a while for me."

"Of course, but Arthur, there's no need to talk like this, you -- "

Arthur cut him off, refusing to hear him. "And you must promise me this most of all .... you must do what you can to become father's heir. You are the only one who can ... the only one that deserves it ... the only one who will do what is right. If it cannot be me, Sebastian, it must be you. Promise me, little brother."

Sebastian was reluctant to give his word on this. He felt that Arthur saw in him something that wasn't there -- that he mistook his compassion for strength. In himself, Sebastian saw only weakness. He hated conflict and always strove to resolve it, but he wondered if he could always be on the side of justice, if he was too concerned with just settling the dust. He craved solitude during balls and tourneys and feasts and his heart raced at the thought of having to make great speeches in front of court. He had no love of the battlefield and had neither the skills of a solider nor general as his brother had.

But when he looked at his brother's face, he found that he could not tell him no. "I promise." He said, his hand still holding onto his brother's. "I promise."

"Good. Now I can rest."

Arthur closed his eyes and settled into a restful sleep. Sebastian kept watch over him, even after his mother had returned to pass a sleepless vigil over his eldest son. The promise he had made turned over and over in his mind. A promise that he had made even against his better judgement, perhaps to the ruin of all. Bitterly now, he prayed for his brother's recovery -- not only for his own sake, but for also for all the people in all the lands his father now held.

Arthur must get better, he thought, for I would make a very sorry emperor, indeed.

[forgottensebastian]

give me a paring + an au setting and I'll tell you all the headcanons I've made about that

[forgottensebastian]

Untitled Headcanon Questions

Part I You can replace the 'your muse' with the name of the muse you're asking. A random assortment of headcanon questions to send to receiver's muse and help both you and them get to know their muse better. Adjust as necessary to fit pronoun and/or descriptor. Reblog, please do not repost or add.

What can completely break your muse?

What has your muse witnessed in their lives that has fundamentally changed them?

What is your muse's relationship with sex and/or sexual intimacy?

What is a habit your muse has, which they consider perfectly normal, but others think is weird?

Does your muse believe in marriage? Do they ever want to get married?

What is a dream and/or a nightmare your muse had and can't forget?

What is your muse's relationship with their parent/s (can be biological, adoptive, found family or otherwise)?

What does your muse do to pass the time?

What did your muse want to be when they were a child? Would their child self be happy with what they are now?

Does your muse have any pets?

In what ways does your muse express their love to someone else (platonic, familial, romantic, sexual or otherwise)?

What is your muse's favorite hobby/ies? Are there any hobbies they tried but never got the hang of?

If they could go anywhere in the world right now, where would your muse go on a vacation by themselves?

What is inside your muse's pockets/bag/purse/backpack/etc. right now?

Where does your muse feel most comfortable at?

What is your muse's favorite quote, and why?

What does your muse do in their routine to take care of themselves (physically, mentally, emotionally or otherwise)?

What is your muse's favorite piece of clothing in their wardrobe?

What is your muse's favorite food dish? Are they able to make it themselves?

How does your muse prefer someone else confess their love to them, if they want to at all?

How would your muse confess their love to someone?

Who does your muse consider as a good friend, and why?

What would be your muse's last words be if they died right now?

What is a promise someone made to your muse and broken it that your muse never forgot about?

What is your muse's relationship with their sibling/s (can be biological, adoptive, found family or otherwise)?

[forgottensebastian]

Sebastian wished he had never asked the question.

Or, at least, considered what he was about to say before the words fell out. If he had bothered to do that, perhaps he would have considered that his family might have been behind it.

He felt at a loss for words and was suddenly ashamed that he was there, at all, being entertained by the daughter of a man he's father's orders had killed.

"Lady Eithne, please forgive me. I -- I did not know. I am very sorry for all it." For what little his apology was in light of it all. None of this was worth it: all of the needless death ... all of the needless destruction that his father's reckless ambitions had caused all the world. And while Sebastian played no direct part in what had happened here at Malconaire, he felt uneasy in the pit of his stomach as he considered simply being Roderick's son and accepting his food and his shelter, was he complicit in it all.

He told himself that part of the reason he had abandoned his birthright was because he must remain for his mother, for Arthur, and for Cassandra -- but the truth was that it was more than that. He'd witnessed his father's wrath and the reach of his power and influence too often not to be afraid of it.

He wondered wordlessly how much horrors he must hear of before he feared it no more.

"We do not deserve any of the kindness you have shown us," He said, softly, "If you wish that we should not return, I hope you know that we would all respect it and there should be no recourse from telling us so. My father would never hear of it."

He wondered if Arthur knew how Lord Malconaire died? He remembered, suddenly, that it had been Edmund who had been the architect of it all and he wondered how he had been able to bear it. He must know that Lord Malconaire fell upon the swords of his men ...

Somewhat distractedly he answered her next question. "Yes, there is music. And instruments from all around the world on display." And no who knew how to play them, he thought. "She has told me that she used to play the harp," Something resembling a smile toyed at his lips as the subject switched to Aoife, "But, of course, she would not elude to being an accomplished one," He didn't think Aoife had it in her to boast about her abilities, "In fact she suggested she was more of a novice, than anything, but ... I suspected that she played beautifully." He knew, too, that she no longer had her harp.

And while he knew she lost it because of Valentina, it was still another consequence that had come about because of the conquest ...

Solitude || Sebastian + Eithne

Eithne hadn't expected to see Sebastian arriving, alone, at the estate that day. In fact, Eithne hadn't been expecting anyone. Her step mother had dragged both Sonya and Aoife into town-- Sonya to shop for some new item that Valentina thought would impress the princes and Aoife to carry things and be snipped at throughout the outing. Cassimir was away on some sort of business and Rosie and Brigit had gone off with some task to achieve that they'd only vaguely explained to their eldest sister.

The house hadn't been this quiet for some time. Eithne had cleaned, prepped their meal for that evening, and was lazily kneading dough as she watched the clouds roll in when she caught sight of the approaching rider.

She'd watched from the kitchen window as Sebastian dismounted his horse and made his way up to the kitchen door. Grinning, she'd boosted herself up, pushing open the window and popping her head out.

"Hello."

She hadn't meant to catch him off guard but he clearly hadn't been expecting anyone to be there. He was knelt by the door and jumped at the sound of her voice. She grinned apologetically when his eyes met hers.

"What've you got there?" Eithne inquired, pushing herself up on her toes a bit to try and get a better view. Realizing she was being a bit rude, she hopped off her stool and went to open the door.

"Come in and see if those rainclouds pass," she gestured him inside. "Where are your cohorts this day?"