When Winter Leaves.... (Private)

DayDreamer

Badger Supreme
Original poster
FOLKLORE MEMBER
Writing Levels
  1. Adaptable
The Game of thrones begins.

It hadn't been all that long since Winter had come for the world and infighting between the Living had almost led the world to ruins. Four generations. That's all it took for that lesson to be forgotten. The realms of Westeros were struggling to rebuilt themselves, the Northeners trapped souther than they ought to because of the harsh winters and yet here they were again. Squabbling over an iron chair that was long since lost. It bothered Visenya greatly that the world hadn't learned its lesson. At least they were thankfully about to talk it out first instead of going into a full blown war again.

The She-Bear was resting at the prow of her cousin's ship, pondering of what was to come. She had no claim on the throne and she was not interested in it. Her Stark cousin had a strong claim however and he did want the throne. He was a direct descendant of the Breaker of Chains and the King in the North. Northmen had already acknowledged him as the King in the North and Free Folk had agreed to live peacefully under his rule, but the Reach, Dorne, Stromlands, Vale, Iron Islands, Riverlands and Westerlands had also chosen their own Kings and Queens. It seemed fitting for them all to meet at King's Landing once all of them had more or less solidified their grip on their respective people. Visenya gazed at the distant ruins of what was once the Red Keep and the great city of King's Landing before the Long Winter. It sparked her interest and she made a promise to herself to visit those ruins as the ship docked in a small port that had been constructed after the Winter had subsided and the ruins were nigh impossible to clean.

"Visenya, Lord Ned says we best get ready!" Visenya tore her gaze from the old city to pinpoint the man who had the privilege of adressing her in such an intimate way. Vidar from the Free Folk had been her partner in crime since they were little kids. Always together in mischief and always wrestling eachother to the ground when it had been time for them to learn how to fight. While her mother had not approved of such behavior from a lady, she had learned to let go as Erick Mormont had been approving and had always had the final word. There had been gossip about the two of them being more than that now that they were older, but those had been quickly shut down. They were best friends. Nothing less, nothing more. Visenya smiled at Vidar and got up from her perching spot, stretching as she did. "About time! I have grown so rusty the Old gods would only have to gently blow and I would fade to red dust." She exclaimed and Vidar chuckled. "Now you're just being dramatic. Nothing a good pommeling won't fix." He gave her a lopsided grin and she huffed. "And who's going to do that? You?" She questioned mischievously as she adjusted her sword belt over her leather-n-chainmail armored vest. "Why the doubt?" He smirked back and she smiled deviously, locking eyes flirtatiously, as she brushed past him, stealing his war axe from his belt. "You're too slow for one." She laughed and tossed him the weapon back as he gave her the no-fair look. "Come on, let's go get the horses ready." She motioned at him and just like that, the childish play was over and the pair had been in considerably better mood than at the start of the day.

The arrival of the Northern envoy in the new city of King's landing, a city that was such only by name compared to the cities of Westeros before the arrival of Winter, caused quite the commotion. People parted to make way for the riders and there were many who had pointed and looked surprised at the blonde woman with the wild spirit and warrior's attire, bearing the shield of House Mormont on her back. Ah yes, the old customs had held strong in the South despite the proof of women being as strong or even stronger than men during the Long Winter and the War for Dawn. There was no Red Keep in this version of King's Landing and the various hosts would've had to find accomodations of their own as the city's barracks and administrative center were not large enough to do so.

Once King Eddard's host was settled in the Stars-n-Plow Inn, Visenya had been quick to slip away unnoticed. She had not been expected to attend any meetings just yet and the banquet was not until later this evening. She had plenty of time to just explore the city still in her riding gear, shield and sword everpresent. She was allowed to enjoy herself before the tiresome affair of looking for suitable Lords and knights to take as husband would have to ensue. Her mother had nagged her until Visenya had to yield and promise her that she would try and find a suitable match for herself. She had been old enough already, having turned 29 recently.

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Alrighto. The setting is up. Feel free to have your character at New King's Landing for whatever reason. You can bump into Visenya on the streets or you can meet her later on at the banquet of the small castle that serves as the 'equivalent' of the Red Keep and will be used for the official negotiations.
@Nemopedia @SkittlesAndSpike @Applo
 
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Pivoting from the hook it had been hung on, the long, ornate marlin spike scraped against the wooden walls as it swung to-and-fro. Far from finding it annoying, Tamsyn found the rhythmic scraping sound rather soothing. For someone who on a daily basis had to deal with managing an islands worth of people, a sizeable fleet of ships and the various needs of a swarm of sisters the sound of metal scraping on wood was nice. It didn’t want anything from her. Right now no one did. That would change soon enough, but for now her time was her own.​

Sitting up in her bunk Tamsyn rubbed the sleep from her eyes and then looked around the cabin. It didn’t take long, it was a small cabin. Only a little larger than the bunk. There were more luxurious ships in the Grey Fleet. The Myst however was by far the most impressive. Tamsyn’s father had commissioned it and then driven the architect to distraction making changes to the designs. She had never liked the man. He had been a mean miserable arsehole. Still Tamsyn had to admit her father had had an eye for warships. This meagre cabin was pretty much the only concession to comfort and luxury on the whole ship. Everything else had been designed to make the ship as well armed and fast as possible. It made a statement of power just by being and a statement was just what her lord had asked for. He was keen the other regions of Westeros were reminded of the Reach’s strength.​

After a simple breakfast of dried meats and bread, Tamsyn dressed and prepared for the day. Her clothes were more like those of a sailor than the typical garb of a Westerosi lady. Tough, well fitting trouser featured far more often in her wardrobe than dresses. She did have a couple of dresses with her, and she would wear them where it was required. The deck of her ship, however, was not one of those places. A long flowing dress would be a dangerously impractical on a ship, even her sisters who had more traditional choice in clothes didn’t wear them aboard. At least that was what she told anyone who dared to question her on the subject. Her necklace was Tamsyn’s only day to day concession to tradition. The eight inch long marlinspike hung on a beautiful, delicate chain and it’s polished surface was covered in ornate etchings. It was also viciously sharp. After a quick inspection of her appearance as reflected by the plate her breakfast had arrived on Tamsyn felt suitably ready for what was to come.​

The main deck was a hive of activity as the men made ready to make port. All were keen to be off the ship and exploring the delights of the capitol. Jobs that normally would have been left till later were being crammed in now. The city sprawled across the shoreline ahead of them. Personally Tamsyn didn’t really care for the place, but she knew why her men did. Places like the capitol had all the things men who had been at sea for any real time wanted. Often both could be found in the same building. Making her way up to the bridge, Tamsyn waited for the ship’s captain to finish issuing orders for the time being before making her presence known to the man.​

“Anything I should know, Captain?"

“Nothing you don’t already know my lady.” An arm swung towards New Kings Landing. “All was well overnight, and the men are itching to get ashore. Do you have any orders for the rest of the fleet mam?”​

“Yes, send a bird to the Serpent and the Hammer. The Serpent is to follow us into the harbour and dock there and the Hammer shall lead the rest of our ships to anchor with the Redwyne fleet. The more ships it looks like the Reach can muster the more people will talk. Besides I’m sure my uncles men will be glad of the company. Shore leave is up to each captain as they see fit.”

“Very good my lady. If you are taking command, I will send those instructions right away.”​

“Yes, thank you captain.”

With that, the captain bowed and disappeared down the stairs, and Tamsyn was in charge of the ship. Truthfully there wasn’t much for her to do. The men who served on the Myst were the best Greyshield had to offer and they knew they would be docking in harbour. Where else would a noble lady dock. Making her entrance in a small shore dingy wouldn’t do at all. All the same though, Tamsyn kept a close eye on the organised chaos below. Her father had never wanted her to learn sail craft and so she called out orders almost out of spite for his memory.​

The Myst had barely stopped moving when Tamsyn leapt ashore. She didn’t wait for her sisters who were aboard the slightly more comfortable Serpent before she set off into the city. They had a very different agenda for the day and trying to combine it with hers would only lead to irritation on both sides. They would be quite safe without her anyway. The captain of the Serpent was a smart well paid woman. If she didn’t discreetly follow the Grimm ladies personally then, she’d make sure some of her men did. Tamsyn suspected that the captain of the Myst would have a pair of his men follow her as well. He normally did. Well today they would really earn their pay for it. As she plunged into the chaos of the city streets Tamsyn went over a list of things to do in her mind. The first item on that list was finding accommodation suitable for her family. Close to where her Redwyne cousins were staying if possible.
 
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They said that the Westerosi were punctual to a fault. Meetings were agreed upon and planned down to the minute, arrivals happened exactly when and as promised. It was a structure and rigidness that promised to be as cold as the winds that blew across its land. So very unlike Essos, where there was enough sunlight throughout the whole year and time was rarely a worry. One arrived when they arrived, there was no worry or fear that there wasn’t enough space or food to offer. The only worry was that the guest didn’t like the feast, or the hospitality.

However, on Westerosi ground Saree had to hold himself to their customs and traditions, finding himself early ashore as he observed the lords and ladies stream in as the commoners made way, tugging their children to the side. It was a rigid chaos that for once felt familiar to his home, but still missing that warmth.

“Tell me another story of the breaker of chains!” a little girl clasped her hands excitedly, beaming up at Saree with such brightness that he couldn’t help but compare her to an amber. Bright and warm, which was exactly what he produced from his pocket as well.

“The breaker of chains was said to own three dragons,” the tanned male started, folding his hand open so that the stone laid flat in it, moving his other hand over it he pretended to sprinkle some air on it. The stone trembled, heating up as it released its inner light and three shapes of miniature dragons --no larger than his fingertips-- floated out.

The girl squealed in delight as she tried to grab for the illusions and when her hands went through she tried to grab the stone instead, but Saree deftly closed his hand as he moved it out of her reach.

“Tales are best enjoyed with the ears and eyes,” he gave the girl a look from over his glasses, but the little thing knew that he wasn’t scolding her, still she calmed down as she folded her arms to the back. “Not with touch,” and with that he unfolded his hand once more, continuing the tale of his ancestors.

It was a rather peculiar sight. With children --and a few adults-- surrounding a foreigner on the marketplace, performing something that looked like magic. Some called it child’s play, others believed he was a no good conner. Saree saw it as bait, laid out in the sea of the crowd and waiting for a bigger fish to come out.
 
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With a light wind at it's side, Black Mermaid emerged at the horizon, pushing steadily through the waves towards the port of the new city. Large longship made of strong black wood was followed by two smaller, slimmer and shorter ones, hauling vital resources and gifts. It was quite a bit since the last time the Ironborn were invited anywhere on the mainland with the city door wide open; the King's Landing at it. A few humble offerings never hurt anyone, has it?

"Port ahead!", shouted one of the bulky watchers from the far front of the ship, hard enough for a sea serpent tattooed on his neck to come alive and slither briefly. Men greeted the news with loud line of cheers and whistles. Bulky, mid-aged man, his beard relatively long, grey and surprisingly neat, stumbled from below the deck and rushed forward to witness the view of the new city of King's Landing.

"And the verdict is?", the question sounded somewhat lazily behind Hog's back, after the sound of steps approaching ceased.

"Fish shite!", Hog barked out, spitting a generous amount of saliva over the deck and scrunched his nose. Young, dark-haired ironborn laughed out and approached, leaning against the edge of the boat, observing the port that was closing in on them rather quickly. "Not quite like in the book, is it? Suppose they were too busy tugging eachother's manhoods to raise a decent seat".

This time, old cook roared with laughter "Ey yeh! Women tend to do that to us, capt'n. One moment it is the biggest, in the other it is ay gonner", he smirked, knowingly eyeing the man next to him and tapping his own nose. "Ah. I'll remember that, wise man", Hagen replied with a wave of his index finger, before he turned around and proceeded to march towards the center of the ship as men prepared for docking.

"Aye aye ya always do, and then ya don't, do ya?", Hog shouted after him with a chuckle, and shook his head after recieving a simple wave that quickly ended the conversation. To be fair, he had already given him more hard time about his reckless decisions than a simple cook should, but his fortune was that young Greyjoy was not opposing to gaining knowledge from those older than him. After all, Hog tended to take care of the boy ever since he first set foot on the ship, some solid fourteen summers ago. At the same time, as baffled he was with his ways, Hog learned to trust the young man's wit to get him out of trouble. He was no longer a boy of twelve summers, so what a simple old cook could do other than that?

Hagen Greyjoy, the firstborn of his parents and the captain of the Black Mermaid could hardly say he himself was impressed by the new city, but the universal truth for all sides was that everyone did their best with the cards they were dealt.

"Prepare for docking!" the watcher shouted again as they reached shallow waters, and the ironborn scattered to roll up the sails. Cracking his shoulders and neck, Hagen threw his long coat aside and rolled up the sleeves of his tunic, liberating his elbows for labor. Cool breeze hit his torso eagerly, but other than few deep breaths full of steam, he expressed no bother by it.

"What in the iron's name do you think you're doing?", came in a scolding question as soon as he grabbed the thick rope to pull the sails up with his men. holding it wrapped and anchored around his fist and forearm, Hagen turned his head and cocked his eyebrow in question. Maddock Goodbrother stood few feet away, his arms crossed tightly just as his forehead was at the sight of his cousin grabbing the rope.

"Lifting the darn sail up, Mad", Hagen mumbled in response, returning back to lifting with light grunts with every strong pull at the rope. "What does it look like to you?"

"It looks to me that you are failing to see the point of this visit".

"Enlighten me", Hagen challenged as he tied the rope tightly against the beam and dusted off his palms against one another.

Slightly frustrated, few summers older Goodbrother quickly closed the distance between himself and his unruly cousin, his red coat fluttering along dramatically. "You're here to be presentable!", he hissed at him lightly. Albeit significantly shorter, Maddock had a respectful amount of physical bulkiness and thus the small banter suddenly seemed like two bulls measuring out their strength, one visibly angrier than the other. In response, Hagen cracked a challenger's smirk and exhaled, pushing his shoulders backwards.

"Presentable", he nodded, turning to point out the rubble of the fallen city. "Presentable like such?" For a moment, Maddock's face turned confused and Hagen chuckled, moving to release one of Mermaid's anchors. "If they still appreciate presentation over efficiency after that, then they need more lessons".

"What in the bloody hell does that have to do with anything?", Maddock asked and Hagen shrugged mysteriously as he loosen up the anchor and straightened up. "This is an ironborn ship that I happen to be the captain of. As long as a single limb of mine touches its wood, I am the captain first and the lord second", he spoke clearly with a light frown and dominant posture. "I show my men how to do things, I don't describe them. You are welcome to preach on your own ship. On Black Mermaid, you do as I do. Are we clear?" he asked not breaking the piercing eye contact that Maddock still stubbornly returned to him.

"Crystal", the Goodbrother finally responded with a growl. "I am still your advisor. Whether you like it or not, Hagen".

"And my advisor you shall be. Plenty of time to play lords and advisors on land", Hagen nodded back to him. "On my ship you work equally, or you leave".

"Anchors!" The shout interrupted the tense atmosphere that formed around ironborn cousins and Maddock turned to march back into the cabin while Hagen gripped the anchor tightly and tossed it through the hole and it hit the cold surface of the sea with a satisfying splash. The entire game of lordship started getting on his nerves pretty much the very first day he no longer was able to consider tossing his advising cousin into the sea and making him swim back home. He was aware of his job, but there was a proper time and place for everything that needed doing.

Black Mermaid docked smoothly and once the dust had settled, Hagen grabbed his coat and put it back on. "I will be at the Inn", he referred to Hog that stood nearby with several young sailors, smacking them upside the head as they tried to catch the attention of a nearby docked ship full of tame ladies, no doubt of royal descent. Busy enough with youth, he simply waved off to Hagen as a signal that he understood.

***

The inn was certainly that of poor slumdogs of King's Landing, building their own back as well as they could. It was a good thing, there was no damn way any highborn would roam into it to tug on his nerves with hospitality. He needed a one more taste of real life before he'd enter the charade. As his tall imposing figure entered the premises, he occupied quite a bit of attention. The bar, however, was the only thing of interest to the ironborn, and he paid no mind to glares and whispers following after him.

"Ale", he ordered as soon as he sat onto the stool. "A plenty", he specified, spilling a bunch of coppers on the counter. Unless his cousin was ought to climb on his neck and preach to him there as well, the day just got a whole lot better.
 
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Kaylee walked through the streets of the New King's Landing marketplace with a very unreadable expression on her face. "Lady Kaylee, if we wish to be prompt we might want to consider heading back to the villa to get you ready for the meeting." Her guard escorting her spoke up. Edmund was his name and he had been assigned to watch over her, against her own will. "Relax soldier, if you're always so uptight you'll miss the beauty in the small things," Kaylee said with a soft voice but her words were firm and sharp. "Y-yes, milady," Edmund responded. She was sure he wasn't used to dealing with people like herself but that was okay, everyone had to learn at some point.

Meanwhile, Kaylee was already plotting on making her grand escape. She wanted to explore, and also cure her nerves with the best ale in town, which happened to be in possibly the worst part of King's Landing. She knew her bodyguard would have a heart attack if she took him there and she didn't want to run into any trouble due to him not being able to handle himself when in different sections of the city.

“Stick close Lady Kaylee, it’s starting to get crowded” Edmund spoke to her and moved on the opposite side of her to block her from traffic. Kaylee hummed and rolled her eyes. She hated being treated like some fragile thing. She was a lioness with the blood of dragons coursing through her veins she’d be dammed to the seven hells if she had to be coddled by every man that felt the need to show off their masculinity to her. Don’t misunderstand, she knew full well he was only doing his job, that didn’t stop the young woman’s irritation, however.

That’s when she noticed her window for escape. With how crowded the marketplace was she could slip away relatively undetected if she managed to successfully shift Edmund’s attention away from her. “Edmund?” The silver-haired woman purred. “Yes, Lady Kaylee?” The poor innocent young soldier responded. “Would you mind doing me a favor? This vendor right here sells the sweetest of apricots and I would love to have a few. However, whenever I try to buy from him he charges me more than average. Would you mind buying me a few?” She asked sweetly as she slipped a few coins into his hand. “This should be enough, I’ll be waiting right here.”

Edmund nodded, looking pleased to be of help to her for once. He glanced back every now and then to make sure she was still there, but once he got into the heat of the transaction Kaylee slipped away into the shadows. To say she was practiced would be an understatement. Edmund wasn’t the only one she had managed to fool. The fact that he was fresh and had no prior warning to her behavior was simply as a miss on his superiors part. Either that or she was now some sort of test. Whatever it was it didn’t matter, she had successfully broken free and she could now make her way to one of her favorite places to get a good drink.

....

With a black cloak wrapped around her shoulders and the hood pulled down low over her head, she made her way inside of the Inn. It was a little shabby but that’s okay because the quality at the Stars-n-Plow was something to be reckoned with among some of the finest wines and ale she's had delivered to her. She usually made a point to visit at least once, maybe more depending on her mood, whenever she was in King's Landing. Which was frequent enough that some of the staff and regulars knew her now when she would drop by. Once she was inside the hustle and bustle of those already getting their drinking parties started calmed her nerves. She was well aware this wasn't some pleasure trip and that was even more of a reason she felt nervous coming into this meeting. However, if she were to let that show she'd be eaten alive. She knew better, so she was going to take precautions now to avoid making a fool of herself later.

She slipped her hood off and her sliver locks rained down the back of her black cloak in waves. As soon as she did so she caught the attention of some, in the room. Some whistling, others, like Trinity, who worked there, smiled and greeted her. Trinity, this firecracker redhead that was one of the best waitresses in the building, who could handle a bar fight and break it up too, cleared a way and closed the distance between herself and Kaylee. "Nice 'ov you to drop by darlin'. Oops, I mean m'lady." Trinity said with a dramatic curtsey. Kaylee chuckled and patted Trinity on the hand, "I wouldn't miss a chance to say hello for the world." Trinity howled with laughter in response and dramatically let her hand fall to her chest, "Careful m'lady or I might fall for ya," she teased with a wink before nodding at her, "We'll get you set up really nicely, 'ave a seat" she instructed and gestured to an empty table for her to sit at.

Kaylee took her seat and settled in for a relaxing break before the meeting later. She never liked playing politics but she'd be damned if anyone said she was bad at it. She took great pride in studying the art of 'playing the game' and having a few victories under her belt as well. Still, the pit in her stomach never went away. After all the time she spent practicing or just doing, she always felt the same right before she had to go play leader. Sighing to herself she let her icy gaze wander around the room. That's when they landed on a familiar figure, unsurprisingly alone and enjoy a cup of ale himself. Her breath caught her chest and she felt her heart quicken. Then just as quickly anger, frustration, and betrayal washed over her as she realized just exactly who was sitting in front of her. None other than Hagen Greyjoy, the man who single-handedly ripped out her heart and made fun of it.

Okay, maybe she was being dramatic but that didn't change the fact that she was still angry with him after all this time. Perhaps even more angry with herself that she still felt something for the idiotic barbarian who had clearly moved on. She shifted in her seat and tore her gaze from him. Leaning her elbow on the table in a very unladylike manner and shielding her face with a veil of her silver hair. Perhaps if she ignored him, got her drink and left she could move on about her day. She didn't want to make a scene but the way she was feeling she was sure if she was forced to interact with him there might be one.

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Outfit: Kaylee's outfit Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy - Hagen Greyjoy



 
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The Market was vibrant and busy as ever. Visenya did not travel often as of late, what with her being the acting Lady Mormont and with preparations for the Iron Throne talks, but she had been to King's Landing a few times, well the New King's Landing that is. She had never had the time or freedom to attempt a visit at the Ruins. "Tell me another story about the Breaker of chains!" The excited voice of a young girl reached her ears and the She-Bear's gaze moved away from the colorful stall of a spice merchant to where a small crowd gravitated towards a tan man.

Glimpses of orange light draw her attention even more and with an arm resting lazily on the hilt of her sword, close enough to where her coinpurse was, in case this was nothing more than an elaborate pickpocket's trick, Visenya made her way to the front of the line formed around the most peculiar man she had ever witnessed. He was clearly Essosi, his clothes, jewlery, tattoos, everything about him screamed he was not from Westeros. And he was telling the story of her ancestor in the most outlandish way. Visenya had always been a curious mind and whispy lights emmiting from the stone in the man's palm was something she had never heard of before.

A few men in the crowd that were accidentally pushed aside as Visenya wiggled her way through the crowd, her shield though slender was not exactly small, had quickly decided against fighting or arguing with the woman in a warrior's outfit and the golden hairpins depicting bears. If the shield was no clear indication, the golden bear sigils would make it clear that the woman was more likely than not of noble birth. A Mormont.
 

Rare were the occasions where he was able to enjoy his free time. They were occasions that made him miss being a few summers younger, when nothing else but traveling and looting was of his concern. And then age happened and dragged burden of being the 'golden boy' around with them. And politics were tedious, demanding and, above all, boring. To hell with it. Times ago, an angry women meant it was only your problem. Nowdays, even angering the wrong woman was made everyone's issue. Simple pleasures were no longer as simple.

And speaking of angering the wrong women, it had seemed as if he had more than enough success at it lately. Can't live with them, can't live without them. And only sometimes, if you're lucky...or cursed... there was that single one you simply wouldn't be able to get off your mind. To hell with politics, whether your conscious self liked it or not. Only sometimes, making amends meant something important enough that you do not forget it, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are ready to make them.

And then SOMETIMES, life didn't fucking ask you whether you're ready or not. Storms waited for no man to be ready. Otherwise, they wouldn't be storms.

And one of those storms simply walked in through the front door at the time and in the place he had expected her the least. A graceful storm of silver and black that raised quite the commotion once she revealed herself. It took only a glance at the center of the storm for Hagen to become aware of his peace of mind slowly slipping away just like a dull black hood off the smooth silver hair. He stared, calm expression on the outside, somewhat a mess on the inside. The ice in her always vigilant eyes did not lose it's force, he was glad to notice, as it brought the faintest of smirks on his face. He hoped the fire on her tongue remained as well.

Kaylee Lannister seemed to be a welcome guest in the Inn, as many there were quick to greet her, providing him a perfect opportunity to get back to his business. He would reach out. He had been planning on it ever since he left the last time. Just not there, and not now. Above his own inner struggles, there were things he was not able to share as simply as the others. And so instead of weighting them further, he had decided to drink. Ale never felt so strong and so good as it did at that very moment. Even so, his mind could no longer ignore the presence of the silver-haired noble and it started getting on his nerves. The fact that she was seated in the place from where she'd definitely see him stand up from his spot, dangerously tipped his mind to only other viable solution that would leave him capable to think straight.

Drumming fingers against his cup, he weighted the two, albeit one was already leagues ahead of the other. He sighed in defeat and pulled the cup closer, rising off the bar stool. For the moment, he had dreaded to turn around and face her scolding glare, and his face took on an expression of mild surprise when that was not what he had found. Instead, the Lannister woman rather obviously tried to hide her face behind the veil of silver hair. Was she serious? The failed attempt made the large ironborn chuckle to himself and step forward, towards her table.

"Truly, Lannister. You are impossibly obvious", he jested, placing his cup on the table. "Mind if I join you?", he asked formally, although it was more of a rhetoric question as he sat down nevertheless, before she responded. "Gorgeous as always", the ironborn complimented with a crooked smirk, leaning comfortably against the chair and taking a sip out of his cup.

@Sailor Arti
 

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She knew it was pointless, she wasn't exactly doing her best stealth mission here. But what she had hoped for was that this guy would be able to take a hint. Apparently it would seem she underestimated him yet again. She heard the chair scoot back from the bar first, then the heavy footsteps approach her table. "Truly, Lannister. You are impossibly obvious", he taunted which only caused the fair haired maiden to roll her eyes, "Ugh....fuck" she muttered to herself as her blue eyes locked with Hagen's green ones.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked before immediately pulling up a chair before she could respond. "Make yourself at home why don't you?" She responded in a dry tone. She didn't want him here. Suddenly she regretted even coming here in the first place. Maybe this was the seven's way of paying her back ditching that young soldier boy. Still, all she wanted was to get some peace of mind, and the very thing that disturbed her peace happened to be sitting directly in front of her. "Gorgeous as always" Hagen added slyly with that confident signature grin of his. Kaylee just sighed Trinity brought her a drink before flashing her a suggestive look that just had Kaylee shake her head.

Once she was out of earshot Kaylee turned her attention to the Ironborn, "Spare me your pleasantries and flattery if you would please, lest I begin to get a migraine." She then brought the cup to her lips taking a rather long drink from it before setting it back down. Kaylee closed her eyes and tried to calm herself before she let her emotions run rampant. She just wanted the truth after all, and while she might be bitter, she wouldn't get much truth out of him that way. Still, that was a lot easier said than done. She had left him without a word as well. Feeling upset and betrayed by the things she had learned, she ran from him and didn't look back. And for months they didn't maintain contact. She couldn't bring herself to do so, sure she had plenty of questions but no matter how she tried to word what she wanted to say it never came out correctly. So eventually she just gave up on the whole thing.

She had spent all this time with him, falling for him, like an idiot when she should've known that this would've been the outcome. He was an Ironborn after all, how foolish of her to believe that he could even remotely care for her beyond something physical. That's all she felt like to him now, some prize or some challenge to be won. It really sucked too, he was probably the only guy to be able to waltz into her life and make her feel the way she does but it was clear from his actions that he didn't feel the same. However, she found herself not satisfied with that answer, yet afraid to learn the truth. She was torn. But here she was forced to choose and at the current moment finding out the truth seemed like the better option. Perhaps she could finally get some closure from this. "What are you doing here Greyjoy?" She asked looking at him with solid eye contact this time. She knew the political reason why he was here but she would hope he was clever enough to read into the loaded question.

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Outfit: Kaylee's outfit Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy - Hagen Greyjoy



 
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The streets of the capital buzzed with activity. This wasn’t the first time Tamsyn had visited the capital, but she was still blown away by the sheet amount of people that thronged through its streets. It made the Arbour look like some sleepy backwater. Everywhere she looked, round every corner she turned men, women and children seemed to fill every possible inch of space. Most were merely going about their daily business but plenty more were trying to solicit business of one kind or another from her.

It quickly became obvious to Tamsyn that she was probably attracting more attention than the average low born visitor to the city would. Even though she wasn’t wearing the dress of a noble lady, her clothes were still unmistakably fine. Her boots alone probably told the sharper eyed street hawkers that she was a woman who had more than a little coin to spend. Fending of their attentions was quickly becoming aggravating and made her miss home a little. On Greyshield she could’ve walked around fully undressed, flinging coin out by the handful and received less attention than she was right now. Times like this made Tamysn wish she wore a sword. How many of these greasy chancers would dare step into her path then? As it was, she knew the only real option was to force a smile and put up with it. It was that, or wait for the men who were surely be shadowing her to catch up; and that wasn’t going to happen.

No insignificant amount of time later the narrow congested streets of the city opened out into the equally crowded, but at least somewhat less trying, square of the city's market. If her memory was correct then the inn her cousins had taken rooms in was just a short way from here. Which way exactly was where memory let Tamsyn down but at least she was almost certainly close. Someone would know which street the Dancing Duck was on, it would just be a matter of asking around some. Of course asking for directions brought the risk of her time and sanity being wasted if she decided who to ask poorly. A city guard or official would be the best bet. At worst they would only expect a coin or two for their trouble. There was even a chance they would remember their duty and expect nothing at all. Well, it was possible. A cursory glance around however revealed an absolute lack of visible officials.

For a while Tamsyn wandered somewhat aimlessly around the market in her search. The ever shifting crowds made making much headway in any particular direction hard work. Instead, she merely let the ebb and flow of the crowd carry her whichever which way on the basis that sooner rather than later she would surely spot a guardsman in a place like this. She didn’t. What she did spot however was vastly more interesting.

In a crowd that had formed around something or other that Tamsyn couldn’t see, a shield bearing the sigil of House Mormont captured her eye. That was different, but not unexpected considering the circumstances. What drew her interest though was the long, golden blonde hair of it’s wielder. That wasn’t a typical combination. As the head of a noble household, Tamsyn tried to keep herself as well informed as possible in regards to lords and ladies of the realm. The noble families of the Reach were her primary concern, along with the great houses of Westeros. There were, however, a few houses spread across the seven realms that she took particular interest in for personal reasons. With the sugared arrogance of the highborn, Tamsyn forced her way through the crowd until she was standing slightly to the left of the blonde haired shield maiden. For a brief while she watched the Essosi hustler that had drawn the crowd recount his story. Her attention however was focused on the woman next to her.

“How is the She-Bear enjoying her visit to the capital so far?” Tamsyn took advantage of a momentary lull in the narrating of the story to launch her half whispered question. “I trust your journey here was not too arduous”
 

Perhaps somewhat unlike him in many other instances, Hagen patiently waited for the request for privacy to be met, following off the waitress with his glare, before laying it back on Kaylee when she finally spoke to him. "Spare me your pleasantries and flattery if you would please, lest I begin to get a migraine." He had stopped his chug midway and paused as his eyes narrowed in a somewhat sheepish sign of a smirk hidden behind the cup, before he placed it back down.

"Kaylee Lannister, avoiding the simple truth and overthinking things instead. Unheard of", he jested sarcastically as he spun the almost empty cup on the table in front of himself. Not a good time. Of course it was not a good time. It never was. And her being visibly upset did not come off as surprise. On the contrary, anything else would have discouraged and humiliated him; not because he desired to see her like that, but because it showed, at the very least, that it meant something to her. Any emotion she was unable to properly hide was a win, even when it should not have been. Beating her skill to keep a straight face was a great challenge on its own, and therefore a comforting sign.

"Where did you ditch your escort this time?", he asked again with a chuckle in order to break the silence. Seeing her in such place alone was of no surprise. He only mildly felt sorry about the whichever poor guy was on duty of guarding her. Bound to be repeating the same mistakes those who learned nothing from them, and that was very true.

"What are you doing here Greyjoy?", Kaylee asked impatiently, cutting to the chase and shooting him a strict glare that he met lifting his up calmly. Tapping his finger briefly against the wood, Hagen made himself comfortable on the chair and looked around, casually making sure no curious ears were turned their way, and while he met a few glares with plenty of questions, they were quick to look away and they were of no importance, other than a common folk preparing a gossip or two to complete their lives with. "Well now", he started. "If I had known I'd find you here and so early on at that, I'd come well prepared. This way", he smirked. "I suppose I will just have to find my way through it. Hopefully with my head still attached to my shoulders when I make my way out of here". Piercing, yet warm green eyes met her icy ones and this time they remained. "Considering the circumstances, I'd say achieving a proper eye-to-eye contact is a decent start". But that all was yet to answer the maiden's question.

"I've came for a proper cup of ale before I play the clown, but since you are here, I suggest we pick up some things up from where we left them. If you agree, that is", he suggested politely, as a part of a casual conversation. "Some things... Weren't left where I'd want them to be".

@Sailor Arti

NOTE: Sorry for shortness >3<
 

Punctuality was Lord Baratheon's virtue, and so when his delegation whined about arriving a day earlier from the planned meeting in Council's quarters, they met a scolding frown as a simple argument against the unnecessary comment. If it was on him to influence it, Arley Baratheon was never late, and never too early. In his words, both were equally rude and selfish. The Lord of the Stormlands arrived a day just in time to make his presence known among the Council members, finish all the formalities and pleasantries wordlessly required from him and all those arriving to their meeting for the same reason. After all, as honorable their choice may be, no man was immune to a tasteful flatter, and he was very well aware that all others were as well.

He did not, however, present his face longer than absolutely necessary, and no official conversations were made. There was a time and place for everything, and Arley had more than enough patience to let it all flow according to his own agenda. More so because any prolonged conversation quickly lead to unnecessary sympathy for his loss and a clumsily hidden sympathy for his condition. Another very good reason for a comfortably fast arrival was certainly a proper accommodation. Certainly, the young Stag neatly fulfilled his duties in society, but privately, he preferred being alone and undisturbed, just as he was back home for a couple of years at that time. Fortunately, finding a calm and comfortable little house away from chaotic streets for a decent price was a success. Arley hardly cared about comfort as he did for privacy and so, even though not the most comfortable place in the book of nobles, it was barely noticeable and visited only by the City Guards exchanging information with his own. It was no different in the morning when the fast blabber reached his ears as he roamed the house in search for his maid.

"Now, how lost can one be in a hut?", he mumbled calmly to himself as he tapped his way through the narrow hallway. Losing his patience slightly, he had opened his mouth to call out for her, but stopped himself after the familiar female voice and quick speech reached his ears, coming from the entrance to the house. "Merry, what is going on?", he asked clearly and somewhat strictly once he turned the corner and felt the cold air on his skin, coming from the open door. The conversation quickly stopped and the girl gasped, turning towards him, her dirty blond, impossibly curly hair, flying all over following after her. "L-lord Baratheon I am sorry I was just-", she stopped quickly as Arley sighed and raised his hand to bring an end to it. "That is alright", he smirked and the young woman relaxed slightly with a sheepish smirk and a nod that was more of a habit as she was often quick to forget the man was not able to see it anyway.

"Who is this?", the Stag now straightened up and directed his eyes where he had assumed the other person would be standing at the door. "I'm Rolan, s-sir...uh", came quickly from the man and Arley cocked his eyebrow at how smitten the man was, as well as in expectation of further explanation of his business there so early in the morning. "He will be your guide, my Lord", Marry was quick to hop in and help the man that nodded and quickly scolded himself remembering that it went unnoticed. "Yes, that is correct, Lord Baratheon. It would be an honor", he somewhat accented and spoke slowly, which made the Stag press his lips together and frown lightly.

"I am blind, Rolan. I am neither deaf nor simple", he finally spoke in a moderated tone, but still managing to confuse and unnerve the young guard even more. "My apologies, my Lord", the man apologized sincerely and Arley shook his head. "No need. I am aware of your inexperience with people like me. That is alright I will hardly present an issue for you. You have my word", he assured the Guard, albeit slightly set back by once more being considered an infirm.

"Merry", he called out, turning towards where his maid was standing. "Kitchen needs a bit of a clean up. Don't mind me, I will eat at the market", he smirked and gave her his polished black cane to hold briefly as he searched for the warm cape made of finest deer hair and just as warm as it looked. "And don't you worry. I will bring your suitor back safe and sound later", he concluded on a serious note, yet the loopsided smirk escaped him when both figures present became restless, and he could tell she was blushing even without seeing it. "Now now, no shame in that. You are being captivated in here with me, a bit of fun won't hurt".

***

"Where to, m'Lord?", the guard asked after they made their way off the property. Arley adjusted his cloak and gently placed his cane on the ground, inhaling the cool air. "The Market Square, of course. I would like to meet the city a bit".

"But on foot, m'Lord", the man responded in confusion and Arley turned his head half-way over his shoulder. "Is it far?"

"On foot, quite a bit, m'Lord", Rolan responded respectfully.

"Is that a problem?"

Confused by the question, the guard hesitated slightly before understanding its background and responding accordingly. "Absolutely not, m'Lord. I would be happy to show you around".

He was learning and it pleased the Stag. "Very well, Rolan, lead the way".

***

After a while, the guard relaxed in noble's presence, as far as offering an unnecessary aid went. Arley Baratheon was perfectly fine handling himself, save for the directions through the unknown streets for which his eyes would not even help him. After quite a bit of walking and Rolan briefly explaining and describing things they were passing, Arley halted and inhaled the smell of fresh bagels that made his empty stomach rise in mutiny. "And this would be the Market Square, m'Lord", Rolan presented and Arley nodded listening to the sound of overlapping voices and shouts as he stepped into the crowd with no second thought, with the guard quickly rushing after him, forcing people to make some space.

After getting a bag of freshly baked goods, Arley was in no more rush to return and he curiously investigated his surroundings, chewing on his food. All of the new smells, voices an winds of people passing were overwhelming, but all in a good way. And then the sound of gleeful children's voices and applauding reached him. "What is going on over there?", he asked curiously, pointing the stag's head of his cane in the direction of the gathering.

"Seems to be some sort of a story telling show, m'Lord", Rolan responded after stretching out a bit to see. "I would like to hear it", Arley simply announced and stepped forward on his own, forcing Rolan to run after him once again with a light groan as he accidentally ran into a woman that cursed him out loudly and continued on her way.

The man's voice sounded soothing, yet captivating as he told the story of the well-know Mother of Dragons and her adventures. Rolan was patient and helpful enough to describe the scene for him and Arley managed to envision it to the best of his abilities, although some shapes and forms were bound to evaporate from his memory after so many years of dark. Never the less, he stood in the crowd with his eyes closed and smirk on his face, listening to the man speaking, and Rolan occasionally describing the scene changes to him, now a bit more vigorously as he himself enjoyed the view.

“Tales are best enjoyed with the ears and eyes,”
the man said at one point, and it made Arley chuckle lightly.

“Not with touch".

The Lord Stag begged to differ.

@Nemopedia
@Applo
@DayDreamer
 

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The fair haired maiden’s eyes narrowed on her target as she watch him recline in his chair. He glanced around the room and drummed his fingers against the table. His posture was so nonchalant she wondered if he was even taking her seriously. It was one of the things that irritated her about him.

"Well now", he started. "If I had known I'd find you here and so early on at that, I'd come well prepared. This way", he smirked. "I suppose I will just have to find my way through it. Hopefully with my head still attached to my shoulders when I make my way out of here". He finally made real eye contact with her for the first time after sitting at her table. It sent an electric jolt through her body but she didn’t let it show. “That depends on what you have to tell me,” Kaylee responded coolly to his beheading joke.

"Considering the circumstances, I'd say achieving a proper eye-to-eye contact is a decent start". Kaylee raised her eyebrows at this. He was the one that was joking around and looking everywhere other than her. The only time she had avoided him was when she was trying to ignore him, look how well that turned out. Still, she didn’t know what this had to do with the question she asked. She was starting to grow irritated and impatient and the way Hagen was beating around the bush certainly wasn’t helping that.


"I've came for a proper cup of ale before I play the clown, but since you are here, I suggest we pick up some things up from where we left them. If you agree, that is", he suggested politely, "Some things... Weren't left where I'd want them to be". She was still unsatisfied, she wanted to get to the core of the issue while he seemingly wanted to peel things back layer by layer. “Please, continue. I’d like to hear what it was exactly that wasn’t left where you want it to be?” Kaylee spoke sharply, irritation slipping from her tone so much she had to pull back and check herself, taking another drink from her cup.

“So, what are we going to talk about first? Your secret engagement or the fact that I was just a plaything to you?” Kaylee said with the brightest of smiles she could muster. She already knew how this conversation was going to go, so she had to take initiative even if that meant she was going to be a bit passive aggressive. “So I’ll ask again, what are you doing here? What do you have to tell me?”


-----
Outfit: Kaylee's outfit Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy - Hagen Greyjoy



 
There was a fair crowd surrounding the man, as expected. Children were pushing for frontrow while the more apprehensive parent held their children back by the shoulder. Saree amused himself with the wariness of Westerosi in the face of magic. The foreigner couldn’t imagine living in a world without magic, much like he couldn’t imagine how to breath without oxygen. Or perhaps it was better compared to a life without love. There were people back in Essos who had no talent for magic, plenty of them and they lived just fine. However, a life without magic seemed empty and cold to Saree, whose entire being was dedicated to the arts that he played so delicately in his fingers.

Even then wariness was good. He could burn them all with a snap of his fingers, but Saree considered himself too gentle for such barbaric acts. Besides, he was here for allies, not war.

From the corner of his eyes an imposing figure pushed her way through. Wielding a shield with the emblem of a bear, golden hair and fair skin. Turning his head the male smiled at her. She hadn’t pushed the other out of the way out of malice, but childlike wonder and that he could appreciate. What interested him even more was the sigil, which he had recognised.

“The Breaker of Chains not only had three dragons, but also a bear at her side,” he continued his story. Opening the palm of his hand towards the woman he revealed the glowing amber once more, this time a bear sprang out of it, fierce and strong, but also weary. “Though exiled for his crimes here in Westeros the bear was noble and loyal.” Meeting the eyes of the blonde Saree then slowly got up from his place.

Noticing another woman next to the Mormont Saree made a little bow, his hand clasped around the stone once more as he held it close to his chest. The lights that had been dancing around him disappeared.

“Lady Mormont,” he greeted the female. He didn’t recognise the redhead next to her, but made the quick assumption that she was of some rank as well, giving her a little bow as well in respect.

Behind him he could feel the girl pull at him again, large eyes setting upon him as she begged for the story to be continued. Saree gave her a little smile, patting her head before turning her attention back at the noble in front of him.

“If the lady would be so kind and wait for this foreigner to finish the story?” He didn’t say it, but he wanted it to be clear between the two of them that Saree needed to speak to the noble. He had to, for his people.

@DayDreamer & @Applo
 
Visenya's eyes moved to her left when she heard her newest and more unofficial title of hers being addressed. She spotted a woman dressed not unlike herself with fiery red hair. Manly clothes made the two of them as much an exotic spectactle as the Essosi storyteller. "The winds had been to our favor. The journey from Dragonstone was as easy as can get." She replied to the half-whispered question with a casual tone in return. There was no secret in this. Everybody knew of what was to come, so her presence in New King's Landing was nothing that needed to remain underwraps. "And whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?" She asked and raised an eyebrow as the Essosi too had realized what her House was and recounted Jorah Mormont's tale in the story he was weaving with his magic lights.

She turned her attention to him, eyebrows inquisitively raised for but a moment as the man bowed and adressed her proper, making several of the nearby men to flinch into a respectable distance now. “If the lady would be so kind and wait for this foreigner to finish the story?” He asked as a starry eyed girl tugged at the man for the story to continue. It was not said directly and it had Visenya thinking as to why the man would want to talk to her but didn't boldly say such. She wondered who he was and had half a mind to leave, in case he was some sort of spy or another. With what was to happen in the next few days she wouldn't mark it down as impossible. But she was too curious and she knew how to navigate such talks, for the most part. Kaylee had often called her out when they were in private about how blunt and rush she often behaved in such talks and negotiations.

Looking down at the little girl and her excitement, Visenya shrugged an okay. It was not like she had anywhere else to be.... No, she wasn't required to be elsewhere just yet. Having to settle down with the rest of the Northern envoy would be too tiring for her nerves. So she would just return at the Inn once most were already settled and off about their business. Besides, now that she knew the Essosi was aware of her and wished to speak with her, she wondered how his story would take shape next.

@Applo @Nemopedia
 

“Please, continue". Sensing her frustration peeking through, Hagen nodded and lifted his hand slowly, signalizing her to stop and listen, followed by a calm and collected face. He remained that way even when it was clear that it hardly did anything to reassure her. "I’d like to hear what it was exactly that wasn’t left where you want it to be?” He nodded again, this time more decisively, straightening up in his chair.

"I was just about to get to that, if you'd let me finish", he asked, tilting his head on the side in question. Several patrons turned their heads towards them once again, but at that very moment, Hagen was too busy to convince them otherwise. After all, it was the place where those things were to be expected. "I was simply hoping that we can take this somewhere more...private", he suggested. But he couldn't possibly blame her for being as impatient as she was, and instead of insisting on it, he sighed slightly frustrated, letting her ask more questions.

“So, what are we going to talk about first?"

"Alright. How about..."

"Your secret engagement or the fact that I was just a plaything to you?” By the end of her question, Hagen was not quite clear whether he was more set aback by her words, or her forced smile, but he'd debate that the minute after it was witnessed, it hardly even mattered which of it came off concerning first. Setting into a deeper frown, his face remained locked onto hers, studying her briefly, while trying to process the situation.

Being angry with him was one thing. Accusing him of things that were merely a shallow assumption was the other, less desirable one. The one that disappointed him, but at the same time presented somewhat a relief as the ice cracked. Unexpectedly, violently and on the undesirable place, but it cracked. They tended to say that the beginning was the hardest phase of everything. But perhaps sometimes it was only the hardest knowing there was no turning back.

“So I’ll ask again, what are you doing here? What do you have to tell me?”, she persisted in an inquisitive manner.

"Are you done?", he asked calmly, albeit somewhat sternly.

Giving it a brief thought, Hagen averted his gaze and leaned forward with his elbows against the table. "Very well", he sighed. "If you are ought to hate me over the theories you have, you might as well hear the truth. That way, at least it will be a fair trial, don't you think?", he narrowed his eyes at her, his tone turning slightly strict and measured out.

"There was no engagement. My business back on the Iron Islands was to mitigate the damage of not accepting the arrangement. I believed that what I have told them to tell you would be enough, but here we are", he stopped briefly, letting it sink in. He was no longer able to deny the fact that the stubborn lioness meant something to him. Yet, sharing the information that were of particular tactical importance still felt as treason. The conflicted feeling stirred inside him as he proceeded to the second part of her claim, now visibly upset by its content. Was it a mistake? Was it all a big mistake thinking she would in the end understand him?

"And as for being my... plaything", he almost but spat out the word off his tongue to get rid of it as soon as possible as it made him more mad than he'd be able to justify. "Well", he scoffed lightly. "You tell me. Considering it is a fact to you, perhaps you have the answers to that as well", he responded in a cynical tone. "Seems you got it everything figured out, don't you? And if you indeed were only that, then congratulations, Lannister, you have fooled me well. I've already had plenty of those. You'd think I'd be able to recognize it, but I suppose not", he smirked sourly before finishing his drink in one large sip.

"And while we're at it, a little bit of trust wouldn't have taken the crown off your head. That is all I asked for. Because I trusted you", he concluded slapping the table loud enough for the waitress that passed to give him a scolding glare. Even though a slap was of no malicious nature, the woman seemed tense since the moment he disturbed Kaylee with her presence. He was aware of it, and he respected it.

Hagen straightened up, picking up the empty cup and nodding at her respectfully. "Now if that would be all, I will take no more of your precious time, Lady Lannister. You wouldn't want to be seen with a savage like me for too long before the meeting. People talk. Most of it quickly turns to facts, may I add", he smirked sarcastically referring to her previous claim before raising up from his seat and stepping away from the table.

"Lovely seeing you again. Would hope to have this conversation sometimes again. Perhaps in a lighter tone. Until then..."
, he saluted casually, turning on his heels, marching away.


@Sailor Arti
 
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"Are you done?", came his almost instant reply. Kaylee tilted her head, a little flabbergasted at the sheer defense he offered from just a few short words. Not to mention the fact that he even dared to come at her in such a way. Then again, this was Hagen she was talking to, not some wimpy Lord, at times even she forgot that she would admit. Still, what nerves he had to refer to her in some short way. He was in the wrong here, not her. "Very well", he sighed. "If you are ought to hate me over the theories you have, you might as well hear the truth. That way, at least it will be a fair trial, don't you think?", he said as he leveled her sharp gaze with one of his own. His tone was stern but measured and she was glad to see this was going according to plan. Finally, she had gotten him to take her seriously. All it took was making him upset.

"There was no engagement. My business back on the Iron Islands was to mitigate the damage of not accepting the arrangement. I believed that what I have told them to tell you would be enough, but here we are", Finally for the first time since she had been speaking with him, her gaze softened as she listened to him. No engagement? So he never wanted it to happen? That would mean what she heard...Suddenly her memories started to align with what he was saying and a funny feeling washed over her. Relief? She hated this, even when she had made up her mind it was clear from how she was feeling she was still holding onto some sort of hope. Now she felt like an idiot. "And as for being my... plaything", he said the last word with so much disgust she was pulled from her train of thoughts. "Well", he scoffed lightly. "You tell me. Considering it is a fact to you, perhaps you have the answers to that as well", he responded in a cynical tone. Kaylee frowned at him, "Hey. Don't put this all on me--" She didn't get to finish as he continued on his course, "Seems you got it everything figured out, don't you? And if you indeed were only that, then congratulations, Lannister, you have fooled me well. I've already had plenty of those. You'd think I'd be able to recognize it, but I suppose not",

Kaylee's jaw dropped slightly, partially because of the sudden hostile and aggressive tone he was taking with her, and partially because, was that an indirect confession from him? Had she heard him correctly? He took a long swig from his cup before slamming it down on the table, "And while we're at it, a little bit of trust wouldn't have taken the crown off your head. That is all I asked for. Because I trusted you" Oh no he didn't. Surely he wasn't playing this card now. Kaylee's breath caught in her chest her hands curled into fists. "Now that is enough. Don't act like you made it easy for me--" She hissed at him but he was clearly paying her no mind.

Slamming his hand on the table he stood up, making eye contact with Trinity that Kaylee did not miss. "Now if that would be all, I will take no more of your precious time, Lady Lannister. You wouldn't want to be seen with a savage like me for too long before the meeting. People talk. Most of it quickly turns to facts, may I add" Kaylee lowered her gaze and chuckled lightly. "Oh, so you're a savage now? Alright." She muttered to herself before shooting a glare at him. Just who did he think he was? Here she was feeling bad for a moment that she had misunderstood but he just had to take it to a whole other level, didn't he? "Lovely seeing you again. Would hope to have this conversation sometimes again. Perhaps in a lighter tone. Until then...", he saluted casually, turning on his heels, marching away.

Kaylee sat there as she heard his footsteps get further away, completely floored. Did he think this was over? He was sorely mistaken if he thought she was just going to let him get the last word like that. Hell no. It was clear from her facial expression, she didn't even try to hide it, that she was irritated, but there was a bit of a different glint in her eyes this time. Excitement? Perhaps, arguments like these with him were one of her favorites sure, but maybe it was more so that after all this time she got the answers she had so desperately wanted from the beginning. She slipped a couple slivers on the table and turned to follow after Hagen who had already managed to waltz out the tavern door. She was quick to make steps to catch up with his long stride, however.

Grabbing onto his shirt she stopped him as he turned to look back at her. "Oh, we're not done, sir. Surely you haven't forgotten your manners on this little break we've had." Her tone was sarcastic as ever, but unlike the bad habit he had of doing, she was quick to get to the point, "You wanted to speak in private, let's finish this then." She didn't ask him, she told him and dragged him along into an alley a little bit away from the tavern. There weren't many people so it was good enough to work. Once there she turned towards him and crossed her arms across her chest. "You left before I had the chance to respond. That was rude you know." Sighing she rolled her eyes and looked at the ground. She knew she had to apologize but she was always the worst at that. "I was wrong. There. That's what you wanted to hear right?" She scoffed to herself before continuing, "I was wrong. And I'm sorry." She said the words and turned her attention back towards him.

"However, can you blame me for having such a reaction? You talked about trust? That's kind of hard when your words say one thing but your actions say another. You do understand that right? All I wanted was a straightforward answer. Instead, I got a letter from you delivered by your cousin telling me to meet you, only to overhear about your little secret engagement." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as she locked gazes with him, "Let's get real honest for a moment. I was prepared to give you everything that night. I was really happy to as well. Then the next thing I hear is an engagement I knew nothing about? Now tell me you weren't expecting me to be overjoyed hearing the news. Surely you know me better than that, I would hope." Kaylee shook her head before continuing, "No, you might act like an idiot but you're smarter than that. Just like you were aware I was upset earlier. Yet here we are, standing out in this alley with you frustrated, and me a little confused. So let me ask you this, what do you want?"

Kaylee always wanted to have the last word for sure, but she was serious about this. She wasn't just going to let him get fed up and dismiss himself before she was through with him. Especially not after hearing the truth. There were things they needed to discuss and Kaylee wasn't going to wait until after the summit meeting to get a proper reply. Not when he was within arms reach. This was their chance to air out everything they had to say to each other, once and for all. No more misunderstandings.
-----
Outfit: Kaylee's outfit Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy - Hagen Greyjoy



 

"Oh, we're not done, sir. Surely you haven't forgotten your manners on this little break we've had."

Huh? A simple question went through his head, and he was barely able to hide his amusement over her reaction, although he maintained a neutral face with merely a hint of a smirk. "You wanted to speak in private, let's finish this then." As he tagged along, Hagen was unable to let it slide, and so he responded dryly, yet obviously meant as a jest. "Must have been a break longer than you think then. You'd know I had none to begin with."

"You left before I had the chance to respond. That was rude you know." Hagen adjusted his shirt, shrugging it off. "One would think once you've made up your mind..."

"I was wrong. There", she said finally, eyeing the ground in between them. "That's what you wanted to hear right?" Processing the apology, he shook his head and exhaled. "It doesn't matter whether you were wrong or not, that isn't the point", he responded, but as hard as it came from her, Kaylee seemingly decided on concluding the apology regardless.

"I was wrong. And I'm sorry." He groaned lightly, although at the same time, it made him feel reassured. Kaylee Lannister never apologized for what she deemed proper. His response was left without words to it once she turned her attention back at him. It was somewhat bittersweet to understand the effect her gaze had on him. If the hardest of swords and strongest of men did not make him yield, those two blue orbs surely did the trick without much effort, and instead of being ashamed over it, he chose to embrace it, his frown dimming. He nodded in understanding.

"However, can you blame me for having such a reaction? You talked about trust? That's kind of hard when your words say one thing but your actions say another. You do understand that right?" He did, and thus he nodded affirmatively, allowing her to finish. "All I wanted was a straightforward answer. Instead, I got a letter from you delivered by your cousin telling me to meet you, only to overhear about your little secret engagement."

At the first moment, Hagen lowered his glare, understanding that the letter was the least practical, yet necessary at that moment, but at the mention of his cousin and the letter's content, he darted his glare back up with burning question, meeting hers. "Wait, what?" He was more than convinced that sending out the letter to her to meet him was not quite what he had instructed.

"Let's get real honest for a moment. I was prepared to give you everything that night. I was really happy to as well. Then the next thing I hear is an engagement I knew nothing about? Now tell me you weren't expecting me to be overjoyed hearing the news. Surely you know me better than that, I would hope." As she spoke, some other pieces blended into the puzzle in his mind. "I wasn't", he responded to break the silence caused by his pondering over the mess that was made. "Nothing as such. At least not on the level I could control", he added somewhat cryptically. He recalled very well how eagerly he embraced her that night and how just as eagerly she had returned the embrace.

He recalled soft skin on her thighs wrapped around his waist and her scorching lips, the desire and the need. He also recalled a shower as cold as ice once he was required to drop it all, and respond to the urgent matter his cousin was so eager to bring that it could not wait. And as many times as he tried to figure out the way not to comply, there were reasons stronger than his need, for him to accept the invitation. If nothing, then for the respect towards Harlaw's name, the one just like his, of great honor among the ironborn. Never to do what you do not wish to be done to you, and with the constant tide changes, he was ought to take no chances for his refusal to be wrongly taken.

"No, you might act like an idiot but you're smarter than that", her voice reached him again. "Just like you were aware I was upset earlier. Yet here we are, standing out in this alley with you frustrated, and me a little confused. So let me ask you this, what do you want?" Pondering back at it now, it was more than clear to him what he wanted. And what seemed to be an attempt to undermine his goal, only made his decision stronger. By then, he was unaware of himself pacing around within a short distance of where she stood. He was getting sick and tired of that very question he was asked once again.

"What do I want?", he repeated the question, testing the legitimacy of his response that followed after it. Wishing to this time make himself as clear as it got, he stepped towards Kaylee. Reaching out and digging his hands under her silver hair, Hagen lifted her head up to face him and gently pulled her closer. "I want you to know that I never planned on leaving not to return", he spoke up, still supporting the back of her neck as he fixated himself on her face. "I want you to know that no matter what they had against it, I'd still return here. And more than all that, I want you to know that you were not a joke to me", he frowned briefly. "What do I want? Well, in case it wasn't clear Lannister, I want you."

With it, he allowed her to move on her own again as he removed his hands from her neck after he firmly made his point. "And I am the one who should be apologizing for believing not letting you know myself would be somewhat better. At the time, it seemed reasonable. But in the hindsight, I apologize", he nodded, his face growing slightly dark once again. "And you are more than welcome to hold that decision of mine against me. I will deal with it. But don't you ever think that I did it because I did not care. Because if anything is certain, then that is the only thing that is a certain lie."

The moment of honesty and vulnerability had came and passed, and now the only thing left was to decide whether he felt lesser about it or not. Perhaps. But at the very least, he still believed her as much not to use it against him. And even if she had moved on, he'd cleared his name of things he was not guilty of.

"If you're going to hate me Kaylee, hate me for the truth. Plenty of them doing so. Wouldn't be the first nor the last."


@Sailor Arti
 
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Kaylee made note that he seemed surprised when she mentioned his cousin which only got her to thinking. Clearly, something didn't match here so that meant someone was lying and Kaylee was more inclined to believe Hagen over his funny looking cousin who she knew nothing about. "What do I want?" he repeated her question and Kaylee nodded. For once and for all she just wanted to clear the air and set everything straight. No more he said, she said. Hagen then stepped closer to her, slipping his hand under her hair and supporting the back of her neck, tilting it up to look at him clearly. She wasn't expecting the sudden movement, which caused her pulse to quicken and the faintest of pinks to color her cheeks. She had forgotten how much his touch sent coursing heat through her body like she had been lit on fire from the inside.

"I want you to know that I never planned on leaving not to return" his words allowed Kaylee to release a breath she hadn't even been aware she was holding. It should've been a sin for how this guy made her feel. Earlier she was so infuriated with him and now with simple phrases and gestures, all of that was melting away. Maybe she was crazy but it was already far too late, she'd fallen too far. If this was dangerous she was going to embrace that head on because there was no stopping now. "I want you to know that no matter what they had against it, I'd still return here. And more than all that, I want you to know that you were not a joke to me", he frowned briefly. "What do I want? Well, in case it wasn't clear Lannister, I want you."

Kaylee couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. There it was, what she had been wanting and waiting for all this time. It felt like everything they had gone through up to this point lead to this moment and perhaps it wasn't exactly how she had it planned out in her mind but it was still everything she wanted. "Good, see wasn't so hard now was it?" She teased him a bit as he released his hold on her. "And I am the one who should be apologizing for believing not letting you know myself would be somewhat better. At the time, it seemed reasonable. But in the hindsight, I apologize" Kaylee nodded in agreement, "Damn right, you're forgiven this time though." She said with a soft chuckle. It's true, a lot of this could've been avoided had he not relied on messages to say what he really should've said to her face to face. But everything was sorted now and if she was honest she no longer cared what happened back then. That's part of the reason she knew she was beyond the point of saving, she'd fallen for this idiot so hard logic wasn't even taking place anymore.

"And you are more than welcome to hold that decision of mine against me. I will deal with it. But don't you ever think that I did it because I did not care. Because if anything is certain, then that is the only thing that is a certain lie." Kaylee smiled and stepped closer to him. How lucky she was being spoiled being told he cared for her twice now. So boldly too. She could understand why he was doing this though, he was driving the point home that way his intentions were clear. She read him loud and clear. "If you're going to hate me, Kaylee, hate me for the truth. Plenty of them doing so. Wouldn't be the first nor the last." Kaylee's smile faded as she frowned up at him. It would seem she had some clearing up to do as well. Shaking her head she hooked an arm around his neck and pulled him down to her by the collar of his shirt. "Shut up and kiss me you, idiot." She whispered to him before reaching up to take his lips.

It'd been a while since she last felt his lips on hers but the feeling was the same as always. Once they touched an electric current was sent through her body, as if to jolt her awake, followed by intense heat on the places where their skin met. After a moment she pulled back and looked up at him, her eyes bright and soft, losing that cold feeling they had earlier. "I don't hate you, Hagen, I wouldn't be here if I did," she said softly before taking his hand in hers with her free hand. It's crazy how much power he had over her, to change her whole mood so quickly. She'd been upset for a while too, this wasn't just some temporary thing. She could remember coming back home and crying her eyes out to her cousin. Still, nothing could replace the feeling she now felt understanding that they felt the same way and what she had believed to be true was a lie. Relief was starting to feel like an understatement. She was just happy to have the man she loved back in her arms if she was honest. She then glanced around and chuckled again, "Perhaps we should find ourselves out of this alley now."

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Outfit: Kaylee's outfit Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy - Hagen Greyjoy



 
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“Lady Grimm of Greyshield your ladyship.” Tamsyn felt a small pang of relief Visenya responded. It hadn’t been much of a guess, but it still would have been rather uncomfortable if this battle maiden hadn’t turned out to be the Lady Mormont “The winds have been kind in general of late. The waters around the Stormlands were as kind as I have ever seen them.”

It wasn’t stellar conversation and there was plenty Tamsyn would much rather talk to the She-Bear about instead of the weather. Now wasn’t the time however, especially as the Essosi storyteller was beginning to weave Lady Mormont’s ancestors into his story. Instead, she folded her arms and settled in to listen to the story, smiling a polite little smile when the strange man bowed to her before asking for a moment of Visenya’s time.

“If that is anything to go by, you will have a busy stay in the capitol. Still, if you have a spare evening, I would be honoured if you would join me for a drink or two. I have few cases of rather fine Arbour wine stashed in the holds of my ship if that provides any temptation.” Invitation offered Tamsyn went back to watching the Essosi. She was skeptical about magic, but she had to admit that whatever this man was doing was quite marvelous.
@DayDreamer @Nemopedia
 

For a moment, he lost his thought as he watched her make her way towards him, crossing a short distance. He smirked lightly as it brought up a memory of her very first time encountering him on the docks of Lannisport. And although back then, it was hilarious to thing a woman would waltz up to him and his men with such defiance in her eyes, he was quickly convinced to take her seriously. This time, her gaze was different, but nevertheless just as strong for him to take her seriously and comply as she wrapped her arm around him and grabbed his shirt, pulling him down with demand. "Shut up and kiss me you, idiot", she whispered and it fished out a cheeky smile on his face.

"Lannister, you are shameless", he mumbled just before he obediently leaned in and took her lips with his, first gently, and then with more passion, with one of his arms around her waist holding her close to him, and the other against her head, deepening the kiss. They were even sweeter and warmer than before and he seemed not to be able to get enough of them after missing out for so long.

He was weak against her gaze and her lips, but even more than those, he was even weaker against her determination and dedication to something as seemingly simple as a kiss, and it excited him the same as it did for the very first time. Regardless of his own thirst, he followed her lead, so when their lips separated, he nodded at her, smirking mischievously as he held her close and groaned with slight impatience. "Decent, but we'll get back to it. Not quite as corrupted as I thought but you're getting there", he jested with a low chuckle, nuzzling her across her jaw and kissing her cheekbone briefly, before focusing on her again.

"I don't hate you, Hagen, I wouldn't be here if I did," she spoke as she glared up to him warmly. "I know", he nodded. "But knowing how trust is easy to gamble away, I needed to be sure", he smirked, wrapping his hand around hers. Even though hers was small and tender compared to his, he regardless felt as if it was just as strong in its own unique way. "I needed to make sure that you trust me. No matter what", he concluded, bringing her hand holding his up to his lips, and laying a soft, respectful kiss against the back of it. Perhaps her interpretation of it was of different nature, but it was reassuring to him. His cousin's antics sadly surprised him none, and he was aware of many more to come, whether it be him or someone else, his stubbornness brought plenty of issues along with it. In his mind, it was worth it. She was worth any other challenge thrown his way. But perhaps there was a better time and place to consider a proper course of action for times to come. Then and there, Kaylee Lannister was a priority.

Her mood change was significant, and to the better. With it, he grew back in confidence and jest. As she glanced around, Hagen ran his hand through her hair carefully and with a smug smirk. "Got somewhere else to be, Lannister?", he jested. "Perhaps we should find ourselves out of this alley now", she suggested and he nodded along the way. "Perhaps", he hummed, tucking the stray strand of silver hair back behind her ear and leaned down to kiss her forehead and briefly back to her lips, stealing another generous kiss before he was ready to continue. "We would not want your men to send the search party after you now, would we?", he chuckled. "And you know, I do not have a damn clue who he is, but whoever you ditched to get to here, I truly feel bad for him. On the other hand", he laid his palm against the small of her back, leading her towards the end of the alley, where it crossed the busy road in front of the Inn. "I needed this, so he'll just have to handle it", he grinned widely and stepped out onto the street, slightly averting the crowd, startled by a large man suddenly appearing in front of them.

Giving her a signal to join him, he straightened up proudly and offered her his arm. "Care to join me for a walk, Lady Lannister?", he referred to her officially, clearly overdoing the drama. "I will be more than happy to escort you to your residence safe and sound". As if she ever needed a protection. Then again on the serious note, on the busy streets like those, it couldn't hurt.

A pair of curious eyes, closer than expected, quickly lost themselves in the crowd once Hagen looked around the area, accidentally laying his gaze on them. And even though he paid no closer attention to every face in the crowd that did not concern him while the silver-haired beauty was nearby, the figure was quick to dash and disappear before it drew any suspicion.

@Sailor Arti