#ʜᴀʀᴡɪɴ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ

[qanedanegros]

❛ don’t mind me. just enjoying the view. ❜ from Nyra for Harwin

Harwin had to laugh as he moved around his chambers, making sure to have his clothes ready in case he had to leave for patrol soon. "Are you? What view is that, princess?" He asked while he slipped on a robe he had to cover himself. These were the moments that he hated to lose. He wanted nothing more than just to spend his time with her.

Any time he got with her was treasured, given the life they both led. Their duties always kept them apart, and they weren't truly together. They couldn't risk being caught outside their chambers, or they had to be careful while in the rooms, just in case. One never knew who could be listening or walking by.

[hearthofvesta-archived]

“   can  i  rest  my  head  in  your  lap ?   ” for Harwin from Rhaenyra

This was a relaxing moment for Harwin. His back was to the headboard of the bed as his hands rested on his stomach for the time being. “Go ahead. Who am I to deny the princess?” He teased lightly as he rolled his neck for a moment and settled into the calm that came only when the doors to the chamber shut and they forgot the court for a moment. These moments were few and far between. Duty had a way of pulling them in different directions. The City Watch kept Harwin busy throughout the day and often at night. Coming in late at night and wanting nothing more than to crawl into the bed.

“I can’t promise that I can braid your hair, but I can run my fingers through it..” Whatever she needed to feel comfortable and just as relaxed as he was. If he continued to be any more relaxed, Harwin would no doubt fall asleep.

[qanedanegros]

It was a dance that Harwin wasn't used to. He had seen Rhaenyra around the Keep, and it was no secret that she was beautiful. Anyone with eyes could see that, but he had to ensure he didn't overstep in any way that might upset her. There had been times that he thought her gaze might be lingering on him, but he wasn't too confident. It was true that he would someday become the Lord of Harrenhal, but he found himself wanting to delay that day as much as he could. He preferred being right here in the Keep and being the sworn protector of Rhaenyra. It was the only duty that he needed. However, he wasn't sure if he was ready to make such a bold move or if he was even reading the signs correctly. Either way, he was happy to be alongside Rhaenyra; whatever she needed, he was there. Little to no explanation is necessary. A frown soon found its way to his lips while he watched her.

Something seemed off, and he let his own eyes flicker from her eyes to her lips for just a moment. "Rhaenyra." He said her name softly and watched as she touched the necklace. He didn't want to dance in this limbo. Perhaps he was misreading everything and her. His eyes didn't move to look at the sunset; no, they stayed on her. "I believe you to be more lovely than any setting sun or rising sun. Your beauty is beyond that." He spoke with a bit more confidence. Harwin was hoping that he could remedy his little hiccup.

she liked watching him from a distance, in the yard and in the halls, but he was even better up close. rhaenyra couldn't help but pick out fine details in his face, his hair, his clothing and hands that she had not noticed before. his scent she couldn't quite place but it was intoxicating. she wanted to move closer, to lean up and press her lips to his, but she didn't know if he felt the same way. she didn't know if she was misreading the way he looked at her now. it felt like it was possible, but for all she knew she could be deluding herself.

she was beginning to shift her weight to the tips of her toes, when he spoke and she quickly sank back to her heels. no, rhaenyra had misread the situation, there wasn't anything between them. she reached her hand up, feeling for the valyrian steel chain at her neck and rubbing her thumb over the pendant. "ser harwin..." her eyes remained trained on him despite wanting to disappear to ride syrax until they drifted off to the window only a little to his left. "look at that, the sun's setting. how lovely!"

REPLY to @qanedanegros / harwin strong *

[auroraborealyss]

𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟.

𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴!

a home for the volumes not big enough to have a shelf yet

𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄.

[ 𝐚 ] — angst

[ 𝐟 ] — fluff

[ 𝐬 ] — smut

more specific trigger warnings will be seen in the fic!

𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍.

ᴀᴇᴍᴏɴᴅ ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ

❑ 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬). — [ 𝐚 ] , [ 𝐟 ] , [ 𝐬 ] -> recently released

ʜᴀʀᴡɪɴ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ

❑ 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. — [ 𝐟 ]

𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓

[qanedanegros]

i didn't know who else to call. you're all i've got right now. From Nyra for Harwin

Searching the princess's eyes, Harwin tried to get a read of what could have brought her to him, but he didn't wish to pry just to possibly upset her even more. Moving to the side, he happily allowed her into his chambers. "Is there anything I can get you?" He asked as she closed the door and turned to face her. Never would he turn her away and especially in a moment of need. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what might have happened. Immediately he wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her. Promise her she was safe with him, but he didn't want to overstep. "Would you like to tell me what's wrong? I will do all I can to help you; you know this..."

[qanedanegros]

“   i knew you’d be here .   ” (anari to harwin)

The  Godswood  was  quiet  during  the  day  and  gave  him  room  to  actually  think.  Rather  just  be  alone  and  not  have  to  deal  with  those  in  court  that  were  driving  him  to  madness.  It  was  much  better  to  be  here  and  clean  his  sword  than  possibly  hear  more  gossip.  The  weather  was  comfortable  and  he  could  sit  there  without  sweating.  "Did  you?  Tell  me  I  am  not  needed..."  He  chuckled  before  looking  up  at  her  with  a  small  smile  before  nodding  his  head  to  her.  "Coming  to  escape  the  other  ladies  or  just  out  for  a  little  fresh  air?"  He  asked  her  wondering  what  could  have  brought  her  out  here.  It  wasn't  surprising  if  the  ladies  of  the  court  had  tried  to  run  off  another.  They  could  be  rather  hostile  on  certain  matters  and  want  to  climb  well  above  their  station.  They  were  more  ruthless  then  men  with  swords  if  he  were  to  be  honest  with  anyone. 

[hearthofvesta-archived]

If he could be anywhere, then it was right here with her. Lying comfortably together and merely enjoying the presence of the other. The Commander of the City Watch often left him tired and wanting nothing more than to sleep when he wasn't needed. Being her shield made him want to be awake long enough to see she was asleep. Yet, Harwin had no desire to go to court; he had put off being the Lord of Harrenhal for that purpose and simply staying at Rhaenyra's side as long as possible. "There's nowhere else I want to be. This is perfect. The Seven could take me now, and I wouldn't udder one complaint."

His eyes grew heavy the more she stroked his hair, and a sleepy smile formed on his lips. "You will sure lure me back to sleep by doing that.." Harwin whispered before chuckling at her mentions of court. "Seems scandalous; perhaps she had been caught in a rather compromising position..." Humming, he brought one of her hands to his lips to kiss the palm. "Then let's not dwell on it a moment longer. Tell me what you wish to think about.."

"No, of course it isn't." She never thought that Harwin's job was an easy on with what she had seen in the streets when her Uncle took her out of the castle. Rhaenyra was quite grateful that his work ever left him time to come to her at all and wrap her in his arms. He was her safety in the storm that was the politics of the court and the unyielding sneers from her step-mother and her supporters. "I'm happy to have you back at my side. When you're gone every moment stretches on like a life time."

Her fingers never stopped threading through his hair enjoying the feeling of his curls moving through her fingers. She hummed softly at the question about court thinking about what all had gone on and if it was worth mentioning. "It was perfectly boring, though I do think that perhaps one of the green girls is having a rushed engagement." She gave him a little smirk for if a green could slip then so could their queen. "I'd rather not think about it though."

[qanedanegros]

[CLOSE ]:          while standing remarkably close to one another, the sender is unable to stop themselves from running their gaze across the receiver’s body, lingering for a moment on their lips, before returning to initiate prolonged, intense eye contact. (for harwin from rhaenyra 👀)

It had taken Harwin a moment to realize just how close they were. They had been close before, but nothing like this, or perhaps Harwin hadn't felt the same then. Brown eyes continued searching her face while her gaze seemed to roam over him, which made him feel somewhat confident. Never had cared for the other ladies that looked upon him; it was different when it was Rhaenyra; he wanted her gaze on him. The Knight felt seen. Finally seen in some way, but his eyes were flickering between her lips and eyes, wondering if this would be when they finally took that first step. It could change everything between them, but it somehow excited him.

Yet, reality was coming back to him that this couldn't be. Rhaenyra was the princess, heir to the iron throne, and he was just a knight. One day, he could be the lord of Harrenhal, but that wasn't for some time.

"Princess…" He spoke softly, trying not to startle her, hoping he wouldn't break the spell between them, but he figured he had just by speaking…

[qanedanegros]

STORM :  for both muses to find shelter from a severe storm. - to harwin from rhaenyra

The darkening of the gray clouds should have been the first indicator of an oncoming storm, but the knight had ignored them in favor of pushing on the walk with Rhaenyra. They had managed to take a ride out of King's Landing. The Kingsroad was the easiest to travel and possibly the safest. It would give them time together without too many questions. They had only been riding the horses for a few moments before the rain began to fall. Cursing under his breath, the slight drizzle of rain had turned into a downpour. "We need to find shelter..." He spoke to her over the sound of the rain. The flash of lighting was next, giving Harwin even more reason to get out of the storm. Up ahead, there was a little house that had been long abandoned for reasons that Harwin didn't know, but he knew it would be the best way to wait out the oncoming storm. The wind whipped around him, and he did his best to keep their horses calm and lead them both to the house's safety. Minutes felt like years before he had helped Rhaenyra dismount her horses and tie them up for their safety. Now, they had to wait, and his cloak and clothes were drenched from the rain. "I would offer my cloak to keep you warm if it wasn't already soaked. Are you alright, though?"

The storm raged around them, the thunder booming as the lightning flashed. It had come unexpectedly, and he was thankful they had some shelter...

[qanedanegros]

❝  please stay.  i don’t think i can be alone tonight.  ❞ - to harwin from rhaenyra

The knight had thought of leaving, but if she requested his presence, then how could he decline? His duty was to protect her, and he would ensure she was safe. However, being with her for long hours did risk someone stumbling upon them or having to explain their whereabouts to someone. "I will be right here, my princess." He bowed his head to her and smiled. Harwin would do his best to ensure she had whatever she needed or wanted. There was nothing that he wouldn't give to see her smiling and happy, the court, or rather the Queen, seemed set to make her life harder than it should be.

"Is there something on your mind to make you feel this way, or has someone claimed something to make you uneasy?" He wanted to make sure that nothing was troubling her too much. They could be there for one another and often had been each other's support when there was nowhere else to turn.

[qanedanegros]

Humming, he had the suspension that she truly wasn't going to the gardens but even Harwin could tell that she might need the fresh air. Allowing her to go alone would be reckless but if accompanied her then it was duty. "Then allow me to accompany you to the dragon pit, princess."

Giving a gentle smile, he didn't want to see her upset, and it would put Rhaenyra at ease if he was with Viserra. He knew how difficult the children of the King could be and how they seemed cruel when there was no reason to be. "Your mother would be relieved knowing that I went with you..."

It seemed he was calling her bluff when he offered to escord her to the gardens. The young princess could either go to the gardens and admit defeat, or chance telling him and hoping he would pity her and help her with getting out to at least go for a ride. She wasn't running away. She just wanted to get out for a little while, clear her head. Maybe she wouldn't be back in time for dinner, and would likely receive one of her mother's looks for that.

"I wasn't going to the gardens." She admitted, before looking down and letting out a huff. "I was hoping to slip away for a ride. I just needed to clear my head."

[qanedanegros]

"Are you okay?" for Harwin from Abby

There was plenty on his mind that would make it seem like he was not okay. Where could he even begin? How could he tell her all of it and explain his honor the whole time? "I'm merely tired.." He gave her a tired smile. He didn't want to burden her with all that he was going through. A hand-worked through his curls before he glanced over to her. "Are you okay? I do not get to see you much. Duty keeps us all busy, it seems.."

It was a pitiful excuse but a truthful one. Harwin felt the one he saw most was either his father or Larys. Being the commander of the City watch and Rhaenyra's shield only added to his duties. There was more between him and Rhaenyra that he hadn't touched on and possibly never would if he could help it. It was not for anyone to really know. Yet, he wished there was someone with whom he could discuss some of these feelings, but that would be too dangerous for Rhaenyra, the boys, and both of their houses. Harwin was playing a dangerous game.

[hearthofvesta-archived]

"everything hurts except for you." rhaenyra @ harwin

He had never heard her say such words, but he could only imagine what she felt. The whispers of the court, their harsh judgments, and the Queen seemed to be behind it all. In his opinion, she seemed to only upset Rhaenyra. "I will do my best to remedy that.." He spoke softly before rubbing her shoulders. Trying to ease any of the tension and stress he could from her shoulders. Harwin wished that he could take the pain from her and carry it. Their words didn't bother him. Or he didn't let him bother them.

Harwin knew the truth and never doubted it for a second. He behaved himself, and that's what mattered to him. He didn't want to cause any more trouble for her if it was possible. She deserved to be happy and taken care of. "Tell me what I can do, princess.."

[qanedanegros]

❛  what are you doing here?  ❜ - to harwin from viserra

Harwin raised a brow at her question, "I'm returning from patrol with the City Watch to check on the Princess." He smiled before looking around them. "What are you doing at this late hour?" That was one way to turn the conversation around and not look too eager to get to Rhaenyra. The torches were lit, and he figured the guards would change soon enough, so he only had a little time to go undetected. The secret passages wouldn't be so awful to lose, but he didn't know them like Rhaenyra did. "Not trying to slip out of the Keep, are we, princess?"

It wasn't uncommon for the young nobles to do such a thing, but even he had to make sure that she wasn't going to put herself in any harm. If he had to, then he would go with her.

[hearthofvesta-archived]

“Both of them are excited and so am I..” he chuckled thinking about another little one running through the halls. Teaching them all that he could when the time came. It warmed his heart to know that there was going be another addition to the family. Even if he was far.

There had been times when he wished that they could marry. Had gone to Dragonstone or Harrenhall, where she wished but it could not be. Harwin knew that and respect what they had. He held it dear to him and would do whatever she asked. “I love you, Nyra. Never had I doubted your feelings towards me. I am yours until my last breath...” He swore to her while he smiled at her. It didn't bother him that they didn't say it all the time. It was still special to him.

hearthofvesta​:

There  wasn’t  anything  that  could  be  done.  Harwin  understood  their  arrangement  and  had  since  the  very  beginning  to  ask  for  more  would  make  him  greedy.  Even  if  he  wished  for  more  deep  down  inside.  He  could  never  ask  that.  Although,  he  wouldn’t  let  it  show  on  his  face  and  take  away  from  their  moment.  Not  now.  Not  tomorrow.  Not  ever.  Harwin  would  be  happy  with  all  that  he  had.

“Another  boy?  I’m  sure  Jace  would  love  a  little  brother..”  He  whispered,  but  the  pride  swelled  his  check  as  he  looked  into  her  eyes.  Sighing,  he  held  her  hand  in  both  of  his  before  kissing  her  fingers.  “Nyra,  I  know  this  can’t  be,  and  I  am  still  loyal  to  you  and  Laenor.  I  will  love  from  afar  and  protect  them  with  all  that  I  am.”

Rhaenyra laughed. Jace, a year and a half old, had run around the nursery shouting in excitement when he’d been told the news. “Oh, yes, he’s simply beside himself at the thought, and Dany keeps asking when it will be here, every hour, it seems like.”

She met his eyes, her face soft with affection. She could have seen herself married to Harwin, and happily, but this was the best they could have now. He was no Criston, though, Harwin understood the stakes and how the game had to be played. “I know you will. I am truly grateful for everything you do for us, and for your love, Harwin. I love you. I know I do not say it often, but know that it is always true.”

[hearthofvesta-archived]

❛ I just don’t wanna be another piece in their game, you know? ❜ (rhaenyra @ harwin)

"I can understand. They all play a game, and it must be hard to trust anyone." He mumbled. Even Harwin had a hard time genuinely believing anyone that he wasn't close to. Being in the City Watch and far from the Court was easier unless Rhaenyra needed him. Harwin would be there for her no matter what she needed. "You are more clever than they are, Rhaenyra. You know more than they give you credit for. Do not let them get to you.." Seeing the one he cared for in such distress, he did all he could to support her. All the other Lords and Ladies were vultures waiting for a scrap of rumor to feast upon. It seemed they had nothing better to do. "They win when they see that they have gotten to you." He sighed softly. "If you wish, we could feed them to Syrax. It would solve a lot of our problems.."