#⋆.˚ ☾⭒.˚ ━ ‘ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ’ │ αmírrα tαrth

[obsiidians]

open starter - night fourteen ; the masquerade ball

following the announcement of the newest betrothal amirra had politely applauded along with most of the room, grateful her face and its features was obscured. when she felt it was appropriate she found her way to an empty balcony, the sight of the sunset sea even in darkness a soothing balm to her frustration. lids shut tight, she allowed the sound of the waves below to wash over her, letting the salt clinging to the air cleanse her inside and out, until footsteps behind her removed her from the one peaceful moment she had stolen tonight. she turned, struggling to pretend she was not bothered by their unannounced interruption. "my apologies if you have been looking for me, i was simply warm in the crowd." it was a lie, but she did think her cheeks might be flushed for any number of other reasons.

[obsiidians]

there were many moments where amirra thought herself too bold, too honest but she rarely expected it of others, everything here came with additional layers of deception and saccharine sentiments so it was welcome and refreshing to find a young lady so easily behaving as they pleased. she was certain her face betrayed her bemusement, but the mask would make sure no one would notice, least of all the mystery lady now seated beside her. "no need to move, the seat was unoccupied. would you like me to flag down some water or wine? your face is quite flushed." if the other was going to be bold then amirra felt more comfortable being honest. "but you're quite right, this room has become quite hot."

WHERE : the masquerade WHO : @rvdiivnce

               ❛ HOW ARE PEOPLE NOT BURNING IN here ? ❜ arsa snatched the mask off of her face and dropped it onto the table to fan herself with her hands. with the wine she'd had and the dancing that she'd done she had a healthy flush on her cheeks that she was grateful no one could see unless she took off the bloody thing.

❛ my apologies if someone else was sitting here. i just need to rest for a moment and then i'll move. ❜ and hopefully it would be before anyone came to take their seat back.

[obsiidians]

 ━ closed starter ( @gcldenblades ) ; after the joust

the joust had been terribly exciting to watch, but amirra had found herself wanting during the event in a way that made her feel unsettled and bordering on anxiety. she sought out one of the few people she thought might be able to offer proper advice without the generally accompanied judgement, in which case she was hoping to find the young prince. perhaps it was luck or perhaps she was particularly observant of certain comings and goings as she found prince drystan without too much trouble. she offered a curtsy and a soft smile for him. "my prince." she greeted, though at times she wished to drop the formalities, to speak freely and practically, to not have to stifle any word or emotion that may come to cause her harm. "i was hoping to hear your opinion on my ---- perception of the events, of the joust in particular." she knew that sounded more interesting than it probably was and continued. "i was filled with delight when prince sebastion won, though how could i really be surprised? my concern is this , i was not asked for my favor. it is not insecurity that makes me say so, but i am concerned, is there more i could be doing to secure myself a proper match?" she trusted drystan, his support of her had been unexpected and valuable in so many ways. she was pleased to be able to spend time with him during these celebrations and pick his brain that much more. she hoped she offered him something of value as well.

[obsiidians]

lady amirra tarth considered several options for her look for the masquerade, something to represent her house, her home but it all began to get too complicated. in the end she chose simple elegance, a gown that was bright white and deep black, covered in shining crystals. her mask was a beautiful and matching in color creation of butterflies with black satin ribbons. she pulled back some of her hair to make sure the mask was snug and adorned the dark locks with the same crystals dotting the gown. she felt as if she looked quite lovely, without running the risk of upstaging anyone but enough to attract a little bit of attention at the same time. the most important part was that she was comfortable, her slippers had black satin ribbons that laced up around her ankles and she had insisted on extra padding for the dancing she planned to engage in. maybe, just maybe she'd catch the eye of someone that would finally be the right match.

[obsiidians]

the festivities were lively, warm even and it would take a truly miserly individual to not enjoy it, amirra was no such grouch but she had stood off to the side for the last dance, catching her breath from the one just before it. it was easier to laugh freely with a stranger in a mask than with assorted nobles, even though they were one and the same. who knew a simple mask could elicit such freedom and gaiety from the gathered crowd. keeping her eyes on the individuals leaving the dancing area as she reaches for the tray of glasses she was sure was just passing her, it was a surprise to meet another's hand instead and she turned to see who before remembering, she would not know. the apology came quickly but her dark orbs took in the appearance of the other offending party in a quick glance. "you were just dancing were you not? it would seem you are in more immediate need than i am. you're very polite with your patience but really, it is unnecessary, please accept the glass. normally i'd be happy to take it myself, but i can be known to be generous when it is warranted." she meant it as a joke, mostly and she was parched but she was not perspiring as the goblet rival was.

w. amirra tarth, the carnivale ball, @rvdiivnce

though she is not one to overindulge in alcohol, crinkling her nose as the beer is passed amongst the ones in her family’s halls and always adding water and honey to her own glasses of wine, it seemed water is an elixir in lacking — and not nearly as cool as the glass of bubbly gold drink. after so many rounds of dancing, she dabs at transpiration trickling down her neck with a hand, while the other reaches for a glass of the champagne, only to have the digits meet another’s instead. “oh, my apologies,” she can not tell if the other lady had been faster at reaching out for the drink, but lynara is quick to dip her head. “you may have it. i don’t mind waiting for them to replenish it — with the pace of perfection they have set around here, i am certain that it will be sooner rather than later.” anyone could try to find a reason to complain of the lannisters, but the ruling ladies have been nothing short of excellent as hosts.

[obsiidians]

it was the bond of need, but it wasn't all the two women had to tie them together. amirra respected zehra, she had for some time and the tow had been able to trust and depend on one another, even from afar. it was one of the most valuable relationships amirra had but beyond zehra's weight in gold as a friend she was a truly lovely person and amirra counted herself lucky to be in zehra's good graces. the value of a relationship in that crowded room could not be undersold and in that aspect amirra felt a bit more secure, even though she couldn't name more than a few without masks obscuring identities.

"we are indeed, my friend." she places her own hand over zehra's, a squeeze and a nod of encouragement. "my sisters remain my number one priority, but i feel that finding a spouse would lessen the burden laying squarely on my shoulders. we are perhaps in the same situation, and time passes still." she mirros the sigh, the salt air cleansing her sea born heart. she didn't feel terrified, that wasn't the right word for it. she loved her home, she was skilled at running it well, but there were moments where sharing it would be welcomed. and it would help her sisters, she thought, if she married well. perhaps it didn't really matter, their society did not paint women poorly and her sisters could be just fine. but amirra worried anyway, could she not give them a better opportunity?

a smile graces her lips at the affirmation, she cherishes zehra's demonstration of emotion, it feels even more rare in this crowd. "we indeed have one another, and we're here in the thrall, in the music, we surely have as good of a chance as anyone else in there." she laughed lightly, hoping that sounded more nonchalant than it felt. "ah well, longing is different. i won't lie and say i haven't considered the additional benefits of having a spouse beyond the daily burdens of running a house. it's still difficult to feel it though, to crave it perhaps? i so value my independence and the quiet at the end of every day, my routine. but everything must change, just as we do." she lets her own gaze return to the dark waters for a moment. "we should get back inside, dance even, certainly we will not find spouses if we remain out here on this balcony. and wouldn't it be nice to make more dear friends?"

"that  makes  two  of  us."  zehra  murmured  at  the  mention  of  the  crowd  inside.  even  accompanying  her  mother  around  the  different  regions  and  places  zehra  didn't  know  many  people.  she  was  like  a  wallflower,  paying  attention  to  her  surroundings,  assessing  the  situations,  and  being  quiet  -  she  preferred  it  much  like  that.  Her  eyes  followed  her  closest  friend,  the  one  she  would  escape  to  when  Storm's  End  didn't  feel  like  the  haven  it  usually  was. 

Listening  with  all  her  heart  to  her  companion's  emotions  and  confessions.  letting  her  fingers  touch  the  stone  surface  of  the  balcony  railing  zehra  let  her  eyes  drift  out  to  the  waters,  unknown  and  mysterious.  amirra  was  very  right  -  the  thought  of  a  spouse,  a  loved  one,  and  a  lifelong  companion  was  something  everyone  wished  for,  was  it  not?  "I  believe  we  are  both  burdened  with  responsibilities  to  our  houses."  zehra  said  with  her  eyes  drowning  in  the  darkness  below.  "we  have  duties  and  tasks  which  others  do  not  so  of  course  the  trouble  of  completing  them  alone  is  terrifying-"  zehra  let  her  eyes  turn  back  to  amirra.  "but  I  don't  feel  completely  alone,"  she  confessed  and  tried  to  smile  at  her  friend.  "For  now,  we  have  our  friendship  and  I  believe  or  I  hope  -"  a  sigh  escaped  her  lips,  her  shoulders  sagging  slightly.  "that  we  find  companions  in  life  which  makes  our  tasks  easier  to  complete."  turning  herself  around  she  let  her  eyes  glide  back  into  the  ballroom.  "even  if  neither  of  us  has  longed  for  it  at  least  no  yet."

[obsiidians]

"my, that is quite a bit farther than i've had the privilege of going." she knew one of her sisters wanted to see the world, but amirra had never had the luxury of such a dream. in tarth the world often came to her, she delighted in the tales told by sailors and merchants and visiting lords, ladies and lieges but it had not sparked a desire in her to leave her home. none of her sisters were going to describe her as adventurous and that was for the best. let them leave and see and experience, she was content to learn in the comfort of evenfall hall where the sound of waves lulled her to sleep each night. his pause leaves her uneasy, how had she seemed? in her moment of believing she was alone, a stolen moment that had not been so solitary in the end. she releases a held breath that is mixed with the beginnings of a laugh and it comes out sounding a bit like a bark. the sound makes her blush but not the accusation as she determines to reassure the gentleman. "i believe frustrated is likely a more appropriate word for what i'm feeling." she admits, because anything she says feels free when she is standing with a complete unknown, a stranger in every sense of the word. what could he hold against or over her when he did not know her face or her name? "but you weren't too far off the mark, my lord. i am not accustomed to gatherings this large, it is accompanied by so much noise and body heat." she isn't sure that was the most appropriate wording, but she doesn't take it back, she lets it go into the dark night that even out here is full of music and laughter. "are you overwhelmed then, my lord? perhaps we should sit, at least then i could get a better look at you, mask and all." she laughs now, it sounded somehow quite forward but she didn't mean much by it.

Arik stands still as a statue, a habit of his whenever he simply existed in one spot, however his eyes were curious taking in the lady before him. the light was in his favor, he knew he could see more of her than she could see of him, and yet he did nothing to change it. "the farthest one can travel north without meeting the wall, my lady." he finally muses back to her, he knows just by the way she tries to take him apart that they had never crossed paths before. "it was only a common cortesy, you seemed," he pauses uncertain if she would take the comment wrong, "overwhelmed." he too had been moments before finding solace in the dark corner of the balcony. "which i would not blame you for, the celebration can weight on one. i personally am not very fond of them." he admits, hoping it will give her a bit more of peace.

[obsiidians]

she laughs "was i so easy to recognize?" it takes her a moment to recognize the other as well, certainly a longer moment than her new balcony companion. "lady dayana? you look so lovely, but that is not a surprise." it's a true compliment, the lady is often quite breathtaking, amirra would have to lose her eyesight to not notice. it made her wonder what lady dayana thought of her, a trivial thought she did not usually entertain. she had formed this particular familiarity through a love of language, something she half wished her younger sisters had bothered to take an interest in. "i do believe this balcony is big enough for the both of us to enjoy, though i did not intend to spend too long out here." if she'd had more of a choice she'd have just gone back to her room, she was tired after all, being at court required an epic game of make believe. "i'm quite fine, thank you. do you ask because my face is flushed? i believe i am simply too warm from all the dancing."

they  squint,  what  their  vision  does  not  offer  them  in  recognition  ears  do.  "  no,  i  was  not  in  search  of  you,  lady  tarth.  "  dayana  knew  her  only  in  passing  and  in  the  interest  that  they  knew  languages  of  across  the  seas  that  they  did  not.  high  valyrian,  low,  and  its  different  linguistics  in  lys  had  been  all  she  could  study  so  those  that  knew  more  from  across  the  sunset  sea  dayana  did  enjoy  to  listen  to.  "  i  was  in  search  of  a  quiet  place  that  was  less  crowded  to  enjoy  a  little  bit  of  wine.  "  where  less  likely  they  would  be  to  waste  it  on  themself  due  to  an  errant  elbow  or  misstep  in  the  revelry.  "  are  you  alright  ?  "

[obsiidians]

the immediate accuracy of their guess is met with a momentary widened gaze, adorned dark eyes meeting his with a question in her own. likely he was only so accurate because he felt similarly, or so she hoped, surely she can't be that easy to read at a glance, in the dark. she almost laughed, but the amusement did split her painted lips open. "no, but that was simply a friendly excuse. the intent was not to confuse but to offer apology. i see now i should have employed a different ruse, as not many would even recognize my face were it not hidden anyway."

never usually one to leave the heart of the action, stepping away from it all was a rarity when he always thrived in social environments. but the announcement of a betrothal had reminded him of another that he was doing his best to forget, souring his usually buoyant mood and making him feel unlike himself as almost foreign negative emotions threatening to take hold. if there was one thing he refused to be it was a mood dampener and so the usual life of a party found himself searching for a brief escape to gather himself. balcony had been chosen for ease but perhaps luck hadn't completely abandoned him as the sea air soothed him more than words ever could. attention had been self absorbed, leaning elbows on the balcony wall before he even realised someone else was there. "finding it a little suffocating?" he squinted obviously in the dim light, playing as though he was trying to recognise her even though he was certain they'd never met and he says as much. "I can't claim my memory hasn't let me down before but I think I would remember if I was supposed to be looking for you."

[obsiidians]

amirra felt as if she'd been polite enough for awhile, she was truly longing for some peace and quiet outside the exhaustion of socializing. it was part of what she disliked about meeting suitors, that she had to infuse every word and gesture with so much energy and she'd not even made it yet to the actual courting part of the process. eventually she stopped pretending to be someone she wasn't and so she remained unmarried and unbetrothed at eight and twenty years. she felt even more emboldened by the mask obscuring her identity, as if she was so known anyone would recognize her anyhow, she spoke her mind. "if you are so apologetic for your intrusion you could find another balcony to satisfy your own needs. it is rather difficult for either of us to enjoy the solitude if it does not exist, my lord."

Desmond's sunny smile oft hid a mind full of dark thoughts, often only kept at bay by sheer force of will. But at the end of these weeks in Casterly Rock, he was utterly depleted; so many compliments given, hands shaken, subtle meanings hidden...He was in dire need of his dark office back in Highgarden, but a lonesome balcony would have to do. Just a momentary reprieve from the facade. Of course, that was too much to ask, as he cursed under his breath to see it was already occupied. "No, my Lady, the apologies are all mine. I did not mean to intrude upon you solitude. I was simply looking for some myself."

[obsiidians]

the relief as she understood just who had found her out here washed over like the crashing waves below. just zehra's presence was a balm but her voice was so lovely as well, the familiarity provided some form of safety amongst all the secrecy of the celebration tonight. "lady zehra.." she breathed out a sigh, she'd rather hug her friend but refrained for the moment. "no, that's quite true. the mystery of who is who tonight has me choosing my words more carefully than i otherwise might." she admitted, she preferred honesty, rarely resorting to lying, but that didn't mean she didn't know how. "i scarcely recognize a soul in there, it likely does not help that i haven't ever met a fair amount of them." she lets out a laugh that is swallowed by a gust of salty wind. she turned her hidden eyes on her friend then, a look of bemusement beneath the plaster and butterflies. "i am quite alright zehra, you worry too much. i was excited to witness a new match made, but i was also the smallest bit envious i suppose. which is so funny, i've never longed for a spouse but it seems quite important with each passing year."

the  announcement  came  as  news  to  zehra,  but  she  gave  nothing  away  as  she  clapped  and  smiled  at  the  news.  she  still  felt  rather  foreign  here,  even  with  family  all  around  her.  zehra  let  a  small  sigh  escape  her  lips  before  she  continued  her  search  for  the  one  individual  who  would  make  most  of  her  worries  disappear.  amidst  the  chaos  of  people,  she  could  see  the  dress  her  closest  friend  had  spoken  about  in  the  letter  zehra  had  received  this  morning  -  a  grin  present  as  she  walked  out  on  the  balcony  to  greet  Amirra. 

"it  isn't  like  you  to  apologize  for  escaping  unwanted  attention-"  she  said  with  surprise  covering  her  every  word.  a  smile  upon  her  lips  as  she  accompanied  Amirra  by  the  railing,  letting  her  palms  grace  the  stone.  "I'm  glad  I  found  you,  the  crowd  is  filled  with  known  faces  but  there  are  too  many  unknown  as  well,"  she  confessed  before  looking  at  Amirra.  childhood  friends,  companions  in  arms  -  at  least  that's  what  she  was  to  her.  "how  are  you  feeling?"  concern  lapping  around  her  words.

[obsiidians]

there was no disappointment to be found in her body language, the mask on her face and the dim light enough to obscure any signs of annoyance at the lack of privacy she now had. she had no expectation of it really, the balcony was not somehow reserved only for the tarth family but the thought did bring a smile to her lips, how funny to think such a thing. "i see we had the same idea." she didn't know to whom she was speaking, she had no intention of revealing her own identity, it would be more fun that way wouldn't it? "if you wish for it to remain quiet i can excuse myself, though i would vouch for the good this night air does for ones demeanor."

they  would  be  in  search  of  a  stranger  for  what  reason  ?  a  mask  couldn't  hide  a  familiar  gait  or  way  someone  held  their  stature.  asha  didn't  care  about  the  betrothal  of  yet  another  lion  and  had  already  picked  at  offered  foods  that  she  couldn't  find  fault  in  aside  from  not  being  certain  the  lannisters  and  baratheons  wouldn't  poison  them  all.  “  no  i  wasn't  looking  for  you.  ”   just  as  the  lady  may  have  been  annoyed  to  be  disturbed  (  but  it  was  public  after  all  )  asha  was  annoyed  that  someone  else  had  the  same  idea.  “  just  somewhere  more  quiet.  ”   

[obsiidians]

"please forgive me, my lady, for the assumption, i perhaps did not realize how alluring the solitude of this particular balcony would be." the years spent studying the politics of court, the experience of leadership, the careful practice of controlling her reactions and tongue have all been put to the test during this time. amirra has not had the pleasure of attending these sorts of things before, she has realized how isolated she was at home in tarth, despite the privilege of meeting so many people thanks to the trade tarth enjoyed with other regions, this place is a different beast entirely. everything is painfully formal, every word has to be weighed and measured, every sigh noticed by eagle eyed nobles ready to pounce on any sign of perceived weakness. it is exhausting and she has had to force herself to speak softly, to be kind when there have been conversations and moments that make her want to scream. the words of the rykker sound friendly, complimentary even but amirra can't be sure so she remains guarded as always. "have your slippers offended you?" the answer was obvious but she let the rest slip without much thought to possible consequences. "if you find them offensive, why not cast them into the sea." she laughs softly, it was a fleeting and entertaining thought more than anything.

she was not one to escape celebrations, but meredyth was human too, and this was hardly the place for her to be able to kick shoes that pinch at her toes — no, she is supposed to need privacy for it, and that is what she seeks. the presence of another in a secluded place is no hindrance; it certainly doesn't make her hesitate as she holds onto the railing as she slips out of her shoes, looking towards the beauty next to her. "have i a reason to seek you out, my lady?" are you of any importance? she means to query, but bites her tongue, willing to play with the unknown. "one would think you were expecting a certain person to come across. i do pity it is not me."

[obsiidians]

at times she prided herself on exactly what prince drys had mentioned, her insightful nature, her ability to look within and adjust what might need some change in order for her to be successful. she felt she knew herself rather well, she knew her own mind, she was not afraid to use it either and often she wondered if this perhaps was why she had not managed to marry. but then she had to remind herself that she was desirable in many ways and it had been the suitors over the years that had not measured up. at this point in her years perhaps she had become too discerning, would it be her downfall? she did not want to rule tarth alone, she only wanted to govern it equally with her spouse, and her anxiety over having not found such a person yet was bubbling to the surface.

"i wouldn't dream of it being sebastion, i can't imagine myself reaching so high as to be matched with a prince. and i certainly am aware he is already betrothed anyhow. i meant only of those that have not formed attachments, perhaps i am being naive in thinking there were any that fall into that category. i am not as familiar with all the matches and entanglements of this court as maybe i should be now that i am here among them all." she offers him a smile, self depracation was not something she did often, but she was able to admit when she was not knowledgeable enough about something important. "and i am happy to say i am not the sort to intentionally cause any sort of problem here, as i am sure you know." amirra enjoyed this friendship with drystan, his playful nature kept her from being too serious when he was around and his honesty was most often refreshing as it was accompanied by a gentle kindness. an invaluable friend, of course.

she similarly leaned in to hear what he intended to keep a bit more quiet, a hand coming to her navel in an almost shy but certainly surprised gesture. she knew the prince respected her but this compliment was nearly too much, too generous. "you are, as always, much too kind. but are you saying i should just relax and wait for them to come to me?" she'd certainly prefer that, it would be so much easier, but she was unfortunately too proactive to ever be successful at such a task. "i find them enjoyable but also a bit exhausting. plus some of the slippers i have brought along pinch and rub my heels in the most awful way. i know i shouldn't complain, i really am having fun." she frowned, she needed better shoes. "is it the same for you?" she was curious, were his duties all consuming for gatherings this large or was he allowed to have some fun too?

drystan tilted his head slightly, a mix of amusement and confusion dancing in his gaze as he listened to amirra's query. despite the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of sebastion's victory - something he'd heard recounted far too many times already - he managed to keep his expression schooled into one of genuine, if somewhat feigned, thrill. "lady amirra," he began, his voice carrying a warmth that had become characteristic of their exchanges. "i'm always delighted to offer my perspective, especially to someone as insightful as yourself."

he paused for a moment, considering her words with a thoughtful frown. "ah, your question brings to mind a curious point. are we speaking specifically of sebastion, or the joust's participants in general?" drystan asked, genuinely puzzled.

"if it's sebastion you're referring to," he continued, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in a wry smile, "then I believe the answer is rather simple, albeit bound by tradition. sebastion had to ask for the favor of his betrothed, lady lynara stark. not doing so would not only be a breach of decorum but would likely incite the wrath of both our father and lord stark—a situation i'm sure he'd rather avoid at all costs."

he leaned in slightly, his tone dropping to a more conspiratorial whisper, though still laced with the playful charm he was known for. "as for securing yourself a proper match, lady amirra, i cannot imagine anyone more worthy of admiration and respect. if there is more to be done, i dare say it's on their part to recognize the brilliance before them." drystan offered her a reassuring smile, hoping to alleviate any concern or doubt she might have harbored. "But tell me, apart from this, how have you been finding the celebrations?"

[obsiidians]

the accent was unfamiliar, she spent a long moment trying to place it but it was likely more appropriate for her to simply ask and not leave the silence hanging over them as she pondered. "your accent, where is it you are from, my lord, if you don't mind me asking?" she took a step toward him, it was a bit dark on the balcony despite the candles burning by the doors, she wondered too if she knew him at all, if they had ever met before and she'd need to see his face better to answer that question in her mind. she shook her head ever so slightly "i do not lay claim to the balcony, please, it is here for the enjoyment of us all tonight, is it not?" she didn't really want to be alone but the cool air and the quiet was preferable to the crowded ball room. "you certainly are not bothering me." she added for clarification.

The northern man had never been one to enjoy parties, perhaps a predisposition for not many traveled as far north as his ancestral home was or because his father might as well had blocked all the roads there when he decided there was little in the outside he cared for. regardless, the moment the only person in the room he had wanted attention had been ripped from his fingers, another sign of the near future, he had left the room and had blended with the shadows of the balcony. out of all people whom he had thought would interrupt his peace, a beautiful sad lady had not been it. "no need to apologize, my lady." the words in his thick accent sound far strongly than meant. "i was trying to sneak out without bothering ya."