#always looks as though he knows destiny is on his side || sebastion

[xfulminare]

with glendon baratheon @vowskept

perhaps he should have found himself more concerned with his own safety after an attempt had come so close to robbing the kingdoms of their queen. but the prince considered himself far too beloved to be at risk of such a thing. it was why he had found himself at a tavern with just a guard, confident that not only would no one be of any kind of threat to him, that even if someone did surprise him he would be able to handle them. but any thought of such a risk had long since left his mind, attention drawn by jests and the raucous laughter of those around him. he was midway through pouring himself another glass of wine when the sight of the lord commander of the kingsguard briefly made him pause. "uncle!" table was leaned over to ensure he got the elder baratheon's attention, hand moving to shoo one of his companions from their chair to make space for him. "come, join me. you look like you could use a drink. take a break from all your worrying."

[xfulminare]

with selyse baratheon @ephiiphanies

Pleasantries had been given to all that required it before sibling fondness led him to look for the competitor he was unashamed to say would be who he would place the highest bet on. confident strides ending with him stood at his sister's shoulder, leaning in conspiratorially. "I have been scoping out the competition for you and come to the inevitable conclusion that none of them could possibly outdo you." words were kept to a playful hush but as much as they were said in jest they were genuine. the unerring confidence that he had in his own capabilities carried over to his siblings, believing them all more than capable of victories.

[xfulminare]

( baratheon c / daniel sharman / cis man & he/him ) hear ye hear ye — the riverlands welcomes PRINCE SEBASTION BARATHEON of KINGS LANDING. king matthos baratheon is glad that the THIRTY-FOUR year old appears to be charismatic and he shall overlook that it’s said they are also entitled, as long as they are glad to celebrate peace in the seven kingdoms. fortunately for them, matthos remains oblivious that they ARE happy with his reign.

Name: sebastion baratheon Age: thirty-four Orientation: pansexual, panromantic Loyalties: House Baratheon Religious affiliation: faith of the seven ( mostly in name only, though he prays if he wants something ) Appearance: inherited his father's build, standing tall at 6'5 and grew broad enough to balance out his height. Aesthetic: quick, cocky but disarming smiles given in response to any form of criticism; booming laughter that echoes through halls, never slow to seek amusement in life;

Family: -

Father: matthos baratheon Mother: aelinor dondarrion  Siblings: argella baratheon, selyse saratheon, drystan baratheon ( half brother ) Extended family: lord lefford ( brother in law ), joanna lannister ( step mother ) Marital status: betrothed to lynara stark

Personality: -

Traits: amiable, charismatic, entitled, oblivious, presumptive, carefree, wilful, witty, thoughtless, spontaneous, confident, receptive, passionate, lively, humorous. Values:  Fears: most of the time sebastion feels almost invincible. there is a part of him that fears his father's death though, not from the grief that will come after it but rather because of the responsibility that will then rest on him. he enjoys being able to dip in and out of ruling while it suits him and the idea that he will one day be unable to is one that sits uneasy with him. Moral Alignment: chaotic neutral Temperament: sanguine Zodiac: gemini sun, leo moon, aquarius rising

Biography: -

tl;dr - he has enough charm and good-nature that he is able to make others forget he is matthos baratheon's son. but there are times that the confidence that oozes from him and the vague entitlement that flickers around him reminds others a little too much of his father. most days he plays the golden prince convincingly, endearing himself to smallfolk and nobles alike. there has been a certainty to his life since he was a boy that he would one day be king and he walks with an invincibility, his charm his armour and his father's power his shield.

life was altered when he father slew the dragon prince, laying claim to the throne himself and giving his son the promise of a crown in his future. sebastion thinks it is for the better, moving from storms end to the red keep is met with excitement rather than trepidation. viewing it as an adventure over all else.

education is expansive, maesters imparting their knowledge about the kingdoms he will one day rule. he pays attention as long as they can hold his interest, stories of battles and gallant deeds interesting him above all else. it's his father's attention he really craves, excelling only because it will bring forth praise from the stag king's lips.

the older he grows the more he seeks to be like matthos, countless will draw comparisons to their looks but many miss the similarities of their natures. sebastion is pulled by his desires like his father, he simply possesses enough tact to keep any flashes of hedonism hidden. he follows his whims but on the whole they lead to harmless fun.

attempts at alliances are made, ravens sent and flattering words put to parchment. the prince wonders if it isn't a little unnecessary, taking support and fondness for granted. nonetheless he follows his advisors lead and corresponds to all they deem necessary.

his role as master of laws was handed to him by his father, its previous holder encouraged to step to the side. small council meetings should hold his interest after all he holds some care for the kingdoms he will one day rule. he pays enough attention and thinks that he contributes well but it is easy to persuade him if suggestion is made in the correct way. all it takes is to play on his ego, convince him the idea was his all along and he will happily go along with it.

every king needs his queen and his has been selected for him for so long their wedding seems inevitable. he has every intention of them being a happy couple for all of westeros to adore, pleased by what he has heard of the stark's countenance. it matters not that another has laid claim to his heart when he believes that he can have his queen and his love.

[xfulminare]

with drystan baratheon @gcldenblades

There were few things in life he loved more than the feeling of being idolised, never finding the pedestals that others placed him on to be too lofty or precarious, instead choosing to enjoy being held above all others. no pressure was felt when he knew he never simply met standards but exceeded them - how could he not when he constantly found new ways to achieve what was expected? effortlessly the people's prince. "little brother." there would have been fondness between them simply because of their shared father but it had only increased through the years when he had been relied upon time and time again. being needed and appreciated was always a sure-fire way into his affections. reassuring hand was placed on the younger stag's shoulder, preparing to impart crucial advice. "now you remember what we talked about, don't you? if you keep that lance tucked in tighter you might almost be as good as me."

[xfulminare]

laughter fell from his lips, jest following quickly after. "and if that happens I'll have you to turn to for counsel." the words were meant to placate, to show that he valued her and her advice ( current discussion aside ) but he knows his sister well enough despite years apart to suspect that they would not be enough. so a sigh is heaved, disgruntled that he would have to work to get them to see things the same way. "I could not forget that if I tried, argella, how are the people supposed to support a king who would rather cower in the stands and join in with polite applause rather than one who would be victorious and give them a reason to cheer? my mind will not be changed on this." appearances were everything, he knew that his popularity in the smallfolk was in no small part due to how he indulged them. how he made sure to give them tales they could tell about their golden stag prince and anticipate the day that he would one day be king. "but if it brings you comfort I will not risk myself needlessly and take all the necessary precautions." observation was not usually a skill he could pride himself on but when it came to his sisters he cared enough to try. distance was closed between them, gentle hand placed on her arm and voice lowered. "is there something else bothering you?"

though her senior by a couple of years, argella had never truly felt as though she was sebastion's younger sister. it often seemed as though the gods had filled them with the nonchalance and disquietude of two people – argella being the recipient of the latter – and whilst it was endearing to a point, it was beginning to cause a great deal of vexation. something that his grin threatened to evolve into fury. a unfamiliar sentiment towards her most beloved brother. ❛ i think any further blows to your head will rid you of any sense that remained . ❜ fingers splayed rigid and tense beside her, the storm brewing within threatening to unleash its fury. with an exhale, argella calmed and turned to pour herself a glass of wine. ❛ forgive me, i – ❜ she was what ? on edge ? tired ? frustrated ? all were true and yet none of it truly mattered. ❛ i just think you should be more careful sebastion, as you say, you are the future king. ❜ with her back to him argella drained the glass just filled, staring down at its emptiness in a mixture of horror, for how quickly she had turned to wine and temptation, for the urge to replenish it.

[xfulminare]

with desmera rykker @monarkhes

There was a certain smugness felt over his choice of a tavern - oud enough that their words got swallowed, eaten up by the chatter and laughter around them. only natural that they would have to lean in close to hear one another. with enough bodies around they almost blended into the crowd ( though vanity would always suggest that he would be noticed anywhere he went and he believed the woman beside him beautiful enough to always turn heads ) but they were inconspicuous enough, even with guards lingering nearby, that not all eyes were on them. besides, even if they were surely none could call into question the mistress of whispers and master of laws being seen in each other's company. wine was poured, handing it to her in such a way he could almost guarantee their fingers would brush. "I think we've earned this." the day had been spent taking in lannisport, greeting his smallfolk as they'd moved through the streets. but he had given what he was supposed to, now all he wanted was to be selfish. "a toast, perhaps. to us?" he thought about adding some caveat about their friendship but refrained when everything in him loathed that definition.

[xfulminare]

there had been no displeasure on his features when the king demands he sit with his bride. none is truly felt but even if it were he is conscious to remain a beacon of chivalry and the perfect fiancé. "not as much as we used to, my lady." it dawned on him that it was not just a platitude, that the woman beside him truly was supposed to be 'his' even if he was another's. "if you are worried your future in king's landing will consist of impromptu competitions and having to watch us tussle with each other, I can promise you it won't. well -" easy grin stole onto his features, eyes glimmering with mirth in anticipation of the jest he was about to make. "- maybe sometimes." goblet is reached for, swig of wine taken before he nodded in agreement at the praise for his father. "he is. as he is with all else. I am fortunate to have someone so accomplished to learn from." words are spoken with ease, having years of practise praising his father despite his glaring flaws, but they were laid as something of a test. the stark had done well enough with it so far but blind loyalty would always be required in public.

w. sebastion baratheon, fourth night of the westerlands celebrations, @xfulminare

avoidance was easy when distance was an ally — ravens can be late and letters lost, but there is only so much good faith one can rely on when the presence of the other is so very constant as the stag prince's is around casterly rock. sometimes, it can be avoided, if she is to seek the open airs and he is accompanied by many (as he seems to enjoy it), but there is only so much of that song and dance that can be applied when the king insists that they should sit together (she wonders if the baratheon's joy is replicated in her father's own grave contenance, who has never brightened so much when the discussion of sending her south was brought up, even during those early years when they did to hers). "do you often wrestle, the five of you?" all the baratheons joined the mat earlier in the day, and, while sebastion's demonstration had been hardly the most exciting or even a moment to draw pride on, the display of camaraderie between the family had been heart-warming, a far cry from the family discord told by gossip now and then. "his majesty seems to be a magnificent inspiration on the sport."

[xfulminare]

mood stayed high despite his loss, choosing to see the success of his family rather than focus on his own failure in the competition. there might have been a time when he was tempted to sulk but he was aware enough of himself to know it would endear none to him. appearance would be always be paramount. father's words roll off him, too certain of himself to let chips be taken. "no, and I should have done better. but all eyes were on you, father. I doubt anyone noticed my shortcomings when they were too preoccupied with your dominant performance. I will soon show my skill elsewhere just as drystan did today."

mirth  is  often  unbashed  from  the  king,  and  it  can  not  be  different  when  he  has  been  mighty  in  the  competition.  it  is  with  a  bright  grin  that  hand  comes  down  hard  on  the  son's  ( @xfulminare ) back,  even  his  affection  comes  double-edged.  "you  fell  down  like  shit,  boy.  is  that  how  i  taught  you?"  light  jest  is  what  his  tone  suggests,  yet  words  are  not  particularly  warm.  "even  your  brother  did  better  than  you.  now,  would  you  expect  that?"  matthos  certainly  wouldn't  have.

[xfulminare]

too strong a sense of invincibility had long flown through his veins for him to take the warnings of his uncle seriously. while he supposed that there might have been some truth to them considering recent events, vanity meant that he would never consider a risk to the queen was also a risk to him. he was more popular, was he not? was love and loyalty of his people not the best shield he could possess? so instead of agreeing with a man far older and wiser he simply tuts ( ignoring a nagging feeling that perhaps he should be more receptive to advice ) shake of his head given as though he is the disappointed one out of them both. "come now, uncle, there's no need for such formalities." it was no lie when he had never coveted such titles from his family. from all else perhaps, but never his kin. glance is caught between commander and guard, uncharacteristic frown settling onto his brow. "nor is there any need for this good ser to receive your ire. he is still with me, is he not? I am perfectly safe and -" grin is aimed up at his uncle as he reached for the bottle once more, hoping his charms would still work on family. "- if you join me I will be all the safer."

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐎 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄,    glen's brother and nephew. but the adage like father, like son exists for a reason, he supposes. he'd never felt comfortable in places like this. even when matthos dragged him out to taverns and dimly lit streets to drag glen full-bodied out of his shell, all it had done was make him retreat further in. it was too loud, too smelly, the floors too sticky . glen held the hem of his white cloak as he waded through the throng. a towering hulk of a man with or without armor, the sea parted easily for kingsguard to meet prince. glen eyed the offered seat warily and remained standing. he should be back with the king and queen, ensuring that he made up for his and his cohort's earlier lapse. he understood that there was no love lost between step-mother and tstep-children, and yet even so, the boy (   man, glen must remind himself, sebastion already four-and-thirty    )  ought to take more care. the crown and its kin were often seen as one and the same by those who didn't mind a little blood.  ❝    it seems to me, your highness,    ❞    chastises glen,     ❝    that you are not worrying enough.    ❞    a critical eye, disappointed and accusatory, found its way to the prince's guard as well.

[xfulminare]

"of course I have." an exaggeration when at best he had cast a glance over the competition. but it would not have mattered whether it was a glimpse he had spared them or hours, his conclusion would have still been the same. "without a shadow of a doubt. she is no match for the realms delight." some might have considered the queen a formidable opponent in all aspects of life but despite hearing from others about her claws, he had seen no such side to her. perhaps he had simply won he over the way he did with everyone else. "ah but you will never have to do without me so there is naught to worry for. but as a precaution, we'll find you a husband to dote on you almost as much as I do. more would be impossible."

The younger princess cannot keep the wide smile at bay at her brothers words, perhaps she could not count with many words of encouragement from the king himself, nonetheless the queen, but her siblings never left her down. it was them who kept those spirits high. "have you now?" she speaks playfully bumping into him before swiftly hooking her arm in his. "you think i will be able to outshine the lion queen?" she says in a jest, whispering only for his ears. "my dearest older brother, always looking out for me, you have accustomed me to this what will i ever do without you?"

[xfulminare]

"you flatter me but they do say flattery gets you everywhere." at least it never ceased to earn people his attention. fond arm was slung over the younger baratheon's shoulder, preparing to lead them both in a stroll. he had no set destination in mind, had simply tired of being in one place too long. besides, it would do everyone some good to see the two princes in happy unity. "perhaps it is but it will not always be - your time will come, drystan, I am certain of it." brief sincerity was quickly spoiled by the cocky half grin that lit his features, words that followed only furthering to undo the glimmer of genuine reassurance. "you have me as a mentor, after all." words said as though it should be obvious his sibling could do nothing but triumph under his guidance. "but you already have glory of your own, brother, it was you who almost triumphed with the wrestling." pride might have smarted but eventually he had chosen to see it as a good thing - his siblings were capable of showing the strength of their house just as much as he was.

drystan flashed his brother a grin, the very picture of admiration and sibling adoration, a mask he'd mastered over the years. "sebastion, you know just standing next to you makes me feel like i've already won half the battle," he began, his tone light, almost teasing, yet laced with the practiced undertone of reverence he knew sebastion lapped up like fine wine. "but you're right, as always. the joust, though? that's your realm, brother. the pressure to impress you—and father—it's immense. i think i'll stick to the horse riding this time around. not that i'll ever be in your league, but perhaps you could spare a sliver of your boundless glory for your little brother?" his words were perfectly pitched to stroke sebastion's ego, yet internally, drystan couldn't help but roll his eyes. the performance was necessary, a part of the long game drystan was all too aware he was playing.

[xfulminare]

"sister." tone is altered to mimic hers, attempting to level a serious look her way before a grin inevitably broke over his features. the worry of others had always touched him, used as evidence in his mind that he was truly as beloved as he thought. but more often than not he thought the concern misplaced - after all was he not skilled and talented enough to survive anything that came at him? if nothing else his position as son of the king was all the armour he needed, none would truly risk hurting him in front of a father who'd started a rebellion to avenge family members before. "you heard correctly - how could it not be wise? the people need to see what their future king is capable of." he had the love of the smallfolk but others needed to bear witness to what he could do, respect needed to be earned. or so he'd been told. reassuring hand reached for his sister, vague placating pats given in her direction. "I will be fine. accidents may happen but do you not think me skilled enough to avoid them?"

─ closed starter ( @xfulminare ) ; day three, afternoon .

❛ brother. ❜ a word usually uttered with affection bore tell - tale signs of frustration, perhaps a tone more commonly reserved for that of their younger siblings. argella was not happy, she hadn't been since venturing to the rock , save for the reunion with her children and even that had come to leave a bitter taste upon her tongue. they were like lambs at casterly, surrounded by lions and argella had began to fret that she had lead them to slaughter. yet it was not just her children for whom she feared, but for her siblings as well – perhaps even more so. ❛ i hear you are competing in the joust. do you think this is wise ? ❜ she asked as though he had spared a thought to his safety at all. ❛ you could be hurt, or worse. ❜

[xfulminare]

"you will always have that. the love of the people is a greater prize than any riches the lannisters could offer you." wisdom was not something that often fell from his lips but he considered those words to be a piece of it. their whole family depended on the people around them and while riches helped popularity was nothing to be sneered at. "the gods will hear me, I will make sure of it. of course not as well as we do - no one will do it as well as I. but we can hope for someone besotted with you, that keeps you as comfortable as you should be." he knew that it was unlikely his sister would get to choose, he had not, but if there were ever someone selyse set her eye on he would be sure to use whatever influence he had over their father to make the match happen. "it is indeed very well run, they have done well and we are all benefitting from it. you know me, sely, I am happy where there is competition and fun to be had."

The young stag denies with her head, she knows her brother to be mocking her, lovingly that was. in a way only an older brother would. "if i do not win i at least have that, no?" being the realms delight had almost landed on her lap, and she had run with it, she had made it her whole person. it had been perhaps the only thing she had autonomy of. "may the gods hear you, brother. i doubt you'll find someone who will love me and tolerates my whims as only you and argella can do." in fact, selyse truly was beginning to think she would never find love, and if she did not find love dragging her into a marriage would require strong reasoning. "are you enjoying yourself, my prince? the celebrations seem to be progressing smoothly, a point for the lannisters."