#c. varyn lannister

[prodixal]

"Perhaps you can teach me how to make this place a home then, dear sister. For I cannot picture ever getting used to all its many faces." he takes a look around, at his new cage, and the only comfort he finds is in knowledge his sisters would be close at hand. Family above all. Lannisters, lions, a tribe. They were meant to stick together. "Do not be fooled by a sleeping dragon, my lioness. For no matter the love you might hold for it, it is bound to burn you all the same. Should it wake." he pauses, though his words remain casual. "I am pleased to hear they are treating you well, dove. Your happiness is my own." and while a part of him feared his sister might share familial affection for the silver haired dragons, he decided to quiet those fears. For now.

"Our lord brother is doing well. So well, in fact, he took it upon himself to arrange for me a place on the small council. Master of coin. How utterly ridiculous." he still couldn't quite comprehend the gravity of his new responsibility. And he spent less time thinking of it now that certain Lady Dayne entered the city with their bastard son. There was so much to take care of, his wine began to taste less sweet. "Suppose I should not complain. As a family, our position is so favourable now, you will find no trouble in securing a marital match to your liking. Have you given it any thought?"

telessa smiles at the sight of her brother. he is.. an interesting sort, someone who certainly takes some getting used to, to say the least. yet varyn had always been sweet with one of the youngest of the lannister ladies. perhaps even the sweetest of all her siblings, honestly.

"varyn, it has been far too long..." she allows him to hold her for a moment, and she sets her chin upon his shoulder as they hug. pulling apart, telessa takes her seat. she is grateful to have not missed anything too important. "very well," she says with a nod. "it has truly become a home to me, varyn, really. the targaryens.. they're.. they're very welcoming." she almost said like family, but honestly she's not sure how he would take that. "how is everything back home? how has our dear brother taken to his role as ruling lord?"

[prodixal]

@crcwninferncs | vaelora targaryen

Following his recent encounter with one Lady Dayne, Varyn was not in the mood for festivities and found much relief in being summoned for a private conversation with the Queens new heir.

Whatever anxieties he might have had regarding his new role as the master of coin, were starting to fade. Lord Lannister was nothing, if not quick to adjust to unchangeable circumstances. No matter how much he resented the lack of choice. Perhaps his father and lord brother, and dearest sister were right -- perhaps it was time to set aside his foolish and indulgent ways and forge paths towards responsibility. Perhaps, in time, it could even earn him some respect. Something he had craved for a long time.

Being master of coin came with added benefit of being close to his family. Overseeing their affairs with more care, might prove good for him.

Varyn is let into the council room by the guards, finding Vaelora standing near the table possibly lost in thought. The usual aura of authority and wisdom clung to them like leeches, and he lowered his gaze in respect as he approached.

"I hear we've matters to discuss, princess." he bows in a well trained yet subtle manner. "I also hear I've you to thank for endorsing my newest ascension, though I must say it took me by surprise, I should very well try my best not to disappoint."

[prodixal]

"I should assume it would." he held no genuine malice for the other. But her ascension to such a high role at royal court, one he would have been more than happy to take, did fuel a sort of resentment he struggled bottling in. To be the leader of the white cloaks had been a dream of his since young age, and losing such a dream to a northern bastard made his loss that much more bitter.

What made matters worse, is that Varyn could never quite make sense of the decision either. Surely, the royals must have had a soft spot for a loyal runt of the wolf litter, but to go as far as to bestow such a pivotal role onto a bastard -- shitty political move. Even for his shitty standards. After all, when the news first broke of the new Queensguard, it was not only his eyebrows that got raised. Perhaps there was more to it all than met the eye, he was certain she did not get as far as she did based on merit alone.

A witty retort pulls him out of momentary thought and a smug Lannister smile follows it up. "I'm glad you find it helpful, Ser." his hands will rest over his own sheathed blade and he'll give a nonchalant glance to the rest of the room. "Though I do not find your notion to be true." -- "Perhaps I am blessed, to be able to maintain a sharp mind and a precise blade while also enjoying the warm touch of a woman. If anything, the latter does often incentivise the former." his head will tilt as his eyes find her again. "I must say, I am surprised to see you welcoming new arrivals -- surely it is a duty for a footman, as opposed to someone of your...esteemed status?"

hearing the grating roar of varyn lannister's voice, alson squeezed her eyes shot for a second before turning to look at the man. it was a wonder how someone as sweet as telessa lannister could be related to the rest of the lannister house, she was so unlike her silblings. "of course," she says, chin high. "an inconvenience on a day like today would be unfortunate."

ever since she was taking on to the queensguard and having vaelora by her side, alson hadn't experienced the torment she did in the north. no one dared treat her like the bastard she was when she was wearing the white cloak and the power of the crown backing her. yet having so many high borns who think differently all in once, she felt like that little kid again. the bastard of winterfell. that was all she ever was to these people. their jaw clenched with his words, they knew it was just a jest to provoke her, but it was working. "celibacy does wonders to keep the mind sharp and the blade precise," she says matter of factly. not that alson has been celibate since taking the white and she doubted the others on the guard were as well. they just worked harder to hide it. "perhaps you shall give it a try sometime and reap the benefits."

[prodixal]

"Aye, but that's what brothers are for." he spits out almost instantly, like a petty child. He enjoyed riling her up. Ever since they were kids. There was joy to be found in watching her wish she could rip his head off his shoulders. If only she were able to reach it. "I say this with care, dear sister -- but you are always unnecessarily stressed. It is almost like you're looking to find issues to worry over, even when there aren't any. -- When was the last time you...relaxed?"

He will scoff at her her next words, which showed just how alike they were beyond their apparent differences. Neither of them could be told shit when it came to their attractiveness. Though what kind of brother would he be not to knock her down a peg? "I suppose one sister was given the beauty with no confidence, while the other is all confidence with no beauty. How strange a game do our minds play on us." there was obvious mockery to his voice, he did not truly mean it. His sister, though he was not of Targaryen persuasion to find attraction towards kin, was an objectively beautiful woman. "Seems all the stress took toll on your eyes, good for you."

Varyn proceeds to watch his sister squirm to any sign of potential tenderness, her voice remaining firm and factual and task-oriented. She was so very much like their lord father. Calculating, cold, ambitious. It would serve her well, in this game she's adamant on playing. But he wondered, for a moment, if what she desired most of all would ever bring her a sense of peace, happiness...comfort. It did not sit well with him that she should aspire to something that would, once achieved, leave her empty and alone.

But who was he, to judge the paths of others? At least his sister had a path, a purpose. He would never know what that feels like.

"My very best behaviour." he repeats her words back to her, showing he was listening. "So...say I am to fraternise with one of the lovely Targaryen sisters..." he lets the thought trail off, anticipating a concern and sharp look of Cershas eyes. He did not actively intend to do anything outrageous with any of the sisters, what comes later was truly unintended. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Don't shoot." a laugh leaves his throat and he will absorb some of the seriousness she radiated through the air.

"Though, as we are on the topic of my fucking things up --" he bites his lip, looking away not to shrink under the heaviness of judgment which would no doubt be filling her gaze. "I've something to tell you. Not that I believe it to be of your concern, but -- I would hate for you to find out in a manner outside of your control. I know you well enough to know -- you do not appreciate surprises."

With their conversation turning more private with each passing word, it was of all the more importance they should seek a corner where no one would be listening. So he quickened his step, and did not respond to her following words before they entered private chambers, locking the doors while leaving their guards behind.

"See what I mean? Looking for things to worry about." he did not mean to imply his sister was paranoid. He was certain she had been right. But some things only showed with time, and one could hardly pry them out of the person. "People cannot hide who they are for long, that should worry you as much as it should give you relief. In time, you will know exactly who they are, and she will know exactly who you are in turn." it was easy to play pretend, when one only shared moments with the other. But sharing a life gave way to reality to seep through, with certainty, with time.

"There is a way for you to find out...more, I suppose." a mischievous smile spreads across his lips as he sits spreading on a dark wooden chair, pouring himself a cup of fresh wine. "Leave it to me."

" YOU ARE CAUSING ME UNNECCESSARY STRESS ." cersha snaps frustratedly in reply even as she gestures to all of varyn with a sweeping hand before promptly dropping that hand in annoyance . it is with a huff that cersha moves to briefly rub her temples instead , adding , " and if you wish to goad someone about their age , you will find better luck with telessa . she is the one who seem to think her age is slowly leaching her beauty from her —  and only the gods know why that is ." cersha gestures to herself then to lowly hiss , " i , on the other hand , know with surety that i become only more enchanting with every day that passes as the gods have intended ." while the words may lean towards ironic considering the current predicament , cersha knows them to be true . after all , if it was not proven in some way every day of her life , her introduction to vaelora solidified that if nothing else . after all , would the targaryen have looked at cersha quite that way if not for her beauty ? in all honesty , as a woman her beauty was one of the greatest assets she had to offer . another was her mind , but that rarely seemed to attract as much interest . so , she will work with the pieces that she had . as she looks upon her brother that sentiment seems to echo . " and i you ." it is only the lack of possible spectators that allows cersha to accompany the words with a face that goes against near all decorum . there is only varyn there to see the childish twist in her expression , and perhaps that is the very reason why she makes it . " so i suppose we both have regrets then . a shame , truly ." it is with a sigh that cersha allows her hands to rest on her hips , watching as varyn pets his foot as if she has left him wish some sort of grand wound . cersha knows for a fact that she hasn't . as much as she wishes she were as fierce a force in brute strength as she was in sharp intellect , she knows where her talents are .

she is starkly reminded of them as varyn stands and gives her a look that makes her expression twitch . that twitch only grows in a full on furrow of her brows as varyn continues , her expression twisting in her growing confusion . she doesn't even have the wherewithal to swat her brother's hand away in her bewilderment , merely allowing him to tuck away a stray curl that she will likely find herself fiddling with in the nearest mirror in half a candle mark . " well — " cersha feels thrown off in a way that feels distinctly unfamiliar . she develops a quick distaste for it . her brows furrow tighter . " good . because this is —  of the greatest importance , and not just to me but for the entirety of our house ." cersha's voice becomes steadier the longer she speaks , and she's glad for it ; the usual backbone behind her words feels familiar enough for something in her shoulders to ease as she takes a breath before firmly adding , " you must be on your very best behavior until the wedding ." nevermind that this is perhaps what cersha has wanted all her life . this was an opportunity for all of them . and while cersha was more than ready for the weight of that on her shoulders , was born for it truly , she wasn't concerned for her . she was concerned for the pieces she had less control over . pieces like varyn , or vaelora , or gods knows what else . it is after a long moment of considering varyn , of letting his question settle that cersha sighs grandly and drops her hands from her hips to say , " if everything does not go perfectly i may very well consider murder ." she snaps out with a frustrated gesture . there's a beat before she waves his way to add , " not of you . not to say it couldn't be you , but murder in general is what i refer to ." another pause before her expression is twisting as she adds , " not to mention vaelora baffles me ." cersha sits down on the step with a frustrated huff , her nose wrinkled delicately in thought as she gestures to say , " all honor and kindness ." her brows knit together as she stares determinedly into the distance . " there is something beneath it , i know it . she is playing some sort of game , i just need to decipher what it is but ," she points sharply to varyn to add , " they will not pull wool over my eyes . i refuse to be blindsided ."

[prodixal]

"No grief will excuse your lack of composure in public, Ashara. We've no luxury of hysterics. I understand your hurt, and I am most regretful you have carried it on your own, but -- do leave way to reason. This is neither time, nor place." her name felt sweet on his tongue, though as it left his lips it turned bitter and cold. Etched between his brows was worry, anger, regret and something new and dark and sickly -- fear. For the first time in a long time, Varyn was afraid. Though it would take him some time, to decipher why.

He lets go of her as space between them grows silent, and will clear his throat waving pleasant greetings at passerby's who just so 'happened' to stumble upon their private little corner near which the gardens met the keep. They needed to get out of here. And at this point, Varyn was willing to do and say anything to make that happen.

"No, you... no. You are lying through your teeth."

And while that much had been true, his face softened into a reflection of a man she once knew, and he stepped closer still. Only this time there was no rush to it, no worry, no anger. He wanted her to see and to feel a man she once cared for, a man who would never lie to her, never do anything to hurt her. His hands reach out for hers, and he will place them over his chest as he gazes upon her with such sincerity, he wished nothing more than for his lies to be true.

"I swear it."

The words scorch his soul in instant protest, and his eyes glaze over in regret. She cannot know the truth, not now, not ever. For he may not have been known for his honour, but to become known for having none would be a shame too great for him to bare. It was a selfish thought, Varyn knew as much, thinking of how the truth would affect him before even considering the extents of hurt his repeated betrayal would leave upon her. All the more proof he did not deserve her, and he never would.

Her admission caught him by surprise, and snapped him out of a worrisome thought that he was out of his depth, and had no idea what to do in order to mend their predicament. There had to have been a way for them to fix this, to avert bringing shame to their respective houses, to themselves. But if such a fix did exist, he could not yet see it.

"Right. Olyver." speaking the boys name sent his heart into a faster beat, and he was not ready to witness this shared likeness which had caused, for the first time since their encounter, Ashara's eyes to soften -- and a smile to appear. "M-meet him? Now?" he trips over his words like a fool, uncertainty rushing through his body. And it hit him, only now after all of this, it truly hit him -- he had a son. A son whose birth he had missed, a son he had tried to forget, to keep out of his mind and his heart and his soul. A son who will grow up with his blood, but not his name.

Varyns breathing gets faster, anxiety rushing through him as he grapples with the heaviness of truth that only now unleashed its weight on him like some sort of cruel and twisted punishment. He placed his hand on the wall beside him, closing his eyes to steady his breathing, to ground himself in the moment and avert the uprising of panic. -- Once he could finally breathe again, and his ears no longer buzzed and he opened his eyes to find her yet again. Varyn fixed his posture and cleared his throat to say "I should meet him at once." nervousness heavy with each word, he gestured at the guards to follow in their way.

As they walk, he begins to feel a strange sense of protectiveness. Though he highly doubted he would ever truly care for the child, as much as he would for hiding him away -- he did not by any means, wish him harm either. With voice nothing but a whisper, he we lean. "I do wish you have kept him out of the city, this is no place --" for a bastard. He did not dare say it. "It's not safe for him here. You're no fool, you know as much." he stops again, in his step. "Why did you bring him here?"

she was hardly unaware of her disadvantage in size next to the towering lannister, but to be whisked off into a corner in an attempt to silence her only added fuel to the flames. ashara bristled with abandon, hands yanking again at the fine fabric the master of coin clad himself in — with every intention of tearing the cloth. let him return to his sycophantic lickspittles looking as if a wild beast had mauled him for all she cared. "yes, i have gone mad! mad with grief! mad as any woman would, left without an answer to the most important piece of information she could possibly divulge."

for a long time, there was nothing. she stood frozen to the spot, a wildly searching mind piecing together the puzzle until the image became discernible at last. this was an explanation so gutting, it had not once occurred to her in all the months since their separation. it was too good to be true, her heart protested immediately. "no, you... no. you are lying through your teeth."

not one version of this fateful encounter she had conjured in her mind had accounted for varyn's innocence. she shook her head vehemently, features twisting in agony over the magnitude of his revelation. "i sent only one raven because i feared that if were my letters were intercepted... all three of us would suffer." even in her forsaken state, she had chosen to protect him. ashara had known the risks of sharing a man's bed out of wedlock, and felt not a lick of shame for having shared his. even the risks of giving her heart to another (unworthy recipient, as he was) were known to her. the reason why she had protected his good name was painfully simple: she had done it out of love. and now, she alone suffered the consequences in the wake of his absence.

"do you swear it? swear on everything you hold dear that you did not know." the surge of raw, unadulterated emotion was too much — a tidal wave threatening to swallow her whole. ashara felt her knees weaken as a sob tore through her, followed by another so gut-wrenching even the gods must have lamented at the sound of it. she braced herself against his arms, tear-filled eyes looking up and into his with a familiar tenderness she had vowed he would never relish in again.

"we have a son. a perfect little boy. olyver." oh, the things he had missed. every flutter and kick, the shrill cry with which he had announced himself to the world, his curious gaze when ashara had pressed the bundle tightly to her chest. she could speak of him endlessly, but she settled on a fact none could deny if they knew of the child's parentage. "with every day, he is more his father's likeness." and for once, she managed to smile at the admission. "varyn... you must meet him, please."

[prodixal]

Varyn could hardly digest polite and shallow conversation. Small talk. Pleasantries. Though years of practice have made him somewhat of an expert on the matter. He navigated social situations with relative ease. It was like a combat, of sorts, one first had to gauge the others honour, motives, resolve. Then study their movement closely. From the way they wielded their sword, to the way they moved their feet. It was all crucial to absorb, to understand. And once he applied that same logic to conversation, and realised every one of them was secretly a battle, things had began to move much more smoothly.

Conversation with Jaenara, while simple on the surface, was bound to layer its complexities in time. Or so he hoped. "It sure was. Though I suppose the term 'difficult' is relative, isn't it? Rarely do we speak of who made the already difficult times all the more so -- and who paid the price." his words could easily constitute treason. Speaking ill of those in power, of the way they conducted their affairs, was a downright stupid move, though if he were to share such opinions with anyone -- a Velaryon was his best bet.

After all, what could any of them pass on, that he could not easily deny?

"I would not dare speak ill of our Queens hospitality, though 'm afraid the city's charms have been lost on me. It is but a mixture of stone and steel and piss and poverty. There are much, much finer places to be." on any other day, his view of the place might've been more positive. But knowing this was now his home, knowing this is where he would spend most of his days, made him feel like a lion trapped in a cage, forced to perform tricks in a circus made to entertain masters and clowns alike. Pitiful existence. Displeasure hard to contain. "I do hope your impressions of the city have been better thus far, my lady. First time?"

Jae gazed up at the man, immediately recognizing him as a Lannister by not only the color of his hair, but his expression and attitude. It took a little bit of effort to fight the smirk that threatened to appear on her face. It must be Varyn. She'd heard rumors about him.

"I suppose you're right," she said graciously, nodding her head, still maintaining a pleasant smile. "We're lucky the children are fed and happy enough to be screaming. It was a difficult winter." Practiced compliance; rehearsed gratitude. She had a happy suspicion Lord Lannister wouldn't provide her the same.

"You don't seem too glad to be back in King's Landing. Do you prefer the comforts of home over the hospitality of the queen?" She tilts her chin up, eyes glinting just a little.

[prodixal]

Varyn enjoyed Vaegon, as company, as a person. But every moment spent with the other reminded him to thank the seven not making this man an heir. It would be almost as tragic as Varyn himself assuming the throne, the whole place would fall apart in a matter of hours. -- Lucky for them both, they were the 'spares'. Children easily overlooked, left to their own devices and...many vices. And it was hard to tell if they were worse or better for it.

"Master of coin." he repeats through a laugh, warmth of wine and affection he had for Vaegon burned around his heart and he wished they could stay stuck in this moment forever. Everything was perfect. Just now. "What a humorous predicament. I s'ppose they found my distribution of Lannister gold across southern brothels extremely impressive." he laughs yet again, smashing the cup of beer down against the table with force that would have been notice had it not been for all the noise and laughter and passion in the air. "And impressive it was, my prince, I ought to tell you all about it sometime. -- Were you aware Dornish girls can pour wine in ones mouth by holding the bottle between their buttocks as their own mouths are 'round ones cock? It is beyond talent."

As the prince mentions a tour he would be more than happy to partake in, Varyn raises his cup to him. "Hear, hear!" -- "To your good health! And may we have all the fun this place can afford us, I should take you on your word."

vaegon was not picky with his company, if you could keep up with him and have a good time, he was happy. perhaps he should choosier but that was not him. so when varyn joined him in celebration with cups of wine and good vibes, he was not one to turn it down. with music flowing as much as the alcohol, vaegon was in a particularly good mood. "ah my lovely mother!" he cheered as it took a swig of his wine.

following varyn's lead, vaegon dropped down next to him at the table, blind to varyn's lack of manners. vaegon was one to do whatever he pleased, but he was at least a little nicer about it. "perhaps now that you are master of coin, you can see how we entertain in the capital. it is not all business and piss in the streets here. if it was, i would have flown away years ago." not that vaegon doesn't dear of doing that every day. "i'll have to give you a personal tour of all my favorite places in the city to have a little fun."

[prodixal]

Varyn was good with faces, especially those that stood out of the crowd. And while he had not seen the other in years, possibly decades, the white cloak was all the reminder he needed of Snow. "No need." he nods his head as a sign of respect, more as an instinct than anything else -- bowing a head to a northern bastard, even a highly regarded one, always left a bitter taste in his mouth. The lot had always prided themselves for their honour and loyalty, looking down on those who transgressed in such manner, yet here they were...snowing all the way down to Piss' Landing.

Still, Varyn understood his feelings were more of a general distaste for the Starks and Karstarks and whatever other variation of Starks the north might've pulled out of its frozen asshole, and not for any one person. So he stayed civil. "My men will move me in as I attend the ceremony. I am sure your honourable staff is plenty busy as is. I would just..." he stops in his tracks, looking the other over, wondering who would best whom in a duel now that they were no longer children. "-- hate to be an inconvenience." he gestures to his men to proceed without him and then his focus will fall entirely on them. "So? A nice white cloak, I see." a pause. "And how is celibacy treating you?"

open starter where: the halls of the red keep, day one

as the guests begin to arrive for the queens festivities, alson has been appointed to help those who have come to visit. the guard was in full force as the castle fills with those from all over the seven kingdoms, friends and foes a like. clothed in her white cloak and queensguard armor, alson walked through the halls, making sure everything was okay. with this many people coming to the castle, there was bound to be some issue, big or small and it was her job to help. spotting someone coming into the keep, she nods a curious hello. "good morrow, the welcome feast should begin shortly. do you need help with your things? i can call someone to help."

[prodixal]

Vaegon had always been the easiest dragon for Varyn to digest. They had many things in common -- Dornish wine, Northern ale, Eastern beer. Many things indeed. And now, several cups in and many tunes past, good spirits were flowing through his veins and he had near-forgotten where he was or why. He was simply just happy to be here. So as the other poured him yet another cup of dry and sour wine, calling him up to a song, he did not protest. "To your mother!" he raises his cup, throwing an arm over the others shoulder as they fall into a song.

Some time later, he grew tired. Or perhaps the drink had moved from his head to his legs and he had temporarily lost balance. So moved past the silver-haired prince and sat himself down on the table, pushing others out of the way. "I must say, I did not expect to be so well ent-entertained..."

open starter where: the garden feast, day one

of course, this event was for his mother, a celebration of her 40th year on the throne and the beginning of spring after a long winter, but vaegon enjoyed any excuse to drink and be merry. sure, he was trying to be on his best behavior for his families sake, but that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy himself just a little. having his cup refilled by a serving boy, vaegon clapped his hands for the singer. "let us hear the bear and the maiden fair!" he calls out to the singer. as the singer changed tunes, he stared to sway his head a little to the music. "that one is my favorite," he says, turning to the guest at the table next to him. "come on, we must enjoy ourselves in my mother's name!" vaegon held is cup up to his companion. he was always a fan of singers, music seemed to make the castle feel better for him rather than a stuffy cage he can never truly escape. hearing songs coming from the north or all the way from essos seemed to make it a little better.

[prodixal]

"Rheyna." he will repeat back her name, like an honour, and a smile will follow the word with satisfaction very much present on his face. He was not above a stolen moment in the dark, an inappropriate gaze set to linger a tad too long.

But to speak freely in front of a royal, even one whose last name did not match the rest, was a risk far too great. Varyn dared cross many lines, but to dive into territory of truths that had him tongue-tied, was something else entirely. He would not give local whisperers the satisfaction of his mind, they were already privy to more of him than he should ever like to accept.

"I would not dare hide from you, sweet Rheyna. Nor question the solidity of your word. But it is more than your ears alone which inhabit these halls, and I fear others might not be so generous." having said that, he will offer out a hand in a sly attempt to inquire more privacy, and he will do it with so much poise one could easily mistake him for a decent man.

"We might yet find a corner worthy of truth-saying. Should my lady be wiling to accompany me for a walk?" Cersha would scold him now, if she could, and a smile on his lips is almost in protest to imaginary words. He meant it when he promised not to make his sisters life harder within the dragons den, but he was allowed some harmless fun? Was he not?

"Shouldn't be so hard, finding you a solid match. Such beauty." he looked over at her briefly. "Though I suppose if our dearest Queen should wish to make the matter easier for herself - or you - she need only extend the privilege of her very name. I cannot fathom what possible difficulty that might present, all things considered." Varyn never quite understood why the Queen chose to keep her daughter nameless, felt particularly cruel. But it was also not for him to wonder.

"I have asked for your hand. Once." truth came out to surprise him, and he did not know what reason he had to express it at this moment in time. It was hardly relevant. "Needless to say, it never led anywhere. But the intent was there. I would hate for you to feel discouraged on this matter, knowing how very...desirable you are, indeed." there's a softness to his voice not normally present. "In more ways than one. I might add."

A laugh will follow her curiously posed question and he will shake his head at the prospect of other young ladies and his attention. After a day he had, perhaps it was not unwise at all to stay away from women altogether. If only he had been stronger in that regard. "My sister is concerned that my actions might reflect badly on her. Not sure you're aware princess --" he corrects himself. "Rheyna -- but the world revolves around Cersha Lannister." he jokes, on his sisters account, as he often did, but will reel it in regardless.

"I understand her concerns, however. It is no longer proper for a man of my standing to behave like a boy. Though I cannot help it. -- I am very much aware of my reputation, and while I can confirm it mostly does proceed me, I am curious..." he will stop in his tracks now, to give her a proper look, his eyes meeting hers in narrow, in wonder. "What is it you think of me, sweet princess?"

❝ Rheyna , if you please . ❞ After all , she wasn't used to being called a PRINCESS unless the word BASTARD was in front of it . even then , the family archive just had her as RHEYNA WATERS .

her mother hadn't legitimized her although people are talking , considering these past few months , rheyna had been at her side . ❝ you are free to be yourself in front of me , if you like . say what you want . do what you want and you have my word that whatever you do or say won't leave my lips . ❞ although , she did know of his reputation .

❝ you're curious , not overstepping ... but I am sure it won't , when our queen is doing everything she can to find someone to wed me off to . ❞ She lightly laughed at the idea that anyone would even say yes . she had dragon's blood but she was a bastard no less . rheyna would never guess that the man before her , one she had a admire when she was young , asked his father permission for her hand .

In all honesty , she didn't mind never getting married . sure enough , her siblings would let her stay where she was if she stuck to her path as she always did ... and if they decide they want her out , then perhaps she would finally be FREE . ❝ I needed a bit of a moment for myself . decide if I should hide away for the rest of the night with enough wine or do my due diligence . ❞ she was not used to these events .

❝ and what about you ? I am sure your family would like you at their side or given your status , the ladies are just waiting to steal a moment with you . ❞ she lightly teased

[prodixal]

All Tararyens stood out from the Westerosi crowd. With their silver white hair, and striking eyes, beauty was a gift they often held alongside their dragons. And lady Waters had, perhaps, been most gifted of all. She was so strikingly beautiful, it almost excused the fact she was a royal bastard. Almost.

Varyn was not immune to the sight of her either, finding his gaze lingering upon her face a moment longer than would consider proper. And while he blamed it on a mixture of wine and smoke, he knew well enough that even a sober mind would find it difficult to look away. Darkness moved out of her path, light of candles reflected against her skin as if the fire itself worshipped at her alter. She was a dragon, through and through, and he had always admired that about her.

He recalled a moment the girl entered her twentieth name day, when he expressed wishes to his own father of marrying the beauty and his father shut it down faster than he could finish the sentence. 'I will not have our good Lannister name tarnished by your foolishness, boy!'. And that put an end to that. From then on, he had kept his distance. Not just from her, but from Kings Landing as a whole.

Varyn had never before, nor after, expressed any desire to wed. He would not be used as a pawn in his families political schemes. So he continued his travels. And he was happier for it.

Now as his gaze finally diverted from her features and her words filled the air, a smile spread over and he stood up to kiss her hand. Honour her with a greeting worthy of a noble woman. Which she had not been. "Wise words indeed, princess. Though I should say, being myself in a crowd such as this might warrant more trouble than I am willing to face." loose tongue of a Lannister could have them all walk the planks to their own untimely demise, and he had less self-control than most. That reputation did proceed him. Something his company was likely all too aware of. "Would not be proper for myself to be in your way regardless. But much appreciated."

Politeness was rare with him, but not unheard of. "Apologies if I overstep, but I do wonder why it is you are not by your mothers side? Surely your absence won't go unnoticed."

rheyna excused herself from being at her mother's side . YOU MUST MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION . YOUR BEAUTY ALONE CAN NOT SPEAK FOR ITSELF . THEY MUST KNOW WHO YOU ARE . the queen's words kept repeating over and over in her head as she greeted others , while she rather be elsewhere . especially when some of the people that greeted her held prejudice in their eyes . yet could do nothing about it but tolerate it .

she just wanted at least thirty minutes to herself , considering the day already seemed overwhelming . how in the gods did people not get tired ? or were the lords and ladies so used to these kinds of gatherings that it was simply another duty for them ? well , for some when others are clearly here for the entertainment and drinks ... and to indulge in their carnal desires .

after a moment alone in one of the balconies , rheyna excused herself from the couple who thought they were alone when they entered . coming down the stairs , the girl raised an eyebrow as lord varyn lannister spoke up .

listening rheyna simply smiled in amusement . ❝ I find that wine only helps others in becoming who they truly are . Show their true colors . After all , there are only three types of people who you can always count on to always tell the truth .... CHILDREN , THE DRUNKS , AND DRAGONS . ❞ the Targaryen bastard shook her head as looked at the lannister lord . ❝ I can easily go around you . You aren't that large to take up the entire stairs , my lord .. ❞

[prodixal]

Varyn was many things, but late was never one of them. It was a quality others often praised, and as he loved praise -- he nourished it. But being on time came with such a long list of disadvantages, he was starting to question its purpose. He must have been pacing around, sitting down, getting back up, refilling his cup -- for over an hour before having the honour of finally laying eyes upon a familial face. He was wondering whom he'd encounter first, and his heart softened in knowledge it would be her.

"My dearest Lessa, what a sight for sore eyes." he gets up to his feet, taking her hand to pull her into an embrace. If he had allowed himself time to miss anyone over the last couple of years, he would have started with her. "I have missed you. Please --" he gestures back at the chair, glancing over at her occasionally as they spoke. "You have missed nothing of importance." he was too annoyed at the lack of entertainment that he dismissed the topic instantly before it grew into anger. "Tell me, how has Kings Landing been treating you?"

where: the garden feast

the lady lannister makes her way through the castle, rushing through the halls to make it to the gardens where the welcoming feast is being held. she had forgotten a necklace, something gifted to her many years ago by her mother, and she just needed to be wearing it. even if it meant strolling in late. even if it meant catching a glare from the queen herself. surely vaelora could save her from the queen's ire. making her way out to the gardens, she hurries to her seat. she turns to the person next to her with a gentle smile. "i didn't miss anything, did i? no speeches or anything, right?" she's slightly out of breath.

[prodixal]

Varyn Lannister had many flaws, though he would never admit it. But one stood higher above others -- his unrelenting lust for women. It was the source of most of his pleasures, that much could not be denied. But it was also a source of near-all his worries. He was certain that, someday and somehow, he would meet his untimely end at the hand of a woman. All he could really hope for, in such case, is that she might be naked while serving that final blow.

His mind only quickly passed over that very thought as her clever words took his own and spun them in a way that allowed for a smug smirk to assume his features. "Oh it is a delicate art." he leans in, instinctively. "Though, I suppose I could find time in my schedule, now that I am to inhabit these halls. I've a feeling you'd make..." his head will tilt as his eyes fall to her lips, softened. "-- a very fast learner indeed."

Whatever sense of decorum and cautiousness Varyn might've had, was left behind with the shadows, because once he was on his feet and she set way to a location beyond his knowledge, he followed without hesitation. The walk of silence gave him a moment to think, but instead of using it to wisen up and discern the gravity of his actions with the young princess, his mind took him places so improper he would have blushed had he been in possession of even an ounce of shame.

The smell of herbs entered the new and private air around them, and Varyn felt more at ease than he probably should have. His eyes remained on her every move, like a lion studying his prey. Then her question caught him by surprise, throwing him ever so slightly off balance. "You certainly waste no time." he laughs, but then a shrug lifts up his shoulders and he will scratch the back of his neck. "Dorne always makes for an experience hard to verbalise. The heat and people and culture -- it is a far cry from all the fake composure Kings Landing seems to uphold. I may have enjoyed myself a bit more than I should have. Or so I have been told." he purposefully avoids mention of any bastards, but does so in a manner easy to overlook.

"I believe you would find yourself enjoying the places I've been, princess. The herbs, the freedom -- being alone in the dark with a lord or a lady of your liking. There are opportunities there one can scarcely find up here." it seems he gets closer to her with every passing word, though it is subtle and smooth and he plays it off by offering a lit match for their herbs to spark. "Perhaps I ought to take you there, someday. Though I have no doubts in my mind you have managed to find your own fun, in this fun-desolate place?"

while the glimmer of the young lannister boy whose uncharacteristic brown hair remained lingering in his earth-colored eyes, the varyn lannister who came back to king's landing after his sojourn to dorne was a different man. and said man certainly treated her differently now... now that she was more of a woman as much as he was a man. his teasing was no longer as innocent and brutish as it once was; everything felt... veiled, tantalizingly veiled. which excited the targaryen princess immensely. she was pleased to find that she had abandoned all the invitations for a dance by others, only to engage in one in the darks with the varyn lannister. surely her mother would not approve of this one, but alas that was what made it fun.

"Intimate methods of elicitation from a man behind closed doors, you say?" helaena lowered her lids and raised a knowing silver brow. "i am afraid such knowledge is lost to me, my lord. i don't suppose you could find time to teach me a thing or two about it sometimes?"

when he stood up to join her, helaena noticed the split moment where dizziness gripped (and then quickly released) his large, dominating frame. she teasingly pushed a fingertip at his chest as if her small push could help steady him. and coincidentally, it landed right above his beating heart. "steady yourself now, my lord. i do not want to have to call grey ghost in to drag you back to your chambers."

and off they went. silently, except for the swishing of their silk and leathers and the softest fall of their feet. helaena did not cower around the corridors like a thief, the guards knew better than to question a princess. but soon they were far away enough that she could turn around to look at her companion while freeing the leather strings from her pouch of herbs, letting their nostrils get a taste first. "how was your stay in dorne? met any worthy lords and ladies? fathered any bastards?"

[prodixal]

People changed. And while change may have been hard to notice for an ever present eye, it was strikingly apparent to all those who had the fortune of returning to a sight of change after years passed by. The girl he had left behind, was now a woman whose piercing gaze he found all too appealing. And perhaps it had been the wine, or the shadows dancing about the halls following the candle light, that made him forget his own promises of good behaviour.

A smirk is devious, appearing the exact moment she reached out for his offer of wine, and he will study her briefly, silent, cautious. If women had taught him anything over the years, is that not one of them was like the other, and a man had to keep his guard up -- particularly around those whose mere word could change the trajectory of his entire life. And yet, Varyn was a gambler. Good one at that. And he was willing to risk his life, his sisters life, his family name, for whatever temporary amusement this would turn out to be.

Teasing was nothing new with the girl, she had done so plenty throughout their lives, but the words were heavier now. Different. People changed.

"Oh do not be selling yourself short now, sweet princess. Your value both in name and power may be easily dismissed within the confines of your family, but for the rest of us...impossible to overlook." Varyn spoke many lies, so much so, even he struggled at times to discern them from the truth. But his words now, they were factual -- something everyone could see. "Ah --" he smiles. "It appears being a master of coin prompts others to seek gold out, 'stead of giving it away. But do not fret, I have methods of turning those tables around. More...calculated, I suppose. Intimate. One can get many things out of a man, behind closed doors."

Eyes widen in surprise at what follows next, and he looks around quickly as if to confirm this was not some kind of trick -- a mirage. "My my, you certainly know how to carve up a quick path to a mans heart." he gets up to his feet, blood flowing from his head down to his feet in a manner that left him feeling lightheaded for a split second. "You may lead the way, princess. I won't be far behind."

a second son, famed for his reputation as a sweet-tongued womanizer, bound by duty and blood to become responsible and reaffirm his great house name. but helaena knew varyn as the older lannister boy whose horse threw him off the ground in the middle of a quick trot. the boy whose wilder side was much akin to hers than some people whose blood she shared.

and how scandalous of his lordship to be offering an unwed princess sweet nectar in the dark! but then well... what else should she expect from the famed varyn lannister? grabbing the bottle by its neck like a prized dornish serpent freshly captured, the princess took a large sip of the offered wine while still maintaining her lingering gaze on his charming, handsome lannister feature.

"bold of you to presume i am someone of importance!" she laughed and turned her head to look back at the shimmering crowd cladded in silk and gold. "i would assume someone of your importance should be over there, wining and dining great lords to fill our coffers with their blood gold despite your so-called timeout, my lord master of coins?"

she jested. "but if you do decide against going back out there, i have just the right stuff to liven up the night." and with that, she put the bottle down and fished a small pouch from the anklet she donned. the leather safely enclosed the smell of the grounded leaves inside, but one could certainly smell it if close enough. "do you dare? or do you dare not, my lord coin master?"

[prodixal]

He was anticipating anger, so it came as no surprise. What he could not predict was the extent to which such anger would affect him. There was a sense of regret over the matter by which he conducted himself regarding their ordeal. But what good would the truth bring them now?

For the past year he had done what he could, to put her out of his mind. Better off without him, as he was often told. After all, he was not cut out to be a father, a husband, a person of any value outside of his name and gold. Ashara was smart, too smart, she must've known as much. So it was beyond him why she would want him involved in her predicament regardless of his stance on it.

Varyn met her piercing gaze, with internal resolve not to let his pretences falter. So he replied in a manner he imagined a man with no knowledge, would do. "You wound me. Aren't vipers more common in the south?" his brows furrow in faked confusion. "Forgive me, have I done something to offend you?" voice drops down to a near whisper. "I should think we parted ways on a rather pleasant note. I understand my departure might have been sudden, but your tone would imply otherwise."

Nice one, he praises himself internally for the outstanding choice of cruel words and his eyes soften at the sight of hers, as if to affirm his own innocence.

Then her tone shifts to a higher note, and her insults come flying like sharpened daggers aimed swiftly at their target, and for a moment he does not have to 'fake' a surprise, for he genuinely had been...surprised.

With no hesitation, he pulls her to the side as one would a naughty child. And while there were no watchful eyes around, he knew better than to assume there would be no hidden ears in different unassuming corners. Vipers may have thrived in the city, as she had previously noted, but it was spiders one ought to be weary of.

He proceeds to listen to every word set on fire, his soul lit in a manner he could hardly contain. Anger he understood, but Dornish anger was a different sort of burn, and this one had been months in the making. Whatever shred of possibility of him coming clean ever existed, was now fully gone. And his voice fell into a true yet intense whisper. "Have you gone mad?" his nostrils flared as he looked around, ensuring yet again they were out of sight.

"And pray tell, my Lady --" it was his words now that held a harshness to them. "Has it ever occurred to you I may not have received this letter of which you speak? Perhaps it is arrogant of me to assume I should be given more credit, after all, I am a spineless cunt -- was it?" he backs away from her now, brushing his fingers through his hair. And while his emotions were twirling, they were not entirely a lie. He truly was on edge, which could be easily misread for genuine shock or, even surprise -- if paired with the right words, that is.

"We have a son?" One letter. She had only ever sent -- one. He could use that. He could. He could shift the blame, make her a fool. But even he could not be so cruel. "We have..." his voice trails off. Then he composes himself, as if for her benefit, and looks her dead in the eye. She was pure of heart, she was...good, and he knew it was wrong. He knew, she would believe him. She would want to. He prayed to the mother she would. "I did not get your letter. I did not know."

the art of mincing one's words was lost on the lady dayne, for she saw no merit in it whatsoever. when she was kind, she did so from the goodness of her heart and devoid of ulterior motive, and when she set out to lacerate, her acrimony was rarely if ever baseless. ashara thanked the gods she was no firstborn, for the ability to express her thoughts fearlessly was a liberty she treasured immensely. similarly, emotions were never feigned — flared nostrils and tight jaw telltale signs of a seeping fury possessing her being.

her relentless glare found his eyes, eyes she had once seen a world of endless possibility and beauty in, and then she scoffed at his predicament. varyn was a spoilt man child, with far more power than a lord of his low calibre should ever be entrusted with. "you misunderstand me, my words were not kind. there is no honour in being yet another viper in a pit of vipers, but it is precisely where you belong, lord lannister. your father sounds like a wise man."

one moment, ashara felt in control of the situation, and the next, his words knocked the very breath from her lungs. her lord husband. tears she would not dare shed in his presence stung in her eyes so viciously she blinked several times before she had composed herself enough to go in for the kill. despite standing considerably shorter than the man, ashara hand grabbed a fistful of his tunic and tugged hard.

"you spineless cunt. you have the gall to lie to me so brazenly?" she spat at a volume that would have surely earned them curious onlookers, had they not moved away from public scrutiny. "i remain unwed. my son was born six moons ago. where were you, nine months prior to his birth? surely the newly-minted master of coin knows his numbers." she could not bring herself to say her son's name in his presence. varyn should not be privy to it, he had no right to speak it aloud.

"i wrote to you on his behalf! not on my own, but to spare him of a fatherless existence. i did not ask for your name, only that you would be present for his birth. present in his life. i waited for months for your answer. you did not even care to inquire about his health, or mine, for that matter... and now, you refuse to acknowledge his existence?"

[prodixal]

His eyes glisten against the dim lights of the hall and he is thoroughly amused by the others lightness of spirit. Helaena was a force in her own right, raised with less expectations than most her siblings, only to have it change with cruelty of time. Varyn was not sure the exact weight of her responsibilities, having only been back a short amount of time, he was not even sure the weight of his own. Master of coin, how happy should the brothels be now that he is in charge of crowns gold.

"My sister hits with her legs, I fear the agreement to do so was my only way out of such an ordeal." he smiles, though he follows it with another gulp of sweet wine. A laugh embraces her words and he will shake his head before eyes search for hers in the dark. "Is that so? Tell me, my lady, would it so please you to see my head mounted on a spike? For it seems that should be the new consequences of my uncomfortable truths, or so I have been warned." leaning forward, he does take advantage of their current isolation. "Still, one might indulge in such a risk regardless, given the right company."

A mere chuckle is present to avoid mockery, but he cannot help agreeing with every word and the sublime message they carried. "Such sweetness is bound to rot ones teeth, I suppose it is why so many married people no longer smile. But who am I to pass judgment on swan cakes and ever burning devotion? I scarcely give way to either." he passes the bottle now, a friendly offer, and is curious on whether or not the lady would find it proper to accept in the shadows. Being alone was already a risk they both should have been more weary to partake. "Tell me. What parts you away from your families grand swan cakes? Surely there's better places to be for someone of your...importance."

the festivities soon bored helaena despite them being the only time within the red keep when her mother would not chastise her drinking and feasting. the vapid consumption was still kept on a tight-ish leash of propriety; none really truly allowed themselves to let loose the animals inside themselves for fear of embarrassment and shame to their good names.

"time out? now why would you ever agree to that, lord master of coins?" helaena chuckled when she came upon the lannister that sat at her mother's council. she held up a hand to stop whatever bow or nod or good gentlemanly greetings he would have to offer a princess and slipped behind a column that would hide her from the public view of the feast-gatherers. "i was counting on you blurting out an uncomfortable truth when you have had enough wine in your veins, my lord."

her teasing was not at all untruthful. helaena's nerves had been pulsating and she could no longer stand the performative pleasantry anymore. "what do you think of the swan cakes, lord varyn? i think it is a tad too big, and too sweet. but it is meant to symbolize my lord father and lady mother's ever-burning devotion to one another. how queer!"