#muse ╲ elyra brax › interactions.

[isefyres-archive]

@dcviline asked: (one bed): while on the run, our muses must share a bed. (Brynden @ Elyra)

Life   on   the   run   is   not   what   she   expected   to   be.   His   army   doesn't   treat   her   like   a   spy   or   intruder,   but   she   prefers   to   be   as   close   as   Brynden   as   it   was   possible.   They   already   whispered   about   her,   ever   since   he   was   her   guard   back   at   the   Twins   and   kept   her   nights   occupied   with   chatter   and   laughter,   so   she   sees   no   further   damage   to   just   let   them   continue   wonder.   The   room   is   not   that   big,   compared   to   what   she   was   used   to,   but   better   than   a   cell,   all   things   given.

  "I   could   always   sleep   with   the   other   women   by   the   tent.   You   do   not   need   to   share   a   bed   with   me."   Not   that   the   idea   bothers   her,   if   he   could   see   the   tainted   blush   upon   her   cheeks,   he   would   see   the   prospect   is   not   one   that   bothers   her.   She   leaves   the   chall   that   covered   her   hair   on   the   nightstand,   grateful   to   let   her   hair   let   loose.   Westerland   ladies   are   not   that   used   to   intricate   designs   unless   they   were   wed   and   she   performed   her   hair   lose.   "But   the   way   I   see   it.   They   already   talk   about   us,   you   know?   They   say   I   bewitched   you."

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What   a   cruel   reality.   The   bittersweet   moment   she   realizes   that   war   has   taken   so   much   of   them   and   yet,   without   it,   perhaps   they   would've   never   met.   She   would   be   sporting   Lannister   colors   through   marriage   if   no   war   had   been   taken   place.   And   he   would   likely   still   be   there   at   the   Riverlands,   probably   made   into   the   heir   of   his   family,   taking   residence   in   his   ancestral   home   and   all   they   would   know   of   one   another   would   be   names   in   family   trees.   Hands   fall   on   his   cheeks,   knowing   he   was   right.   She   had   to   make   room   for   her   goodbyes   and   the   only   family   she   had   there   was   her   brother.   Elyra   thinks   perhaps   it's   best   to   just   leave   and   say   nothing   but   he   is   her   kin,   and   perhaps   someone   who   would   understand   she   had   to   get   away.

  "Then   I   shall   do   that.   But   you   should   find   me   after,   then."   Her   brother   would   keep   her   secret,   perhaps   spread   a   rumor   or   two   so   her   memory   would   not   be   tarnished   at   first.   That   she   was   taken   against   her   will   and   whenever   they   are   out   of   danger,   perhaps   rumors   would   speak   of   a   forbidden   affair,   like   that   of   Lyanna   Stark   and   Rhaegar   Targaryen.   Oh   how   many   ballads   they   were   around   of   fair   maidens   and   the   men   who   take   them,   willingly   or   not   and   she   is   about   to   sum   that   list.   "I   have   little   belongings   here   too.   I   will   bid   my   brother   farewell   and   then   ride   away   with   you."   And   his   army   toward   the   North,   what   a   curious   thing.

ㅤㅤㅤIF HE WASN'T BEFORE, THEN SHE'S CERTAINLY MADE HIM ONE. Others will surely think so, that he is a fool for letting this woman of House Brax so close to him. First an enemy, then a captive, then released into a reality where war has devastated her family. Who would not seek retribution in those circumstances? It's what he would do, but Elyra has proven she is unlike anyone else. ❝ Maybe I am foolish. Some would accurse me for consorting with a woman who they still deem an enemy. ❞ But after the betrayal of the Boltons and the Freys against them all, he finds himself ill at ease around his own brothers in arms now. How long before one of them decides to cut their losses and sells out the rest of them? Somehow in the middle of this entire mess, she is the only one who he doubts would betray him, for what could she possibly gain by forsaking her family's oaths and running off under the banners of a fallen army?

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ Little value to the lions, maybe. But not to me. ❞ Brynden leans ever so slightly, letting his forehead press against hers. ❝ My father has betrayed our family. My home is no longer my home. Most of my friends are dead or held captive, and those that remain at my side, I am not sure if I can trust. ❞ What drives him is not hope, really, but vengeance. This blackened urge within him to push forward out of spite; to bear his teeth or die fighting. Like an injured dog, all he knows now is how to fight back, how to bite the ones who struck at him. There is no glory in what he seeks, and he knows that. There is only ruin for him. All of it . . . except for her, who reminded him what it was like to feel something other than anger or despair with only a touch of her hand. ❝  You are the only bright thing left in my life. ❞ And he would risk it all just to keep her at his side.

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ We must go tonight. I know it's not much time, but my men have lingered too close. If we are noticed, then we will not survive. ❞ Time runs short when you are an enemy of the crown; especially when you are an enemy with a fractured army to hide. They are still regrouping, and they would be easier to pick off until they join with other splintered remnants in the North. ❝ You should say goodbye to your brother while you have the chance. I cannot guess when you will be able to see him again. ❞

[isefyres]

𝔐𝔬𝔰𝔱 𝔴𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 𝔭𝔢𝔯 𝔢𝔯𝔞:

CONQUEST ERA. aegon i targaryen, rhaenys targaryen, obsidia celtigar, torrhen stark, brandon snow, thorea stark.

JAEHERYS ERA. alaric stark, alyssa targaryen, baelon targaryen, viserra targaryen, saera targaryen, alarra stark.

DANCE ERA. laena velaryon, jacaerys velaryon, rhaena targaryen, serafia celtigar, kermit tully. floris baratheon, cassandra baratheon, heleana targaryen, criston cole, aemond targaryen, daeron targaryen. viserys i targaryen, rhea royce, lea tyrell, aliandra martell, lyandra saan.

POST DANCE ERA. viserys ii targaryen, jaehaera targaryen, myrmadora haen.

REBELLION ERA. rhaegar targaryen, ser arthur dayne, ashara dayne, elia martell, ned stark, catelyn tully.

MAIN ERA. osney kettleblack, balerion blackfyre, orysa baratheon, cersei lannister, tywin lannister, joanna swyft, laena longwaters, gendry baratheon, shireen baratheon, alynne connington, jon connington, vera dondarrion, rolland storm, shyra errol, daven lannister, addam mallister, elyra brax, jeyne westerling, joy hill, edmure tully, barbara bracken, eleanor mooton, liane vance, bethany blackwood, astor sunderly, gyselle goodbrother, wallace waynwood, myranda royce, lyn corbay, mya stone, bryanna coldwater, harrold hardyng, jennis templeton, catelyn stark, jeyne poole, mara mormont, jorah mormont, wylla manderly, alys karstark, beth cassel, brandon cassel, freyia knott, sigorn of thenn, howland reed, ellaria sand, edric dayne, gwayne dayne, addam whitehead, quira qorgyle, trystane martell, harmen uller, jeyne fowler, willas tyrell, elinor tyrell, desmora redwyne, megga tyrell, eleana vyrwel, bayard norcross, taena merryweather, tommen costayne, irri, doreah, lysandro orthys, narcyssa orthys, ezzara, sariah, cahira, malakai veltheos,

INDIVIDUAL BLOGS WITH MOST MUSE: JON SNOW | ROBB STARK | MYRCELLA BARATHEON | SARA SNOW | JAIME LANNISTER. | MELISANDRE. | CREGAN STARK. | DAEMON TARGARYEN | VISERYS III TARGARYEN | ALICENT HIGHTOWER. | RHAENYRA TARGARYEN | DAENERYS TARGARYEN | LYANNA STARK | MYSARIA OF LYS | SANSA STARK | MARGAERY TYRELL | VAL OF THE FREE FOLK | OBERYN MARTELL.

bold: most likely to respond faster and high need to write. italics: testing or wanting more interactions. nothing: can go either way.

*note: jacaerys velaryon, willas tyrell and maybe ashara dayne will get single blogs possible but they remain here. you can request things from solo blogs here or on my discord: caliofhousestark

[west1rosi]

WEST1ROSI⸻ INDEPENDENT,   MUTUAL   EXCLUSIVE   AND   SELECTIVE   BLOG   FOR   A MULTIMUSE FEATURING MUSES FROM A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE AND HBO'S HOUSE OF THE DRAGON AND GAME OF THRONES.   CST + 3.   SHE/HER.   WRITTEN   BY   CALI. (#)

due  to  the  nature  of  the  books  and  the  show,  this  blog  is  not  for  minors.  21+  and  above.

MOST ACTIVE MUSES: cregan stark, daemon targaryen, cassandra baratheon, desmera redwyne, willas tyrell, margaery tyrell, gendry baratheon, ashara dayne, arthur dayne, orysa baratheon, jeyne poole.

MUSES THAT REQUIRE MORE INTERACTIONS: argella durrandon, torrhen stark, bryanna stark, tywin lannister, elyra brax, allya greyjoy, indya sunderly, aron blacktyde, sharra arryn, oberyn martell.

OPEN STARTERS. ARTWORKS. STARTER CALLS. INTEREST TRACKER FOR ASOIAF BLOG. RHAEGAR LIVES AU. OTHER ASOIAF BLOGS: JON SNOW | ROBB STARK | MYRCELLA BARATHEON | SARA SNOW | JAIME LANNISTER. | MELISANDRE. | GENDRY BARATHEON. | CREGAN STARK.

[isefyres-archive]

@dcviline asked: Move with me now. (brynden @ elyra)

Her   arms   wrapped   around   his   shoulders   as   he   adjusted   her.   He   is   sitting   under   her   and   she   is   straddling   him,   except   her   legs   are   locked   in   a   place   and   she   has   to   move   a   hand   to   his   thigh   behind   her   for   support.   "Oh."   That   feels   good.   His   hand   on   her   hip   guides   her   at   first,   moving   with   him,   as   he   thrusts,   she   does   the   same,   her   hips   moving   in   grinding   motions   so   he   wouldn't   leave   her   insides   for   too   long,   the   hand   on   his   thigh   as   support   serving   it's   purpose   as   she   finally   picks   the   pace.   "Gods,   you   ruined   me."   Elyra   speaks   in   a   jest,   a   smile   on   her   lips   as   her   body   grinds   and   bounce,   her   other   hand   moving   to   grasp   one   of   her   own   breasts,   pinching   her   own   nipple.   A   whole   new   world   is   being   shown   from   the   moment   they   kissed,   and   now   sharing   a   bed.  

Pleasure   like   nothing   else,   something   she   was   deprived.   Why   were   men   allowed   to   have   lovers   when   women   had   to   wait   to   be   wed   when   it   felt   this   good   with   the   right   person?   "You   are   all   inside   me   now,   Brynden.   It   feels   so   good."   Sweat   falls   between   her   breasts,   her   other   hand   leaving   her   breast   and   moving   to   the   back   of   his   neck   to   crash   their   lips   together   in   a   sloppy   crushing   kiss.   Elyra   starts   feeling   something   building   up,   the   way   her   muscles   seek   it   as   she   keeps   grinding   on   his   cock,   trapping   him   between   her   legs.   "Please   make   me   come.   Please.   I   want   to   come   with   you."  

Eyes   open   as   they   look   at   his   own,   her   mouth   hanging   open   as   they   brush   lips   against   his   own,   speaking   in   whispers.   "Will   you   come   inside   me?   Let   me   fill   you   too.   I   know   you   like   when   I   come   around   you.   I   want   to   feel   the   same."   He   always   said   it,   how   good   she   feels   when   she   comes   and   seems   to   trap   him   further,   never   letting   him   go   as   she   rode   the   after waves,   and   now   she   wants   to   feel   the   same.   

[isefyres-archive]

@dcviline asked: “come for me.” (brynden @ elyra)

His   voice   is   like   an   intoxicating   song   by   her   ear.   He   is   pressing   so   firmly   behind   her,   her   body   arched   to   his   own   as   she   finally   feels   him   take   her.   In   the   eyes   of   the   Gods,   she   made   a   promise   that   she   will   be   his   bride   and   he   said   he   wants   no   one   but   her.   And   so,   there   is   nothing   wrong   with   him   taking   her   now,   as   a   man   does   to   a   woman.   Her   hands   grasp   on   the   sheets   as   he   thrusts   but   he   never   leaves   her   in   one   position   for   too   long.   Now   she   is   looking   at   him,   his   hand   on   her   neck   while   the   other   hooks   her   leg   higher   on   his   waist   and   the   new   angle   makes   Elyra   shiver   and   shudder   at   the   feeling.   "Fuck.   Right   there.   How   are   you   doing   that?"   She   laughs   through   a   moan.   No   secret   men   know   more   than   women   when   it   comes   to   this,   but   nevertheless   Elyra   knows   he   only   think   of   her   as   his   eyes   open   to   look   and   command   her   to   come.   God   she   wants   to,   her   hands   gripping   his   wrists   to   find   something   to   hold   on.  

"Come   with   me."   Elyra   requests   too.   She   feels   the   way   his   thrusts   loose   control   and   her   own   hips   circle   to   find   that   right   spot   to   come   but   she   wants   to   feel   him   too.   "I   can   only   do   it   if   I   feel   you.   I   want   to   feel   you,   Brynden,   please.   Let   me   come."   She   wants   to   be   filled.   She   is   already   full   of   him,   as   he   moves   with   her,   but   she   wants   more.   Her   muscles   ache   for   a   release,   walls   pulsating   around   him   as   they   want   a   release,   her   mouth   gape   open   as   she   can't   keep   her   eyes   open,   one   of   her   own   hands   moving   to   her   breast,   holding   it,   arched   back   for   him   to   view.   "Please   come   inside   me."   

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@dcviline asked: You are mine. And I protect what’s mine. (Brynden @ Elyra)

When   he   speaks   like   this   to   her,   she   knows   he   speaks   the   truth.   And   still,   with   what   feels   the   end   of   the   wars   coming   to   a   close   and   finally   peace   coming   to   the   realm,   she   truly   wonders   how   long   that   protection   would   last.   "I'm   yours.   For   how   long?"   She   asks   boldly.   Her   hands   remain   on   his   chest,   afraid   to   loose   touch   of   his   body   against   her   hands.   As   if   she   would   look   away   and   riverwomen   will   jump   on   the   heir   of   the   Blackwoods.   She   can   already   see   it,   a   tale   she   would   tell   her   children,   when   she   was   young   in   a   war,   saved   by   a   riverman   and   fell   in   love   but   in   the   end,   everyone   had   to   go   back   to   how   things   used   to.   Her   brother   would   marry   her   to   a   Lannett   or   Lannister   perhaps,   and   he   would   marry   a   River   lady,   with   hair   as   red   as   the   sunset.  

"I   share   your   bed   and   your   heart.   I'm   yours   in   every   way   and   yet,   you   know   like   I   do,   this   will   end   soon   unless   we   do   something   about   it."   Elyra   takes   on   fresh   air.   She   knows   his   body   like   he   knows   her,   she   hasn't   dared   gone   further   than   touches,   anything   to   explore   one   another   but   the   more   time   she   spend   with   him,   the   more   she   wants   to   be   his,   in   everything.  

"Would   it   be   so   bad   to   have   me   as   your   wife?   If   I'm   yours   as   you   say,   I   would   give   you   my   everything.   My   dowry   is   nothing   but   a   few   coins   and   my   body,   for   yours   to   keep   and   protect."   Eyes   finally   look   up,   noticing   her   own   breathing,   is   she   afraid   he   would   say   no   to   her,   then?   That   he   would   just   see   her   as   a   love   among   war.   Men   need   warm   in   their   bed   and   women   feel   lonely.   "By   whatever   Gods   you   pray   to,   I   been   wanting   to   be   yours   for   a   while   but   you   have   said   nothing   of   it.   I   feel.   .   .like   a   possession."

[isefyres-archive]

@dcviline asked: ❛ i want you to ride me . ❜ (brynden @ elyra)

She   feels   herself   in   heaven,   her   mind   is   a   daze,   as   she   feels   the   pressure   of   his   body,   fully   bare   against   her   own,   the   gentle   thin   layer   of   her   shift   doing   nothing   to   stop   the   pleasure   that   was   seeping   from   her   at   the   thought   of   him   and   what   would   happen   between   them.   Her   hands   move   to   his   shoulders,   as   if   encouraging   him,   wanting   to   feel   him,   hips   moving   in   wanton   movements   that   would   have   made   her   blush   only   a   year   ago   when   she   had   thought   of   her   maidenhood   as   something   magical   to   be   given.   Now,   all   she   wants   is   for   him   to   take   her.   Blue   eyes   snap   open   as   she   feels   herself   shifted   in   bed,   turned   over   as   she   now   lay   atop   of   him,   her   hands   leaving   his   shoulders   to   rest   on   his   chest   for   support.  

"Tired   of   doing   all   the   work?"   Elyra   teases   him   then,   leaning   down   to   kiss   him,   but   one   hand   remains   on   his   jawline   while   the   other   sneaks   between   their   bodies,   hips   lifting   to   find   him   hard   and   ready   for   her   as   fingers   wrap   around   him,   giving   him   a   few   strokes.   "I've been   practicing   too,   you   know.   When   you   are   not   around."   Because   Gods   she   wants   to   please   him,   her   hand   keeps   stroking   him,   teasing   him   at   the   entrance   of   her   folds,   her   own   core   aching   at   the   need   to   feel   him   inside.  

Once   he   is   positioned,   her   hands   move   to   the   remains   of   the   shift   around   her   waist   and   lift   it   over,   so   he   can   have   a   view   as   she   sinks   down   into   him,   slowly   and   deeply,   her   mouth   gape   open   as   she   finally   feels   him   where   she   wants   him,   taking   all   of   him.   "Grab   my   hips,   Bry.   I   need   your   help."

[isefyres-archive]

@dcviline asked: ❛ I can’t bear to lose you. ❜ (brynden @ elyra)

"You   won't."   Her   body   twisted   in   the   bed,   to   face   him,   knowing   for   a   while   he   had   been   wide   awake,   just   as   she   had   been.   The   comfort   of   a   castle   had   done   nothing   to   ease   their   nights   or   whispers,   and   at   this   point,   she   is   certain   they   consider   her   a   traitor   to   her   people,   or   enchanted   by   the   man   before   her.   She   does   not   care.   But   the   end   of   the   war   would   bring   troubles.   What   would   happen   then?   And   Elyra   knows   he   was   thinking   about   it.  

"I'm   already   yours   in   the   ways   that   matters,   Brynden.   My   family   will   just   have   to   endure   I   love   a   riverman.   Someone   who   helped   me   escape."   And   someone   who   loved   her   back.   She   scoots   closer   to   his   warmth,   her   forehead   resting   on   his   own   as   blue   eyes   shine   bright   in   the   dim   light   of   the   room.   "What   got   you   so   worry?"   Elyra   asks   then,   brushing   curls   away   from   his   head,   concerned,   curious,   her   hand   resting   on   his   jaw,   to   offer   comfort.

[isefyres-archive]

tags examples.

[isefyres-archive]

⭐

MULTIMUSE MEME: Send a " ⭐ " and I will list muses I would be interested in throwing at yours, or potential muse combinations if you are also a multi. If you like any of the suggested combinations, you are welcome to come plot or start interactions with them.

Stannis Baratheon - My Myrcella Baratheon in her blog or Orysa Baratheon here.

Daemon Targaryen - Alicent in her blog, Rhaena here, Rhaenyra in her blog.

Mysaria for Daemon in his blog, I have two Lyseni former friends of her here, Lyandra and Morthen.

Robb Stark - Myrcella in her blog, Jon in his blog, Elyra Brax, Arianne Martell, Wylla Manderly, Val, Sigorn of Thenn, Jeyne Poole.

Ned Stark - for Lyanna in her blog, Ashara Dayne here.

Sansa Stark - Willas Tyrell, Gendry Baratheon, Daenerys in her blog.

[west1rosi]

two sections added to my pinpost

MOST ACTIVE MUSES: cregan stark, daemon targaryen, cassandra baratheon, desmera redwyne, willas tyrell, margaery tyrell, gendry baratheon, ashara dayne, arthur dayne, orysa baratheon, jeyne poole.

MUSES THAT REQUIRE MORE INTERACTIONS: argella durrandon, torrhen stark, bryanna stark, tywin lannister, elyra brax, allya greyjoy, indya sunderly, aron blacktyde, sharra arryn.

[isefyres-archive]

"You   admit   then,   to   be   foolish?   It's   a   dangerous   thing."   He   trusts   her   still,   even   when   her   name   bears   the   cross   of   being   a   Westerland   house.   The   only   daughter   of   a   Lord   pledged   to   the   Lannisters.   She   is   a   piece   to   be   sold   a   bargained   piece.   And   yet,   how   strange   it   was   that   she   found   herself   more   free   behind   the   bars   of   her   cell   than   in   the   hands  of   her   family.   Elyra   finds   comfort   in   the   company   of   a   man   who   should   be   her   enemy   on   principle.   "They   say   Jon   Snow   is   close   to   the   Lord   Commander.   If   anyone   could   help   you,   it   would   be   him."   Those   Starks   and   their   honor,   surely   the   bastard   born   son   who   had   been   raised   among   the   other   children   would   behave   the   same   way.  

Yet,   Brynden   is   putting   all   of   his   hopes   and   trust   in   the   thought   that   a   sworn   brother   of   the   Night's   Watch   would   take   the   crown.   They   were   other   childrens   to   consider   before   the   Snow   and   yet,   she   knows   why   they   hadn't   been   the   focus   of   the   meeting.   Sansa   Stark   was   at   the   capital   and   married   to   a   Lannister,   by   all   means,   forceful   or   not,   she   was   no   longer   trusted   with   the   crown   and   Winterfell.   Arya   Stark   is   missing   and   the   children,   are   thought   to   be   dead.   "The   moment   I   leave   with   you,   I   will   be   a   woman   with   little   value."  

Perhaps   her   brother   will   think   she   was   taken,   like   a   modern   Lyanna   Stark.   Perhaps   they   thought   she   would   wed   the   man   by   force   to   show   the   Lannisters   the   same   twist   they   provided.   "I   would   rather   be   that   with   you   than   whatever   is   expected   of   me   if   I   was   returned   to   my   brother."   That   settled   it   in   her   mind.   And   when   his   lips   press   on   her   own   again,   the   young   woman   melts   into   the   touch,   a   soft   gasp   escaping   her   lips   as   she   leans   into   it,   her   hands   circling   the   edge   of   his   wrists,   to   keep   him   close.   "Yes.   And   no   smash   on   the   head   for   you."   Recalling   one   of   their   previous   conversations.   "When   do   we   live?"

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ THE HEARTS OF MEN CAN BE JUST AS FOOLISH. ❞ That's become quite clear to him these days. Had his father not already enjoined himself to the Lannisters, then he's sure Lord Tytos would be livid to know his heir had been beguiled by a woman under the banners of their enemies. But Brynden's lord father had indeed given himself over first, so how could the man ever begrudge him for keeping one woman close to his heart while he'd already invited an entire host into his own home?

ㅤㅤㅤPerhaps it was foolish of him to share such details with her, not knowing if she would accept his request or not, but it would have been wrong of him to ask her to come with him if he'd withheld the truth of his intentions. The path he's chosen is a perilous one. There is no guarantee they will make it to the wall, knowing that the bastard of Bolton holds Winterfell. Were that not the case, their journey would still not be safe; not even the North is a haven for those who would still carry Stark banners anymore. What good is an army when all the world seems to be filled with enemies these days? That damn wedding proved how impossible it is to tell friend from foe. ❝ He did. It was a small meeting, kept between the most trusted of his council. But there are enough of us left alive to validate this claim as witnesses. ❞ Edmure lives, as far as he knows, as does the Greatjon, though Maege and Galbart have not been heard from since before the wedding. Any one of them might be enough to back up his claim, if the Snow would only listen. ❝ It's a longshot, but it has to work. ❞ And if he won't do it, then perhaps the Blackwood will turn to Stannis, or the Ironborn, or anyone that might be willing to repay the conspirators for his brother's spilled blood.

ㅤㅤㅤHer kiss takes him by surprise, pulling Brynden away from those heavy, vengeful thoughts. The lightest thing, leaving him to question if he had only imagined it, blinking slowly as he looks at Elyra. He feels it then, the way his own heart has sped up upon that graze of contact between their lips. It's the most alive he's felt in months. And there she is, smiling all the while, as if the world itself isn't falling apart around them. It's a beautiful smile. ❝ No, you're not forgiven, ❞ Brynden says with the slightest shake of his head, and his mind is made up in that moment. Both hands press to the sides of her jaw, pulling her back for another kiss. Deeper, heavy with intention on his part, as if kissing her is a relief from it all. He is hesitant to break away, lingering close as blue eyes slowly open. ❝ Is that more like how you'd imagined it? ❞ A corner of his mouth tilts, the closest Brynden's come to a smile in a long, long time. She could ruin him if she wanted to, with all he's told her. That should terrify him, and yet, somehow he's convinced himself that she won't. Time will prove whether he's a fool or not. ❝ I trust you, too. ❞

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And he jest and the lady founds her laugh, however briefly. "Do not make me change my mind about your face." It was a handsome face. A kind one, one who never looked at her as a prize or something to be taken. If there was one thing she will be in the dead king's debt, it's the fact he made the decision that she would he guarded, and Brynden has been her guard. Elyra found herself dreaming some days, of what she would speak to him when his time to guard arrived. What first began as a simple company, crept into something beyond her control.

"Us women tend to be foolish about our hearts. This is why fathers marry us to men of their choosing." Left on her own, she has proven herself a young lady with little control of her heart. It desired things she shouldn't. A man that should he forbidden. But there he is, offering to take her North, trusting her with plans without a second thought. "The King named his bastard brother the heir?" That she did not know, but everyone knew of the illegitimate son of Ned Stark. He is not going North, he is going further North than anyone would dare, the Wall being a scary place as it was. Any thoughts soon leave her as a hand presses on her cheek and she leans into it, seeking the warmth as clear eyes look into deep blues. "I fear you already had me swear an oath. It was a silent one, though. A lady's favor." If she had given him a favor, perhaps his family would be alive.

She lacks clothes or posessions here, but there is little doubt in her mind that she would leave with him to the scary North. It's a gust of wind, as she leans, growing strength from his words to kiss him. It's brief and a grace of her mouth on his own, but it's her answer. "Forgive me. That's not how I wished that moment to go." A Westerland girl going North with a Stark and Riverland army. Elyra finds herself smiling. "I'll go with you. I trust only you."

ㅤㅤㅤHE HAD HEARD THE RUMORS SPARKED FROM THEIR ASSOCIATION, but Brynden hadn't cared much for them before. Even among the honorable men in the Northern army, there were always those who simply longed for war and bloodshed and a chance to do as they pleased. It had irked his pride that first time, being told to guard a lone woman prisoner, but soon he realized why he had been chosen. She needed to be protected. Not as if she was incapable of protecting herself ( far from it ) , but there is little a captive could do against a jailer with ill intentions. He'd made it his self-appointed duty afterwards, volunteering when he was not needed to scout, but in truth, it was not an ill suited task. Elyra was the North's captive, but she had become his companion, in a way. What an odd sight it must have been to others to see them jesting through iron bars.

ㅤㅤㅤBrows raise in pleasant surprise, momentarily breaking away from the fierce sorrow that had held him. There are words beneath her words. Something he is starting to understand as she continues. ❝ See, I knew you wouldn't be willing to injure this pretty face. ❞ Another dry jest, his free hand rubbing against the stubble growing on his jaw to accentuate his words. How long has it been since he shaved it? Does he even care anymore? Joke as he might, there is a reality before him that he hadn't anticipated. Or maybe part of him did. Maybe that's why he'd been drawn to find her again. He needed to know if she was safe, but if what she speaks is true, then she wouldn't be. Not at her home. Not under Lannister rule. He hears her say it, that she cares about him, and he can feel how her heart paces beneath his palm. She means it, doesn't she ?

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ Caring about someone who had been your enemy only months ago? Some would say that's foolish. ❞ But Brynden would not. He understands quite well. If she is a fool, then so is he. ❝ I'm going North, ❞ he speaks again after a pause. ❝ I won't stop fighting. King Robb named his brother his heir, though he died before the decree could be sent out. I'm going to take what's left of this army to the Wall and ask him to take up the sword for the North. ❞ But what if the brother won't do it? He's a man of the Night's Watch, sworn to vows that keep him from the politics of the realm. There are no guarantees here, but it's the only hope Brynden has. A swallow, and then he says, ❝ Come with me, Elyra. ❞ The Blackwood heir lets the request hang between them, for it is not one to be asked lightly. If she's right about what she'd said, then her brother will be safe if he swears to the lions, but she will never be. Travelling with an army is by no means safe, but he could not bear to leave her here knowing he would be leaving her to an uncertain fate. Brynden's hand slips from under hers, passing from her chest to her face, thumb brushing softly against the apple of her cheek. ❝ I will not ask you to swear any oath of fealty, nor to fight against your kin. Only come with me. Let me keep you safe. ❞

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"They   will   request   my   brother's   loyalty.   But   I   do   not   think   they   will   care   for   mine,   if   they   learn   how   I   was   treated."   Surely   guards   will   whisper   and   talk.   How   the   girl   had   a   companion   on   her   nights   and   days,   a   young   lord   guarding   her   from   being   taken   by   other   men   who   are   less   honorable.   That's   how   rumors   are   spread.   Elyra   finds   herself   not   really   caring   if   they   think   of   her   as   a   turncloak.   "My   brother   would   gladly   bend   the   knee   once   more   but   I   fear   I   might   struggle   with   it."   Elyra   had   found   herself   too   attached   now.   She   got   to   know   a   few   of   the   soldiers   on   the   other   side   and   they   seemed   to   her,   a   proud   and   honest   bunch.   She   would   gladly   take   them   than   the   Lannisters   showering   her   in   gold   before   making   her   choke   on   it.

  His   words   are   a   reminder   of   one   of   their   previous   talks,   how   they   jested   then   as   she   spoke   of   future,   happier   times.   Or   of   her   silly   plan   to   have   him   seduced   in   order   to   escape   the   grasp   of   the   Riverlands   and   the   Northern   armies.   "I'm   afraid   that   while   I   would've   kissed   you,   I   would   not   find   it   in   me   to   smash   your   head   anywhere,   Brynden."   Not   anymore.   She   swallows,   the   serious   tone   under   his   words   cause   her   to   linger   back,   her   thumb   brushing   over   the   edge   of   his   chest,   near   his   heart   as   she   knows   he   speaks   the   truth.

  "I   won't   swear   myself   to   them.   My   loyalties   have   been.   .   .compromised."   A   lingering   smile,   devoid   of   a   smile   as   she   speaks   of   the   reality   ahead   of   them.   "You   have   been   my   one   comfort   in   all   of   these   times.   I   do   not   care   for   the   war.   But   I   care   about   you."   A   short   pause   as   her   voice   drops,   but   her   hands   remain   there,   upon   his   chest,   with   his   own   above   hers.   She   is   certain   she   can   hear   her   own   heart   beating   louder   and   louder.   “They   would   be   able   to   see   that.”

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ THEN WHY DO YOU TEMPT THEIR WRATH ? ❞ The Lannisters hate disloyalty, as would any, but it's safe to say that few could ever surpass the brutality of their methods. His thoughts linger on the feel of her hand against his, and he finds himself worried for Elyra, as the lions have hung people for less. ❝ They will come soon to demand the renewed fealty of House Brax. If you don't swear the oath to them . . . you said it yourself, the Lannisters will not be merciful. ❞ Fuck the lions, fuck the Freys, the Boltons, and every banner that flies beneath that trinity of unholy monsters. But he is a realistic man; he knows what kind of fate would await her if they thought her to be a turncloak. She is not his enemy now, but there is only so long that can last, lest she die for withholding her oath from the false king.

ㅤㅤㅤThe sound of his name recalls his attention, lips parting to speak, but no words leave him. His eyes follow their hands as she guides him, hesitating at first contact, but soon Brynden surrenders, flattening his palm against the warm skin beneath. She's so soft, he thinks, but dares not say aloud. Her touch feels heavy against his own chest, a chest that has spent so long drowning in a hollow ache. It's empty in there. It feels empty. Or, it did, but now he feels a rhythm he had forgotten existed. A gentle, tired thumping against his ribs. He can feel hers, too; a drum of life. There is a music to the contrasting beats, his drowsy pulse sparking back to attention as if it is glad to finally be remembered.

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ I wish we could have laughed when we met again. Like how you said we would, ❞ Brynden breaks his silence, eyes settling upon hers. He wishes that war was the glorious thing that all the songs portrayed it to be. That when all is said and done, he could go home to his father and all of his siblings would be alive and safe. But that was a boy's fantasy that died at the crimson-coated blade of a Frey. ❝ I wish you had kissed me and smashed my head on the door, and then run off on a unicorn like you'd said, too. That would have been a better story. ❞ His jest is dry, absent of the smile that should have otherwise accompanied it. It's only a passing moment before a more serious tone takes hold of his voice. ❝ You need to protect yourself, Elyra. If that means swearing yourself to the Lannisters again, I won't begrudge you. ❞

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"Only   you   know   your   heart.   But   you   are   here,   so   perhaps   we   always   seek   comfort   in   the   strangest   of   places."   A   Brax   girl   sworn   to   House   Lannister   and   a   Riverland   lord   loyal   to   House   Stark.   And   yet   he   speaks   so   openly   to   her   about   what   had   happened   that   night,   she   figures   if   she   had   some   of   that   magic   blood   that   runs   through   the   First   Men,   perhaps   she   could   see   glimpses   of   the   past   in   his   eyes.   The   things   men   do   in   wars   are   foreign   affairs   to   her,   but   it's   seems   a   desperate   move   to   just   give   the   Lannisters   everything   and   while   her   name   might   be   sworn   to   them,   Elyra   can't   find   it   in   her   to   just   rejoice   in   the   matter.   No   one   was   truly   winning   this   war   like   this.  

"A   woman   is   sworn   to   whoever   her   father   is   and   later,   to   whoever   her   husband's   name   is   pledged   to.   I   have   neither,   so   for   the   time,   I   am   sworn   to   no   one   but   my   heart."   A   blessing   in   disguise   perhaps,   that   her   father   is   not   alive   to   see   her   dangerously   close   to   a   man   from   the   Riverlands,   who   even   now   with   his   King   dead,   still   sworn   to   the   Starks.   A   dead   father,   a   traumatized   barely   speaking   brother   left   and   her,   the   girl   who   decided   she   would   rather   spend   her   nights   speaking   and   bringing   comfort   to   the   enemy.   "The   Lannisters   would   have   me   strip   and   walk   in   shame   through   the   streets   before   hand   me   over   somewhere   if   they   knew   I   was   here   with   you.   I   am   not   your   enemy."   To   them,   she   thinks   she   would   be   nothing   but   an   example   of   what   not   to   do.   Of   the   fickle   mind   of   women,   a   maester   would   say,   surely.  

Tywin   Lannister   would   not   bat   an   eye   before   taking   her   down,   and   her   brother   would   only   have   to   endure   if   she   were   to   die.   "You   live,   Brynden."   His   name was spoken   for   the   first   time,   bringing   his   hand   in   hers   forward   and   placing   the   palm   of   it   on   her   chest.   He   is   not   as   warm   as   one   should   but   she   is   not   gonna   blame   him   for   the   coldness.   "You   feel   my   heartbeat?"   In   turn,   she   places   her   free   palm   on   his   chest,   the   soft   thud   of   a   heart   on   the   other   side.   "I   feel   yours.   Grief   is   our   love   persevering   but   not   drawn   in   it.   You   must   live."

ㅤㅤㅤHIS EYES STARE OFF, LOOKING AT EVERYTHING AND NOTHING ALL AT ONCE. Brynden can still remember what she'd said before this all happened, about how after the war they could have a laugh about some daring escape of hers. If only that were true. People died around him every day, and yet somehow he had always seen this war as something survivable; that when all was said and done, he could go home and his family would be safe and free. War had never felt so real until he saw Lucas die. Hosteen Frey killed his little brother right before his eyes, and there was nothing he could do about it. Smalljon, Dacey, Robin, they'd all become his friends, and they were all slaughtered. He was in the river before he could see what happened to the King and his mother, and that was the only mercy he found that night. No, what happened at the Twins wasn't war. That was an act of evil beyond his comprehension.

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ All of my friends are dead. My brother . . . ❞ Grief chokes him. Brynden is there again, in his mind, in the midst of all the shouts and screams and the taste of iron, feeling the splash of warm crimson against his skin, burning tears ripping down his cheeks as he tries to scrub his own brother's blood away in the waters of the Trident. The touch at his hand is what pulls Brynden back, distant eyes returning from the void to peer into Elyra's as he allows her to entangle their fingers without protest. It's more of a comfort than what he'd found at home. ❝ When I returned to Raventree, my father told me he intended to continue the fight. But then he met with the Kingslayer. He gave some of our lands to the Brackens, those bloody traitors, all to appease the lions. Worst of all, he gave the Lannisters a son to keep. They killed one of my brothers, and my father handed them another. ❞ He turns away then, as if it's only now dawned on him that she is his enemy. How easy it had been to forget that her family is pledged to House Lannister. ❝ You're one of them, Elyra. I don't know why I've come to you, ❞ Brynden says, but while he knows he should pull away, his hand only squeezes hers more tightly. ❝ I've no tears left in my body. No air left to scream. I died there, too. ❞