#she made a great impression on both frey and myself

[claudiaeparvier]

Forspoken: Olevia Liette

[writingthrones]

the northern dragon- part 2.

PART 2: SECOND OF HER NAME.

TAGS: @psychosupernatural , @xleviiiix , @ashtronomyyyy  (feel free to shoot me a message if you’d also like to be tagged!)

DESCRIPTION: the world thought that just 2 dragons survived, that house targaryen was missing its third head. but there was another– the youngest, the final child of the mad king and queen rhaella. of course, she was almost part of the near extermination of her house. but the honorable ned stark, unable to watch a babe be murdered for crimes she did not commit, rescued her from an awful fate. instead, she grew up amongst wolves within the walls of winterfell.

NOTES: i hope this doesn’t feel like filler to you guys! i’m just trying to build things up before we get into the real intense stuff. as i’ve said before, i’d love to hear any suggestions you all have, the messages i’ve gotten so far meant a lot and gave me plenty of ideas. anyways, thanks for reading & i hope y’all are ready for more!

WARNINGS: more violence. some angst bc i really don’t know how to write anything else so enjoy :)

You had heard the lords question your presence in the camp, though Robb was not having it. He would not let them treat him as a boy anymore and his authority would not be questioned. And if he was to have these men march into war for him, he needed to show his strength. There was more important tasks to focus on, though, so it was quickly dismissed. You hardly ever got to hear those things, though, just what little you could get out of Theon and the very occasional conversations you had with Robb. 

You were getting out your dress for the day, something that wasn’t too restricting and plain that would allow for you to quickly move through the camp. You really needed to get something suitable for fighting, but Robb insisted on you working as a medic. Suddenly, the entrance to your tent was thrown open and you turned around quickly. There was Lady Stark, looking both shocked and relieved to see you. The two of you both rushed forward, meeting in the middle with a tight embrace.

“What are you doing here, Y/N?” she questioned as she pulled away from you, hands now rest on the sides of your arms. “I just couldn’t sit back in the castle while I worried about everyone. I promised to be of use.. whatever I can do, I will.” Catelyn nodded, knowing you would hold up to that. Besides, it was always good to know where you were considering the great liability you were. “I kept my word. I did everything I could for them.” Catelyn nodded, a warm smile on her lips that lit up her eyes. “If I may.. can I ask you what happened?” The woman nodded, going on to tell you all that happened in her travels-- the trip to King’s Landing, the chance encounter in the tavern, her capture and eventual loss of Tyrion Lannister. 

“...And now I am here. My husband is being named a traitor and my daughters are being held prisoner by those.. those...” She didn’t need to finish that sentence, you could imagine the sorts of obscenities she would call them. “Now Robb has started a war, one that will end in all of our deaths if things don’t go to plan.” You took hold of her shaky hands, nodding. “I believe in him,” you spoke softly. As did she, but she was a mother and it was instinctual to worry for her children. “It is good to see you,” she replied. “Well, I will leave you to dress.” With a nod, she was gone and you moved to quickly change and adjust the fabric covering your hair.

The next time you set up camp was beyond the Twins, where Lord Frey only permitted the crossing so long as Robb marry one of his daughters when the war ended and Arya marry one of his sons. It was a terrible price that needed to be paid. That night you remembered feeling.. angry. You told yourself it was simply because you hated that those two were forced into a shitty position but it was much more than that. Those feelings, though, you refused to confront.

Later that evening, you spotted a frustrated Robb stomping off to his tent. You were just about to retire to your bed when you decided to catch up to him. “Robb?” you called, just behind him. “I don’t have time to chat,” he grumbled, continuing his quickened pace. You could feel the heat on your cheeks, face going red with frustration. “What did you even bring me along for? Any time I try to say a single word to you, you run away!” He turned around, looking at your surroundings before grabbing your arm and pulling you into his tent. “I’m trying to fight a war, Y/N! I can’t just spend my time wandering the woods like we’re children.” You casted your gaze downward, sighing. “I’m not asking you to do that but can I not just ask you how you are? I worry about you, you know.” You wanted so badly to mention his betrothal but you had to bite your tongue. “Well, don’t. I just want to get my father and my sisters back,” his voice was stern. “Fine,” you replied, conveying almost no emotion as you turned to walk away. This time, he grabbed at your hand gently to stop you. “I’m sorry. But can’t you understand the position I’m in? Any small mistake could mean we’re all dead,” his voice was much quieter now, sighing. “I don’t need to be worrying about if I’m going to find you bleeding out in that field, too.” Your own expression softened, though you frowned. There was nothing you could really say, so you turned and left.

You were about 8 at the time and the four of you decided on a game of hide and seek. The simple bit of fun was quite thrilling when you had an entire castle to hide in. Jon and Theon were a team of seekers, while you and Robb scrambled to find a place to hide. You took off down the hall, nearly tripping over your own feet. Robb followed you. Jon and Theon had finished, with the latter boy announcing loudly that they were coming to find you two. You dashed into your chambers, throwing yourself under the furs on your bed and lying there quietly. The plan was to simply blend in and they would never be able to tell you’re there, surely they’d give up then! The door creaked open not long after and you held your breath, hoping to not draw any attention. “Y/N?” The voice was Robb’s. You popped your head out from under your covers, a pout on your features. “What are you doing? Find your own hiding spot!” He only laughed, “Let me hide with you! Please!” You sighed, caving almost instantly. “You’re going to make us lose,” you grumbled as he climbed into the bed, throwing the covers over both of you. You both laid there quietly, just barely able to see one another. Yet, he reached out his hand to hold onto yours. The two of you stayed in that position, so still that you ended up falling asleep. Jon and Theon found you eventually, both of them bursting into laughter at the sight of you two fast asleep with your fingers intertwined. The loud noise jolted both of you awake. Theon teased you for weeks.

The next morning you ventured out of the tent and through the camp, searching for ways to make yourself useful. It was important to be constantly busy in order to prove that Robb had not made a mistake in taking you along. After some wandering, you found Theon. “Theon!” you called, rushing towards him. “What do you want?” he questioned. Was it that easy to tell that you needed a favor from him? “I need you to tell Robb to let me fight. I keep asking and he just won’t listen. I know what I’m doing! Jon and I used to practice a lot before he left, you remember! So I just kept going.” He sighed, “He won’t listen to me and even if he did, you don’t need to be out there. We have plenty of capable men. You’d only get yourself killed. Now, I need to go.”

“Wait!” you shouted, not giving him a chance to walk away. “Spar with me. I’ll show you and then you have to tell Robb. If I can beat you, promise me you’ll tell him.” He sighed, then looked around. “Fine. But not here, we need to go somewhere the others won’t see. I can’t let the men see me--” You stared at him with eyebrows raised. “Do not finish that sentence.”

He manages to slip away with a sword for you and the two of you ventured into the woods. You were nervous, your breathing shaky as you prepared yourself. This had to go in your favor or you’d be stuck doing the same mindless chores you’d done back in Winterfell. Even so, would Theon even vouch for you? If you showed yourself as a capable warrior, surely he’d have to, right? But you were at a clear disadvantage, what with being clothed in a dress. It wasn’t so restrictive of movement but fighting would not be easy. Still, you would push through. Theon was quick, seeming to anticipate every swipe and jab that you made. It took a lot of twisting and dodging to insure you didn’t end up skewered by the blade. The two of you had agreed to make sure neither was truly wounded, but things happened. His blade managed to graze your arm, cutting the sleeve of your dress and creating a flesh wound. “Y/N--” But the adrenaline coursing through your veins prevented you from feeling a thing. “Keep going!” you shouted. The fight was becoming more even and you had a suspicion it’s because he was beginning to go easy on you after what he’d done. “Theon, I want you to fight me for real. I want to prove myself,” you said in between heavy breaths. And the difficulty increased again. 

Finally, you somehow managed to knock the blade from his hands and pointed your own just inches from his throat. You let out a breathy laugh as his eyes were wide with shock. Smirking, you lowered the weapon and bowed. “I... Wow.” He sounded genuinely impressed, causing you to grin. “Now please, tell him.” All he did was sheathe his weapon and took yours from you. It took quite a lot of effort to not give some snarky remark, but you really wanted him to say something. You both marched back to camp as the sun was setting. 

You made your way quickly to your tent as to not let anyone see the cut. Just as you had slid your arm out of the dress, the tent’s entrance was thrown open and in walked none other than Robb Stark with a hardened expression. You turned around quickly, holding the loose fabric to your exposed skin, though he paid it no mind. “What do you think you’re doing?!” he shouted. Your lips parted but he cut you off. “I told you that you’re not going to see a single battle and I meant it. Did you think this would change my mind?” Before you can speak, he continues. “Clean that,” is all he says while staring at the small wound then he turns to walk out. “Do I not get to say a single thing for myself? I know what I’m doing, I beat him fair and square. Give me armor and I can do the same to any Lannister dog. Let me fight for Lord Stark, for Sansa, for--” He side eyes you from over his shoulder. “Please just listen to me,” his voice is quieter now. With that, he leaves, not giving you another chance to speak for yourself.

The next day, a fight that sacrifices 2,000 men in a successful effort to capture the Kingslayer takes place. When you are told of what happened, you felt like a lump in your throat. You would have died with them if Robb had let you go. He saved your life. Even if you’d grown apart over the years, the pack mentality lived on. Still, you continued to practice for when the real fighting began. You wouldn’t stand aside forever. Ned had saved your life and you wouldn’t just act as a sorry excuse for a medic. It was time to get him, Sansa and Arya back.

So while you spent your days hopelessly tending to the wounded, you spent your nights practicing your sword work. This night in particular, you outdid yourself. You were truly talented, a warrior just like the woman you’d been named after. Visenya was as beautiful as she was strong and so were you. Now all you needed was your own dragon, if only that were possible. Even before you knew about your family, you had always dreamed of what it would be like to see a dragon. Where would the world be if they were still here? Would your family still hold power? Would you get to live your life as a princess? Your mind began to race and so you just rushed off to bed, not wanting to drive yourself mad with what if’s. Besides, you loved the life you were given.. right?

The next morning, you woke up to the sound of men suiting up for battle. Your heart began to race as you thought about how you could just find some armor, throw it on and put yourself out there. Maybe it wouldn’t exactly fit right, maybe it’d turn out to be a total disaster but you just wanted-- no, needed to do something. You didn’t come all this way to sit on the sidelines. Disregarding any doubt, you made your decision. You were born to be a warrior; Visenya Targaryen, Second of Her Name and the Dragon in the North. It didn’t matter if no one else knew, you did. Even if you couldn’t reveal yourself, now or ever, you would embrace your inner dragon, if only for yourself.

So, you hurried through your trunk, breathing a sigh of relief when you realize you had indeed packed away a pair of trousers and a tunic. You put it on before slinking out of your tent and searching for some discarded armor. Trying to go unnoticed during such a task was difficult but somehow you managed to do it. You weren’t sure if this belonged to someone or not, but you didn’t care right now. Sneaking back to your quarters, you hurriedly put it on. Luckily, whoever this belonged to was a slender man. It still didn’t fit perfectly or anything, but it was something. You just pulled it as tight as possible and hoped for the best. What was important was that the helmet kept you covered while not obstructing your view. Exhaling a shaky breath, you exited and searched for a sword.

Running into battle, you’d never felt such fear. But you knew this is something you had to do. No one seemed to immediately come at you, but of course you remained on guard. Suddenly, though, you were knocked on your back, leaving you breathless. The man came closer to finish the job when you managed to put your weapon through his neck, letting out a grunt as you did so. This was it, your very first kill. It felt.. odd but you didn’t have time to dwell on such feelings. Instead you exploited the weakness of any Lannister soldier you came across. Of course, it’s not like you had been completely unscathed. You had gotten a pretty decent slash to your cheek and surely there would be bruises all over. But you were alive and the fighting was finished.

The nerves didn’t end, though, because now you would come face to face with Robb, with Catelyn and even Theon who would all be upset to some degree. You began to think of all the things you could say to them when Robb appeared seemingly out of nowhere, blocking your path. “What in the seven hells do you think you’re doing?!” he shouted. “Whatever I was thinking, it’s done now,” you replied confidently. His mouth hung open. “I told you that you weren’t going to fight,” he then said, clenching his jaw. “And yet, I did. I’m alive, aren’t I? I think I’ve proven myself.” You raised a brow as he stared at you, unable to find the words to say. “So what are you going to do? Throw me into that cage with Jaime Lannister?” If looks could kill, surely you’d be dead by now but you wouldn’t back down. There’s a long pause between you two, all the while you’re holding your head high. “Go see a medic,” is all he can seem to muster up.

The cut to your face had been nothing too serious. The woman had cleaned the wound and told you to make sure that you continued to do so too. You returned to your tent that night feeling.. accomplished. You were living up to your name. You weren’t quite sure how you’d continue this but you’d have to find a way.

[chimerabal]

Session 4 - So many geists.

We opened the session with a battle we set up the previous one: The party was traveling through a desecrated town seeking out any cult activity, and found two Really Angry Ghosts. Revenants? The party cleric, Mikela, tried to reason with them, failed, and was attacked- initiating group combat. My character, Uriel, took a quick 10 damage and fell prone dodging what would have been a lethal 16 more, she pretty much just cried the whole battle- got one or two mediocre hits in. The scaab, Ugly, was called from an alley over; a turn in or so he made a Grand Entrance to the battle- koolaid man style through an empty building.

Mikela and our necro-alchemist Sibyl dealt an impressive amount of damage through radiant attacks and giest-powered-spells. Sibyl dealt the final blow with a spell that I imagined looking like a more fire-y version of the ghostbusters plasma streams ripping the hostile giests in two. Extremely cool.

Post battle Mikela tried reasoning with some non-hostile looking giests that were floating around watching the battle. Impressively- thankfully- three of them came around and spoke with the party. They expressed a desire to pass into the aether, which Mikela gladly offered to help them do. She set up and began a 10 minute ritual to help first of the three ghosts move on- one that required concentration. Sibyl, needing ghosts to power her inventions and all, also decided to speak with the geists in an effort to persuade them help us save the town in the form of boo-juice. The friendliest/most helpful geist declined politely, the third ghost eagerly agreed to avenge his town and stop the probably-cult we are building up to fight against. 

This could have gone nicely, but, our cleric really, Really, objects to the concept of necro-alchemy and using ghosts as spirits as fuel. While Sibyl was speaking with the giests- getting consent and all to turn them into a power source- Mikela was unable to stop her ritual and confront Sibyl... and was getting progressively more and more angry. Just as the cleric had finished her ritual, the necro-alchemist was starting one to capture the ghost. Mikela charged Sibyl and grabbed her super-cool-ghost-storing-but-still-decorative-broach and triggered a mini-combat between the two of them.

Mikela had the broach, Sibyl acid-bombed the both of them, the broach was dropped and kicked towards my characters, Ugly flung the broach back to Sibyl. As Sibyl paused to inspect the item for damage, Mikela quick started trying to set up a ritual and force the avenging giest to move on. This Really pissed off avenging giest, and it threatened to turn hostile- shooting out some fireballs at Mikela. Sibyl also got back into the frey to tell Mikela off and smack her around a bit (which is... all they did to each other this time. a small slap fight). Damage was dealt, yelling and tears happened, and my character- for the most part- was enjoying the show up until about now like

However, with the two other party members were both crying, and the ghost was spitting fire everywhere, the whole ordeal had stopped being entertaining and Uriel was about ready to step in..... didn’t end up needing to though. Mikela finally, after a few solid throws, broke concentration on the ritual and dissolved into a blubbering teary mess. With Mikela having backed down, Sibyl was able to neutralize the angry spirit and absorb it as power. Both characters were Spent. 

Note: this was a great conflict and I’m counting on the character’s handlers to have all the details and arguments that went down because... I’m short on detail b/c I was building dice towers and this is actually a very interesting fight... and because this is the second time now the two have butt heads over Ghost Stuff :3c we have a Theme growing here folks.

Post fight Sibyl was staring into space (IS...pretty sure she ended the session Still In This State...) and Mikela was sobbing grossly on the ground. Uriel, despite this shit not being her forte at All, had to do something- suddenly becoming Party Leader. She approached Mikela and delivered silent paps, getting her pulled into a sobby bear hug. Mikela cry-ranted about hating the position she is in, having to fight and not being able to help anyone (ghost or not). She didn’t sign up for this shit. After some more (freaked and awkward) back pats Uriel summoned her monster over to take her place in the bear hug (unsure if this worked, I like to think Mikela koala clinged to Ugly just as quickly lmao).

Even after all this, that one friendly ghost stuck around with us. It tipped us off that “They are coming this way”. Uriel, staying true to last session’s decision of ‘not wanting to fuck with Them or That or whatever the fuck (cultists- its cultists)’ starts leading the emotionally broken/physically exhausted party back to town. Note: She’s the only one who realized we left some civilians we were traveling with along the cultists’ path.... but they’ll be Fine, they have an axe, we gave them an axe, they’ll be FINE. Sibyl doesn’t follow the group right away, so Uriel loops back around and offers consoling paps to her as well. When asked if she was okay, she says nothing but starts following the party.... which was good enough. 

Once in town Uriel starts knocking on doors and announcing that “The demon slaying heroes from yesterday need help, we helped you, please help us.” Mikela joins in, affirming loudly that, yes, we slay demons, and that we are with the church and would love some hospitality please. We get a dude to speak to us through a cracked door, Uriel manages to convince him to a point, but starts to flounder (largely due to my own not-great improv skills) and is backed up by Mikela. Sibyl I think is just... standing in the background, wall eyed, with the scaab and ghost... freakin’ this dude out.

 He agrees to let us in if we ditch the undead we have in our party. Mikela doesn’t want to give up the ghost (lol) and tries to persuade the dude to let our giest friend come in- against Uriel’s sound advice, “enough with these fucking ghosts” (thats a joke I didn’t say that). She has the ghost tell what it knows about cult recruitment; the cult is gaining more members by terrorizing the town with devils and shit and making them question Avacyn’s powers and protection. They then prey on civilians who’s faith has wavered and introduce them to the cult. 

During her persuasion the LOUD EVIL VOICE from the night before starts speaking from an adjacent row of houses- out of sight but still getting Uncomfortably Close. It pretty much word for word confirms what ghost friend said, but in an insufferable boisterous evil way. Both Uriel and Mikela are about to change course and follow the cult- pretty much resigned that there’s no Way they’re getting shelter now- but the man allows everyone, ghost and all, into his home (We snuck Ugly in as well.... and by snuck we mean it forced itself through the door before the kindly dude could shut it completely). And that’s where we ended, in a random strangers’ home with cultists doing some recruitment outside. 

Note to myself: if I don’t get answers out of Sibyl during our stay here I’m gonna d i e.

And like last post- im tired and not proofreading this. good luck.

[astormofships]

Pick Your Darling: Holly

“Don't think there are no second chances. Life always offers you a second chance... It's called tomorrow.”

Ship name

Sprinting Lion. Wind and Flame. You called him a lion or a golden knight, and he teased you by saying you were bossy.

Meeting

In King's Landing, at court.

First impressions, the way it used to be before it became romantic

Like everyone else, you were not impressed by his reputation. But not because he was the Kingslayer, mainly the fact that he sounded presumptuous and insolent. Were all Lannisters raised this way? Probably. Unlike most ladies, you were not resigned to your fate: women were to marry a noble man and give him heirs, dutifully obeying their lord. The only way this plan could have worked was if you were the man. Your bride would be treated fairly and with more freedom of speech and actions, if there was one to begin with. Settling down, even if the match was interesting, was not your cup of spiced wine. Fortunately you were not from a big house, simply another lady from the Riverlands. You had been given the notorious Frey's proposal, seeing that Walder was the father of many offsprings, legitimate and bastards. And gladly declined, with a great amount of effort put in the politeness to avoid further scorn from this spiteful house. Independent then, but still demanding and whimsical like a lady could be. That's how Jaime viewed you. Until you started to talk to the other. It couldn't be described as a clash, nor even a spark. But maybe like two strangers walking in the same tight way and having to turn your shoulders and upper body a little so you don't collide with the person and keep walking. Well, it would be like that, without the going away part. You'd both walk in circle, like in combat. But merely assessing and a little bit captivated. You'd be flames floating and circling but never touching. Was it all decent and understandable mental imagines? I hope so xD Mutual respect slowly grew, same as friendship. Leadership was in your bones, but none really fought for control: Jaime was more physical and would take charge in battle or if protection was need, same as strategy. He didn't mind following your plans of the day, why ever not? It's not like you'd force his hands and make him do something he utterly despised. You met three years prior the War of Five Kings, but sometimes he was on duty and you were not always present. When he returned to King's Landing with his golden hand, for example, you were there. That's when the big talk occurred. But when the knight was back to see his sister as the new queen, you were not. He missed you but was glad you were far far away from her clutches.

MODERN AU: Because I could not help myself The CEO of Valyrian Steel Auto, Aerys Targaryen, died in a fire. It apparently started because of a car, then the others followed. Jaime, son of Tywin, the CEO of Lannister Bank and rival of Aerys, was also in the building and miraculously got out unscathed. A nasty rumor was born out of a tragic accident: was he responsible, did he do it for his family? Jaime claimed that Aerys had gone mad and wanted to burn everything, so he tried to stop him. Cameras confirmed this theory although people remained suspicious for some reason.  In any case, it wasn't a story you publicly spoke of. Besides, the show must go on right? So that's what he did. Rich, charming, proud but still a bachelor nevertheless, the man was not necessarily a workaholic yet still gave his all into his job. Which included the Olympic Games in the fencing field, no less. You saw a lot of landscape as a globetrotter and decided to assist the games with some friends once. It was a shock to the world when he finished Silver Medal. It was only five years later that you really met. He was no longer often on the spotlight nor in the media but you recognized him anyway. His face didn't change. Remember the floating flames circling around each other metaphor? Well, it did not vanish but there was indeed a spark this time. Your charismatic auras and bold, fiery personalities matched and did not succumbed to shyness. Sure, there was an attitude to him and you seemed quite spirited, but you got past those fairly quick. It all started when you regularly did jogging together once a week in the morning. Ah, the competitive strike! Eventually you exchanged numbers, when both were seen less and less at the park where the running usually begun. Busy schedules or no motivation, to be honest. Coffeshops or lunch were the go to options, although the perspectives enlarged when you two became better and actual friends. He loved you for accepting him for what he was and not judging him based on the rumors. He did not try to repress your outbursts and hobbies, which was something you were deeply appreciative of. Jaime dared fuelling it, mostly amused by this side of you. I meant, what, that blond guy could be one of a kind too. Hearing you sing was familiar, whether it was meant for personal satisfaction, to initiate duets, be a thorn in the arse or supposedly cheer him up. Idealist, you tried to change the world and went to several protests. Internally desperate to be a better man, he accompanied you from time to time; to avoid his family or for the sake of going, that is the question. He didn't like you going alone and told you so. Sweet sentiment, but you attempted to placated him by adding that your friends usually joined. Pointing out their absence, he rolled his eyes when you shrugged and replied that he was there if anything bad happened but knew that it was not entirely false. There was no need for protection whatsoever seeing that they were more often than not peaceful. It's not that Jaime was ashamed to express his emotions, but he simply was more of a touchy guy if he liked the person and that's why you got a pat on the back, arm draped around your shoulders, hugs... and it wasn't a problem. It was easier to grab his arm and drag him to a new adventure, haha! Something.. evolved, when you saw someone you disliked as you were taking a walk. Noticing their arrival, you didn't think too long and immediately asked for a favour, high-pitched voice and exaggerated smile. Frowning, his eyebrow arched but what happened next was a surprise: pulling him towards you, soft lips clashed against his. It lasted maybe 15 seconds maximum. Letting him go gently, you looked around and was relived to see the person gone. Turning around to face your friend, you were greeted by a pair of lips. A gasp left your mouth, but the kiss ended much quicker than the first. You blinked at him, he stared back with a pleased smirk. That's how a friend with benefits deal was created. When the atmosphere turned to a sensual nature, there was no struggle for dominance either, if only as foreplay or it being playful. You did what you felt like doing, period. As long as the other was comfortable with the turn of events, of course. Jaime was a man, he was used to be the one who initiated or actually be on top, and such things. But with you, the tables could be reversed. He could let go. That was it, though. No kisses out of the bedroom, no romantic public (or private) display of affection, no special gifts unless for birthdays... it was safe to say you knew what you wanted and what you did not want. He respected those wishes. Until he couldn't anymore. To his credit, he managed several months. Nearly a year! But silly feelings had to fuck shit up as if life was a movie. But he was a brave man and wanted to be honest. Even if your response was negative and put an end to what you had together.

Who took the first step

No one? I mean, he is in love with Cersei. There is no doubt. Right? I'd have made a light-hearted and romantic ship if it was set in modern era, but unfortunately we're staying in Westeros and its ancient period.His everlasting duty to the Kingsguard wouldn't match with your need for travel and fear of commitment. Because if there's someone who'd pour all his heart into a relationship, that's Jaime. He'd shower you with love and protect you from anyone and anything. Once upon a time, the knight would have declared his infatuation as he slipped into your chambers and try to woo you, consequences be damned. But he matured, even if he had been a man for a while, and took another approach: discussion. Issues were adressed, you two got angry at some point but calmed down, although the outcome was not what he had hoped for: he could not leave the capital or Tommen's services and you did not want to stay. Nor could you, if Cersei knew. You did not know for certain about their romance in spite of the rumours written by Stannis Baratheon, but it remained a risk if they were true. There were kisses but love could not have a place in this world. That is, not for you two. Jaime didn't want it to be that way and yet knew that you were right. Alas. Out of sight, out of mind? This method could help, in the end. It did, slowly, when you left for Essos. There would always be this “what if” lingering in the back of your minds, however. In another life, if the Old Gods and The New were merciful.

Who approves, who disapproves

Again, no one? No wait, Tyrion might ship it!

Brienne, bless her soul, is in the middle because she cares for Jaime and would be happy to know he's found a better love. But isn't she in love with him too?

CERSEI.

The best friend and the one you get along with the least

Arya would be a lovely travelling partner and would be fond of your passionate and free spirit. Dany would know your mind and soul like no other, and Sansa would be quite hot and cold but there'd be a hint of confusion.

If she thought something was going on between his twin and you, definitely Cersei. Joffrey and Theon wouldn't be impressed even though the latter might want to get in bed with you.Catelyn is your opposite.

If somebody else fancies one of you

If Dany didn't exist, Daario could have had his eyes on you. Brienne might have feelings for Ser Jaime.

The best and the worst

Accuse me of turning into a zodiac blog if you must, but like air and fire, you blend well together. Strong reminder of Gemini and Leo, truth be told. Ok, astrology over.

He is what a knight in shinning armor should look like

He loves your hair and likes to caress or play with them when he gets the chance

There is no man like him and there is no woman like you

Common passion and desire to fight for beliefs and principles

How you did not blindly dislike him just because he killed a mad king, but rather for his personality

His snark

The banter

The tales of all you've seen and learned while away from your homeland

The surprising honesty

Sharing dreams

The arrogance and sass turning to meanness

He can get annoyed when you are too theatrical, especially if you catch him on a bad day

Good things not lasting

Hogwarts Houses

House Lannister values influence, wealth, power and position. They are shrewd, family oriented, clever and ambitious. They are Slytherins. But Jaime is a Gryffindor, in my humble opinion. His need for justice and quest for redemption, to become a better man and start on a new base, his bravery in general and boldness makes him a lion. Remember when the Bloody Mummers wanted to rape Brienne numerous times? Well, she was his captor but it didn't stop him for saving her. He does not enjoy cruelty, nor would let it happen if  his eyes witnessed it.

Happy to learn and fond of liberty, standing for what you believe in and comfortable to lead could have made you a Gryffindor but your ability to manipulate if need be, along with the characteristics mentioned at the beginning could refer to Ravenclaw.

Seven Deadly Sins and Virtues

Lannisters are arrogant and proud, thus Pride could be an automatic answer. But Lust (for love, human touch, acceptance, the good things in life...) works too. Let's not forget the Broken Tower moment in Winterfell, how/why/when it happened.But Jaime is a kind person, despite his bad deeds. He does not approve of wickedness and violence for the sake of it. That reminds me of Kindness.

Dramatic, determined to live life as you see fit, leadership... hm, Pride. Being extroverted might refer to being friendly and sociable. Loving to learn about new cultures, fighting for what you believe in could be associated with Kindness as well.

Who is the sun, who is the moon

Golden hair, infamous reputation, red and gold being the colours of his house, chivalry... you could believe him to be the sun. But Jaime is more complex than he seems to be, keeps secret with no intentions to harm others. He would go trough hell and return victoriously for his loved ones. He possesses a public persona, confident and handsome.

Fair in skin, eyes and hair, that would make you look like the moon although your hair is red. Idealist with a fondness for dramatics and singing along with a touch of manipulation results in you being the moon.

Endgame or not

No.

Who I truly ship you with regardless of the request’s details

Jaime is a nice choice! But so is Tyrion. You would be dynamic and an aesthetically odd yet pleasing couple. There would be a je ne sais quoi to your relationship. Both afraid of commitment, you might take a chance together without pressuring the other into anything. Small in size as the world loves to remind him but smart and brain filled with knowledge, you'd love to hear him talk about lands you never visited and their cultures, sight, traditions, their inhabitants, et cetera. For someone so eager to discover the world, you seemed out of reach and it would make him happy to catch your entire attention if only for a moment.  

[renlyisright]

Season 7 Episode 3: The Last Flower Before the Winter

So in the end of the last episode I was optimistic? Things can go very bad for a while but the end will be somewhat happy, that’s how I deluded myself? Fine, let me have some more Rains of Castamere and then ask again.

I have to apologize for this part, as it only works in Finnish. There was a lyric writing contest this autumn, and one of the series of the contest was “songs for drinks”, and I decided to write one for the long drink, a popular drink in Finland which sadly has few songs written about it. I took inspiration from this episode’s end. It is written to fit with “Rains of Castamere”.

So, the Queen of Thorns has passed from this horrible world. She was my favourite character. Why? Generally people talk in two different ways: The thugs and other horrible people have their obscenity-filled mouths, and then there are the monologuers, who look at something far away while telling about the moment their life changed and why they are who they are now. Olenna on the other hand was simply sassy, and of the school of thought that when you are old enough you don’t need to be polite anymore. In the episode before the Purple Wedding, she almost started a story about how she once got a necklace, but stopped the story short and threw the necklace away. She knew full well who she was and felt no need to talk to anyone about it.

It’s entirely likely that if she was a real person, I wouldn’t want to be in any contact with her. But she was always a delight while on screen. I’m going to miss her.

But before her fate, we see how Cersei deals with Daenerys’ other allies.

Euron brings them to the court, and Cersei lets him have Yara, and takes him as an official ally in the war. The Dornish prisoners she takes to deal justice on her own.

The alcoholic Queen Mother in his father’s shadow, who squabbled over her son’s attention with his wife, or was outmaneuvered by a man with no shoes, is no more. Good for her, but horrible for everyone in her way. She poisons Ellaria’s daughter, and leaves Ellaria to di… to live in the dungeons with the corpse for as long as it amuses the Queen.

So I take it this is goodbye for Ellaria as well, unless she is found when Cersei gets removed from the throne. I never had a positive opinion of her, some empathy when she had to watch her partner die, which quickly went away when she had the bright idea of killing everybody to avenge him, including his brother and nephew. Still, a horrible person being horrible to another horrible person is not my favourite thing to watch. Unless it’s Olenna using her words.

So Dorne is out of the show? After the new rulers there hear of what happened to Ellaria, they will likely just lie low. I mean, there are no previously seen characters from there alive anymore, so that means it’s over for Dorne. Until the next show, if it features Dorne.

Maybe it will feature Highgarden? Properly, I mean. I asked to see it for ages, but I must say that I’m disappointed with the little we saw of it in this episode. Sure it was winter, and so no pretty gardens of which the place is famous, but why show it then in its poor state, when it could be shown in its proper glory in the next show. Okay, now I’m sounding like a choosing beggar, I’ll stop.

Cersei continues her “I don’t care anymore” -policies by sleeping with Jaime so that soon the whole kingdom will know. No need for a Targaryen queen, she can fulfill that role easily. She also meets with the Iron Bank’s representative, and promises that the Lannisters will win this war, and also promises the moon from the sky while she is at it. The banker perhaps believes her. And with Dorne and the Reach removed by the end of this episode, Cersei may well be the winner. Unless...

The dragons.

Jon arrives to the Dragonstone, and sees them flying around the castle. Cersei may defeat Daenerys’ armies, but the Stormborn has the nuclear option of just burning down the Red Keep and becoming the de facto queen. You reap what you sow, Cersei.

Melisandre doesn’t want to see Jon, and confesses to Varys that she didn’t leave him on good terms. She is going to Volantis, but will return to die on Westeros. That is both her and Varys’ destiny. Spoiler alerts. Melisandre admits to having done horrible things because of her god. I appreciate that, after bringing Jon and Daenerys together she doesn’t try to preach her god to either of them. The Lord of Light is not a god you want to take instructions from.

Varys’ death is pretty much confirmed (or not if he lives to old age on Westeros). He and Littlefinger have gathered their players, they will have one last game to play.

Jon and Daenerys meet at last, and their conversations are surprisingly productive, considering how at odds their goals are. Daenerys has arrived to Westeros, only thinking about the throne. Now Jon arrives with a totally outside-context problem of the army of the dead. At this point Daenerys doesn’t yet know what happened to half of her fleet (and what will happen to the other half later), so she can afford to think only about getting the throne fast. But maybe she will have to save the realm to get the throne.

Tyrion trusts Jon, which shows how worthy a good first impression can be, and talks Daenerys into allowing Jon to mine dragonglass. Good, some good news. Otherwise there was little to cheer about in this episode.

Theon is being put as low as possible, either so that he can triumphantly kill the Ramsay-expy that is Euron, or he will be more and more humiliated with the end result for him being more like Ned Stark’s. I’m rooting for the first option, since therapy being non-existent that might be the best that he can hope for.

Sansa governs Winterfell, and receives a report that they are not going to have enough wheat for the winter. The situation is likely the same everywhere in Westeros. That means that even if they just quickly burn the Dead, they are still going to have a very hard winter. The White Walkers have already exterminated the Children and the Giants, the humanity is next.

But Bran is back! Another reunion! He and Sansa have a discussion about what being the Three-Eyed Raven means, and Bran tells her that he saw her getting raped. Not… not the best thing to say after such a long absence. Seriously, Bran, you could have picked some other moment.

So can Bran see anywhere he wants anytime? He can see the Dead, did he also see their location? Can he spy Cersei, can he see what Jon is up to with Daenerys? Can he make Cersei say “hodor” for the rest of her life? King’s Landing has a godswood, are they needed for visions?

Sam’s little experiment actually worked? So well that Jorah is free to go, and Sam also gets off with a small reprimand instead of a guarantee or anything like that. Fantasy problems need fantasy solutions.

Sam says that helping Jorah was the least he could do after everything his father did for him. It’s great to see how good deeds also have consequences, not just the bad ones.

I read A Feast of Crows between these episodes, and it’s funny how, in these commentaries, I have kept saying that Sam and Gilly and little Sam are super lucky and nothing can come between them, they will survive everything together, and… oops, two chapters in and Jon has already swapped little Sam with Mance Rayder’s son. Seriously? There are some changes that I am happy the show has made, and removing this is one of them.

But reading A Feast of Crows made me realize how big a challenge adapting that book must have been. If season five had some points where it felt like going nowhere, the book had everyone except Cersei just moving on the map, meeting some new people, acting like narrators on a Westeros sourcebook, and just before the end getting themselves into a cliffhanger. Brienne had it worst, ending the book on a noose. I didn’t exactly mind the slow pace or finding out more of the world (I bought The World of Ice and Fire, and will start that after A Dance with Dragons), but I can get the world documentation from source books, from the actual novels of the series I’d want more plot.

Speaking of more plot, the latter half of this episode was super fast. Casterly Rock falls during Tyrion’s small speech, the rest of Daenerys’ fleet is destroyed by Euron’s fleet, and Jaime and the new lord of the Reach storm Highgarden and conquer it.

Both Jaime and Euron cheated, of course. The implicit rules are that you can move to the next part of your story, no matter where it is, as long as you do it between episodes. You get bonus points if you miss an episode because you are travelling. But they both, Euron especially, moved to the other side of southern Westeros in the span of a couple of scenes.

I may have to get used to that. The less characters to keep track of, the more they get to move around when they are not watched, like little weeping angels.

From last episode: “Randyll may be a horrible person, but is he an oathbreaker? The Lannisters and their former allies Freys and Boltons have broken oaths, killed people in a wedding and blown up hundreds of people, does Randyll want to join them?” Sure, why not? He decides to become the lord of the Reach, and betrays Olenna, just like that. You sir have officially moved into my “die as soon as possible, if possible”-list.

Olenna and Jaime have a talk before he leaves her to die. It’s a great scene, and hopefully makes Jaime to think about his relationship with Cersei. It’s not healthy. But he is the only one even a little sympathetic on the Lannister side, so if he jumps ships, the rest of the story in the South will be just Cersei and Euron thrashing around until they are put down and everyone can put their minds on the White Walkers, another enemy devoid of any sympathy.

Argh, Olenna. The glee she has when she finally can confess that she murdered Joffrey. Not Tyrion, not the one whose accusation brought about the deaths of Oberyn and Tywin and all that followed from those two, she. So sweet, and Jaime has already killed her so there’s nothing he can do about it anymore.

Farewell, Queen of Thorns.