#threads : alicent hightower ( hcncrablesacrifice )

[foughtwcrs]

the sept was a place dacey had long since avoided, even on her trips to the southern regions as a child she found them eerie and disabling of the old gods whom had cared and watched over the mormont family for generations. yet here she stood, features locked in childlike puzzlement at the queen mother's actions. though her answer does not satisfy, the bear maiden shakes her head and moves to kneel beside the queen mother.

" do you believe in this war, your grace? " her voice is whispered, her thoughts wandering to her older brother who stands for rhaenyra against his own choice, her younger sister in the training yard of the keep and her bears back home. " we are not close and i do not claim us to be, but you are wise."

| @foughtwcrs sent: And are we meant to weep for dead pirates?

{☾} She doesn't open her eyes from her prayer, the hot scent of melting wax swirling around her. Alicent sighs softly, hands still folded before her.

"We mourn all who have perished in this conflict," she corrected quietly, brows furrowing though she keeps her eyes shut. "Regardless of their allegiance--I pray that the Gods shepherd them from pain."

Her heart lurches and she shakes her head. It was all senseless bloodshed now.

"Why did you wish to seek me out, Lady Mormont?"

[foughtwcrs]

hands splay flat against the rough surface of the table, head bowed in resignation as the guilt of his actions holds him hostage opposite the queen mother. his father sits on rhaenyra's black council, his sister is in the training yard preparing for whatever may come to their shores, his brother is engrossed in books to become a maester for the new world. all whilst he meets with the enemy.

standing straight, a hand rubs at the stubble on his chin as conflicting emotions flash across sharp features - on the one he was before the queen mother, he stood in the keep with a chance all of his men would take to end the war; on the other, he understood and agreed with her. he felt her pain.

" you must understand my wariness, your grace. " his tone is softer now, a peace offering of civility as he continues. " if i make this agreement, i cannot guarantee it be upheld if i am to die on the battlefield. "

| @foughtwcrs sent: you cannot assure me of everything.

{☾} Alicent's fingers drummed lightly on the table and she shook her head. "I cannot assure you of anything, Lord Celtigar. All I can promise is that this war will be fought and though a side may prosper, we all will lose," she murmured softly, arching a dark brow.

Her fingers are picked bloody and she curls them under her sleeves to hide her anxious shame.

"...I merely wish to ensure safekeeping for my daughter and my granddaughter. If Rhaenyra takes King's Landing--" Which was looking more and more likely each day. "I want to ensure that Helaena and Jaehaera are safe. Her expression is serious, but there's a glimmer of pain in her eyes.

"Regardless of our different positions, you and I both can acknowledge that they are innocents. All that I ask is that you offer a safe haven for my girls."