#varyn x alson

[prodixal]

Her tone indicated a struck nerve, and her words showcased a true Northern spirit. Varyn smiled, equal parts impressed and annoyed. And he would have taken her up on the offer had it not been so tasteless only a bastard would dare propose it. To sully such a cheerful event with theatrics which would likely result in him being reprimanded by the queen for killing her high white cloak, and the extra work it would take to find a new one -- no, he would not stoop so low. "Perhaps another time. Would hate for you to lose what little respect you hold, in front of such a large crowd."

He scoffs at the following. It is an insult to queens guard to be greeting noble ladies and lords. They were warriors, fighters -- not servants and footmen. "The queen knows best. Though I should remember to have a word regarding this matter. Perhaps offer a new perspective." -- "You cannot seriously be pleased to stand here and accommodate these esteemed members of the great houses? It is below you. Surely."

alson was not usually so easily provoked, but varyn lannister always had a way of getting under her skin. perhaps it was because of the way he looked at her as if she was the shit beneath his boot. she was used to being around high born and feeling like an outsider but thanks to having vaelora by her side, at times she could forget how cruel people could be because of her birth. varyn lannister was always one to remind her of such.

his words did not phase her, however, because no matter how much he pushed, she would always be above him. captain of the queensguard since vaelora had stepped down, she could easily have him removed, either from the capital or from the plane of existence. though the latter would perhaps cause more problems for the crown. "as far as i can see, my lord, your practices don't seem to compare. unless you wish to put your words to the test out in the yard." there was a flicker of a grin in her lips. it was dangerous to suggest such a thing. varyn was twice her size, but size wasn't everything when you can move a blade quicker than your opponent. "all guards are on duty as the keep fills with the queens guests," she says politely. "it would not look well to have a commoner to be greeting such esteemed members of the great houses."

[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]

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."