Lucrezia Borgias Rose Dress In The Borgias 1x03

starkwhitewolf​:

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torrhen was still figuring out rosa arryn. one moment she seemed as easy to read as a parchment he had scanned many times before, other times she seemed as unfamiliar as an entirely new language to decipher. he was never one to try and assume things about others simply based on their behaviors or past lives, but he knew, in part, it was important as husband to understand his wife to a certain degree. marriage to rosa had proved to come easily, but in many ways he was dealing with his own internal struggles. the eldest stark son had always been protective of his family and his home, even knowing he’d have to marry outside of the kingdom one day. a large part of him, to not fault of rosa, still saw the arryn name as an outsider to his kingdom. while he got along well with her brother, the king of the vale, torrhen stark had always put a small wedge between himself and those not from the north. perhaps rosa would help him to find a better way of securing relationships with outsiders, without entirely blocking them off.

the king’s brow furrowed at her words. while honestly was expected, and appreciated, he hated to hear that she didn’t feel completely safe in her own kingdom. how he wished to return to winterfell, to cast out every last southerner, to be rid of the shadows that haunted everyone. at her questioning, however, he shook his head. “no.” he replied firmly. “do not give him that power, rosa. that is how he is thriving, fear.” torrhen sighed, placing a hand on her stomach gently. “the monsters under our beds as children were always a play in our own minds. do not let him torment yours further. if i have to send you south for safety, so be it, i will.“ even if it meant his child was not born in his kingdom, a thought which troubled him in an inexplicable way, he would do what it took to keep rosa and their baby safe.

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there was a longing to return back home to winterfel. away from all of this mess. a place where they could just spend time together as a married couple as they had. it had only been a short time since they been married, since she had moved her life up north, since they had discovered the wonderful news of their child. she wanted to spend time just to enjoy those moments. spend the time to get to know torrhen more. he had so many walls up around him, almost like she could see them. it had taken time but already she could see a few of them begin to fall around them. letting her into the real him, a side he might hide from others. she wanted to know that part of him.

“i would not leave you. i want to stay here with you, i want our child born in our home. with you by my side…” danger seemed to lurk around every corner for them now. it might be safe to leave to the south to have the child but then what? “if i go south then i would be giving into their fears. i want to be strong for you, for this child.” if she could do that, if she could show her strength then perhaps whatever curse this man was trying to throw at her could be overpowered. if she was strong then this child would be. she placed her hand over his on her stomach. the smallest kick was there, only just started but each time she could breath a sigh of relief that the child was okay. her other hand, moved to the side of his face, running her thumb over his cheek. “i want to be here with you. i feel safe with you here.”

location: the welcoming ball, dorne

@starkwhitewolf

a cool breeze blew across the terrace, rusting the pieces of red curls that had escaped her hair style. she wondered if eddard would share in the curly hair she had. he certainly already had the dark color of his father. she’d have to teach him how to properly control it so it didn’t get completely out of control. 

gods even now at a party all she could think of was her son. though she heard it was a common thing for new mothers, especially as they were spending the night away from him. she wondered if he was feeling alright or doing well or giving the maids any trouble at all. maybe she could sneak back. maybe torrhen would be alright without her here? no, no that was silly to think about.

in fact it was nice to get to spend the night together with him without having to run off every moment for their son.

almost like she had summoned him herself she spotted him walking over towards her on the terrace. “i hope you don’t mind i left you speaking with the other lords. it’s far too hot…well everywhere. but at least out here there is a breeze.” she said, closing her eyes for just a moment to enjoy the cool evening air. “are you enjoying the party?”

rvrprnc​:

open starter.

days spent in solitude. constrained to his chambers. his only company a crow that would check in on him, perch atop the inner casement … waiting. waiting for something. waiting for him? oh, and the targaryen guards. though, he could easily admit he preferred the crow. no matter it’s mirthless forewarning. 

at the opening of the doors, the thought vanished. maybe he could admit, but he would not. the guards entered for other than to deliver one of the three unloving meals of the morning, day, night. now they were to take him for a walk? brynden rolled his eyes in response. strike one. two more, no walk. “ ugh … ” he ran a hand through his lengthened locks. “ very well. ” he then followed. two led before him, two behind. he wondered if he should try to sneak off, but even he was not dimwitted enough to realize they were on an island and unfortunately now, the trout, even if it could swim in salt waters, was only his houses sigil. 

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the day had a slight chill to the air, enough to nip at the skin but still it was one of the rare days it still felt wonderful outside. pulling her cloak tighter around her, she was happy to get away from some of the bustle of the castle. a nice quiet walk, she was expecting. but up ahead on the pathway rosa was able to catch a glimpse at him. brynden. he looked so different from when she saw him last. the night of the ball he was dressed up, like they all were. ready to have a fun night. but all of that was turned upside down and it seemed even more so for all of the tullys. part of rosa knew she should just keep walking but before she could stop herself her feet were carrying her closer and closer. "brynden!" she called out, forgetting proper etticute for the moment but she hoped he would forgive her.

after a moment she was able to catch up to him. "you're outside. i....i am so glad to see you." it was the truth. she had been so worried for her friend since news of his imprisonment had reached her. her gut had told her that there was no way he could be part of this. seeing him now he looked different, and not just the long hair. there was something else. "are you alright?"

falcxnprince​:

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it was odd, seeing his sister as a queen now, of course, he always knew she would marry well. ravella, too, but as they grew, he began to realize the elder arryn sister had more of a sway with whom she would be shackled to forever, or at least, the king knew better than to align her with just anyone. that is, until none other than wyatt grafton became the most suitable person to become her fiance. he scoffed at the idea, a traitor marrying an arryn who resided in the eyrie itself. it was laughable, and he still couldn’t put his mind to exactly why that decision was made.

rosa, on the other hand, would likely fair just well with anyone. she was kind, obedient, qualities that made a good and faithful wife, but nonetheless, worried the youngest arryn. he hoped no one would dare take advantage of his sister’s good heart. she seemed, however, to be doing plenty well up in the frigid north. he embraced her hug, however, partly for it’s warmth, but mostly because he truly did miss her. she was always the neutral party when the other siblings bickered. “we certainly do.” he replied, releasing her from his arms. “yes, yes, yes, sister, please do not stress yourself with worrying about me you know i am perfectly self-sufficient.” he smiled. “you have plenty of things to worry yourself about as it is, i’m sure, please tell me how everything has been for you up here.” 

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rosa had begun to build a life up in her new home. when her engagement was first announced rosa had always feared that she would not be able to settle into her new home. that she would not be able to fit in, that she would always be an outsider. the people of the north were strong, protective of one another and wary of people from the south. it had only been three months of living up in winterfel but she already felt herself beginning to relax. she had begun to make friends, to become closer to torrhen. and now with their child on the way everything felt like it was starting to fall into place.

but a piece of her would always miss the mountains of her home. miss seeing her brothers and sister every day. even if some of that time was spent breaking up petty squabbles, she would not mind it.

the distance away made moments like this so special. getting to hold her family close in the crisp chilly air. “of course, of course. but a sister still worries. i want you enjoy your time here.” rosa looped her arm through her brothers to guide him out of the cold. “i have been well up here. there is much to get used to and much that is different but i am happy. torrhen has been wonderfully attentive and helping me through the change. i couldn’t ask for more.” she smiled. “you are going to be an uncle again soon enough. i will have to request another visit from you all after he is born if you are all able to go back home before he arrives.”

@ravellaarryns

… a most beloved sister.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005) dir. Joe Wright

L Y R A   S U N G L A S S

“perhaps she had them all fooled. her air of confidence was in truth a well-crafted cloak that took years to perfect. lyra knew it well enough. she had been the master of her own deception.”

penned by anya

@sunglxss

bethanystark​:

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war was the worst of all the ways she had been separated from her twin. it felt wrong at times, to sit in his chair and act with the authority he possessed. it wasn’t that she was unfamiliar with the duty that was being the stark in winterfell, but it was the fact it meant her brother was off getting himself into trouble, into danger. during the dance she’d been the one to wrap a bark and leather good luck charm on his wrist, but now that charm was secured by his wife. things were so different this time, but yet still also the same.

at least this time she didn’t have to prove herself as a capable leader. gods, the amount of old men challenging her before… they were lucky bear hadn’t tried to eat them in the night.

bethany rose early -it was hunting season and her body refused to listen when she tried to sleep in and say she couldn’t go out- and had been looking over some reports from along the way to sea dragon point and deepwood motte when the queen entered. brown eyes shifted up to acknowledge her goodsister’s presence before going back to the papers. “mornin’ rosa.” she sounded preoccupied, rightly so, and the huge direwolf that was her shadow and companion came up to circle and sniff at the queen, checking her over in that protective way before being content and flopping down next to bethany’s chair. well, theon’s chair. it was just hers for now.

“the siege has begun, but it’s slow going through the wolfswood to sea dragon point. we have logging trails through there, not roads fit for soldiers. not yet at least.” she said as she took a dagger to a sealed letter and read it over before rolling her eyes and setting it aside in one of many piles. men. “i’m sure you know this, but no news is good news in war. our concerns are to keep the home fires burning while theon collects more war stories to tell us when he gets back.”

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it was strange being in a position to make some real decisions and have power over what may happen during a time of war. during the last battles of the dance rosalyn had been locked safely away in the eyrie to ensure nothing would happen to the arryns not in the fight. they would be safe up in the mountains from almost everything. there was no time to help with decision-making, nor would her voice be heard anyways. her father never was someone to promote his daughter’s talents.

often the young queen wondered what he might think of his daughter now if he could see her. the queen consort of the north, mother to a future king. maybe there might be a small sense of pride. she would never know.

rosalyn watched her goodsister as she spoke, picking up what she was saying. she would have to teach her a sign or two to help her communicate. luckily reading bethany’s words wasn’t too hard of a task to do. 

after giving bear his well earned pets, she moved to the table next to bethany. “at least we will have the advantage of knowing these woods over the iron born raiders. this will be unfamiliar land to them, could lead to many mistakes on their part.” she said, looking over the pile of letters. “one of the elder lords stopped me in the halls last night to ask for an audience with the two of us. he said he did not have time to write a letter but wishes to discuss his taxes, seeing that his supplies are going towards the war efforts now.”

location: winterfell, a week after the fighting in the broke started

@bethanystark​

there hadn’t been many times when rosa was left alone in winterfel. from the start of their marriage they had been by each other’s side. she found herself comforted by his presence, even if he was in another place in the castle. and the times he was gone she was at peace with the knowledge he would be home again soon. but this was much different, more unpleasant than she was expecting it to be. anxiety curled in her stomach like a knot, waiting to see what would come next.

war was not safe for anyone. not even a king. not even the wolf king.

as the days went by she found herself out by the weirwood trees more and more, praying to safe return of all her family. may they come back victorious and unharmed.

that early morning her stomach still felt like it was twisting and turning, but she assumed it was the nerves getting to her once again. luckily enough she was going to get to spend most of the day by her goodsister’s side.

“good morning bethany.” rosa greeted as she walked into the council room. one of the handmaidens came to her side to give her something warm to drink to try to fight off the early morning chill in the air. “have we gotten any news back from anyone? do we know if they have arrived yet?”

letter sent to @ravellaarryns after a few weeks after fighting breaks out

dear sister,

i have missed you terribly since my visit back home to the eyire. it warmed my heart to see you once again and i hope i will be able to visit you again soon. please give my love to graham as well, it was wonderful to see him and i am so happy for the two of you. i know i said it about a dozen times when i saw you in person but i know in my heart you will be an amazing queen. i am so proud of you.

there is some slight unfortunate news upon returning back to the north. it seems not even us could escape the trouble in the iron islands. some of the escaped men have found their way into our woods and have joined forces with the thenns. theon and the others have left to deal with the issue. 

however with bad news come some good news. a week after theon left to fight i discovered i may be with child. the midwives here have confirmed it and they believe it may be more than one. but it is still too early to tell for sure. i have yet to tell my husband yet as i am afraid it may be a distraction while he is fighting. but i am in good hands and being well protected and taken care of. i wanted you to know as quickly as i could tell you.

i love you so much. and eddie says the same.

your loving sister,

rosa

a q u e e n ' s c h o i c e

in the dimly lit chamber, heavy with the weight of anticipation the wisdom’'s voice bore the burden of grief as he delivered the dire news to the king of the north. “only one of them can most likely live your highness. i’m so sorry.”  throughout the evening, the stone walls of the castle reverberated with anguished cries, marking the onset of labor for the next child of house stark. but this time, the arrival was fraught with unforeseen complications. owen, somber and resolute, settled by his wife's side, his hand seeking hers in a silent gesture of solidarity. together, they listened as the sage relayed the harrowing choice that lay before them: the life of the queen or that of their unborn child. in a heartbeat, rosalyn, with unwavering resolve, voiced her decision. her gaze met owen's, her eyes a reflection of unwavering maternal love and sacrifice. "our child, owen. we must choose our child," she declared, her words bearing the weight of an unimaginable sacrifice. rosalyn knew the risks of what she choice. what it meant to have them focusing on saving the childs life. but she would willingly surrender her own life a thousand times over to safeguard the future of her children. if it meant they had a chance. she had known the risks everytime she laid down in the birthing bed. every woman did. and so she choice their child. with a heavy heart, rosalyn embraced the risk inherent in her decision, knowing full well the perilous path ahead. yet, she harbored no hesitation, for she would willingly surrender her own life a thousand times over to safeguard the future of her offspring. as their children were ushered into the room, rosalyn savored a fleeting moment to shower them with kisses, her heart heavy with the bittersweet knowledge that these may be her last embraces. alone with her husband in the quiet before the storm, rosalyn clutched owen's hand tightly, her tear-filled eyes. "don't let them forget me, promise me. please," she implored, her voice choked with emotion. "i won't. i promise you, they will not forget you," owen vowed, his own grief mirroring hers. even he knew the likely outcome of this. grasping onto the flickering flame of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, she spoke quietly to her husband "you are a good man, owen stark. you have a good soul. you doubt yourself i know you do…" she whispered, her voice trembling with conviction. "promise me you won't lose that." rosa could swear she saw a tear moving down his cheek, “i wont.” he promised, his voice tight. quiet and solumn as he made his promise. and so, as the night wore on and the castle fell into a hushed stillness, the cries of a newborn babe pierced the air, a beacon of life amidst the shroud of sorrow. the child was saved, but queen rosalyn was lost to them, her sacrifice felt by all those around her. the child that survived has been named rosalyn jeyne stark. a baby with red hair like her mothers. queen rosalyn will be buried in the crypts of the north, in the customs of the land she had gotten to embrace and call her own. @owenstark