Within The Library Of Barrowhall, The Ever-growing Shape Of Rosalyn Stark Darted Around The Room. Probably

t r u t h  s e r u m

rosa | ophelia | morra | cassana | harlon | theo | mellara | axell | ellie

tears flowed down the cheeks of the queen of winter. this couldn’t be. this simply could not be. there was always hope that one day their niece would be returned home safe. that one day soon she would be found amongst the mountain clans that took her and she would be returned back home to them. reading the letter her sister had given her broke her heart over and over again with each new word she read.

why would her sister allow her to read such a thing without warning? why not tell her herself to soften such a blow. perhaps she thought this would be easier…it was strange. but grief made everyone act strange. rosalyn’s hand clutched at her swelling stomach as she tried to process the news. 

“rowan made me promise i would look after her.” she remembered back to the time when their family was whole. rowan holding his young daughter and making her swear to look after his daughter if anything happened to him. and now she had let him down. at least the guards who allowed it would also be punished. how they could lack in their duty to protect someone so innocent, so young. they needed to be punished. 

“sister please,”rosalyn said looking over towards ravella who’s eyes had barely moved away from the window. “please sit with me, i need you.” she said reaching out her hand for her sister. gods only knew how different they were from one another, they always had been since they were little. but that never stopped the deep connection of love between them. rosalyn doubted very little could ever stop her from loving her sister.

who: @rosaaaryn​  where: the queens of winter and the mountains of the moon sit together within the private bedchambers of ravella within highgarden, upon the news of their niece’s murder being broken to the queen in the north. a corpse had been found, and identified as the late daughter of rowan arryn.

and the sound of the crying that seemed to come from the lips of her sister at the news was a sound that would once have caused something within her to stir, the way it did upon hearing the way rosalyn’s voice would break whilst having conversation within their father. never once had his favouritism of his eldest daughter gotten in the way of the sisterhood they shared. one that was not filled with affection from the queen of winter, but a level of tolerance that could only equate love.

“cry. you need cry. you can cry.”

and yet now, there was nothing as she stood by the window; she had not spoken the words directly to her sister, instead allowing her to read the letter that had been received to the queen directly. the small council had already been gathered, and she attempted to ignore the ways in which lord stone’s dark gaze looked upon her. somewhere along the way, it was decided that sacrifices would be needed to make the mountain stronger. the mountain needed to be fed, and falcons had lived in delusion for long enough. they were not untouchable. the mountain needed to be fed.

“the guards who allowed it were put to death by the lord commander.”

how was it people reacted to news of such grief? did they sob and sound like a wounded animal, pouring their hearts out into the void amidst the wracking of shoulders? no, that would be entirely undignified. but rosalyn would react in that way, considering she was entirely fond of the girl. the daughter of rowan arryn. weakness ran in blood, and thus so did the undoing of their realm. sacrifices needed to be made to make matters stronger again. sacrifices needed to be made to ensure there was no threat to her own legitimacy, apart from what lay between her legs.

@cassvstark @kingvmorra @harlonvflowers

Drinking starters

as requested by @ambitionbled (it won’t let me tag you, sorry!)

CONCERN.

❝How much have you had to drink?❞

❝You could have fucking alcohol poisoning!❞  

❝Easy, there. Try to sit up.❞

❝I think I might’ve overdone it on the alcohol…❞

❝We’ve got to go get your stomach pumped.❞

❝I thought you said you were clean!❞

❝Yes, it is a big deal.❞

❝Let me drive you home.❞

❝You are NOT driving like this!❞

❝You are gonna have one hell of a hangover tomorrow.❞

❝Drinking until you puke is not normal.❞

DRUNK.

❝Is this real life?❞ 

❝I want to go to sleep but I can’t find any sheep.❞

❝How do you show fish affection?❞

❝Taco Bell is open 24 hours, right?❞

❝Tequila is not my friend? YOU’RE not my friend.❞

❝Drunk I am not.❞

-glasses on head- ❝Where did I put my glasses?❞

❝How do I tell my parents I’m a mermaid?❞ 

❝I’m not even tired.❞

❝I should call my ex.❞

❝I’m not drunk enough for this.❞

❝Does playing Mario Kart drunk count as drunk driving?❞

-hugging the floor- ❝I’m trying to stop the floor from spinning.❞

❝Can we go out for fried chicken?❞

ANGST.

❝What’s the fucking point anymore?❞

❝Screw recovery. I want a drink.❞

❝I’m too sober for this shit.❞ 

❝I don’t give a shit what you think.❞

❝I seriously don’t feel too good.❞

❝I didn’t even have that much to drink.❞

❝Will you stop fucking interrogating me?❞

❝I can drive. I’m fine.❞

❝There’s a reason I drink so much.❞

❝You’re the reason I drink so much.❞

❝I’m only happy when I’m drunk.❞

FLUFF/FUN.

❝You’re cute, you know that?❞ 

❝You wanna get wasted?❞

❝I’m bar-hopping tonight, wanna come?❞

❝What are you drinking, and why aren’t you sharing?❞

❝I’m having a party for two.❞

❝You’re so hot.❞

❝I’m usually too chicken-shit to say this, but…I really like you.❞

❝I don’t want to kiss you with your alcohol breath.❞

*kisses on forehead*

*kisses on cheek*

*kisses on lips*

dear cedric,

i hope your travels back to highgarden have been well. you departure was so sudden i was not able to find you before you left. i'm sure it is important business why you are away and not because you grew bored of all of us at the vale. 

i'm unsure if you knew when you'll be traveling back to the vale with all the talks of battles and fighting going on. (are you fighting? you know you all don't have to fight but you are so very similar to my brother. i’d be very happy for some company back in the eyrie.)

smudge might be the only one relived with your departure since that means kit is not lurking around every corner to make a new snack out of him.

i do have some news my friend....it seems like my wedding is going to be sooner than expected. the fighting ahead has moved everything along. and i know it is probably going to be a stretch and i’m sure you have other important thing to do.... but i would really love for you to be there. you've been a dear friend and i want you there for the day. it would mean a lot to me.

of course i understand if you have other obligations and cannot make it.

i hope you are well

your friend,

𝖗𝖔𝖘𝖆

@visxionaries

ravellaarryns​:

@rosaaaryn​

upon entering rosalyn’s chambers, brushing past the guards that had been stationed on either side of the double doors with a nonchalant brush whilst her own arryn guards discussed details and identities, the emptiness of the room was immediately apparent. well, not entirely empty; some serving maids, definitely not those rosa had left her home with. “are you not paid a wage to attend on my sister?” ravella demanded, her voice as stern as a whip as she remained in the shadows of the room. “quickly run a bath for the princess and  get out of my presence.” ravella immediately busied herself by closing a window that was allowing in cold draughts of sea air.  ensuring the hot water of the bath was filled with relaxing scents and salts, she lingered by the window to see rosa slowly crossing the courtyard, making her way back to her chambers. nobody had been clear in regards to what had happened the night before; the woman intended on hearing it from her sister first, before seeking out robin and finally, rowan.

.

most of that morning had been spent arguing with maesters. all of whom had told rosa of the benefits of regular walks in the fresh air and how it could help with healing of her neck. the last thing she wanted wanted was to leave the safety of her room. every corner and dark spot could hold new danger she was not ready for. but eventually she gave in and took the walk surrounded by guards. asha as she made her way back to her chambers, she was stopped by one of the guards to inform her she had a visitor. "who? "she asked. the guard only shrugged before opening the door. stepping in nervously she looked around before spotting a familar dark brunette in the corner. "ravella..." the shock of seeing her there not setting in. maybe it was a vision. but that couldn't stop her from running toward her, flinging her arms around her. "how? how are you here?"

Eleanor Tomlinson for Schon! Magazine (2021) ♥

THE KING AND QUEEN OF WINTER are pleased to announce the birth of the twins PRINCE BRANDON STARK and PRINCESS RAVELLA STARK. the second and third born children of king owen stark and queen rosalyn stark. mother and the two children are reported to be strong and healthy.

@owenstark

△ do you think your husband really would have chosen you as a bride over your sister, or was his hand forced?

△ - 3

“i do not deny my sister is beautiful and smart and talented. but i know my sister and i know my husband very well. i know they would have very likely torn each other apart if they were married. i not believe they would have chosen each other.” rosa leaned back in her seat, looking towards her son. a smile crossed the stark queen’s face. “my husband and i both agreed to the match. he did choose me.”

@ravellaarryns

rosa's voice was low, quiet but knowing her sister could hear her words. "i missed you more than you could ever know." she spoke to her.

since she was a child it felt like she only ever had her siblings on her side. their father was harsh and cruel towards his youngest daughter. and while their mother tried to help, it seemed she was spacey in her own way. rosa had been glued to her sisters side ever since then.   looking up to her, admiring her strength. they did not meet eye to eye with everything but that hardly mattered to rosa. her heart was over bursting with love for her dark haired sister.

and now it was time for rosa to discover the world on her own without her siblings by her side. which had proven to be both exciting and a little scary at times. and while she was adjusting to life in the north it did not mean she didn't miss her sister's daily presence in her life.

"i actually have gotten used to the cold weather up here. i mean, some days are just brutal but i do not seem to mind it. however perhaps you are right." a laugh left the lips of the new northern queen, as she took her sister's hand in hers. "ah yes, allow me to escort you to your rooms. i am sure you would like to change." with a knowing smile rosa switched to sign towards her sister don't worry i have made sure you have the best rooms. but don't tell anyone else

rosaaaryn​:

location: white harbor, the north

it had not been that long since she had seen her family last, only a few months. but to her it felt like forever. over the past ten years of the war she barely had ever left the vale, for safety sake. and during that time she had her family by her side. and most of that time was spent with her sister as their brothers left to fight in their own ways. 

first arriving in the north she felt lost without having them by her side. rodrik was there for her, along with the other stark siblings but it took some time to adjust. and even still there were times she doubted herself and her place in the north.

 rosa had asked that the moment word came that the party from the vale had arrived that she be notified. her heart fluttered every time someone walked down the halls, expecting news to arrive. the moment the fresh-faced maid stuck her head into the room to give her the news, rosa had tossed her book aside and hurried out the door.

 “your majesty, please be careful!” her maid called after her. all of the staff were more cautious around her the past few weeks now that her stomach had begun to swell. the bump just barely visible under the dark navy dress she wore and the large cloak to keep her warm.

 racing down the white stone halls of new castle, she turned the corner into the main entrance. there she could spot the familiar raven-colored hair of her sister. “ravella!” she called out over the crowd, a smile on the young queen’s face. she felt giddy, like a child once more as she bounded her way across the hall towards her. she gave little care to who else was there or watching as she threw her arms around her sister. “you made it here safe. i am so happy to see you.”

@ravellaarryns

.

there was a tragic history between house arryn and the bustling northern city of white harbor; whitewashed walls gleaming under the harsh winter light. only a handful of years ago did maddelena manderly board a grand ship with the eyrie as it’s final intended destination, wedding her eldest brother - though she never openly spoke of the matter, ravella had grown to quietly appreciate the woman’s presence within her family. the smell of the northern sea made ravella’s stomach twist lightly; now knowing the bride had long since returned to the gods. wherever they were. 

indicating for the servants to load their belongings carefully upon the stationed carriages, she barely heard a familiar voice call over the bustling noise, not until she turned her icy gaze over the crowd to fall upon a familiar head of fiery hair. and soon, that fiery head of hair had ran through the crowds, arms thrown around her. ravella ’s face was momentarily buried in her sister’s curls, and if one looked carefully, one would be able to see the swift, bright smile cross the woman’s features. 

“we all did.” she spoke, squeezing her sister firmly before looking down at the small bump, covered by the warm cloak. “come, we must get you inside - gods know this harsh weather is good for nobody. would the queen of the north care to escort me?” she asked, a slight eyebrow raised as she stressed upon the new title bestowed upon rosalyn.

ravellaarryns​:

who: @rosaaaryn where: the great hall, the eyrie, the vale of arryn when: the wedding feast of queen ravella arryn and lord graham royce

The sound of a baby crying won’t leave the very fringe of her mind, as though she could just about hear it over the sounds of talking and the lute, the sounds of footsteps hitting the floor, the sounds of bodies hitting the floor. The ruling Queen of the Vale of Arryn appeared as distant and untouchable as the most holy of stars as she remained sat upon the Weirwood throne, which so many Arryns had sat upon in the centuries, decades, years and even weeks leading up to this very moment; finally the Gods had played their dominion over her in a way she had always suspected they would, and bound the houses together. 

Those houses that were always supposed to be bound, with the two same souls as it were in the very beginning. What had all of this been for, if not to start again in the very beginning? How much of a say did any of them have, over any of it? 

What the fuck was that sound? Who was crying? Her hand clenched around around the weirwood, looking down upon it; was it not a very twisted symbol of that Andal conquering over the First Men, chopping down those trees that held some sense of meaning only to sit upon it. Her hand was a fist upon the edges, her knuckles white as her jaw stiffened; those who had been in the far North had already seen a vision of those icy, dead orbs that now fixed upon the King Consort in his negotiations with the Braavosi dignitary. Why did she feel so, so far away?

 The Queen barely noticed her sister approaching her, the glow of motherhood remaining upon her porcelain features, with hair that had been kissed by fire; the only two Arryns seemingly left in the world, from what felt like  a dynasty in the very beginning. How it had all had fallen down from such dizzying heights, and how she would ensure to fix it, dragging it up if she needed to; the Arryns needed to be untouchable once again. It was the only way. 

She did not react as her sister spoke to her, though there was no doubt the women were entirely opposing figures in what their wedding day had looked like; Rosalyn the blushing bride of the Mountain, and Ravella had not cracked a smile once. That was hardly out of the ordinary though. She looked upon her sister in silence for a few moments, realising she would need to put herself through the same torture she seemed to love putting herself through. She would need to now. There was no other choice.

Oh well. 

.

the music swirled around the halls of eyrie like it had done so many times before and would continue over and over again. although to rosa is was barely audible to her, enough for her to hear what was happening and for her to enjoy the melodic tunes. when she was little, she hated being sent away from parties by her father since if she ventured too far from the room the music would be lost to her. all of the party would be lost to her the moment she was out of the doors, while her siblings could at least enjoy the sounds of it through the halls. ravella was always there for her, ready to interrupt something for her or steer their father’s anger away from her. there was a bond of sisterhood that not even their father could sever from them.

it was strange they were the last two arryns left standing. how their father must be rolling in the crypt to think his daughters would be who would carry on his legacy. it was frightening to think how large and strong their brothers were growing up and to think where they fell to. 

no. she could not think of such things at her own sister’s wedding. this was a time for celebration and happiness. the vale would be in good hands with ravella and graham. both of them cared for the future of the vale, they always had been. they needed that now, they needed people who could carry the burden of ruling.

the music reached its end and everyone in the hall gave polite applause for the dance. rosalyn had thanked her dance partner, a vale lord who said it was an honor to be dancing with one of the arryn queens. and the younger queen searched for where her sister was. and unsurprisingly , she was in the same spot atop her throne. but as she approached her sister, there was no recognition on her face. 

rosalyn knew what this marbled silence from her sister could possibly mean. it was like her sister was staring into another world. one that she could not fathom to understand. while rosalyn loved her sister so very dearly, feeling as if she was part of her own heart, she knew of the walls that ravella had built up. of the cold exterior that must be maintained for some reason. had it always been like this? or lately had the marble become more and more frequent? it was hard to say as her time was spent in her new home.

 “sister are you alright?” she asked, her voice quiet so none other would hear. but she got no response, just a silent look from here sister. oh gods she really was in that other world today. the winter queen took a seat down next to her sister, turning to face her. her hand rested gently on her sister’s hand that gripped the throne so harshly. “come back to me for a moment.” she spoke softly. “something is wrong. what is troubling you? this is your wedding day you should be dancing with the rest of us yet you sit up here all alone.” she said, her hands signing along with her words as they often did when speaking with her family. “i know you now have this new weight upon your shoulders that was not supposed to be yours…but bearing it alone is not something you must do.” she told her. “what is troubling you?” she asked again.