When Winter Leaves.... (Private)

Noticing the shift in Kaylee's attitude caused Visenya's gaze to soften. A smile tugged at her lips "I can't make any promises of not castrating him and feeding him to the bears if he wastes this second chance." She locked eyes with Hagen as she said that. It wasn't a threat, it was a promise. She was going to give him that second chance, but if he screwed up? It was all on him. Even if he tried to escape in the deep abyss of the seas, he wouldn't be able to escape her wrath.

She watched as a servant brought Kaylee a set of daggers, which the Lioness inspected before admiting to Visenya's words and assuring her that all was handled. "When have I ever done anything but that?" She chuckled as she said that and moved forward to rest an assuring hand on her cousin's shoulder. Then, she addressed the man that her cousin had fallen for. Her gaze had sifted from hostile to calculating. Slight approval flashed over her eyes as she finished her brief examination. But it was only slight as the man had a not-so-good first impression on her due to the past. A past that was forgiven and Visenya would definitely try to treat it as such. "Honesty will get you farther than flattery, Kraken." She advised playfully to Hagen as she poked him firmly in the chest. She had no doubt the man would know that it was an advise he ought to take to heart when it came to dealing with her. If all was forgiven then Visenya could relax, if only a little. The initial meeting with the man had intrigued and amused her. Perhaps he wasn't so bad afteral. But she didn't have the whole picture and thus honesty would earn her full trust.

"Do you want me to sent for Vidar after the feast?" She asked Kaylee as she adjusted her cloak a little. Kaylee knew Vidar. It was hard not to when Visenya and he were pretty much glued to eachother ever since they were kids. "We should go. Cat will be waiting and the games should begin, don't you think?" The last part was said with a faint wrinkle of her nose. At the very least Visenya found the way noble treated the power struggle as a game, to be played with real lives and people as pawns, to be frowned upon.
 

Following up at his hint, Kaylee briefly filled her cousin in with the situation. The Lioness was quick to justify and excuse him from the closeted anger that Visenya's face threatened just a moment before and to be quite honest, Hagen would've expected it to blow out one way or the other and perhaps, it still may. At least judging by the smug smile she treated him with right after hearing her cousin's heartfelt reasoning behind not just simply kicking out the stray down the hill he climbed back up.

Lady Mormont's response had the ironborn chuckle and grin brightly in good spirits, briefly rubbing Kaylee's back with affection before replying briefly in between the two answers that the Lioness had prepared for her cousin. "Righfuly so, lady Mormont. I will see to avoid it. Generous, however." But even with the jest response to Visenya's words, a simple nod at her direction held all of the understanding on how serious she would have been about it. She could trust him just as much as Kaylee could trust him. His methods weren't always the beacon of his trustworthiness, but the results did not lie as easily as a given word might.

The brief moment between the two measuring out the weight of their words was interrupted when Kaylee was approached by a servant that briefly had Hagen on high alert. He was focused at the conversation at hand in a way that distracted him from the happenings around him and so, still under the impression of the recent events, once the man entered the room and approached them, Hagen's hand twitched just slightly towards his sword, focusing his glare at the servant carrying the pair of blades towards the Lioness. His arm relaxed just as quickly when Kaylee responded calmly, acquiring the blades. Even so, Hagen did not fail to escort the servant with a stern look as they stepped back. With the servant out of the way, Hagen briefly cracked his neck, turning his attention back to the dialogue in front of him.

The blades were quick to drag his attention once they found themselves in Kaylee's hands and he briefly admired the metal work done on them, but more so, the way the blade fit perfectly in her slender hand.

"We're handling it, trust me," the words resonated in his mind and it didn't take much more than that for him to decipher the flat tone of her voice. They certainly were, but the indifference her tone may have sounded with, was not the state of her mind. Then again such situation would leave anyone restless and she was handling it well, although nothing less was expected. The rest of the meeting between the cousins went on undisturbed. Even though after before, Hagen's attention was on the more places than just one, he caught Visenya's gaze at the right time once more giving the necessary attention to it. She did not trust him but her stance, albeit vary, was no longer alerted and tense.

"Honesty will get you farther than flattery, Kraken," the fair-haired northern advised him as she approached and concluded it with a firm poke in his chest that lured out a lopsided smirk from the ironborn, evidently proud of the way she referred to him as Kraken. Hearing it from the mainlander of such background was certainly not to be disregarded.

"Fortunately I am not much of a flatterer, lady Mormont. In my experience the inability to do so, puts the cap on every attempt of it quite effectively", he jested back in the same manner. Everything said so far was indeed out of the honesty, but rather than lingering on it, he would have the woman make of it what she would.

"We should go. Cat will be waiting and the games should begin, don't you think?" Visenya concluded which earned her an affirmative nod from Hagen coming to terms with the fact that he is going to do what he came here for whether he fancied it or not. And truth be told, sometimes it felt that he'd rather be fed to the bears instead. Regardless, the obligation he had was beyond how he felt about it. It was one of the two things they counted on him for. First one, he denied for his own sake. Bailing on the second one would've been met with a lot more scorn.

"Let the games begin then", Hagen announced with a bit of an uplift in his voice, drinking up the rest of the wine and lowering the empty cup on the large dining table. "The sooner we get there, the sooner it will be over. God have mercy", he added half-jokingly as he made his way out into the hall of the house, waiting for the ladies to join him. Regardless of his unfazed expression, following up the incident, lord Greyjoy's mood was anything but festive. It was, however, better left unshown.

@DayDreamer @Sailor Arti
 
There was much work that needed to be done at the Keep, or what was for the most part a well fortified manor instead of an actual castle. Many nobles had already arrived and the stable boys have been running around, tending to horses and making sure they didn't mix up any of them when it came to their owners. Guards were on patrol and several of them were stationed at the gates, observing, greeting or barring entrance to those who approached the iron gateway. They were the typical Stark soldiers. Round shields with the direwofl sigil at their side and long spears resting on their shoulders. They stood on attention as Visenya, Kaylee and Hagen approached the gates on mount.

The trio was quickly let through as they were recognised and their horses were led away by a stable boy that had rushed out to take them. "Well then, let's hope this will be a fun evening before the real battle begins tomorrow." Visenya commented rather lightheartedly, even though her face revealed some concern as she passed near torches' light. The attack incident still lingered on her mind as a cause for concern. However she wiped that frown off as soon as they entered the manor and were attended to by servants who led the to Keep's main hall.

You could already hear music and conversation coming from the half opened doors to the main hall. Many nobles were already there, chatting amongst themselves, some seated, some huddled near a tapestry or by the crackling hearth. A small band of bards was sat one side of the room, entertaining the guests. At the High Table, Catelyn Stark, second of her name, was already seated with her brother Eddard and a man whom Visenya recognised as Lionel Tarley, Lord of the Reach.

Visenya gave her bear cloak and sword at one of the servants as soon as her arrival was announced. It was a gesture that had many sets of eyes follow her as she made her way to the High table to greet her cousin that hadn't seen in quite a while. It was only right to leave your weapons at the door before greeting your host, but perhaps she had been too blunt about it. The sight of swords in such an important event and the tension that had built up in anticipation of a coronation or a war was enough to put some people on edge. "Cat! Apologies for being late. Some of us had a bit of extra freshing up to do." Visenya greeted the dark haired female with a large smile and a hug. This, while not entirely true, was a sufficient excuse which made Catelyn smile. "Did you have trouble finding that one dress you own Visenya?" The Stark Lady teased with a laugh. It was well known amongst family that Visenya prefered breaches over dresses, but she did infact own several of those as well.

"Kaylee, Lord Greyjoy welcome to King's Landing." Catelyn's tone changed from warm to neutral with practised ease as she addressed her cousin and the Ironborn respectively. While it was well known that Ironborn weren't generally welcomed in the mainland, Catelyn Stark was known for her diplomacy and her ability to remain neutral in even the most difficult situations. She was not about to disrespect or offend a guest now. "Come! Take a seat." She added with a smile and gestured at the High Table that was reserved for the Great Families that were contensting for the Iron throne.
 
Art by: WLOP
Kaylee Lannister
Outfit: Kaylee's Outfit Here!
Hair: Kaylee's Hairstyle Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy @DayDreamer
Notes: Sorry for going MIA again. And I'll probs do it again since I'll be on vacation soon, oops. Also, I godmodded Hagen a bit if I need to fix it let me know.
The trio ended up leaving Kaylee's place right after Kaylee made her last rounds informing her people of what she expected while she was away. It was unfortunate but Kaylee's good mood had been tainted in a matter of seconds. No longer did she feel like playing politics, not that she ever enjoyed it in the first place. Still, she couldn't afford to be distracted lest someone else attempt to take advantage of her. One was enough for today. Still, how could she help herself? She'd practically been threatened on her doorstep. If there was ever a greater offence let it be known otherwise Kaylee was stuck.

She was relatively quiet on the journey to the keep. She needed time to recover. She'd temporarily purge her thoughts that way she could focus on the task ahead of her. She'd deal with this threat eventually. Besides, she just needed to trust that Maya could handle this. If Kaylee focused on what she needed to now then she might be able to find out more information about the one targeting her. Her first thought was that it had to be a noble, someone not happy she was contending for the throne. What better place to search for clues than the hub where all the candidates were huddled together? Hagen gently placed a hand on her knee snapping the lioness from her thoughts. She turned her azure orbs down towards him realizing that they had arrived. He held out his hand to her to help her down from the horse, which she quickly accepted and dismounted with his help.

"Well then, let's hope this will be a fun evening before the real battle begins tomorrow.", Kaylee fluffed her dress out before smirking to her cousin, "Depends on your definition of fun. How good is your acting nowadays cousin?" Kaylee teased hinting once more to Vis's distaste for things like this. As the trio approached lively music and bustle of light conversation flooded Kaylee's ears. It seemed several were already in place. That's alright, Kaylee was never one to turn down a dynamic entry. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes for a moment. With her exhale, she released all the earlier stress and instead adorned her typical energy she exuded. Once of excellence and grace. This was her playing field and she'd be damned if she was caught unawares by someone else.

"Cat! Apologies for being late. Some of us had a bit of extra freshening up to do." Visenya greeted their cousin with a smile and a hug. "Did you have trouble finding that one dress you own Visenya?" The dark-haired Stark lady replied with gusto. This caused the corner of Kaylee's lips to tug up every so slightly. It was always a pleasure watching Visenya get teased by someone other than her. Of course, all within the realms of good taste. "Kaylee, Lord Greyjoy welcome to King's Landing." Catelyn now addressed the Lioness and her Kraken. Kaylee bowed slightly before speaking up smoothly, "Nice to see you again Catelyn, looking beautiful as always." Kaylee let the word run off her tongue as easily as water off a duck's back. "Come! Take a seat." Cat invited them all to have a seat at the high table. Kaylee nodded once more before turning to Hagen, giving him a knowing glance before slightly brushing past him to take her place at the table. She was both eager and afraid to see how Hagen would hold himself in this situation.

 
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As the reins of the horse she had been leant dropped into the hands of a rather flustered looking stable boy, an excited grin spread across Tamsyn’s face. Despite what she had told her sisters about how boring tonight would be, she had been looking forward to this feast for a while now. It would be a night unlike any other Tamsyn had ever experienced before. It had been a thrill when the guards had invited her past the gates and there were still so much more to come.

Following at the back of the group of nobles led by her uncle, Tamsyn made her way through antechamber of the keep. With each step the sound of chattering voices and light music grew louder. At the door of the main hall, there was some slight fussing as the various lords and ladies of her party arranged themselves and waited to be announced before entering the hall. Having arrived last and lacking sharp elbows caused by a need for self-promotion, Tamsyn was the last of the group to step into the hall. The sounds and smells hit her like a wave, stopping her mid step with their embrace. It was intoxicating. The room was so full of people, of colours, of life. And she was a part of it.

A polite little cough from her right snapped Tamsyn out of her state of wonderment. At her side, the servant who had announced her was giving her a pointed look while subtly gesturing for her to move. With a small smile and an unintentional apology, Tamsyn began moving as was possibly while maintaining her dignity towards the high table where she could she Uncle Jago already greeting Lady Stark and perhaps more importantly Lord Tarley. As she walked, Tamsyn’s head turned back and forth as she tried to glance at every face in the room, hoping to spot faces of those she knew, Visenya included. It was an impossible task but still she tried.

By the time Tamsyn reached the high table, most of her group had fulfilled the formalities and left. There was only Aldo Chester of Greenshield remaining and so Tamsyn barely had a moment to fuss with her hair or dress before having to dip into a deep and for once in her life a genuinely revenant courtesy.

“Lady Stark. You look most wonderful.” Straightening up Tamsyn turned to face Lord Tarley only to see him sitting at the high table. Anyone watching Tamsyn saw her hands clench into white knuckled fists as her eyes lingered on the long haired, braided beard son of a whore shit stain sitting further along the table. If looks could kill then the bastards head would have rolled clean off of his neck.

For the second time a polite little cough brought Tamsyn back to reality, although this time she had no idea where it came from as she dipped into the second curtsey. “My humble apologies Lord Tarley. The splendor of Lady Stark’s hospitality has left me rather distracted. It is good to see you looking so well.”

Once she was dismissed, Tamsyn homed in on the first servant she saw carrying a jug of wine and, ignoring their protests, rested it from their arms. She didn’t care about the fact that it made her look like some sort of overdressed serving girl. Right now she needed something to take her mind of whom she had just seen. How did he dare be here, let alone sit at the high table as if he were part of a great house.
 
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Had she ever been to New King’s Landing? Eloise could honestly not recall, but at least she was visiting now, and what an impression it left!

The bustling markets, the crowd, it was all so different from everything she remembered of Storm’s End had been like. Much more lively, colourful, warmer.

Not forgetting that today was a special day, what with all the nobles gathering around, Eloise found herself with too little time to explore all and too few hands to hold all snacks she had bought. There was simply too much excitement around.

It was as such that she could be found roaming the stands of the streets while munching on a turkey leg, her eyes glittering at all the life surrounding her and her arms packed with other goods.

It hadn’t been long since Eloise had recovered from her kidnapping attack years back. The memories slowly coming back to her until the female was certain what they meant and who she was. Now, returned she was determined to be reunited with her brother again along with her dear friends.

Though, it had all proven more difficult than she had expected. No one really believed her when she made her claim as a Baratheon. Three years had passed after all and she had changed considerably from the young teen that had departed from her home. Now she was a young woman, grown and weathered through hardships and trials. Everything seemed different now.

Somewhere a trio of men were cornering a young maid against the wall, a wicked smile on their face as they closed in on her figure. No one seemed to care, passing by and ignoring the group that clearly were too far gone to be considered sober. Everyone seemed to ignore the situation, thinking that it was better the maid than them.

All, but Eloise who lifted her arm and threw the turkey leg against the back of one of their heads. With a slap the meat landed on the ground, bouncing, its fat splattering around and dripping off the victim of her assault. Throwing her chin up the female gave the men a glare, blue eyes piercing as if telling them she would throw another.

“Couldn’t finish, lil’ lass?” one of them grimaced, amused at the humiliation his friend had suffered, though it was clear that they weren’t about to let Eloise go. “I can help, and more,” he hinted with a dark glimmer and a wink.

“I sure can and I would, but you looked so hungry,” the female responded as she pointed at the leg. “I assure you that eating that will do you better than taking any other meat,” Eloise smiled feigning innocence.

The men didn’t take her jest in grace, eyes squinting as they took a step forward, the maid they had cornered earlier forgotten.

“This lass has a mouth, but we can silence here, aye?” they threatened to which Eloise rose a brow.

“You will find yourself quite miserably wrong about that,” the female shrugged, courage forever unwavering. “After all I have Zea, and you are just three men,” she continued, this time a wicked smile crossed her face as she signalled to her companions. Though none believed her noble claims they always had her back. The men had no idea what was to come for them.
 
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  • Bucket of Rainbows
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Titan's confident sway underneath him did well to relax Lord Greyjoy quite a bit, passing some of that raw confidence back on him. And even though he never really took his eyes off lady Lannister's absent-minded expression, he also refused to dwell on it at that moment. Priorities were to be set as they came and as of now, the lady was safe, and they were all facing a greater challenge that needed to be tackled with more than a good old fist and sword.

Lanky stable boy was quick to approach as soon as all three halted within the gates and Hagen descended from his massive raven horse. He received a clumsy bow from the youngster as he passed him in order to approach Lannister's horse and assist her off of it. Smirking at the playful exchange of words between the ladies, he moved aside for Kaylee to join her cousin and added with a light grump. "I'd prefer getting straight to business, but alas". Lavish mainland parties were truly not his cup of ale, but a must was a must.

Behind him, Titan let out a rather angry huff and then a loud neigh followed by frightened yelp coming from the stable boy. The black draft swung his head sideways, refusing to let the stable boy grab the reins. Exhaling annoyed, Hagen made few steps back towards the scene, placing himself between the boy and Titan with a scolding shout that gradually brought the stallion to stop his temper tantrum.

Even though stubborn, the draft responded to Hagen well, refusing to subdue otherwise. Once the stallion calmed down, Hagen took the reins without an issue and offered them to the boy with a scolding glare. "Never assume a horse will simply choose to obey you. Earn it!" The boy nodded quickly, avoiding eye-contact with the ironborn. Stepping away, Hagen smacked Titan on the side lightly and ordered "Follow", after which the animal, albeit with some hesitance, followed the stable boy. The lord caught up with the ladies just as they were ought to make their entrance.

It was hard not to feel out of place with all of the smiles, greetings and mind games that had started even before they joined in. Even Kaylee was quick to adapt to it, even with all of the concerning things prior. He truly admired her for being able to do so. Even though adorned in a way that would be somewhat pleasing to the mainlandish eye and officially invited, Hagen felt somewhat like an intruder. And perhaps he was. Just the one that was tolerated for the sake of politics. Good enough if he was asked. Tolerance went both ways. Common goals made miracles.
Even though he seemed busy looking around, lady Stark's greeting did not meet lord Greyjoy unprepared. He remained in a straight and strict stand as he responded with respectful bow of his head. "Wonderfully organized, lady Stark. Happy to be here", was the best he could do, but judging by not being glared at, that would be enough. One invited to take their seat, sweet-spoken Lioness stepped forward first, giving him a glance with meaning rather obvious to him. He responded with a brief, a bit taunting glare of his own, before she moved away.

How hard could it be?

He followed the servant to his place, not paying too much attention to others and only formally greeting those around him at the time, getting the same formal response in return. Once served with wine, lord Greyjoy spun the glass in his hand rhythmically, observing the architecture of the room, but barely acknowledging any guest in particular even though the sudden flash of red hair seemed rather familiar yet too fast gone to catch, until the familiar sly-toned voice reached his ears.

"You look as lovely as ever, lady Stark, I sincerely hope we meet in such positive matter more often. Thank you for the invitation". Hagen looked at his cousin by marriage just as scar-faced ironborn bowed to the host with a deceivingly charming smirk, before another person at the other side of the table caught his attention before Hagen. Lord Greyjoy placed the glass back on the table with an audible thud that earned him a questioning glare from his neighbors at the table, but nothing more than that, as he acknowledged that such behaviour would drag unwanted attention. Instead of reacting immediately as he so often would, Hagen exhaled impatiently as he followed Maddock Goodbrother who made his way to the opposite side of the table, stopping in front of Kaylee with an affectionate grin.

"Heavens are good to you, Lady Lannister", he spoke with his hand over his heart and a spark in his eye. "As dazzling as I remember. I am very delighted to see you again". With that, he turned his head to look directly at his cousin on the other side of the table, with a content smirk. "I sincerely hope my dear cousin hasn't put you in an uncomfortable situation given...all of the unfortunate things", he hinted at previously discussed issue between the two. Of the issue he was more than aware of. Of the solution and its result, not so much. And so, unwillingly, Hagen dropped it for the time being, adding yet another line on the list of things he was ought to discuss with Maddock in private.

@DayDreamer @Sailor Arti
 

Ever since the arrival up to the entrance, being in the New King's Landing was an appealing adventure for lord Baratheon. It must have been the first time he had gathered courage to venture into such large and lively place, ever since he was the last Baratheon in Storm's End and quite frankly, it was a lot more comfortable then he had hoped. The stag looked forward to the feast. If nothing else, then for the company of others, and perhaps for a nice conversation or two before tomorrow he would be expected to be the one man army in front of other lords and ladies. Such massive losses suffered in such short time were sure to turn some heads and plot some ways of at least getting one lord out of the way towards the Iron Throne. That was alright. For the most of his life, Arley Baratheon fought to gain trust and respect that was once simply served to him. As such, he was more merciless in defending it than ever. Stormlands were not dead and written off. Not as long as they had one Stag that fought for it and Arley Baratheon was not to be underestimated.

Young lord politely refused any help climbing off his horse Allegra with a brief wave of his hand. Knowing better than to insist, his companions stepped away leaving him to handle himself. Allegra remained calm and unfazed by anything that was going on around her, including the presence of other horses and shouts among those attending to them. As many times before, Arley leaned on his trustworthy mare and made his way down surprisingly easy.

"Good day gentlemen", he greeted all of those present with a nod and a bright smile as he handed the rein to the stable boy that was quick to accept it with a bow. "Be a good girl", he hummed to his horse before she was taken away for the time being. "My lord, shall we?", the voice of a young male sounded on his right side. Tyne Selmy, young and energetic squire, was honored and visibly excited to be invited to follow lord Baratheon as his pair of eyes. Having someone of noble background to accompany him on such event was only appropriate. His late mother would argue that if only he had remarried already he wouldn't have that issue. But what was that worth? It was most certainly all the same for her now.

"Aren't you little too eager to get into politics for your age, Tyne?", Arley jested lightly, but it was enough to make the boy smile and bow his head sheepishly. "I am, if I may say...more interested in their banquet, my lord", young lordling admitted shyly just as his stomach rumbled audibly, which had Arley laugh sincerely, after which his squire apologized profoundly. "That would make the two of us my boy", Arley responded and patted Tyne's shoulder before he stepped forward with young Selmy hurrying after him.

The room where the event was hosted, felt no less than impressive. Even before he had asked Selmy to describe the most striking features of it to him, Arley was able to hear how large it was, smell how many flowers it was decorated with and hear how much people were happily already engaging into casual conversations. Upon hearing himself being announced and greeted, lord Baratheon stepped further into the large room, his black cane making an even sound against the floor as he approached the High table and the hosts of the event. After the usual formal greeting and a brief casual talk with the hosts, the stag made his way to his seat. Somewhere along the way, someone has blocked his way around the table, and Arley halted for a moment, slightly perplexed, mostly calculating. The man smelled heavily like sea, and no amount of scents and wardrobe change could have changed that. Quickly after, understanding who he was facing, the man cleared his throat and directed his thoughts and words to Arley. "Lord Baratheon", the man addressed him and for a moment, Arley's face remained neutral at the flattery voice. "It is an honor to meet you".

As if on cue, Arley smirked politely, clearly just to respect the code of conduct. "I wish I could say the same. I unfortunately do not know who you are."

"I did not have such pleasure to meet you until now, lord Baratheon. Understandable", the voice chuckled. "Maddock Goodbrother. Lovely to make your acquaintance". Small smirk tugged at the corner of Arley's lips at the fact that he once again assumed correctly. Eloise wrote a lot about her adventures with lady Lannister and if anything, Eloise was a good judge of character with a strong eye for detail. His voice indeed did spill like a sweet but deadly refreshment.

"I sincerely hope I haven't interrupted anything important, have I?" he asked curiously, lightly turning his head towards where lady Lannister was seated in front of the ironborn. After a brief pause, Maddock finally responded. "Of course not. I was greeting the lady. Been quite a while if I may say", he explained plainly at which Arley nodded with an overdone curious cock of his eyebrows. "I'd imagine so", the stag responded somewhat absent-minded. After a moment of silence, Maddock spoke up again. "I should be getting back. By your leave, lord Baratheon. Lady Lannister", he excused himself as he stepped away from the High table.

"What a peculiar man", Arley added as he made his way to his seat next to Kaylee Lannister with a bright smile, his goal accomplished. "Unusual friends you have, lady Lannister. Then again, I should not be so surprised, considering your line of work", he chuckled as his chair was moved slightly and he was seated comfortably at the table with his cane resting safely against it. Leaning against the chair, lord Baratheon assumed his usual straight and proud posture. "I am quite thrilled to be seated next to you", he said again sincerely. "I sure hope lord Greyjoy will not misunderstand this", he jested with a bit of his usual charm. Yes, he knew quite a bit thanks to Eloise, and the involvement of the two came as quite a surprise, albeit less of a shock than one would expect. Kaylee Lannister seemed eager for something different most of the time, and although he'd be criticizing her work and decisions on one part, he'd admire her on the other. However on both sides, he had no saying in how lady Lannister lived her life. As long as her obligations towards the crown did not suffer, the rest was none of anyone's business.

It did remind him however, that they haven't spoke for a while after the chaos around his beloved sister's appearance subsided and he retreated into the Storm's End, away from the entire world. Perhaps not the ideal decision, but the only one that brought him peace of mind long-term. The only one that would have him understand and forgive, and above all, have him think clearly again. Even though he never gave up on Eloise, he no longer held grudge against those that did so for any reason. There were things that could not be put on hold. Which reminded him...
"Pardon my lack of manners", he bowed his head lightly. "It has been a while and I might need to revise them", the stag chuckled briefly.

"How have you been these days?"

@DayDreamer
@Sailor Arti
 
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Art by: WLOP
Kaylee Lannister
Outfit: Kaylee's Outfit Here!
Hair: Kaylee's Hairstyle Here!
Tags: @Ritual Lobotomy @DayDreamer
Notes: How many times can I apologize before it grows old for you all? Nonetheless, sorry for the hold up.
If the lioness was going to do this social gathering justice she needed to play the part to perfection. Regardless of what she would rather be doing right now. As she made her way to her spot she was all smiles. Gently patting the shoulders of those she passed and greeted and occasionally stopping for longer idle chit chat. Once she finally made it to her seat she was served a glass of wine which is gratefully brought to her lips. That's right, to get through this whole ordeal she'd need some form of alcohol in her system otherwise she wouldn't make it. As much as she prided herself in being good at playing this game she always came back rather drained.

"You look as lovely as ever, lady Stark, I sincerely hope we meet in such positive matter more often. Thank you for the invitation" the voice of a snake reached Lady Lannister's ears which caused her smile to fade ever so slightly. That's when their gazes met. For a second it was electric regardless of what their facial expressions displayed their eyes held the truth of this engage. Of course he was here and of course he'd make his way to her. Kaylee wanted nothing more that to slip out one of the daggers she had in it's respective sheath and slit this vermin's throat but at the end of the day he was still Hagen's relative. Besides such a violent display would be discouraged by this current crowd. No, she'd get him back later.

Maddock slithered his way over to the lioness's side and dramatically bowed before her. "Heavens are good to you, Lady Lannister", his words were sweet but the underlying tone was dripping with venom. Kaylee kept her glass to her lips, her icy stare never once leaving him. "As dazzling as I remember. I am very delighted to see you again" he continued as he lied through his teeth. "Likewise." Kaylee replied with a lie of her own as she placed her glass down gently on the table and offered her hand to him for him to kiss. Her gaze said it all, it was a power move but she knew he wouldn't be shaken by something as passive as this.

"I sincerely hope my dear cousin hasn't put you in an uncomfortable situation given...all of the unfortunate things", Kaylee couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips at the mention of their previous conversation. "All is well Goodbrother, you needn't concern yourself. It's good to see that you seem to be in good health. Goodness knows the last time we met you didn't seem all that well mentally. Praise the seven for your speedy recovery however! " Kaylee said with false exuberance. The pair continued their little stare off before someone cleared their throat nearby distracting them from their little power-struggle. Kaylee's gaze drifted over to the one who produced the well timed interruption only for her eyes to genuinely light up once she recognized who it was.

"Lord Baratheon", Maddock quickly turned to introduce himself to Arley, "It is an honor to meet you". He said with a charming smile. Arley quickly countered it however, "I wish I could say the same. I unfortunately do not know who you are." The stag replied with a polite smirk. This caused the Lioness's mouth to quirk up a little. She wanted to laugh but she restrained herself. She'd save her pettiness for later. "I did not have such pleasure to meet you until now, lord Baratheon. Understandable", Maddock chuckled. "Maddock Goodbrother. Lovely to make your acquaintance" It took everything in Kaylee not to roll her eyes at this display. "I sincerely hope I haven't interrupted anything important, have I?" Arley continued. Kaylee opened her mouth to respond with something witty but Maddock beat her to it. "Of course not. I was greeting the lady. Been quite a while if I may say"

Kaylee tucked a piece of her silver locks behind her ear as she picked up her chalice once more. She was ready for this whole farce to be over with. An awkward silence broke out between them all which Maddock quickly picked up on. "I should be getting back. By your leave, lord Baratheon. Lady Lannister" As soon as his back was to her, Kaylee's gaze became like a glacier, cold and murderous. "What a peculiar man", Arley mused as he made his way to his seat beside her. "You can say that again," She muttered under her breath. "Unusual friends you have, lady Lannister. Then again, I should not be so surprised, considering your line of work" Kaylee smirked as she watched him get settled in next to her, "Saying he's a friend is pretty generous of you Lord Baratheon." She teased lightly.

"I am quite thrilled to be seated next to you", he said again sincerely. "I sure hope lord Greyjoy will not misunderstand this", he charmingly jested. Kaylee's face flushed almost immediately but she cleared her throat to regain her composure. "He'll be on his best behavior so you have nothing to be concerned about." She retorted quickly before taking a drink from her chalice. "Pardon my lack of manners", he bowed his head lightly. "It has been a while and I might need to revise them", the stag chuckled briefly. "How have you been these days?" Kaylee's gaze softened on the man. That's right, they hadn't spoken since she personally broke the news to him of Eloise's disappearance. Kaylee still felt responsible, because she was, and just as she knew he never gave up on his sister, she too never gave up on Eloise. All this time she had been keeping tabs and sending out her spiders to search for any clues that might help her locate her dear friend. A sister to her as well.

"I've been alright. How are you? Have you been taking care of yourself?" Her tone was completely different, gentle, like the wind. She'd grown up with Eloise so of course she'd gotten close to Arley as well. Losing a friend wasn't easy. Especially when she knew she was responsible for keeping his precious sister safe and she couldn't even do that. However it was refreshing to see that he didn't hate her at least.

 
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Visenya pouted briefly before smirking at the dress comment. "I meant Kaylee, but point taken." She chuckled and nodded at her two cousins before moving away to find a spot to claim as her own for the banquet. It was another lord's turn to greet the hostess and Visenya had spotted Rick Glover at a table, a few paces away, having a boisterous laugh with whom Visenya recognized as Skuggi, one of the Free Folk leaders in the Crownlands.

She was passing by a servant when a flash of red hair, a yelp in protest and the forced exchange in wine stopped her in her tracks. Turning around to get a better look at whoever had so thoughtlessly interrupted her route and had scared the poor servant in the process, she realized it was none other than her partner in crime that very morning. Tamsyn Grimm looked like she had seen a ghost or maybe a the Night King himself. "I see you are joining the festivities with great zeal Lady Grimm." She commented with an amused smile and a quirk of her eyebrow.

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Back at the High table, Catelyn continued to greet her guests with courtesy and inviting them all to enjoy themselves through the night. It was a good way to allow for politics in a pleasant environment and to warm up the candidates for what was to follow in the next days. They had a very difficult decision to make. She did not share her brother's confidence in having the Baratheon's favor because of Daenerys granting Gendry Baratheon the title. Nor did she think that Kaylee would give up the Iron throne just because they were related by blood. There was too much at stake and she had the pressure of the lords of the Westerlands on her shoulders. Besides, Kaylee never backed down from a challenge, especially if it involved the wellbeing of her people and possibly the realm. Riverlands, the Reach, Dorne, the Iron Islands. During the Long Night, all the kingdoms more or less became equal in power and the balance in relationships became too complicated for the heir to the Iron throne to become apparent. Ned was counting on the past, but Catelyn knew it was the future alliances and trade offs that would determine the outcome to the game.

That is why she was trying to be as neutral as possible. Nobody questioned her authority in the Crownlands and over the years, despite being a full Stark, she had managed to keep New King's Landing as much a common ground as possible between the Free Folk and the various kingdoms. The Gods knew that they needed that otherwise what the Night King wasn't able to finish, they would. Basic courtesy aside, Catelyn had not failed to notice the power struggle between Kaylee and Lord Goodbrother, nor did she miss how her brother had already engaged in soft conversation with Lord Tarley. The games had already begun and she could only pray for the best.

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Alvia had been tasked to go to the market and get some supplies the cook had forgotten to bring with him on the journey from Storm's End. It was pretty standard spices coming from Essos, which he had told the young handmaid where to find. However, being on her first time in New King's Landing, the young woman had been a little lost and it showed. It put a target on her back even if people didn't know she was a mute. The little board she used to write down was safely stowed in one of her dress' pockets, used only when she bought the spices from the merchant. She didn't try to use it to find her way back to the mansion. Most people didn't know how to read anyways.

That's how she had managed to get herself in this rather dangerous situation. It didn't help that she had already developed a phobia of men touching her, seeing how this was not the first time she had been cornered with less than savoury intentions. But just like last time, someone came to the rescue. A turkey leg was the weapon of choice and her courageous defender was a lithe woman around her age. Piercing blue eyes and witty remarks confronted the drunkards. Any sane person would just scamper off as soon as the goons attention sifted to the woman, yet Alvia was frozen in place from her initial fear and from shock. Could it really be?

"So I get to pay for everything, including that turkey leg you just wasted, but only Zea gets a mention?" Torsten question as he stepped out of a side alley, having followed Eloise. He had a deep frown on his face. Not because of not being mentioned, but because of the scene in front of him. Alcohol could really make beasts of men. Towering slightly over the men, he placed a tentative hand on the axe resting in his belt loop. It was a clear message. Leave or get in a fight. Nia, the sand dog, followed her master closely and her body was tense, but not yet aggressive. Now the question was, just how far gone were those three men?
 
Arley Baratheon



Arley nodded lightly with a content smile, pleased with the response given to him by lady Lannister. Lady Lannister. Not Kaylee; he kept reminding himself. Although for the most part they were on friendly and informal terms, it was still a weight of a very formal setting that could take any additional friendliness the wrong way. It was all a big battle of wills after all.

"Good, good. Wonderful to hear," he mused, acknowledging her words.

"How are you? Have you been taking care of yourself?" Why of course she would ask him such question. It made perfect sense, and yet in his mind the answer to it was miles and miles of tangled strings one needed to follow individually to get out. And if there was anyone else asking him of such matter in such tone, stag's pride would act up. With Kaylee Lannister, however, he has been way overdue to act out. On the contrary, the tone behind the question was surprisingly welcome.

"I...," Arley started hesitantly, then briefly stopped with an exhale and a meek smirk. He stared in front of himself as he weighted out his response. It laid heavy on his heart to lie to her. No, he wasn't taking care of himself. No, he wasn't alright. He played one hell of a part however, and he was just as reluctant to toss away all the effort.

"Define taking care of myself," he finally responded with a jest to break the silence, but he knew very well that the lioness would not settle with it and leave it be. His smirk eventually faded as he faced the uncomfortable fact that he would have to be honest in the end. "To be quite honest, it gets quiet and lonely quite often, back in Storm's End," the stag admitted, adjusting in his seat and intertwining his fingers repeatedly. "I am keeping myself busy, mostly. That is the best I can put it. Other times, I get by. But I am still here. Better to be making the best of that, isn't it?" He smiled towards her before subtly changing the subject. "Feeling confident about the morrow? It will be quite an event".

@Sailor Arti

Hagen Greyjoy



By the time Maddock stepped away from the table, Hagen had already had a few glasses of the wine, stopping only to follow his cousin at the corner of his eye, making sure he was truly gone. At least for the time being. Right after, his eyes drifted back across the table towards the lioness, and for once, he felt at ease with her company. "Remind me to thank the damn Baratheon," Hagen mumbled and drank up what was left in his glass. Next to him, a young servant pouring wine seemed confused over whether the request was addressed to him, or a rhetorical pondering of the ironborn lord. He however chose not to ask of it, and it seemed to be the right decision because instead of repeating himself or worse, lord Greyjoy simply pointed to his empty glass with a simple order. "Pour."

The servant seemed hesitant at first, but Hagen quickly repeated the request a bit less patiently this time, and the young man was quick to humor the ironborn. If nothing, then for the opportunity to hurry and move on before the man drank yet another glass, unfazed as if it was water he was drowning his boredom in. And the kraken was certainly bored. He did not do snugly little conversations with people he took no interest in, and he certainly did not keep to himself how much he despised all of those fake grins and pats on the back. Tomorrow could not come and go fast enough. With everyone getting on at the very least presentable terms with each other, including the lioness, the ironborn gradually grew restless in his chair.

After a few moments, he finally made a decision and decisively stood up, finishing the last glass of wine, before he simply left the table, with several highborns glaring at him in disbelief, whispering something among themselves and shaking their heads. Few bowed formally, or simply moved aside when the tall lord made his way down into the group of people scattered across the room, without much thought to how it may have looked.

Something, or rather someone in the crowd, managed to catch his attention just as he was to move along. Visenya seemed busy striking the conversation of her own, but this one was rather peculiar one. The woman standing with her seemed nothing like servant, and yet she had her hands on the entire jug of wine that she generously treated herself from. Good enough to peak his interest. As a matter of fact, anything out of the ordinary that was the mass facade would have been good enough.

"Now that is a clever idea right there," Hagen spoke with a chuckle, approaching behind the redhead, indirectly referring to her, but directly talking to Visenya that was facing him. "Where would I be able to get a dozen of those?" He asked with a smirk.

@Applo
@DayDreamer

Zea of Lys




This, this place was much more to Zea's liking. Person of her profile thrived in densely populated, urban areas. King's Landing, just like Braavos, Volantis, Lys or any other great city back in Essos. Nevertheless it was just as different, albeit not necessarily in a bad way. Just...unusual. Expected cultural difference. For once she kept quiet, tagging along after the other two well... three, if one counted the dog. Which the Blondie seemed to be doing. Which also made no damn sense to her. It was an animal, and he most certainly treated it like a human being. Perhaps even slightly better than some.

Eloise certainly did not waste her time going about, rambling on about her noble origins that simply had Zea roll her eyes ever so often, and of course, eating as if she never had eaten before. Costing the good man a fortune. See now Zea knew how to handle herself without that same fortune. Granted, Torsten seemed all but amused every time she would smugly confirm she is not famished because she already ate. Now if only they could find this famous brother the girl wouldn't shut up about, so she would finally be able to do things as she pleases and where she pleases it.

As she ventured after the two, further into the King's Landing, Zea found it harder to keep up with them due to the awfuly crowd forming around them. "Is it always so bloody crammed in here? It is disgusting!" Zea shouted over the crowd as someone carelessly pushed her aside and threw her off balance strong enough that she quickly reached for Torsten and grabbed his clothes for balance, catching up with a line of loud, juicy swears. The moment of lacking attention, and the girl was already-

"Gone again?! What is she made of? Air?!" Zea exclaimed visibly and audibly displeased when once AGAIN, Eloise simply vanished into the crowd. She was about to raise a fuss about it (naturally), but Torsten seemed to have more luck with locating the girl soon after. Or was it his dog. Did it even matter? The Blondie marched on forward, stepping in to alleyway and out of the crowd.

"Thank R'hllor," Zea groaned fixing her dress along the way, hurrying after the man and his dog that had no intention of stopping. "Will. You. Bloody wait!" she rushed over the cracked pavement, skipping over something that seemed suspiciousy like shit at the last possible moment, all while she kept her dress well above the ground.

“You will find yourself quite miserably wrong about that,” the female voice sounded from the alley. “After all I have Zea, and you are just three men.”

"So I get to pay for everything, including that turkey leg you just wasted, but only Zea gets a mention?" Zea heard Torsten complain around the corner when she finally caught up. To be honest, she felt stupidly proud she was acknowledged. Even if the one acknowledging her was a bit coo-coo. It counted!

"Well you know, if you'd just listen to me and steal things instead of buying them, you wouldn't have his issue...ehehoooh hey. What?" she stopped at her tracks next to Torsten, unprepared for whatever the mess Eloise seemed to be getting herself in. And when it specifically has a form of brutes, then it was quite a bit of it.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Zea hissed at Eloise, but the girl didn't seem to batter an eye in front of men. And she'd soon understand why that was. She was unmistakenably expected to do something about it.

"Oh you are NOT serious," she groaned in disbelief as she stared at three brutes and then sighed defeated, catching a glimpse of a small female behind all that mess. "I suggest you leave darling, this is about to get too ugly for your pretty little eyes," Zea smirked meekly at the girl, gesturing with her hand as she stepped ahead. "Run along now". One of the men however, blocked her view of the girl and Zea quickly switched her attention to the large figure approaching her as the other two weighted down their chances with Torsten.

"That's it darling. Right here," she teased the man. "Full attention right here," she pointed at her own face, and after the initial confusion, the man suddenly seemed fixated on her with a rather dull expression in her face. Even with the calls from him intoxicated mates, he seemed to be prefering to stare at the woman in front of him.

"That's a good boy," Zea said cheekily, patting the man's chest and yet he still did not make a move. "Be my guest, lady Eloise," she offered to Eloise ironically, alluding to her to choose herself what would it be that she wanted the infatuated man to do.

@DayDreamer
@Nemopedia

Yadon Maegyr



The man in a bright red robe certainly attracted quite a bit of the attention and many turned to assess his appearance, some with evident disgust, others with open interest, and mostly those of higher level classes greeted him openly, whispering among themselves when he would pass them by. He was one of those exotic envoys they all heard of but never saw, and even only with his appearance, he was quite the attraction.

As the bright red robe danced with his every step, it revealed and again hid numerous tattoos that decorated the man's body, each with its own story, telling the silent story of the experience behind the serene face to all those that knew how to read them. The First Sword of Braavos took his time exploring the strict center of the King's Landing, reaching out to people willing to strike a conversation and quickly slipping away whenever it would become overwhelming.

Yadon Maegyr was in good spirits, even though the mission that led him to King's Landing was anything but light in spirit. The Sealord demanded the first-hand report from the one he trusted the most. Although perhaps in its nature, the malice did not fail to reach their own either, and the air of Essos was anything but clear of tension. Whatever would happen in King's Landing tomorrow would certainly dictate Braavos' position on the big scale in the future towards other Free Cities and Westeros as well. Allies were welcome and fortunately, the current Sealord seemed to understand the importance of involvement just as much as the Tiger of Volantiss did.

Even with that in mind however, as it always was, Braavosi Sealord and his council saw no further than the political issues, and Yadon Maegyr laid most of his hopes and goals in the people. They were many and even if it did not seem like it, if push came to shove, they would be the one dictating the outcome of the politics, whether the high and mighty ones liked it or not. And he was there to help. Or not. Whatever would seem more appropriate to gain Braavos a significant advantage. As it always was, the tiger did his homework, and more or less already knew what to expect from those presenting significant pieces of the story. The situation was...interesting at the best, chaotic at the worst. If all else would fail, watching Westeros eat itself from the inside out would be a fascinating vision to witness. A shame, but a lesson.

Half way through the busiest street leading from the square, swarming with people, the First Sword stopped and frowned. It was in the air. A familiar sensation of strong magic hit him at the back of his head making his ears ring for the moment. And just like that, he found himself being carried to wherever the sensation would take him. Magic was not what Westeros was able to harvest as much, and when the unusual appearance as such happened to be having a meeting with each other somewhere nearby, it was sure to bring him along.

@DayDreamer
@Nemopedia
 
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As if on cue her companions made their appearance, though the one who spoke first was Torsten rather than Zea, somewhat spoiling the moment.

“T, can’t you see I’m having a moment here?” she responded with a pout, though her eyes were twinkling all the same when she saw her companions. They were good people that she had relied on for the past three years and the thought that their adventures were to come to an end after today saddened her.

Smiling brightly Eloise skipped past the men as she approached the victim of the whole happening.

“T was complaining about the wasted turkey leg, but even I feel that the meat is too precious for them,” the female called over her shoulders to Zea, giggling at the thought of being given the control of the men’ fate. She held little sympathy for them, especially after the years of travelling and the adventures she had experienced.

Letting her eyes fall over the young maid Eloise’s blue eyes widened as she froze, confused for a moment as memories invaded her mind. Memories she had been carrying around for a while, but never could place and distinguish from reality.

“Zea,” Eloise spoke, voice suddenly cool and calm as her expression sank. Her earlier cheerful disposition faded as she clenched her fists. “They aren’t even worth a bone,” it came out as almost a growl, the wish to order their death right here and then on the tip of her tongue. It was only waiting to be expressed, as cruel as possible and Eloise could almost envision it.

Instead she held herself, throwing her chin up as she forced a smile.

“Come. Run,” she spoke to the maid before taking her hand and leaping out of the alley, past the red cloaked man that seemed to be observing them. The wind whispered something to her, something about meaning to see him three years back when she headed out for Essos, before her kidnapping. However that had been three years past and Eloise had only one care in mind:

Get Alvia out of this terrible situation. Hide how Eloise had changed over the years.

@DayDreamer & @Ritual Lobotomy
 
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c4d4814429c2d260107a64624b37a699.png

"I see you are joining the festivities with great zeal Lady Grimm."

The storm clouds cleared from Tamsyn’s face as she turned towards the familiar voice. The sight of Visenya was perhaps the only thing at this moment that could have pushed the thoughts of that other person from her mind. It was a slight shame that they had chosen the moment of her holding an entire jug of wine to approach her but Tamsyn could tell from Visenya’s face that she was being teased rather than reproached and being teased was something she knew how to deal with. Having seven sisters had made sure of that.

“I’m glad you think so. From a lady of the North such as yourself that is quite the compliment for a Reach girl like myself.” Tamsyn held Visenya's smirking gaze for a few moments with a mostly straight face before her self control failed and she all but collapsed into a fit of giggles before recomposing herself and taking a step closer to Visenya.

“Between you and me, I have had reason to remember why events like these do not happen to often. Too many faces we’d rather not see. Fortunately wine helps and Lady Stark has provided us with plenty-” Tamsyn paused, lifted the jug to her lips and tilted just it enough to take a delicate sip that she rolled around her mouth for a moment before swallowing. “-Lyseni red I think and that should do the job. Anyway my Lady, enough about me, how are you enjoying events so far? I hope you’ve had an uneventful day since we part-”

"Now that is a clever idea right there, Where would I be able to get a dozen of those?”

Once again and without her eye’s leaving Visenya, the picture of Tamsyn’s face changed in an instant. Eyebrows furrowed, nostrils flared and a gentle smile was replaced by a clenched jaw. On the hand that grasped the handle of the wine jug her knuckles went noticeably white and overall there was a sudden rigidness to the Lady of Greyshield. There weren't many people at this feast she could identify by their voice alone but HE was definitely one of them. She’d remember that grating droning noise till she was on her deathbed.

Why did the Seven allow this plague of a man to torment her with his continued existence? Why couldn’t the Stranger call this bastard to the great beyond with a painful case of bloody flux? Part of Tamsyn was tempted to help the Stranger with the task, but she wasn’t certain she could lift the wine jug in her hands high or fast enough to spread the Ironborn scum's brains across the floor before someone stopped her.

“You might try asking one of the court servants before interrupting two ladies of the realm with such a matter.” Tamsyn continued facing Visenya as she spoke, her voice only just loud enough for the bag of pus behind her to hear. “I would warn you not to try and rob them, murder them or steal their wives though Ironborn. You’re on the mainland now; not those birdshit covered rocks you call home. You’ll at least have to try and pretend to be more than a rabid animal.”

Suddenly turning on the spot as if only now made aware of the piss stain behind her, Tamsyn’s eyes landed on Hagen Greyjoy for the first time in not nearly enough years. As she did so, her feet appeared to catch on the hem of her dress, apparently causing her to stumble towards the Ironborn and upend the jug of dark red wine over the man’s torso. As crimson liquid began to pool on the floor Tamsyn stood stock-still, her face a well crafted mask of shock.

“Lord Greyjoy. I'm so terribly sorry. I didn’t see you there. Let me just-” Tamysn’s voice was fus of apparent concern as her green eyes began to scan the nearby onlookers till she saw one of the servants, whom she beckoned over. “An unfortunate accident has befallen Lord Greyjoy. Would it be possible for you to see if there are some other britches for the man to wear.”
 
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"Yes this is indeed the calm before the storm." Visenya agreed with Tamsyn's assessment of the gathering. Every major lord had been gathered under one roof. That alone was enough to give rise to tensions and bring to mind old rivalries and wounds. With the task at hand in mind, it was a wonder no argument had broken up yet. Visenya hoped that wine would help lift everyone's spirits. Not be the cause of the fire.

The change in young lady's facial expression as soon as Lord Greyjoy made his approach did not escape Visenya. It really was hard to miss anyways. Harsh words and an accident later Visenya sighed. So much for rising tensions too soon. "I believe this takes love of wine to a whole new level." Visenya commented as she stepped in as sort of a wall between the two parties. Lady Grimm obviously had history with Hagen Greyjoy and having heard of man's temper, she would rather avoid this ending with a slap or worse. Servants were already on their way with cloths to clear the stains and one maid had approached to guide Lord Greyjoy to a side chamber so they could find him suitable clothing. Visenya knew this was not just an accident, but it was a well-masked insult towards the Ironborn and that made her wonder what had happened between the two to cause such hate in Grimm's heart.

"I will help Lord Greyjoy. Please bring some more refreshments to calm Lady Grimm. This unfortunate accident has clearly upset her greatly." Visenya was quick to intervene and the maid hidded to her orders. "This way Lord Greyjoy." Visenya motioned for the Kraken to follow her out of sight to the nearest side chamber, a neat room with a couple of chairs, an elaborate table and some cabinets. It was clearly a room for meeting of smaller groups.

Assuming Hagen followed her, once his measurements were taken, Visenya would shut the door and stare at the man intently. "It seems you have quite a way with the ladies. Should I be worried?" It sounded like a jest, but her eyes told otherwise.

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Alvia could do little more than watch the whole scene unfold. One of the men being frozen after ravenhaired woman commanded his attention. Blond hunter's face off with the rest of the men was vaguely registered as the only thing that mattered was the young lithe female infront of her. Shock of recognition in her blue eyes was all the proof Alvia needed. This was Eloise Baratheon back from the dead.

Hand gripping hers tighter, Alvia was quick to follow Eloise away from the horrible people and the alley that had brought back painful memories of men craving her as much as the brutes had. But all of that was pushed aside by the shock and the increasing joy that welled up in her from the return of her Lady. Her friend. Tears began striking her face.

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"I suggest you run bastards." Torsten almost growled. It wasn't hard to figure out what had been going on and what would have happened if Eloise hadn't stuck her nose into it. His right hand released the axe from his belt and Nya was already bearing her teeth, snarling. He was ready for a fight, however when Eloise decided to run, he got distracted for a moment. "Hey Ellie!" He yelled out at her in surprise. Why did she always have to be so unpredictable?
 
At the first snarky response coming up front from the red-haired woman, Hagen stood silent, lowering his gaze off Visenya, down to her companion. "Excuse me?" It came out flat, but not intimidating as the man was simply left in slight surprise, contemplating the situation at hand. However, the second round of an uncalled for verbal assault managed to strike a nerve and strike it well. By the end of woman's little primitive monologue, Hagen's face set itself in a dark frown as he crossed his arms tightly and straightened up, towering over the figure. "If you bloody wish to brawl with me, lady," he spoke with slight aggression audible in his voice. "Brawl with me so bravely in my face."

What in the name of the Drowned One was this woman's issue? Drunk beyond her limit, perhaps? Regardless the reason, Hagen concerned himself only with the result, and the result was plucking his last ounce of patience out of his body. Woman or not, Hagen did not discriminate, and she would be called out for her unsavory behavior just as any other man would be. But perhaps he had bitten more than he can chew at that very moment. Instead of it doing something to snap the woman out of her reckless behavior, the small figure rotated towards him quicker than anticipated, which in return caused her to stumble and for Hagen to take a step back, albeit a moment too late.

A moment of recognition once the woman turned towards him, was briefly replaced by the moment of silent rage as he stood there, shaking the wine off of his arms that did not have enough time to soak itself into the fabric. Nevertheless, a rather significant amount reached all the way to its base. With now visible rage in his eyes, Hagen took another look at the woman he now recognized. Even though her name was still hard to get a grasp on, he certainly did remember her face and her self-confident nature. In the moment of anger, the ironborn simply responded. "Well wasn't that cocky attitude of yours exactly what burned you the last time?" At the very same moment, he found numerous pairs of hands on him, attempting to clean up what could be cleaned, rather irritating. "Get off," he growled under his breath, causing servants around him to fall back respectfully, slightly intimidated.

But before the issue could escalate quickly and more eyes would turn their way curiously, Visenya stepped in front of the woman and faced him, distracting him from acting out further. Lady Grimm. That sounded about right. Snarky, sassy little troublemaker from The Reach's Greyshield. Sounded rather exciting back then but now that he looked back at it... What in the bloody hell was he thinking?! He however followed Visenya's lead, calming his emotional response for the sake of no longer attracting an unwanted attention, although it might have been just about a tad bit later for any mitigation.

Hesitating only briefly after her invitation to follow, Hagen gave lady Grimm another brief glare that sliced the tense atmosphere like a well sharpened sword, before leaving after Visenya, swearing under his breath at the reddish stain on his chest. It did not take him long to understand the true purpose of Visenya inviting him to follow, and as soon as he marched into the room after her, he spoke up. "Listen, I appreciate it, but I am really not in a mood for a lecture at the m-"

"It seems you have quite a way with the ladies. Should I be worried?" The lady interrupted him and he let out a defeated sigh. Of course she gave no damns about what he thought of all that. "Oh here we go. Wonderful," he groaned, letting himself flop down onto one of the chairs, supporting his head against his arm propped against the table's surface, the bridge of his nose pinched between the thumb and the index finger as a light headache set in. "I am inclined to say it is none of your business, but..." he contemplated out loud, feeling rather unwilling to play the bastard jester, but realizing it was only on him to attempt not being one. It was. It was most certainly her business and it had became her business ever since he laid his hand on her beloved cousin the first time, and beyond everything else, he respected such arrangement. Finally, he responded, lifting his index finger significantly into the air, in order to accentuate his point.

"Had. I HAD a way with the ladies."
Letting it sink in within the general silence of the room he concluded it with the wave of the hand. "There is nothing to be worried about. Drunks choose the worst possible moments and the worst possible words to settle their personal scores. That is all," he explained it briefly. And yet, the woman's words annoyed the ironborn more than he was proud to admit.

@DayDreamer @Applo
 
Although the raven-haired woman expected the girl to respond to her, her violet orbs still opened up a bit wider at the sound of her name, as it sounded much different than the usual annoying way the girl had in referring to her. So much so that for a moment, young sorceress felt brief wave of goosebumps spreading up her spine and raising hairs on the nape of her neck. Even so, it was rather exciting.

"No, my dear. They really are not," Zea responded with a wicked smirk of her own before she turned the attention back to the men. "You've heard the lady, boys," she chuckled with a charming wink. "We have no choice."

"I suggest you run bastards," Torsten's voice sounded menacingly behind her, giving her an additional confidence boost in front of the brutes. "I would not be surprised if they do," she responded with a smirk. "One way to find out." With a simple tap on the shoulder, the brute that simply stood there in front of her, followed her like an obedient dog, evening out the odds. Stepping backwards next to Torsten she simply mumbled referring to the chant she placed on the man. "Listen Blondie, it won't hold forever, we need to finish this quickly and leave," she smirked tapping at his biceps generously.

"What is this shite?!" One of the man sounded confused and loud, referring to their buddy that now seemingly took the opposite side quite confidently. "Are ye kicked in da head, eh?" he asked in frustration, making a step forward. "This wench told ya somethin' huh?"

And just as the atmosphere reached its tension peak, the sudden movement on the side, just behind the men, caught her attention as well as Torsten's.

"Woah, woah, wait! You two!"
Zea shouted and pointed at the sight of two young girls simply taking off out of the alley. The disturbance attract the attention of men as well, and they were fast to use the opportunity. "Fuckin' get'em!" one of them ordered and the other man took off after the two, while the remaining man rushed in with his fist tightly clenched, straight towards Torsten, with the intention to make damage.

At the same time the second man took off, Zea lifted her dress and took off running after him shouting "The hell you will, you overgrown ballsack!" Being sober, angry and slimmer, even though slightly constricted in movement by her dress, Zeal quickly caught up, skillfully tripping the man so his flimsy balance on the move easily gave out, throwing him into the wall and bouncing him backwards.

"Bet you didn't see that one coming huh?" she chuckled confidently making a few steps back as the man's attention turned towards her instead. "Oh yer dead, wench," he grumbled briefly, making his way towards her, kicking the litter around him as he closed the distance, swinging at her. His strike, however, was securely blocked by one of his buddies appearing in front of Zea and returning the favor by generously slapping the man back across his face with a full palm, strong enough for his head to turn slightly, making Zea laugh out loudly with an audible "Woo! Strike!" Peaking behind her involuntary protector, she gave the man a menacing grin.

"Who's the bloody wench now?"


@Nemopedia
@DayDreamer
 
  • Spicy
  • Bucket of Rainbows
Reactions: Nemopedia and Applo
“Hey Ellie!”

"Woah, woah, wait! You two!"

Both her companions called out to the female as she made a run for it with the maid. Ignoring their calls she continued, deftly sidestepping one of the attackers who lunged out for them by wrapping one arm around the mute maid and taking a spin before turning out of the alley and turning towards the city harbour.

Passing by a flair of red Eloise could sense a tingling sensation that she often got when Zea worked her own magic, though she didn’t give herself the time to look up and check the figure out. They would meet again, the wind rushed past her in a promise and with that Eloise made her peace.

Out of breath the female finally stopped at the docks when she could hear the waves crashing and smell the salt in the air. Zea was definitely going to scold her later for ditching the fight onto them, but Eloise knew her value in battle and when to retreat, especially when there was an innocent life involved.

With the sea wind calming her down Eloise turned around slowly towards Alvia, chest still heaving in exhaustion and eyes set in anxious wonder. Would the handmaiden still recognise her? The female had no idea how much she had changed over the course of three years and she was too afraid to find out as well.

Surprise washed over as she saw the maiden cry, tears rolling out of her eyes as she stared at the lady Baratheon that was believed to be lost. Relaxing Eloise wrapped her arms around Alvia, pulling the mute into her shoulder.

“Please don’t cry. I promise I still have all the graces of a lady,” the female jested.
 
  • Sympathy & Compassion
Reactions: Ritual Lobotomy
art by: still looking...
Maya Daltigar

Location: New King's Landing Port, The Black Mermaid
Interaction: Hawke Farwynd & Hog (@Ritual Lobotomy)
Mood: Annoyed & Focused

After Maya had been dismissed by her mistress she went out to try and make sense of everything that was happening. Her first order of business would be to scour the area for tracks or anything she could use to help locate her target. Whoever it was they managed to get way too close for comfort. They were obviously confrontational and hostile considering the threat they literally left at their doorstep. If Maya was honest she was irritated for several reasons.

One being that they managed to get so close without rising suspicion from their guards and second because they chose to target her mistress, Kaylee. Maya was extremely protective of Lady Lannister and for obvious reasons such as, they'd been together for a while now and she owed a personal debt to the woman. But she stuck around for reasons not so obvious as well. Point was, she didn't appreciate what was happening and she was determined to do something about it.

She'd left Kaylee's side by going through a secret exit/entrance that only the two of them knew about. There it lead to a hidden room where they held their meetings and stored some secrets of trade. That was where Maya kept her glamour trinket when it wasn't on her body. She quickly changed into clothes that would suit her glamour since she wouldn't be running around as a 'handmaiden' anymore.

The crimson eyed woman stared at herself in the mirror before grabbing the golden necklace and fastening it snugly at her neck. (Much how a choker would fit) She watched as her appearace flickered and quickly shifted into that of a new person entirely. Instead of crimson locks that matched her eyes she now had orange hair that fell down her back in unruly waves. Her eyes were green and her skin was sun kissed with freckles scattered all over.

Maya reached up to touch her face, watching as the reflection in the mirror did the same. It never got old, realizing that she could become someone else entirely. Still, she didn't have time to gawk at her appearance shift today. She moved on quickly, equipping herself with numerous daggers and other small knives and needles. Before she had gone to assist Kaylee with the girl Hagen had pulled her aside. He requested, but it was more of a demand really, that she meet up with his second in command. He wanted them to work together to find whatever or whoever was targeting Kaylee.

Now Maya respected Hagen a lot, she truly did, however this felt like an insult to her abilities. She did her best to protest, making sure he knew how well she worked alone. He wouldn't take no for an answer however and made the woman promise she would meet up with him. Maya groaned as she continued to gather the rest of her things. See, she had some history with his second in command and she quite frankly wasn't in the mood to deal with him or his semantics this evening. Still, she did make a promise after all and she wouldn't break it.

...

After taking care of business at the manor she quickly made her way over to the docks. Once she was close enough she took off her necklace in a hidden corner and shoved it in her pocket. Alerting the men of her closely guarded secret would prove devastating later, no. She needed to approach them as herself, it was the most efficient way after all. Besides they knew her as Maya not as her glamoured self. She inhaled deeply before making her way over to the Black Mermaid.

She could hear them before she could see them. It wasn't even nightfall yet but she could tell they were already celebrating simply from the drunken singing and the occasional cheers. She stepped aboard gaining a few whistles as she did so. "Look at what we 'ave 'ere." She heard some call out. Other's just called her name and she waved before heading straight to the kitchen.

It was there she found Hog in his natural habitat, whipping up something delicious for the crew to eat. "Hog," Maya said with a gentle smile and he turned around to face her. Moments later his boisterous laugh and wide grin let her know he was in a good mood. He pulled her into a bear hug and she laughed before letting him know she was here on official business.

With promises to catch up later she asked him where her annoyance was and he let her know he should be hanging around the mast. Maya nodded and dismissed herself to find him there herself. She kicked the mast gently before crossing her arms and shouting for him. "Hey! Big head! Get down here would you?" Other's around her snickered which caused a smug expression to form from her. If she really had to do this she was going to try to make the most of it.


 
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Cormorant Garamond; Metamorphous;
art by: Wlop
Kaylee Lannister

Location: New King's Landing, Political Party
Interaction: Arley Baratheon(@Ritual Lobotomy)
Clothing: Kaylee's Outfit Here! & Kaylee's Hairstyle Here!
Mood: Annoyed but Curious

"Remind me to thank the damn Baratheon," Hagen's words tickled her ear before she glanced to her side watching the Ironborn down another drink. The fair haired woman flashed him a look that read she felt the same way before turning her attention back to Arley beside her. Kaylee's azure orbs stayed focused on Lord Baratheon while she waited for him to answer her honestly. At this point the pair had been around each other long enough to detect when the other was lying and when they weren't.

Kaylee hoped, that he would be honest with her. Though before he answered his hesitation was as much an indicator to what was true as his response. The lioness's gaze faltered as she cast her gaze downward. She knew this was extremely hard for him. The amount of pain and suffering her brother-in-law wen through was something Kaylee wouldn't even wish on her worst enemy, let alone someone she cared for extremely.

"I...," Arley began before stopping himself and sighing. "Define taking care of myself," he added after several moments later. "Oh Arley," Kaylee said softly under her breath so only he would hear. Every time she thought about what he went through all on his own she felt sick to her stomach. But there wasn't much more she could do. She was still searching everywhere and she was sure he wouldn't wish to be looked after like some child.

Kaylee winced at the thought of children in his presence before taking his hand in hers. They were sitting next to each other and the touch was shielded by the table, not the she would care what other's would think anyway. Kaylee only wished to support him and help him as much as he needed her too. Family was everything to her after all.

"To be quite honest, it gets quiet and lonely quite often, back in Storm's End," the stag admitted, adjusting in his seat and intertwining his fingers repeatedly. "I am keeping myself busy, mostly. That is the best I can put it. Other times, I get by. But I am still here. Better to be making the best of that, isn't it?"

Every so often Kaylee found herself truly at a lost for words. It was during those times she always wondered how she usually managed to get by saying the right thing. This was one of those moments. All she could do was squeeze Arley's hand. "Right," She responded softly. She was going to say more but Arley swiftly changed the subject. "Feeling confident about the morrow? It will be quite an event".

Kaylee glanced at him once more before giving his hand a final pat. "Well I'm feeling something alright, I'm just not sure confidence is what I'd call it," Kaylee retorted with a chuckle. It was true, even she wasn't sure what the horizon brought with it. When so many nobles gathered under one roof it could only bring trouble.

Too much power, too much wealth, and too many ego's all stuffed in one place. Something was bound to happen, she could feel it. It was only a matter of time before she realized just what. Besides, things already seemed to be set in motion before she even arrived this evening. Kaylee was reminded about what was left for her at her doorstep before coming her.

Her facial expression darkened before she was pulled from her thoughts by Hagen abruptly standing up and leaving her side. Her icy gaze followed him as he made his way over to where her cousin and another stood. Kaylee raised an eyebrow curious as to what possessed him to 'socialize' but she decided not to intervene. Hagen was a big boy and could handle himself. She thought before a sly smirk tugged on her lips. Well, he could handle himself sometimes.

"What's the plan Lord Baratheon?" Kaylee spoke up turning to Arley once more. Her tone was light, an air of playfulness to it. "For both today and tomorrow. Surely you already have everything figured out? I'd love to hear your wise input on the matter." She teased. Still she was eager to know his stance on all of this. How he believed things would unfold and what his predictions for tomorrow would be. She was about to ask him another question when her ears picked up on hushed whispers around her. Scanning the area that's when She saw the aftermath of events surrounding Hagen.

From what she could gather wine had been spilled and unfortunately all over the gift she had so tirelessly worked to prepare for Hagen herself. "What the hell--" she muttered. A flash of white hot anger washed over the lioness before she rooted herself in her seat. She couldn't make a scene, this was a playground and the game was supposed to be hers to win. Still accident or no accident it hurt a little to see her pride and hard work be ruined. What could she do? This was out of her hands and as much as she wanted to rush to Hagen's side, she feared it would only make matters worse.

Her eyes narrowed in on the party watching as servants flocked to the Ironborn prince's side only to be frightened away. Vis on the other hand took a rather peculiar yet defensive stance between the woman and Hagen, only managing to pique the lionesses interests. Just what had been the exchange of words? Kaylee could tell from Hagen's body language that he was unhappy. Her eyes followed him and Vis as the pair made their exit before falling back on the red haired female. Just who was she anyway?

"Interesting..." Kaylee managed to let slip out before sighing and taking another sip from her chalice. "Right, with this crowd things are sure to be promising," She muttered before knocking back the rest of the wine in her glass. "Another please." She spoke up as she flagged down another servant to tend to her now empty glass.


 
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The man was peculiar in more ways than one. Had he not been who he was, "That weird guy over there" would have been something people would feel free to say out loud. Man of little words, many judgemental eye rolls and over all in the eyes of many, a person that simply just existed.

Comparing him to the captain of the Black Mermaid, Hawke Farwynd was easily forgettable face, at least at first... whenever one would even see said face. Being mistaken for an awkward loner was a blessing in disguise for Hagen Greyjoy's right hand as it allowed him a generous amount of time to focus on things too important to be sacrificed for socializing. Where the rest of Greyjoy's crew wasted away their days measuring the sizes of their manhoods, Hawke filled his time doing what he did best; roaming freely. Relaxing in its own way, his roaming trips were never without purpose and coming to understand this, Hagen made himself a loyal friend and a trustworthy ally in Hawke and in exchange, he offered Hawke much needed chance to be true to his skills without a single frown thrown his way. For it, the man was forever grateful.

Even now while he was unable to personally attend to his crew, leaving Hawke in charge felt like being at both places at once for Hagen, and at that point at time, he did not think twice nor had to say things twice for Hawke to be seen with as much respect among the pirates as he tended to be. Once the matters on the ship were settled properly, Hawke disappeared out of sight to no one's surprise. Although knowing where to find him, the rest of the crew also knew not to disturb his alone time unless it was urgent, and for a good reason.

High up on the main mast of the Black Mermaid, Hawke Farwynd sat on a sturdy wooden platform that served as crow's nest, with his back leaned against the mast and his eyes closed versus the distant surface of the sea. Sitting in the same position well over an hour at that point, his surroundings were lost on him, replaced by another, far away from his human shell. In it, he danced with large meaty seals, as light in the water as any small fish that passed him by. No trick of the deep water broke his focus because Hawke Farwynd had seen it all, all the way towards the abyss of the Drowned God where he headed out once again, far away towards the open sea.

It grew darker and wider by a minute, and the weight of the water felt heavy on his sealskin, but he was yet to feel uncomfortable with the stubborn hunger for achieving his goal pushing him deeper without a flinch. And then, right there where the last ray of light met the eternal darkness hiding the bottom, he felt it moving before he saw it and unlike any other animal in the creature's path, the seal did not flee but instead descended just a bit more, towards the large yellow eye, glaring up at him with curiosity of his closeness but otherwise limited interest. After all, a single seal served nothing to satisfy the large stomach it had. It let out a simple annoyed grunt as one of its many large tentacles rose up towards the seal that swiftly ducked and found itself daringly close, but just before the creature did anything about it, the animal dived down and disappeared, but Hawke never lost his focus on the creature. Then again, being near it was one type of exhilarating and being IT a whole new level of thrill and dare hardly placed in words. Good thing nobody knew enough to ask because even to Hagen, it was hard to explain.

It struggled and stubbornly refused to give up the control over its own mind, just like every other time before, but the immense mental force Hawke pressured the creature with was not visible back on his human shell that still sat at the same place, in the same position and somewhat limp against the mast, as his partially opened milky eyes stared down at nothing in particular. Mental trap he found himself in as he switched the skins would be enough to drive any man not used to it, fully insane. Being trapped between the minds even for a brief period of time felt like a nightmare, especially when one of those minds was not your own, but exactly because of the stubbornness of the creature he fought, Hawke was aware of the necessity of practice and regaining control every time it would grow loose.

And after what seemed like forever, the barrier dropped and he entered into another space, a significantly larger, heavier body, lingering deep under the surface, once more taking it for a ride in the abyss. It was a challenging vessel, but it only added to Hawke's eagerness to conquer it fully and use it safely, but even years after, fully bending it to his will was no easy task which was perfectly fine. Hawke never wanted it any other way. Well into his journey, with the depth and distance conquered, his focus became harder to maintain and as it always seemed to be the case, it noticed. Quick to kick the intruder out, the creature resisted, unforgiving of any mistakes he made. Ever.

The trip of his consciousness from the abyss and back to the shore miles away brought with it the pain of his human shell back enhanced by his mind. What started as light breathing movements gradually quickened its pace then passing into a full hyperventilation and grunts of pain as he felt the strong constriction crushing his body. It fully dropped just as he felt like he was about to have his soul squeezed out, right as he regained consciousness. He inhaled deeply in a desperate need for more air as his vision cleared out and his lungs stalled with few coughs before he relaxed, taking a moment to collect himself inhaling fresh sea air.

But the time to reflect upon his experience was scarce as he jerked at the loud shout from under the mast right after a light thud that did nothing to have him pay the attention to it at first.

"Hey! Big head! Get down here would you?"

It sounded loud and commanding, but with an easy to grasp on familiarity in his head, and for a moment before his focus was back to then and there, it provided him with a lifeline that restarted his mind. Slowly moving his stiff body out of it's meditation pose, Hawke chuckled cracking his neck and shouted back as he got up, still out of view for the woman looking up.

"Sounds like a compliment coming from the queen of big heads herself. The honor is mine, Your Grace", he responded playfully and stretched generously, making sure all his limbs are back at their full capacity before he even attempted a descent back onto the deck. Being slimmer than most of Hagen's pirates, Hawke ascended and descended the mast quickly and skillfully not much different than a cat. Where other ironborn took pride in their bulkiness and brute force, Hawke took pride in his controlled strength and an impeccable sense of balance, as well as the fact he was faster and more agile than others. Sliding down the mast seemed like child's play when Hawke did it and needless to say many attempted to challenge it, only to have the illusion of its simplicity crashed along with their shoulder blades, tibias and other more or less important bones.

Quickly after, he touched the deck with a light tap of his boots and a charming smirk. "And good day to you too", he greeted politely, quickly darting a glare towards the curious peeks and crude comments coming from the group of pirates eyeing the two. It was good enough to at the very least have them get back to their business with an occasional glance back towards them.

"Anyway", he spoke up after clearing his throat just to pause again as the small wet trail running from his nose tickled his upper lip, finding its way into his mouth and coating them with heavy metal flavor.

"Fuck...", he mumbled under his breath, wiping off the rest of blood from under his nose before he brought his attention back to conversation at hand. "Either the party was cut off before it started, or something is going on", Hawke mused crossing his arms. Maya leaving Kaylee behind when there was such large event going on? Unheard of. "So which one is it that brings you here so unexpectedly?"

@Sailor Arti - Maya Daltigar