mymothershumility

[mymothershumility]

"I suppose they have," the Queen spoke, a reference to Lady Elinor's remark. "I have noticed a chill upon the air in recent days, though." It was no lie. Laira had felt it in the sweet dawning hours of the morning and deep into the midnight hours of the night. Never the faint, whispering brush of a cool breeze off the sea, but a merciless breath stealing cold that swept down and chilled her to the bone.

It wreaked of death... of doom.

"We shall hope such a chill does no damage to the blooming gardens," Laira continued, leading the girls down a winding set of steps. The path they set themselves upon would lead into the heart of her gardens. "Young plants are so susceptible to the cold. Roses, especially," she continued, sparing a mere glance over her shoulder to the girls at her back. "It takes so little to snuff the life from them."

The lilt of her voice was pleasant, her words easy. Yet, Laira knew how such a statement would be twisted. She knew how it would be received.

Turning the last bend along her garden path, Laira searched the winding hedgerows for a silent shadow, one that had taken to prowling after her no matter her destination. Though the Queen could not see her, Moone's presence was a calming one, lingering just beyond the edges of her mind. She was near.

Soft voices brought her attention back before her, catching sight of Lady Leonette and Helaena. Laira had tasked Helaena with seeking out Lady Leonette. Her sister had a softer way about her, a kinder tone and sweeter personality. Helaena remained a dragon, though. She was no less cunning, no less deadly.

"It seems as though we have additional guests to join us, sweetlings," Laira spoke to the girls, nearing the gazebo where Lady Leonette and Helaena already sat upon cushioned seats about a table. There was a plate of fresh fruit and cheese set between them alongside a silvered tea set.

When Helaena glanced up and noticed her approach, her mouth turned upward into a sweet smile. She rose but a moment later, coming to Laira and the girls at her back.

"Sister," she spoke, reaching to loop her arm through Laira's own. "Lady Elinor. Lady Donna." She looked to both girls and then back to Laira. "Come and sit. Lady Leonette was telling me of Cider Hall and the apple harvests."

Laira followed at Helaena's beckoning, sitting at her sister's side. "I sent for refreshments from the kitchen," the Queen spoke, giving a smile to Lady Leonette. "I hope you have been well, Lady Leonette. Has your morning sickness become more tolerable?"

Lady Leonette's answering smile was timid. "A bit, Your Grace. Your concern is most kind." Then, she looked to Donna and Elinor. "I am glad to see you both out and enjoying the day."

Elinor kept a tight grip on Donna's hands, a grip that Donna returned. Before Elinor would have swung their joined hands back and forth, this time their arms remained locked by their sides, both of them shuffling to catch up to the Queen, but always staying a few steps behind her.

Donna had not been outside of her room much, even know, panic began to grip her heart at the thought of going outside. Unbidden, images of bursting into flames forced their way into her thoughts. She did not understand why such images haunted her.

"The days have been so pleasant as of late," Elinor agreed in a forced cheery tone, but her voice was enough to snap Donna from her waking nightmares. The redhead glanced to the side, catching her cousin's worried gaze, but Donna could only offer a grateful smile. "Lavender should be in full bloom, right cousin?" Elinor prompted Donna, who winced at having to speak. She licked her lips, wetting them before answering in a soft voice, "along with the heirloom roses and snapdragons."

"Perhaps we can get some indoor plants," Elinor continued prattling along, an annoyance but also a relief. Donna's smile was a weak one, but a smile was a smile in Elinor's book. The plants were for Donna's sake, for Elinor killed all plants she ever tried to cultivate.

Nevertheless, the dread that something was wrong would not go away, no matter how much Donna wanted to focus on her cousin. She couldn't help fearing that the Queen had something planned for them.

#fullrangeofemotions #v; fire cannot kill a dragon #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

Bérénice Marlohe as Séverine

Skyfall (2012) dir. Sam Mendes

#;holograms #;public #;visage #;[1] #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

Part 14 Preview

Fire flashes bright in the darkness, amplified by sharp bolts of lightning. The castle groans against the onslaught that bears down upon it, stone cracking and crumbling where struck. For a time, chaos erupts.

Helen and Sansa sprint to them, faces ashen. Tears are streaming down Helen’s face, breaths coming in ragged gasps when she reaches her uncle and her aunt. Sansa does not look far behind, her Tully blue eyes wide with terror.

“What is happening?” Sansa asks, reaching for Laira as Helen collides with Hal’s legs.

‘We have been betrayed,’ Laira thinks to say, the shock and the disbelief beginning to fade to white hot rage. Her husband’s voice echoes within the hall instead, muffled by the crack of stone and the deafening roar of thunder.

“The Tyrells have launched an attack on the island.”

His response is surprisingly calm, his voice even as he murmurs down to Helen and carefully guides her back to Sansa. She goes unwillingly, tugging desperately at the edge of his tunic. She latches onto Sansa’s skirts when Hal moves her himself, hands trembling where they grasp at the pale yellow fabric.

“Where can you take them to hide?” Hal questions, gaze turning to look at his wife. “You know the castle better than I do. Where can you take them?”

Laira can see something forming behind his eyes before she answers him. She does not care for what she sees, does not care for what his question implies. Her rage gives way to dread once more, the feel of it fluttering desperately inside her heart.

“There are passages among the walls,” she tells him. Such passages had been built for instances such as these, built so that the occupants of the castle might hide away or escape from invaders should the castle ever come under siege.

“Take them,” Hal instructs, attempting to turn her away.

“I will not leave you to face our enemy alone.” Her words are firm, hands quaking when he reaches to try and turn her away a second time. She shoves him away, ignoring the tension that is permeating the air about them. “We do not have enough soldiers upon the island to combat what is bearing down upon us.”

Few had remained behind once Daenerys departed to take the capital. Dragonstone had a garrison of its own, yet their numbers were limited. Such a thing is even more true now. Fifty infantrymen and two dozen mounted cavalry at most. There were perhaps two hundred Unsullied and a hundred Dothraki riders left on the island. One of Daenerys’ bloodriders, Aggo, was among the Dothraki screamers. Even under ideal conditions, though, the forces approaching the island would have been difficult for the Dothraki and the Unsullied to vanquish.

Laira had spied over twenty ships out among the waves. Such a number does not include any forces that may be too far out at sea for her to spy. It does not include others that may well be surrounding the island on the opposite side.

They are outnumbered.

“Viserion and I can destroy the fleet while it remains on the water…” Her husband’s voice soon overtakes her own.

“I need you to go with them, Laira!” Hal snaps, the first hints of frustration and panic edging into his voice. He reaches for her again, hands grasping at her shoulders. “Someone has to go with them and keep them safe!”

“I will do them no good if the Tyrells’ dogs overrun this castle!” she snaps in return. They have scarcely raised their voices in anger at one another and never in the presence of Sansa or Helen. The air about them is charged with fear, though. She can hear panicked cries and screams from elsewhere in the castle, the staff having been woken by the onslaught.

They are running desperately low on time. Laira must make him understand, must make him abandon the mindset of a husband protecting his wife and charges.

For now, Laira does not need her husband. She needs the Lord of Winterfell and the Warden of the North in his place. She will need her husband in the aftermath of the chaos. Helen and Sansa will need him as well.

“You know what will happen if those soldiers gain entry into the castle.” War was a terrible thing. It brought out the worst in men. Laira had seen enough on her campaign with Daenerys in Essos. She had seen enough when she had traveled into the North with her husband to regain control of Winterfell.

Hal had seen the very same horrors that she had, had seen more during his own campaign with Robb. She sees the weight of her words press down upon him as she speaks, sees the way his jaw clenches and his shoulders tense. She no more wishes to speak her next words than Hal wishes to hear them.

She speaks them all the same.

“They will kill everyone in this castle.” Stableboys. Maids. Cooks. Footmen. Highborn. Lowborn. Titles and status will matter little. “They will do worse to me.”

The thought is a sickening one, one that makes something dark and terrible settle in the pit of her stomach. But, it will be the outcome that occurs if they do not stop the fleet out on the water. There is only one way for them to do so.

[[ Author's Note: I'd hoped to have this finished before the new year, but it just didn't happen. Hopefully this will suffice until I'm able to finish it. It's moving quick and I am getting close. I think you all will like the chaos. 😇 ]]

#v; fire cannot kill a dragon #gv ;; the dragon must have three heads #;outofjayd

[mymothershumility]

[[ outside of the ta.rga.ryens and the sa.itos, which house(s) is laira directly linked to by bl.ood relation? ]]

inquiries || { always accepting }

{ @thequeenmaker }

I haven't tackled Laira's maternal lineage in terms of houses completely quite yet. But, I do have her paternal lineage completely determined. Nonetheless, some of the houses listed occur on her maternal side while others occur on her paternal one.

The houses are listed in descending order from closest blood relation [ outside of the Ta.rga.ryens up until Ae.gon V ] to most distant.

House Bla.ckwood House Da.yne & House Sta.rk House Ma.rtell House R.ogare of L.ys House Ve.laryon & House Co.rbray House B.ar.ath.eon

Snaps to the person who can determine the how. A hint for some [ or possibly a slight spoiler? ]: Vise.nya Ta.rga.yren is a closer blood relative of Laira's than M.yriah Ma.rtell is.

#thequeenmaker #;transmissions #gv ;; the dragon must have three heads #;outofjayd

[mymothershumility]

WHEN HE WAS WICKED SENTENCE STARTERS.

change pronouns and gendered nouns as necessary.

“i didn’t say you had to marry her. just dance with her once or twice.”

“you will not approach ____, you will not even breathe the same air. do i make myself clear?”

“i’m just so angry, and i’m sad, and i’m upset, and i look at you and i don’t understand why you’re not.”

“i thought it was a lady’s prerogative to change her mind.”

“it’s a lady’s prerogative to do anything she wants.”

“of course you have a terrible reputation. but you are endlessly charming, and so you are always forgiven.”

“but don’t you dare say i didn’t warn you. once you are out in society, and the young ladies have you backed into a corner with their mamas coming in for the kill, you will be begging for my help.”

“i love you, did you know that?”

“you really ought to endeavor to calm down.”

“it isn’t gossip, it’s the honest dissemination of information.”

“am i meant to take solace in that?”

“if one more person asks me about _____, i swear my head will explode.”

“and what renders him so unmarriageable?”

“well, i would have defended myself. my brothers showed me how.”

“for heaven’s sake, you of all people ought to understand the insanity of such a suggestion.”

“don’t you want another kiss?”

“i hereby vow not to ravish you. at least not this morning, and not without your permission.”

“i don’t know. i need more time.”

“you haven’t exactly been the model of christian rectitude.”

“don’t push my temper.”

“for god’s sake, _____, can’t you let me think? can’t you give me just a little time to think?”

“the gesture, you mean? why, i’m courting you.”

“i wouldn’t dream of forcing you to endure my company for one moment longer.”

“i don’t know a damned thing, _____. i don’t even know you any longer.”

“if you can’t be with me, if you can’t give all of yourself to me, then i want you gone.”

“why? it’s because i love you, damn me to hell. because I’ve always loved you.

“and god only knows i don’t deserve you, but i love you, anyway.”

“if this is to end, you will have to do it. you will have to walk away, _____. because now…after everything…i’m just not strong enough to say goodbye.”

“i’ll marry you, if you’ll still have me.”

“i don’t know. don’t make me figure it out.”

“there will be no backing out. no cold feet. no changed minds.”

“you will be mine. this is it. do you understand?”

“_____, don’t be daft.”

“eager little thing, aren’t we?”

“what the devil are you doing to me?”

“i…started feeling something for someone that perhaps i shouldn’t have done.” 

“now why would i do that when i can dance with you instead?”

“say the word and i will crush his ribs.”

“were you watching me?”

“i’m always watching you.”

“heaven forbid i find love.”

“you, my dear, are clearly the catch of the season.”

“you live to flirt and seduce.”

“and here i thought i knew everything about you.”

“this is a very odd conversation for the breakfast table.”

“oh, don’t look at me like I’m about to kill your cat.”

“it’s better with you here.”

“you can’t ask this of me. i can’t do it.”

“i think— i think we had better not see each other for a while.”

“you can’t just dismiss me.”

“oh, you know. all those things i have to do to prepare for a life of dissolution and aimlessness.”

“i wish you wouldn’t speak that way.” 

“very well. tell me about something wicked, then.”

“____, there are some things you will never understand.”

“that’s a terrible thing to say.”

“forgive me. i’m tired, i’m cold, and i’m an ass.”

“it’s good to see you again. it truly is.”

“i believe my reputation can withstand it.”

“chin up, _____. i’m sure you will endure.”

“don’t you dare try your usual tricks on me. i know exactly how you operate.”

“i don’t believe i have ever seen you quite so put out.”

“marry her. it seems simple enough.”

“last i checked, there was nothing illegal in that.”

“i want a baby. is there something surprising in that?”

“it is the silliest—no, quite the stupidest—question i have ever heard.”

“i hadn’t meant to kiss you.”

#;meme

[mymothershumility]

ask me questions about a verse!

be sure to specify which verse you’re asking about!!ask anything and everything you want to know!!

#;meme #[[ some of you have had questions about #certain verses so here's your chance :D ]]

[mymothershumility]

wednesday starters

❝ i’ve learned so much from you. part of it is admittedly criminal behavior. ❞ ❝ use the words  ‘little’  and  ‘girl’  to address me again and i can’t guarantee your safety. ❞ ❝ i knew you didn’t have what it takes to be a murderer. ❞ ❝ i promise that whoever did this to you will suffer. ❞ ❝ you really suck at this. cheering people up. ❞ ❝ are you feeling okay? you look a little pale. ❞ ❝ there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being proven right. ❞ ❝ your secret’s safe with me. ❞ ❝ why should i bother telling you anything? you’ve already decided i’m lying. ❞ ❝ to tell you the truth, i’ve never really fit in anywhere. ❞ ❝ how i missed those accusing eyes and youthful sneer. ❞ ❝ i’ll be keeping my eye on you. ❞ ❝ you’re hurt. can you walk? ❞ ❝ try anything and you’ll lose limbs. ❞ ❝ i should have known you were behind this. ❞ ❝ do you always speak in riddles? ❞ ❝ for someone who claims to have no friends, you certainly protect them. ❞ ❝ i refuse to play the role of a pawn in someone else’s corrupt game. ❞ ❝ any plans you have of running away end right now. ❞ ❝ or you can just glare uncomfortably. whatever works for you. ❞ ❝ i don’t have time to explain, but you’re in danger. ❞ ❝ i didn’t realize we were back on speaking terms. ❞ ❝ no man chooses evil because it is evil. he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks. ❞ ❝ emotion equals weakness. pull yourself together. ❞ ❝ there’s a monster out there, but everyone believes i made it up. ❞ ❝ how long do you intend on giving me the cold shoulder? ❞ ❝ if you die, i will kill you. ❞ ❝ whoever you are, show yourself. ❞ ❝ how long have you been lurking? ❞ ❝ believe nothing you hear and half of what you see. ❞ ❝ as usual, you underestimate me. ❞ ❝ i don’t believe that i’m better than everyone else. just that i’m better than you. ❞ ❝ i hope that one day, you’ll finally be able to accept me for who i am. ❞ ❝ i don’t want you to be a stranger in my life. ❞ ❝ i don’t plan on staying here long. ❞ ❝ not a hugger. got it. ❞ ❝ you’re soft and weak. you’ll never survive without me. ❞ ❝ do you make a habit of scaring the hell out of everybody? ❞ ❝ if he breaks your heart, i’ll nail-gun his. ❞ ❝ you are a brilliant person, but sometimes you get in your own way. ❞ ❝ my personal philosophy is kill or be killed. ❞ ❝ breathe a word of this to anyone and i will end you. ❞ ❝ have you ever shot a bow and arrow before? ❞ ❝ i don’t bury hatchets. i sharpen them. ❞ ❝ you can’t get rid of me that easily. ❞ ❝ i act as if i don’t care if people dislike me. deep down…i secretly enjoy it. ❞ ❝ there’s just something wrong about this place. ❞ ❝ i want to assure you i remain as cold and heartless as the first day we met. ❞ ❝ i have no interest in following in your footsteps. ❞ ❝ you used to love my killer instinct. ❞ ❝ sometimes the monsters we least expect are the most dangerous. ❞ ❝ would it kill you to not think the worst of me for once? ❞ ❝ is that your professional opinion as the child of a murderer? ❞ ❝ you always had a unique perspective on the world. ❞ ❝ i don’t know what kind of sick joke you’re playing, but i’m out of here. ❞ ❝ at least it’s turning into a beautiful day. ❞ ❝ being your friend should come with a warning label. ❞ ❝ there’s no time. leave me. save yourself. ❞ ❝ we were good together. ❞ ❝ oh, great. i guess you can add ‘thief’ to your resume. ❞ ❝ whatever did this wasn’t human. ❞ ❝ the last thing i remember i was walking outside feeling a mixture of rage, pity and self-disgust. ❞ ❝ i’m not above breaking a few fingers. ❞ ❝ once again, you have underestimated the situation. ❞ ❝ i see the world as a place that must be endured. ❞ ❝ this will not end well for you. ❞ ❝ stop making enemies and start making friends. you’re going to need them. ❞ ❝ it’s been a long night. i’m tired of your games. ❞ ❝ never lose that. the ability to not let others define you. ❞ ❝ i make one mistake, and you can’t forgive me. ❞ ❝ my deviousness has finally rubbed off on you. ❞ ❝ you could have been seriously hurt or worse. ❞ ❝ my vengeance will be swift and true. ❞ ❝ no matter how hard i try, there will always be people who look down on me. ❞ ❝ danger is on its way. no time to delay. ❞ ❝ please, flattery will get you nowhere. ❞ ❝ do you have a death wish or something? ❞ ❝ i’m the villain in your fantasy. ❞ ❝ i just want you to know all i want is the very best for you. ❞ ❝ you know what your problem is? you don’t know who your real friends are. ❞ ❝ i did a terrible a thing, but i swear i’m not a terrible person. ❞ ❝ the world isn’t always black and white. there are shades of grey. ❞ ❝ where you see doom, i see opportunity. ❞ ❝ friends are a liability and can be exploited. that makes them weaknesses. ❞ ❝ i’m just gonna come out and say it. i want us to be more than friends. ❞ ❝ that’s so sweet. you didn’t have to get me anything. ❞ ❝ think you skipped where you apologize for acting like a jerk last weekend. ❞ ❝ you’ll use everyone to get what you want, even if it means putting them in danger. ❞ ❝ every time you get involved, people get hurt. ❞ ❝ there’s a biting sense of humor that i always adored. ❞ ❝ what does it feel like? to lose. ❞ ❝ i  have  great  admiration  for  well  executed  revenge  plots  but  yours  was  a  bit  extreme. ❞ ❝ what’s your excuse from creeping around in the middle of the night? ❞ ❝ i’ll survive alone. i always have. ❞ ❝ when you give me that death stare of disapproval, you remind me of your mother. ❞ ❝ are you all right? i can’t imagine witnessing something like that. ❞ ❝ i’m tougher than you think. ❞ ❝ the more you listen to them, the more their claws sink into you. ❞ ❝ people like me and you, we’re different. ❞ ❝ i would rather dye my hair pink than ask my mother for advice. ❞ ❝ i’ve never seen someone so blinded by rage. ❞ ❝ could we please do without the overt display of emotion? ❞

#;meme #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

asoiaf: sword of storms starters

❝ why would the stars want to look down on one such as me? ❞ ❝ sometimes i think everyone is just pretending to be brave, and none of us really are. maybe pretending is how you get brave. ❞ ❝ come, curse me or kiss me or call me a liar. something. ❞ ❝ some battles are not won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens. ❞ ❝ old stories are like old friends. you have to visit them from time to time. ❞ ❝ still, night falls for all of us in the end, and too soon for some. ❞ ❝ and i tell you truly, there is no man in all the world who will ever be half so true to you as me. ❞ ❝ there are fights no swords can win. ❞ ❝ nothing will happen to you. nothing. i could not stand it. ❞ ❝ in such troubled times, it is hard to know friend from foe. ❞ ❝ you hide behind courtesy as if it were a castle wall. ❞ ❝ why do i enrage you so? i’ve never done you harm that i know of. ❞ ❝ it seems to me that a ruler who trusts no one is as foolish as a ruler who trusts everyone. ❞ ❝ love’s not always wise, i’ve learned. it can lead us to great folly, but we follow our hearts…wherever they take us. ❞ ❝ only lies offend me, never honest counsel. ❞ ❝ it was never my wish to sow enmity between us. ❞ ❝ best you were taken to your bed for a long resting, until you are stronger. ❞ ❝ even brave men blind themselves sometimes, when they are afraid to see. ❞ ❝ no harm will come to you, you have my word on that. ❞ ❝ the worst is behind us. don’t be frightened. ❞ ❝ silence. have you forgotten who i am? ❞ ❝ there is something we must speak of. will you walk with me? ❞ ❝ you shall rise again, i am sure. a man like you. ❞ ❝ i am not a cruel man. you know me. ❞ ❝ the world grows a little darker every day. ❞ ❝ i have need of good counsel, and you never gave me less. ❞ ❝ you are a treacherous old rogue, but a good friend all the same. ❞ ❝ madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. ❞ ❝ if you love me all so much, why are you still dressed? ❞ ❝ you’re mine. mine, as i’m yours. ❞ ❝ wars need not be fought until the last drop of blood. ❞ ❝ one voice may speak you false, but in many there is always truth to be found. ❞ ❝ when it comes to battle, discipline beats valour every time. ❞ ❝ sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing. ❞ ❝ it is too late for ifs, and too late for rescues. all that remains is vengeance. ❞ ❝ only blood can pay for blood. ❞ ❝ why do you hesitate? kill him, and be done. ❞ ❝ i will fall into those eyes and drown. ❞ ❝ harsh justice is still justice. ❞ ❝ i am cleverer than most, surely wits count for something. ❞ ❝ there’s a storm coming. a bad one. ❞ ❝ men will read all sorts of things into a knowing smile if you let them. ❞ ❝ the greatest fools are ofttimes more clever than the men who laugh at them. ❞ ❝ all these kings would do a deal better if they would put down their swords and listen to their mothers. ❞ ❝ you were made to be kissed, often and well. ❞ ❝ i walk alone with no true companion but tears. ❞ ❝ there is a savage beast in every man, and when you hand that man a sword or spear and send him forth to war, the beast stirs. ❞ ❝ there are fights no swords can win. ❞ ❝ here you are my guest, and safe from harm at my hands…this night, at least. ❞ ❝ i love the smell of you. i love your hair. i love your mouth, and the way you kiss me. ❞ ❝ i am alive, and drunk on sunlight. ❞ ❝ we look up at the same stars and see such different things. ❞ ❝ let them kill me. so long as i die fighting, a blade in hand. ❞ ❝ they are still behind us. they are taking us one by one. ❞ ❝ cry if you must. in your place, i would likely rip my hair out. ❞ ❝ would you wake me, please? i’m having this terrible nightmare. ❞ ❝ i know what it is like to love so greatly you can think of nothing else. ❞ ❝ if truth be told, i’m bored with your company. ❞ ❝ i am tired of fighting you. what say we make a truce? ❞ ❝ no man grows rich by kindness. ❞ ❝ it is well you did not lie to me. i would have known. ❞ ❝ the blood of my enemies i will shed gladly. the blood of innocents is another matter. ❞ ❝ i do not know who you are, and it may be that’s for the best. someone important, i fear. ❞ ❝ is every word you say a lie? ❞ ❝ why should i tell you my name? you haven’t told me yours. ❞ ❝ you are weak as a child, and no warrior. ❞ ❝ if i look back i am lost. ❞ ❝ if you lie to me, i will have your tongue. ❞ ❝ you’ve grown more amusing since last we met. ❞ ❝ i wonder if i might have a few private words? ❞ ❝ i dreamed a dream, no more. go back to sleep. ❞ ❝ this is a bad place, is it not? a dark place, and foul. ❞ ❝ i did not intend to give offence. forgive me. ❞ ❝ you have never feared to speak the truth, why do you lie to yourself? ❞ ❝ the music’s still playing. might i have this dance? ❞ ❝ your eyes give the lie to your tongue. ❞ ❝ let me go now. for our friendship, wish me luck and let me go ❞ ❝ a wise man never makes an enemy of a king. ❞ ❝ this must be our last time together. the danger is too great. ❞ ❝ some day try thinking before you speak. ❞ ❝ i have a dragon’s temper, that’s all. you must not let it frighten you. ❞ ❝ you must not be saying such things, even in jest. ❞ ❝ what we want is not always what we get. ❞ ❝ put up that sword now, unless you want to be hurt. ❞ ❝ sometimes a man knows more than he says. ❞ ❝ when i don’t fancy a man’s eyes, i put an arrow through one. ❞ ❝ my heart is full of doubts. ❞ ❝ in times like this, we must make do as best we can. ❞ ❝ i never dreamed how quick the sweet would turn to sour. ❞ ❝ my skin has turned to porcelain, to ivory, to steel. ❞ ❝ the stink of death is fresh on you. ❞ ❝ you have repaid betrayal with betrayal, let it end. ❞ ❝ the higher the man climbs the farther he has to fall. ❞ ❝ i was hoping one look at this sweet face of mine would be enough to persuade you all of my innocence. ❞ ❝ after all the storms we’ve suffered, you should trust me better. ❞ ❝ you can kill your enemies, but can you rule your friends? ❞ ❝ could there be honor in a lie, if it were told for a good purpose? ❞ ❝ i am the monster they all say i am. ❞ ❝ pray excuse me, i need to hit someone very hard with a sword. ❞ ❝ you did your best to kill me. perhaps i ought to return the favor. ❞ ❝ you do, don’t you? you take me for a fool. ❞ ❝ we’re all just songs in the end, if we’re lucky. ❞ ❝ there is a long league’s worth of difference between wilful and stupid. ❞ ❝ you…a man like you brings blood with him. ❞ ❝ when did i make so many enemies? ❞ ❝ i must be strong. if i despair, my grief will consume me. ❞ ❝ give me sweet lies, and keep your bitter truths. ❞ ❝ i know what it is to be betrayed by men you trusted. ❞ ❝ all my victories turn to dross in my hands. ❞ ❝ it is a pleasure to look on you again, even in such trying times. ❞ ❝ are you scared? have you lost your belly for fighting? ❞ ❝ you were so long, i feared something had gone amiss. ❞ ❝ any man who must say ‘i am king’ is no true king at all. ❞ ❝ always keep your foes confused. if they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next. ❞ ❝ small men curse what they cannot understand. ❞ ❝ if you’re lying to me again, you won’t be leaving here alive. ❞ ❝ it all goes back and back to our mothers and fathers and theirs before them. we are puppets dancing on the strings of those who came before us. ❞ ❝ when you know what a man wants you know who he is, and how to move him. ❞ ❝ a pure world. i do not belong here. ❞ ❝ you make me sorry that i am not the monster you would have me be. ❞ ❝ i crossed a thousand leagues to come to you, and lost the best part of me along the way. don’t tell me to leave. ❞ ❝ my big mouth will be the death of me, i swear it. ❞ ❝ we have suffered much, and there is more peril and more grief ahead. ❞ ❝ i…i suppose i earned that. ❞ ❝ begging for help never gets you any. ❞ ❝ you’re not made to lie. you blush and squeak and stammer. ❞ ❝ one day you must tell me all. the good and the bad. ❞ ❝ and there is stands, miserable as it is. my ancestral home. ❞ ❝ whatever i do, all i make is death and horror. ❞ ❝ it is safer to walk in darkness here. there are things you would not wish to see. ❞ ❝ you have a certain cunning, but the plain truth is you talk too much. ❞ ❝ that might have hurt me once, when i still felt pain. ❞ ❝ we will fight a battle, and then we will rest. alive or dead, we’ll rest. ❞ ❝ every man must die. but first he must live. ❞ ❝ all night i have been making songs for you in my head. ❞ ❝ my blood, my body, my songs, you own them all. ❞ ❝ if you lie i’ll punch your face. ❞ ❝ what a fight that was, and what a foe. ❞ ❝ be quiet. i will tell you when you can speak. ❞ ❝ forgive me. you have to forgive me. ❞ ❝ never lie to me. never betray me. ❞ ❝ there are two sorts of people. the players and the pieces. ❞ ❝ the only thing i value less than my life right now is yours. ❞ ❝ perhaps i should leave you here to rot if you’re going to be so discourteous. ❞ ❝ i hadn’t forgotten, though i hoped you had. ❞ ❝ i can still bite and kick. i’ll die with the taste of blood in my mouth, that’s something. ❞ ❝ you bray like an ass, and make no more sense. ❞ ❝ you do not belong here. this is not your place. ❞ ❝ i’m not going back to sleep. my head is all a tumult. ❞ ❝ some doors are best left closed. ❞ ❝ it does not matter how brave or brilliant a man is, if his commands cannot be heard. ❞ ❝ a man who fears battle wins no victories. ❞ ❝ you’re not half bad with a sword, but you’re not good enough to take on two hundred men by yourself. ❞ ❝ that is a good color on you. it goes well with your eyes. ❞ ❝ if blood is what you wish, then let it flow. ❞ ❝ i liked you well enough…but i never trusted you. a man needs to earn my trust. ❞ ❝ it is good to see you know who i am. ❞ ❝ i have told you no lies. yet there have been truths i have withheld. ❞ ❝ pardon me if i do not weep for you. ❞ ❝ you’ll find nothing here but death. ❞ ❝ don’t…don’t talk like this. you’re scaring me. ❞ ❝ you must be very brave or very stupid. ❞ ❝ i gave you the truth. you owe me the same. ❞ ❝ that loose tongue of yours will be your undoing. ❞ ❝ i must have fire in my eyes when i face them, not tears. ❞ ❝ it will take more than an arrow to kill you. ❞ ❝ the sound’s inside, it’s in here with us, and it’s getting louder. ❞ ❝ see? we know each other too well. ❞ ❝ you meddle in matters you do not understand. ❞ ❝ i have no luck. i have never had any bloody luck. ❞ ❝ do all gods feel so lonely? ❞ ❝ you are strangely quiet. how do you feel, i wonder? ❞ ❝ stop trying to think up ways to kill me. none of it will do you any bit of good. ❞ ❝ all you need to do is take my hand, come on. ❞ ❝ we’re together, just as you’ve always wanted, just as we’ve always planned. ❞ ❝ wars are won with quills and ravens. ❞ ❝ if only i had my sword, nothing could harm me. ❞ ❝ a valiant deed unsung is no less valiant. ❞ ❝ there are wolves in these woods, and worse things. ❞ ❝ say nothing of what we’ve discussed here today. to anyone. ❞ ❝ you’d best go. you’re making me angry. ❞ ❝ fear cuts deeper than swords. ❞ ❝ an ill-omened name. i have asked you not to use it. ❞ ❝ you cannot hide from me. come closer, now. ❞ ❝ there’s no cause for all these tears. ❞ ❝ it is good that you have woken, but you must give yourself time to heal. ❞ ❝ there is no honor in hiding and sneaking. ❞ ❝ come with me. we have to get away from here, and now. ❞ ❝ kings are falling like leaves this autumn. ❞ ❝ you don’t know half as much as you think you do. ❞ ❝ you seem so sombre. is aught amiss? ❞

#;meme

[mymothershumility]

asoiaf: a dance with dragons starters

❝ i fear i make you uneasy. ❞ ❝ knowledge is a weapon. arm yourself well before you ride forth to battle. ❞ ❝ go on. show your steel. give me cause to do the same. ❞ ❝ fear is what keeps a man alive in this world of treachery and deceit. ❞ ❝ these woods are not as empty as you think. ❞ ❝ promise me that you will never turn against me. i could not bear that. promise me. ❞ ❝ the only time a man can be brave is when he is afraid. ❞ ❝ if i must die, i will die with an axe in my hand and a curse upon my lips. ❞ ❝ tales are told of you. i hear them everywhere. people fear you. ❞ ❝ go too far down that road,  and  mistrust  can  poison  you,  make you sour and fearful. ❞ ❝ you mistake me. that was a command, not an offer. ❞ ❝ sorcery is a sword without a hilt. there is no safe way to grasp it. ❞ ❝ prophecy is like a half-trained mule. it looks like it might be useful, but the moment you trust in it, it kicks you in the head. ❞ ❝ it is not the foes who curse you to your face that you must fear, but those who smile when you are looking and sharpen their knives when you turn your back. ❞ ❝ i rose too high, loved too hard, dared too much. i tried to grasp a star, overreached, and fell. ❞ ❝ they think that this will break my pride, that it will make an end to me, but they are wrong. ❞ ❝ tell me of the things that make you happy, the things that make you giggle, all your sweetest memories. remind me that there is still good in the world. ❞ ❝ one war ends, another begins. there is always someone fighting someone somewhere. ❞ ❝ this is what i was made for. the dance, the sweet steel song, a sword in my hand and a foe before me. ❞ ❝ my enemies have told you i am dead. those tales are false, as you can see. ❞ ❝ not all that a man does is done for gain. ❞ ❝ i know that you believe me weak, frightened, feeble. ❞ ❝ it takes a man to rule. kill the boy, and let the man be born. ❞ ❝ do you mean to spend your whole life running away? ❞ ❝ kingdoms are at hazard here. our lives, our names, our honour. this is no game we’re playing for your amusement. ❞ ❝ however gentle the words, there are always darker motives underneath. i do not trust you. ❞ ❝ a good honest face, but you should smile more. ❞ ❝ my throne is made of burned bones, and it rests on quicksand. ❞ ❝ you are so radiant today i fear to look on you. ❞ ❝ prove yourself more trouble than you are worth, and you can go your own way. ❞ ❝ you need not look so pale, i was only playing with you. ❞ ❝ this is not the day i die, i promise you. ❞ ❝ i wanted you from the first time i saw you. ❞ ❝ was i so blind, or  did  i  close  my  eyes  willingly, so i would not see the price of power? ❞ ❝ men should not go wandering in this place. ❞ ❝ hold your tongue and do as you are told, or you will soon wish you had. ❞ ❝ you won’t try. you will obey. ❞ ❝ kneel and live. or go and die. it’s your choice to make. ❞ ❝ are you so blind, or is it that you do not wish to see? ❞ ❝ that is not a place you want to go to. ❞ ❝ i will not go back without doing what i came for, no matter how hopeless it may seem. ❞ ❝ the fairest woman in this world…i am drunk with the sight of you. ❞ ❝ secrets are worth more than silver and sapphires. ❞ ❝ we have come too far to turn back now. ❞ ❝ what have i done to make you hate me so? ❞ ❝ you meet so few men who value friendship over gold these days. ❞ ❝ it is true, i am a bolder man than most. ❞ ❝ i cannot go home. but i dare not stay here much longer. ❞ ❝ foes and false friends are all around me. ❞ ❝ the fewer folk who will know of this, the better. ❞ ❝ all you have i gave you. remember that. ❞ ❝ will you make me say it twice? go and do as i commanded you. ❞ ❝ love is madness, and lust is poison. ❞ ❝ i feel safe when i’m with you. ❞ ❝ have you no smile for me? am i as fearful as all that? ❞ ❝ why did i ever allow myself to be talked into this farce? ❞ ❝ don’t think i don’t see what you’re doing. ❞ ❝ i will tell you nothing. do me the same favor. ❞ ❝ if i look back i am lost. ❞ ❝ a crown should not sit easy on the head. ❞ ❝ we must show a little trust, you and i. ❞ ❝ trust only your companions, and do your best to avoid attracting notice. ❞ ❝ you’re not going to try to kill me again, i hope. ❞ ❝ if you will forgive me for saying so, you look…weary. are you sleeping? ❞ ❝ your clothes are stained with blood. take them off. ❞ ❝ every fool loves to hear that he’s important. ❞ ❝ my father used to tell me that a man must know his enemies. ❞ ❝ you are a harmless creature, to be sure. as innocent as a lamb. ❞ ❝ till then, let us drink and dream. ❞ ❝ you will be tempted to betray me. to run or fight or join our foes. i’ll not hear you deny it. ❞ ❝ soon enough you may have grave need of me. do not refuse my friendship. ❞ ❝ it is best that no man knows that you are here. ❞ ❝ i kill kings, haven’t you heard? ❞ ❝ should any ill befall you, this world would lose its savor. ❞ ❝ some will look at you and see only another doomed pretender. ❞ ❝ i think life is a jape. yours, mine, everyone’s. ❞ ❝ i will forgive those words…once. but never presume to threaten me again. ❞ ❝ your father would be so proud if he could see you. ❞ ❝ just once you might try to give me an answer that would please me. ❞ ❝ they love me well. none would betray me. ❞ ❝ i have sins enough to answer for; i’ll have no part of this one. ❞ ❝ i mean you no harm, you know. ❞ ❝ i do not trust you, but i need you. ❞ ❝ we’ll both sleep, and dream of sweeter days. close your eyes. ❞ ❝ since you ask so nicely, how can i deny you? ❞ ❝ no wine is half so intoxicating as your beauty. ❞ ❝ why should i beg for what is owed me? ❞ ❝ a lord may love the men he commands, but he cannot be a friend to them. ❞ ❝ let them try and trouble us, we’ll show them what we’re made of. ❞ ❝ a leader should be feared, by friend and foe alike. if men think me cruel, so much the better. ❞ ❝ the enemy of my friend is my enemy. ❞ ❝ a book can be as dangerous as a sword in the right hands. ❞ ❝ i am an old man, grown weary of this world and its treacheries. ❞ ❝ these are desperate days, and like to grow more desperate. ❞ ❝ we need to find shelter before nightfall. ❞ ❝ there are footsteps behind us. we are being followed. ❞ ❝ this is no common fog. it stinks of sorcery. ❞ ❝ i am glad you came to me. it is good to see you again, my friend. ❞ ❝ the man who does nothing also takes a risk. ❞ ❝ the women are the strong ones. ❞ ❝ afraid, are you? i would be if i were you. ❞ ❝ tell me a tale. some tale of valor with a happy ending. ❞ ❝ i’ll have a cup of wine as well. to clear my head. ❞ ❝ we may lose our heads, it’s true…but what if we prevail? ❞ ❝ keep your swords sharp. we’ll have us a real fight soon. ❞ ❝ this is going to end badly. ❞ ❝ what are you doing here? how did you get past my guards? ❞ ❝ it is so hard. to be strong. i don’t always know what i should do. ❞ ❝ let us instead speak of love, of dreams and desire. ❞ ❝ you wound me, wandering off like this. have you grown tired of my hospitality so soon? ❞ ❝ with this sword i defend my subjects and destroy those who menace them. ❞ ❝ it is too late for such misgivings. you made your choice. ❞ ❝ in times as confused as these, even men of honor must wonder where their duty lies. ❞ ❝ why? what did i ever do to you? ❞ ❝ we must be certain that we do not choose the losing side. ❞ ❝ dream sweet dreams. there are no monsters here. ❞ ❝ i know who you are. i know what you are. ❞ ❝ a little honest loathing might be refreshing, like a tart wine after too much sweet. ❞ ❝ a bloody sword is a beautiful thing. ❞ ❝ a ruler belongs to their people, not to themself. ❞ ❝ if the ones i killed come haunt me, i will kill them all again. ❞ ❝ you shine so brightly, you will blind every man who dares look upon you. ❞ ❝ a fair bargain leaves both sides unhappy, i’ve heard it said. ❞ ❝ there’s blood on your hands, aye, same as mine. ❞ ❝ i have done wicked things, i know, but i could not bear for you to hate me. ❞ ❝ it is good to see you smiling again. ❞ ❝ i have doubts enough without you throwing oil on the fire of my fear. ❞ ❝ blood pays for blood, a life for a life. ❞ ❝ go home, if that is what you want. i am staying. ❞ ❝ a man’d think there’s no trust between us. ❞ ❝ i would choose freedom over comfort every time. ❞ ❝ you are even lovelier than i was told. ❞ ❝ stay. i do not wish to be alone. ❞ ❝ treachery on treachery. is there no end to it? ❞ ❝ dreams and prophecies. why must they always be in riddles? ❞ ❝ one wrong word, and this could turn to blood in half a heartbeat. ❞ ❝ you lie. i can see the truth in your eyes. ❞ ❝ throw down your steel and stand aside, and no harm need come to you. ❞ ❝ you are supposed to be my friend. why must you mock my hopes? ❞ ❝ it is better to die with honor than to live without it. ❞ ❝ it does no good to brood on lost battles and roads not taken. ❞ ❝ i see you are deaf to sense. ❞ ❝ you are no better than me. we’re just the same. ❞ ❝ a man should never draw his sword unless he means to use it. ❞ ❝ you kill men for the wrongs they have done, not the wrongs that they may do someday. ❞ ❝ close your eyes. close your ears. turn away. you do not need to see this. ❞ ❝ the sooner we are gone from this place, the better. ❞ ❝ i am sorry my actions have displeased you. i did as i thought best. ❞ ❝ you do not need to trust a man to use him. ❞ ❝ if you cannot do this thing, you need only say so. there is no shame in that. ❞ ❝ never wound a foe when you can kill him. dead men don’t claim vengeance. ❞ ❝ this is what i wanted, what i worked for. so why does it taste so much like defeat? ❞ ❝ honest men should never need to hide their faces. ❞ ❝ i am not the trusting fool you take me for. ❞ ❝ men’s lives have meaning, not their deaths. ❞ ❝ he’s dead. he won’t bite. ❞ ❝ if this is the price for peace, i pay it willingly. ❞ ❝ it makes me wonder whose side you are on. ❞ ❝ dreams and prophecies. why must they always be in riddles? ❞ ❝ i will not say that you are welcome. nor will i deny that i have hoped that you might come. ❞ ❝ you have the eyes of a wolf and a taste for blood. ❞ ❝ men are mad and gods are madder. ❞ ❝ one war ends, another begins. there is always someone fighting someone somewhere. ❞ ❝ not all risks lead to ruin. ❞ ❝ is there some place with fewer eyes and ears? ❞ ❝ i need you now as i have never needed you before. ❞ ❝ tell me, is there any fight left in you? ❞ ❝ it was the wind that you heard screaming. ❞ ❝ crying? i was not crying. why would i cry? ❞ ❝ are you some butcher of the battlefield, hacking down every man who stands in your way? ❞ ❝ rain. a storm is coming. ❞ ❝ that was simple. simpler than i dared hope. simpler than it should have been. ❞ ❝ see that you do not speak of this. i’ll not have this tale spread. ❞ ❝ how could i be so blind for so long? ❞ ❝ you had a bad dream, that was all. ❞ ❝ are you prepared to defend that boast with sword or lance? ❞ ❝ i will do it. i said i would. i will. ❞ ❝ think that. believe that. tell yourself it’s true. ❞ ❝ you have more enemies than you know. ❞ ❝ i have no heart. i only have a hole. ❞ ❝ it has been too long since i’ve killed a man. ❞ ❝ words are wind. words cannot harm me. ❞ ❝ have you forgotten who i am? ❞ ❝ too many good men died that day. ❞ ❝ it is so good to see your face, your sweet face. ❞ ❝ it is still not too late to abandon this folly. ❞ ❝ i will not stay here to be insulted. ❞

#;meme

[mymothershumility]

Click the 💕 for a starter. Lengths and verses will vary.

#;outofjayd #[[ going to dinner for belated friendsgiving #then i'll be back :) ]]

[mymothershumility]

Laira withheld the laugh that bubbled in her throat, smiling and rolling her eyes in response to the man's words. He wasn't incorrect in his statement. She did enjoy his teasing. The kind mattered little to her.

Easing beneath the covers, Laira watched him move around the space only a few feet away from her. Though the room remained dark, she could make out his every move thanks to the dim glow of the streetlights outside. They'd done this often enough that Laira knew he could have likely moved about her bedroom blindfolded. Still, there was something comforting about the way he moved around the space with such ease.

She was glad to know that he seemed comfortable there with her.

"That is easier said than done. But, it's a tempting thought." Reaching, she pulled the comforter back a little more so he could join her. "You should be the one resting. You have to be exhausted after driving for so long."

“You usually enjoy my teasing,” he reminded, throwing a grin back at her over his shoulder and tugging his shirt over his head.

He tossed his shirt into the clothes hamper against the wall before tugging open one of the drawers on Laira’s dresser. He found a pair of well worn plaid pajama pants tucked away inside. He was out of his boots, jeans, and socks and dressed for bed only a couple of minutes later.

“That should be plenty.” As long as she and her guests had enough, Hal could make something for himself. He could make something for all of them if Laira wanted him to. Pancakes were always easy to throw together. He did a decent French toast too. “You should try and sleep in a little tomorrow morning,” he told her, reaching to help her turn the sheets and comforter back on his side of the bed. “I can handle breakfast.”

#neverflownwithme #v; cursed in love #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

It had been their enemy's intention to drive her to utter madness before her husband had ever returned from the Stormlands. First through dreams and mistrust. Then, through the loss of her children. In truth, Laira believed her husband's reasoning more than she believed her own.

The Crow had cast her as a Mad Queen in the minds of Daenerys' subjects and allies. Such a guise would be one that she would use to her advantage for a time.

After all, the Crow was not the only mummer who could flit others about on desired strings. If it was a Mad Queen that their enemy desired, she would give a performance worthy of such a title.

The unease --the terror-- that seemed to invade the apartments with her presence was palpable. Such reactions had been common since her return to the Red Keep, had followed in her wake since the godswood had been swept up in the shimmering heat of Viserion's white and golden flames and she'd placed herself within the shadow of the Conqueror's throne.

Such reactions were needed. They were necessary for her own victory. Yet, there was no pleasure in witnessing such things. Was this what Rhaenyra Targaryen felt when staring down the lords and ladies of Westeros while she ruled? Were these the reactions that she saw?

With a hum, the Queen cast a quick smile to Lady Elinor and Lady Donna. Though she could not see her own expression, Laira knew it did not reach her eyes.

"The kitchens have been most accommodating as of late," she told the girls, beginning to turn from the doorway. "I am certain they could see something made for us should I request it."

Turning to one of the guards posted at the doors, she said, "Send word to the kitchens to have them prepare refreshments for myself, Lady Elinor, and Lady Donna. Have them bring them out to the gazebo at the center of my private gardens when they are ready."

Her order given, Laira gathered her skirts in one hand and called back over her shoulder, "Come along now, sweetlings. The day is too fine to spend it locked amongst these four walls."

Ambling down the hallway, Laira listened to the soft sounds of footsteps as the girls trailed behind her a few beats after her departure.

Donna tensed next to Elinor, her hand immediately slipping into her cousin's, gripping it so tightly it was almost painful. Elinor did not need to turn her head and look at her cousin to know that she would be drawn into herself, terrified. No matter how often they asked, Donna had not spoken one word as to what had happened and what was wrong. Her cousin had always taken care of her, so Elinor straightened her shoulders and shifted so she was ever so slightly in front of Donna, protecting her.

"It would be an honor Your Grace," she answered, for another thing that Elinor had come to notice was that Donna rarely spoke freely in front of anyone that was not Elinor or Leonette.

Donna relaxed her grip on Elinor's hand, giving her hand a light squeeze in thanks. She did not want to go out to the gardens, especially not with the queen. However, she knew it was not a request but an order. Donna could at least take comfort in the fact that Elinor would be with her, she would not be alone. She kept her head slightly bowed, not bothering to move her hair from her face as it fell forward slightly covering her face. Donna no longer bothered in braiding her hair or tying it back in any way. Actually, she was beginning to wonder what it would be like if she cut it off.

"Perhaps we could have dessert in one of the gazebos?" Elinor continued on, filling the silence.

#fullrangeofemotions #v; fire cannot kill a dragon #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

The sirens had grown louder in the last few moments. Laira could hear them clearly now. The high pitched noises that they made sounded as if they were all around her.

Focusing on the woman still standing with her in the alleyway, Laira had her Qwardian ring filter the noises around her away. All at once, the sounds of the sirens began to lower in her ears. Then, the sound was gone entirely. It made focusing on what the woman said easier, made it easier for her to listen even as she tugged away from her grip.

"You feel like white noise."

Such a statement was unexpected. All the same, it piqued her interest.

"And what law firm are you an assistant at, Donna?"

The question was spoken as the whir of red and white lights illuminated the alleyway and the sound of slamming doors echoed among the brick walls. Though she knew the sirens were still sounding in Donna's ears, the noise filtering that her ring had provided her made it significantly easier to hear not only Donna's response, but the chatter of the emergency responders as they began to rush towards them.

Donna’s bite size glimmers of a person’s life and identity were mostly sensations. It was all chalked up to a very strong intuition. She did not care to dwell on it or think too much about beyond what was helpful for work. The last couple of minutes, however, had been anything but mere sensations. Why she was able to see things and do what she did to the man….well Donna was ready to forget about it. What she did not expect was for an image of herself to flash across her mind the moment the woman gripped her elbow.

“Woah,” she startled, moving her elbow from the woman’s grip, trying to shake the strange feeling of otherness that had gripped her. “You feel like white noise,” she muttered absentmindedly, more to herself than the other. The sensation seemed to radiate from the spot where the woman had touched her, like a pulsing sensation. That was new. It did help her keep her alert.

“My name….my name is Donna,” she answered, rubbing her elbow to try and release the weird sensation, “I’m an assistant, I work for a law firm,” she added, sounded more alert than she had just few seconds ago.

#fullrangeofemotions #v; i am a nightmare #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

Tessarion knew the approaching women well. Of the two, she knew one better than the other. It had not been so long ago that Helaena had taken Lady Arryn up into the skies with her on late evening flight. All the same, Tessarion knew Lady Donna as well. She'd spied her about the Arbor since Helaena had come to linger there with Lord Redwyne and Lady Arryn. That had been many moons ago.

"Lady Donna," Tessarion greeted, her copper colored eyes turning to the woman at her side. "Lady Arryn." She turned to look to Laira then, her gaze questioning. "Where is Helaena?" she inquired.

"Hello, Tessarion," Dinah returned. She smiled up at Helaena's mount, though kept her gaze upon the Crown Princess' companion. "Hello, Sunfyre," she offered, dipping into a sweeping bow at her waist.

Laira herself had stated that Sunfyre was a quiet dragoness. Quite fitting, Dinah believed, given the Crown Princess' own demeanor. "No doubt Oliver has commandeered Helaena's attention for a time," Dinah offered.

"I am certain she will be along in time, sweetling," Laira spoke, hands still sweeping over Sunfyre's heated scales. Her dragonmount's gaze had not departed the companions at her back, not even for a moment. Though there was no imminent danger present, Laira believed it best to err upon the side of caution and keep her current station. "It seemed that you and Sunfyre enjoyed yourselves out over the water."

"Sunfyre insists she bested me," Tessarion spoke, her words tinged by a pout.

Laira smiled at such a retort, a chuckled bubbling its way up out of her throat when Sunfyre offered a rumbling growl back to Tessarion. The sound of it was melodic. "A debate that I have heard a number of times in the past."

In that moment, all thoughts and worries about her visit to Highgarden were swept away. Donna would have time to dwell and fret later, for now she could not contain her excitement.

It was a beautiful sight, the contrast between the ocean blue scales of Tessarion and the shiny golden scales of Sunfyre. They truly were such majestic creatures…and scary. They were formidable at a distance but up close, it was that much clearer how easy it would be to gobble a human up. However, her fear was tempered by her trust and faith in the Crown Princess, who would not let any harm come to them. She would keep them safe.

Permission given, Donna took a couple of steps forward, a mixture of curiosity and awe written plainly on her face, “hello, Sunfyre,” she greeted, giving a small curtsy, “thank you for allowing us to meet you!” She was hoping for a calm tone but she couldn’t keep her excitement from her tone. Although, Donna was not sure exactly how to greet and go about interacting with dragons (not that she had met that many) but she figured treated like any other person was the best way to avoid any disastrous event.

Donna glanced up, over Sunfyre, and smiled at Tessarion, “hello Tessarion,” she greeted the familiar dragoness.

#fullrangeofemotions #v; and everywhere the dragons danced the people died #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

"If you are going to tease me in such a fashion, I think I will." It was a baseless threat. Laira knew that he would know such a thing.

Slipping out of her robe, Laira tossed the garment across the chaise at the end of her bed. Then, she moved to turn the covers of her bed back, moving the two decorative pillows down to the chaise as well.

"I prepped breakfast for tomorrow morning before you arrived. Individual omelettes." Nothing extraordinary, but they had been a staple at her bakery since she'd opened the doors. She'd been experimenting with different types at home due to their popularity. "We can make something bigger in the morning if you'd like."

mymothershumility‌:

“Perhaps I do,” she countered, barely containing a smile of her own. She had misspoke, thoughts jumbled after his distracting behavior. A pitiful excuse, in truth, yet no less true. “Perhaps I will keep it a secret if you mean to tease me in such a manner,” she went on, playfully batting at his hands.

Head nodding, Laira motioned over to the dresser on the opposite side of the room. “You have plenty of clothing in the top three drawers.”

He smiled at her as she talked, his own hands taking hold of hers when she batted at him. “Don’t keep me in suspense,” he said with a light laugh, drawing her hands up until he was able to press a soft kiss to her knuckles.

“Let me change and we’ll see what we can do about the tension in your shoulders.”

#neverflownwithme #v; cursed in love #the dragon's queue

[mymothershumility]

circe sentence starters

by madeline miller. i altered some quotes so they fit better  ♡

❝  my father has never been able to imagine the world without himself in it.  ❞ ❝  there is a twisting feeling in my chest, like cloth being wrung dry.  ❞ ❝  the grudges of the gods are as deathless as their flesh.  ❞ ❝  it was my first lesson. beneath the smooth, familiar face of things is another that waits to tear the world in two.  ❞ ❝  you think just because you are a daughter of the sun, you may uproot the world to please yourself.  ❞ ❝  even the best iron grows brittle with too much beating.  ❞ ❝  fear of failure is the worst thing for any spell.  ❞ ❝  those who fight against prophecy only draw it more tightly around their throats.  ❞ ❝  did you smile a little? perhaps i only flatter myself.  ❞ ❝  i have a better idea. i will do as i please.  ❞ ❝  what can i say? the world is an ugly place. we must live in it.  ❞ ❝  how many of us would be granted pardon if our true hearts were known?  ❞ ❝  you threw me to the crows, but it turns out i prefer them to you.  ❞ ❝  give me the blade. some things are worth spilling blood for.  ❞ ❝  it is very close. a perfect sleeping spot to ease your weary bones.  ❞ ❝  all my life had been murk and depths, but i was not a part of that dark water. i was a creature within it.  ❞ ❝  most men do not know me for what i am.  ❞ ❝  i suppose i could weep and rub my eyes to please you, but i choose not to live so falsely.  ❞ ❝  there is no wound that you can give me that i have not already given myself.  ❞ ❝  i will not be a bird bred in a cage, too dull to fly even when the door stands open.  ❞ ❝  i stood there for a long time fearing such things, and waiting, as if someone would come and reassure me.  ❞ ❝  this is how zeus felt when he first lifted the thunderbolt.  ❞ ❝  i had a little pride, and that was good. more would have been fatal.  ❞ ❝  will you not come to bed, my love?  ❞ ❝  if my childhood has given me anything, it’s endurance.  ❞ ❝  if you had asked me, i would have said i was happy.  ❞ ❝  that is another thing about you. you make me want to spill my secrets.  ❞ ❝  they do not care if you are good. they barely care if you are wicked. the only thing that makes them listen is power.  ❞ ❝  as for that safety, i do not want it. it is only more chains.  ❞ ❝  all those years i had spent with them were like a stone tossed in a pool. already, the ripples were gone.  ❞ ❝  war always seemed to me a foolish choice from men. whatever they win from it, they will only have a handful of years to enjoy before they die. more likely they will perish trying.  ❞ ❝  are you always so suspicious?  ❞ ❝   in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth.  ❞ ❝  i can bend the world to my will, as a bow bent for an arrow.  ❞ ❝  will you do me the honor of dining with me?  ❞ ❝  i know what we owe you. what i owe.  ❞ ❝  i’m afraid i might have floated on, believing those dull memories were all there was, until the end of days.  ❞ ❝  do not be too happy. it will bring down fire on your head.  ❞ ❝  you are a poison snake, and i am another, and on such terms we please ourselves.  ❞ ❝  your words are like a secret. a thing that looks like stone, but inside is a seed.  ❞ ❝  you cannot know how frightened gods are of pain. there is nothing more foreign to them.  ❞ ❝  bold action and bold manner are not the same.  ❞ ❝  a golden cage is still a cage.  ❞ ❝  i am surprised to see you so plain after such boasting.  ❞ ❝  your voice is like balm upon my raw skin.  ❞ ❝  does no one have the courage? will no one dare to face me?  ❞ ❝  those who love me a little do not care to say.  ❞ ❝  it is easily to speak so open with you. your face is like a quiet pool that will hold everything safe in its depths.  ❞ ❝  humbling women seems to me a chief pastime of poets. as if there can be no story unless we crawl and weep.  ❞ ❝  you are weak and blind, and it is worse because you choose it.  ❞ ❝  you can teach a viper to eat from your hands, but you cannot take away how much it likes to bite.  ❞ ❝  i should have known you would be good for nothing to me.  ❞ ❝  gold does not give back a life.  ❞ ❝  it is funny, that even after all this time, you believe you will be rewarded, just because you have been obedient.  ❞ ❝  i have done your work for you, and all you give me is mockery and contempt.  ❞ ❝  where would you go, if you might escape?  ❞ ❝  you are right. this world is a wild and terrible place, and worth shouting at.  ��� ❝  i cannot bear this world a moment longer.  ❞ ❝  i owe you nothing. you will have of me only what i want to give.  ❞ ❝  however gold you shine, do not forget your fire.  ❞ ❝  that is what you desire most of all: to drive others into doubt, keep them wondering and fretting, stumbling behind your dancing feet.  ❞ ❝  sorry that you thought i was weak, but you were wrong.  ❞ ❝  trickery is for cowards, men not bull-necked enough to show true courage.  ❞ ❝  i have a little pride. if they do not weep, i will not either.  ❞ ❝  you have as many coils as a snake, and an eye always to your advantage.  ❞ ❝  i want the sun to burn me. i want it to scorch me to the bone.  ❞ ❝  what of me? shall i rot?  ❞ ❝  how long would i cling to that handful of minutes, trying to cover myself as if with some threadbare blanket?  ❞ ❝  i have been old and stern for so long, carved with regrets and years like a monolith. but that is only a shape i’ve been poured into. i do not have to keep it.  ❞ ❝  i am not weak. and i will never be sorry not to be like you.  ❞ ❝  you draw me in as if you are winding up a thread.  ❞ ❝  the fragility of mortals breeds kindness and good grace.  ❞ ❝ come, there are blankets here, laid for you upon the soft grass. ❞ ❝ there will be no songs made for you. no stories. you will live a life of obscurity. you will be without a name in history. you will be no one. ❞ ❝ those heroes. you should see the look on their faces when i run straight for them. ❞ ❝ those who fight against prophecy only draw it more tightly around their throats. ❞ ❝ see? we do not need anyone. ❞ ❝ have you not always insisted on being difficult in everything you do? ❞ ❝ you cannot think of it. it will only torment you. ❞ ❝ and that is the least of my powers. ❞ ❝ you are lucky i do not kill you where you stand. ❞ ❝ you do not understand the dangers that wait for you in the world. ❞ ❝ your threats are crude. i had hoped we might discuss this reasonably. ❞ ❝ you showed me your scars, and in return you let me pretend that i had none. ❞ ❝ my whole life, i have waited for tragedy to find me. ❞ ❝ it is not for such as you to question my purpose. ❞ ❝ i felt a weariness in me so great i thought i would sink into the earth. ❞ ❝ have patience, your strength will come in time. ❞ ❝ you have never understood how strong i am. ❞ ❝ you do not know what i can do. ❞ ❝ i have said all i will say. do not ask me again. ❞ ❝ perhaps no parent can truly see their child. when we look we see only the mirror of our own faults. ❞ ❝ i cannot bear this world a moment longer. ❞ ❝ there is no profit in chasing riddles of the fates. ❞ ❝ why can you not be more peaceful? why must it be so hard? ❞ ❝ come. let’s do something fun. i will show you magic. ❞ ❝ at last. i have met the thing the gods can use against me. ❞ ❝ clever. you were testing me, weren’t you? ❞ ❝ i must tell you, all my past is like today; monsters and horrors no one wants to hear. ❞ ❝ you cannot come. it is not safe for mortals. ❞ ❝ come forth, and speak to my face. or do you only do your murdering from the shadows? ❞ ❝ you are safe. we may be happy at last. ❞ ❝ what else have you kept from me? ❞ ❝ all heroes are fools. all heroes but me. ❞ ❝ i know what i was in those days: unsteady, inconstant. ❞ ❝ i will be fine, i promise you. ❞ ❝ i have a better idea. i will do as i please. ❞ ❝ will there never be an end to it? ❞ ❝ i will wear that shame all my life. i cannot undo it, but i will spend my days wishing i could. ❞ ❝ if you want to join me, i will not stop you. ❞ ❝ if i do this thing, it will be the last i will ever do for you. ❞ ❝ i am sorry i put you in such danger. ❞

#;meme

[mymothershumility]

house of the dragon starters

ep1 - 10 .

❝ try not to look too relieved. ❞ ❝ did you sleep? how long? ❞ ❝ no king has ever lived that hasn’t had to forfeit the lives of a few to protect the many. ❞ ❝ i don’t need mothering. ❞ ❝ it is our fate, i think, to crave always what is given to another. ❞ ❝ you’re safe with me, i swear it. ❞ ❝ to elude a storm, you can either sail into it or around it. but you must never await its coming. ❞ ❝ i have only ever defended you. ❞ ❝ i’ve always thought of you and i as having been made from the same cloth. ❞ ❝ you will address me as “your grace” or i will have my guard cut out your tongue. ❞ ❝ i’d rather serve as a knight and ride to battle and glory. ❞ ❝ you’re always like this when you’re worried. disagreeable. ❞ ❝ i like this position. it’s quite comfortable. ❞ ❝ how sweetly the fox speaks when it’s been cornered by hounds. ❞ ❝ we haven’t spoke much…since… ❞ ❝ i do not wish to rule over a kingdom of ash and bone. ❞ ❝ i was never much of a dancer. ❞ ❝ do you want me to kill him? ❞ ❝ i’m asking with you to come with me…away from all of this. ❞ ❝ come, eat. fortify yourself for the journey. ❞ ❝ you swore to protect me. ❞ ❝ what will they say of me when the histories are written? ❞ ❝ it’s the only thing i have to my fucking name! ❞ ❝ look what my life became without you. a droll tragedy. ❞ ❝ strive to restore whatever scrap of honor you have left. ❞ ❝ our worth is not given. it must be made. ❞ ❝ it pleases me to hear you say this. that i am not alone in my grief. ❞ ❝ if you mean to elicit some anger from me, you should know that you’re failing. ❞ ❝ it bothers you, does it not? ❞ ❝ the realm owes you a great debt. ❞ ❝ all i wanted was for someone to say that they were sorry for what happened to me. ❞ ❝ we must all mourn in our own way. ❞ ❝ do you have a specific course of action to propose? ❞ ❝ we’re both people who have had to cut our own way through the world. ❞ ❝ were that to happen, losses would be incalculable. ❞ ❝ it was not my intent to make offense. ❞ ❝ when steel is drawn, a fair match isn’t something anyone should expect. ❞ ❝ i find i have…few friends lately. ❞ ❝ we don’t belong here. ❞ ❝ i only want to help you. ❞ ❝ you cannot believe such gossip. ❞ ❝ just get out. leave me at once. ❞ ❝ to have every young knight and lord fawning over you…what a misery. ❞ ❝ you’ve been much alone these past few years. alone and angry. ❞ ❝ the road ahead is uncertain, but the end is clear. ❞ ❝ you’re young. you will learn. ❞ ❝ this is just what i need…a little adventure. ❞ ❝ care for some company? ❞ ❝ what is this brief mortal life…if not the pursuit of legacy? ❞ ❝ the wise sailor flees the storm as it gathers. ❞ ❝ you are a plague…sent to destroy me. ❞ ❝ for one night, i wish to be free of the burdens of my inheritance. ❞ ❝ do you wish to hear my opinion on the matter? ❞ ❝ i’ve been alone. you abandoned me. ❞ ❝ i’ve decided to remain here and read instead. ❞ ❝ if there were another path…one that led to freedom…would you take it? ❞ ❝ we should be free to speak our minds to one another. ❞ ❝ everything i’ve given you, you’ve thrown back in my face. ❞ ❝ answer me. it’s important. ❞ ❝ do you never long for home? ❞ ❝ i know you’ve never seen true battle. ❞ ❝ your heart is even darker than i thought. ❞ ❝ you think yourself a cunning person. your plans are obvious. ❞ ❝ you never were one to stay idle. ❞ ❝ do not speak of this again. ❞ ❝ they whisper about me in the corridors. ❞ ❝ am i your prisoner? ❞ ❝ have the decency to look grateful. do you know what has been done to give you this day? ❞ ❝ love…is a downfall. ❞ ❝ we’re free to do as we please. ❞ ❝ you will make a fearsome knight. ❞ ❝ just take my arm, at the least. ❞ ❝ it seems the gods have been especially cruel to you. ❞ ❝ i will be a stranger when we meet again. ❞ ❝ you dare put hands on me? ❞ ❝ you look so much like your mother in certain lights. ❞ ❝ i have no shortage of allies. ❞ ❝ who gives a fuck what some lord thinks? ❞ ❝ take your fucking hands off me. ❞ ❝ a certain insolence runs in the family. ❞ ❝ meat without wine is a sin. ❞ ❝ i gave up the idea of wearing a crown generations ago. ❞ ❝ are you…are you hurt? ❞ ❝ reluctance to murder is not a weakness. ❞ ❝ exhausting, isn’t it? hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. ❞ ❝ we have nothing in common. ❞ ❝ you deserve better than what i have been. ❞ ❝ you are an honorable man with a good heart. it’s a rare thing. ❞ ❝ i promise you, in time, you and i together will prevail. ❞ ❝ life has, i know, disappointed you. ❞ ❝ if a king isn’t feared, he is powerless. ❞ ❝ i’d rather ride alone. ❞ ❝ be careful. one could take your words for treason. ❞ ❝ i’ve never seen that side of you…i even doubted its existence. ❞ ❝ i will have the truth of what happened. now. ❞ ❝ do you wish to know your death? ❞ ❝ if we don’t mind our own histories, it will do the same to us. ❞ ❝ i believe you were made to wear the crown. ❞ ❝ we are turning back, all right? ❞ ❝ everyone’s staring at us. ❞ ❝ i would say it’s nice to be home, but i scarcely recognize it. ❞ ❝ most of my years have been spent living in terror. ❞ ❝ all that i have, i owe to you. ❞ ❝ i’ve wondered many an hour what your purpose was in coming here. ❞ ❝ what can either of us know of ruling a kingdom? ❞ ❝ does the promise of war excite you? ❞ ❝ none of this is a game. and yet you treat it like one. ❞ ❝ a matter has arisen that requires your attention. ❞ ❝ night time, you might not be so lucky. ❞ ❝ i have no wish to rule! no taste for duty! i am not suited. ❞ ❝ you flee what other men die seeking. ❞ ❝ i endured it for as long as i could. ❞ ❝ we don’t choose our destiny. it chooses us. ❞ ❝ it is ill luck to look upon the face of death. ❞ ❝ you’ve already found enough trouble today. ❞ ❝ who might you be running from, now? ❞ ❝ i am yours and you are mine. ❞ ❝ i will not have blood shed beneath my roof. ❞ ❝ we are closer to gods than to men. ❞ ❝ you shouldn’t do this alone. let us help you. ❞ ❝ that war is not mine to begin. ❞ ❝ it has been so long since we were granted the joy of your presence. ❞ ❝ how could you allow such a thing to happen? ❞ ❝ do not allow your temper to guide your judgement. ❞ ❝ now they see you as you are. ❞ ❝ do you want to know the truth of it? i was frightened. ❞ ❝ you desire not to be free, but to make a window in the wall of your prison. ❞ ❝ you are wiser than i believed you to be. ❞ ❝ i speak the truth. and you know it. ❞ ❝ hope is the fool’s ally. ❞ ❝ while i like your support, i do not need it. ❞ ❝ go to your chambers. you have said enough. ❞ ❝ i thought i wanted it, but the burden is a heavy one. ❞ ❝ i understand you’ve found yourself in some trouble. ❞

#;meme