Open Post

[stonebird]

I. The sun is hot - swelteringly so - but there is an impressive spread under an ornate tent, waiting for a party to begin. Brightly clothed ladies and lords are wandering about like so many colorful birds, speaking of topics that are both light-hearted and threatening. Do not be fooled by the finery around you; this is a jungle filled to the brim with predators. In fact, lions, tigers and panthers might be kinder! At least they are more straight-forward. These are political predators and they take no prisoners.

On the fringes of the party, there stands a tall young woman with hair of auburn. She is looking towards the bay, her focus reaching across the water to somewhere else; somewhere better. Will you take your chances with the party or seek an escape with her?

II. Winter winds blow stinging crystals of ice against the faces, hands and any other uncovered body part of anyone standing outside of the dark castle. There are lights in the windows - a welcoming, alluring warmth - and the front gate is unlatched. Are you daring enough to enter?

III. The mountain is staggeringly high and the air is thin. Yet, at a seemingly impossible height, there is a fortress. Within the walls of said fortress, there is far too much silence. Your footsteps echo against the stone walls and floor - an empty, lonely sound. In the distance, a door creaks and your footsteps are not alone. Do you hide or confront the stranger?

IV. Create your own!

Comments

[castintofire]

Sansa Stark had learned too much to be so foolish. Maedhros had seen the change, watched her blossom, just in the time he'd known her. He was intensely proud of her, and equally grateful he wouldn't be parted from her despite all his evils. He was better, he'd been told, his light and fire reawakened but tempered.

He could go home.

Gentle fingers fondly ran over her long hair and he smiled warmly down at her, waiting for her choice. He'd accept either, though a selfish part of him hoped she would leave the world which had treated her so ill.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You always will," he accepted. Then a bright smile answered her choice and he hugged her close. "Then you had best make your farewells, for I think you will not return."

[stonebird]

He was most of the reason for the change! The thousand kindnesses he had done for her had melted the ice that had formed around her heart. With his constant support and protection, she had been able to test her wings again - as a young woman and an adult instead of as a naive child. Each time she faltered or fell, he had caught her, brushed her off and encouraged her to try again.

The tension she always carried with her in Westeros - a habit nowadays and not wholly necessary- melted under his touch. She kept her arms firmly around his waist, unwilling to let go just in case he disappeared into the icy night.

"I will love what it used to be." she amended, "I am often lonely here and there is no guarantee for a brighter tomorrow. We must always fight; always stay wary. Must I spend my whole life defending a castle? With one battle, I could lose it."

Besides, her home was in his arms and she would never force him to stay in such a cruel world - though she knew he would for her. No, his voice was...joyful. Her eyes widened as she suddenly realized the cause of it.

"Have you been allowed to return to your family?" her cheeks flushed with happy color and she smiled tearily.

[castintofire]

Just as Sansa was a large part of why Maedhros had healed so well. She'd encouraged him, shown him life was still worth living, and reminded him of precious things to focus on. And Eru and all the Valar knew it, for even if they had been unaware, Maedhros had spoken of his time in Ruby City and they'd learned his heart and how aware of it he'd become.

He held her close, affectionate touch to her hair not pausing. "That is as it should be. I will never forget how Aman once was, though it will never be the same." He would stay as close to her as she'd allow now, wherever they were. Though not too close, if she found a worthy partner!

"I cannot promise it will always be peaceful on Arda, but I have more reason than ever to have faith in Eru's love."

A shake of his head. "I spent only the time meant for me in Lord Mandos' Halls, then was brought before the Valar before I was sent here to find you. But they will be there waiting when we arrive, I am sure."

[stonebird]

His hands were warm and comforting. They reminded her of their home in the forest with the wolves and the deer. She missed Ruby City and she had been sorry to leave it. But she felt that Arda would be even better. Any world that could produce such kind, wise beings surely had to be better than Westeros.

"Will you tell me of it?" Sansa had no desire for a 'worthy partner' as of yet. That might change give a year or two - but right now, she was happy to be with the father of her heart.

"I have seen the very worst of Men. There is not much that would shock me, Atar, and I will feel safe if you are near regardless." she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, "Have faith in my love too."

Sansa fussed over her appearance at his warning, smoothing over her skirt. "Should I change? I want to look my best for them. They have done us such a kindness."