A Permanant Visit {Halaevia, Open}

[Larynne Baratheon]

The journey from Storm's End to Dragonstone was mostly uneventful and very uncomfortable. Though, Larynne Baratheon's primary concern wasn't comfort but to arrive at her late brother's home as swiftly as possible.

She knew it would be a matter of time before word of her departure from her childhood home would spread like blood on a battlefield. So Larynne made the decision to stop as little as possible. Their mounts nearly dead upon arrival at the port where she and her escort of ten bannermen led by one of Storm End's most loyal Lieutenants, Ser Austyn Densmore, would board a ship to further her journey.

They finally arrived at the volcanic island where castle Dragonstone sat nestled among the jagged rocks. The weather was less than welcome being damp and dreary. Larynne stepped off the boat with the aide of Ser Densmore. Her heavy, hooded, woolen cloak pulled snuggly around her lithe body, and head.

"It's good to be on solid ground again." Austyn said. His voice deep and gruff. But, to Larynne it was comforting. He was a large, barrel chested man. His armor making him seem much larger than that of his normal 6'4" frame.

Larynne mounted one of the horses that would take them to the path that wound its way to the castle heights. Her deep blue eyes finally fell on the dark walls high above them. "Yes, it is Austyn. Though I don't mind a boat ride if the seas are less violent." She stated simply.

Riding beside Larynne, Austyn led the group towards the safety of Dragonstone. Not long after leaving the port, he held his gloved hand up and halted the group. "Riders approaching Mi'lady. They're carrying Barathon banners." He seemed to sigh with relief at that.
Turning partially in his saddle, Densmore scrutinized his soldiers.

"Straighten up you men and look like the Baratheon bannermen you are and not slouching scoundrels!" He barked over his shoulder at his troop who were adorned in the shiny armor of the Baratheon House.

"Then I believe we should show them who we are as well, Ser Densmore. Unfurl our own banner and let them know we're friend and not foe. Hold it high and proud!" Larynne said in a firm tone which was lined with pride.

She was also relieved that the raven she had sent prior to her leaving Storm's End had made it safely to her cousin Stannis. As the party neared, Larynne pushed back her hood to reveal her youthful features and long, auburn hair which had been soaked by the sea spray.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Things went from bad to worse. Ser Giraud had gone out to meet Lady Larynne as soon as her party had been spotted coming ashore. If she had left Storm's End, then that could only mean that the rumors of trouble in the Stormlands held more than a little truth. It was to be expected, he supposed. The world was full of opportunists ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness, and as signs went, Blackwater was a great glaring multicolored mess of one.

Between that and Lady Halaevia having acted like some fool girl fretting over injured Lannisters, of all things, he didn't know what kind of ill fortune to expect next. When his small contingent from the castle met up with Larynne's group, his expression was bordering on grim. Then he saw Alyon's little sister herself, and his features softened. Regardless of what her arrival meant, she had had a long journey, and deserved at least something of a warm welcome.

'Lady Baratheon,' he greeted her with a small bow, his black cloak falling forward over one arm. 'It is good to have you here. The Baratheon banner is always a most welcome sight.' He didn't ask her about Storm's End. The impulse was there, but it would have been unfair, and no doubt whatever the situation was she was going to have to explain it many times over. 'Do follow us,' he continued on instead. 'We knew you were on your way, rooms have been prepared for you in the castle.'

Ser Giraud and the others from Dragonstone led Larynne's party up the winding path to the castle. The pace was quick, and not much was said; the winds were picking up and it looked as if the grey sky was about to open up with rain. Before they could reach their destination within the keep, however, there was an interruption.

Eliedt Baratheon knew that his aunt was visiting. He didn't know why, and had he been asked he probably would have complained that he didn't need her there. She was his Papa's sister and he only remembered her vaguely. She had pretty hair. He'd told Kirilen about her pretty hair, but she hadn't been interested. It was hard to get Kirilen interested in much at all, now, she spent all her time listening to Ishreya's silly stories and doing needlework with big clumsy stitches because her hands were still too little.

Taryn Chepstow had told him it was because Kirilen was scared. He liked Taryn, who was one of the few people who didn't treat him like a child and told him the truth. So Eliedt had told Kirilen not to be scared, that he was her big brother and he'd look after her until Mama came home. He didn't know if it helped any, no matter how much he wanted it to. It wasn't like she had anything to be scared of, anyway. Dragonstone was a safe place and Kirilen was four, she wasn't a baby.

Even so, when the two children stepped out to meet Larynne, Eliedt took hold of his younger sister's hand. The two of them looked alike, dark-haired and pale and solemn, and there was something of a young Alyon in Eliedt's features. 'You're Lady Larynne, aren't you?' he said, curiously, as if he were only half-certain. He looked to the girl beside him. 'Kirilen, this is Papa's sister.'

Kirilen managed a small smile and a little wobbly curtsey. 'I'm Kirilen,' she said, a little more loudly than the quiet corridor warranted, 'and he's my brother Eliedt. Ishreya said you were coming, but I didn't know she meant today.'

[Larynne Baratheon]

"Thank you, Ser Giraud. I'm glad to see you're still in service of my Uncle." Larynne returned her gratitude to the man. "I'm sure you and Ser Densmore will have much to talk about after we're settled. But, don't get him too drunk, I'll need to speak with him later." She quipped.


Larynne as tired as she was, still managed a warmth to her smile and tone as she layed eyes on her brother's children. It'd been a couple years since she'd last seen the children. The wisp of his image in her mind tugged at her heart. "This dampness isn't good for them, they need sunshine. The poor dears look so pale." She mused to herself, then eyed her Lieutenant. "Ser Densmore, hand our mounts to the stable Maester to be cared for, then see to your men and get dried off and fed." She ordered while dismounting her own stallion.

The large, older officer gave a curt nod. "Aye, Milady." He motioned to the other armed men and they continued on towards the stables, taking the reigns of another horse from the party.

"Yes, Eliedt, I am. I'm also your Aunt. But, you were young when last I saw you and might not remember." In a voice that was almost song like, she addressed the young boy first, then looked at his sister who seemed frightened, slowly reached out and took the small girl's hands in her own, gloved ones. "I thought it about time I come and see my niece and nephew."

Around Larynne, her small entourage of servants gathered her personal things and headed into the keep. Her personal servant, Elenia, was in charge of the others and ordered them about to take the gear and chests up to the rooms. Larynne watched her then returned her attention to the children. "Let's go inside. I've brought along something for each of you. I know your Mother thinks I spoil the two of you, but that's what aunties are for!" She said cheerily leading them into the dry yet, damp great entryway.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Ser Giraud nodded, a hint of a smile visible on his gruff features. 'Aye,' he said. 'Austyn and I will have much to speak of. Don't worry, my lady, I'll keep him from the good wine 'til the morrow.' It was a remark made in jest, although there wasn't much in his manner to indicate it. He didn't immediately depart with the other knight, though, but remained watchful once he noticed the children come into view.

Eliedt was a little hesitant to let go of his sister's hand so that Larynne could take it, but seeing that it was important to reassure her, he did so. 'I do remember,' he said, 'although I was younger then. I'm nearly eight now!' Like most children, he sounded rather proud of having reached what was to him an advanced age. 'Kirilen won't remember you, though, because she was only a baby.'

At this, Kirilen scowled. Even if it was true, she didn't like it, wishing that she could remember like her brother did. Before the notion could upset her too much, though, Aunt Larynne revealed that she had brought presents. Kirilen's face lit up with delight. So did Eliedt's, for that matter. Any thoughts he had of remaining detached, as befitted someone of his maturity - for that was how he was coming to see it - were quickly set aside. It was so rare that anyone brought them presents.

'Did you really?' That was Kirilen.

'Mama wouldn't mind,' Eliedt hastened to assure her as they walked inside. 'She'd be pleased, I know she would.'

'Can we see them now?' Patience wasn't little Kirilen's strong point.

'Now hold a moment,' Ser Giraud interrupted from behind them. 'I expect your aunt will want some dry clothes and a hot meal before you young ones start bothering her.'

Eliedt didn't think that was fair. They weren't bothering and Larynne had asked them to go in with her, it wasn't like they were being rude. Mama was very particular about making sure they knew how to be polite, and he didn't want Larynne to think otherwise. He looked to her in mute appeal. She wasn't going to agree with Ser Giraud, was she?

[Larynne Baratheon]

She gave a nod of agreement to Ser Giraud. "I should get out of these wet clothes before I catch my death."
Larynne then stood up and looked at each of them while unwrapping the heavy, wet cloak from around her chilled body. Her servant, Elenia, had returned and taken it from her.

"I promise that after I have a bite to eat and make myself more presentable..." She held up a hand to cut off any protest she had a feeling her young nephew had at the edge of his lips. "I will give you your gifts. And, I'm sure you'll worthy them of the wait." She added with a warm smile deserving them. "Though, I'm anxious to see your Mother and almost want to put off all else to see her first."

Larynne's face lit up even moreso at the thought of seeing her Sister-in-Law. "After I visit with your Mother, we can play that game I taught you when last I was here and we show Kirilen?" She shifted her gaze to the girl. "I think you're old enough to learn it."

[Halaevia Baratheon]

She was agreeing with Ser Giraud? Eliedt was disappointed. He was, in fact, ready to object, until she said the gifts were worth waiting for. He could believe that. Just as he was exchanging glances with Kirilen, ready to tell her that waiting wouldn't be so bad, Larynne started talking about Mama.

She didn't know. The thought struck him suddenly, heavily, and he wondered why nobody had thought to tell her. What was he supposed to say now? He couldn't let her go on thinking that Mama was going to arrive any minute, and he couldn't leave it to Ser Giraud to tell her. It had to be his responsibility, didn't it, she was his mother. He looked at Larynne wide-eyed for a moment, trying to find the right words.

'Mama's not here.' Kirilen had no such inhibitions, although her bottom lip trembled a little after she had said it. 'It was the Lannisters.'

Now Eliedt had no choice but to explain it. 'She'll be back,' he tried to tell Larynne. 'We just don't know when. She...she found an injured soldier on the beach, see, and she was going to look after him, but it was all a Lannister trick! As soon as he was well and strong again, he-' Eliedt grimaced, but went on, 'he killed Myles and Rodney, and then he took Mama away on a boat for his prisoner,' he finished dolefully. At first the servants had tried to keep it from him, but Taryn had told him. Taryn always told him the truth, and then he'd had to tell Kirilen, even if she was little.

'Except then,' Kirilen put in suddenly, 'the Lord of Light talked to him! He said that he wasn't allowed to put Mama in a horrible dungeon,' - this was, in Kirilen's imagination, the invariable fate of prisoners, 'but he had to be really nice to her, 'cause she was going to tell everyone in Cas'ly Rock how their pretend gods weren't real, only the Lord of Light is. Mama wrote it to us in a letter. Ishreya said.'

'It was King's Landing, not Casterly Rock,' Eliedt corrected, but as far as he was concerned the rest of it had to be true, even if he hadn't seen the letter himself.

'Fine,' Kirilen conceded, and then, as if the import of their revelation was completely lost on her, 'What game is it you're going to teach me, Aunt Larynne?'

[Larynne Baratheon]

<i>The Lannisters took her? No that can't be...<\i> Larynne continued to stare at her nephew as he rattled off his version of the events that led to his Mother's abduction. She felt suddenly and nauseous. But, for the sake of her niece and nephew, she forced herself to hold steady and kept her expression void of the shock and anger she felt. Now was not the time to fall apart in front of the children. With both parents gone, they needed her.

When Kirilen piped up, her eyes darted to Ser Densmore who was walking towards them at a hurried pace, his face showing deep concern. He was about to speak when he saw the children and closed his mouth.

"Eliedt, why don't you take your sister to your room and start showing her how to play." Larynne motioned to their nursemaid
standing nearby to take them. "I'll see you both later." She leaned down and gathered them both in her arms and gently embraced them lovingly as if they were her own children. "I love you both very, very much. Now, off you go!"

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Eliedt, not picking up on the way his words had affected his aunt, frowned. He didn't really want to go to his room, and teaching Kirilen the game wouldn't be much fun if Larynne wasn't there. Still, he took Kirilen's hand again, and when Larynne embraced them he returned it, a little awkwardly. 'We love you too, Aunt Larynne,' he said, which was true, because she was family, even if he didn't understand why it sounded so heartfelt when she said it. She didn't know them all that well, to love them so dearly.

It was puzzling. Before he could figure it out, though, Kirilen was pulling him along, over to Ishreya who had managed to catch up with them. She had been Mama's servant before, and now she looked after them. Well, after Kirilen, who was too young to go to proper lessons like he did. He followed her anyway.

Ser Giraud, meanwhile, regarded Larynne with an expression of concern. 'My lady,' he said, offering her his arm. She looked as if she were about to faint. It didn't surprise him, given the way the boy had sprung the news on her. He had been hoping to wait until after she was settled, break it to her gently. Ser Giraud wasn't exactly a gentle and tactful man, but compared to little Eliedt Baratheon and his sister, he could have made a fair attempt at it. Too late for that now.

'It wasn't quite as the lad said,' he explained then. 'Lady Halaevia knew he was a Lannister. Tywin's son, in fact. Torin. She was holding him for ransom. That was risky enough, and then she went and-' his brow creased with scorn, 'got herself attached to him, trying to save his soul or some such, convinced she'd made him see the light. She thought she'd tamed a lion. Didn't listen to a word I had to say to the contrary.' That had been the worst of it, that Ser Giraud had known something was going to go wrong.

He shook his head. Never would have happened if Alyon had still been alive. If he'd told her to stay away from the Lannister, she would have listened. He wasn't about to make this complaint to Larynne who was Alyon's sister, though, and so he went on. 'Then comes the day she took him to see the king. Now, His Grace didn't share the details of the conversation with me of course, but whatever it was, Torin Lannister flipped. Killed his guards and said he'd kill Lady Halaevia, too, if he wasn't allowed to leave safely.' He frowned, deeply. 'She didn't have him under heavy enough guard. I told her that, too, but she was convinced otherwise.'

'But my lady' he added, 'you mustn't imagine the worst. She did send a letter. She's being well-treated, she's not in fear for her life, and if you can believe it she's actually preaching over there. To the Lannisters. She must have convinced that Torin of something after all.' He shrugged. Faith wasn't an important part of his life, he was quite happy to let others worry about what gods there were and what they wanted. 'It's a sad state of affairs, but there's not much any of us can do about it now.'

[Larynne Baratheon]

It took some doing, but Larynne had gathered herself enough that the dizziness had subsided. The news was a blow to her to say the least. As Ser Giraud explained what had happened, she felt a little more at ease knowing Halaevia was being treated well. It didn't ease her anger and hatred any for what Torin Lannister had done. And, it showed.

If it were up to her, Larynne would gather as many bannermen as she could and go to Torin's front door and demand Halaevia's release or face her wrath. She may be just a woman in the world of warfare, but, her mind worked like a man's in that respect. Not one to sit back and wait for something to happen. No, she usually did whatever necessary to get others to take action. But, when it came to her cousin Stannis, that was a delicate matter altogether.

"What is Lord Stannis' plans for getting her back, Ser Giraud, and why wasn't I informed of this?"

She spoke in a scolding manner and instantly regretted doing so with Giraud.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Why was she getting angry with him about it? Hadn't he just told her that he'd tried to protect Halaevia, that she just hadn't listened to him? And what was all this about plans, had Larynne forgotten what was going on? They were at war. Stannis couldn't drop everything and go chasing after one hostage even if he'd wanted to. Yet there was more there, beneath the gruff exterior. Ser Giraud had been loyal to Alyon Baratheon for many years, and to Halaevia after. The more he told himself that it had been her fault, that she'd been foolish, the less he had to consider the possibility that he'd failed her in some way.

Giraud straightened, and stared down at Larynne. 'I don't know,' he said, abrupt and clearly annoyed. 'I don't sit on His Grace's small council, and he doesn't share every notion he thinks up with me. If you want to know what the his plans are you'd better ask him yourself.' Perhaps she'd think twice about asking Stannis her ridiculous questions, kinsman or no.

He folded his arms across his chest, still regarding her dismissively. 'King Stannis has the realm to think of. When he takes the Iron Throne,' when, not if, 'those Lannisters will be begging Lady Halaevia to put in a good word for them, save their pathetic lives. That'll be soon enough, won't it?' After the disaster that was Blackwater, Giraud wasn't so sure of this himself, but it wouldn't surprise him if Larynne believed it. Women knew nothing of war.

'And as for why you weren't informed,' he went on, stubbornly, 'we've had more important things to deal with. Like repairing our ships. Like comforting those two children who wanted their mother.' He scowled at her. 'It's not the sort of thing we would want to write and tell everyone about, is it?'

[Larynne Baratheon]

Larynne took a mental step backwards and realized she was taking her frustrations out on the one man whom she knew to be utterly loyal to her brother, Alyon. How could she imply Giraud did anything but try to keep Halaevia safe?

She lifted her chin and spoke more softly this time. "Ser Giraud, my apologies for the way I spoke to you."

Next to her, Ser Densmore stiffened at Giraud's reaction. He cleared his throat deeply. "Milady." He shifted his gaze to Larynne. "It's been a long journey. Perhaps we can talk more of this after that bath and hot meal that await you?"

"Will that suit you, Ser Giraud? And, I promise not to bite your head off like a Direwolf." Laryenne stated with the warmth she first greeted him with.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Her tone had changed quickly. It took Ser Giraud, who had been expecting something more in the way of scathing criticism, by surprise, and his first response was only to rock on his heels a little and look back at her blankly. She was apologizing to him? Either her mood changed even more rapidly than most women's, or he had frightened her - he hadn't meant to frighten her - or...

Before he had time to ponder her motives further, Ser Densmore spoke up, and Giraud found himself nodding in agreement. That was a sound idea; give Lady Larynne time to come to terms with what she had been told, collect her thoughts, not to mention give her a little time to rest after her long journey.

'It...yes, my lady,' he said. 'Think nothing of it, you are weary from the road and in any case we knights are not over-troubled by the snapping of wolves.' The barest hint of a smile graced his features. 'We will speak another time.' He signalled to a passing maidservant, calling her over. 'Will you show Lady Larynne and her attendants where they will be staying, and see that a bath is drawn for her?' The young woman nodded, ready to lead Larynne and the others away.

[Larynne Baratheon]

Larynne was tired. There was no question about that. And, if it weren't for the loudness of the wind and weather outside, she was sure the others would here her stomach causing a raucous for the need of a good meal.

"Then, I'll see you later, Ser Giraud and we'll further discuss the situation. I'd like to see my dear cousin or, better yet being he's more important matters, you can send word to him of my arrival."

She fought the urge to yawn. The trip was catching up to her. Or, it could be the dampness creeping up on her. "I'd like you to join myself and Ser Densmore for dinner, unless of course, you've duties to attend to."

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Again Ser Giraud nodded. 'I'll be sure that news of your arrival reaches him right away,' he assured Larynne. 'He will want to see you.' Larynne was Stannis' cousin, after all, and even if she hadn't been, she would be able to give him a better apprisal of the situation at Storm's End than most. Giraud didn't have to be a close confidant of the king to know that he would likely have more than a few questions for Larynne.

That she asked after Stannis was expected. That she invited Giraud himself to dinner, however, was anything but, and his eyes flickered in surprise. He might have made an excuse, claimed that he did have more urgent matters to attend to, but it would have been only that. With Halaevia gone, he wasn't so busy as he had once been, and she'd gone and appointed that Taryn Chepstow responsible for her household and not him. Although if you asked Giraud, he hadn't seen Chepstow do anything but complain about trade problems and mutter about gods-knew-what to little Eliedt whenever he was present.

That was neither here nor there. 'I'd be pleased to join you, my lady,' he found himself saying, and in a way he even meant it. 'I will see you anon.'

[Larynne Baratheon]

"I'll see you then, Ser Giraud." Larynne replied then turned and made her way to the stairway that would take her to her chambers. With Elenia, her servant behind her already anticipating what needed to be done. A smile of amusement appeared on her lips. "He might think Halaevia's returned."

Elenia twisted her expression not understanding Larynne's meaning. "Milady?"

"The clothing I brought, was mostly what I wore here, and a few other things." Larynne looked over her shoulder at the woman as she opened the heavy, oaken door to the room and stepped in. "I've nothing to wear for meals and public events. I'll need you to go to her chamber and find what you can for me to wear."

"Yes, Milady. Shoes as well?" Elenia closed the door behind them with a resounding creak, making sure to lock it.

"Of course the shoes. I think they'll fit until I buy some more. I can't very well where my riding boots with elegant dresses now can I?" Larynne said, but not in a ridiculing manner, walking further into the room and started to undress, but stopped when Elenia was quickly there to perform the task for her. Undressing was one detail she never understood why it was something she couldn't do herself. Though, it was Elenia and she never protested and welcomed the woman's soft, firm touch. "I still can't believe what Ser Giraud told me about Halaevia. For her to just run off leaving her children. Small children no less completely parentless in the sense. It's unacceptable."

"Larynne..." Elenia spoke her name this time. They were alone as with many times in her service. Larynne had decided long ago, her feelings went further than just servant and Lady, so the protocols were put aside. Only when out of Larynne's bedchambers were they resumed and followed to the letter. But, pity anyone who tried to treat Elenia harshly as a servant. One such Baron made that mistake and found her personal dirk swiftly under his chin. He'd called her a few choice names un-befitting a Lady of Baratheon, which was his second mistake as her husband Lord Amory beat him senseless and on his way nose bloodied.
"You need to relax and not think on that for now. There's nothing to do about it. And, the children know they've a mother figure with you here. Blood and not house maids. They're confused I'm sure. But, they'll warm up to you and realize how much you love them."
She continued to massage Larynne's tight shoulders and along her arms. Concerned for the stress she'd been feeling since Storm's End situation. Gently she nuzzled her lips against her neck, brushed them against her earlobe which brought a soft moan of pleasure. Elenia smiled. "I'm going to make you relax one way or another. Starting with that bath." She whispered. Her warm breath caressing Larynne's skin.

"I definitely want that bath, Elenia. Care to join me?" Larynne reluctantly stepped away from the affection and strode to the copper tub of hot, steaming water laced with honeysuckle scented oil, beckoning to her. "Oh! That feels so wonderful and needed." She said in a heavy exhale as she stepped one leg into the tub then slowly, and in a savoring manner, submerged her lithe body deeper into the water to her neck causing a shiver of pleasure to flow through her body. She'd forgotten to tie her bright, red hair up, but she honestly didn't care.

Elenia's response to the invitation was a hungry smile and already starting to sink into the hot liquid. "Need you ask?"

Larynne smiled back and flicked water with her fingers at her lover. "Apparently, I don't." She tipped her head back onto the secured tub pillow which settled comfortably just under her head. She closed her eyes, and felt she could fall asleep right then and there if she didn't figure she'd drowned.

After a moment, Elenia took up the sponge and lathered it up. Gently, she began to wash Larynne's legs starting with her feet one at a time. Moving slowly and purposefully upwards to her inner thighs bringing a sharp, audible gasp of pleasure from her. Elenia smiled knowing all she need to do was find those special areas that brought those reactions, which aroused herself just as much.

For another hour, the sensual bathing continued. Afterwards, Elenia fell fast asleep beside Larynne. Her Lady.