The Lion Weds the Falcon (Open to all)

[adelaidebaratheon]

Adelaide and Ducan were getting settled into their chairs next to Halaveia when the man in the dark cloak entered.
"You were very kind to invite Ser Tully to sit with us." Adelaide was saying to her husband as the man in the hood went on skulking about the room.

The lady took her seat and a cup of wine which she sipped slowly despite the sweetness of it and the quantity of which it was being passed around.
Like her cousin by marriage Adelaide was watching the man in the dark cloak as he made his way to the happy couple and then left to continue drinking.
"Do you know him?" She asked as the man pitched backward revealing silver hair of old Valeryia.

Adelaide knew the man bore a resemblance to Halaveia's kin, but what would they be doing in a Lannister wedding?

[Halaevia Baratheon]

'Do I...?' It seemed to take a moment for Halaevia to comprehend the question, she had a look of distraction about her. 'In passing,' she said then, her tones low and measured. 'His family hold an island some way north of Driftmark. His face is familiar to me.' More that silver hair than his face, but that was obvious and didn't need saying.

There would, she hoped, be time later to tell Adelaide all she knew of the man, of her concern that a lord who was in a way one of their own was going to be thrown out into the street by Lannister guards, if not worse. It was a discussion that merited a little more privacy than they currently had.

Halaevia sipped at her wine again, and then sniffed derisively. 'The man is mad,' she declared, 'to come here and end up so inebriated he cannot even stand. I do not understand it.' She understood it well enough, if the conclusion was that Lord Tyris was an utter fool who hadn't any idea about how carefully one had to tread in a place like this. That was, if anything, even more concerning, now that she thought on it. Having a fool on your side as often as not did more harm than having one working against you. She was going to have to send word to Stannis about this.

[Jaime Lannister]

Jaime couldn’t help but smile a little at the sheer bluntness of the Hound towards Brynden Tully, and how tactfully face was saved by the other nobles that intervened on his behalf, each no doubt having some ulterior motive for being so nice to the man. His head shook slowly, understanding the politics but having little care for them. When Torin invited him to sit down he clapped his little brother on the shoulder with one hand,

“A fine offer Torin I think I shall, only a fool would attempt to harm our beloved nephew in our presence”

Sweeping back his cloak Jaime took a step to the side of his brother, motioning one of the serving girls over with a wave and took one of the wine glasses from the tray she carried, dismissing her once more with a wave. He raised his glass to the newlyweds and waited for the other to follow, allowing Sandor to take his place behind the King before continuing,

“A toast…to the happy couple and the woman who has finally leashed a Lion. May your lives be long and may your children be handsome”

He raised his glass once more and drank from it before settling into one of the seats at the table, his eyes wandering around those gathered, letting them linger for a while longer on the Lady Lena before turning to the scene that unfolded with one of the men he didn’t recognise. He chuckled as Sandor moved to deal with the situation, then adjusted his sword and stood once more, leaning in to his brother’s ear,

“Forgive me Torin, but duty calls”

With that he moved round the table to take the place of Sandor as the Hound dealt rather rough handily with the young man…

[sandor]

Sandor continued to carry the passed out Lord with the aide of the six guards when they were suddenly joined by another. Oberyn Martell of Dorne. Another person The Hound had no time for. "I'm no Ser." It had said that too many times this evening and he had not had even nearly enough drink. Primarily because he had not been drinking at all.

"He goes to the dungeons, no fit place for a grand nobleman. Re-join the festivities." He said nothing else nor did he intend too. The Hound had six men helping him carry one he could carry by himself. There was no need for this man's help quite obviously, so he clearly wanted to speak with Sandor for a reason, or pretend to do so to go somewhere else. Eitherway the sworn sword to the Lannister's was unconvinced and his raspy, uncaring tone gave no hint he wanted Oberyn's aide.

Regardless Sandor carried Lord Tyler down to the Lion Cages as he had been commanded. It was a large circular room with eight cages, only one of which was empty. No lion would be entering this cage however, just a tall Lord. Sandor watched as the men searched him for weapons or oddities, gold or anything one would not want a prisoner to have on his person which was basically anything. When the Hound was satisfied there was nothing on his body but the fancy rags he was wearing the Lord was unceremoniously thrown into the cell and the door locked, to be under watch night and day.

[NPC]

Everything was going well at the wedding, people were dancing and eating, drinking and laughing. The room was a sea of colourful silk and leather & the waves made the sound of merriment. But eating and drinking only went so far. All weddings must proceed to the next step.

There was a murmur amongst the crowd as it was decided it was about time they rushed the newly weds and started to carry them off. Dragging someone off their feet, stripping them naked and making very rude jokes was one of the most sacred traditions in Westeros, even the King and Queen were stripped and given lewd suggestions on their wedding, Lena and the very heavy Torin would be no exception.

[Lena Arryn]

When word reached Lena that they were going to be starting the bedding ceremony her stomach turned and she looked over to Brynden then back over to Torin her eyes hard almost pleaded for this not to have to happen.

Her hands tightened on the rests of her chairs, as several nobel men began to come towards her.
"Torin... " Lena said leaning over towards Torin her heart pounding. "Please don't let any one know..." Her voice had become a whisper then, he knew was she was talking about and he'd promised not to let any one found out she'd been deflowered already.

[adelaidebaratheon]

Adelaide looked over at Halaevia and Duncan.
"Oh dear, I hate this tradition." She whispered to the both of them, standing with the rest of the women, all a bit reluctant until their husband's moved forward.

The drunken men were a bit hasty heading towards Lady Lena, who looked a little panicked at best.
Adelaide remembered her own wedding day, the ceremony and feasting were beautiful, but it was the bedding tradition that had left her a shaken. And she'd in no way been prepared to lay with a man, she had no frame of reference to even understand how it'd work.
Lena being so much a woman grown and battle tested would probably be a bit more prepared, but Adelaide still always felt embarassed for a woman when she had her first.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Looking back at Adelaide, Halaevia shook her head. Tradition was tradition, after all, and if you were going to be married in the southern fashion, you knew what to expect. She had known, on her own wedding day, and had come to terms with the fact that it was just one more part of the day she had to get through. Of course, looking back, it had helped that she had had a few kindly female relatives up at the table with her, plying her with enough wine to take the sharp edge off of her remaining fears. Lena's table was full of Lannisters, but then Lena was older than most brides, old enough to look out for herself.

'Don't worry,' she told Adelaide in a low voice, noticing the way she was gazing over at Lady Lena. 'She'll be alright. From what I know of her, she's strong.' Hallie didn't know Lena very well, but it didn't take much to have a sense for these things. Unless she had judged her very wrongly, Lena wasn't about to start sobbing.

'Come,' she said, standing with the rest. 'Let's help give Ser Torin the send-off he's expecting, shall we?' At least she didn't have to worry about Torin's state of mind. Men had it all so much easier when it came to this sort of thing.

[prominos]

Throughout the whole feast Brynden had been thinking of a way to not let this happen. EH was still thinking about it when he began to realise it was already happening. He was filled with instant guilt when he saw the look in Lenas eyes as she looked at him and back at her new husband. After he had learnt what that man had done, he didnt want him anywhere near Little Lena but what could he do? Many Westerosi cherished this obscene tradition and if he tried to stop it he would be laughed out of the way if not carried away by the Hound. It may also raise questions by those not quite so full of lust, and Lena wanted no one to know of what had happened so-in short-he could do nothing. Already he as failing to protect her.

Lena was leaning in close to Torin and others were already approaching so Brynden was going to lose his oppurtunity to tell her he was sorry and this was behind his power. He had to tell but he knew the look in her eyes would destroy him. He didnt move at all but instead surveyed those preparing to hoist Lena and looked out for the ones who looked most excited. He did not condone this, did not want it to happen, and would not help undress her. But even though he couldnt stop it, he would make sure no one took...liberties.

[Torin Lannister]

The bedding ritual was starting. It was always started by people just deciding it was time. Annoying, he had not finished his food but it was a rather amusing tradition. Not to mention to would get him to his private chambers with his wife, the word felt exotic to his thoughts when it was applied to Lena Arryn. But there she was, his wife.

She pleaded that he not let anyone know, but he gave no response. Instead the Lannister rose from the table, his goblet of wine still in hand. The women were approaching to undress him and carry him away. They looked ill prepared to carry a man of his weight. His eyes ran over the women. Halaevia & Adelaide Baratheon, Arianne Martell. Ser Torin Lannister was quite alright with this. But if any man took liberties with his wife, he would have a head on a spike and there would be nothing that would stop him.

[duncan]

"But it is a tradition none the less. We cannot deprive either Lena or Torin of a proper ceremony under the eyes of the Seven." Duncan might not be aware of what the Seven watched with avid interest in the gardens of Casterly Rock a week ago but even if he did, tradition was tradition and a ceremony was a ceremony.

Duncan arose from his seat and took a moment to be sure he was properly presentable before making his way towards Lady Lena Arryn. The poor thing looked mortified, as had Adelaide back when they were being wed, but this tradition helped push a woman into a new part of her life, to bring blessed and holy union with her husband in the most intimate of ways.

He stepped behind Lady Lena so that he might begin untying the knots of her dress at the back. "Congratulations again, fair Lady." the rude jokes somebody else could instigate.

[Jaime Lannister]

The bedding ritual had always amused Jaime, and while he understood the idea of it he didn't wholeheartedly support it. Torin seemed to care little for the comfort of his bride as he was slowly undressed by the women who had gathered in the court for the festivities and even when she leant close with a look of fear flashing across her face he did nothing to help ease her fears. Many hands began to move as she was dis-robed, Ser Talvace loosening the ties on her gown from behind so that it began to fall away from her breasts. Other hands to helped, removing knots and loosening clothing in an effort to undress the new wife and prepare her for her husband.

The Commander of the Kinsguard strode forwards, a smile on his lips, charming as ever, his hand cupping the sides of Lena's face as he laid a gentle kiss on her forehead,

"Surely the little lion of the Lannisters doesn't put fear into your heart dear sister?"


He continued to smile, eyes meeting hers as his fingers unlaced the ties at the front of the dress, assisting Duncan in loosening the garment, not eager but not shy nor clumsy either.

"Just remember, Kittens are easily entertained and satisfied"

He gave her small wink as he cast a sideways glance at his younger brother, his fingers finished in their work...

[Matilys Lannister]

The wedding celebration was passing as a blur for Matilys Lannister, a whirl of colour. After only a half-glass of wine she had been invited to dance by one of the young noblemen present, and had scarcely been without a partner ever since. It was the type of occasion she revelled in, delighting in their attentions. All she had to do was smile and make conversation. It didn't even have to be particularly witty conversation; sometimes she had the impression that they didn't much care what she said so long as they could be seen dancing with her.

She didn't mind. They weren't important, any of them, though some of them were good dancers, and that was enough to keep her happy.. What was important was that she had done her bit for Torin, for the ceremony, and he had been pleased. He was married now, her cousin, and she cast the occasional glance over at the table where he sat with Lady Lena. She didn't imagine that anyone enjoyed their own wedding quite so much as they did those they were merely guests at. There were too many worries, the day was almost too important to enjoy.

She was dancing with one of Lord Kenning's sons for the second time, listening to his not-very-funny jokes about gold mines and giggling in feigned amusement, when out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of some of the men heading towards Lena. Suddenly much of the merriment had gone from the dance, and it wasn't long before Matilys made her excuses and headed back to sit at the table.

The custom ought not to bother her, Matilys told herself. Why, everyone else seemed to find it amusing, didn't they? They joked. Matilys was only revealing herself as a gauche unmarried girl with her discomfort. All the same, she couldn't shake it, particularly when she saw the look on Lena's face. It all seemed so very embarrassing, and quite possibly the one time a bride didn't want to be the center of attention. And there, look, now there were women heading towards Torin. At least she would be spared the expectation that she join in; Torin wouldn't want his little cousin, of all people, helping to disrobe him.

Instead, she asked for another glass of wine, and looked to those still seated, hoping there would be a conversation to listen in to, to distract from the proceedings.

[adelaidebaratheon]

Following her husband's suit Lady stepped up to Ser Lannister and unpinned his cloak. This wasn't the first wedding Adelaide had been to and she was certainly no stranger to this practice, but even as she was unhesitant in undressing men at these events she always blushed bright and embarrassedly to see another man other than her husband.

"You should be careful with Lady Arryn this night Ser Torin." Adelaide said to her brother in law. "A woman's time is very special, but can also be very painful." Once the cloak had fallen to the ground she reached over and took his arm for his sleeve buttons and livery. "Though you must enjoy your self too, babies are only born when there is happiness between a couple."

She was no good at bawdy jokes, she was either too shy or too unexperienced in saucy language to pull it off.
Adelaide looked to Halaevia who was near by and gave an embarrassed smile. "I'm sure lady Halaevia would have plenty on advice on siring babies."

This would be a long affair when it came to actually trying to get Torin off to the bed chamber, they'd really just have to push him along, there was no way they'd be able to carry him any where.
Not with out the help of the Hound or the Ser Clegan, and Adelaide was certain Torin didn't want either of them helping get his naked body up a flight of stairs.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

'Oh, to be sure,' Halaevia told Adelaide as she unpinned Ser Torin's red sash. 'You'll have to make her happy if you want children.' It was lightly said, and so it didn't matter that it was untrue, that there were any number of unwanted bastard children born while other loving couples struggled to have even one. Halaevia wasn't about to let the reality impinge on what was meant to be a joyous occasion, however, and she expected Adelaide felt similarly.

'I don't imagine that Ser Torin will have much trouble,' she went on, a glint in her eye as she put the sash aside and reached towards the buckle of the belt around his surcoat. 'I'd wager he knows well enough how to please a woman, is that not so, ser?' She gave him a teasing half-smile. She was amused - not by any embarrassment Torin might have felt, that certainly wasn't her intention - but by the sheer absurdity of the custom, propriety turned about so that it was not only allowable but expected to say such things in the presence of a man.

Hallie was no reticent girl, she intended to have a little fun with it. Turning, she said to the women behind her: 'Come now, you cannot all be blushing maidens, Ser Torin will need more than a few of us to help him up those stairs.' A little encouragement was all some of them needed, and soon there were more hands to help. Halaevia wrapped Torin's belt loosely around the ceremonial sword that he had tied to it, and carefully handed it off to a younger woman behind her, warning her, 'be careful with it, it's rather long.'

As double entendres went, it was hardly the height of wit, and Halaevia could only smirk as the girl - one of the Sibbrell twins, - burst into a fit of giggles. There was a girl overdue her own marriage, she thought, and shook her head. It was a wonder anyone could tell those two apart, even their own kin, especially when they insisted on wearing matching gowns as they did today, in silver-grey. The other twin was set to pestering a blushing blonde girl at the table, telling her that she ought to stop being so shy and join in with them.

As Halaevia watched, the other twin went over and pulled at her sister's arm. 'Leave it!' she hissed once she had got her away. 'That's Ser Torin's cousin.'

'No, that's not Princess Myrcella, she's too-'

'Are you completely daft, Cenna? The princess is his niece. That's his cousin. Now come and help over here before those Baratheon women have all the fun.'

Halaevia raised an eyebrow at this comment. 'Oh, we don't mind sharing, do we Adelaide?' Then she looked at Torin again. 'Lift your arms for us now,' she prompted him quietly, 'and the Sibbrell girls can have your tunic. You're certainly a very popular man. Lena Arryn's lucky to have snared you - and tonight's your chance to prove that to her.'