ladyoficeandiron​:

“Aye. The North has the best ale if you know where to find it. It’s best not to drink the one’s in places on the outskirts of commoner towns. Those ales usually taste like piss. The coldest ales are the best ones they’re rather crisp and refreshing. Best not to drink those ones outside in the cold lest you have a death wish. Actually I could go for one now, it would cool me down far better than wine. Something about wine makes me far too warm and flushed.” Elyse explained before smiling.

Elyse cocked her head to the side in thought.

“Ah, I’ve heard of Dornish red. I’ll try it, but I’ll need some water around to chase it with in case I don’t like it.” She replied with a friendly nod.

“Have you never tried ale, my lady? There’s lots of women in The North who drink it. Do they not have it in The South?” She asked with a slightly curious gaze.

.

Melara was taken aback by the woman's candour. The ladies she knew from the Reach, and even those she had grown up with in the Crownlands, did not speak in this manner. Everything she'd heard from them had been flowery and veiled, never revealing their true feelings beneath the words. It was unusual to hear such candid speech. “I'll remember that,” she said, an awkward smile curling at the corners of her lips.

“I haven't bothered to see if we have it,” Melara replied. “If we do, I'm guessing it isn’t very popular. I don't think I've ever tried ale,” she said, having indulged only in wine from the Arbor or Dorne when she was in the mood.

ladyoficeandiron​:

Open starter! @crownstarter

Location: Highgarden

Elyse wasn’t too big on masquerades or balls for that matter, especially when all of the Westerosi nobility was gathered in one place and having to purposefully hide their faces from each other. Things could easily go wrong. She promised her husband that she would stay relaxed and on the surface as soon as the couple arrived, she was relaxed… but on the inside she remained alert.

Drinking the far too sweet wine down, The She-Bear turned to another guest, her husband in her peripheral vision and off to the side mingling but keeping his wife in his line of sight as well.

“I can’t say I’ve ever attended a ball. I love a good party but with some good ale instead of sweet wine.” Elyse teased as she held up her goblet jokingly.

.

“Good ale?” Melara inquired, her brow furrowed. She didn't know many ladies who preferred ale. Especially in the reach where people enjoyed drinking wine, such as Arbor gold. She was quite pleased that the best wine in Westeros came from the lands for which she was regent, the lands of her son. It had been one of the very few benefits during her marriage to her late husband. “Perhaps you’d prefer Dornish red?”, she suggested. “They’re a little sour. You could check with a servant to see if they have any.”

fcrgcttenrider​:

-

“Well then I am fortunate that it is you I ran into,” he mused, thinking of all the possible people he could have alerted by doing what he just did. Most outcomes would not have been pleasant so he very much appreciates the other’s company.

“I’ve not been to Highgarden often as well. They were not exaggerating on the amount of flowers,” He says, his eyes taking in every different rose bush within close proximity - and there were many. He shrugs his shoulders. “The sun had just risen when I entered the grounds. Forgive me for asking, but what lands you come from?”

.

“The royal family loves their flowers.”, she remarked as her gaze wandered around the training grounds. “After all, their sigil is a golden rose.” She believed it was the first thing people thought of when they heard the name of the house. It was the first connection she would make for herself. It's no surprise that Highgarden resembled a vast and lovely garden. “The Arbor.” Melara responded to his inquiry. Despite the fact that she hadn't spent much time there since the birth of her third child. The lady regent had only returned to her late husband's lands as a result of his death and their son's ascension to the ruling seat. “However, my birthplace is Dragonstone,” she clarified. “I’m Melara Redwyne, formerly of House Celtigar.”

mahidevran + costumes requested by nurbanu-sultanaa

fcrgcttenrider​:

open to: all

where: training grounds/highgarden balcony

eyes on the target, zirq pulled back his arrow then put it down just as quickly, frustrated. the training grounds were a bit smaller than expected and range of his grandfather’s bow was greater than most bows made here in westeros. if he wanted proper exercise he would need to go farther, but he was already at the edge of the grounds. glancing up at one of the many balconys overlooking the grounds, zirq threw his bow over his shoulder and started to climb.

“pardon me,” he says, swinging his leg over the high ledge before drawing his arrow once again. he sucks in a breath of air and when he exhales, releases his arrow. watching it strike the target dead center, he smiles, before turning to the person whose space he has invaded. “terribly sorry for the intrusion. i hope i did not disturb you.”

.

She had been walking around the castle's grounds when she came across the training field. Melara immediately thought that she should have taken Ryam out of his bedchambers and along with her on the walk. He would have been fascinated to see all those people training there. Ryam was far too young to wield any weapon, so he looked on in awe at those that others possessed.

“No, don't be concerned. You did not bother me,” she replied, her gaze rising to meet his. “I was just out for a walk, getting acquainted with my surroundings. I don't travel to Highgarden very often.” Despite the fact that her sister was the Queen, Melara spent her time mostly on Dragonstone and the Arbor. “How long have you been practicing?” she inquired, intrigued.

swcrds​:

       ◟       open  to  :  all  .                                                                                                                       ◟       setting  :  highgarden  entrance  hall  .

        𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞  𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞  𝐭𝐨𝐨  𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲  𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞  too  count  .  the  commander  of  the  kingsguard  nearly  lost  sight  of  what  was happening  around  her,  yet  she  tried  her  best  to  keep herself  focused  and  eyes  sharp.  especially  during  a  celebration  like this,  she  had  to  be  on  her  best.  if  something  would  happen here,  no  one  would  forgive  her.  especially  she  wouldn’t forgive  herself.  unfortunately,  that  also  lured  a  sense  of paranoia  out  in  the  woman,  making  her  extra  careful  with everyone  that  set  foot  into  the  entrance  hall  .

        ❝   hey  !  ❞  ,  she  shouted  at  someone  who  slowly walked  into  the  hall,  and  it  seemed  like  their  attention was  a  little   too  focused  on  the  king’s  family  further  in  the  back .  eowyn,  wearing  her  best  uniform,  golden  and  the  signature white  cloak  for  the  kingsguard,  stepped  closer  towards  them,  putting  out  her  hand  infront  of  their  chest  in  order  to  stop  them  from entering  further.  maybe  she  was  acting  too  harsh,  especially with  so  many  nobles  around,  but  she  had  to  take  every precaution  she  could.  people  were  able  to  do  anything  in these  lands.  even  ruin  a  celebration  for  the  king’s  son.  ❝   state  your  name  before  i  let  you  pass.  and  are   there  any  weapons  on  you  ?  ❞

.

Despite her joy at seeing her sweet sister again, Melara had tried to maintain some distance, fully aware that other people might require the Queen's attention as well. Serra was the host of the celebrations in her son's honour, so the Redwyne lady thought it would be inappropriate to steal her away from the other lords and ladies all the time. It was critical that the Tyrells appeared to be gracious and attentive hosts. Nonetheless, her gaze was drawn to the royal family.

“Lady Melara Redwyne, regent of the Arbor,” she responded quickly, taken aback by the other woman's behaviour. “Sister of the Queen,” she added sternly, her tone irritated. “Of course, I don't have any weapons.” A lady of her station was not supposed to carry any, especially to a joyous celebration of the birth of a princeling. “Would you mind stepping aside now?”, Melara asked.

crownds​:

open  starter  for  anyone  from  serra  tyrell  . setting  :  highgarden  great  hall  ,  early  afterrnoon  .

          the  sun  has  faded  behind  clouds  and  with  its  disappearance  ,  serra’s  ability  to  withstand  the  dullest  of  comments  begins  to  wither  .  while  she  has  always  welcomed  strangers  at  her  door  ,  this  is  the  entirety  of  westeros  arriving  for  her  son  .  the  festivities  already  have  her  overwhelmed  .  no  matter  how  hospitable  and  kind  ,  a  gnawing  feeling  of  paranoia  sits  in  her  stomach  .  she  has  no  idea  what  this  could  set  in  motion  and  knowing  the  lords  of  westeros  favor  their  games  ,  no  child  will  ever  be  involved  on  her  account  ,  especially  her  own  .  to  do  just  that  ,  she  needs  to  know  every  single  face  that  steps  into  her  home  .

          ❝    welcome  ,  welcome  ,  we’re  very  happy  to  have  you  with  us  .  how  was  the  carriage  ride  –  not  too  long  ,  i  hope  ?    ❞

.

She had been looking forward to seeing her sister again. It felt like they hadn't seen each other in a long time. Melara was excited to meet her nephew as well. She had been curious about his appearance, whether he resembled his mother or his father. She hoped the boy had more Serra in him than the King. Nothing personal against her good brother, she just wished the Celtigar looks had prevailed. Melara thought her sister was beautiful, and that any child born from her would be blessed to resemble her.

“Darling sister!” the lady exclaimed as she stood before her older sister, the Queen. “I'm so glad to see you,” Melara said as she walked up to her and reached out her arms for an embrace, completely disregarding all the formalities. “I can't wait to finally meet my nephew.”

( nur fettahoğlu  ,  30  ,  cis woman ,  she/her ) it looks like MELARA REDWYNE NEE CELTIGAR , the LADY REGENT of THE ARBOR is prepared to play the game of thrones . you know , their NURTURING & LOYAL side might help them along the way , but their JEALOUS & PROUD qualities won’t do them any favours . a little bird told me that they’re currently FOR the tyrell rule and that their loyalties lie with HOUSE CELTIGAR, REDWYNE & TYRELL .  hm , interesting . that same little birdy also told tales of soft, brown hair, falling down in waves,  tender skin, easy to bruise and eyes of a doe . will they win , or will they die ?

**special credit to the lovely @glorivious​ for blessing me with gifs <3**

Melara, her family's third child and second daughter, was born as a Celtigar.

She was raised to be a gracious and respectful lady, an ardent wife, and a devout mother. Her childhood was relatively calm and predictable; she never deviated from the expectations that had been placed on her, as she did not enjoy disobeying or throwing tantrums. She despised conflict as well, so she never attempted to disagree with anything that others decided for her. Melara would spend her time doing needlework and telling stories about brave and gallant knights to her most trusted friends. She wished to marry a man like Barristan the Bold or Aemon the Dragonknight.

As she grew older, her fondness for knights grew into her favoring every knight who caught her eye at tourneys. She was once so taken with one of them that she begged her father to let her marry him. Of course, the idea was rejected because the knight came from the smallfolk. He couldn't marry a highborn lady like her, no matter how skilled he was with a sword and a lance.

Melara was one and twenty years old when her betrothal was set up. Lord Celtigar had arranged for her to marry the then-ruling lord of the Arbor. It had not been easy at first, because Lord Redwyne had long lived as a bachelor and had stated numerous times that he had no desire to marry. He even had a bastard child, the mother of whom was said to be a kitchen wench. He would say that he loved women so much that it didn't seem fair to devote himself solely to one. The Celtigars, on the other hand, were up for the challenge as they wanted the famous Redwyne fleet on their side, and they were well aware of the ruling lord's weakness. Melara was encouraged to meet with Lord Redwyne and dine with him, always with an escort present. She'd never be allowed to be alone with him. Melara would proceed, per her parents' instructions, to charm and flatter him, to smile shyly at him and to hint at her interest in him, but it would never lead to anything more. Lord Redwyne grew tired of the tease, having been used to women flinging themselves at him and completely giving in to his desires. As a result, Lord Manfryd made the decision to ask for Melara’s hand in marriage. The proposal was quickly accepted, and the couple wedded after three moons.

The marriage, on the other hand, developed in ways she had not anticipated. It took her a long time to quicken with child, and in the meantime, her husband would amuse himself with various women of all stations. It was common knowledge in the Arbor that her husband had kept his previous statement and had no desire to devote himself solely to one woman.

Melara gave birth to a healthy and robust son three years later. Ryam was the name given to the babe. He was the apple of his mother's eye, and she completely devoted herself to raising him.

Her second child, a daughter, arrived the following year. Lady Bethany Redwyne was born with little effort. The Arbor's maesters would say the Mother herself had blessed Melara with a quick and easy birth so soon after the birth of her son.

The third Redwyne child arrived two years later, and the birth of little Mina sealed the fate of Melara's relationship with her husband, Lord Manfryd. Melara left with her children for Dragonstone as soon as she was well enough to travel, as she didn't want to be a witness to her husband's infidelity. The ruling lord paid little attention to his wife's absence. According to his advisors, he only shrugged his shoulders and went on with his lustful exploits.

Melara was persuaded to return after her husband died. Lord Manfryd's most trusted advisor dispatched a raven to Dragonstone to inform Melara of the ruling lord's death. The official story was that he died in a hunting accident, but everyone in the Arbor knew that he died in a brothel, surrounded by whores. Because of the shared embarrassment of House Redwyne,no one objected when Melara announced herself as her son's regent.