It's about the heart we put in. Even if she makes a big ol' goober of herself, that's part of what being in love is. Seeing each other for the goobers you are.
The Dornish Bride would have taken to court her love for EXTRA SPICY food and that would have caused Rhaenyra to develop painful hemorrhoids by her early 20s ...
You knelt on one knee as Alicent sat on a padded bench in your room. You had wanted to do this in the Godswood, but Alicent was nervous about doing this out where you may be seen. A song was easy to play off as innocent, but she worried how others would see this poem you wrote. She was being over-cautious in your opinion. Certainly most who saw you would just assume your poem was about your feelings for a man and were practicing in front of Alicent to ask for advice. But you knew that you had to do this at Alicent's pace.
So, you had serenaded Alicent with a poem about the storm of emotions you felt for her, the longing that gripped your heart when you saw her from a distance, your desire to hold her in your heart and have her do the same in turn. It's all veiled and obscured of course. If someone found this poem, which they wouldn't, they would simply think a knight or some squire had deep feelings for one of the ladies at court. No names were used, but even if you had not directly serenaded her, Alicent would know who this was meant for.
To your eyes, your work was passable. There were lines you were proud of and sentences that took every ounce of your strength not to wince at as you read them, but they were your honest feelings. Prettied up and put to rhyme but your feelings all the same.
And now you knelt there, waiting for Alicent to reply.
She was silent, though her face was a familiar shade of red thought she had little reaction beyond that. Every moment of silence felt like agony, daggers of worry burying themselves deeper and deeper into your chest. Did she like it? Did she hate it? Was it the worst thing a person had ever put to ink and parchment?
Finally, she spoke.
"I. Uh. What am I supposed to say in these situations?" Alicent asked sheepishly.
You bit down a laugh as your mind scrambled for an answer. From what you read, the knight usually did these things without any expectations of a response or at most the Lady's favor. You had the latter already and neither of you wanted to do the former.
"Oh wait," Alicent whispered before composing herself and adopting the air of a stuck up noble lady. "Very well, my aspiring knight. I believe such a poem has proven you worthy. You may grace me with your affection once more."
She presented her hand gracefully.
"You honor me, my lady," you said with all the chivalry you could muster before taking her hand and kissing it gently.
You looked up to see Alicent all but squirming in her seat, turning away as she bit her bottom lip and blushed furiously. Your own heart was about to burst through you chest at the sight. As silly as this felt, you couldn't deny you loved seeing Alicent's reaction to your little poem.
"In all seriousness," Alicent said as you stood up. "Thank you Rhaenyra. It was wonderful to hear you say that. How your heart filled with such passion just at the sight of me."
"I meant every word of it," you assured her.
Unexpectedly Alicent hugged you tightly.
"Thank you," she breathed. "I won't lie. I think part of why I resented you so much while I watched you train was struggling with these feelings I didn't want to understand while you didn't seem to feel the same way. It's good to know I was wrong."
She felt warm and comforting, part of you wished you could stay like this forever.
"I admit it took me a while to even begin to figure things out," you confessed as you returned her hug. "Writing this poem helped me figure out how to even put some of what I'm feeling into words. I promise you, my lady, you're not alone. I care for you as much as I think you care for me. I promise."
"I'm glad," you could hear the warmth in Alicent's voice. "Promise me you will write me more poems. I wish to know just how much my dear aspiring knight longs for me."
"I promise this is just the start," you assured her.
Relationship with Alicent Hightower Improved
Your Name Day was a large affair, full of feasting, music and gifts galore. Tragically, no one gifted you a sword or new armor, though Rhea did give you a rather eye catching bronze dragon pin and Alicent gave you a lovely piece of embroidery. Hightower sigil, of course. Your uncle sent you a gift as well. The Crabfeeder's hammer. Daemon had apparently slain the admiral a few weeks prior. Resistance in the Stepstones was beginning to crumble as more and more islands fell to Daemon and the Sea Snake. There were even rumors that Lord Corlys had crowned Daemon the King of the Narrow Sea, though there was no confirmation yet. Fighting was still far from over though and rumors were that Dorne was now arming pirates to go after the Rogue Prince.
The gift would be fine, if slightly odd, were it not for the note accompanying it, writin in High Valyrian. It read simply "You have caused me more fustration then the wielder of this hammer ever did."
Rhea Royce would later confirm that he had sent her a far nastier letter as well. It seemed Daemon had caught word of the Annulment and while he had long sought to be free of Rhea, he did not take kindly to your involvement in the matter.
Daemon Targaryen Now Considers You a Rival
You couldn't bring yourself to be all that concerned about Daemon's reaction at the moment. He was leagues away and was unlikely to return anytime soon. This was your nameday. A time for celebration and celebrate you did.
You ate and japed and drank to your heart's content, though you probably did a bit too much of the last one considering how much your head hurt the day after.
Now you were ten and six years of age, arguably an adult in the eyes of much of Westeros. Were something, Gods forbid, to happen to your father, there would be few calling for you to have a regency, on account of your age at least. You could easily see many saying a woman needed to have a regent regardless of age. That was a concern for far in the future though.
You barely had time to rest as only a few short weeks later you departed for your Royal Progress. Crowds gathered to watch as as numerous carriages were prepared and filled with maesters, nobles, dragonkeepers, servants, and guards. Syrax flew overhead in lazy circles as she waited. You stood at the front of it all, wearing a high collared black dress that was textured all over to resemble scales. The dress was thick and rugged, with a lined cape attached that could act like a cloak in colder weather.
Gazing towards King's landing, the Red Keep in particular, your grew sombre. For all it's faults and issues, it was your home. A home you would not see again for another year. You were glad to be on this journey, it was a chance to strike out on your own, but you still could not help but harbor some regrets. Feelings that only grew stronger as you caught sight of the king and queen. Johanna was smiling, clearly happy for you despite also struggling with an upset stomach, but your father on the other hand-
He was smiling, but it was strained and hollow. Your father was miserable about this whole thing even as he told you how proud he was. Part of you wondered if you should have taken him along, though you knew it would have been a mistake. Another time maybe, but this was your introduction to the realm as heir. If your father or his Johanna were with you, it would undermine everything and make you look weak. This was the first time you had really left his side for any real length of time. Of course your father was going to be upset, but he would be able to manage.
You left the city in a carriage you shared with Alicent while her brother and Ser Tarly were ridding on the outside. Syrax was letting out a pleased yelp as the Progress passed through the Dragon gate and out of the city.
The first leg of your journey was simple enough. An easy ride through the Crownlands without many stops. Lords Stokeworth and Darklyn, along with other local lords, had already given you their well wishes on your nameday so there was no need for a visit.
Your first real stop would be at the largely ruined castle of Harrenhal where the Master of Laws, Lord Lyonel Strong, was waiting for you with his two sons. Some of the River lords would be there to greet you as well, but most had decided to wait until your visits to your visit to the Twins and Riverrun in a few months time. Harrenhal was a castle of great importance despite it's near ruined state. It was home to one of the most powerful lords in the realm and it is where the Great Council made your father king.
This would be your first real time asserting yourself as heir, both to the realm and in general for that matter, and you found yourself twisting the rings on your fingers as you pondered what you should do.
Rhaenyra is now 16
2nd Season, 114 AC
Actions during a Royal Progress (Take Three Total)
While taking part in a royal progress, turns are shortened. Instead of three months they now represent one stop on the progress. As a result, you are now limited to three actions per turn. These can be three regular actions or three conversations or any combo of the two. Tourneys, feasts, and judgements will all be important parts of your progress due to the vote and there will be multiple examples of each along the trip though not every location will have every option, nor is it expected of you to take every option when presented. So a couple of judgements for example will be enough to stastify your promises to your father. Also note that some stops will have an interlude, some won't, and a few may even just be covered in an interlude.
Conversations
[] [Conversation] Speak with Alicent Hightower
While your relationship with your lady is new and fresh, it couldn't hurt to talk her and see how she feels about the changes in your personal relationship and how she feels now that you've gone from repressing her feelings to begin to express them more openly. Plus, some quality time with her would be nice.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
If Gwayne doesn't already know about your relationship with Alicent, he probably will learn soon enough. Perhaps you should tell him yourself. He clearly wanted to protect his sister and thus might be willing to help hide your relationship from Otto and others if need be. Also, it might be good to see how he handled getting beaten by you.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
You could ask your sworn shield what he makes of your current situation, from his opinions on the Lord of Harrenhal to Daemon's now clear animosity towards you.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
The Master of Laws and Lord of Harrenhal. A stalwart voice on the council and man you know generally strives to do what is best for the Kingdom. Speaking to him as part of your first stop could boost his opinion of you, and he could provide much needed insight in your efforts to earn a seat on the Small Council.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong is not only the heir to Harrenhal, but often held up as the strongest knight of this generation. He could prove a useful ally, and provide insight on how to improve your training.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Larys Strong
You don't know much about Lyonel's younger, clubfooted, son. Larys is a rather mysterious figure at court, often keeping to himself and spending long hours in the Godswood. Perhaps you should take this time to get to know him.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
Daemon has made clear he now considers you something of a rival and has written far worse to Rhea. You aren't sure if you and Rhea should get together and figure out what this means and how you should prepare for whatever is to come, or celebrate your victory over your uncle, perhaps both.
[] [Conversation] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being at Harrenhal
Actions
[] [Action] Relax
This is going to be a long trip, perhaps it would be good to get in some rest before you find yourself facing bigger struggles.
[] [Action] Train
Harrenhal, fitting it's status as a castle built by an Ironborn king, has quite a large training yard and you very much doubted Lord Strong would even be surprised if you asked to use it. The man has seen you train for years now.
-[] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
--[] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
--[] [Duel] Ser Gwayne Hightower
[] [Action] Train with Syrax
The Land around the Gods Eye provide a lot of free space, a perfect chance to get in some training with Syrax and show off to the local population.
[] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
Lord Lyonel Strong is hosting a Tourney in honor of your sixteenth name day. The whole affair is basically his way of showing off that he is the first stop of note on the Royal Progress. The whole affair is shaping up to be a decent sized Tourney. Not the largest the realm has seen by any means, but one of the bigger ones it has had in a few years, helped by your covert funding. A win here as a mystery knight would be a dramatic start to your Royal Progress. Problem is the tourney is being held in your honor, which may complicate your efforts to slip away and don the armor of a mystery knight.
[] [Action] Study the Tourney
There will be other chances to enter a tourney, perhaps even bigger ones. Mayhaps a better use of your time would be to simply watch the Tourney. It is being held in your honor after all and it would give you a chance to study a Tourney with the eyes of someone looking to win one. You could see what the more successful knights do and what errors bring the defeated down. It also might give a chance to study knights who could very well be your future opponents.
[] [Action] Feast
Taking part in a feast hosted by Lord Strong would give you another chance to build a friendship with the lord and or his sons, along with the Lords of the Saltpans and Maidenpool.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
There are no notable legal matters in and around Harrenhal that you would be able to rule on.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
It wouldn't be too hard to cover the local lord you're staying with to organize a hunt. It wouldn't be on the level of a full royal hunt but it would still be a big affair full of various nearby lords. The real challenge would likely be trying to get the lord to let you take part in any of the actual hunting.
[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education and the libraries of Harrenhal could provide you with a unique learning experience
[] [Action] Improve your Poetry
Your fair lady thankfully quite enjoyed your first attempts but you know you have much room for improvement.
[] [Action] Study Music
You want to serenade Alicent with music. It's what a proper knight would do after all and she deserves as much. Plus, it just sounds wonderfully romantic. Alicent has been vague about what kind of music she would prefer, saying anything from a Harp to your singing would all be equally wonderful. Regardless, you lack much in the way of training in any sort of music and that had to change. Perhaps Harrenhal would be the perfect place to serenade Alicent.
[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval
Vote by Plan QM's Note: So as per Azel's advice, I have basically made each stop on the journey it's own, albeit shortened, turn. This gives us not only the chance to appreciate each stop on it's own, but also allow for this whole Progress to have more impact. This will mean the Progress takes a fair bit of time to cover but I am not in a real rush with this quest.
Also, the poem worked because Alicent has been basically struggling for years with some intense feelings for Rhaenyra. While she would be terrified if Rhaenyra had similar feelings and couldn't control them, Rhaenyra has pretty clearly shown restraint, so Alicent deeply enjoyed learning that Rhaenyra's feelings are almost as strong as hers.
I'm starting to worry about how we've neglected the gold cloaks who basically betrayed Viserys when they left with Daemon and came back like nothing happened.
Next turn someone please take action.
Ser Tarly apparently can't teach us much anymore. I propose that we appoint him to take command of the gold cloaks and reform them into a true city guard.
One could argue that since they guard the royal city, command should fall to the royal guard. This way they can better defend the king.
Right there we convince Viserys to name Sir Tarly the "Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks."
A rotating position in the royal guard (5 years) that focuses on supervising and managing the gold cloaks and therefore the security in King's Landing.
Another thing is that we should start looking for personnel that will allow us to do more actions.
The royal tour will be a good point for this. There are sure to be many young men and ladies who are interested in being at the court of King's Landing.
With the backing of a princess and heir, I have no doubt that we will create our own faction in no time.
[X] Plan Rheagar Come Early
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
-[X] [Action] Study Music
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
Talking to our host is fairly mandatory and very beneficial due to his Small Council position.
Studying music has been on the wishlist for a while and Alicent would likely be very happy. Plus, it's very funny to learn the harp here in Harrenhal.
Lastly go to the tourney.
I'm purposefully not including martial training since fighting with Breakbones as Rhaenyra and as a Mystery Knight would immediately blow our cover.
[] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
Lord Lyonel Strong is hosting a Tourney in honor of your sixteenth name day. The whole affair is basically his way of showing off that he is the first stop of note on the Royal Progress. The whole affair is shaping up to be a decent sized Tourney. Not the largest the realm has seen by any means, but one of the bigger ones it has had in a few years, helped by your covert funding. A win here as a mystery knight would be a dramatic start to your Royal Progress. Problem is the tourney is being held in your honor, which may complicate your efforts to slip away and don the armor of a mystery knight.
I'm thinking hold off on the first tourney, it's the most obvious one where our absence will be very suspicious. Take another training action and do the next one.
I'm thinking hold off on the first tourney, it's the most obvious one where our absence will be very suspicious. Take another training action and do the next one.
[X] Plan: Strong Start
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel:
---[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
-[X] [Action] Study the Tourney
Bam. Study the tourney to prepare for later and cultivate a friendship with Harwin. One of the goals was to make friends this trip remember?
There are literally 3 men that we can have a proper romance with
[X] Plan: Dueling Breakbones
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel
---[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
[X] The Mystery of Legal Chivalry
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
-[X] [Action] Study
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan: Preparing for our Responsibilities
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel:
---[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
-[X] [Action] Study the Tourney
I really would like to speak with Lyonel, he helps us prepare for our goal of administering justice, and starts us on the path to getting on the small council. And in general it's probably a good idea to talk with the lords we're visiting if we can. But otherwise I like Plan Strong Start so I'll approval vote for it too.
[X] Plan: Strong Start
[X] Plan: Hitting the books before hitting people
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
-[X] [Action] Study
-[X] [Action] Study the Tourney
[X] Plan: Preparing for our Responsibilities
[X] Plan: Learning Law
A new version of my plan in which we get music done (for Alicent) and go for both conversation and dueling with Harwin (for our future children)...
[X] Plan: Music & Breakbones
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel
---[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
-[X] [Action] Study Music
[X] Plan: Strong Start
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
[X] [Action] Train
-[X] Challenge to a Duel:
--[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
-[X] [Action] Study the Tourney
Bam. Study the tourney to prepare for later and cultivate a friendship with Harwin. One of the goals was to make friends this trip remember?
[X] Plan: Strong Start
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Harwin Strong
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel:
---[X] [Duel] Ser Harwin Strong (Will Involve Dice Rolls)
-[X] [Action] Study the Tourney
Speaking with Lord Lyonel Strong is a must-have. He'd be a great ally on the Small Council and could give us advice on administering the King's justice. I want us to wait until we have the best odds of winning to enter a tourney, since there will be other opportunities later on in the tour—entering now is also complicated by the whole "held in our honor" thing. We should at least study a tourney, though, since so far we've focused our training on actual combat and we don't have much knowledge about the opponents we'll face. And finally dueling Harwin would help us with tourney prep and possibly make us a friend.
...
