Tim Laughlin (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
holyposition) wrote2024-06-13 06:55 pm
holyposition) wrote2024-06-13 06:55 pm
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t.laughlin
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WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME:
t.laughlin
text ❖ audio ❖ video
[ It's just as well that Tim halts her fussing with a gentle word and reorients their conversation to its melancholy beginnings. I just wanted to see you makes the ache inside her yawn wider, a chasm of unanswered feeling. She has had neither friend nor confidant since Larys guided their companionable dinners into unholy transactions. What could a man want from her, if not her body? What could a woman, if not her secrets and station?
Tim would never do such a thing. The thought frightens as much as it comforts, when trust is a risk she should not take in times of war. It isn't like that here. He isn't. She means it when she praises his kindness, a virtue most lacking in the Red Keep. ]
I suppose I am as well as I can be, under the circumstances. [ she drags her vanity's stool before him, wanting for closeness. ] Better, for having company, though I do not know what to say.
[ Her hands twist in her lap, nails digging into her palms. ]
[ quieter, ] Her name is Rhaenyra.
[ That truth is owed, when she knows the pain in his heart by name. ]
Tim would never do such a thing. The thought frightens as much as it comforts, when trust is a risk she should not take in times of war. It isn't like that here. He isn't. She means it when she praises his kindness, a virtue most lacking in the Red Keep. ]
I suppose I am as well as I can be, under the circumstances. [ she drags her vanity's stool before him, wanting for closeness. ] Better, for having company, though I do not know what to say.
[ Her hands twist in her lap, nails digging into her palms. ]
[ quieter, ] Her name is Rhaenyra.
[ That truth is owed, when she knows the pain in his heart by name. ]
[ Well as they can be, under the circumstances. That’s true enough, Tim’s not confident that he’s been doing well, exactly, since he got here, save for those blissful few weeks of cohabitation with hawk which are now, obviously, over. Even then, he’d been worried about wolf people and violence in the hallways. Nothing here has ever been normal or safe, but there are times that have felt close, and people he can be open and unguarded with. To have Alicent among them is a blessing, and if he wants anything from her, it’s that; a safe space in this confusing and horrible manor is much more desirable to him than power or secrets or sex. ]
Rhaenyra. [ The name sounds soft and sweet on his lips, as if Tim were holding affection for her himself, despite having never met her. ] You’ve met Hawk. On his best behavior, at least. Tell me about her.
[ His smile is gently conspiratorial, trying to lighten the mood. ]
Rhaenyra. [ The name sounds soft and sweet on his lips, as if Tim were holding affection for her himself, despite having never met her. ] You’ve met Hawk. On his best behavior, at least. Tell me about her.
[ His smile is gently conspiratorial, trying to lighten the mood. ]
[ At the mention of Hawk, her mouth quirks faintly, eyes lingering on his expression. Whatever could keep them apart, when they seemed so well-matched and at ease? It does not bode well for her own circumstances.
Even this innocent chatter seems sacrilegious to her, when Rhaenyra has been enemy, step-daughter, mother of bastards for so long. Yet Tim utters Rhaenyra's name like an old friend's, and it helps. ]
A charming statesman. [ a veiled observation, that. His political background had come through in his initial handling of her, long before they met in the flesh. As for Rhaenyra — ]
They named her the realm's delight for the joy she brought the people, her mother, and the king, who loved her above all others. [ including his second wife and their children. Fondly, ] She is spoilt as any prince and daring as the finest knights. [ with a wistful sigh, ] If she could have spent our girlhood on dragonback, never touching the ground to study or pray, she would have done.
Even this innocent chatter seems sacrilegious to her, when Rhaenyra has been enemy, step-daughter, mother of bastards for so long. Yet Tim utters Rhaenyra's name like an old friend's, and it helps. ]
A charming statesman. [ a veiled observation, that. His political background had come through in his initial handling of her, long before they met in the flesh. As for Rhaenyra — ]
They named her the realm's delight for the joy she brought the people, her mother, and the king, who loved her above all others. [ including his second wife and their children. Fondly, ] She is spoilt as any prince and daring as the finest knights. [ with a wistful sigh, ] If she could have spent our girlhood on dragonback, never touching the ground to study or pray, she would have done.
Edited 2024-09-12 16:54 (UTC)
Dragonback.
[ He repeats back with awe, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his chin in his hands. Tim has learned already that her world is different from his own, but it sounds like a fairy tale, even still. Brave knights riding dragons, rebellious princesses, forbidden romance. It’s not a fantasy, clearly, Alicent and her feelings are real and right in front of him, but it’s so fantastical compared to his own more mundane version of it that he can’t help but be fascinated. ]
And she was allowed to do that, as a girl?
[ His sister wasn’t even allowed to ride horseback at summer camp. ]
[ He repeats back with awe, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his chin in his hands. Tim has learned already that her world is different from his own, but it sounds like a fairy tale, even still. Brave knights riding dragons, rebellious princesses, forbidden romance. It’s not a fantasy, clearly, Alicent and her feelings are real and right in front of him, but it’s so fantastical compared to his own more mundane version of it that he can’t help but be fascinated. ]
And she was allowed to do that, as a girl?
[ His sister wasn’t even allowed to ride horseback at summer camp. ]
[ Tim’s interest feels contagious, injecting long-dead memories with warmth. He sounds how she felt, watching Rhaenyra dismount, riding glove in her teeth. ]
As a princess, Tim. [ said much the same as keep up, teasing. Her voice lilts as she leans forward, giving into the story of it. Mayhaps that will make it easier to tell. She has never been able to speak of Rhaenyra with anyone before now. ] As a Targaryen — our most ancient and noble house, the blood of Old Valyria, of the dragons themselves — even the king could not stop her, though he oft tried.
[ He did not understand even then, she thinks, guided by his wife in his handling of her. ]
Against his orders, she once flew to face her mercurial uncle and his own beast, the red wyrm, bigger and faster than her she-dragon Syrax. [ Tall tales she once told her firstborn son, when she foolishly hoped he might love his half-sister as she did. ] I do not know how she averted battle, in truth. Mine own father failed to dissuade him from his position before her arrival.
[ Her throat bobs, suddenly thick with sentiment. ]
She — has a way about her.
As a princess, Tim. [ said much the same as keep up, teasing. Her voice lilts as she leans forward, giving into the story of it. Mayhaps that will make it easier to tell. She has never been able to speak of Rhaenyra with anyone before now. ] As a Targaryen — our most ancient and noble house, the blood of Old Valyria, of the dragons themselves — even the king could not stop her, though he oft tried.
[ He did not understand even then, she thinks, guided by his wife in his handling of her. ]
Against his orders, she once flew to face her mercurial uncle and his own beast, the red wyrm, bigger and faster than her she-dragon Syrax. [ Tall tales she once told her firstborn son, when she foolishly hoped he might love his half-sister as she did. ] I do not know how she averted battle, in truth. Mine own father failed to dissuade him from his position before her arrival.
[ Her throat bobs, suddenly thick with sentiment. ]
She — has a way about her.
A princess, yes. Sorry.
[ Smiling, not truly chastised. He tries to remember the names, all noble lines and far-off places he's never heard of, but wouldn't be mentioned were they not important. More striking, though, is the way Alicent talks about this woman, as if she were bragging, proud to be close to someone so daring, reckless or not. ]
Bold, and charismatic? [ They might have a similar type. ] You've known her since you were kids, right? Was she always like that?
[ Smiling, not truly chastised. He tries to remember the names, all noble lines and far-off places he's never heard of, but wouldn't be mentioned were they not important. More striking, though, is the way Alicent talks about this woman, as if she were bragging, proud to be close to someone so daring, reckless or not. ]
Bold, and charismatic? [ They might have a similar type. ] You've known her since you were kids, right? Was she always like that?
[ She hums her agreement, the similarities with his Hawkins Fuller not lost on her. The Seven Kingdoms may never accept a woman queen, but if there were one strong and winning enough to convince them, it would be Rhaenyra. It has always been Rhaenyra. ]
My memories of her are all of our childhood. [ A gentle reminder. It is easy to forget, for those from worlds so different from hers. Yet she has not been able to banish Daniel’s outrage over her stolen girlhood from her mind. ]
I speak of a brave girl, who took to the skies in the early years of my marriage. [ Alicent averts her gaze, looking down but also not, for this stare has taken her elsewhere whenever she needed it. ]
We have tried for closeness over the years and sometimes found it, but never for long. [ aching, ] If I wounded her first, when her father took me to wife, we have traded blows ever since.
[ She digs the nails of one hand into the palm of the other. ]
My memories of her are all of our childhood. [ A gentle reminder. It is easy to forget, for those from worlds so different from hers. Yet she has not been able to banish Daniel’s outrage over her stolen girlhood from her mind. ]
I speak of a brave girl, who took to the skies in the early years of my marriage. [ Alicent averts her gaze, looking down but also not, for this stare has taken her elsewhere whenever she needed it. ]
We have tried for closeness over the years and sometimes found it, but never for long. [ aching, ] If I wounded her first, when her father took me to wife, we have traded blows ever since.
[ She digs the nails of one hand into the palm of the other. ]
That’s...
[ Tim bites his tongue for a moment. He isn’t fully versed in the customs of Westeros, or in the details of Alicent’s relationship with her late husband, but he can only assume, based on what she’s said, and his general knowledge of medieval royalty – which is greater than average, he studied history – that marrying her real love’s father was out of her hands. He proceeds slowly, trying to be as tactful as possible. ]
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t sound like your marriage was your own choice to make. I’m sure it hurt, but it wasn’t you inflicting the wound. You talk about her like hurting her is the last thing on your mind.
[ Nicer than he’s spoken of Hawk, in his fresh hurt and the bitterness that comes with it. ]
[ Tim bites his tongue for a moment. He isn’t fully versed in the customs of Westeros, or in the details of Alicent’s relationship with her late husband, but he can only assume, based on what she’s said, and his general knowledge of medieval royalty – which is greater than average, he studied history – that marrying her real love’s father was out of her hands. He proceeds slowly, trying to be as tactful as possible. ]
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t sound like your marriage was your own choice to make. I’m sure it hurt, but it wasn’t you inflicting the wound. You talk about her like hurting her is the last thing on your mind.
[ Nicer than he’s spoken of Hawk, in his fresh hurt and the bitterness that comes with it. ]
[ Not for the first time, Tim’s instinct for kindness is appreciated. A thoughtful look on his face, gentle words on his tongue. Few people have handled her with such care, not when she needed it most. ]
No, I suppose not. [ It’s taken her some time to realise that, after she willingly went to the King’s chambers and offered him comfort in his grief. She reaches out, hand brushing his in a show of appreciation for his tact and forgiveness, though she cannot accept the latter. ]
Back then, I was a pawn that my father and his liege Lord moved about the board. But my actions in the years that followed…I have knowingly undermined her at every turn. [ There are too many slights to recount, her viperous tongue slandering Rhaenyra and her bastard sons, the blood she herself took with a dagger in hand. She selects the greatest among them: ] It is I who crowned my son in our holy place, before the eyes of gods and men, when she had not even been told of her father’s passing. The war I spoke to you of — it is one for succession, and we now stand in the eye of it.
No, I suppose not. [ It’s taken her some time to realise that, after she willingly went to the King’s chambers and offered him comfort in his grief. She reaches out, hand brushing his in a show of appreciation for his tact and forgiveness, though she cannot accept the latter. ]
Back then, I was a pawn that my father and his liege Lord moved about the board. But my actions in the years that followed…I have knowingly undermined her at every turn. [ There are too many slights to recount, her viperous tongue slandering Rhaenyra and her bastard sons, the blood she herself took with a dagger in hand. She selects the greatest among them: ] It is I who crowned my son in our holy place, before the eyes of gods and men, when she had not even been told of her father’s passing. The war I spoke to you of — it is one for succession, and we now stand in the eye of it.
It has been something of an eventful week.
[ she’d like to start with the girlkissing but — ]
My son Aemond is here.
[ she’d like to start with the girlkissing but — ]
My son Aemond is here.
Really?
That sounds...complicated. How are you feeling about it?
That sounds...complicated. How are you feeling about it?
I would not wish any of my children to be dragged to this pleasure house, yet I mislike the thought of them without me at court.
As it stands, his arrival is both a blessing and kindling, for his uncle has followed him here and would surely kill me if he were not present. A truce has been agreed for our time spent in House Balfour’s lands, but I will understand if you should like to distance yourself from me, Tim.
As it stands, his arrival is both a blessing and kindling, for his uncle has followed him here and would surely kill me if he were not present. A truce has been agreed for our time spent in House Balfour’s lands, but I will understand if you should like to distance yourself from me, Tim.
Kill you? What do you mean kill you???
I'm not going anywhere. If someone here wants you dead, I should be with you even more.
I'm not going anywhere. If someone here wants you dead, I should be with you even more.
Our families have traded much bloodshed already. The threat of it now hangs over all our heads.
Aemond’s nephews took his eye as a boy, and he has since taken the Prince Lucerys’ life. Daemon has claimed my grandson in answer. Eye for eye, son for son. It will go on until only one side has heirs remaining, though I hope not here.
You have protected me twice over already, as brave as any knight. You must be cautious in aligning with me now. I will not fault you for it.
Aemond’s nephews took his eye as a boy, and he has since taken the Prince Lucerys’ life. Daemon has claimed my grandson in answer. Eye for eye, son for son. It will go on until only one side has heirs remaining, though I hope not here.
You have protected me twice over already, as brave as any knight. You must be cautious in aligning with me now. I will not fault you for it.
And protecting you those times will have been a waste if I stop now that there are people who actually want to hurt you.
Do you think they're honest about the truce?
Do you think they're honest about the truce?
[ Oh, Tim. ]
In truth? To varying extents. Rhaenyra has never wanted for war and will impress this upon her allies, at least while we remain under House Balfour’s protection.
I do not trust her vile uncle.
He is as disloyal as the wind, blowing one way and then the other, but he is not a fool. My father would bid me see the friends I have made here as allies, numbers to my count. If the enemy forces my hand in this place, I hope those numbers will act as a deterrent.
And I would be honoured to count you among them.
In truth? To varying extents. Rhaenyra has never wanted for war and will impress this upon her allies, at least while we remain under House Balfour’s protection.
I do not trust her vile uncle.
He is as disloyal as the wind, blowing one way and then the other, but he is not a fool. My father would bid me see the friends I have made here as allies, numbers to my count. If the enemy forces my hand in this place, I hope those numbers will act as a deterrent.
And I would be honoured to count you among them.
Of course you can. And I have people who would support me in that, as well.
Will you tell me if anything happens?Or you suspect anything?
Will you tell me if anything happens?Or you suspect anything?
Thank you, Tim. I will not forget this, should you ever have need of me — or my son, for that matter. I know you aren’t inclined to speak of your courage so boldly, but if you tell Aemond you have protected me, he will not forget it.
[ not when it has been his and ser criston’s remit alone for so long. ]
I shall keep you informed, you have my word. For the moment, if they act at all, it will be in the interest of swaying other guests to their number, rather than testing whether I have acquired allies of my own. Rhaenyra’s children are far better statesmen than their fathers and will thus be crucial to any attempts of this nature.
[ “attempts” because alicent knows she has bested rhaenyra in this before, albeit with the help of her father. she has long understood the game of allegiances. ]
[ not when it has been his and ser criston’s remit alone for so long. ]
I shall keep you informed, you have my word. For the moment, if they act at all, it will be in the interest of swaying other guests to their number, rather than testing whether I have acquired allies of my own. Rhaenyra’s children are far better statesmen than their fathers and will thus be crucial to any attempts of this nature.
[ “attempts” because alicent knows she has bested rhaenyra in this before, albeit with the help of her father. she has long understood the game of allegiances. ]
I didn't do it to call in a favor from your son. But I'll make it clear that I'm an ally of yours.
Shouldn't you get out ahead of that?
Shouldn't you get out ahead of that?
Good. Aemond can be…sharp, but it is only because he has had to be, to protect us all.
I have contacted any and all who care for me. I count four vampires and a man with superhuman abilities to my numbers, which should give any human pause, for the time being.
I have contacted any and all who care for me. I count four vampires and a man with superhuman abilities to my numbers, which should give any human pause, for the time being.
I understand. It's a lot for one person to have to shoulder.
I have people I can call who would help me. More for politics than for superhuman strength, but if a fight does break out, perception matters.
I have people I can call who would help me. More for politics than for superhuman strength, but if a fight does break out, perception matters.
It is.
Considering our council in Westeros oft lacked intelligence, I would welcome political expertise gladly. My father has been my parter in this since he brought me to court, and it is a strange thing, to navigate it without him now.
Considering our council in Westeros oft lacked intelligence, I would welcome political expertise gladly. My father has been my parter in this since he brought me to court, and it is a strange thing, to navigate it without him now.
We're closer to my home than yours. Hawk is good at the politics and has favor with the Balfours, I'm good with the research. You're not as outnumbered as it looks.
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