I would like them back. It's cold, but hopefully I can catch others.
I found a book about insects.
[man, writing--typing--is so much easier than face-to-face communication this is amazing. Someone invent texting back home, letter-writing takes too long]
I will take care of them. And I'm sure they appreciate you trying.
[She thinks on it a moment, assessing her own level of wanting to be around others. It's been too long since she's seen her bugs and gotten to share bug facts with Aemond. Plus, they're really interesting facts. She'd love to share them]
Yes, alright. I have a spot for them. And the book is very interesting.
[ death is easy for him; difficult for her to bear. he is a son of fire, and his sister, a daughter of blood. perhaps this is why aegon will be king — he is fire and blood, baptised anew. ]
Over three thousand kinds of dragonflies? Sister, it would take you years to find each one.
[ he's pleased to know of it, though. he can imagine her flying across the lands looking for each one, her and dreamfyre spending their time together and alone without the burden of the crown weighing on them. she deserves it. ]
[That thought actually makes her laugh; if only she had the freedom to fly around cataloguing all the different insects in the land!]
Do you think I could? The snow will have to melt, and there has to be some kind of body of water, like a pond or a lake. I haven't been out to the grounds. Is there something like that? A lot of bugs comes out around the water. And dragonflies should get rid of mosquitos.
[Nothing stopping them here though. Except each other. And....mother.]
That sounds like a good idea. I'm looking forward to the spring then. Maybe we can all go together and spend some time outside.
They do. They eat a lot of 'pest' bugs that can cause harm to humans or crops by the water. Spiders can help get rid of flies, and moths that can damage clothes too.
Forgive me if this is unexpected. I heard of your arrival from Aemond, Aunt Helaena. Are you well? Have you settled?( he asks not only because of the truce, but because of Alicent's children she remains a soft spot in his heart where her siblings have fallen. )
Jacaerys, hello. I was told you were here, but I wasn't sure if you wanted me to say hello. I'm glad you reached out.
I'm doing well. This place has many strange mysteries to uncover. One of the rooms has a butterfly garden. [She's very excited about the butterfly garden.] I've been getting used to it.
I have never had quarrel with you or yours'. I'm glad we can be at peace here. I pray it will last. [a pause] I've missed talking to you. [Jace had been kind to her during their last family dinner together and she'll still hold onto that]
I have only been exploring a little. I've met some people I think I'd like to call friend. They let me talk about my insects and don't try to shush or shoo.
[She looks around a moment, considering the situation in the library]
Yes, and no. There are many people here, but I don't believe any are specifically looking after me right now. But I am safe. I made a section of the library for myself with my insect friends.
I have little plan to leave any time soon.
Are you safe? I know not if you had powers, but I know this place has taken them from everyone.
[She tilts her head at the message, amused. She doesn't know how to really explain that the Stranger isn't her friend she communicates with, but it's a harmless enough thing to assume.]
The sun will come out again. The snow will melt, flowers will bloom. This isn't the end of everything.
[She considers the question for a long moment. No, she's not okay, but she doesn't know how to put it into words]
I don't like violence. [Is what she settles on at last] But a Queen has a duty to be calm for the people. I'm well-protected in the library. [She pauses again]
But a lot of people aren't as well-protected. It doesn't seem fair.
[She considers for a moment] All I know is that the guests bite and you don't want them to bite you. My nephew Jacaerys might know more, as he's traveled our lands more than I.
But I'm afraid I don't know much. [She pauses and then adds] I volunteered to do mending. If any of your clothes get torn, I can fix them. I can potentially do stitches too, if it calls for it.
My new friends? I've met a few of them. But the ones I am closest to right now would be Halsin and Solas. I talked to Sizhui often, the one I taught to braid hair using you? And Lauralae, of course. But I suppose I am closest to Solas right now.
[Considering by this point they've banged already but that's not something she's going to tell Aemond outright, please.]
I have met Solas as of recent. He seems capably skilled, and like Lauralae's people also. How have you two gotten on, if I might ask? Is he kind to you?
[It’s sweet, honestly. Her expression softens looking at the message. Things might get difficult in the future, but they should look out for each other still. It should, ideally, be one of the few constants in their lives.
Besides, she semi-did the same thing with Lauralae, though she hadn’t actively sought her out.
Also she’s pretty sure Aemond would seek him out regardless so.]
I will approve it.
Will you report back?
[She’s curious if Aemond’s opinion, if nothing else]
If you wish it so, I would. I will not harm him, sister, I promise you.
[ not for this first conversation, at least. future encounters may require it, if his sister's dignity has been impugned. he only has one sister he cares for, and aemond wants to see her happy.
he can pretend she doesn't hurt him when he comes to her, in time. ]
[For now, at least. From her point she hasn't had a reason to do so yet.]
I am. Now that things are rebuilding and I'm not cooped up with everyone in the library. I've enjoyed moving all my insects back and having space back.
Lauralae has taken up on the other side of my room. We share the bathroom now, and it's been... fun.
I'm looking forward to the snow melting completely.
I've found myself oddly settled. With family, with you and Aegon, and Mother. Lauralae as well. I've managed for myself a number of peers and friends, I think that surprises me as much as it surprises everyone.
Will it be untoward if I visit you and her unchaperoned?
I'm happy for you, Aemond! I'm glad you're making so many new friends. Maybe one day I can meet them all.
I believe that would be fine. Or, at least, I will not tell mother. [if Alicent doesn't ask, Helaena doesn't have to tell and she can't see why Alicent would want to know] And I think Lauraleae would be happy with it.
I can play chaperone, if needed.
[And because she wants to make it clear that's just a joke, she adds in a:] :)
There's a book on poems about cats I find very silly. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
I haven't read very many of the storybooks here or the novels. I've mostly read poetry or the science books. Has Lauralae read others? I'd be interested in her recommendations as well.
[ he's not disclosing aegon's absence over these cursed things. his sister, his brother's wife, mother to the kingdom now. she deserves— not this. nothing like this. ]
[ should he worry? has she seen something more, as she has before? ]
I'll be there a moment.
[ he doesn't yet say thank you; the words are stuck somewhere in his throat, a pinprick pain slowly choking him. when he arrives at her and lauralae's shared rooms, he almost hesitates to knock — but duty calls. duty must.
[She answers seconds after he knocks, throwing open the door and staring at him for a long moment. Then she steps aside for him to come in, wandering off herself to stare at the crickets that have gone quiet in their cages.]
Something's wrong. [it's not quite a question, more like a confirmation. Something's gone wrong. She can feel it in the air, an agitation along her skin. She rubs at her arms.] What changed...?
[ would it be easier if aemond had been born first? would it have changed anything? he can't change the fact that rhaenyra was born first any more than he can bring lucerys back to life. he can't undo aegon's burns, can't bring sunfyre to his former glory.
he's treading in deep water, and barely keeping his head high enough to breathe. ]
[She wrings her hands, paces to one side of her room and then back, before turning to face Aemond, her brow furrowed a little as she approaches him, then stops short again.]
I'm just-- Confused. [She settles on that word, because it's the easiest one to use.] Concerned. Why? And-- who else? [She squeezes her hands tightly together] I didn't see this.
[Not seeing constant visions of the future was nice, freeing. But she hadn't seen this coming, hadn't prepared for the possibility at all.] Is this how it is for everyone? [never knowing, not prepared, being surprised?] I don't think I like this kind of surprise.
[ grimly, aemond nods. he nods because he agrees with her thinking, and also because he doesn't know what else he might say that would prove salient now. aegon's gone. helaena did not see it, or her sight had found its one blind spot here.
aemond thinks it fair to assume that none of his siblings have a love for surprises. such is the nature of the lives they lead, the stations that collar them and keep them caged in gold. ]
None else of the family. Pierce, among my friends. You've met him. [ he reaches for her, but doesn't quite touch her. he'll always be apologising for touching her without leave, even if she doesn't yet remember. ] Would you like for me to look into your friends? Confirm that they yet remain?
[She stares off at a distant point, going over her memories briefly and making a noise of acknowledgement.]
I... no, that's alright. I was just speaking with most of them. I think-- I think they're alright. [her gaze falls to his hand for a moment, before she reaches out to take it, giving it a squeeze.]
He is...truly gone from the manor? I... [It's a weird feeling. She feels uneasy about it, sad. But also a bit...relieved? She's glad he's back home where he belongs, or so she believes him to be. There's what others have mentioned happened. Saddened that the peaceful times for him had to end so soon. It's a painful reminder than any of them can disappear at any time.]
Every moment we spend here, safe and sound and at peace, is not one we should take for granted. [A moment of silence and she sighs] I don't... I don't know how I feel. I'm sad, and I'm worried, but I don't feel as sad as maybe I should?
Edited (I JUST SAW MY HTML TYPO THING IM SORRY) 2025-05-07 16:47 (UTC)
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backdated to helaena's arrival.
text; un: bugs
I would like them back. It's cold, but hopefully I can catch others.
I found a book about insects.
[man, writing--typing--is so much easier than face-to-face communication this is amazing. Someone invent texting back home, letter-writing takes too long]
no subject
I could come to you? If you would have me? We can read your book on insects together.
[ a neurodivergent girl and her antisocial brother discover texting. it's great. ]
no subject
[She thinks on it a moment, assessing her own level of wanting to be around others. It's been too long since she's seen her bugs and gotten to share bug facts with Aemond. Plus, they're really interesting facts. She'd love to share them]
Yes, alright. I have a spot for them. And the book is very interesting.
no subject
[ death is easy for him; difficult for her to bear. he is a son of fire, and his sister, a daughter of blood. perhaps this is why aegon will be king — he is fire and blood, baptised anew. ]
Did you find your dragonflies in the text?
no subject
[Maybe she should give Aemond a plant.]
I did! And I found a book all about them and damselflies. Did you know there are over 3,000 species of dragonfly? And 2,600 damselfly species.
no subject
Over three thousand kinds of dragonflies? Sister, it would take you years to find each one.
[ he's pleased to know of it, though. he can imagine her flying across the lands looking for each one, her and dreamfyre spending their time together and alone without the burden of the crown weighing on them. she deserves it. ]
Do you plan to find all of the ones here?
no subject
Do you think I could? The snow will have to melt, and there has to be some kind of body of water, like a pond or a lake. I haven't been out to the grounds. Is there something like that? A lot of bugs comes out around the water. And dragonflies should get rid of mosquitos.
no subject
If it would be possible, I don't see why you shouldn't. You could wear good clothes for trapping them, so you do not get bitten.
Do dragonflies truly eat the mosquitoes?
no subject
That sounds like a good idea. I'm looking forward to the spring then. Maybe we can all go together and spend some time outside.
They do. They eat a lot of 'pest' bugs that can cause harm to humans or crops by the water. Spiders can help get rid of flies, and moths that can damage clothes too.
no subject
We'll need get Aegon sober for that, but I don't see why we couldn't.
Do you like cakes, sister? Do you have a favourite from the ones they serve here?
— text | un: jacaerys
text;
I'm doing well. This place has many strange mysteries to uncover. One of the rooms has a butterfly garden. [She's very excited about the butterfly garden.] I've been getting used to it.
no subject
It is quite strange but it has its wonders. Does it? I admit I had not seen such a thing. Only the outdoor gardens thus far.
What else have you found?
no subject
I have only been exploring a little. I've met some people I think I'd like to call friend. They let me talk about my insects and don't try to shush or shoo.
What of you? Have you found joy in this place?
[ text ] @sgr
no subject
Yes, and no. There are many people here, but I don't believe any are specifically looking after me right now. But I am safe. I made a section of the library for myself with my insect friends.
I have little plan to leave any time soon.
Are you safe? I know not if you had powers, but I know this place has taken them from everyone.
no subject
[ haha. ]
I don't mean to be this forward, but did your friend say anything about the fallout for what's going on here? The... Stranger.
no subject
The sun will come out again. The snow will melt, flowers will bloom. This isn't the end of everything.
no subject
I don't doubt it. Right now though, we've got mean biters of an enemy to look out for. You're sure you're okay?
no subject
I don't like violence. [Is what she settles on at last] But a Queen has a duty to be calm for the people. I'm well-protected in the library. [She pauses again]
But a lot of people aren't as well-protected. It doesn't seem fair.
no subject
I'm going out to help people get to safe places. If there's anything you know that I could use to help, I'm all ears.
no subject
But I'm afraid I don't know much. [She pauses and then adds] I volunteered to do mending. If any of your clothes get torn, I can fix them. I can potentially do stitches too, if it calls for it.
🎀
If there's anything I can help with at all, please let me know.
text, first week march.
no subject
My new friends? I've met a few of them. But the ones I am closest to right now would be Halsin and Solas. I talked to Sizhui often, the one I taught to braid hair using you? And Lauralae, of course. But I suppose I am closest to Solas right now.
[Considering by this point they've banged already but that's not something she's going to tell Aemond outright, please.]
no subject
I have met Solas as of recent. He seems capably skilled, and like Lauralae's people also. How have you two gotten on, if I might ask? Is he kind to you?
no subject
We've gotten on quite well. He's been nothing but kind and generous to me. He's wise and a good teacher. He knows magic, I've seen some of it.
Are you worried?
no subject
Would you disapprove if I seek him out?
no subject
Besides, she semi-did the same thing with Lauralae, though she hadn’t actively sought her out.
Also she’s pretty sure Aemond would seek him out regardless so.]
I will approve it.
Will you report back?
[She’s curious if Aemond’s opinion, if nothing else]
no subject
[ not for this first conversation, at least. future encounters may require it, if his sister's dignity has been impugned. he only has one sister he cares for, and aemond wants to see her happy.
he can pretend she doesn't hurt him when he comes to her, in time. ]
Are you well, otherwise?
no subject
[For now, at least. From her point she hasn't had a reason to do so yet.]
I am. Now that things are rebuilding and I'm not cooped up with everyone in the library. I've enjoyed moving all my insects back and having space back.
Lauralae has taken up on the other side of my room. We share the bathroom now, and it's been... fun.
I'm looking forward to the snow melting completely.
I've been content here.
What of you?
no subject
I've found myself oddly settled. With family, with you and Aegon, and Mother. Lauralae as well. I've managed for myself a number of peers and friends, I think that surprises me as much as it surprises everyone.
Will it be untoward if I visit you and her unchaperoned?
no subject
I believe that would be fine. Or, at least, I will not tell mother. [if Alicent doesn't ask, Helaena doesn't have to tell and she can't see why Alicent would want to know] And I think Lauraleae would be happy with it.
I can play chaperone, if needed.
[And because she wants to make it clear that's just a joke, she adds in a:] :)
no subject
I'll bring something to share between the three of us. The library's opened again, and I would enjoy reading to you and her both.
[ two of the three women he truly cares for, in one sitting room -he'd much like to see his lady and his sister be in good spirits together. ]
Do you have a favourite among the books here, sister?
no subject
I haven't read very many of the storybooks here or the novels. I've mostly read poetry or the science books. Has Lauralae read others? I'd be interested in her recommendations as well.
( a text. )
[ he's not disclosing aegon's absence over these cursed things. his sister, his brother's wife, mother to the kingdom now. she deserves— not this. nothing like this. ]
no subject
[She doesn't say anything again for a solid minute.]
Yes. Come to me.
no subject
I'll be there a moment.
[ he doesn't yet say thank you; the words are stuck somewhere in his throat, a pinprick pain slowly choking him. when he arrives at her and lauralae's shared rooms, he almost hesitates to knock — but duty calls. duty must.
he knocks. ]
no subject
Something's wrong. [it's not quite a question, more like a confirmation. Something's gone wrong. She can feel it in the air, an agitation along her skin. She rubs at her arms.] What changed...?
no subject
[ would it be easier if aemond had been born first? would it have changed anything? he can't change the fact that rhaenyra was born first any more than he can bring lucerys back to life. he can't undo aegon's burns, can't bring sunfyre to his former glory.
he's treading in deep water, and barely keeping his head high enough to breathe. ]
I could not find him this morning. Are you—?
no subject
[She wrings her hands, paces to one side of her room and then back, before turning to face Aemond, her brow furrowed a little as she approaches him, then stops short again.]
I'm just-- Confused. [She settles on that word, because it's the easiest one to use.] Concerned. Why? And-- who else? [She squeezes her hands tightly together] I didn't see this.
[Not seeing constant visions of the future was nice, freeing. But she hadn't seen this coming, hadn't prepared for the possibility at all.] Is this how it is for everyone? [never knowing, not prepared, being surprised?] I don't think I like this kind of surprise.
no subject
aemond thinks it fair to assume that none of his siblings have a love for surprises. such is the nature of the lives they lead, the stations that collar them and keep them caged in gold. ]
None else of the family. Pierce, among my friends. You've met him. [ he reaches for her, but doesn't quite touch her. he'll always be apologising for touching her without leave, even if she doesn't yet remember. ] Would you like for me to look into your friends? Confirm that they yet remain?
no subject
I... no, that's alright. I was just speaking with most of them. I think-- I think they're alright. [her gaze falls to his hand for a moment, before she reaches out to take it, giving it a squeeze.]
He is...truly gone from the manor? I... [It's a weird feeling. She feels uneasy about it, sad. But also a bit...relieved? She's glad he's back home where he belongs, or so she believes him to be. There's what others have mentioned happened. Saddened that the peaceful times for him had to end so soon. It's a painful reminder than any of them can disappear at any time.]
Every moment we spend here, safe and sound and at peace, is not one we should take for granted. [A moment of silence and she sighs] I don't... I don't know how I feel. I'm sad, and I'm worried, but I don't feel as sad as maybe I should?