forgotteneithne

[forgotteneithne]

OOC | Malconaire Names

ok so now that we've got the parents named, i went on a lil [ name meaning ] spree and looked up all our kids! and i love how these all like...fit but in an unexpected way!!

Macdara -- son of oak

Sorcha -- radiant/bright, lady/princess/noblewoman, clear/bright/famous

Eithne — kernel, grain/little fire

Brigit — exulted one

Aoife — beauty/to breathe, to live

Roisin — little rose/little famous type/kind

while im at it...imma hit up the ~vasilieva!malconaires, too!

Valentina -- strong/vigorous/healthy/fertile

Cassimir -- DESTROYER OF WORLDS lkdfjksdaljfjld...anyyyywayyyy (literally it means 'to destroy peace/the world')

Sonya -- little wisdom/little lover of knowledge

i was gonna do a lil chatting/meta abt how this fits rosie but im too laskdjflksdjfkdsf about cassimir's name!!!! valentina whatre you doing alksjdfkljsdf i know she dreamed of having a son her whole life so there's no way she didn't know what his name meant and alksdjflkjsdkfjlsdf ngl i always assumed he was named for some famous king they're like ~vaguely related to or smth like that, but still like alkjsdflkjdsjkfjkdsf OMGGGGGG OBLITERATOR OF PEACE -- its legit like naming ur kid 'ruiner' like someone put this innocent newborn she'd carried for nine months in her arms and she was like 'THIS is the only name for him' laksdjfkljdsjfjkdsf kernal/grain/little fire that's basically like naming ur kid 'hope' like....

HOPE x RUINER = NOTP for her w/ valentina truly be like 'yknow the kid in this pairing whose parents really messed them up???? EITHNE' kaljsdfkljdjslfjkdsf SCREAM

rosie's meta's gonna have to wait...god, i really shoulda put this on @forgottenvalentina -- i didn't knowwwwww until it was too late alksjdfklsdjf

#ahhhhh!!!! #i love our girls sm #this is so ON POINT #about

[forgotteneithne]

OOC | Malconaire Names

ok so now that we've got the parents named, i went on a lil [ name meaning ] spree and looked up all our kids! and i love how these all like...fit but in an unexpected way!!

Macdara -- son of oak

Sorcha -- radiant/bright, lady/princess/noblewoman, clear/bright/famous

Eithne — kernel, grain/little fire

Brigit — exulted one

Aoife — beauty/to breathe, to live

Roisin — little rose/little famous type/kind

while im at it...imma hit up the ~vasilieva!malconaires, too!

Valentina -- strong/vigorous/healthy/fertile

Cassimir -- DESTROYER OF WORLDS lkdfjksdaljfjld...anyyyywayyyy (literally it means 'to destroy peace/the world')

Sonya -- little wisdom/little lover of knowledge

i was gonna do a lil chatting/meta abt how this fits rosie but im too laskdjflksdjfkdsf about cassimir's name!!!! valentina whatre you doing alksjdfkljsdf i know she dreamed of having a son her whole life so there's no way she didn't know what his name meant and alksdjflkjsdkfjlsdf ngl i always assumed he was named for some famous king they're like ~vaguely related to or smth like that, but still like alkjsdflkjdsjkfjkdsf OMGGGGGG OBLITERATOR OF PEACE -- its legit like naming ur kid 'ruiner' like someone put this innocent newborn she'd carried for nine months in her arms and she was like 'THIS is the only name for him' laksdjfkljdsjfjkdsf kernal/grain/little fire that's basically like naming ur kid 'hope' like....

HOPE x RUINER = NOTP for her w/ valentina truly be like 'yknow the kid in this pairing whose parents really messed them up???? EITHNE' kaljsdfkljdjslfjkdsf SCREAM

rosie's meta's gonna have to wait...god, i really shoulda put this on @forgottenvalentina -- i didn't knowwwwww until it was too late alksjdfklsdjf

#eithne's name meaning grain #is so on point bc i think even when she WASN'T the person cooking for the whole house #she very much wanted to norish and care for everyone #i love this sm <3 #about #also sorry cassimir #she's picking their kids' names #;)

[forgotteneithne]

Eithne grinned at the Princess's questions. To be completely honest, she assumed the brooch, while lovely, was something he had picked up from a merchant rather than being some priceless gift. But the Princess was so pleased with the idea, Eithne couldn't help but play along.

"You know I have often wondered the same thing. I do hope his mother is not perhaps wondering what became of her beautiful pin!" Eithne said to Cassandra with a giggle. "Perhaps he shall return one day and I shall be able to ask. Though I shall not give in to any declarations of his affections... it has been much too long that he's been away, don't you agree?"

Eithne was perplexed. If Rosie had been friends with the last of the Ormunds, it was certainly a surprise to her. "... for years, you say?" Eithne asked. Perhaps the young princess has gotten her storeis confused-- she'd witnessed Rosie and Cassandra chattering away and it wasn't completely out out of the realm of possibility.

"Well... the Ormonds have been bannermen of House Malconaire for generations, so I assume I did meet them at some point. He--he is a young man, this Lord Ormond?" Eithne asked quickly, still not completely convinced of what the Princess was saying. "Do you know his name-- his given name?"

Silk & Satin | Cassandra + Eithne

A very excited but undistinguishable sound reached Eithne's ears over the sounds of conversations and musicians filling the Great Hall at the Princess's celebrations. Eithne turned her head slightly to find the youngest Varmont princess hurrying toward her with a bright smile upon her face.

Pushing her way through the crowd to put as much distance between herself and her step mother before greeting the Princess, Eithne couldn't help but smile at the young girl's excitement. Once upon a time it might have been her, or any of her sisters, exuberantly pushing their way through crowds at grand parties. While her feelings regarding so many of the Varmont children left her feeling extremely conflicted, she found she could not feel that way regarding Cassandra. She was an innocent girl living behind golden walls that hid her from so many harsh realities. She could not be blamed for that.

"You Highness," she swept into a much more formal curtsey than she had managed with her brother earlier that evening. "You told me of the gown your father had made for you for this event but I will confess that the description did not do it justice," she informed the young girl with a bright smile.

#silk & satin #cassandra varmont

[forgotteneithne]

Eithne winced at Edmund's mention of her step mother's insistance on informing people of her royal roots. "I'm sorry," Eithne apologized, though there was nothing she could have done to prevent it. Valentina was an unstoppable force in many ways. "She.... she often finds ways to work it into conversations, yes. I suppose it must be hard to have to leave one's home and come to a new country as she and my step siblings did all those years ago. I suppose it might be something that brings her comfort..." Eithne offered though she herself didn't believe a word of it.

Happy to speak of anything else, Eithne smiled at the mention at banquets, tournaments, and balls. "I suppose you and your brothers are often found in the lists, too, I would imagine?"

There had not been tournaments held in Astaira for many years-- most of the knights and soldiers had been off fighting to defend Astaira from Edmund's own father, but Eithne remembered sitting in the stands alongside Eilia when they were younger, giggling and blushing when they knights who wore their favors entered the list.

"Well your sister's ball has been the topic of most conversations in our household lately. I'm sure it will be a very different celebration than those we've been to at the palace before," Eithne offered with an accompanying smile. "You know, as I think of it, I realize your family must have quite different traditions for celebrations than we do in Astaira, yes? I have already heard there shall be music and dancing, though I suppose it should not be too different from our balls here..." Eithne mused.

Unannounced Arrivals | Edmund & Eithne

It was no way for a prince to behave, but somewhere between the palace and the Malconaire estate, those lines seemed to blur. Whatever sense of decorum Edmund had, it diminished the closer he was to their home. It was one of the many appeals of their home: Edmund felt freer here, somehow, and more at peace (even if that was occasionally interrupted by the general presence of both Valentina and Cassimir).

Edmund had challenged his brother for a race — knowing full well Arthur didn’t know the shortcut Edmund had only just discovered. Perhaps this advantage known only to Edmund may count as cheating, but he was of a firm mind that it would do Arthur’s ego good to loose at something athletic to his younger brother.

It was Eithne he saw first and while his main attraction to the Malconaire estate was her younger sister, Rose, Eithne was certainly his next favorite of the sisters (it was clear Brigit loathed him and Aoife was often intimidated -- neither made for exceptional conversationalists). It was a bonus that speaking with Eithne also gave Edmund a chance to tell her any number of embarrassing stories about his brother.

Eithne was out amongst the kitchen gardens (Edmund assumed she must be there on a stroll -- he did not realize she was there surveying the inventory to determine what they might be having for supper).

"I’ve come to tell you, my brother is hot on my heels. If you wish to escape his notice, you have been warned."

He gave her a wink as he dismounted his horse. He knew that Eithne did enjoy his brother's company, regardless of what he said, and while he did get some kicks out of making Arthur seem ridiculous, there would always be a part of him that did want to see him happy -- and who better than Eithne? With all of her down-to-earth sweetness that was such a stark contrast to anything that was to be found for Arthur at court.

#unannounced arrivals #edmund varmont

[forgotteneithne]

Eithne could feel the eyes turning towards she and Valentina as her step mother did little to not be overheard by those around him. Eithne could feel the flush overtaking her cheeks, the embarrassment setting in. Despite being surrounded by those who had known her, known her father for years, she couldn't help be wonder if they thought the same as Valentina.

A part of her step mother's criticisms did cause her shame. Despite the fact she and Cassimir had decided keeping the engagement private until after the Varmont's Ball, Eithne was still his betrothed. She shouldn't be dancing with other men-- especially other men that she had shared an affection with as she had with Arthur.

It was also in that moment she realized something she'd not allowed herself to even consider before: she'd have to tell Arthur about the engagement. Of course the word would spread, but he deserved to hear it from her. He might not believe it if it didn't come from her own lips.

"You must know I would never want to hurt Cassimir," Eithne told her step mother, though she imagined the words fell on deaf ears. When it came to Cassimir, there was no changing Valentina's mind, but Eithne's own words were true. While she didn't love him, she did not wish to hurt him.

"But the Prince asked me to dance, Step Mother," Eithne replied, trying to keep her voice low. "Would you have had me reject him?"

She stared at the ground as Valentina's words ran over her. This was how she was treated when she was simply her step daughter-- she couldn't imagine the reaction she would receive when Cassimir finally told his mother of their engagement.

"I cannot believe the Emperor would even remember my face, let alone that I was one of many women who danced with his son this evening," Eithne concluded firmly.

At Odds | Valentina + Eithne

Eithne curtsied as the music ended, eyes drifting up to meet Arthur Varmont's as the music ended with a flourish.

"I should check on my sisters..." Eithne told the prince quietly before making her way through the crowded room, eyes scanning for her family. Rosie had been spotted chatting quite merrily with the youngest Princess not long ago, but it was Brigit and Aoife that Eithne was most concerned with. Neither were fond of large social gatherings and Eithne had hoped they might have managed to escape the hustle and bustle for more secluded places.

It was not her sisters, unfortunately, that Eithne came upon but their stepmother-- alone. Cassimir had vanished-- she assumed sulking somewhere after seeing Eithne dancing with Arthur-- and the look on her stepmother's face made Eithne assume that Valentina had taken notice of that as well.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Eithne inquired of Valentina. She worried what the answer might be, so quickly continued.

"Have you come across Aoife?" she asked. She dared not bring up Brigit-- Valentina used any excuse to be cross with the free spirited sister. Aoife seemed to be the only one of the four sisters that did not vex their step mother.

"I know she is quite anxious in crowds... I wished to check on her."

#valentina malconaire #at odds #eithne: please don't cause a scene #valentina: absolutely i will.

[forgotteneithne]

i love the frost family/malconaire family connection! <3 do you think the frost family has lived at malconaire for like, multiple generations??

imagining him going off to become a soldier! for sure they were all worried about him but also probs super proud! he's off fighting for astaira! what a selfless thing to do! eithne was so proud of him!

so i think i said aoife's ooc that there's a potential that aoife doesn't actually know the whole situation that went down w/ ronan attacking the varmonts-- maybe some of it but not the whole extent!-- and if that's the case that's DEFINITELY eithne's doing. she obvs knows that they have a different sort of relationship & eithne feels that any true genuine friendship/connection aoife has with ANYONE must be protected! so she'd definitely corner cillian and force it out of him if she didn't witness it/get all the facts from somewhere else, haha

also him having a little thing for eithne <3 i feel like she might have been the first crush for a lot of young men around malconaire -face palm- *cue lord m being like 'okay time to go hang out with eilia at the castle for a bit young lady!!*

OOC | Ronan & Eithne

so ronan def views eithne as a sister/cousin sort and wants to look out for her no matter what!! like his siblings, ronan grew up around malconaire, but when he heard of the war, he left to go fight as a soldier, not staying put to defend specifically malconaire, like cillian did, so he saw all sorts of fighting all over the place, and i think may even have been a soldier before war came ~to astaira so, one way or another, he's been fighting for astaira against roderick for years and years, and this defeat was literally his worst nightmare

knowing that the malconaires have suffered particularly cruelly since the war is a knife in his heart, and he's esp horrified at the recent development of cassimir -- since im surE cillian has told him abt that lakjsdfkjdjsf but yeah i doubt he's seen her since he attacked some varmonts and became a wanted man, but he might sneak over to be like DONT DO IT EITHNE DONT DO IT he does NOT have a high opinion of the vasilievas, esp since cassimir refused to fight w lord m!!!

edit: im also realizing...i think ronan had a bit of a thing for eithne, back in the days just before the war smh i doubt he ever said/did anything abt it but lsdkajfjkdsf here we are hahaha

#ronan frost #ooc

[forgotteneithne]

Eithne/Arthur - “ why are you looking at me like that? ”

flashback

Arthur looked quickly away at the sound of her words. He rubbed the back of his neck. Bit out a self-conscious laugh.

The day was gorgeous, the sun streaming beyond a canopy of gently waving trees. All around them, the field was bursting with wild grasses and flowers that seemed to dot the landscape with bursts of vibrant color: her greens mingling with his reds and blues, till the whole world seemed decked out for only them. And amongst all this, ensconced on rugs and pillows stretched out against the roots the sheltering oaks, motes of light filtered between the boughs, bathing Eithne in golden light as she spoke of her beloved Malconaire, her whole face beaming like the sun.

She was transcendant -- at once more a creature of this earth than he could ever be, and yet so untouchably ethereal he held his breath, almost afraid she might melt away at the slightest of breezes. A chorus of birds sang all around her as if they sang with delight just to be near her, and the dappled light wound round her like will-o-the-whisp attendants sighing upon their liege lady. The radiance of the sun was her nimbus, not glowing upon her but, rather, shining because of her and, despite himself, Arthur smiled again, this time a meditative look taking hold of his features as he stole a glance once more at her.

He'd seen her at balls and at tourneys, but as stunning as she was all made up in Roisin's finest glamors, they could not match her natural beauty here in this wild place, so much a part of her that it seemed to breathe as she did, the very wind stirring with her words. Her tresses were all the finer simply framing her face than caught up in a golden net, and Arthur thought that perhaps all that finery appeared garish against the smooth porcelain of her skin, beaming as it did here in serene sunshine. Her eyes blazed an azure so fine he was sure the sky blushed to be compared to a tint so luminous, and her smile, so rosy, seemed to capture the full lustre of the floral hedges that danced in the attendant zephyrs all around them.

Arthur smiled then, arching a soft brow as he looked at her. His voice, when he spoke, was very soft. "I should have thought that obvious."

For a moment, Eithne looked at him and then, suddenly seeming to catch his meaning, or perhaps -- he hoped -- thinking something similar herself, she colored slightly and looked away. "You mustn't say such foolish things, Arthur. Anyone might think you meant them."

"It would showcase their wisdom."

Laughing, Eithne made herself busy, then, leaning forward to draw a repast from the wicker basket at her knee. Her gown was a simple roughspun, but somehow, out here amongst the gently tilting trees, he did not think anything could have appeared more becoming and, sighing, he gazed heavenward.

"Tell me -- before...before my father," began Arthur, gesturing vaguely, as if to indicate a time before the conquest. "How did you spend days like these?"

Eithne paused in her ministrations, and Arthur was conscious, then, of the weight of her gaze upon him. He smiled, slightly, still looking skyward. "Well...when we could, much like this."

"Oh?"

"But, most often, taking baskets to the village, of course."

Arthur frowned, turning to look at her, then. "Are...are they fond of...wicker?"

She laughed. His confusion did not dissipate. It was Eithne's turn to look quizzical. "Do...I don't suppose you take baskets to people? Or...or perhaps your sisters? Your mother and stepmother?"

Arthur shrugged. "I don't know that most people in the Empire have much...inclination towards--" he shrugged, gaze sliding to the basket at her knee. "Baskets. They're useful, certainly, but--"

"No, it's not--we don't take empty baskets."

Arthur shook his head, shrugging.

"They're filled with goods. Gifts. Bread and cheese and lettuce and jams and...anything that might help those...less well off."

"So...its some form of...charity?"

"Yes! Precisely."

Arthur frowned at the basket before them, doubt churning inside him. Then, a moment, and he pointed. "And? Is...this...charity?"

"What?"

"I just--It's a basket."

Laughing suddenly, Eithne set a plate with cheese and cold chicken before him. "In this case, it's hospitality. I daresay, you're better off than I am, or don't they feed imperial princes?" she teased, grinning.

Laughing, Arthur watched her laughter, her whole face seeming to somehow brighten even further as her limpid eyes danced. Somewhere deep in his belly, Arthur felt warmth suffuse him, something bright and briliant blooming in his chest as he joined her in laughter. "Why do you think we all come here so very often?"

"I did not imagine you came as beggars."

Arthur paused, watched the merriness in her face. It seemed to him the birds were singing more quietly now, as if they were alone in all the world, with no other earlthy creature to witness. This moment was theirs. "Any man, even a prince, is a beggar before someone like you." I didn't think someone like you could exist... he thought.

She frowned. "You make me sound a tyrant."

He shook his head, sat up a little straighter. "No, I..." he shrugged, sighing. "Eithne, what I mean is...There's no one else in the world like you. No one. Anywhere, and..." he shrugged, laughed. "I would know. I've been most places in the world, after all, and...You've no equal, Eithne. No rival. To know you is to wish to know you better. To be with you is to wish never to be parted." Arthur sighed, then, self-conscious, shrugged. "I'm not much with words, Eithne...I just mean there is no one like you. You're the sort of woman a man would beg, borrow, or steal just to please but, despite it all, I know that...My father may own half the world, but that won't make you mine. I could shower you with gems and you'd frown just," he laughed. "Just as you do now at the idea. Riches aren't what matter to you so...we're all beggars. You see? I've got nothing you want. And that's...that's something I've never encountered before."

"You're wrong!" blurted Eithne.

Arthur frowned. "I--"

"You do have something I want."

"What is it? It's yours, I--"

"Oh, hush," whispered Eithne and, leaning close, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "There," she said, smiling, a blush blooming upon her cheeks as she leaned back again.

"Oh no you don't," chuckled Arthur, one hand slipping into the veil of her hair to cradle her neck as he leaned close. Her lips were soft as roses petals. Her breath was a warm zephyr. And her eyes, when he opened his own to see them, were brighter than the whole sky.

#crying forever about these two #<3 #also though thinking about an au where they COULD be together #and imagining that its arthur @ malconaire #does eithne give him any authority? does she relinquish any of her power? #honestly not sure!!! #and while i feel like these two would have a loving and caring relationship i keep thinking like do they thrive outside of that bubble #they were living in at this time #obvi not as long as arthur is still drinking the roderick juice lol #anyway i will cry about these bbs forever <3 #arthur varmont

[forgotteneithne]

Both young women had stared at each other in wordless shock as they'd arrived simultaneously at the solarium and were greeted by the Queen Amira. Both women had been confused by the invitation and neither had been alerted it was to be a party of three.

Eithne stepped back, allowing the (now former) princess to step into the room first. Even with the announcement from the Emperor, House Malconaire would never forget who the true rulers of Astaira should be. It felt as if both parties were trying not to make eye contact with the other as Amira went through the motions of being a hostess. Aria knew the cold and unfeeling look behind her eyes well and wondered if Eithne had been so unlucky as to spend much time with the Emperor's rumored Witch-Queen.

As the pair sat, an overly elaborate tea setting that was clearly of the Varmont Empire, displayed on the table in front of them, Amira spoke the name that suddenly made this entire event make sense to the Astairan Princess.

Eithne, for her part, had no idea about the goings on at the palace between the Imperial Prince and the middle Staford daughter and while Aria herself had no spies telling her what had transpired at Malconaire, she had been suspicious of something for weeks now. It had all but been confirmed at Guin's ball when she'd seen Arthur make his way with quite a bit of haste across the hall upon the steward announcing the family's arrival.

Aria had known Eithne Malconaire her entire life-- she was her sister's dearest friend-- and had seen how often she turned the head of a young man. It was no surprise at all that Arthur Varmont had taken a liking to her. It was no surprise that's where he'd been riding off to so often-- Malconaire, all green and warm and bright with the kindest hostess one could ever want. Of course he'd wish to be there with Eithne.

And that was not her fault. Her kind ways and pretty face had landed her here in this castle and prison being eyed by the Witch Queen. Aria was well practiced in pushing out emotions-- even emotions she herself did not wish to confront-- for the good of her people and in the moment she did just that.

"You mean to tell us you've invited us here simply because of your step-son?" Aria questioned suspiciously. She met Amira's eye, not wanting to drop her gaze, wanting to try and understand what the Queen wished to gain from this social gathering. "Shall he be joining us? I don't believe I've ever seen any of the Imperial Princes stop for something as trivial as afternoon tea," Aria continued cooly.

Eithne was silent, though Aria noted from the corner of her eye the woman's hand was grasping the arm of her chair quite tightly. Eithne was lost in thought-- Arthur had not been mentioned to her since he'd last left Malconaire days ago. That had been the day she'd told him about her engagement to Cassimir, the day everything between them had changed entirely. She couldn't see him-- not yet and not here at the palace.

Tea for Three | Amira & Aria & Eithne

"Here," said Amira, forming a smile. "Sit here."

The room was ana small one, intimate in its scale and yet, made of almsot entirely glass, open to the sky. It had been one of Eilionora's favorite rooms in all the palace, but she had scarcely seen it since the Varmont occupation had begun and, now, she might have been stunned to see it so transformed by sudden winter in spring. Ice licked the wide glass panes, its frosty prints seeming to tune the pale stone all to muted marble.

Still, Amira welcoming to young women into the room -- one of whom was amongst its rightful owners -- took little heed of winter's wroth or its frosty caress upon the building in which they weathered it. At the recent ball, Amira had noted the attentions which her stepson, Arthur, had unabashedly paid to each of the two women she'd invitd to tea and she turned her apprising gaze upon them, instead.

Though she smiled, there was something in the gaze that left something wanting -- some strange hunger that never seemed to leave her. Emotion had long since ceased to be natural to her, and its facsimile she wore with some difficulty. The only thing she felt was raw. She no longer recalled how to doll it up with sweetness. Her eyes were dissecting where she meant to appear warm. So she smiled, wolfish, heedless of the effect, and welcomed her unwilling guests.

"I am so glad you were, the both of you, able to come. I know my stepson, dear Prince Arthur, will be most pleased to see you both," she added, arching a brow. "He is so very fond of you each."

#ope i hope this isn't too scattered #the DRAMA #i live for it #amira varmont #aria stafford #eithne malconaire

[forgotteneithne]

Eithne hadn't been ready for this. She hadn't been expecting this, she wasn't ready for this conversation... so she simply blurted out the first thing she thought of.

"Cillian."

She watched Cassimir's face contort and she quickly continued, trying to slow her thoughts. She knew this was the moment when she needed to set the conditions with Cassimir for their marriage. Any changes she might try to make after this moment would be picked apart by Valentina (even more than she would undoubtedly already pick apart what she asked for now!) and sow the seeds of doubt in Cassimir's mind.

"What I mean is, Papa and I had discussed that, when the time came, Cillian would be appointed the estate's steward. Papa never told him outright, never wanted him to feel beholden to us should he wish to leave Malconaire one day, but I know Cillian is best man for the job. We haven't had a steward since the war-- there's been no one to overlook the tenant farms, to even find tenant farmers. And I know you and Cillian haven't always..." she paused, trying to find the right words. "... You're both incredibly different people," she finally continued. "But he is the only one who can help me--us-- put things right here."

"Because beyond hiring back the servants... the town, the farms.. they must be attended to and tenants must be found to work the lands. So much of the town is still trying to rebuild from the battle-- they will never be able to recover without our assistance. And once all that is righted... things will begin to set themselves right all across Malconaire. I know together we can help it to thrive but..." she paused. This must be worded delicately.

"I spent years with Papa learning how the finances of the farm are to be managed... how to best assistant our famers at tending the land. I-- I know that most men would wish for a wife only and not a partner but you, Cassimir, you are not like most men, are you? Which is why I know you will not object to me saying that we should not only be husband and wife... Lord and Lady... but we should be partners in all decisions regarding the estate-- the finances, the town, where we should focus our spending. Together we will make it such a success."

Eithne knew she was a fool not to ask for more, but she also was aware that her final request would be the hardest of all for him to achieve.

"You're right... of course. In fact..." Eithne paused. "Perhaps we should delay announcing our news until after the Imperial Princess's celebration. We should not seem as if we are trying to outshine her on her name day-- not when this is the first celebration thrown by the emperor. Do you not agree?"

"I... I know you've always cared for me, Cassimir," Eithne half expected her step mother to come flying into the room as she spoke, already objecting to what Eithne was about to say. "How could I not when you offer a home for my sisters without me even asking? But... there is one more thing and I know you may object but I do not think we will ever be able to have a successful marriage-- a proper family-- without one change to the household..."

Eithne brought her own hand up to his as he touched her cheek, looking up at him with as much warmth as she could muster in her eyes.

"You must move your mother to the dower house, Cassimir. She may take whatever she desires to furnish the house and will pay for all improvements she feel must be made-- within reason-- but she cannot stay in the house with us. And her spending," Eithne added quickly. "A monthly allowance for her needs and running her household. Of course she will always be welcome to visit here, always be family to us, but..." she dropped her hand from his.

"Please tell me you understand how important this is for us."

For a Moment with You | Cassimir & Eithne

The kitchens, which would have otherwise been unknown to Cassimir, had become his favorite spot in the house. It was there that he was guaranteed to see Eithne: appearing almost angel like against the warm light of the great ovens where she worked.

He began his daily visits out of necessity -- his mother did not believe that his step-sisters ought to join them for meals (there was simply too much for them to do!), nor did they often join them to sit by the fire in the evenings ("they ought to be getting their rest"), so if Cassimir wished to see Eithne, at all, he must make the journey to the servants part of the estate.

But he quickly found that he not only enjoyed her company, he found comfort, also, in the warm and inviting space she and her sisters had cultivated there -- a far cry from the deeply formal rooms his mother had decorated upstairs. Although he appreciated her elegant and refined tastes, he hoped Eithne would bring some of her own homey touches (like the fresh wild flowers) to the place once they were married.

Today Cassimir brought with him a fresh bouquet of pale pink roses -- the last of the season -- to hopefully brighten his day with one of Eithne's smiles. Valentina often said that Eithne had put a spell upon him and as Cassimir looked upon her now, he half wondered if maybe his mother had been right about that, after all.

"For you," He said, placing the flowers gently into her hands, "Have you heard word of the celebration that is to be held in honor of the Princess's birthday? I mean to insist to Mother that she lets you and your sisters attend -- would that please you, Eithne? I'm certain it will be an evening not soon forgotten. The Emperor cares deeply for his eldest daughter and I'm sure he shall not spare any expense."

#for a moment with you #cassimir malconaire

[forgotteneithne]

"Tell them what, exactly?" Eithne inquired with a knowing smile as she placed a cup of tea in front of Sebastian.

"It is our secret... I promise. You are very good to think of us-- and our servants-- and extend such a kindness to everyone."

If she thought too much about it, Eithne realized she had quite complicated thoughts regarding the Varmont princes that frequented their home so often. One thought that wasn't complicated, however, was that Sebastian was exceedingly kind and thoughtful. While Eithne's opinion of Arthur and Edmund wasn't quite as negative as Brigit's could be, she did often feel as if Sebastian had a gentle countenance his brothers did not possess.

"Oh, you mustn't mind Brigit," Eithne assured him with a bit of a chuckle. "Everyone says its Aoife who is the most difficult sister to win over but I would say, perhaps, its Brigit... She's always been our protector and she takes that role very seriously. Especially seriously since we lost out father..."

Eithne quickly moved past the topic, grinning as Sebastian laughed. "I am sure Aoife will be more than happy to show you the best places to hide. She and the Princess were experts at making themselves scarce during parties! But yes... I think we're all looking forward to seeing the palace again. It will be quite interesting to see how your family celebrates a name day... I confess I have only attended name day celebrations for those from Astaira. It must be quite interesting, travelling as you have with your father, to experience traditions of all these different countries. I would find that exceedingly fascinating, having never left Astaira myself."

Solitude || Sebastian + Eithne

Eithne hadn't expected to see Sebastian arriving, alone, at the estate that day. In fact, Eithne hadn't been expecting anyone. Her step mother had dragged both Sonya and Aoife into town-- Sonya to shop for some new item that Valentina thought would impress the princes and Aoife to carry things and be snipped at throughout the outing. Cassimir was away on some sort of business and Rosie and Brigit had gone off with some task to achieve that they'd only vaguely explained to their eldest sister.

The house hadn't been this quiet for some time. Eithne had cleaned, prepped their meal for that evening, and was lazily kneading dough as she watched the clouds roll in when she caught sight of the approaching rider.

She'd watched from the kitchen window as Sebastian dismounted his horse and made his way up to the kitchen door. Grinning, she'd boosted herself up, pushing open the window and popping her head out.

"Hello."

She hadn't meant to catch him off guard but he clearly hadn't been expecting anyone to be there. He was knelt by the door and jumped at the sound of her voice. She grinned apologetically when his eyes met hers.

"What've you got there?" Eithne inquired, pushing herself up on her toes a bit to try and get a better view. Realizing she was being a bit rude, she hopped off her stool and went to open the door.

"Come in and see if those rainclouds pass," she gestured him inside. "Where are your cohorts this day?"

#sebastian varmont #solitude

[forgotteneithne]

“ am i not good enough? ” (cassimir x eithne)

Seven Years Previous Despite her father's study door being shut, the loud voices carried into the hallway.

"That is not what I said, Cassimir. Please do not put words into my mouth."

Eithne had a mere seconds to hurry away from the door before it was thrown open with a great force. Cassimir stalked out, slamming the door shut behind him before he noticed Eithne standing in the hall.

"Eithne."

He was surprised to see her which had been her intent-- not to surprise him, specifically, but the entire family. It had been near six months since she'd been back to Malconaire, having been attending to the Queen. Both her majesty's schedule and unseasonably long winter season had made travel from the capitol to her home impossible.

Eithne would never admit out loud that Cassimir had not been high on the list of people she'd hope would be there to greet her upon her arrival. Still, she offered him a smile, hoping Cassimir would not realize that she had heard the end of his argument with her father.

"Hello, Cassimir. Are you--"

"What are you doing here?" he interrupted her. Eithne was taken aback by his question. This was her home. Why should anyone questions why she was there?

"I've come as a surprise for Roisin's name day," Eithne explained. She had missed Aoife's name day that year and had not yet forgiven herself for it. She knew she could not disappoint her baby sister.

"I see."

Cassimir was staring at her as if trying to remember something about his eldest step sister. Eithne found herself taking a small step away from him unconsciously, unsure of what to say next.

Thankfully, her father's study door opened at that moment, the kind familiar face lighting up as he beheld his eldest daughter standing there.

"Eithne!" he proclaimed, brushing past Cassimir to embrace his eldest daughter. Eithne hugged her father, but couldn't help but notice her step brother wordlessly storming down the hall and disappearing downstairs without another word.

#i was thinking that even BEFORE the whole “oh i'm in love with my step sister” thing #these two might have had a pretty odd relationship #with the whole heir thing #cassimir malconaire #drabble

[forgotteneithne]

#I LOVE THIS!! #roisin malconaire #aoife malconaire #brigit malconaire

[forgotteneithne]

Reunited || Eilia + Eithne

Eithne realized she'd almost been ignoring the fact that she would have the chance to be reunited with Eilia the night of the Princess's name day celebration. She'd said to many people she was looking forward to seeing her again but the reality didn't sink in until she saw Eilia standing not as the ruler of the the country but instead off to the side with Roderick center stage.

There had been a bubble at Malconaire, she realized, that she'd been living in for the past two years. Even though their circumstances were less than ideal, Eithne realized she'd never really acknowledged everything that had happened. So when Eithne, leaning against the cold stone wall attempting to recover from a disastrous interaction with her step mother, found herself turning to see Eilia standing just a few feet away from her.

She knew there had to be guards with eyes on them. She knew she needed to think about her actions, think about who could be watching. She didn't though. She immediately hurried towards Eilia, stopping when the other woman noticed her.

"... Eilia..." Eithne's voice was barely above a whisper as she took a small step towards the former queen. And then quickly another and another before she reached the former queen, throwing her arms around her in an embrace.

"I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry..." she whispered to her friend before pulling away to look at her. She wasn't exactly sure what she was sorry for-- there were so many things. She was sorry that Malconaire had abandoned the Queen after the Battle, thanks to her step family. She was sorry she hadn't managed to see Eilionora in two years. She was sorry she lately spent her happiest days laughing and smiling with the son of their conqueror and Eilia's captor.

Eithne could feel the tears threatening to fall and tried to will them away, forcing a smile on her face.

"I've missed you."

#I was just screaming “Yes! this!” to all the ooc #so... ic comment #but the fact they're both their fathers heirs! THAT ESPECIALLY #reunited #eilia stafford

[forgotteneithne]

"Always our champion," Eithne curtsied to Brigit with a grin. She teased her sister, but Eithne knew Brigit was better up to the task that Cassimir at times.

"... but leave Prince Sebastian be, will you? We both know it takes a rare being to befriend our Aoife and he's put in a good effort. I don't believe anyone with ill intent would put that much dedication into befriending our sister."

"Dearest, why should I keep my guard up when I have you here keeping an eye on me?" Eithne teased, but her smile quickly faded at the look on Brigit's face. "Imagine if you didn't have a place to call home like we have Malconaire..." Eithne's eyes drifted from her sister towards the window. "I'm sure they think they've made themselves right at home at the castle but that's not where their people are from, that's not where they have memories or lived experiences.. its not really a home."

Eithne looked back to Brigit knowing her answers would never satisfy her.

"Why do you find that hard to believe?" Eithne asked, glancing away from her sister quickly. Arthur had never said any intentions out loud but Eithne had always known that was because he couldn't have any intentions. It didn't matter how the pair felt about one another-- there wasn't a future. Eithne knew it might be selfish but, for now, she was perfectly fine with things exactly as they were. This was an escape for both of them. Soon enough reality would come crashing down upon them all.

"I believe friendship is exactly what his intentions are," Eithne assured her sister. She finally looked up, meeting her eye again. "You know me, Brigit. It would never be more than that."

"Enough of this. Tell me-- how was your day? I want no more talk of princes."

What's Best for You | Brigit & Eithne

"How can you encourage him?"

The young Varmont prince was riding away, back to his palace. It had been the third time he had frequented their estate this week.

Arthur always paid particular attention to Eithne whenever he was there. So much so that it was clear to everyone there (especially Valentina, which did bring Brigit some satisfaction) that she was his one objective in calling on them at all. Brigit was not especially found of this arrangement, but ultimately she believed it was harmless. Arthur could not marry her and Eithne would never agree be his mistress. And Brigit did rather enjoy the look on Cassimir's face when Eithne's attentions were fixed entirely on somehow else.

Still, Brigit didn't understand how Eithne could listen to half the things Arthur Varmont without rolling her eyes. Even without bearing the Varmont name, he was completely insufferable and his attentions towards her sister utterly repulsive. His one redeeming quality was that, she supposed, he was a better alternative to Cassimir. (But what a low bow their step-brother had set).

"I almost envy the patience you must have to get through it, but then I remember how horrible the experience must be and I think better of it. I am too selfish to desire to have all of your goodness," She teased, linking arms with her sister as they headed back towards the house, "What did he say to you this time? Did he congratulate you on being selected to spend an afternoon in the shadow of all of his glory?" Brigit laughed, sure that this was only just a slight exaggeration.

#brigit malconaire #what's best for you

[forgotteneithne]

I pulled all the wonderful ideas Kate had from the comments and dropped them all here! Defender/Protector Succor Oakensteel Truth Wisdom Enduring Battlebreach (yes this is just a translation of Excaliber no I am not sorry 😂😂😂) Grief/Mourning (for the alliteration) Memory Firebrand Guardian Harmony Quicksilver Oakreaver Sorrow Covenant Ivycleaver Snowdrop Leal Faith

and the family motto ideas too! ‘truth daughter of time’ ‘always the same’ ‘loyalty binds me’ ‘the time will come’ ‘the most happy/fortunate (the word had both meanings at the time’ ‘to be useful in all I do’ ‘ humble & loyal’ ‘Bound to obey and serve’ ‘god (guardians) send me well to keep’ ‘I always remember’ ‘humble and reverent’ ‘method & order’ ‘without changing’ ‘in my end is my beginning’ ‘gods (guardians) will sufficeth me’ ‘keep troth’

the mysteriously missing sword of malconaire

just going ahead and putting those comments in their own post (and secretly hoping someone who is better than naming swords than me will think up a good name for lord m's sword!) (and i also just like alliteration ;)

phabblebabbles @forgottenarthur @forgottenbrigit ope sorry now i'm off on another tangent because thinking 1) did lord m have an ancestral sword and 2) did he take it to battle and 3) DOES CASSIMIR HAVE IT NOW or 4) did cillian hide it somewhere after the battle of malconaire?!

lizzydobbs @phabblebabbles @forgottenarthur omg!!! you know lord m has an ancestral sword that he took to battle and died with and honestly I can see it going either way??? ooohh maybe cassimir has it (or thinks he does) but cillian has since taken it from him and cassimir won't notice that it is missing until he goes to use it and it's not there

forgottenarthur @lizzydobbs @phabblebabbles THE ANCESTRAL MALCONAIRE BLADE STOPPP IM SOBBING (i looove swords you guys i love them 'an elegant weapon, for a more civilized age,' as obi-wan says etc <3) but also!! im honestly thinking now that cillian probs ~did take lord m's sword when he died and he probs (secretly) presented it to eithne as the one true heiress of malconaire and IM CREY picturing that ngl but yeah whether cassimir discovered it afterwards? idk?

forgottenarthur @lizzydobbs 'or thinks he does!!!' oooooh omg maybe cillian also had a forgery made by the local blacksmith (im sure he'd be friends w that person and perhaps they kept the secret or whatever? and/or cillian told the smith that the forgery was for eithne to remember her dad by if he didn't trust the smith to keep the secret hahaha) for cassimir and valentina to 'find' on the battlefield bc im sure the sword is an important symbol of the possessor's right to rule etc

so for SURE cillian found that sword considering he was w/ lord m when he died! i love that he wanted to give it to eithne <3 guessing when they all got back to malconaire valentina was like -yoink!- that's a sword for the heir, my precious son, as you can see by this very legitimate and not at all fake signature on this document!

BUT ALSO love the idea that cillian has since -yoinked!- that sword right back and has it hidden somewhere! (i'm sure aoife would try to hide it under the floor boards if she could!) i cant imagine cassimir drags it out much? (i'm sure he has his own swords he prefers-- plus it was with the man he had a complex relationship when said man died?!)

#valentina malconaire #cassimir malconaire #eithne malconaire #brigit malconaire #cillian frost #aoife malconaire #roisin malconaire

[forgotteneithne]

arthur/eithne: "why are you talking like we'll never see each other again?"

Eithne took a deep breath before speaking again.

"That's not what I meant to imply," Eithne answered slowly. "I just..." she paused. She'd had this conversation again and again over the past weeks but she had known with him it would be different-- with him her heart would hurt in a different way than it had when she'd seen the despair on her sisters' faces.

"You will always be welcome, of course, at Malconaire. My husband-to-be and I would be honored to host you and your family as our first guests after our wedding."

"Your husband-to-be?"

"I'm marrying Cassimir."

Arthur was rendered speechless and Eithne was ashamed at her next action: she fled into the garden, unable to stand the silence. He was following her within seconds.

"Why? What does he have over you to convince you to do such a thing?" Arthur demanded, grabbing Eithne's arm to stop her as she made a beeline for the chicken pen. Eithne whipped around to face him.

"Nothing. This is my own decision," Eithne answered sternly. Arthur seemed unconvinced.

"I won't let this happen. He doesn't deserve you."

"There are reasons I just cannot explain. You have to believe me-- I am doing what is best for myself. My family. My home."

"So he does hold something over you!"

"No, you're not listening--"

"I'll challenge him. For your honor," Arthur proclaimed. Eithne wrenched her arm out of his grasp.

"You will do no such thing!"

"You cannot tell me what I will and will not do-- I am your prince!" Arthur snapped suddenly, almost without thought. The words hung in the air between them and you could see the regret on his face as he realized what he had said. Something ended in that moment-- they'd been balancing on a precarious edge for months now and with that one sentence, they'd slipped into the abyss below.

"Eithne..."

"My most sincere apologies, Your Imperial Highness," Eithne answered, taking a few steps backwards from Arthur. She looked up and met his eyes-- he was silently pleading with her but she knew this was how it had to be.

"I am due to be in the village this afternoon," Eithne continued, trying to keep her voice even. "My step mother and step sister should be home by now-- I am sure they will be more than happy to receive you for tea should you wish to have some refreshments before your trip home."

"Eithne, please," Arthur was walking towards her, arm outstretched. She shook her head and he stopped. "Eithne..."

"Good afternoon, Your Imperial Highness," Eithne sank into a deep curtsey before turning and fleeing through the garden gate before he could see the emotion flooding her face.

#arthur varmont #ask meme #drabble #welp just some normal every day heartbreak drama #no big deal #how torn is valentina rn: eithne is marrying her son but that opens up a prince for her daughter? #also rereading this I realized it kinda made Arthur out to be the issue #and I meant it more as they both are… like neither is communicating well for their own reasons #and eithne just straight up keeping running away #so the bubble is definitely broken

[forgotteneithne]

the mysteriously missing sword of malconaire

just going ahead and putting those comments in their own post (and secretly hoping someone who is better than naming swords than me will think up a good name for lord m's sword!) (and i also just like alliteration ;)

phabblebabbles @forgottenarthur @forgottenbrigit ope sorry now i'm off on another tangent because thinking 1) did lord m have an ancestral sword and 2) did he take it to battle and 3) DOES CASSIMIR HAVE IT NOW or 4) did cillian hide it somewhere after the battle of malconaire?!

lizzydobbs @phabblebabbles @forgottenarthur omg!!! you know lord m has an ancestral sword that he took to battle and died with and honestly I can see it going either way??? ooohh maybe cassimir has it (or thinks he does) but cillian has since taken it from him and cassimir won't notice that it is missing until he goes to use it and it's not there

forgottenarthur @lizzydobbs @phabblebabbles THE ANCESTRAL MALCONAIRE BLADE STOPPP IM SOBBING (i looove swords you guys i love them 'an elegant weapon, for a more civilized age,' as obi-wan says etc <3) but also!! im honestly thinking now that cillian probs ~did take lord m's sword when he died and he probs (secretly) presented it to eithne as the one true heiress of malconaire and IM CREY picturing that ngl but yeah whether cassimir discovered it afterwards? idk?

forgottenarthur @lizzydobbs 'or thinks he does!!!' oooooh omg maybe cillian also had a forgery made by the local blacksmith (im sure he'd be friends w that person and perhaps they kept the secret or whatever? and/or cillian told the smith that the forgery was for eithne to remember her dad by if he didn't trust the smith to keep the secret hahaha) for cassimir and valentina to 'find' on the battlefield bc im sure the sword is an important symbol of the possessor's right to rule etc

so for SURE cillian found that sword considering he was w/ lord m when he died! i love that he wanted to give it to eithne <3 guessing when they all got back to malconaire valentina was like -yoink!- that's a sword for the heir, my precious son, as you can see by this very legitimate and not at all fake signature on this document!

BUT ALSO love the idea that cillian has since -yoinked!- that sword right back and has it hidden somewhere! (i'm sure aoife would try to hide it under the floor boards if she could!) i cant imagine cassimir drags it out much? (i'm sure he has his own swords he prefers-- plus it was with the man he had a complex relationship when said man died?!)

#ooc #cillian frost #valentina malconaire #cassimir malconaire #eithne malconaire #brigit malconaire #aoife malconaire #roisin malconaire