( CLOSED ) and an open cage

[unprays]

Who: sansa stark (unprays) & a buncha people
What: holiday ball & january plot things
When: december & january
Where: olympia, the south outpost, somewhere around wyver
Warning(s): your standard game of thrones warnings apply, just in case

( individual starters in comments!! feel free to either write up a starter for us, leave a blank comment and wait for me to write us something, or poke me @ celen for more specific plottings!

just as a heads-up, i'll be in japan from dec 21 to jan 5, so tags will be very slow going until i'm back! please bear with me in the meantime ♥ )

Comments

[panzersoldat]

[ Reinhardt has been really enjoying himself at this celebration. He loves this sort of thing. It's everything he's ever imagined. He's not really done a fancy ball in ages. The last he can really remember is back in his Crusader days, before the Crisis really got bad. This is so much better. There's only one thing that is missing. And that is the dancing. He's really wanted to dance, but the pickings are few and far between.

Until he sees the young lady. She's lovely. She reminds him a bit of a a princess. He knows he's a bit old, but he wants to at least try. If nothing else, she'll surely have a good laugh at it. At some massive scarred veteran wanting to dance with her. Still, he's careful in his approach, so that he's at least not too intimidating. The includes giving her a sweeping bow when he finishes his walk up to her. ]

I had been wondering when it was I would finally see a princess. [ Does he know she's actually a high born lady? No. Does that matter? No. To Reinhardt, all young women are princesses (even the ones that can kick his ass) ] Would you do this old man the deepest honor and dance with me?

[unprays]

[ she arrives at the Grand Hall with a cautious mindset, careful and keeping to herself, mostly talking to those she knows — but slowly, it ebbs away, to be replaced with something more light, cheery. that perhaps this night, she can have fun, a ball like she never truly got to experience in King's Landing.

and so when a man so big he reminds her of Sandor Clegane (briefly, only briefly, for when he speaks it is far from the gruff, clipped tones of the Hound), instead of being on guard, she holds her black dress as she curtseys with a light laugh. ]

I must disappoint you, ser, as I am not a princess... and so you're doing me the honour of asking me. [ and then, as she straightens, ] I would love to dance with you. [ once, her laugh may have been unkind — now, her smile is warm and genuine. she knows how to tell empty words apart from those that are meant, now, and something that is truly meant should be answered in kind. ]

[panzersoldat]

[ The little bob of curtsy has him smiling back just even more warmly as he extends his hand to take hers. He knows he must be careful of her. But he always is. He would never harm a lady. ] Come now, miss. You are no disappointment. And on this day, every lovely young lady is a princess, regardless of her station.

[ He's so happy that she agreed and he feels so proud, guiding her towards the floor. Eager to ply flattery because to him it's the truth. To him, she is indeed a beautiful princess and he is lucky to have gotten this honor.]

I just hope I can live up to your expectations. [ Reinhardt takes care in the polite placement of hands. His are so big that resting them in the small of her back takes up a large portion of it. He'll wait until the beat to take a condifent first step. ]

[unprays]

That is very kind of you to say, ser.

[ she can't help but smile, feeling honestly charmed — he seems to truly mean it, and she thinks it's a sweet thought. not every girl was highborn, and so on a day like this one... perhaps those who were not could feel like they were.

she follows his lead, laughing lightly when he speaks of expectations. ]

I am sure you will. So far, I have only danced with my brother, and though he was hailed as a king in my home, he's more of a swordsman than a dancer. [ and so her expectations aren't very high... ]

[panzersoldat]

Your brother is a king? [ His voice is light, almost awed. He's spoken to kings over the networks, yet he's never met a one of them. And here, he is dancing with a sister of a king! ] Then you are a truly a high born lady and I am even more honored by this. However, forgive me for saying, but your brother needs to know there is more to being king than swinging his sword.

A sword is important but it should be peace he is after and in peace, there are things like this to look forward to. Any lord should be able to dance, both on the field of battle and off of it!

[ He certainly knows what he's talking about, at least dancing wise. Reinhardt takes his steps with confidence, keeping his stride to hers. He's not here to show her up and drag her around the floor. She is the jewel that is to be shown off and he is just there as a prop to show the world how graceful and lovely this young lady is. ] I know I have done this backwards and you must forgive me, but may I also have your name? Or shall I just consider you the mysterious young beauty, like in the storybooks.

[unprays]

High born, yes. But only back home — none of it matters much, here. [ though the comment about Jon makes her breathe out a laugh. ]

You're forgiven, ser. My brother was hailed king at a time of war, you see. There wasn't much occasion for dances.

[ he certainly knows what he's doing, not only with dancing but with his words, too — she wonders, for a moment, how sincere he is. but she smiles at him, still. ]

My name is Sansa. Sansa Stark.

[panzersoldat]

[ There is a warm and indulgent smile from the old knight. He can only shake his head. He knows that titles don't matter here. King or commoner, they're all equal here. However, he also understands respect. ] It might not matter, but that doesn't erace who you were. So with your permission, I will still call you My Lady, if this is agreeable.

[ He continues their effortless and masterful glide around the room. His smile is honest, pulling at the corners of his eyes. Though at talk of war, there is a slight sad understanding in the one that remains. He clearly has seen many a battle. ]

I see. Well, I can only hope that both you and he get to enjoy all those missed dances now, Lady Stark. And should you wish to make an old Knight's day once more, I will always have a dance for you.

[ A pause. He can't kiss her hand but he'll give her a vigorous little spin. ] Reinhardt. Reinhardt Wilhelm, at your service, my lady.