[hider=House Tyrell][center][img]https://imgur.com/3Yb8mhw.png[/img][/center] House Tyrell traces its ancestry to Garth Greenhand, the legendary first king of the Reach who made the land bloom. They, along with many other houses in the reach, claim descent from his line, though theirs is through the females of the family. For over a thousand years, the Greenhand’s sons and grandsons ruled the Reach as House Gardener. The offshoots of his daughters grew into vast and powerful houses in their own right. Except for House Tyrell. They instead chose to serve the Gardeners for centuries, as stewards of Highgarden and the daily affairs of the Reach. Then King Mern, the last Gardener King of The Reach, joined forces with Loren Lannister to face the then King Aegon who had landed in Westeros. At the Field of Fire, Aegon burned their armies and Mern himself was killed. Until the maesters sorted out the entail amongst Merns cousins, Harlen the steward was acting lord at Highgarden. He, looking to ensure peace, yielded Highgarden and its lands to King Aegon. The King accepted the proposal and to show his gratitude, entitled Harlen to Highgarden, making the Tyrells his Wardens of the South and choosing them over many older & greater families in the Reach. It has been one hundred years since then and the Tyrells have successfully cared for the Reach and its people, as they did for centuries before. However many houses, including the Florents, can boast a greater claim to Highgarden, and still see the Tyrells as little more than upjumped stewards. That said, the Tyrells are well-liked amongst the common folk, providing bountiful harvests for much of Westeros and commanding a formidable army. The Tyrells have been seemingly loyal to the Targaryean dynasty since Aegon's reign, Lord Martyn, and his wife Lady Fossoway, even serving as master of coin for King Jaehaerys. The two (although it really was Florences doing) proved extremely able and with their help the Seven Kingdoms prospered, King Jaehaerys being able to use the extra gold to expend his project of roads; which includes the roseroad and kingsroad to name a few. [center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/df/aa/8cdfaa3178deedefecb790d711c33efb.jpg[/img][/center] [b]House Members:[/b] [list] [*]Lord Matthos Tyrell (50, born 61 AC) [list][*]Lady Elinor Tyrell née Rowan (46, born 65 AC), his wife [*][s]Garrett Tyrell (born 82 AC), his eldest son, deceased[/s] [*]Ser Leyton Tyrell (27, born 84 AC), member of the Kingsguard, nicknamed [i]The Blushing Rose[/i] [*]Leyla Tyrell (19, born 92 AC), his eldest daughter [*]Alester Tyrell (16, born 95 AC), heir to Highgarden[/list] [*]Ser Rycherd Tyrell (49, born 62 AC), second son of Lord Martyn & Lady Florence. [list][*]Maerie Merryweather (43, born 68 AC), his wife [*]Arthur Flowers (23, born 88 AC). Raised by his mother & little known to his father. Currently working as a sellsword somewhere in Essos. [*]Multiple other legitimate children - including 4 daughters & 2 sons.[/list] [*]Lady Florence Tyrell, née Fossoway (70, born 41 AC) wife of the former Lord Martyn Tyrell[/list] [b]House members[/b] [hider=Lord Matthos Tyrell] [b]Name:[/b] Lord Matthos Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South [b]Age:[/b] 50 (born 61 AC) [b]Appearance:[/b] [center][img] https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d1/eb/91/d1eb915bc48054ef680d7a696d9084f6--king-henry-reign.jpg [/img][/center] A tall, well-built man, Lord Matthos stands at a height of 6 ft exactly and still retains a generally fit physique, though his wife has recently voiced concerns that he is losing weight. Where once sported a crop of thick curly hair, similarly to his son, in recent years he has started to bald and has begun ordering his servants to shave it close, to save himself from any embarrassment. Handsome in his youth with well-defined features and a charismatic smile, he still retains much of his former good looks, though the recent loss of his son has led to the development of a more tired, haggard appearance. When his mood periodically worsens, he will be seen sporting dark circles under his eyes. Once quick to laughter, he is now more prone to stern moods and it is an uncommon sight to see him smile nowadays. Generally he sports a beard that is trimmed short, serving to accentuate his defined jawline. [b]Biography:[/b] Born the first son of Lord Martyn Tyrell and Lady Florence Fossoway, Matthos ended up being the eldest of only two siblings, his sister (whom was only a babe at the time) having died in the winter of 59 AC from the Shivers. With his father the Master of coin (and his mother unofficially aiding him in this), Matthos spent much of his time divided between King’s Landing and Highgarden. With a brother, Rycherd, only a year his latter, the two would run riot around the City, often escaping from the guards so that they could explore around the winding streets & back alleys. When they become of age, they would frequent the brothels and although Matthos insists he has been true since his marriage, it is entirely possible that there is a Tyrell bastard or two running around Kings Landing. Like many other nobles, Matthos saw fit to travel throughout his youth, though chose to meander slowly throughout Westeros rather than cross over the Essos. He and Rycherd together would make there way from inn to inn, drinking and charming any pretty serving girls along the way. Rycherd, a summer knight himself, liked to visit the small tourneys as they travelled and although his skills were variable at best, he seemed to care little whether he won or lost. Always charming and easy on the eyes, Matthos had no problems when it came to courting maidens. It was therefore only when, at the age of 18, he was betrothed to Elinor of House Rowan, that he even begun to contemplate the idea of marriage. The pair married a year later and went on to have four children, Matthos always being particularly close with his eldest Garrett. Elinor sadly miscarried one babe between the births of Leyton and Leyla, the child not even making it a few months in the womb. He happily remained in Highgarden during this time, visiting other Great Houses and King's Landing when required, but otherwise content to remain with his family and look after his people. Since he inherited Highgarden in 84 AC, Matthos' focus had been directed towards maintaining the Tyrells grip on the Reach and quietening the mutterings of those Vassal Houses who still object to their position. This particularly has caused tensions with the Florents, who of all the houses, are still the most vocal about their greater inheritance rights. Although not the most intelligent or cunning Lord who has ever ruled the Reach, Matthos is nothing if not amicable. A great host, he knows how to throw an excellent banquet or a lively tourney, and is known for such gatherings. In his youth he was an excellent drinking partner and even now can outdrink men many years younger. It is through this amicability that he has been able to keep many of the houses on his side, although the mutterings throughout the Reach never cease completely... It was only after the sudden death of his eldest son Garrett in 109 AC, the then heir having passed from a sudden & violent fever, that things begun to change for Lord Matthos. Once a lively and amicable fellow, recent months have seen a marked change in the Lord. Nowadays he is prone to sombre moods, where he will retreat to the solitude of his chambers. Whilst he tries to hide this from his family, his poor appetite and lack of sleep are clearly apparent to them. He does all he can to put on his usual vigour for his guests, but this act is draining to him and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the façade. Matthos also seems to have convinced himself that his son was poisoned and whilst the Maester has tried to reassure him, his inability to be able to explain what killed his son only serves to further antagonise the Lord. With increasing tensions in Westeros and many Vassal houses who still question their position, it is becoming increasingly unclear how Matthos will continue to maintain the Tyrells position in the Reach. [/hider] [hider=Ser Leyton Tyrell] [b]Name:[/b] Ser Leyton Tyrell [b]Age:[/b] 27 (born in 84 AC) [b]Appearance:[/b] [center][img]https://imgur.com/InZq9O3.png[/img][/center] Though not overly short at 5ft 10, Leyton has always been insecure about his height with a brother & father of greater reach than himself. He sports a crop of thick and curly dark brown hair that is classical for the Tyrells and serves to make him look more boyish than he actually his. Dark brown eyes and modestly good-looking, Leyton would have been able to attract a half-decent wife if not for his complete lack of courting abilities. Unlike many lords and ladies from the Reach, Leyton cares little for his appearance. Whilst in his former years he would dress formerly in his house colours, at the behest of his mother, he now prefers to simply dress in his knightly attire when possible. [b]Biography:[/b] A boisterous lad throughout his childhood, Leyton was over-confident and demanding to his peers. If another child did not want to play with him, he would insist on it, running to his father if he did not get his way. Somehow his outgoing nature seemed to make up for this though and he found he could make friends easy enough...though being the son of the Lord Paramount of the Reach may have helped. He often wanted to play at swords and horses, preferring the idea of a real battle over that of a tournament. Lord Tyrell even had the woodworkers craft him miniature soldiers and horses, so that he could act out mock battles, his father secretly taking much amusement in playing this game with him. Though he may not have much of a knack with politics, he consequently has a decent knowledge of battle strategies and tactics. Born the second son of Lord Tyrell, Leyton was never expected to be the heir to Highgarden. His brother Garrett, an intelligent and healthy male two years his elder, was always on course to take over rule once their father passed. The two were close throughout their formative years, Garretts more laid-back and calming attitude helping to balance his brother out. Whilst Garrett would sit in on his father's meetings, studying carefully the ways of a Lord, Leyton instead dreamt of the Kingsguard. And where he could not fight in real battles, he would partake in tourneys. Though many squires and knights dreamt of winning the joust, Leyton only cared for the melees. Naturally agile of foot, with an aptitude for sword-fighting (although you could have handed him any weapon and he would have barrelled on ahead), he became known for his talents, attracting many an approving eye. At the age of 12 he was permitted to go and squire under Ser Bryndon Hightower in Oldtown. A rowdy lad and unused to being told what to do, Leyton had a steep learning curve, nearly being shipped back to Highgarden on more than one occasion. However, Bryndon was the perfect mentor for the boy, having no qualms in putting him in his place. Eventually, he settled into the role and though not studious when it came to books, he was keen on learning all that came with being a knight. He even took pride in polishing the armour to perfection, surprising for a boy who found it difficult to keep still for more than a minute at a time. During his time in Oldtown he also became close with Ormund Hightower, the two training together and providing a [i]somewhat[/i] healthy level of competition for one another. Knighted at twenty, he journeyed to the Stepstones in 107 AC to fight alongside Daemon Targaryean. It took the young Tyrell a while to get his sea legs but on land he was able to prove his worth. A single-minded knight with seemingly unlimited energy, Leyton became known for ceasing only when there was no-one left to fight, never running from a battle or leaving a man behind. He seemed to care little for politics but rather would remain firmly loyal to whomever he had pledged himself. Likely the young Tyrell would have remained in the Stepstones far longer if not for his family, the chaos of fighting & piracy suiting him down to a tee. His father and grandmother disliked that he was fighting for Daemon, concerned that is would reflect on the Tyrells as a whole, therefore he begrudgingly returned to The Reach. It was not long after his return, and after a rather splendid effort at a small tourney his father had thrown, that Leyton was offered a place in the Kingsguard. Leyton suspects that his grandmother may have had a hand to play in it, although she denies it to this day and states that it was simply his prowess & reputation that must have gained the Kings attention. Though he will never have a wife or lands, this is probably for the best as his methods of courting ladies are dubious at best, usually involving talking in gory details about battles & war tactics. Either that or he becomes so daunted by the prospect of talking to a lady in his fancy, that he will became overly drunk. To his dismay the other members of the Kingsguard have taken to naming him [i]The Blushing Rose[/i] due to the lovely shade of rouge that spreads across his cheeks whenever he speaks to a pretty maiden. Only a few short months after Leyton had arrived at Kings Landing, his eldest brother become suddenly ill with a great fever. The maesters tried all their remedies but no cure could be found, and only a week later he passed on with the aid of milk of the poppy. A tragedy for the family and the Reach as a whole, the Tyrells still mourn his loss to this day. With Leyton in the Kingsguard, the mantle passed down to the next youngest son. Alester, a boy of sixteen, smart enough though a tad too bookish for his fathers liking, was now burdened with the future of being the next Lord Tyrell. For now Leyton remains at Kings Landing, intent on staying true to his pledge and serving his King faithfully. His temperament has certainly calmed as he has aged, though he still can be stubborn and single-minded in his pursuits. Once he has decided on something, he will follow it through to the end. That provides a double-edge sword in many situations, but it also means that he is loyal to a fault. Its not clear what his views are on the issues of Targaryean inheritance, for he does not speak of it, though it is likely that he would serve whoever next ruled, regardless of whom they were.   [/hider] [hider=Leyla Tyrell] [b]Name:[/b] Leyla Tyrell [b]Age:[/b] 19 (born in 92 AC) [b]Appearance:[/b] [center][img]https://imgur.com/uvTWaR7.png[/img][/center] At only 19 years of age, Leyla still maintains that bright vigour of youth that has not yet known great trials. She truly encapsulates her family in how she looks, her demure and seemingly innocent appearance hiding her clever mind and sharp wit. Many often underestimate her because of this and still believe she is the same prettily dressed girl who was once paraded around by her mother. She sports the same thick brunette hair as the rest of her family, which she wears long and usually loose. As generally befitting any nobility from the Reach she dresses well and with whatever style is currently common in the region, often wearing a variation on her house colours. [b]Biography:[/b] Leyla Tyrell was born in 92 AC, as the eldest daughter of Lord Matthos Tyrell. Easy-going and often in high spirits, Leyla has always found an ease in speaking to strangers, being able to talk on simple matters and deeper subjects alike. She would often be paraded around at banquets as a small child, her easy manners and surprisingly clever wit seeming to delight the other nobility. No-one can deny that she was loved by her parents but much of her youth seemed to be seemed to revolve around ceremony and putting on a show, her mother being the driving force behind this. Lady Elinor would take her on long journeys throughout the Reach, visiting other Great Houses and small villages alike. Eager to please her mother and naturally outgoing in nature, Leyla was happy to play the part, albeit begrudgingly at times. All of this would have likely produced a rather silly and frivolous girl, if not for her grandmother, whom had seen the spark of intelligence in the young Tyrell. Florence insisted that she had strict instruction under both the Septa & the house Maester, and unlike Leyton who had fought against such boring lessons throughout his own youth, Leyla was happy to learn. Consequently close throughout the years, Florence is now an old lady whose health is ailing with each passing day and who rarely leaves Highgarden. However, Leyla still enjoys visiting her in her chambers and will often go to her to seek advice or simply listen to her stories. When Leyla was but 13, whilst her small party was visiting Oldtown, a boy from House Bulwer quickly became enamoured with her. Inexperienced with love and the art of courting herself, Leyla saw this as a fine opportunity to learn how it worked. Though she had no feelings for him, she played the part, sitting with him at meals and walking with him around the gardens. The romance…if that’s what you could call it, lasted just short of nine days, but Humfrey was a foolish boy who had no wits about him, save for some superficial charm, and mistook lust for love. Thus, Leyla found herself walking by the harbour, trying to ignored the strong smell of fish, being proposed to by a boy who thought this was a suitable time or location. She instantly denied him, apologising for leading him on and stating that she did not think they were a suitable match. At first he seemed to take this gracefully enough, walking her back to her room in a sullen silence. Yet that evening when the guards were switching, he entered her chambers and tried to force himself upon her. Luckily, one of her personal guards came back in time and she was saved from any shame. Instantly telling her mother of what had happened, the two decided to keep it amongst themselves as it would do naught but ruin her reputation if it was found out, paying off the guard and vowing not to speak of it again. Since that day, she has been increasingly cautious and does not give her trust over easily. It unfortunately seems she has become known for being difficult to court, having denied other men since – although many seem to view this as a challenge in of itself. It is not that she does not wish to marry, rather that she simply no longer suffers fools. Whereas once this created tension between her and Lord Matthos, his recent change in demeanour has meant he rarely questions his daughter on this anymore. Her focus instead become on her family, noticing the struggles that her father was having in keeping his Vassal houses loyal, especially with his changing demeanour. The young Tyrell is intent on ensuring her family remain steadfastly at Highgarden, whatever the cost...she has strong instincts of self-preservation for herself and her family, and will do anything to protect them. [/hider][/hider] Here's my lot finally!