Vision For The Future
[Winterfell - Robb & Morgana's Chambers]
The morning light crept through the thick draperies of their bedchamber, casting long, golden fingers across the ornate carpets and polished wooden floors. Queen Morgana Baratheon stirred beneath the furs, her chest rising and falling rhythmically as she breathed in the crisp, wintry air. Beside her, King Robb Stark lay sprawled across the pillows, his dark hair mussed and one muscular arm flung over his head. They lay there, entwined in each other's embrace, oblivious to the world outside their sanctuary in Winterfell, the seat of power in the North.
As they lay there, Morgana idly traced a finger along Robb's chest, her eyes drifting over the familiar contours of his muscles, the strong lines of his jaw, and the way his dark lashes rested against his cheeks. He opened his eyes lazily, meeting her gaze, and smiled, his lips curving into a slow, sensual curve. "My queen," he murmured, his voice rough with desire.
She returned his smile, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers, the strength of his body beneath her fingers. "My king," she breathed, leaning forward to kiss him, their lips lingering for a moment before she pulled away, reluctantly.
Outside their chambers, servants scurried to and fro, preparing for the day's events. But in this sanctuary, protected by the ancient walls of Winterfell, they could pretend that nothing else mattered but each other. They could dream of the future they would create together, of the lands they would rule and the children they would raise.
But, for Morgana, there was another important issue to address; the stark contrast in which men and women are viewed and treated by society.
"Robb, I wish for us to work towards a more equal society," she said, sitting up in bed and resting her back against the headboard. "The women of Westeros deserve the same rights and opportunities as the men."
He nodded thoughtfully, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her. "Aye, Morgana. You know that is something I have always believed in. The time of the Seven Kingdoms' patriarchal rule must come to an end. We will make sure of that when we finally defeat the Night King and his army of the dead."
"A Lady is not merely recognized as an individual but rather reduced to the status of an object Society deems us as beings of lesser value when compared to men." As her words hung momentarily in the air, Morgana paused, allowing her message to resonate.
A furrow formed on her brow as she continued, her gaze cast downward, "When a son is born into this world, there is cause for celebration. For he is immediately hailed as a deserving member of society, regardless of his station in life. Whether he emerges from the humble origins of a lowborn farmer or embraces the honorable path of a blacksmith or an armorer, his existence is seen as contributing to the greater good of Westeros. He is lauded as a servant of justice."
Morgana's tone shifted slightly, her voice imbued with a mix of frustration and melancholy. "Yet, when a daughter is brought into this realm, tears stain the eyes of her parents, for they realize that she will forever be regarded as inadequate, incapable of fully serving the world in the way a son would." Her words reverberated within the chambers, carrying with them a weight that spoke of generations of systemic prejudice.
But Morgana's observations did not solely revolve around society's perception of women. Delving deeper, she explored the unique physical challenges faced by her gender. "Women are burdened with pain from the very moment of our existence," she lamented. "It is our physical destiny to endure the pains of moonbloods, tender breasts, and the rigors of childbirth. We carry these experiences within us throughout our lives, while men never truly comprehend such trials. In their quest to understand and relate, they fabricate gods and demons, inventing reasons to feel guilt for matters that we, as women, have long mastered on our own."
Her voice gained intensity as she highlighted the seemingly paradoxical nature of masculine pursuits. "Men crave sensation and purpose, oftentimes resorting to the creation of wars and conflicts. It is through these violent encounters that they satisfy their desire for emotional connection and meaning. Even in times of peace, they engage in boisterous activities like rugby, seeking to feel alive and united. Meanwhile, the realm that we women inhabit is an endless cauldron of emotions and physical struggles. We carry the pain deep within us, on a perpetual cycle that spans years upon years. And just when we begin to find solace in this intricate dance with our bodies, it all comes to an abrupt halt. Our ability to bear children fades away, and, as if by some cruel decree, our worth diminishes in the eyes of society."
"To say that a woman is just a 'something' to be given or taken, married off, and kept obedient is to deny her the very essence of her being," Morgana said. "Women are not just ornaments or tokens to be bartered. We are extraordinarily capable, and with the right opportunities, we can shape the world in ways just as profound as any man. A Lady is expected to be a beauty, a wife, a mother. Her worth is determined by her appearance and her ability to bear children. She is confined to a life of domesticity and passes from her father's care to her husband's care as if she were mere property, to be traded and used as they see fit. She is a somebody only as a means to an end, a tool for inheritance, for peace treaties between houses, for political alliances. And even then, her worth is measured solely by her ability to produce healthy sons. But I refuse to accept that. I refuse to believe that I, or any other daughter, is destined to be a mere accessory to a man's greatness. We, as women, are capable of so much more than society allows us to be. We can be rulers and warriors, scholars and leaders. We have the strength and intelligence to shape the world in our own right. A woman's value should not be limited to her appearance or her ability to bear children. She has the same potential for intelligence, strength, and impact as any man. She should be able to pursue her own ambitions, to have a voice and presence in the world, and not be limited by the expectations placed upon her because of her gender. It is time for society to recognize the equality and worth of all individuals, regardless of gender. It is time for daughters to be celebrated, for their potential and capability to be nurtured and supported, and for them to be given the opportunity to serve the world in whatever way they choose."
Morgana's words carried a weight of ages of discrimination and imbalance. In the eyes of society, a daughter is seen as something of lesser significance than a son. Her fate is predetermined from the moment she is born. She is destined to be married off, to serve her husband and bear his children. Even her parents, who should be her greatest supporters, mourn her arrival as the world sees her as unworthy of contributing in the way a son would.
Her words hung in the air, heavy with conviction and determination. She had spoken of a future where women were no longer seen as second-class citizens, where their worth was not measured by their ability to bear children or serve as ornaments for men. Instead, she envisioned a world where women were free to pursue their dreams, to follow their passions, and to make their mark on history.
"Yet, despite these challenges, we continue to persevere. We learn to embrace our femininity, to find strength in our vulnerability. We forge our own paths, creating meaning in the seemingly mundane moments of our lives. We raise children, tend to our homes, and nurture our families, all while secretly yearning for a world where our contributions are valued equally to those of our male counterparts."
"We are not asking for special treatment; we are merely seeking the same opportunities afforded to men. We want to be able to pursue our dreams without being held back by society's expectations. We want our voices to be heard and our accomplishments to be celebrated. We want to be seen as more than just wives and mothers, more than just objects of desire. We want to be respected for who we are, for our intelligence, our strength, and our resilience."
"I know this firsthand. I was the eldest child of the King, but because I lacked a cock, I was overlooked, cast aside for my younger brother. From that moment, I made a promise to myself. I will not be a something. I will be a somebody, and I will show the world the power and worth of women. And I will prove that a daughter's worth is equal to that of a son, and my parents will not weep for the daughter they have raised."
She turned to her husband, seeing him staring intently, pure admiration evident in his eyes.
"I know you are a man of honor and integrity, my love," she said, "and I know that you will raise our sons to be men who respect women, who recognize their equality, and who will help to usher in a new age where women are no longer seen as second-class citizens. Together, we can change the world, my love. We can make it a better place for our children, for our daughters, and for all the women who come after us."
Her words seemed to hang in the air, a promise of hope and change. Robb felt a swell of emotion in his chest, proud of the woman by his side and confident in their shared vision for a brighter future. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently.
"I am honoured to stand beside you, my queen," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Together, we will make sure that our sons grow up knowing the value of respect and equality. They will learn from your strength and wisdom, and they will be the ones to carry on your legacy. They will be the ones to help shape a world where daughters are no longer seen as mere accessories, but as the equals they truly are. Together, we will make a difference."
Reflecting on her tumultuous lineage, Morgana couldn't help but acknowledge a startling truth that her mother, Cersei, had once uttered amidst her tumultuous reign: the Gods, in their divine power, were indeed devoid of mercy. It was this lack of mercy that elevated them to the realms of deity. In contrast, the concept of mercy was traditionally associated with the Mother, a symbol of nurturing and compassion. Morgana found herself grappling with the perplexing paradox that existed within her own existence, wondering how a supposed symbol of mercy could turn a blind eye to the suffering of the innocents, allowing them to wither away and face the cruel fate of starvation.
Perhaps, Morgana mused, the true role of the Mother was not to bestow mercy upon the world, but rather to teach it. To raise her children with the understanding that mercy was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to the strength of character and empathy. To show them that the world could be a better place if only we chose to make it so. And so, as she raised her own children, Morgana vowed to instill in them a sense of compassion and understanding, to teach them that their actions, no matter how small, could have a ripple effect on the world around them.
She would tell them stories of her own struggles, of the injustices she had faced and overcome, and of the women who had come before her, whose names had been lost to history but whose spirits lived on in the faces of their descendants. She would teach them about the power of sisterhood, of the strength that comes from standing together against adversity, and of the importance of using their voices to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves.
Morgana would show them that the world was not always as it seemed, that there were hidden truths and complexities that could only be unraveled through critical thinking and a willingness to question authority. She would encourage them to embrace their intelligence, to use it as a tool for understanding and progress, and to never settle for anything less than their full potential.
She would teach them the importance of resilience, of picking themselves up when they fell and dusting themselves off, of learning from their mistakes and growing stronger in the process. She would tell them about the women who had faced adversity and emerged triumphant, their stories serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Morgana would impart upon them the wisdom of her mother, Cersei, as well as the lessons she had learned from her own experiences. She would instill in them a sense of duty to their family, their kingdom, and the world at large. She would raise her sons to be men who respected women, who valued their opinions and contributions, and who would work tirelessly to create a better future for all.
She would teach them about the importance of balance, that even the strongest of leaders must know when to yield, and that true strength lies not only in asserting oneself, but also in knowing when to listen and learn. She would encourage them to explore the world around them, to seek out diverse perspectives and experiences, and to use their privilege and power to uplift those who were less fortunate.
Morgana would instill in her sons a sense of responsibility for the environment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and conservation. She would teach them about the delicate balance of nature and the consequences of human greed and indifference. They would learn about the beauty and fragility of the world they inhabited, and the critical role they played in preserving it for future generations.
She would also impart upon them the value of education, not just in the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, but as a tool for self-improvement and the betterment of society. They would understand that learning was a lifelong process, and that there was always something new to discover, no matter one's age or station in life.
Morgana would teach her children about the importance of self-care, both physical and mental. She would instill in them the value of maintaining healthy habits, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutritious food. They would learn about the importance of managing stress, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed.
She would also emphasize the significance of cultivating their emotional intelligence, encouraging them to express their feelings openly and honestly, to listen actively and empathetically, and to treat others with kindness and respect. Morgana would teach them that emotions are not weaknesses but rather essential components of the human experience, and that understanding and embracing their emotions would make them stronger, more compassionate individuals.
Morgana would instill in her sons a sense of responsibility for their actions, both now and in the future. She would teach them about the ripple effects of their decisions, and the importance of considering the consequences of their choices before acting. They would learn about the power of positive leadership and the responsibility that comes with it, as well as the need to hold themselves accountable when they fall short.
She would also teach them about the importance of personal growth and self-improvement. They would understand that their knowledge and understanding would continue to evolve throughout their lives, and that it was their duty to remain open-minded, curious, and adaptable. Morgana would encourage them to seek out new experiences, to learn from their mistakes, and to never stop striving to become the best versions of themselves.
Morgana's sons would grow up to be men who were intelligent, compassionate, resilient, and driven by a sense of responsibility for their actions and the world around them. They would be leaders in their own right, using their influence and power to uplift those who were less fortunate and to create a better future for all. They would be the embodiment of their mother's wisdom and guidance, carrying her lessons with them throughout their lives.
"You know, for all the bad my mother has done, she was right about one thing. The Gods have no mercy. That's why they're Gods. The Mother is meant to symbolizes mercy, but what mother could allow innocents to starve to death. The father presides over justice. Justice few ever see." She said.
"So you're saying that the Mother and the Father are more like philosophies than actual gods?" Robb asked.
"No, not at all. They are gods, just as much as any other. It's just that the Mother's role has been...twisted, in a way. The real Mother would never stand for the suffering that goes on in this world. She would never let her children starve while she sits on a throne of gold, drinking wine and eating caviar." Morgana paused, taking a deep breath. "No, the Mother is about compassion, about understanding the pain of others and doing whatever it takes to ease that burden. She's about empathy and sacrifice, about putting the needs of others before your own. That's what being a mother is truly about."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Robb could see the determination in her eyes, the steel behind the velvet. He knew that if anyone could change the world for the better, it was Morgana. And he wanted to be a part of that change. He wanted to help her make the world a better place.
"So what now?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "What can we do?"
Morgana looked at him, her eyes softening with understanding and admiration. "We start by taking back our power, Robb. We take back our stories and tell them the way they truly are. We stop letting others define us and our roles. We stop letting the lies of the past dictate our future."
She stood up, her hands on her hips, and surveyed the cityscape around them. "We start by going back to our people, to those who have been hurt and betrayed the most. We show them that there is another way, that there is hope. We show them what it means to be a true mother, a true father, a true god. We show them that love, compassion, and understanding are the true sources of strength. And we do it together, Robb. We stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, and we make our voices heard."
Her words filled Robb with a renewed sense of purpose and determination he had been seeking. He knew that the road ahead would be hard, that they would face many challenges and setbacks. But he also knew that they could not afford to fail. Not if they wanted to make a difference. Not if they wanted to create a better world for their children and their children's children.
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