Army of the Vale and Storms

The old man nodded with the words of his guest, smiling wanly at the recollection of his exploits. Once Gulian might have been able to make the same boasts. Once, when chivalry was all, and his youth was matched only by brash ambition. All the same, it sounded a life of courage and honour. Those were attributes which the lord of Stonehelm was ever looking for in the peerage, and ever disappointed when he could not see it.

"You are of noble stature, and bear yourself with grace befitting of such, my lord Royce. Yes I can see no issue with acquiescing to your request. My niece Johanna has recently come of age for marriage, and she is besmitten with the glories of chivalric histories." The lord's smile broadened as he spoke of the girl. "And the Vale is well known for its protection, so that my brother will be glad to see his child safe in noble company."

Even though I follow different gods than you, I still believe in the Guest's Rights. We aren't Freys after all. Besides, I have lived under the gaze of a spider before.

Harrold replied, looking at the young Arianne. 'We aren't Freys,' that could likely become a term in the future. They committed a most grievous sin, one that would have liked seen them excommunicated to the very root of their blood if the Faith hadn't been some means to an end for the Iron Throne.

The Boneway and the Prince's Pass mean nothing if the seas are controlled by the enemy. Tor, Yronwood, even right at Sunspear, the coast is wide open.

Lord Arryn replies. Any Dornish would know this as everyone knew of the stories of the Conqueror. How he came by dragon and found whole towns abandoned.

But enough of these threats back and forth. Whether or not, His Grace is the rightful king. The spawn of Jaime and Cersei have been declared bastards, your husband is dead, and, of those who remain, only Stannis does. He was brother to Robert Baratheon and his heir since the day he took up the crown, it seems.

Harrold states facts. He glances away to pick up a cup of wine and drinks from it.

We could end this war if you just lay down our banners, your acknowledgment of his rule, and Dorne would know peace, like all the other Seven Kingdoms. Peace benefits everyone, especially given your lands would certainly would enjoy good trade with the Reach, the reunified Stormlands, and King's Landing. Unlike Robert who cared little to rule, Stannis has a mind of ruling. He has given people due justice, he has rewarded those for their loyalty and merit... Stannis is the man who will reunite the Seven Kingdoms.

He raised up Rickon Stark, returned from certain death, and named him Lord Winterfell. He made Jon Snow a Stark. He named me an Arryn as Jon and Robert's heir. He allowed Lannisters and Tyrells to rule their homes as they have for generations. He punished the Boltons by killing Roose and Ramsay, but stayed his hand upon Lord Bolton's infant heir. His sword has cut down the guilty, but protected the innocent.

Harrold repeats the deeds of Baratheon to the Princess of Dorne. All in an effort to show the just and stern rule of the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.

When he came upon King's Landing, he prevented the looting of the people and sought peace with the Faith. All he demanded was that the Faith Militant be disbanded. Even now, High Sparrow still rules from the Great Sept as the elected High Septon. He was not removed by force nor thrown into the Black Cells for anointing pretenders to his claim.

Though Stannis had every right to do more than that.

Yet, all he asked for in return was loyalty. He demands nothing but loyalty for what he has given in return.

Lord Arryn motions to himself.

I owe my allegiance to him for naming me an Arryn, the surname of my mother. For raising me to be the Lord of the Vale.

Harrold picks up his cup again and drinks from it.

I believe he truly only seeks Myrcella Waters. Her fate should be up to him. Beyond that, if you would lower your banners and bend the knee, he will raise you up as his vassal rather than slaying you as a tyrant would. He would expect loyalty for granting you peace, instead of blooding us both, and ask no more than your oath as the Princess of Dorne and the head of your family. A peace for all the Seven Kingdoms.

Lord Arryn glances away for a moment, gazing out at the sea that was some miles away, but within view.

I, along with Lord Morrigen, was told to bring the Stormlands and Dorne back into the fold. He did not tell by sword or diplomacy. But if diplomacy over sword can be achieved, then isn't that better for the both of us?

Perhaps Stannis did not demand of anything more because so many houses gave more than enough to the pretenders.

I will send to His Grace about this news. I would ask that Myrcella Waters be brought to Stonehelm, by boat. She will be taken care and sent to King's Landing from there.

Harrold did not know the fate of this bastard, but that was not his mind to question. She had not been crowned, but others would view her as a means to rally the standard around a new pretender.

I do not think the fire will be her fate. Likely, she will be sent to a Sept and take the garments of a Septa or a Silent Sister.

Lord Arryn would reach for his cup once more, but paused at the words further spoken. Then he downs a bit of the wine before chuckling.

I do not think you'd like the Vale though, Princess. It's rather cold now... and we have a lot of Mountain Men to deal with. Hairy beasts they are. And despite the warmth of your sands, I would likely complain of sand in my eyes, mouth, and hair every day I wake up. You'd likely seek a means to shut me up soon enough. My wife is used to the cold, at least. She is a wolf after all.

The thought of Sansa made his heart ache slightly. He had not seen his daughter nor wife for some time now.

But, knowing you, Princess Martell, you will easily find a new husband.

Lord Arryn did have to admit, this Arianne Martell was far more beautiful than anyone imaginable. The stories of her did not do her justice. The Dornish were known for their beautiful women, but they were also known to be vipers in the sand. One did not mess with a Dornish wife. The stories of the Yellow Toad were still sung today. Yet, if he weren't married, he'd likely take her up on his offer. A beautiful wife to show off to the Seven Kingdoms! Just like his Sansa.

Suddenly though, a thought broken him from his train of thought.

Oh! Actually, one more matter to speak of. One of your own abandoned the Kingsguard of your late husband, Ser Daemon Sand. I believe he should explain, himself, to the King as to why he abandoned his oath.

I will relay the words of Myrcella's behavior to the King.

Lord Arryn states as he turns to a maester and motions to the older male. The person bows and heads back towards where Arryn's company were encamped to send a raven.

My knights will escort her to King's Landing once she arrives.

There was rumor, however, an odd and large individual that traveled with her. Arryn had heard of this Ser Strong that was her gargantuan bodyguard. Hopefully, he'd prove no issue.

At the mention of Ser Sand, Lord Arryn seemed... understanding. He wasn't wise enough to contend with those words.

Then, I believe that subject can be put to rest without much else to discuss.

Harrold shows off a charming smile to Arianne.

I would never consider you to be easily won, my Princess. But, considering your youth and beauty, I do not believe it hard for you to find another good husband. Perhaps any other wolf can be tamed, but my Sansa... if I were to ever considered that she could be tamed, I would likely have my hand bitten and ripped off.

Arryn reaches to rub his sword hand slightly, thinking of that. He was at least smart enough to never think that. Sansa was a means of support after all. She had been smart enough to remain hidden and unseen for some years and then suddenly appear when the moment was right. His wife would be use to help with managing a realm, something that Harrold wasn't good at.

Harrold's own knights reacted quickly as their hands went to their pommels. Lord Arryn raises his hand, stopping them from any further action.

I am the King's Emissary, Ser Sand. The King would certainly want to know as to why one was absent, while the other Kingsguard members fought along the wall, during the Great Side.

He gestures to the Princess.

The Princess gave me her answer with clarify and honesty. I see no reason to inquire further.

Another fact checked: Dornish had tempers as hot as sand and as quick as snakes.

Then you do not know His Grace if you believe that he would take this for granted.

With that said, Arryn returns his gaze to Arianne.