|
Post by Gandalf on May 29, 2020 20:24:19 GMT -5
A solid if unremarkable castle, this serves as the seat of the Lords of the Vale during winter. Recently it was granted to Nestor Royce, steward of the Vale, and now he governs the castle as lord. Royce Focuses: Defensive Focus Levy Focus
Arryn Focuses: Levy Focus Defensive Focus Battle Focus
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 9, 2020 8:46:24 GMT -5
Once more, Nestor was in command of the Vale. Business resumed as usual, with the High Steward taking his customary seat in the Lord's throne to deal with the squawking petitioners of the day. It was tedious and cumbersome. Thankfully he had Myranda and Alayne to babysit Lord Robert, whose seizures and raging fits Nestor found difficult to deal with. Baelish surely had the patience of a saint, for Royce would have long ago accidentally smothered the boy in an effort to keep him quiet. The boy was useless at martial pursuits, and he had given up trying to make him learn anything about the lance, sword or bow. He would not survive the winter, Nestor was sure of it.
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 9, 2020 20:54:04 GMT -5
Once more, Nestor was in command of the Vale. Business resumed as usual, with the High Steward taking his customary seat in the Lord's throne to deal with the squawking petitioners of the day. It was tedious and cumbersome. Thankfully he had Myranda and Alayne to babysit Lord Robert, whose seizures and raging fits Nestor found difficult to deal with. Baelish surely had the patience of a saint, for Royce would have long ago accidentally smothered the boy in an effort to keep him quiet. The boy was useless at martial pursuits, and he had given up trying to make him learn anything about the lance, sword or bow. He would not survive the winter, Nestor was sure of it. One visitor came before Lord Royce, aided by Lady Waynwood... or perhaps forced to come. Harrold Hardyng, who had begun to recover from what happened at the tournament, made his way before the High Steward. His face was healing, but as Waynwood had hoped, there were a couple scars forming from the deep gashes. Anya had a good talk with her ward, making sure he understood just how stupid he was and that Lord Royce had come to mend things, himself, while Harry was out. Now she made him come forth and show his gratitude! It would be no good if there was nothing between Harrold and House Royce if, or rather when, he ascended as Lord Paramount of the Vale. Harrold seemed somewhat defeated, his pride practically shot by what had happened during the tournament and, now, being brought before Nestor. Anya's weathered hand slaps the young Hardyng in the back, making Harry get down on one knee and bow his head to the High Steward. Lady Waynwood then looks up, giving Nestor a raised eyebrow as if she did nothing of the sorts and this was all Harry's doing.
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 10, 2020 11:59:09 GMT -5
"Lady Waynwood, Ser Harrold."
Greeted Royce, sitting up straight on his throne. A Falcon was emblazoned above his head, albeit worn and faded by the march of time.
"It is my honour to welcome you. Your journey was pleasant?"
Mountain passages had been closed by snow or clansmen. The Vale was not as safe as it used to be. Servants quickly came with food and wine, an informal extension of the guest right. Royce himself took a cup.
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 10, 2020 17:40:15 GMT -5
Lady Waynwood's eyebrow goes up slightly, glancing around at where they were.
I do believe we have been unable to leave due to Harrold's condition, Lord Royce.
Anya looks down at her ward, whose face was mostly healed, but his pride had not just yet.
I do believe my ward has something to say, in person, my Lord.
Waynwood had emphasized one part of that sentence, causing a chill to run down Harrold's spine. If he tried anything BUT what he had been told to do, Anya would certainly come close to castrating the boy and ensuring he could never father another bastard. Harrold, still knelt before Lord Royce, speaks up.
My Lord Royce, forgive me for my actions... at the tournament against your son.
That stung what little pride remained in Harrold to admit his fault.
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 10, 2020 19:46:21 GMT -5
”All is forgiven, young Ser. Boys will be boys, and there is no hard feelings or dishonour between you and my son. With a war raging in the other kingdoms, it is to be expected.”
Replied Nestor, gesturing for the lad to rise. Myranda and Alayne were off somewhere doing Gods only knew what. Maybe for the best.
”Your betrothed is here, somewhere, should you wish to see her. It might be best to stay here until you heal, for the roads will be treacherous.”
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 10, 2020 20:16:21 GMT -5
Harrold rose from his knelt position. Taking a step forward, Harry speaks up.
Lord Royce, though I would like to see my betrothed, I would ask a favor first.
Anya's eyebrow went up slightly, wondering what Harry was talking about.
I would like to join the force being sent to attack the clansmen.
Harrold, boldly, requests.
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 11, 2020 11:08:48 GMT -5
"That is not for me to decide, young one. My kinsman at Runestone leads the campaign. I think, after your previous trials, it would be wise to remain here and rest for the time being."
Nestor replied cordially, knowing that Baelish would have his hide if the heir to the Vale was speared by some goat-loving mountain man.
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 11, 2020 11:48:37 GMT -5
Harrold was about to make a retort, but the glare of Anya Waynwood made him think twice. 'Foolish boy,' that the old hag.
It is a dangerous job to kill clansmen of the Mountains.
She speaks up, agreeing with Lord Royce.
Perhaps there is something else that my ward could do though, Lord Royce? I fear that the lad is getting rather bored and seems to desire purpose.
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 11, 2020 19:06:47 GMT -5
”There are plenty of men-at-arms here to train with, should you wish to test your muscles again. Otherwise, you might find some time to become acquainted with your betrothed.”
Nestor could not give a fig if the boy was ‘bored’ or not, he had been charged to keep him safe. He had enough trouble on his hands already, with the young Lord of the Eyrie making a nuisance of himself at every opportunity.
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 14, 2020 14:17:56 GMT -5
'No... no... this couldn't be!' the thoughts of a female servant declared in her head after she dropped a tray onto the floor. Pale and still, Sweetrobin laid in bed, not even rising like he usually did when breakfast was brought to him. The servant girl had talked to the Lord, thinking he was simply asleep, but upon opening a curtain, she saw the still figure of the little boy. Touching his hand, it was chilly and limp. 'No... no... no!!' she screamed within her mind before bolting out of the door, causing the guard on duty to become awaken all of a sudden.
She runs down the hallway, screaming.
HELP! HELP!!
A female's voice screams through the halls of the Gates of the Moon. The servant stumbles, but continues to run, banging on doors.
SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP!!!
The servant screams, trying to find an ear this early morning. As she bolts down the hallway, she runs square into a knigt of Lord Royce. Before he could say a thing, the tearful woman grabs him by his clothing.
Ser! It's... It's Lord Arryn! He's cold! He won't respond to me at all! Please! WHERE IS LORD ROYCE?!
Upon this morning, the typical child manners of the little Lord of the Vale would not be heard. Nor ever heard again.
=======================
Lady Waynwood stirs slightly, having heard some commotion in the hallways. The elderly hag walks to her doorway, opening it slightly to look up and down the hallway.
What in the Seven is going on?
Even Harrold was seen, in the room across, as he too had heard some commotion. A woman screaming for help.
|
|
|
Post by oznerol on Jun 14, 2020 14:25:51 GMT -5
HELP! HELP!!A female's voice screams through the halls of the Gates of the Moon. The servant stumbles, but continues to run, banging on doors. SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP!!!The servant screams, trying to find an ear this early morning. As she bolts down the hallway, she runs square into Lord Royce who came out of his room. Before he could say a thing, the tearful woman grabs him by his clothing. My Lord Royce! It's... It's Lord Arryn! He's cold! He won't respond to me at all! Alayne was sewing. Long time ago they used to say her embroidery was spotless, a source of great pride for the girl she was. No, it was hardly the case, but sewing calmed her mind, when se was focused on tracing the figures on the cloth she felt at ease, her thoughts clear of any uncertainty. However, she felt a shiver down her spine when she heard the yelling and she missed the point with the needle, piercing her finger instead: a small rose of blood blossomed on the textile. An omen of death. "Oh, no, Robin"She drops everything and leaves her chamber, Lothor Brune standing guard in livery outside. "Lothor...""I've heard""Let's go"She raced through the hallway, heading for her cousin's room. When she arrived he found him asleep, or so it seemed, the dark locks arranged over the pillow like a halo. He looked so peaceful. But his cheeks had sunk and there was no movement at all, no life in his body. "Cousin no..."Sansa reached him, while Luthor stood, not knowing what to do, on the door. "No, no, no, please"He was a nasty kid if one had seen any, but he was his sole family. Her cousin. "No, Robin, please. Wake, please. I can sing for you"She felt terror going down her throat. Now, she was compromised and Petyr too.
|
|
|
Post by Gandalf on Jun 14, 2020 14:37:35 GMT -5
Myranda stood silent, arriving late to the scene, aghast at Sweetrobin lying limp in his chambers. She came and knelt beside her, feeling Robin's forehead. It was cold as ice, and the lord himself was as pale as a sheet.
"Alayne, he's dead."
Royce cut through the chaos, a lump forming in her throat.
"Fetch my father, damn you!"
Nestor had been out hawking, but a rider was sent to hurry the Lord of the Gates back as swiftly as possible.
|
|
|
Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 14, 2020 16:25:01 GMT -5
Lady Waynwood exited her apartment, walking over to where Harrold was, standing at his door.
Wait here, Harrold. I will go see what's causing the castle to be in such an uproar.
She moves down a hallway, finding several guards passing by. When she stopped one to make an inquiry, he reported the news that was circulating around the castle. It took Anya a long moment to take in the news before rapidly making her way back to Harry's room.
Harrold!
She says, rather sharply, causing the young man to rise from his seat.
Get dressed now. Hurry, hurry!
Anya calls in a servant to help her ward dress. Harrold was rather stunned and confused.
Lady Waynwood, what's going on? Is something wrong??
Lady Waynwood glances up and down the hallway before speaking.
...Lord Arryn is dead, Harry.
Harrold falls into a stunned silence, one that he would likely not recover from for some time. Even as the servant was insistent on him to dress, Harry, still in his night clothes, would sit down on his bed, trying to digest what had been said. Lord Arryn... was dead and he, and so did everyone in the Vale, knew what that meant. Meanwhile, Anya got her son, Morton, to go to the courtyard as Lord Royce was expected to return soon from an early morning hawking as another guard reported.
|
|
|
Post by oznerol on Jun 14, 2020 18:22:03 GMT -5
Myranda stood silent, arriving late to the scene, aghast at Sweetrobin lying limp in his chambers. She came and knelt beside her, feeling Robin's forehead. It was cold as ice, and the lord himself was as pale as a sheet. "Alayne, he's dead."Royce cut through the chaos, a lump forming in her throat. "Fetch my father, damn you!"Nestor had been out hawking, but a rider was sent to hurry the Lord of the Gates back as swiftly as possible. "Oh, Robin. You too left me... Sweetrobin"Sansa felt sad, if not for Robin, for herself. Even if the boy had been a nuissance in live he had never treated her badly and Alayne had found her way around him. Arryn was the only family she had left. All dead now. I'm alone. She felt sorry for the kid dying alone, she felt she should have been there cradling him, after all he always craved affection and atention, cruel and petty as he was Robin was no monster like Joffrey, just a pampered and slow-to-learn kid, heavily dosed on milk-of-the-poppy, sickly and weak. I'm compromised. Petyr is compromised. This is very dangerous. Harry, Harry must be entranced."Oh Randa, he's dead. Someone must warn father in the earnest"
She carefully arranged his hair and closed his eyes and mouth. Alayne placed a lock of dark hair that had fallen from place on her head. She looked back at Royce with her vivacious and haunting blue eyes.
|
|