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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 18, 2020 19:20:46 GMT -5
Looking to his cousin with a wry smile. "Come now Nestor, perhaps something a little more formal. Oaths are not to be taken lightly."
Dropping to one knee Lord Royce looked up to his newest Liege Lord "Lord Arryn, I promise by the light of the seven that I will in the future be faithful to you, shall never cause you harm, and will observe my homage to you completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit."
Rising to his feet he looked to the other lords in expectation.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 18, 2020 19:29:12 GMT -5
Once more, caution was advised.
It is... proper to wait for the father of the betrothed.
Harry states as it was the tradition and the way of doing things. He was not one to just steal her away as his wife.
We should, nonetheless, have the Gates of the Moon ready for when Lord Baelish returns. Robert's body ready for burial, the ceremony prepared to begin a new reign, and such. All should be ready for the Vale's coming future. I do not believe we should wait on those matters.
The Valeman says, after considering things. Lord Baelish was a powerful lord, after all. Harry had to respect that.
Is this agreeable, High Steward?
A title that Harrold seemed more than ready to ensure Nestor kept.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 18, 2020 19:44:13 GMT -5
"Men can be played, Randa, you know that. They like to believe we're weak, foolish and harmless"She replied, steel on her voice, something unheard of. But, she wouldn't be a victim to be played again, like when she was beaten and abused by Jeoffrey like a mere plaything. This time she would have agency, she would have a say on the matter. "It seems the time for caution is gone, my father will have his hand forced and there's no more time for plots within plots"Alayne frowns and removes the pin from her hair, the cascade of locks falling loose on the shoulders. A black that would soon be gone. "Right now our hold on the Vale is tenous at best. And Harry... well, Harry has left lovers because they gained weight"She rolls her eyes. "Robin... as you might have presumed, had no will. We have to gain time... We have to... with no will, Harry is the heir without question..."She sighs. "Unless we have one... forged" She said, sitting -more accurately crumbling- on the carved stone bench by a large window with a sigh.
"Harry the Heir is now my only hope"Alayne twisted her gown with both hands, frustrated. "Robin wasn't meant to die, not yet. But neither he or Lysa ever did something they were told to. Not even Lord Hoster could rein in that demented woman"
She bits her lower lip. "Seven hells. To think I have to marry Harry... I could have married Robin and now I'd be his widow"The Imp wasn't too bad, the fleeting thought crossed his mind, at least he was considerate, kind and the smartest man alive. Harry only had a flat stomach and golden locks: both would be gone by his fourtieth day of the name.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 18, 2020 19:47:29 GMT -5
”Yes we should wait. Improper to do these things before Lord Robert is even buried, my lords”
Nestor latched onto Harrold’s suggestion like a dog on bone.
”And he should be married, so we can be safe in the knowledge that Lord Harrold can father heirs. The Arryn line hangs by a thread.”
—
“Being Lord Arryn is a dangerous business. If Harry rides to war, as Robb Stark did...”
Myranda gave Lord Baelish’s daughter a long look. A smile crawled over her face.
“Then you would rule the Vale, Alayne. As Lysa did.”
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Post by oznerol on Jun 18, 2020 20:00:22 GMT -5
”Yes we should wait. Improper to do these things before Lord Robert is even buried, my lords”Nestor latched onto Harrold’s suggestion like a dog on bone. ”And he should be married, so we can be safe in the knowledge that Lord Harrold can father heirs. The Arryn line hangs by a thread.”—
“Being Lord Arryn is a dangerous business. If Harry rides to war, as Robb Stark did...”
Myranda gave Lord Baelish’s daughter a long look. A smile crawled over her face.
“Then you would rule the Vale, Alayne. As Lysa did.” She frowns and raises, checking if the fabric of her dress looked good enough. "But, a woman must rule when there's no man"Alayne placed her hair again at top of her head, using a silvery pin. "I bet he will try to put a babe in the oven before he falls on his face and dies"She snorts and then looks at her reflected image on the window pane. At least it seems I will see my own hair again."Let's go, while the men boast and yell oaths we have to do things, as always"
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 18, 2020 20:06:45 GMT -5
”Yes we should wait. Improper to do these things before Lord Robert is even buried, my lords”Nestor latched onto Harrold’s suggestion like a dog on bone. ”And he should be married, so we can be safe in the knowledge that Lord Harrold can father heirs. The Arryn line hangs by a thread.” Harrold would have to rely upon the support of the Valemen nobility. Sweetrobin didn't seem to have a care in the world. Harry, on the other hand, felt it. A strong weight bearing down on his chest and his shoulders. Pressing hard upon his bones, his mind, and every inch of his person. The realization had been accepted, it was now taking the steps forward. We will delay the campaign until everything is sorted. The Vale... needs to know of what has happened.Harry states, thinking of what would have to be done. Have the silent sisters prepare the tombs for the late Lord Arryn and see that the body is readied for burial. When Lord Baelish returns, we must see to it that Robert Arryn is buried beside his father.Only then could things begin in earnest.
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 18, 2020 20:34:43 GMT -5
The news of the delay of the campaign was both disappointing and relieving, for it was one less reason for the others to see him gone.
For now the situation seemed to be settling "Perhaps you can see many goals accomplished with one action." Yohn advised "Summon your vassals here. We can lay poor Robert to rest, then have a funeral feast held in his honor. The assembled Lords can give their oaths and pay their respects." The sooner Harry was acknowledged as the Arryn's successor the better. "By such time Lord Baelish should have returned." Hopefully for an unpleasant surprise.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 18, 2020 20:41:29 GMT -5
”This is all rather fast, Lord Yohn. But if it is the will of our Lord Arryn...”
Nestor gave Harry a long look.
”It might be prudent to see our Lord wed his betrothed, to ensure the situation with Robert does not repeat itself.
That was what Baelish would want, right?
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 18, 2020 20:51:51 GMT -5
Harry listened between the two. After a moment, the male makes up his mind.
I say we wait on Lord Baelish in terms of the ceremonies, the funeral of Robert Arryn and a feast in his honor.
The Valeman believed this to be proper.
However, let us relay ravens to all the lords and ladies of the Vale. They must know what is going on and be made aware of Robert Arryn's unfortunate death, his funeral, and request that all gather to acknowledge his heir. That cannot be delayed.
Harry turns to Lady Waynwood.
Have your sons go to the maesters and have ravens be sent to all the nobility of the Vale. We must gather to celebrate the life of Robert and mourn his death.
Although, there wasn't much to celebrate. He was still Jon Arryn's son, a man who was well loved by his vassals. Harry turns to Nestor.
My betrothed would want her father here and that I must respect. That can also wait.
Thank the Seven, thought Lady Waynwood.
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 18, 2020 21:31:09 GMT -5
Some time over the following days....
Lord Royce finds Harry sitting in the long hall of the castle. Approaching he greeted his Lord "Good day Lord Arryn" he said courteously "How fair you?"
Over the past few days things in the Gates had settled into a state of uneasy calm. One that Yohn knew would not last. The slimy Lord of the Harrenhall was coming.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 18, 2020 21:50:21 GMT -5
Some time over the following days.... Lord Royce finds Harry sitting in the long hall of the castle. Approaching he greeted his Lord "Good day Lord Arryn" he said courteously "How fair you?"Over the past few days things in the Gates had settled into a state of uneasy calm. One that Yohn knew would not last. The slimy Lord of the Harrenhall was coming.Over the course of some days, the nobility of the Vale began to gather at the Gates of the Moon. The death of Robert Arryn was expected, but the nobility still came to give farewell to Sweetrobin and pay homage to the newly raised Lord Paramount. Even though it had been a few days, Harrold was still getting used to being called Lord Arryn after all this time being a Hardyng. When Yohn Royce appeared, Harrold looks up. There were some maesters with him, educating him on what the young Lord needed to know when it came to ruling. I am exhausted, Lord Royce... I was not at all prepared for this. I was raised to be a knight, like my Hardyng ancestors.Harry lays back in his chair, rubbing his head slightly. I fear I may go brain dead from all of this.He gestures to the scrolls and books the maesters had been using to educate him.
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 18, 2020 23:20:58 GMT -5
Hearing his concern and doubts Lord Royce put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Your strong lad! You have all the makings of a good Lord. Able of body, sharp of mind, and wise in judgement. The rest will come with time." If only he had more of it before difficult decision would need to be made. "You would not be the first to be put in this predicament. I can remember the late lord Stark dealing with the same burdens when we rode off to fight in Roberts war" Oh how long ago that felt.
"You can do this." he said reassuringly. "There are good men here to advise you. I would hope to count myself them." Yohn said encouragingly.
"Take their council, learn what your can, but above all trust in yourself." It would not do for him to become Baelish's pawn.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 18, 2020 23:34:08 GMT -5
Harrold exhales deeply before asking for a cup of wine. So much to learn... many histories to fully understand, current rulers of each house, the various notables of his bloodline, and more. There were many to consider to be his officials and commanders. Nestor Royce as his High Steward, Albar Royce as a swornsword, Symond Templeton too, Yohn Royce as an aide, and much more. The court, around Harrold, had to be completely reformed to better suit a young rule that had potential compared to a brat who never made a decision besides when he threw a tantrum.
I know there are good men to advise. Too many in fact.
Harry takes the cup of wine and drinks from it to allow his mind to be at ease.
Trust in myself...
The young Lord Arryn repeats.
I am finding that hard to come by, Lord Royce. The Vale needs leadership and I question if I can give that.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 19, 2020 5:58:10 GMT -5
With all bussiness concluded and once Randa had left her, Alayne retreated to her chambers. Without Littlefinger she did not trust what the former Lord Declarants, who had to bend their knees and bow their heads to her father, didn't intend to have a reprisal using her against Baelish. She remained on her quarters, pensive, wondering all her options, when Brune arrived. He closes the door behind his back.
"This is something Baelish had in mind, it was a possibility he told me about. It arrived on the worst possible time, though"
He was wearing leather and half-plate, not the fancy suit of armor the Brotherhood of Winged knights -enamelled like ivory with a blue falcon on the chestplate-, but sturdy plain steel befitting a soldier. The longsword in the scabbard.
"Don't worry, Lady Stark, I shall stand watch"
"I'm thankful, ser Lothor. I believe Mya wanted something of me before, could you call for her?"
He simply nodded, left the room and took position at the door, guarding Alayne's chambers. A page ran looking for the bastard to fetch her to Alayne's chambers.
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 19, 2020 13:24:47 GMT -5
Harrold exhales deeply before asking for a cup of wine. So much to learn... many histories to fully understand, current rulers of each house, the various notables of his bloodline, and more. There were many to consider to be his officials and commanders. Nestor Royce as his High Steward, Albar Royce as a swornsword, Symond Templeton too, Yohn Royce as an aide, and much more. The court, around Harrold, had to be completely reformed to better suit a young rule that had potential compared to a brat who never made a decision besides when he threw a tantrum. I know there are good men to advise. Too many in fact.Harry takes the cup of wine and drinks from it to allow his mind to be at ease. Trust in myself...The young Lord Arryn repeats. I am finding that hard to come by, Lord Royce. The Vale needs leadership and I question if I can give that.Lord Royce let a moment of silence punctuate the air before replying. " You are more capable than many Lords I know twice your age. Already you have carried yourself well with handling this transition. You have been able to make a judgement call, using what you know, and listening to the advise given." Too many men got hung up on what to do instead of actually doing it. "In matters of war you have commanders a plenty. There are maesters to advise on sums and heraldry. As for statecraft... each man must determine his own style, will he be hard and unbending, soft and appeasing, rational and calculating. Much of what makes or breaks a good leader is his character and convictions." The sooner Lord Arryn learned that the better. Lord Royce grew quiet again, allowing these thoughts to digest.
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