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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 19, 2020 13:30:30 GMT -5
Harry listens to the words of Yohn Royce. Exhaling, the Valeman picks up one of the books, turning the page.
I guess I should apply myself better then.
It was encouraging when Lord Royce reminded him of the decisions he had made before. Harrold, after listening to advice, made his own decisions. He held off on the funeral, but called forth the nobles of the Vale. He let all know of what had happened, what had transpired, and sought their oaths. He followed the advice to understand the Vale further and try to become the rightful successor of Robert and Jon Arryn.
Thank you, Lord Royce.
Harrold takes a pause to give gratitude. He, among his Waynwood cousins and Yohn's cousins, would be those to be relied upon in the future.
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With Baelish's arrival to be anticipated shortly, Lord Arryn placed himself with the usual hall where Robert, Nestor, and/or Baelish used to convene. Seated, Harrold was flanked by the High Steward, Yohn Royce, Lady Waynwood, and her sons. Alayne Stone and her ladies were called in to be at attendance. Throughout the hall, the lords and ladies had gathered, given fine rooms to stay in and all was organized. All present to welcome Littlefinger back. Once Baelish returned, they could bury Lord Robert and raise Lord Harrold. These past days had been something Harry needed, to prepare himself and ready for what was to come. When Baelish returned, the Vale would change and decisions would need to be done. Everything was ready for the change to come.
The question still remained: was Harrold trying ready to be Lord Arryn? There had been encouragement, but the thought still remained in his young mind.
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LD
Veteran 
Posts: 35
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Post by LD on Jun 19, 2020 15:03:22 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. Mya eventually entered the room of Lady Alayne, unsure why she was called exactly. Presumably it was due to young Lord Arryn's death, as she wasn't sure how she could help. "You require my services, m'lady?", she asked once she arrived, waving aside a strain of her black hair. So far the sorrow about Mychel's marriage was forgotten for the moment, given that she had now more time for herself with most lords gone hunting either the Clansmen or having returned to their keeps with Baelish's departure to the Riverlands.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 3:27:03 GMT -5
Harry listens to the words of Yohn Royce. Exhaling, the Valeman picks up one of the books, turning the page. I guess I should apply myself better then.It was encouraging when Lord Royce reminded him of the decisions he had made before. Harrold, after listening to advice, made his own decisions. He held off on the funeral, but called forth the nobles of the Vale. He let all know of what had happened, what had transpired, and sought their oaths. He followed the advice to understand the Vale further and try to become the rightful successor of Robert and Jon Arryn. Thank you, Lord Royce.Harrold takes a pause to give gratitude. He, among his Waynwood cousins and Yohn's cousins, would be those to be relied upon in the future. ============================= With Baelish's arrival to be anticipated shortly, Lord Arryn placed himself with the usual hall where Robert, Nestor, and/or Baelish used to convene. Seated, Harrold was flanked by the High Steward, Yohn Royce, Lady Waynwood, and her sons. Alayne Stone and her ladies were called in to be at attendance. Throughout the hall, the lords and ladies had gathered, given fine rooms to stay in and all was organized. All present to welcome Littlefinger back. Once Baelish returned, they could bury Lord Robert and raise Lord Harrold. These past days had been something Harry needed, to prepare himself and ready for what was to come. When Baelish returned, the Vale would change and decisions would need to be done. Everything was ready for the change to come. The question still remained: was Harrold trying ready to be Lord Arryn? There had been encouragement, but the thought still remained in his young mind. Baelish returned in a hurry from the Riverlands. After more than a fortnight galloping at frenzied pace from Harrenhal they were halted by the snow-blocked passes. Not even the clansmen haressed them, taking shelter in their caves and mountain dwellings. The blizzard killed many horses and a few men, but they could force the way through, until they arrived the Bloody Gate. Baelish didn't even bother answering who was coming to the Vale and Ser Donnel openned the door anyway, for the Lord Protector was back to the realm. From there to the Gates of the Moon took a day of march, unimpeded by heavy snows in the valley beyond the mountains that surrounded the Vale like a natural and impregnable wall. While he set camp in proximity to Royce's seat he himself, with Templeton, sworn swords and a score of knights, was allowed entry into the castle through a postern gate. Baelish was wearing a thick fur-lined cloak and tall riding boots and he crossed the hallways quickly. "Father"She hurried herself to Baelish, Brune warning her about Littlefinger's arrival, still acting as her shadow and sworn sword. When his so-called daughter arrived she was panting, ruddy cheeks from exhaustion: Sansa ran all the way from her chambers as soon as she heard about Baelish's arrival. "Robin just died, one morning and he was... cold. We had to...The silent sisters prepared him for burial and... Harry... They await you at the solar"Petyr waves a hand. "It shall be taken care of. I will deal with whoever dares to swing their floppy cocks around this place of late. Come with me, ser Symond, but first..."
He takes Alayne apart, kissing her in the cheek and whispering into his ear for several minutes. Her face changes several times, but she manages to mostly conceal her emotions. Then, the young woman nods and leaves with a whistle of silk. Baelish walked at good pace, hissing his orders abruptly. He had thought about what to do and how to do it in his way from Harrenhal. Littlefinger had days to plan ahead and cover any contingency. He wears black, from head to toe, a gown of black velvet a cloak pinned in place by a silvery mockingbird. Brune and Shadrich open the large doors leading to the lordly solar and Littlefinger's walks in. Baelish looked at those present with cold eyes that did not smile.
"Seven have mercy of my stepson's soul"
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2020 10:30:06 GMT -5
Baelish walked at good pace, hissing his orders abruptly. He had thought about what to do and how to do it in his way from Harrenhal. Littlefinger had days to plan ahead and cover any contingency. He wears black, from head to toe, a gown of black velvet a cloak pinned in place by a silvery mockingbird. Brune and Shadrich open the large doors leading to the lordly solar and Littlefinger's walks in. Baelish looked at those present with cold eyes that did not smile. "Seven have mercy of my stepson's soul"He finally came, thought Harrold as he occupied the seat above all others. He exhaled through his nostrils, feeling his nerves a bit uneasy, but recalled Lord Royce's words. The encouragement whispered and spoken by Yohn where others simply advised him and sought to teach him statecraft and other necessities. Harry raises his head, looking at Baelish after a moment. He, too, wore black unlike what he wore before. And may the Seven grant him eternal rest and reunite him with his father and mother in the next life.Harrold replies before rising from his seat to descend. With you returned, Lord Baelish, we may put Robert to rest, beside his father. In the tombs of Arryns before.He extends his hand to Baelish. Let us go and give our final farewells.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 10:50:07 GMT -5
Baelish walked at good pace, hissing his orders abruptly. He had thought about what to do and how to do it in his way from Harrenhal. Littlefinger had days to plan ahead and cover any contingency. He wears black, from head to toe, a gown of black velvet a cloak pinned in place by a silvery mockingbird. Brune and Shadrich open the large doors leading to the lordly solar and Littlefinger's walks in. Baelish looked at those present with cold eyes that did not smile. "Seven have mercy of my stepson's soul"He finally came, thought Harrold as he occupied the seat above all others. He exhaled through his nostrils, feeling his nerves a bit uneasy, but recalled Lord Royce's words. The encouragement whispered and spoken by Yohn where others simply advised him and sought to teach him statecraft and other necessities. Harry raises his head, looking at Baelish after a moment. He, too, wore black unlike what he wore before. And may the Seven grant him eternal rest and reunite him with his father and mother in the next life.Harrold replies before rising from his seat to descend. With you returned, Lord Baelish, we may put Robert to rest, beside his father. In the tombs of Arryns before.He extends his hand to Baelish. Let us go and give our final farewells. He bows slightly as a salute. "I concur, my stepson shall rest among his forebears, the last to bear his name"Said Baelish, smiling to Hardying, but his eyes did not. "I see you have everything neatly arranged, I'm grateful that you waited for so long for me to arrive. So be it, thus, the mourning of the Vale begins today"He gestured, feigning sorrow. "My beloved Lysa would shed many tears, alas, she was also claimed by the Crone"They would then proceed to the sept, where the ceremony would be held. Alayne was no-where to be seen.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 10:55:17 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. Mya eventually entered the room of Lady Alayne, unsure why she was called exactly. Presumably it was due to young Lord Arryn's death, as she wasn't sure how she could help. "You require my services, m'lady?", she asked once she arrived, waving aside a strain of her black hair. So far the sorrow about Mychel's marriage was forgotten for the moment, given that she had now more time for herself with most lords gone hunting either the Clansmen or having returned to their keeps with Baelish's departure to the Riverlands. Said Alayne, nervously standing by the window.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2020 10:57:08 GMT -5
The ceremony lasted for some time. A public display for all the lords and ladies to see Robert Arryn and give their farewells with Harrold being the last to do so. When that was done, the silent sisters gave their final prayers to the Seven. Robert's body was then committed to the tombs of the Arryns before him and laid to rest, forever. When this was done, a feast had been arranged to celebrate Robert's life. It was odd though, as Harrold had taken notice of Alayne's absence. She had deeply loved Robert and she had not been present for the ceremony. So where was she?
As the feast commenced, Harrold occupied the seat where Robert had once sat. Yohn and Anya to his left, Baelish and Nestor to his right. As he calmly drink some wine, Harrold turns to Lord Baelish.
Due to what had happened, I had put the campaign against the Mountain men on hold. Once all has been arranged, properly, it shall recommence under Lord Royce.
Harry had desired to lead it himself, but Lady Waynwood had ardently against that.
I wish I could lead it myself... but I have been advised to focus on learning how to rule and understand statecraft first.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 11:13:38 GMT -5
The ceremony lasted for some time. A public display for all the lords and ladies to see Robert Arryn and give their farewells with Harrold being the last to do so. When that was done, the silent sisters gave their final prayers to the Seven. Robert's body was then committed to the tombs of the Arryns before him and laid to rest, forever. When this was done, a feast had been arranged to celebrate Robert's life. It was odd though, as Harrold had taken notice of Alayne's absence. She had deeply loved Robert and she had not been present for the ceremony. So where was she? As the feast commenced, Harrold occupied the seat where Robert had once sat. Yohn and Anya to his left, Baelish and Nestor to his right. As he calmly drink some wine, Harrold turns to Lord Baelish. Due to what had happened, I had put the campaign against the Mountain men on hold. Once all has been arranged, properly, it shall recommence under Lord Royce.Harry had desired to lead it himself, but Lady Waynwood had ardently against that. I wish I could lead it myself... but I have been advised to focus on learning how to rule and understand statecraft first.Said Baelish. He avoided commenting anything on the matter. Then, a servant whispered into his ear and he nodded. The doors to the hall were promptly laid open by two pairs of strong hands and the eight knights of the Brotherhood appeared, side by side, wearing plate, long grey cloaks pending from their shoulders, lined with soft ermine. But, there was a difference, there was no falcon on their chestplates, but a wolf. And they parted ways, lining a way from the gates to the dais, where Littlefinger rose from his seat, amused, a smile dancing on his eyes. And, then, she appeared, no longer Alayne... In the threshold stood a tall lady of copper-like hair, radiant like the sun on its zenit. It crowned the flawless features of her face, like a halo, the braids carefully arranged like a crown around the majestic head. Part of it remained loose, falling in a cascade of red to the chiseled shoulders, revealed by the gown. The dress was a display of heraldry, with the brim embroidered with silvery trouts, while wolves ran and roared along the skirt. The body was covered in embroidery, heavy with pearls, and Myrish lace, almost transparent, covered the cleveage and the skin up to the neck, a stiff collar around it. Grey and white, like the mantle, with a wold embroidered, a maiden cloak. She walked with utmost grace down the aisle, provoking a comunal gasp, her blue eyes were fixed on the dais. The hair and eyes of Lysa and Catelyn Tully. As she walked, the eight knights released their swords from the scabbard, the naked steel glittering under the light of a hundred torches and a thousand candles. And Baelish spoke: "Behold! Lady Sansa of the Houses of Stark and Tully, rightful heiress of the body of Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, and his lawful wife, Lady Catelyn Tully: Lady of the North, Lady of Winterfell, rightful Lady of Riverrun and the Rivers, cousin of Lord Robert Arryn, last of his House, Lord of the Eyrie and the Vale, Warden of the East"
He looked pretty pleased with himself when Sansa approached the dais and did not kneel or bow, she stood there, tall and proud, like a queen. Baelish bows and grabs her hand, standing by her side. "Lords and Ladies of the Vale, hear, hear, for she was not dead. Lady Sansa has returned to us, she who is Lord Arryn's closest kin -his mother's niece and blood- and heiress of lines that stretches millennia"Littlefinger, for the first time in ages, smiled, eyes and lips both. And Sansa spoke and curtsied: "My lords, my ladies"
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2020 12:08:35 GMT -5
"To lady Sansa."
Toasted Royce, who looked less surprised than he perhaps should have - Myranda had confided her suspicions in him during Littlefinger's absence. Lady Royce herself sat with the Knight of Ninestars, and much talk had spread around the Gates that they were soon to be wed. Randa stood from her seat to join the toast.
"Aye, to the lady Sansa."
She glanced at the girl who was once Alayne, wondering silently if Peytr's gambit would pay off.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jun 20, 2020 12:40:12 GMT -5
"To Lady Sansa."
Symond joined the toast. Had he known all along? He was, after all, one of Petyr's closest allies but his stone face revealed nothing.
He then whispered into Myranda's ear
"I believe our wedding will have to be a rather quick affair, milady. Things will start moving quite fast after this, and I need you in Ninestars."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2020 12:41:54 GMT -5
Harrold started coughing rather hard, after drinking some wine, when Alayne Stone was revealed to be the Sansa Stark! Wife of the exiled Tyrion Lannister, daughter of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully, etc etc. Lady Waynwood wasn't paying attention as her eyes were fixated on Baelish and Stark. Morton quickly came over and slammed his hand on Harry's back, trying to get him to breath again. When he ceased with the fit of coughs, the young Valeman would turn to look at the two. He was nothing but dumbfounded, nothing but stupefied. A loss for words greater than when Robert Arryn died. What did this mean for Harry though? He was not entirely sure now with this development.
Lady Waynwood did rise though, acknowledging Sansa Stark. After all, Lord Baelish took her debts.
To Lady Stark.
She says politely before speaking further.
But, my Lord Baelish, certainly you have heard that Rickon Stark has returned and sits in Winterfell.
There was a murmur among the nobles as she spoke. All were rather surprised by this development.
Are you saying that Stannis Baratheon has propped up a pretender? That this Rickon Start is nothing more than a nobody?
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2020 15:05:47 GMT -5
"To Lady Sansa."
Symond joined the toast. Had he known all along? He was, after all, one of Petyr's closest allies but his stone face revealed nothing. He then whispered into Myranda's ear "I believe our wedding will have to be a rather quick affair, milady. Things will start moving quite fast after this, and I need you in Ninestars."
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 19:12:20 GMT -5
Harrold started coughing rather hard, after drinking some wine, when Alayne Stone was revealed to be the Sansa Stark! Wife of the exiled Tyrion Lannister, daughter of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully, etc etc. Lady Waynwood wasn't paying attention as her eyes were fixated on Baelish and Stark. Morton quickly came over and slammed his hand on Harry's back, trying to get him to breath again. When he ceased with the fit of coughs, the young Valeman would turn to look at the two. He was nothing but dumbfounded, nothing but stupefied. A loss for words greater than when Robert Arryn died. What did this mean for Harry though? He was not entirely sure now with this development. Lady Waynwood did rise though, acknowledging Sansa Stark. After all, Lord Baelish took her debts. To Lady Stark.She says politely before speaking further. But, my Lord Baelish, certainly you have heard that Rickon Stark has returned and sits in Winterfell.There was a murmur among the nobles as she spoke. All were rather surprised by this development. Are you saying that Stannis Baratheon has propped up a pretender? That this Rickon Start is nothing more than a nobody?Said Baelish. "She's the only who remains of Lord Stark's offspring"In any case, the kid wouldn't grow old, he would make sure of that. Baelish sits in the place of honor and Sansa by his side. They gesture for the feast to resume and the knights take position around the dais, the visors lowered and hands resting on the crossguards.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2020 19:25:46 GMT -5
Lady Waynwood stopped Harrold from rising as he attempted to toast. Anya looks firmly upon Lord Baelish.
And yet, the northern lords accept him, Lord Baelish, without question. There have been no arguments, no counters, nothing but obedience.
Anya speaks further.
There is a telltale sign that that young boy is Rickon Stark... word of a direwolf, at his side, having returned to Winterfell with his master, has become known.
The old hag of Ironoak looks down at Sansa.
No one, but a Stark, could train such a beast. For only you and your siblings have such beasts as companions. And only a Stark can rule Winterfell as the saying goes.
The murmurs began to rise again. What if the boy in Winterfell was truly Rickon Stark?!
I do not think Stannis Baratheon could find an obedient direwolf with some random boy of the North.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 20, 2020 19:43:06 GMT -5
"Lady Waynwood, the other day I had to deal with a man in Lord Baelish's absence"
Said Sansa. She speaks in a hushed tone and with a soft smile, whispering into Anya's ear.
"He was a merchant and a loaner from Gulltown. He came seeking the Lord Protector's say on the matter of your substantial debts"
She sips some wine.
"I raised some objections to the matter and he left, maybe next time I will not be able to keep him for claiming his coin. I've seen the ledgers, I wonder how Ironoak entered such a bankrupcy. Maybe your late husband's fault? Anyway, I would remain quiet if I were you. Else, I heard Randa saying how she likes your brooch..."
Baelish chuckles and looks at Waynwood with amusement. Then she turns to Hardying with bright blue eyes, raising her voice now.
"I can't wait to spouse you, my dear, my beloved. I shall be yours before the men and the Gods, old and new"
She said, with a flicker of eyelashes, the flesh on the cleveage like carved marble.
"However, my Lord Baelish and I agree that you're well of age, Lady Waynwood did a wonderful job raising you, but a man grown and Lord needs no warden, don't you agree?"
Sansa had allowed everyone to hear as much. If Harry was to say the contrary he would shame himself.
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