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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 28, 2023 10:38:51 GMT -5
Arthur was more than accepting towards a spar. A Kingsguard always needed their sword arm to be ready to draw and defend or draw and attack. Yet, as he was ready to respond, a servant came, stating that Lyanna Stark wished to speak with them. Glancing at Oswell, the Sword of the Morning dons his tunic too, making sure it was clasped before heading inside with Ser Whent. Once inside, they ascended the tower to where the Lady awaited them. He bowed his head slightly to Lyanna.
Lady Stark, you wished to speak with us?
Arthur inquires as he looks upon the love of Prince Rhaegar's life.
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Post by Gandalf on May 28, 2023 12:31:42 GMT -5
Lyanna was seated on a stool in naught but an ill-fitting shift of silk, bloated around the stomach from maternity. It hung about her knees, leaving her calves and ankles bared. As the two knights entered, she lifted her pointed chin up and offered them a fierce scowl of grey indifference.
"I did. I want..." She sighed tiredly, and some of the indignance dropped from her face. "Have you any news? Anything from Starfall? You must know something."
Her voice strained, though from anger or worry they could not tell.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 28, 2023 13:30:23 GMT -5
Arthur had done his best to learn of what he could, discreetly of course. The place of Lyanna's hiding had not been found yet and this was a land that would be hostile, given the marriage of Elia Martell to Rhaegar. Ser Dayne would step forward by one step to report what he had learned.
There have been reports of battles, but none mentioned of the name of the Prince.
The Battle of the Bells was mentioned and word of the gathering rebels and royalists in the Riverlands, likely somewhere around the Trident.
I plan to go out tomorrow and see if I can learn more. Certainly, by now, the Prince has returned to the capital.
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Post by Gandalf on May 29, 2023 14:09:36 GMT -5
"And Ned. I must know, Arthur." Her face creased with concern at the mention of conflict, and her tone became one of soft pleading. "Please. Is my brother..."
She trailed off, not willing to speak the words, and lay a hand on her belly unconsciously. It was strange to imagine Ned leading her father's banners into battle. His banners now, she reminded herself. Quiet Ned, who had Brandon beg Arthur's sister for a dance at Harrenhal. Tears came unbidden at the thought, and she dabbed angrily at the wetness on her cheeks. Tears were for children, and were of no help to her now.
She fixed Dayne with a hard look, and did her best to make herself sound stern. "The child will be as much a Stark as anything else. I will not have them be the last of my house. I must know if he lives."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 29, 2023 14:47:06 GMT -5
Lyanna was well known for her loving affinity towards her siblings, the offspring of the late Rickard Stark. What the Mad King did to both her father and brother, Brandon, was unbelievable. It caused quakes among the Seven Kingdoms to hear that a Lord Paramount was cooked alive within his armor while his son was strangled to death. There was one piece of news that may bring a smile to Lyanna that Arthur heard while riding about the nearby villages.
I believe your brother to be alive and well. His name has not been mentioned among the dead. However, there was one bit of news that did concern him.
A smile crosses his face.
Your brother has been married. A wedding was held in Riverrun for both Lord Arryn and Lord Stark who married the daughters of Hoster Tully. Catelyn to Eddard and Lysa to Jon.
The former marriage would certainly be more happy than the latter considering the advanced age of Lord Jon.
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Post by Gandalf on May 29, 2023 15:10:09 GMT -5
"I am glad it pleases you to hear that Ned is filling the boots of my dead brother."
Lyanna snapped bitterly, anger swelling in her eyes as water did in a cloud, grey darkening to black. That was Ned all over. Even with Father in the grave, he still did his bidding, ensuring the marriage pact with Tully remained intact. She did not doubt that he had not wanted to marry her, and knew that it would eat at him. He could never have anything first, not even his own wife. It was not fair that she had brought this down upon his head.
"At least he lives. Though it makes more traitors for the Mad King to kill." Now her thoughts turned to Rhaegar, who had four kingdoms against him.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 30, 2023 14:46:16 GMT -5
My lady, do not look at as filling the boots of your dead brother, but rather being honorable and committing to the arrangement that there was before. Instead of breaking bonds, your good brother saw to it that what was arranged before was fulfilled. It is well known, after all, of how honor is held high by the Starks.
Arthur did his best to paint a better picture. He knew of how Lyanna had been close to her family, especially her brothers. Brandon was dead, by the hands of the Mad King. Eddard still lived, even through the turbulent tide of battle. Fulfilling the oath made by Rickard that a Stark would marry a Tully. It seems Lord Arryn taught him, and likely Robert Baratheon, well. He glances at Ser Oswell for a moment and then back at Lyanna.
Knowing Rhaegar, I doubt he will let your father get to them as he did to others before. It would serve the Prince no good if he became king of shattered houses and hateful realms.
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Post by Gandalf on May 31, 2023 8:29:27 GMT -5
On a pleasant evening in the Red Mountains, a child was born, though not easily nor painlessly. Lyanna Stark has borne the prince a son, a third head of the dragon. It seemed that dreams and prophecy held hidden truths even from the Prince, for there would be no Visenya to ride alongside Aegon and Rhaenys.
The news came hand in hand with the word of victory in the north; victory for the Prince over the rebels, who lay dead or in chains.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 1, 2023 18:56:30 GMT -5
Ser Arthur went up the tower, even as the cries of the infant were still present since a few nights prior. A strong boy, born of the Lady Stark, who Rhaegar would truly be proud of. He knocked upon the door and entered when permitted to. The Sword of the Morning had good news to give to Lyanna.
Lady Stark, I bring word from the nearby village.
He bows his head.
Prince Rhaegar is victorious over the rebels. Better yet, your brother lives. It seems they are moving to converge upon Harrenhal. Once I have heard what has transpired, I will send raven and let the Prince know of what has happened and ask when to bring you North. But rejoice! For the father of your child and your beloved brother are alive and well.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 3, 2023 5:37:47 GMT -5
Lyanna sat on her bed in the chambers, cradling a swaddled bundle at her arms. As Arthur entered, her winters eyes rose to regard him sharply.
”My thanks, Ser Arthur.” Stark smiled weakly, relief flooding her aching bones. Though soon that twisted into a look of pained confusion. ”Why would he not send for me now? Is it not safe?”
Aerys could go hang. She would feed him to the wolves herself, King or not.
”I am going to ride north.” She said defiantly, before looking down at the child with a tenderness in her eyes. The nursemaid gave her a stern look. ”As soon as he can travel, I will.”
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 3, 2023 11:54:16 GMT -5
From what I understand, the Prince has been busy at Harrenhal.
And thus Arthur explained what he heard from the peasants of the nearby village, that a Great Council was called and the Prince was dishing out justice and mercy.
I have also heard that he has been seriously wounded... although in good spirits, he is being carried in a litter.
Rhaegar survived, but it seemed was dealt a grievous wound. One would hope that he would recover.
I intend to send a raven to Harrenhal and let the Prince know. As well as request further instruction.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 5:23:12 GMT -5
A missive arrives by raven from Harrenhal. Enclosed are two letters, one for Arthur and one for Lady Stark.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Jun 7, 2023 17:04:25 GMT -5
The journey to the Tower of Joy had been long and arduous, but Eddard Stark's determination had carried him through. Riding at the head of a small retinue, he approached the fabled tower with caution, his eyes scanning the surrounding landscape for any signs of danger. Howland Reed, his loyal companion, rode alongside him, their shared history strengthening their bond. Beyond the two men were some two dozen knights.
The Tower of Joy stood before them, an isolated bastion nestled amidst the rugged Dornish mountains. Its ancient stones seemed to hold secrets and echoes of the past. The air was thick with anticipation as Eddard dismounted, his armor clinking softly. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached the entrance, his steps steady and purposeful.
With a slight nod, Eddard signaled to Howland Reed, who remained by his side. The two men exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes reflecting the weight of their mission. Together, they ascended the tower's winding staircase, their footsteps echoing in the silence.
As they reached the tower's summit, a sense of apprehension mingled with hope filled Eddard's heart. Only to be struck down when two Kingsguard approached him.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 7, 2023 22:01:29 GMT -5
On the second level, just before the stairs that led up to Lady Lyanna and the infant Targaryen prince, Eddard and his retinue would enter the white-cloaked knights of Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Oswell Whent. Arthur had spied the approaching horses from the second level and informed both Lyanna and Oswell. They weren't sure if they were bandits or worse, so the knights nonetheless prepared themselves. When Lord Stark got to the top of the stairs, Arthur's hand was firmly planted on Morning, ready to draw it in defense of Prince Rhaegar's love and child. Yet, seeing Eddard, who he recalled from the Harrenhal Tournament, his hand moved away... for now, at least.
Lord Stark.
The Sword of the Morning speaks before glancing upward, hearing the young infant cry a little. He lowers his gaze to Lyanna's brother.
Forgive the response. Although the Prince informed us of your coming arrival, I only saw the dust of your horses and the dark outline of riders.
After all, Arthur and his sword brother had been sworn to protect the Lady and the child.
She is upstairs.
The Kingsguard nods to Oswell as the pair move to the side to let Eddard pass. Yet, before Lord Stark could move, Ser Dayne does raise his hand slightly.
The Prince requested that one of us remain with Lyanna and the child, even in your care. Both Oswell and myself are ready to perform such a duty at the Lady's decision.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Jun 8, 2023 8:17:54 GMT -5
Eddard Stark paused for a moment, his gaze shifting from Ser Arthur Dayne to Ser Oswell Whent. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon him, knowing the significance of the child in his sister's arms. He understood the loyalty and devotion of the Kingsguard to their prince, even in these tumultuous times.
"I appreciate your vigilance and dedication to your duty, Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell," Eddard replied, his voice steady but respectful. "I assure you that I mean no harm to my sister or the child. I have come to fulfill a promise and ensure their safety."
He took a step closer, his eyes meeting Ser Arthur's intense gaze. "Prince Rhaegar entrusted me with their protection, and I intend to honor that trust. However, I would be grateful for your presence nearby, should they require your assistance or guidance."
Eddard's words carried a sense of sincerity and understanding. He recognized the difficult position the knights found themselves in, torn between their duty to the prince and the uncertain circumstances surrounding the child's future. Yet, in that moment, they shared a common goal: the well-being of Lyanna and her son.
"I ask that you stand as witnesses to the events unfolding here," Eddard continued, his voice resolute. "Should any harm come to them or their rightful claims, your testimony will be invaluable. Our actions must be guided by honor and justice, for the sake of the realm."
With that, Eddard motioned for his retinue to wait at a respectful distance, allowing him to ascend the remaining steps and join his sister and the infant Targaryen prince. The presence of the white-cloaked knights, though initially wary, served as a reminder of the complex web of loyalties and the importance of their shared purpose.
As Eddard entered the chamber above, a mixture of emotions filled his heart. Uncertainty, determination, and a fierce protectiveness merged within him. The road ahead would be challenging, but he would navigate it with the strength of his family's love and the weight of his promises. As he saw his sisster, he could only say... "Lyanna"
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