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Post by Gandalf on Jun 16, 2023 10:37:17 GMT -5
Two dozen men make the trek up to the Eyrie on the stout mountain horses bred in Arryn’s Vale. They parade before them the broken wheel of the Waynwoods, as well as a dozen other banners - one being the red and white cheque of the Hardyngs, vassals of the Lords of Ironoaks.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 16, 2023 11:00:21 GMT -5
Two dozen men make the trek up to the Eyrie on the stout mountain horses bred in Arryn’s Vale. They parade before them the broken wheel of the Waynwoods, as well as a dozen other banners - one being the red and white cheque of the Hardyngs, vassals of the Lords of Ironoaks. This time, given Lady Waynwood's location, Lord Eustace and his party are shown into the Gates of the Moon. Denys suspected that his wife would be happy to see her kin, considering her expectant state. Lord Arryn was pleased to see the banner of the Hardyngs too, considering that the upcoming decree would not only involve Lord Waynwood, but also the father of second-in-line to the Vale. The party is shown to a comfortable parlor and were soon joined by Denys and his wife, Amanda. Lord Eustace, I thank you for your time.Denys smiles as he greets Lord Waynwood. Lord Arryn even greetings Harrold's father shortly after before addressing Eustace again. I hope the roads were safe for you and your entourage. Seems the hillmen have remained quiet and in their caves.There was a chill in the air now after all. Winter was approaching. How have you and your family been at Ironoaks?Denys inquires as a lady-in-waiting helps Amanda sit comfortably nearby.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 16, 2023 11:12:51 GMT -5
Lord Eustace makes a point of formally greeting his cousin, kneeling before her and kissing her hand. He gives Ser Denys a friendly clap on the shoulder before taking a seat.
”Safe enough, my lord. Rabble aren’t likely to bother men with sharp steel.” Waynwood said curtly. ”I have been well. My sister will soon want for a husband, and I myself still mourn for the loss of my late wife.”
He feigned some grief on his part, slipping into a solemn mask like a silk glove.
”I am glad to see you have been busy furthering the Arryn line, my lord. My cousin needs many heirs, Gods preserve her.” Eustace gestured to her growing stomach. ”We all mourn the fate of the late Lord Jon.”
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Post by oznerol on Jun 16, 2023 11:26:42 GMT -5
"Aye, sire"Said Hotspur. He and his sister both were wearing furs, that they handed down with little regard to a servant. Both were wearing clothing fitting for riding. "You can hardly see anything but freezing cold this time of the year. And in no time everything will be snow-covered fields, pines and hovels. I expect you will soon leave the Eyrie for the Gates""My Lord, we wish to congratulate you on your ascension"Said Margery, polite, with a curt nod. "Ah, aye, I was just going to say as much"Templeton frowned. It was warmer there and would be good for her health as well as their sons, especially considering all knew at court that the lady was with child once more. I thank you both for your congratulations. It has been... quite the task to take up considering the reputation and skill of the late Jon.A funeral had already been performed, putting to rest the late Lord Arryn alongside his immediate king and among both his noble and royal ancestors. Speaking of the Gates of the Moon, I would be remise to not offer you reward for your services, Ser Henry, during the late Rebellion.At that moment, Denys offers the pair of them seats so that they could get down to business. First, I would like to offer your sister a place in my wife's household as a lady-in-waiting. If she is agreeable and willing, of course. She added, with a slight smile. "I would gladly serve her, mylord, there're blood ties between her and I"They were cousins, not too closely related, but cousins of some sort. "Lady Arryn is a woman of good temper and noble upbringing, it's but an honor, sire"Margery always thought her plain, but a few things should not be spoken. "This way you might get a good husband, lass. Seven willing it will be a rich one"Added Templeton with a wink and a smile.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 16, 2023 17:40:16 GMT -5
"A noble and just lord, sire"She added, with a slight smile. "I would gladly serve her, mylord, there're blood ties between her and I"They were cousins, not too closely related, but cousins of some sort. "Lady Arryn is a woman of good temper and noble upbringing, it's but an honor, sire"Margery always thought her plain, but a few things should not be spoken. "This way you might get a good husband, lass. Seven willing it will be a rich one"Added Templeton with a wink and a smile. Denys remarks to Margery before turning now to her brother. I have a few more offices to fill with necessary persons.The Vale may not be vast, but it was high peaked. Denys was a jouster, hardly an administrator. I shall name you Knight of the Gates of the Moon. The one to protect and keep secure a most vital of forts.Bloody Gate to Brynden, Gates of the Moon to Henry. You will be the castle's commander and keep the damned barbarians in their caves and away from Arryn lands. You will likely cooperate with Ser Brynden Tully, the Knight of the Bloody Gate.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 16, 2023 18:09:54 GMT -5
Lord Eustace makes a point of formally greeting his cousin, kneeling before her and kissing her hand. He gives Ser Denys a friendly clap on the shoulder before taking a seat. ”Safe enough, my lord. Rabble aren’t likely to bother men with sharp steel.” Waynwood said curtly. ”I have been well. My sister will soon want for a husband, and I myself still mourn for the loss of my late wife.” He feigned some grief on his part, slipping into a solemn mask like a silk glove. ”I am glad to see you have been busy furthering the Arryn line, my lord. My cousin needs many heirs, Gods preserve her.” Eustace gestured to her growing stomach. ”We all mourn the fate of the late Lord Jon.”Denys sighs at the mention of more losses in the Waynwood family. His wife's kin had had a most tragic story over the years, considering the deaths among their blood. May the Mother give your sister strength and fortune when the time comes for her to marry, Lord Eustace.Lord Arryn clasps him on the shoulder before directing him to sit with him and his wife. Wine and food was brought out shortly after. The Arryns have never been in such a state... Jon was unfortunate with marriage and the loss of his brother and nephew. If I do not do my duty then, soon enough, the Lords of the Vale will have to look to our distant cousins of Gulltown to rule the Vale. But thank the gods that Aerys is burning in hell. It will certainly give Jon and his departed kin peace. And certainly lift the shadows over many familysHis hand reaches out to touch his wife's belly, looking at Amanda. They were getting advanced in their years now, approaching the fortieth summer of their lifetimes. Perhaps, one more after this. Enough to secure the line with Osric, Harrold, this one, and another after.The mention of Harrold was meant to obvious get the attention of his father who was in the room. I'd certainly hate for a succession crisis after I pass away.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 17, 2023 3:08:08 GMT -5
"A noble and just lord, sire"She added, with a slight smile. "I would gladly serve her, mylord, there're blood ties between her and I"They were cousins, not too closely related, but cousins of some sort. "Lady Arryn is a woman of good temper and noble upbringing, it's but an honor, sire"Margery always thought her plain, but a few things should not be spoken. "This way you might get a good husband, lass. Seven willing it will be a rich one"Added Templeton with a wink and a smile. Denys remarks to Margery before turning now to her brother. I have a few more offices to fill with necessary persons.The Vale may not be vast, but it was high peaked. Denys was a jouster, hardly an administrator. I shall name you Knight of the Gates of the Moon. The one to protect and keep secure a most vital of forts.Bloody Gate to Brynden, Gates of the Moon to Henry. You will be the castle's commander and keep the damned barbarians in their caves and away from Arryn lands. You will likely cooperate with Ser Brynden Tully, the Knight of the Bloody Gate.
Said Templeton, actually surprised. "That is... is an honor, sire"Margery was looking at his brother. The revenues of the Gates were substantial, considering it administrated many of the Arryn lands and properties, which were handled by the Keeper, rather than the Lord of the Vale proper; it was easier to go back and forth from the Gates than climb down from the Eyrie. "I will do my best keeping roads at peace"He said, while his sister was surely counting beans, so to speak. She knew of the volume of the Gates' granaries, the wealth of the hamlets under its supervision, the number of mills, vineries, smithies...
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 17, 2023 10:44:26 GMT -5
Lord Eustace makes a point of formally greeting his cousin, kneeling before her and kissing her hand. He gives Ser Denys a friendly clap on the shoulder before taking a seat. ”Safe enough, my lord. Rabble aren’t likely to bother men with sharp steel.” Waynwood said curtly. ”I have been well. My sister will soon want for a husband, and I myself still mourn for the loss of my late wife.” He feigned some grief on his part, slipping into a solemn mask like a silk glove. ”I am glad to see you have been busy furthering the Arryn line, my lord. My cousin needs many heirs, Gods preserve her.” Eustace gestured to her growing stomach. ”We all mourn the fate of the late Lord Jon.”Denys sighs at the mention of more losses in the Waynwood family. His wife's kin had had a most tragic story over the years, considering the deaths among their blood. May the Mother give your sister strength and fortune when the time comes for her to marry, Lord Eustace.Lord Arryn clasps him on the shoulder before directing him to sit with him and his wife. Wine and food was brought out shortly after. The Arryns have never been in such a state... Jon was unfortunate with marriage and the loss of his brother and nephew. If I do not do my duty then, soon enough, the Lords of the Vale will have to look to our distant cousins of Gulltown to rule the Vale. But thank the gods that Aerys is burning in hell. It will certainly give Jon and his departed kin peace. And certainly lift the shadows over many familysHis hand reaches out to touch his wife's belly, looking at Amanda. They were getting advanced in their years now, approaching the fortieth summer of their lifetimes. Perhaps, one more after this. Enough to secure the line with Osric, Harrold, this one, and another after.The mention of Harrold was meant to obvious get the attention of his father who was in the room. I'd certainly hate for a succession crisis after I pass away. Lord Eustace scoffed at the very notion as if it physically repelled him. "I pray for another son then, my lord." He obsequiously replied. "I am sure you are man enough for the task."
Amanda was plainer than he remembered; the years had fattened her stomach and neck. A shame, she had been a fair woman when young. Worth a plough, or three.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 17, 2023 11:43:02 GMT -5
"Keeper of the Gates?"Said Templeton, actually surprised. "That is... is an honor, sire"Margery was looking at his brother. The revenues of the Gates were substantial, considering it administrated many of the Arryn lands and properties, which were handled by the Keeper, rather than the Lord of the Vale proper; it was easier to go back and forth from the Gates than climb down from the Eyrie. "I will do my best keeping roads at peace"He said, while his sister was surely counting beans, so to speak. She knew of the volume of the Gates' granaries, the wealth of the hamlets under its supervision, the number of mills, vineries, smithies... Denys had not expected to see Ser Henry to actually look and sound surprised. Had the knight not thought that Lord Arryn would have properly rewarded him for his services? I am more of a jouster and knight than ruler, Harry. You should see the amount of maesters following me around.The old crows... they certainly tried to educate Denys, but he enjoyed riding against fellow knights and trading lances. Perhaps, next year, a tournament could be arranged. A lord remembers the deeds of his vassals well. And for you to earn your name Hotspurs deserves a good reward.Denys nods his head affirmatively. I won't doubt that with Ser Templeton and the Blackfish patrolling the gates of the Vale, the hill tribes will tremble with fear.However, there was something key to consider in the future. He'd have to first see two in action and review their reports. If all went well, a mission would be given to the two. "Gods forbid your cousins of Gulltown should rule. I would rather die than see the Vale given to merchant bean counters."Lord Eustace scoffed at the very notion as if it physically repelled him. "I pray for another son then, my lord." He obsequiously replied. "I am sure you are man enough for the task."
Amanda was plainer than he remembered; the years had fattened her stomach and neck. A shame, she had been a fair woman when young. Worth a plough, or three. Denys scoffs slightly before rubbing the top of his hand as he sat in his chair But, with the few children to come, and with Seven's fortune, the Arryn name will spread once more.Leaning back into his chair, he gestures to Amanda before looking at Eustace. Now, onto the matter of why I asked for you. Considering you are my wife's kin, I would be remiss in not bringing you into the court, Eustace. To give you a proper post and salary befitting your noble status and your relation to both my wife and children. The office of High Steward of the Vale should be suffice.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 17, 2023 13:36:35 GMT -5
Brynden bowed his head gratefully to Lord Denys.
"Thank you, my lord. I'll take those names into considerations. Hopefully our focus will be on ridding ourselves of the mountain folk and not any foreign pests. By your leave, I'll prepare to depart for the Bloody Gate."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 18, 2023 7:53:41 GMT -5
"I thank you, that is most generous."
Eustace answered after a short pause, green eyes widening in surprise.
"I will make preparations to move my household to the Gates of the Moon, my lord."
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Post by oznerol on Jun 19, 2023 7:31:56 GMT -5
"Keeper of the Gates?"Said Templeton, actually surprised. "That is... is an honor, sire"Margery was looking at his brother. The revenues of the Gates were substantial, considering it administrated many of the Arryn lands and properties, which were handled by the Keeper, rather than the Lord of the Vale proper; it was easier to go back and forth from the Gates than climb down from the Eyrie. "I will do my best keeping roads at peace"He said, while his sister was surely counting beans, so to speak. She knew of the volume of the Gates' granaries, the wealth of the hamlets under its supervision, the number of mills, vineries, smithies... Denys had not expected to see Ser Henry to actually look and sound surprised. Had the knight not thought that Lord Arryn would have properly rewarded him for his services? I am more of a jouster and knight than ruler, Harry. You should see the amount of maesters following me around.The old crows... they certainly tried to educate Denys, but he enjoyed riding against fellow knights and trading lances. Perhaps, next year, a tournament could be arranged. A lord remembers the deeds of his vassals well. And for you to earn your name Hotspurs deserves a good reward.Denys nods his head affirmatively. I won't doubt that with Ser Templeton and the Blackfish patrolling the gates of the Vale, the hill tribes will tremble with fear.However, there was something key to consider in the future. He'd have to first see two in action and review their reports. If all went well, a mission would be given to the two. "Gods forbid your cousins of Gulltown should rule. I would rather die than see the Vale given to merchant bean counters."Lord Eustace scoffed at the very notion as if it physically repelled him. "I pray for another son then, my lord." He obsequiously replied. "I am sure you are man enough for the task."
Amanda was plainer than he remembered; the years had fattened her stomach and neck. A shame, she had been a fair woman when young. Worth a plough, or three. Denys scoffs slightly before rubbing the top of his hand as he sat in his chair But, with the few children to come, and with Seven's fortune, the Arryn name will spread once more.Leaning back into his chair, he gestures to Amanda before looking at Eustace. Now, onto the matter of why I asked for you. Considering you are my wife's kin, I would be remiss in not bringing you into the court, Eustace. To give you a proper post and salary befitting your noble status and your relation to both my wife and children. The office of High Steward of the Vale should be suffice. Said Templeton. "I will discuss matters with the Blackfish, a man of his prowess will prove to be a formidable companion in these affairs"
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 19, 2023 20:14:42 GMT -5
GandalfDenys motions to a servant who comes over. Have the... second floor rooms of the eastern tower be prepared for the Lord Waynwood and any of his family.Lord Arryn commands as the servant bows and departs. Bring a suitable guard of your knights and any attendants you need to help with your new role, Eustace.Denys smiles before turning to his wife. He leans over, whispering in her ear. She nods as Denys now looks at Eustace. May I speak directly with Lord Hardyng? It involves his son, Harrold.Lord Waynwood's first role, as High Steward, would be witnessing and advising on what was to come next. =============== oznerolSer Tully has already departed for the Bloody Gate and I advised him on who to look to for help and assistance. Even gave him permission to bring in Riverlander knights he may know.The Vale's knights were fewer now after the devastating losses at the Trident. There were a number of young knights on the rise, but they were still inexperienced or growing up. The most promising of which was Nestor Royce's son, Albar, who was just about to turn eighteen now. A very robust individual that Denys hoped would live to be a great knight. I intend to rebuild from the losses of knights and men from the Trident, but, more importantly, see to the Vale's growth in the peace to come.Denys points at Ser Henry. And I need energetic and eager men, like you, to help me see it through.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 21, 2023 17:37:53 GMT -5
Eustace gestures his acceptance; Hardyng was a heavy set man with a thick moustache, and one of Eustace's key bannermen. Harrold would one day serve as Lord Waynwood's squire, or so the two families had agreed.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 21, 2023 20:59:07 GMT -5
Eustace gestures his acceptance; Hardyng was a heavy set man with a thick moustache, and one of Eustace's key bannermen. Harrold would one day serve as Lord Waynwood's squire, or so the two families had agreed. Denys would relax in his chair, looking directly at Ser Hardyng. Another of unfortunate spouses to his own wife's sisters. In a few days, there will be a decree going forth to all of the Vale.He gestures to one of the many maesters that attended him, considering his lack of education in the affairs of state. One of the clauses will affirm your son, Harrold, as second in line to Osric. Even if another son is born of me.Denys was a courteous man and he intended to keep a promise to the King. As such, I wish to state my intention of adopting Harrold as an Arryn and sending him to the capital to be squired by a knight of the King's choosing.Quickly, Lord Arryn raises a hand, indicating he had more to say. This intention is to secure a future for Harrold, in case fortune favors my eldest into adulthood. It wouldn't be right to have Harrold be an Arryn that is empty-handed. Education in the capital, squired by a royal knight... open many doors and potentials.Now, Denys let the floor be open to Ser Hardyng.
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