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Post by Gandalf on May 30, 2023 16:46:16 GMT -5
Rhaegar stood aloof at the outpouring of grief, sitting in silence as the wolf bared his heart. Perhaps he and Lyanna were more alike than he had first realised.
"I did not ask for my father to burn yours, or kill your brother. And for those crimes I intend to make him answer." The words were so soft that Eddard would have to strain to hear. "But Everything I have done is for the realm, Lord Stark, more than you can ever know. Now it is over. I will see no more blood shed or men killed on the account of this madness. Your armies and bannermen are scattered, your pretender in chains. By every right I should hand you to my father. But that would not be just. I will not see any more men burn for nothing."
The purple eyes flashed with anger, but he sounded tired. Tired of war, tired of death.
"Your sister has told me you are a man of reason and honour. In your heart, you know what I say to be true. There is no dishonour in putting down your sword." Rhaegar turned to look out over the God's Eye, and his chest wracked with a deep sigh. "I give you my word that she is safe, just as I gave her mine that I would keep you from harm. I will not kill you, Eddard Stark, even though you speak treason with every breath. Live, damn you. See your sister again. Walk in your Godswood with your wife, father children of your own."
For a moment he grew distant, quiet.
"When our child is born, I shall send for her, and announce the marriage to the realm." He finally announced, in a tone that would brook no argument. "Swear your oaths, and I will let you go. I will not ask a hostage from the man who would be my brother."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on May 30, 2023 17:47:42 GMT -5
Rhaegar stood aloof at the outpouring of grief, sitting in silence as the wolf bared his heart. Perhaps he and Lyanna were more alike than he had first realised. "I did not ask for my father to burn yours, or kill your brother. And for those crimes I intend to make him answer." The words were so soft that Eddard would have to strain to hear. "But Everything I have done is for the realm, Lord Stark, more than you can ever know. Now it is over. I will see no more blood shed or men killed on the account of this madness. Your armies and bannermen are scattered, your pretender in chains. By every right I should hand you to my father. But that would not be just. I will not see any more men burn for nothing."The purple eyes flashed with anger, but he sounded tired. Tired of war, tired of death. "Your sister has told me you are a man of reason and honour. In your heart, you know what I say to be true. There is no dishonour in putting down your sword." Rhaegar turned to look out over the God's Eye, and his chest wracked with a deep sigh. "I give you my word that she is safe, just as I gave her mine that I would keep you from harm. I will not kill you, Eddard Stark, even though you speak treason with every breath. Live, damn you. See your sister again. Walk in your Godswood with your wife, father children of your own."For a moment he grew distant, quiet. "When our child is born, I shall send for her, and announce the marriage to the realm." He finally announced, in a tone that would brook no argument. "Swear your oaths, and I will let you go. I will not ask a hostage from the man who would be my brother."
Eddard Stark listened intently to Rhaegar's words, a mixture of skepticism and weariness evident in his eyes. The prince's promises and declarations carried weight, yet Eddard remained cautious, his loyalty and duty to his family firmly rooted within him.
"You speak of seeking justice for the crimes committed by your father, and for that, I commend you," Eddard replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. His hearing was good it seems. "But know that the wounds inflicted upon my family and the realm run deep. The pain and suffering caused by this war cannot be easily forgotten or forgiven."
He paused, taking a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. "Your intentions may be noble, Prince Rhaegar, but the path you have chosen has left a trail of destruction and heartache. I cannot simply set aside the cause for which we fought."
Eddard's gaze hardened, his words firm and resolute. "As for Lyanna, I pray that what you say is true, that she is safe and unharmed. But I will not forsake my duty to protect my family and ensure their well-being. I cannot simply accept your words as a guarantee. Actions speak louder than words, and trust is earned." He took a step forward, meeting Rhaegar's gaze with a determined expression. "If you seek to end this war and prevent further bloodshed, then let it be through just means. Release me and take me with you to Lyanna."
Eddard's voice softened, carrying a tinge of sadness. "I understand the weight of your choices and the burden you bear, but I too carry the weight of my own choices and the responsibility to protect those I love. The North will not easily forget the suffering it has endured. Give us the chance to heal and rebuild, and perhaps there may yet be a chance for reconciliation and peace."
His words conveyed a genuine desire for a resolution, but Eddard remained unwavering in his loyalty and the pursuit of justice for his family. He hoped the prince would understand but he would face the consequences nonetheless.
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Post by Gandalf on May 31, 2023 3:43:20 GMT -5
”You may set your cause before the council I intend to call at Harrenhal. I intend to see that this madness is put to an end. Then I shall take you to your sister.””
Rhaegar grimaced as he shifted his weight back onto the walking cane.
”Trust.” The grimace twisted into a sad smile. ”I put my trust and faith in you, Lord Stark, and other men that broke their oaths and would have seen a pretender crowned. You speak of justice, but I wonder what would have been if the shoe were worn on the other foot. Would I be dead now, my head on a stick alongside my father? What of my children?”
He laid a hand on Stark’s shoulder. He stood a near head taller than Eddard, even as twisted as he was.
”You were wronged, and sought vengeance. I shall give justice. Let us vow now that there shall be no more blood spilt, and I will embrace you as a brother.”
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on May 31, 2023 4:39:08 GMT -5
Eddard Stark regarded Rhaegar with a mix of wariness and contemplation. The weight of the decisions made and the consequences endured lingered heavily upon him. Rhaegar's words carried a genuine desire for reconciliation, but Eddard remained cautious, knowing that trust was not easily regained.
"I understand the doubts that linger within you, Prince Rhaegar," Eddard responded, his voice tinged with a solemn tone. "The choices made in times of war are rarely straightforward or clear-cut. But we must find a way to break this cycle of violence and bloodshed."
He looked into Rhaegar's eyes, a flicker of hope shining within his own. "I cannot promise immediate trust, for trust is earned through actions. However, I am willing to consider your offer. If the council at Harrenhal truly seeks to bring an end to this madness and provide a just resolution for the realm, then I will stand before them and present my case."
Eddard paused, his gaze unwavering. "But know this, Prince Rhaegar, my loyalty lies first and foremost with my family and the North. I will not betray their trust or sacrifice their well-being. If the council can provide a path to justice and peace, if it can secure the future and safety of my loved ones, then I am willing to embrace the possibility of reconciliation."
He extended his hand, a gesture of tentative goodwill. "Let us vow, then, that there shall be no more blood spilt. May our actions reflect our words, and may we find a way to heal the wounds of the past. Only through genuine efforts and shared understanding can true brotherhood be forged."
Eddard's grip was firm, the weight of his convictions evident. "If we can achieve this, if we can bring about a lasting peace, then perhaps we can begin to rebuild and ensure a better future for all."
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Post by Gandalf on May 31, 2023 5:09:12 GMT -5
Rhaegar gripped his hand in his own. He felt a great weight removed from his shoulders, as if a boulder had been lying upon him and he had found the inner strength to throw it off himself.
”I swear it by all the Gods. Let us return to the King’s Peace.” Peace was a bittersweet draught to swallow, for some men. ”Men should trust in their king, and their oaths unto him. The King defends his subjects, or he is no king at all.”
He stepped back, shifting all his weight onto the crutch that held him upright. With his left hand open, he gestured to the lands around them.
”You are hereby free of my charge, Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. You are prisoner no more. I will make no demands, but I shall ask of you the oath that the Starks have sworn to kings of my house since the Conqueror.”
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on May 31, 2023 5:59:32 GMT -5
Eddard Stark took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Rhaegar's with resolve. He knew the significance of the oath he was about to swear, and he understood the weight it carried.
"I, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, swear by the Old Gods, to be loyal to house Targaryen, the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms," he began, his voice steady and resolute. "I pledge to serve you faithfully, to defend the realm against all enemies, and to uphold justice and honor in all my actions. I will keep your secrets and counsel, and I will be a steadfast ally to you and your house until the end of my days."
As he spoke the words, Eddard's commitment to his oath was unwavering. He had always held duty and honor in the highest regard, and now, he pledged himself to Rhaegar and the cause of peace.
"I swear this oath before the Gods and men, and I shall uphold it with every fiber of my being," he concluded, his voice filled with conviction.
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Post by Gandalf on May 31, 2023 8:48:30 GMT -5
Rhaegar gladly embraced Eddard as his friend and vassal. Then the Prince left to break bread before the March began again. This time, Stark would be granted a horse, and a similar place of honour afforded to Arryn.
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