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Post by Gandalf on Jun 7, 2023 14:57:19 GMT -5
FieldMarshal Bismarck"Then let us face it, Lord Eddard." The Prince rose slowly to his feet, so as not to appear as if he struggled. "I must see to the preparations. When will you leave for Dorne?"--- Magnate Lucius"My thanks, Ser." Lyonel gave a nod in token deference to the older man. Like all lads his age, he felt himself invulnerable. Frey had never tasted real battle. "You fought in the Ninepenny Kings, Ser?" He asked as he wiped himself down, bright eyed and full of boyish enthusiasm. "Was Maelys as big as they say? Bigger than the Mountain? Did he really have two heads?" --- Rhaegar of course accepts Whent's offer. Damon Whent is officially enrolled as the Prince's own squire, and soon walks around bedecked in the livery of the House Targaryen. -- The Prince waits for Ser Denys in an informal audience chamber, laying on a couch rather than seated on a throne so that his leg could remain raised. A gaggle of knights and courtiers floated around him, no doubt planning the unspoken campaign against the King. "Lord Denys, be welcome." The Prince managed a thin smile and gestured for Arryn to sit. He had been writing in his own hand, but set the letter down when Ser Denys approached.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 7, 2023 15:54:36 GMT -5
@lyonel
Harwyn was about ready to depart and rejoin the patrol of the camp when Lyonel asked him about the Ninepenny Kings War. That was certainly quite the conflict. His father had been alive during that conflict in fact.
I served as a squire for Ser Kenning during that war. My father saw more of the action than I did.
His father, Ser Lyman, fought with the Westerland contingent during the final stages of the war.
Still remember smelling the salt and seagull shit of the Stepstones. Killed a Volanti pirate as my first kill ever…my father was very proud of that.
You never forget your first kill.
Never saw the Blackfyre in life, but I saw his corpse. Truly a monster in height and appearance. My father said the second head let out a terrible screech when Ser Barristan ended the Blackfyre’s life… a terrible and otherworldly cry he said.
-
Denys bows to the Prince before taking a seat. They would be moving soon, many of his own men were ready to head back to the Vale but they had a service to give for the would be Protector of the Realm.
I hope the maesters have been ensuring your swift recovery, Your Grace.
Lord Arryn remarks before getting down to business.
My Prince, on the matter of hostages, I must speak with you on the matter. My son and heir, Osric, is but a year old while the second in line, Harrold Hardyng, just turned four two weeks ago. House Arryn is very small now given the deaths in our family.
Jon, Ronnel, Elbert, Alys, and so forth.
And given the coming times, I would likely be needed in the Vale to help shore up the region and ensure all know peace, after all, Grafton declared war on the late Jon. And my son is but an infant still.
Denys looks at the Prince as he speaks, putting his hands together.
You know my reputation of chivalry and goodness. I still seek a way to fulfill your request. If it is my son you require, then I must bow to your command. But that will likely mean his mother, my wife, will insist on following. Is there a way we can find a compromise, Your Grace? I am sure that Osric and your son, Prince Aegon, would grow up as friends but, as stated before, the line is thin now.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 7, 2023 16:28:47 GMT -5
@lyonel Harwyn was about ready to depart and rejoin the patrol of the camp when Lyonel asked him about the Ninepenny Kings War. That was certainly quite the conflict. His father had been alive during that conflict in fact. I served as a squire for Ser Kenning during that war. My father saw more of the action than I did.His father, Ser Lyman, fought with the Westerland contingent during the final stages of the war. Still remember smelling the salt and seagull shit of the Stepstones. Killed a Volanti pirate as my first kill ever…my father was very proud of that.You never forget your first kill. Never saw the Blackfyre in life, but I saw his corpse. Truly a monster in height and appearance. My father said the second head let out a terrible screech when Ser Barristan ended the Blackfyre’s life… a terrible and otherworldly cry he said.- Denys bows to the Prince before taking a seat. They would be moving soon, many of his own men were ready to head back to the Vale but they had a service to give for the would be Protector of the Realm. I hope the maesters have been ensuring your swift recovery, Your Grace.Lord Arryn remarks before getting down to business. My Prince, on the matter of hostages, I must speak with you on the matter. My son and heir, Osric, is but a year old while the second in line, Harrold Hardyng, just turned four two weeks ago. House Arryn is very small now given the deaths in our family.Jon, Ronnel, Elbert, Alys, and so forth. And given the coming times, I would likely be needed in the Vale to help shore up the region and ensure all know peace, after all, Grafton declared war on the late Jon. And my son is but an infant still.Denys looks at the Prince as he speaks, putting his hands together. You know my reputation of chivalry and goodness. I still seek a way to fulfill your request. If it is my son you require, then I must bow to your command. But that will likely mean his mother, my wife, will insist on following. Is there a way we can find a compromise, Your Grace? I am sure that Osric and your son, Prince Aegon, would grow up as friends but, as stated before, the line is thin now.Lyonel's eyes went as big as milk saucers. "You killed a man?" Lyonel had not, not yet. It was something he was looking forward to. Every knight worth his honour had killed a man. "So he did have a second head. Truly a monster." Frey felt that the Ninepenny Kings was a real war, against real enemies of the realm. He only found their current cause confusing."Do you think we will fight the King, Ser?"---Rhaegar appeared thoughtful."I have heard of your reputation, Ser Denys. And indeed, you only followed your Lord in his erroneous course in attacking the Crown." The Prince waved a hand. "The Vale should have little trouble now that Arryn has returned to the King's peace. Nonetheless, I appreciate your position. I know what it is to have a child separated from you." Succession was always troublesome when the direct male line died out. It had been a shame that Lord Jon had perished, for the Prince had known of his formidable reputation as a statesman. But such was the price of rebellion."What is this Hardyng to you? I am aware that he is of your wife's kin, but little else." The Prince eyed Arryn with a calm smile. Sometimes reputations were built on falsehood. "A cynical man that doubted your honour might say you were removing an obstacle to your succession."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Jun 7, 2023 16:40:09 GMT -5
FieldMarshal Bismarck "Then let us face it, Lord Eddard." The Prince rose slowly to his feet, so as not to appear as if he struggled. "I must see to the preparations. When will you leave for Dorne?"--- Magnate Lucius "My thanks, Ser." Lyonel gave a nod in token deference to the older man. Like all lads his age, he felt himself invulnerable. Frey had never tasted real battle. "You fought in the Ninepenny Kings, Ser?" He asked as he wiped himself down, bright eyed and full of boyish enthusiasm. "Was Maelys as big as they say? Bigger than the Mountain? Did he really have two heads?" --- Rhaegar of course accepts Whent's offer. Damon Whent is officially enrolled as the Prince's own squire, and soon walks around bedecked in the livery of the House Targaryen. -- The Prince waits for Ser Denys in an informal audience chamber, laying on a couch rather than seated on a throne so that his leg could remain raised. A gaggle of knights and courtiers floated around him, no doubt planning the unspoken campaign against the King. "Lord Denys, be welcome." The Prince managed a thin smile and gestured for Arryn to sit. He had been writing in his own hand, but set the letter down when Ser Denys approached.
Eddard stood as well, his gaze steady as he met Rhaegar's eyes. He understood the urgency of their task and the need for timely action.
"I will depart for Dorne without delay," Eddard replied, his voice resolute. "The safety of my sister your son is of utmost importance. I shall gather a small retinue and make haste towards Dorne."
He paused briefly, contemplating the logistics of their journey.
"It would be prudent for us to travel separately, so as not to draw unnecessary attention," Eddard suggested. "Once I have ensured Lyanna's safety, I will await further instructions from you on how best to proceed."
He took a step closer, a sense of shared purpose evident in his expression.
"May our paths converge again soon, Prince Rhaegar," Eddard said with a nod. "Together, we shall bring about the reckoning and forge a better future for our children."
With that, Eddard turned to make his preparations, his mind focused on the task ahead. The time for action had come, and he would do whatever it took to fulfill his duty to his family and to the realm they both sought to protect.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 7, 2023 17:23:39 GMT -5
Harwyn looks around the encampment of Westerlanders. True, they had marched late but Lord Tywin was a wiser man and knew it better than to fight, even if his troops were fresh. The rebel cause was defeated and the royalists were victorious. Neutrality had served them better.
Aye, we will likely be marching to King’s Landing. Overheard some of the nobles talking about Prince Rhaegar and his desire to right the wrongs of the realm.
Ser Vikary was a knight, he left such things to bigger names.
Heard the Mad King loves fire. Hopefully we can prevent one from erupting across the Seven Kingdoms
One worse than ever known before.
-
When Rhaegar presented the question of Denys’ thoughts on Harrold, he didn’t get a twisted expression at the name. Rather, there was a blank one on Lord Arryn’s face.
Gods be cruel to the line of Alys, my wife’s kin. Her older brother died a child and the rest were girls. Two have died, one was carried away by the Burned Men, another scarred and joined the Silent Sisters, another to the Faith, a further is barren and married to Lord Elesham. Harrold’s mother, the youngest of Alys’ children, died shortly after giving birth to him.
Denys sighs some, rubbing his hands together calmly. He looks up at Rhaegar now, reflecting on how small the House of Arryn was now.
A lesser man would have snuffed out Harrold as an infant. And I no such man. For if Osric were to die, my wife to be taken by fate, and I to father no more, then it would be up to Harrold to continue the Arryn line. We are not so lucky with adults right now compared to other families.
Like the ever large Tyrells, Lannisters, and Freys.
I had planned to speak with Harrold’s father and discuss his future. Even if he is not destined to rule, he should be brought up as an Arryn and given the means to have a future, whatever that may be. I even pondered about adopting him so that he be raised as a true son of my ancestor’s ancient bloodline, ensuring his future is secure and sound.
Denys was known as the Darling of the Vale for a reason
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 8, 2023 4:04:06 GMT -5
Harwyn looks around the encampment of Westerlanders. True, they had marched late but Lord Tywin was a wiser man and knew it better than to fight, even if his troops were fresh. The rebel cause was defeated and the royalists were victorious. Neutrality had served them better. Aye, we will likely be marching to King’s Landing. Overheard some of the nobles talking about Prince Rhaegar and his desire to right the wrongs of the realm.Ser Vikary was a knight, he left such things to bigger names. Heard the Mad King loves fire. Hopefully we can prevent one from erupting across the Seven KingdomsOne worse than ever known before. - When Rhaegar presented the question of Denys’ thoughts on Harrold, he didn’t get a twisted expression at the name. Rather, there was a blank one on Lord Arryn’s face. Gods be cruel to the line of Alys, my wife’s kin. Her older brother died a child and the rest were girls. Two have died, one was carried away by the Burned Men, another scarred and joined the Silent Sisters, another to the Faith, a further is barren and married to Lord Elesham. Harrold’s mother, the youngest of Alys’ children, died shortly after giving birth to him.Denys sighs some, rubbing his hands together calmly. He looks up at Rhaegar now, reflecting on how small the House of Arryn was now. A lesser man would have snuffed out Harrold as an infant. And I no such man. For if Osric were to die, my wife to be taken by fate, and I to father no more, then it would be up to Harrold to continue the Arryn line. We are not so lucky with adults right now compared to other families.Like the ever large Tyrells, Lannisters, and Freys. I had planned to speak with Harrold’s father and discuss his future. Even if he is not destined to rule, he should be brought up as an Arryn and given the means to have a future, whatever that may be. I even pondered about adopting him so that he be raised as a true son of my ancestor’s ancient bloodline, ensuring his future is secure and sound.Denys was known as the Darling of the Vale for a reason
“Very well.” Said Rhaegar, apparently convinced.
“Harrold will serve as a page to a knight of my choosing. Send him to me upon your return to the Vale, Ser Denys, and I shall ensure he is properly fostered.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 8, 2023 12:26:35 GMT -5
"Unless you're giving him exactly what he wants, which is your submission and the head of every rebel lord on a silver platter, I cannot think of one. You know how much Duskendale changed him, it was a minor miracle that he went to the Harrenhal tourney. There are enough shadows in the Red Keep to keep him paranoid. Or maybe one of those Red Priests from Essos can convince him with their fire magic."He scratched his chin contemplatively. "Your family is his trump card, and despite his madness he has enough self-preservation to see that. He can't kill them on a whim as long as you are the stronger party. Rescuing your family is the key to ending this conflict. Either through an inside man or someone can infiltrate the Red Keep, gods know how many secret tunnels is inside that castle." Lucerys took another sip of wine. "It was a mighty fine performance you put on before the whole realm, my Prince. House Velaryon will not be looked upon favorably, some will demand my house be punished for conspiracy against the throne. If I were to lend my support to you, I would hope that Driftmark's primacy in the Narrow Sea will be secure for the future." "It always takes some time getting used to. My father was Lord Tully, I did not see myself filling his boots when I was your age. You'll learn by doing."He gave a warm smile. "That is true, and I hope to rectify our lack of acquaintance. I heard you held out against Randyll Tarly's host at Storm's End, it is very commendable."It certainly showed in Stannis's gaunt features, very much the opposite of Robert Baratheon. "From what I hear you've yet to wed? Now we are near peace, we should look to the future. My younger daughter, Lysa, was wed to Jon Arryn, though the war made them unable to consummate the marriage. She is but a few years younger than yourself. I'd like to invite you to Riverrun, Lord Stannis, so we could discuss a prospective match." Stannis narrows his eyes, jaw and neck tense. "Aye, I have no-one to call my bride, Lord Tully..."His eyes widened and narrowed twice. "This... this can be discussed Lord Hoster. I will take your word on the matter and ride to Riverrun" Hoster nodded contentedly. "Then I hope to see you soon."Gandalf - as Stevron Frey and Royal Joker as Hoster Tully Ser Stevron and I were just discussing the future of the Riverlands, considering these rivers experienced the most brutal of fighting.Lord Whent addresses Hoster. Might be best to ensure the Kingsroad, through our lands, is freed of any would-be bandits and troublemakers. Trade will be vital in restoring the order of the Riverlands.Walter had considered a few measures, such as reaching out to his vassals and neighbors, namely Darry, Bracken, and Mooton, in securing further alliances through his sons Lyonel, Humfrey and Damon, now that Lucas and Sarra were to be wed. He had even planned of constructing a keep at Harrentown to help further secure the area. Perhaps have Lyonel or Humfrey be raised up as a knight of that keep and monitor the road towards Darry's holdfast. I may send Lucas or Lyonel your way, Hoster, to the court of Riverrun. They are of age and could use the experience as sworn swords till its Lucas' time to succeed me.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 8, 2023 12:39:54 GMT -5
"Perhaps there is a way." Rhaegar set down his cup, appearing thoughtful. "But I will need the Royal Fleet." Lucerys took another sip of wine. "It was a mighty fine performance you put on before the whole realm, my Prince. House Velaryon will not be looked upon favorably, some will demand my house be punished for conspiracy against the throne. If I were to lend my support to you, I would hope that Driftmark's primacy in the Narrow Sea will be secure for the future." "I did little"Stannis narrows his eyes, jaw and neck tense. "Aye, I have no-one to call my bride, Lord Tully..."His eyes widened and narrowed twice. "This... this can be discussed Lord Hoster. I will take your word on the matter and ride to Riverrun" Hoster nodded contentedly. "Then I hope to see you soon."Gandalf - as Stevron Frey and Royal Joker as Hoster Tully Ser Stevron and I were just discussing the future of the Riverlands, considering these rivers experienced the most brutal of fighting.Lord Whent addresses Hoster. Might be best to ensure the Kingsroad, through our lands, is freed of any would-be bandits and troublemakers. Trade will be vital in restoring the order of the Riverlands.Walter had considered a few measures, such as reaching out to his vassals and neighbors, namely Darry, Bracken, and Mooton, in securing further alliances through his sons Lyonel, Humfrey and Damon, now that Lucas and Sarra were to be wed. He had even planned of constructing a keep at Harrentown to help further secure the area. Perhaps have Lyonel or Humfrey be raised up as a knight of that keep and monitor the road towards Darry's holdfast. I may send Lucas or Lyonel your way, Hoster, to the court of Riverrun. They are of age and could use the experience as sworn swords till its Lucas' time to succeed me. Rhaegar did not feel any satisfaction that his guess regarding Velaryon’s loyalties was correct. But in truth, the Lord of Driftmark was right; Rhaegar needed the fleet more than he needed to serve up a cowardly - but not guilty - man as a scapegoat. "As it always has been, so it shall be. Driftmark was the greatest of our banner-houses in the days of my forefathers. I am sure the lords of the realm will forget any talk of treachery after a public display of our reconciliation.”
He drank deep again.
“But yes, I shall not dishonour myself by pretending I can do this without the fleet. Forcing the surrender of the city shall be the only way this is resolved without bloodshed.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 8, 2023 14:21:13 GMT -5
Rhaegar did not feel any satisfaction that his guess regarding Velaryon’s loyalties was correct. But in truth, the Lord of Driftmark was right; Rhaegar needed the fleet more than he needed to serve up a cowardly - but not guilty - man as a scapegoat. "As it always has been, so it shall be. Driftmark was the greatest of our banner-houses in the days of my forefathers. I am sure the lords of the realm will forget any talk of treachery after a public display of our reconciliation.”
He drank deep again.
“But yes, I shall not dishonour myself by pretending I can do this without the fleet. Forcing the surrender of the city shall be the only way this is resolved without bloodshed.”Lucerys smiled and offered his hand to Rhaegar. All was well as long as House Velaryon ruled the waves. "Then we are united against our common enemy - Varys the Spider and the alchemists that have corrupted your father's court for too long. The royal fleet will sail to save the Iron Throne."In some ways it was a relief to find an out. He had tied himself too closely to Mad Aerys, no doubt the rebels would have had his head if they had won. Now though, the blood of Old Valyria still ruled the Seven Kingdoms, and the endless sea was his domain. "I'm surprised though, I had imagined the Redwyne fleet would aid you, seeing how the Tyrells had come to your great council."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 8, 2023 14:50:56 GMT -5
“But he is the King.” Frey’s brow knotted into a frown. But he supposed if it was the heir they were following then their cause must be just. Rhaegar was known by all to be an honourable man.“Perhaps we will see battle yet. I bore of these mock duels.”—
“Very well.” Said Rhaegar, apparently convinced.
“Harrold will serve as a page to a knight of my choosing. Send him to me upon your return to the Vale, Ser Denys, and I shall ensure he is properly fostered.” Seemed like being King didn't save the good nor the bad from the hands of their subjects and vassals. The Mad King was just the worst since the vicious Maegor. Better we have a good king than a bad one who arbitrarily burns whoever he suspects of treason.At the mention of battle, Harwyn looks at Lyonel. Get permission from your father some time to serve Houses Westerling, Kayce, or Kenning. Plenty of times we face Ironborn reavers. They'd be good experience for ya, Lyonel.Better than fighting bandits and brigands, that's for sure. - Certainly, my wife and his father will be happy to hear of this, Your Grace.Denys would return to the Vale, once all at King's Landing was done, to speak with Harrold's father. If all went well, Harrold would be adopted as an Arryn and sent to the royal court to be trained as a knight. Osric already has the prestige of being the heir to the Eyrie. Harrold will find the time with a knight of your choosing to be a best education one day.Perhaps even secure him an advantageous marriage and place at court. "Excellent ideas. The roads and the rivers is the blood that flows through these lands. The Riverroad passes through the lands of Riverrun, though it's no Kingsroad there are enough bandits in the woods to last a lifetime. I should do the same up north. And your sons are of course welcome under my roof, Walter, I'll teach them to be proper knights of the Riverlands." Walter smiles at Hoster. Damon has joined the household of the Prince Rhaegar as a squire.A most wondrous boon to his youngest. When all is done, perhaps I will send Humfrey to serve yourself, Hoster, or perhaps your brother, Brynden.The most capable and skilled Blackfish, a knight that all of the Riverlands desired to emulate. We should all meet again someday to discuss the future of the Riverlands. Certainly, it will be well deserved to plan for the future.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 9, 2023 14:01:56 GMT -5
"Excellent ideas. The roads and the rivers is the blood that flows through these lands. The Riverroad passes through the lands of Riverrun, though it's no Kingsroad there are enough bandits in the woods to last a lifetime. I should do the same up north. And your sons are of course welcome under my roof, Walter, I'll teach them to be proper knights of the Riverlands." Walter smiles at Hoster. Damon has joined the household of the Prince Rhaegar as a squire.A most wondrous boon to his youngest. When all is done, perhaps I will send Humfrey to serve yourself, Hoster, or perhaps your brother, Brynden.The most capable and skilled Blackfish, a knight that all of the Riverlands desired to emulate. We should all meet again someday to discuss the future of the Riverlands. Certainly, it will be well deserved to plan for the future. Hoster's eyes darkened at the mention of his disowned brother. "Do not mention his name in my presence again, Walter. He's not a member of this family anymore."He briefly glanced over at the Arryn party. The Blackfish stood among the other knights of the Vale, happily chatting with the rest of the group. It stung for a moment before the feeling turned to bitterness. Hoster turned back to his brother-in-law. "We'll talk about the future of the Riverlands soon, when the war's done."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 11, 2023 3:50:27 GMT -5
Royal JokerRhaegar took the Lord Velaryon’s outstretched hand in a firm grip. ”Alas, the Lords of the Reach wanted no part in this. They had spilled blood for me and the King already.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 12, 2023 11:00:24 GMT -5
Royal Joker Rhaegar took the Lord Velaryon’s outstretched hand in a firm grip. ”Alas, the Lords of the Reach wanted no part in this. They had spilled blood for me and the King already.” Lucerys nodded. The Tyrells had been loyal to the Iron Throne, compared to the rest of the kingdoms they had little to gain from taking a side in the squabble between the King and the Prince. "And what of the Iron fleet? A peculiar folk, but even I would think twice before challenging the Greyjoys at sea."
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