As An Eagle Flies (A House Arryn Quest)

The Great Council: The Kingmakers

Harrenhall was truly a dark and depressing sight. The ruined castle left to rot by Aegon the Conquerer and failed to be repaired by so many families and generations, was like the kingdoms of old, as was the way of thinking. At least in your mind, that is.

Old, dilapidated, falling apart. In desperate need for change, in one way or another.

But it was the only castle that could truly house the lord's of the Realm, now that the realm was in chaos and in need of a new monarch.

A new monarch that could lead to the changing of Dynasties.

Rhaella had already cried and mourned for her brother and her family. And the dawning realization that she was the last of her family. And her lineage would die with her. But in her state, you, the only person she ever loved, was the pillar of strength for her. Keeping her calm… keeping her busy when she wanted her mind off of everything that had happened.

And keeping her from miscarrying, a fear both of you had the moment the news came from your father.

"Everything will be alright." You whispered as the both of you walked into the grand halls of the keep. The thousand or so lord's that had gathered in the month that this call was given… were exhausted, fear was in their eyes, and their gazes. All frightened.

All plotting, scheming and planning on what will occur.

You had not come alone. You had met the mountain clans, with the Vale Lord's traveling to The Great Council. All chose to be silent of the news. Showing love to the Lady of the Vale, but unsure whether to proclaim her as queen.

You understood their hesitation. There was another claimant who could rise to the throne if enough of the realm would be convinced.

Your father was at the front, at the head of a great table, as was Lord Rickard, Lord Tywin, and Lord Tyrell. The Seven Kingdoms and the Principality of Dorne were all gathered, to decide the future of the realm.

Your father seemed to have aged several decades. His hair was now grey, his skin pale as winter snow. His eyes are full of bags, stress, and exhaustion.

You understand that your father had done everything he could to keep the realm together, even placing himself as regent to make sure there would be some semblance of government, before the council.

A fact that caused many lords to become frightened, thinking it was a power play. But those suspicions were clearly dropped when all who saw your father wept for him.

Your father was dying, not from the sickness, but from the stress of trying to keep the seven kingdoms together. Trying to prevent the end of an Empire.

You walked forward with Rhaella, and all lord's bowed heads in respect, if only because she was with child.

Children, that was what she said. She was soon going to give birth to twins.

You and Rhaella sat at the table. The hall was dead silent, and the room looked to your father.

Your father stood, his cane booming as he walked into view.

"MY LORD'S! My LADIES!" His voice was greater than ever before...somehow. "WE ARE HERE TODAY, AT THIS COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHO WILL SIT THE IRON THRONE, TO PREVENT CHAOS IN THE REALM!"

There was small applause from the lord's, but it was soon silenced. "WE HAVE TWO CANDIDATES TO TAKE THE THRONE! BOTH OF GREAT AND NOBLE BIRTH! BOTH WITH THEIR LINES SECURED BY CHILDREN!"

"The LORD OF STORM'S END, LORD STEFON BARATHEON, SON OF ORMUND BARATHEON AND RHAELLA TARGARYEN, COUSIN OF THE KING!" your father paused, looking to Rhaella.

"AND THE PRINCESS RHAELLA TARGARYEN, TRUE BORN DAUGHTER OF AEGON THE FIFTH OF HIS NAME!"

He paused again. "The LORD'S OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS SHALL OVERSEE SUCH A TASK, For LORD STEFFON IS EXCEPT FOR THIS STATUS, AS HE IS A CLAIMANT TO THE THRONE!"
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The debates lasted for hours. It seemed that were many ambitious storm lords and crownlands, all who saw blood in the water for favors of the new administration, lands or titles.

All sides pointed out the virtues of both candidates.

The brave few that had hoped to put one of their children on the throne, was… quite obviously, refused, for the simple fact that even if the children were placed on the throne… There would be chaos and a regency that would never go anywhere, except create more chaos.

Regency's only ended in chaos.

Steffon was a war hero, young, with two children already. His administrative experience was lacking, but he made up for it… well, by being a man, a virile man who had many, many years left in his life to father children. Something that made you quite a bit angered.

Steffon did not attempt to dissuade the voters from choosing him, nor did he encourage them. All he did was look to you, guilt and sadness in his eyes, as he was hoping for you to say something, but was too scared to say it.

Those who supported Rhaella on the Iron throne, many of them Vale or Mountian men, claimed that while she lacked the wartime experience, she had you, a capable husband and leader, as her consort, who could be the protector of the realm. She was also with child and had proven very capable as a mother, and as a competent administrator as proven by her handling of the Eyrie while you and Jon were at war.

But the debates were regurgitations… nothing was going to change minds.
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"This council calls upon Lord Arstan Arryn, to debate for his candidate." Your father stated.

You stood and bowed to the Lord's.

Then you began to speak.

Which candidate do you support:
[]Rhaella
[]Steffon

What do you say:
[]Write in A Speech Here.

AN: Enjoy.