Omake: Of Memory and Feathers
Rhae once again clutched the letter in her hands, looking past the window where rows of banners and knights reunited in the Eyre's courtyard.
No matter how many times she thought life was done surprising her, something always happened to show that the Seven were not done with her yet, and so was Lucien. The boy, despite his silent ways he had more wisdom to share than a man twice his age, the first time he saved her marriage and now he saved her life.
It hurt to admit but Rhae had given up on living, but his innocent words of support reminded of a distant memory of her fathers years ago when she was a naught but a girl.
They were visiting one of their ports, however there was a storm thus they had to take shelter in one of their vassals' manse. She remembered being afraid of the violent waves crashing against the stone but her father held her hand, and got on his knees to look in her eyes.
The memory was so old and distant, she couldn't remember her father 's face clearly and neither his voice, however she could remember his words.
"You may think that the waves are dangerous and they are indeed, but let me tell you a secret Rhae, mightier is not the wave that everything destroys but the stone that everything survives. We Royce are the blood of the First Man, we survived the Mountain Clans, the Falcon King and the Targaryens, and when the time comes so will you, my dear daughter."
She was Rhae Royce, Lady of Runestone. She survived the death of her father, her marriage that had disastrous beginnings, and her being bound to a wheelchair will change nothing for her daughters who needed their mother and so was her husband.
"My Lady, the Lord Regent summons you."
A servant interrupted her thoughts, and with his warnings Rhea started to go to the courtyard where the lords and knights were gathered. The servant tried to push her wheelchair but she dismissed him, it was one of the few things she could do herself.
As expected it was filled with Lords and their retinues, the Lord Regent Ser Nabert Redfort waited for everyone to arrive.
"Good Morning, Lady Royce."
Little Lady Arryn, greeted her with grace as expected of her stations as the future leader of the Vale but with her age it only made her more adorable. The girl looked with excitement at the gathering, no doubt it was one of the biggest meetings in the Vale save her own wedding to Daemon,
"Good Morning, Lady Arryn. Are you excited for today it seems."
The little lady seemed chastised for being so obvious for a moment, but then her expression changed to something more serious or as serious as a child could be.
" Well I am not happy that we will fight but... Before I answer your question, could I ask something of you, Lady Royce?"
Surprised by the girl's initiative Rhae blinked. " Well, of course, ask away."
"Is it true what the rumours say? That the Dornish truly used magic in an attempt to kill Lucien's mother and siblings?
" By what I heard from my Lord Husband and Lucien, yes."
"Almost like my father and brothers then..." The girl looked forlorn, looking into the distance.
Ah, it was hard to forget the tragedy that befell House Arryn when the previous Lord was killed alongside his sons by the mountain clans leaving the three year old Jeyne as the heir.
" To answer your question Lady Royce, I am not happy that we are fighting but as a member of House Arryn I must maintain my Honour more than any other." Lady Jeyne paused, " In the last tourney, Prince Lucien honored me by being my knight, today I repay in kind the Knights of the Vale. Thus I am happy that I can repay my debt as honour demands. "
That wasn't the answer Rhae was expecting, but it made her think of possibilities...
Alas Rhae was interrupted once again, it seems the last Lords arrived.
Note: I have no ideia how old Jeyne is so if she seems too mature sorry.
