"I think I should talk to others. People who know what I'm experiencing right now," you said after some consideration. Ser Raylon nodded solemnly.
"Lady Jeyne, if you would be so kind, could you lead me to some of your loyal knights?" he requested of your cousin. "If there are any older knights here, that would be ideal."
"I know a number were gathered here for the trial and I doubt many have left," Jeyne replied thoughtfully. "I could easily arrange to have them speak with Rhaenyra in the Morning Hall."
"I need to speak with them first, my lady," Raylon said with practiced politeness. "I would be neglecting my duties if I allowed so many trained warriors so close to my charge without at least some vetting."
Jeyne arched an eyebrow in annoyance. "Are you-" she froze, remembering she was speaking to one of the Kingsguard. "Of course, let me escort you to them, Ser."
The two left, leaving you and Alicent alone, her hands atop yours.
"Thank you," you said, your voice numb as you were barely able to bring yourself to look at her. "I am very glad to have you here right now."
You were scared. You couldn't quite put it to words yet, but you were scared. How would the realm react to your actions? How would the court? Pr your father? You had long ago force him to accept that you would wield the blade and not merely look on as others fought in your name. But that had so far amounted to hours spent in the training yard and practice duels. Until now. Now, a man was dead at your hands. What would they say about that? That you had taken 'playing' at knighthood too far?
Alicent was your one assurance things might fine. Raylon was your sworn shield and it was Jeyne's claim and honor you had been defending. Their support came easily. That Alicent supported you, without any hesitation, gave you a great measure of comfort when you needed it so dearly. If she understood, others would too.
The two of you stayed there, saying almost nothing more, until Gwayne knocked at the door, offering to escort you to the Morning Hall.
Your eyes focused on the floor in front of you as the two of you made your way through the Eyrie. You weren't ready to see what strangers thought of you now.
"I don't know how highly you hold my opinion, Princess," Gwayne said calmly as the two of you walked, "but I must say I think your behavior right now speaks well of your character."
The confusion his words gave you lifted you out of the borderline fugue you had found yourself slipping into.
"What do you mean?" you questioned. All you were doing was staring at your feet, what was there to approve in that?
"Ser Arnold was an oath-breaking cur," Gwayne almost spat the words. "I know many men who would have killed him without one moment of regret. Most would forget he was even a man, but you haven't. And that is to be commended."
"I've never killed anyone before," you said. "I knew eventually the odds were that I may have to, but I never thought..." you trailed off, the remaining words dying in your throat as the image of Ser Arnold's lifeless head threatened to burn itself into your mind.
"And it is only because of Ser Arnold you had to experience that so soon," Gwayne's words were sympathetic but the venom towards Arnold was still unmistakable. "A man who has broken so many oaths and sullied his knighthood so completely should know what the gods have in store for him when he leaves his fate in their hands."
Your stared at the man curiously. You were not used to seeing such a pretty boyish face so twisted with disgust. "Did you know Ser Arnold? Your disdain seems rather personal in nature."
"No, I had not even seen this man until today," Alicent's brother admitted, "but what I saw did not surprise me. When this man launched his second rebellion, he violated every oath he had swore to Lady Jeyne. When he walked into the hall, he did not seek any sort of redemption for this, but instead spat on the oaths he swore to his king and as a knight!"
"Ser Arnold did seem all too eager to insult everyone in front of him," you remarked.
You found yourself wondering what his plan was. Even if you had somehow held yourself and sent another against him and he won, he had insulted you and disrespected your father's authority by denying that you had right to act as his proxy. Even the most kindhearted king could not and would not tolerate such a rejection of his authority.
"What would it say if we allowed a man like that to rule the Vale?" Gwayne asked rhetorically. "If we allowed anyone to break their oaths and claim any throne they saw fit?"
"There is a reason your father made everyone swear an oath to acknowledge you as heir. Why I entrusted you with my sister's protection," he went on. "Oaths are what keeps everything together. Without them, we would be little better than wildlings or animals."
"You see quite passionate about this," you observed.
"It's more that I realized why my father finds-" Gwayne hesitated, a look of worry suddenly appearing across his face. "... finds men like this so upsetting."
You knew he was referring to Daemon. It didn't take a genius to realize that. You could see the similarities between Arnold and your uncle, and how they seemed to think the rules simply did not apply to them. Though Arnold had proven far more of a fool than your uncle ever had.
"Yes," you nodded. "Such men have proven to be quite the frustration."
Would that mean you would have to kill your uncle in time? The thought felt like ice growing inside your chest. That was far worse than simple murder. It would be kinslaying. Few crimes were more vile than that. Whatever you thought of Daemon, you did not wish to see him dead by your hands.
The two of you arrived at the Morning Hall. Usually this was where Jeyne and her court broke their fast after waking and remained largely empty for the rest of the day, but now there was a dozen men sitting around it's various tables. Some looking barely older than you, while others were men of grey hair and scarred skin. Ser Raylon was by the door, an expectant look on his face.
"Good Sers," he turned towards the knights, "my young ward has just killed her first man, the traitor Arnold Arryn. I was hoping we could provide her some sage advice for this momentous occasion."
First Man.
You flinched as though Raylon's words had physically struck you. Thankfully, no one noticed. You weren't a fool. The path you had chosen had always been destined to be filled with violence and death. Both your father and Ser Westerling had made that very clear as well when you demanded to be given proper training. It was not that you had not expected this, nor that you did not prepare for it.
So why did the smell of blood on your hands make you want to wretch?
To your surprise, the knights began to approach you. Ser Raylon kept a watchful eye, but said nothing as they did. The first was an older man with short grey hair that was combed backwards and with a small beard on his chin that still had some hint of his original brown hair.
"Princess, I am Ser Marwyn Hunter and I must say I am beyond honored to speak with you," the Hunter knight said as he got to one knee. "Your dragon ensured my sons would not have to die fighting the traitor and his foolish war. Your sword ensured my grandsons will never worry he or his line may try for the third time. I owe you a debt I can never repay."
"I..I," you stuttered, left flat footed by the praise. "I thank you, Ser."
After the reactions Arnold had gotten from the crowd, you had thought much of the room against you, and even among those who did not support him, you weren't expecting praise.
"Aye," a younger knight spoke up. "I don't fault Lady Jeyne for keeping that bastard hostage, but I'll sleep better at night knowing all I have to worry about is the hill tribes and not some fool with delusions of lordship."
"And you should be proud, Princess," Ser Marwyn said. "For a first kill, that was as clean as they come, the traitor probably never even realized he was dead."
"What was your first kill like?" The question came from your lips before the thought had even formed in your head.
You were embarrassed by your own shame over Arnold's death, the tales always made it seem so easy and yet you had all frozen after his death.
"Messy," the Hunter Knight said, the smile leaving his face- "I was a young squire on my way to attend my cousin's wedding when we were attacked by Stone Crows. Some giant of a man charged at me. Ran him through with a spear I found lying nearby."
He went quiet for a moment, starring at something only he could see. "They never tell you how they all shit themselves as they die. Pardon me princess. That slipped out," he added hastily.
"It's no trouble," you assured him.
"The smell rarely makes it into the stories," Gwayne agreed. "They always make things sound so clean and simple, they rarely are."
You looked at the Hightower knight, waiting for him to go on.
"Ah yes, I suppose I should share my own," Gwayne said. "Brigands on the road to your father's tourney. I caught one of them with an arrow straight to their lungs. I thought it would be over in moments, but the man kept trying to get up. I watched him pull himself to his knees as blood poured from his lips, only to collapse back to the ground and try all over again. Didn't sleep for a three nights after that, every time I closed my eyes I could hear the man's gurgling."
You were horrified to know that you had gotten off easy compared to even Gwayne, and yet you felt strangely comforted as well. He seemed rather confident and sure himself. To know his first kill gave him troubles, you realized you weren't alone on this.
Steffon Redfort, Jessamyn's brother, a broad shouldered giant of a younger man with dark red hair, spoke of how his first fight with the mountain clan's ended with him doing something similar to what happened to Ser Arnold, only his sword got stuck. Steffon's face had this boyish innocence to it, but even he seemed to fill with dread as he spoke of his horrific experience.
You heard many tales while you talked. Some of them were almost more horrific through words alone then what you had experienced yourself. None were pleasant to hear. These men had done and suffered horrific things. Though it brought you a measure of comfort to know you weren't alone.
The men would not admit weakness. None confessed to crying or anything like that after their first kills, but you could tell there was pain. Moments of hesitation as they spoke. Far off looks. A flash of anguish across their face. These were brave men who had likely killed hundreds in their lives, but they had pain in their hearts. The same pain you now felt.
You weren't alone and you weren't weak. Your doubt, your regrets, your fears; they were all things any aspiring knight experienced when they took someone's life.
Which only left you with one question.
"So, why do you keep doing it?" you asked. "What kept you going after your first kill?"
It was Ser Redfort who spoke first.
"Honor, your grace," Steffon replied. "If I gave up I would be dishonoring my family and the oaths I swore."
'Did it really all boil down to oaths?' you found yourself wondering.
"I mean no offense to those hailing from the quieter realms, but being a knight of the Vale isn't the same as it is in the other kingdoms," Ser Marwyn declared boldly. "A knight in the Westerlands is expected to protect his liege and fight in tourneys, that's all well and good. But here, a knighthood means the smallfolk look to us when the mountain clans attack, regardless of any oaths we may or may not have sworn to them."
You nodded in understanding. The Vale, along with the North, were one of the few places in the Seven Kingdoms that experienced violence regularly besides the occasional bandit or Dornish raid. Knights had more to do than just fight in tourneys here.
"It's why Ser Arnold had to die," Ser Marywn added.
"Because he broke his oaths?" you asked.
"Because he dishonored the very idea of knighthood!" Marywn spat "He spoke to his liege and a princess like he was some drunken sailor. He spat on his oaths and even the gods themselves without regret or even hesitation. He was a thug who had regretfully been anointed. If he had won, the smallfolk would come to see us all as little more than pretentious brigands in steel, and what then? What happens then? Nothing good, that's for sure."
"'High as honor.' That's the Arryn house words," Ser Redfort stated. "How could a man who's honor was kissing the worms be fit to lead such a family? He would lead House Arryn to ruin and the Vale with it."
Several knight muttered in agreement.
You knew not every knight held to their honor like Marywn and Steffon did. Your uncle was a knight after all, but you saw the sense in their words. People believed in stories about the knights and people trusted them because of those stories. If all acted like Arnold had, who would they trust to protect them?
You talked with the knights a while longer before you made your goodbyes and left for your quarters along with your sworn shield. You weren't comfortable, doubts still ate you when you had a moment to think, but you no longer felt like you were drowning at least.
"You never mentioned you first kill," you observed as you and Raylon walked through the Eyrie.
"It was nothing I thought would help," Ser Tarly said quietly. "It was an accident in a squire's tourney. Fool charged at me like I was a Dornish raider come to kill his family, wildly flailing his sword. Before I realized what was happening, my morning star had crumbled the back of his helmet. He did not rise again."
"Ooh," you muttered. "That's regrettable."
"Yes," he nodded. "It was."
"Are you doing better, princess?" Ser Raylon shifted topics.
"I'm beginning to, at least," you confessed. At the very least you now knew what you were going through wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Every knight had gone through this.
"Good," he nodded, his expression remaining serious. "Because I must be blunt, there will be more men like Arnold Arryn. Men who will never see the warrior you become and insist on treating you like some common lady, undeserving of their respect. And not all will be as foolish as he was. You must harden your heart to them."
"What do you mean?" you asked as you starred at him with uncertainty.
"Don't weep for the stupid, you'll be crying all day," Ser Raylon quoted. "My father told me that once. You are the lawful heir, but there will always be some who are too stupid to accept that. If you hesitate or show weakness, others will think their claims have merit. The next Arnold you kill? Do not let your regrets burden you so, because they will exploit that."
"Are you saying I shouldn't have regrets about killing Ser Arnold?" your sworn shield's bluntness caught you by surprise.
"Regret that he gave you no other choice," he declared. "His death was his fault alone. Do not let his folly burden you."
You didn't know what else to say. You knew he was right on some level, that you would also have people who opposed you because you were your father's daughter and not his son. And you knew people would say any tears or hints of weakness were a sign that you were a weak-willed woman, unfit to rule. But was it so wise to treat even your enemies with such a ruthless and cold heart?
That night as you laid in bed, your forced Ser Arnold from your thoughts, refusing to allow yourself to lose sleep over his death. Instead your mind began to wander to the conversations you had afterwards. Gwayne's focus on the importance of oaths, the Knights of the Vale and their talk of honor, and Ser Raylon urging you to steel your heart against your enemies. All seemed good advice, but one would end up staying with you as you went to sleep.
-7 Stress
Relationship with Ser Raylon Tarly Improved
Relationship with Ser Gwayne Hightower Improved New Status: Hesistant Ally
Who's Words Stick With You the Most?
[] Gwayne's
Before Lords and Kings, there were Oaths. Without oaths, the only way to enforce any order would be through the constant clash of steel and spilling of blood. Words were more than just wind. They are your bond and sacred vow. If you give someone your word, people need to believe you will honor it to the best of your ability. If they can't believe you will keep your word, what right do you have to lead anyone?
[] The Vale Knights'
Without honor, a knight is little more than a bandit in armor. A King without honor is a tyrant wearing a crown. Without honor, the smallfolk and your bannermen alike have little reason to trust you. And without trust, how could anyone expect to rule?
[] Your Sworn Shield's
You are a warrior. To attain and hold your throne one day you must act as a warrior or your enemies will walk all over you. Arnold was the first of many, and you doubt they would all be so foolish. You need a strong heart for what was to come.
After a night of less than restful sleep, the trials resumed. The various rebel lords where gathered before you and Lady Jeyne. Ser Arnold's execution had sapped the confidence from all of them and even those you saw agreeing with Ser Arnold were not holding themselves so proudly today. Some looked on the verge of throwing themselves at your mercy and the court itself was far quieter than it had been yesterday. A number of eyes were starring at you since the moment you walked in.
You were more yourself then you were yesterday. Even a restless night helped begin to clear your head, though you still found yourself starring at the spot where Ser Arnold's head had landed. The blood was already gone, but the memory would remain.
"My court," Lady Jeyne declared in authoritative voice. "The Gods have rendered their judgement on my traitorous kin, but many of his fellow conspirators yet remain. I have called you back here today to witness their trial."
You had studied all of them before, spoken to their friends, rivals, and even family. Ser Jon Coldwater had rallied banners to Ser Arnold's cause. Ser Gellan Borrell of Sweetsister had ferried sellswords from Essos to the Vale. Errick Templeton had taken hostage the families of several of Jeyne's sworn knights in an effort to force them to Arnold's side.
"The accused will receive a fair trial, for it will not be me to pass judgement," your cousin repeated her words from yesterday. "Once more, on behalf of King Viserys Targaryen, his daughter and heiress Rhaenyra Targaryen shall pass judgement in the Iron Throne's name, as her father has given her leave and authority to do as such. Her voice holds the weight of the king's, you would all do well to remember that."
The frustration in her voice was subtle, but clear to you. Her cousin had made a mockery of the court before and denied your authority. It seemed Jeyne wanted to make very sure that father did not get the impression that anyone in her court agreed with this or that she would tolerate such outbursts.
You looked at the gathered men. Even the defiant among them lacked the courage or stupidity to pull what Arnold had pulled. There would be no trials by combat today.
Even before any of them spoke, you knew they were all guilty. They were all simply too involved in Arnold's conspiracy for their to be any doubt, any questions you asked now just for the benefit of the onlookers. All of them men before you were guilty of treason against their rightful liege lord. You could sentence all of them to be thrown out the moon door and you knew your father and the Small Council would consider it just. After Arnold's behavior yesterday, you very much doubted your cousin cared what you did to these men either or that anyone would dare to object.
Regardless of how you ruled, you knew this would be the end of Arnold's ambitions and your involvement in Vale affairs for the time being. Arnold was dead, his conspirators were now awaiting your judgement, and Arnold's son, Eldric, was a child. And just this morning Rhea Royce had promised she would speak to her father in Gulltown and arrange for Eldric to either be brought to Jeyne or taken to one of her loyal vassals. Your earlier actions had ensured Arnold did not get the chance to engulf the Vale in a civil war, and your actions yesterday ensured he would never be able to try again. If nothing else, you were sure much of the Vale would be grateful to you for the lives you saved.
The only person's judgement you would have to face for what you did next was your own. You could simply throw them all out the Moon Door, but you suspected many would throw themselves at a chance to take the Black if given the chance. You could force all of them to the wall if you wanted to, after all you had the King's authority here. Or you could just leave them all to mercy of Lady Jeyne and her sky cells.
What is Your Judgement?
[] Throw the conspirators out the Moon Door.
[] Allow those who repent to be sent to the Wall, execute the rest.
[] Send all of them to the Wall
[] Have the traitors remain in the Sky Cells as Lady Jeyne's hostages
[] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval) QM's Note: Just to be clear, I'm not ignoring the fact that the Knights of the Vale basically want to genocide the mountain clans but, once again, we are dealing with highly biased people expressing their highly biased views on various subjects. Not important to this update but the concern hit me as I was writing so I just wanted to make sure everyone remembered that a character's word is not word of god.
You listened to their arguments so that no one could say you didn't give these traitors a chance to defend themselves. None of them had a good one though. Some pretended they didn't know Arnold was plotting rebellion, even as they raised levies for him. Others claimed they had never sworn any oaths to Lady Jeyne, which prompted the others gathered at court to denounce them as liars.
Anyone who had any hint of innocence in this had turned on Arnold when Syrax first arrived. All that was left were those simply too involved or too committed to turn on the traitorous knight.
Even still, there was room for some mercy here.
"The guilt of all those accused is plain and undeniable. They are traitors to their lawful liege," you declared in what you hoped was a commanding voice. "But King Viserys has always believed in mercy. As his appointed justiciar, I would be remiss if I ignored my father's likely wishes on this matter. If you repent for your crimes, renounce the fallen traitor Ser Arnold Arryn, and acknowledge Lady Jeyne as the rightful lord of the Vale of Arryn, you will be allowed to take the black and live out the rest of your days in service to the realm at the Wall. Those who refuse will be sentenced to death."
You knew you had every right to throw all of them out the Moon Door, but part of you worried it would be seen as revenge for Arnold Arryn's behavior yesterday and there was nothing wrong with making it clear to various lords that you could be stern and merciful as needed.
You heard a mutterings of agreement from the gathered lords and ladies who had come to watch.
To your surprise, many of the lords all but threw themselves on the ground, begging for a chance to join the Night's Watch, condemning Ser Arnold as a damned traitor and recanting any allegiance to him. Some of these men had been among Ser Arnold's strongest supporters yesterday and yet now they were cursing his name for a chance at surviving. If there was a lesson in this, it was that many a condemned man was brave in the face of death, until there was a chance to escape it.
A few remained defiant, most notably Ser Gellan Borrell of Sweetsister, who simply glared at you defiantly, never saying a word.
"Open the Moon Door," Jeyne commanded. The sound of chains and creaking wood filled the hall as the massive doors were pulled back.
From your seat you couldn't even see the open hole, only the soft glow of morning light that now shone from the porthole.
The Sisterman said nothing as he and a few other unrepentant traitors were led to the door, maintaining his stoic glare as he did. You couldn't help but be annoyed at this. He was a dishonorable traitor who had turned against his rightful liege and threatened to plunge the Vale into a bloody civil war and yet he had the audacity to act as though he had the moral high ground against you. Utterly absurd.
Screams filled the Hall as men began to tossed out the moon door and Ser Gellan hissed as he stared at his awaiting fate. And then one of the guards shoved him out the open Moon Door.
It was oddly silent after the last man was pushed, even those who had been loudly mocking the traitors as they were sent to their fate going silent.
Then the doors shuddered close, and that was the end of that.
You have fullfied your Promise to Act as your Father's Justicar on your Progress
You have impressed many of the Lords of the Vale.
You have drawn the ire of several Vale Lords
Your visit to your mother's childhood home was far from what you expected. The trial and Ser Arnold's death overshadowed everything else you did at the Eyrie. You had done what was just and ensured your cousin's position as lady of the Vale was secure. It was good, honorable work. You forced yourself to remember that despite all the lingering doubts.
Though the journey from the Eyrie to Gulltown was relatively short, it did give you some time to clear your head. For a time you thought you would be able to put the trial behind you and focus on the rest of the journey. Those hopes would be dashed upon your arrival at the gates of Gulltown, where a Maester was waiting for you with two Ravens from King's Landing. It appeared the trial had not gone unnoticed by the Royal Court.
The first message bore your father's sigil. You stared at the wax dragon for a long while in your carriage, your heart racing as you considered what his reaction could be. Would he be proud? Angry? Was Your Royal Progress about to be over? Finally you steeled yourself long enough to break the seal and read what he had to say.
Rhaenyra,
I want to you to understand what I am about to say is not because you are a woman. Had you been born a man and taken similar actions I would still be saying what I am about to say. So please take what my words seriously. Do Not Do That Again. You are heir to the throne, Princess of Dragonstone, not an executioner, nor your cousin's champion. Trials by Combat are one of the roles the Kingsguard was created for. Ser Raylon is there for a reason after all. If some other Lord demands a trial by combat, I insist you use him as champion or I will find you a more capable Sworn Shield. If something went wrong during that trial, I would have lost my only child and the realm would have lost a capable heir. I could not bear that pain. Practice sparring with any willing lord or knight as you see fit, the Gods know I've long lost my ability to control you in that regards, but I do not want to hear of you in actual combat again for the rest of your journey.
I have read Alicent's letter to her father about the trial. What Ser Arnold said to you was beyond abhorrent. Neither you nor Lady Jeyne should have been forced to endure such vulgarity. I have sent ravens to various lords across Westeros to inform them that any lord who speaks to you in such a way or refuses to acknowledge your authority as my proxy will have their tongues ripped out. Do not let this misstep compromise the rest of your progress. Lyonel seemed quite pleased with your visit overall and I know you can make a good impression with many lords. I wish you well on your journey and await your return.
Please heed my advice. I wish for the next time I write to you, it will be full of praise, not worry and warnings.
Love Always, Your Father.
That was largely a relief. You had expected far worse. It was a clear warning not to involve yourself in another trial by combat, but by beyond that he was far more subdued than you expected. There was still a pang of guilt for having disappointed him so, but you couldn't help but appreciate that he seemed to taking you a touch more seriously as heir as he made a point of condemning your actions because you were heir, not because you were a woman.
You considered writing back to him to defend yourself, but you could not think of an argument you could make that would change anything. Perhaps it was better to write to him in happier times.
To your surprise, the wax seal on the second letter bore a seashell. Now why would the Queen be writing to you?
Dear Princess,
I know what I say will go against the King's words. He was in quite the temper when news arrived from the Eyrie. I will never understand why you have put so much effort in fighting that Harlot's war for her, but you did the right thing. Lords of the realm should never feel comfortable enough to insult a princess so, even more so considering you were fully empowered to act as your father's proxy. Men like that are little more than savages who think the blade is the only means by which they need to rule. He was more squid than falcon if you ask me. What you did was just. Those men needed to be shown you would not tolerate such disrespect and so naked a threat to you and your own. Killing him yourself sent a clear message to any others who give you disrespect. Were his son older, I would suggest having him gelded and sent to King's Landing to act as a fool for the court, but the child is still young enough to be saved from his father's errors. Though I would suggest having an eye kept on him to ensure he doesn't seek revenge against the one who killed his father.
Do not regret your actions. save your heart for those close to you and be prepared to bare steel against any who would threaten or insult them.
With Care, Queen Johanna Targaryen
You stared at the letter in confusion for a few moments. You were not expecting support from Johanna on this considering Jeyne's involvement and the foul things Arnold was saying. Nor were you expecting her to just casually mention mutilating a child. Westerling may not have been a warrior, but she had steel in her heart. And it was good to know someone in King's Landing supported your actions, even if you couldn't help but bristle at her calling your cousin a harlot.
Relationship with Viserys Targaryen Degraded
Relationship with Johanna Westerling Improved
Gulltown was much smaller than King's Landing, but it seemed better organized. The streets didn't meander across the city in snake-like patterns and instead formed neat rows like sellswords in formation. The smell was different, though you would not describe the mix of Braavosi spices and near overwhelming stink of fish as a particular improvement over the rotten funk of King's Landing.
It was unmistakably a city though, not a castle town like you had seen more than few times throughout your trip already. Indeed, House Grafton's keep was hardly impressive from the outside, more resembling a particularly fat tower house built into the city's wall then a true keep. A similar tower loomed over the docks. The hold of House Arryn of Gulltown, a cadet branch of the main Arryn line who, despite their much more modest holdings, were apparently wealthier than your cousin Jeyne.
The dock air was filled with conversation as your carriage train rolled through. Rumors of your Uncle's victories in the Stepstones, talk of scandals in Pentos and Braavos that you knew nothing about, as knights from the Vale and beyond talked about the upcoming tourneys. The docks themselves were near bursting with ships as vast amount of food was being unloaded for the coming feast. Between the tourney and Lord Grafton's feast, the whole city was filled with activity. Thankfully Lord Grafton had made it clear he would understand if you were only able to attend one of those events.
The feast was set to be a large affair, with many lords from across the Vale gathered for the occasion and only Lady Jeyne herself absent as she attended some remaining matters concerning Ser Arnold's demise. So many lords gathered could give you a chance to further improve your reputation in the Vale. Though it may also prove a problem as the families of several of Ser Arnold's conspirators were there as well, and you did not know how they would react to being in the same hall as the woman who sentenced their kin to die.
In comparison, the Tourney was a minor affair. From what you could tell, most viewed it as a chance for the Vale Knights to test themselves before getting on the ship to White Harbor. You would have to pull a trully amazing victory here to earn your knighthood, but it maybe a chance to test the waters as a mystery knight, see just where your abilities were and if you were ready for the bigger ones coming up.
Besides the planned festivities, Lord Yorbert Royce had expressed interest in talking to you while you were here. No doubt it concerned the late Ser Arnold's young son. Isembard Arryn, the heir of the Gulltown Arryns, had expressed interest in meeting you as well though you were unsure as to why. And, of course, there was your newest traveling companion, Ser Steffon Redfort. Though he had seemed a decent sort in your talk at the Eyrie, the two of you had barely spoken since. There was a lot you could do at Gulltown, but after everything that had occured at the Eyrie, part of you just wanted to take this time to relax and enjoy the city, ideally with Alicent by your side.
114 AC
Actions during a Royal Progress (Take Three Total)
While taking part in a royal progress, turns are shortened. Instead of three months they now represent one stop on the progress. As a result, you are now limited to three actions per turn. These can be three regular actions or three conversations or any combo of the two. Tourneys, feasts, and judgements will all be important parts of your progress due to the vote and there will be multiple examples of each along the trip though not every location will have every option, nor is it expected of you to take every option when presented. So a couple of judgments for example will be enough to satisfy your promises to your father. Also note that some stops will have an interlude, some won't, and a few may even just be covered in an interlude.
Conversations
[] [Conversation] Speak with Alicent Hightower
While your relationship with your lady is new and fresh, it couldn't hurt to talk her and see how she feels about the changes in your personal relationship and how she feels now that you've gone from repressing her feelings to begin to express them more openly. Plus, some quality time with her would be nice.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
If Gwayne doesn't already know about your relationship with Alicent, he probably will learn soon enough. Perhaps you should tell him yourself. He clearly wanted to protect his sister and thus might be willing to help hide your relationship from Otto and others if need be.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Steffon Redfort
He is Jessamyn's half brother. You don't know much about him, but he left a good impression in your first meeting. It would be good to get to know him a bit more and see if he if he is suitable for the City Watch.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
The Lord of Runestone had once conspired to remove your cousin from the Eyrie and make Ser Arnold the lord of the Vale. And yet, despite that, he had made his own daughter his heir and had turned against Arnold in his most recent rebellion. You didn't exactly know where the man stood, but you knew you had at least some favor with him after all the help you gave Rhea, and he seemed to either have possession of Ser Arnold's son or at least knew where he was. Perhaps it was worth talking to him if only to ensure the son does not turn out like the father.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Isembard Arryn
You knew little of Isembard, save for that he was roughly your age and had a remarkable gift for matters of coin. You had no idea why he would be so bold as to ask for an audience with you. Surely it couldn't be for a marriage offer. He was the heir to a cadet branch. Even with his family's wealth, your could not imagine your father even considering such a match for even a moment. So, what did he want?
[] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
Rhea had been relatively silent on matters during the trial. Perhaps it would do well to see where she stood, and what she thought of her father's intentions.
[] [Conversation] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in Gulltown.
Actions
[] [Action] Relax
After everything you've been through it would be nice to unwind for a bit.
[] [Action] Train
Gulltown has extensive training fields, though most of the Knights of the Vale seem to hold little interest in challenging you at the moment. They claim it's due to the upcoming tourney, but you sense some of them are more than a little scared of you after how easily you killed Ser Arnold. Notably though, Ser Steffon Redfort has expressed a desire to challenge you, and Ser Raylon has noted there are Braavosi Water Dancers, nimble sword fighters who depended much more on speed and skill then strength, in the area you could hire to test yourself against.
-[] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
--[] [Duel] Ser Steffon Redfort
--[] [Duel] Ser Gwayne Hightower
--[] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
[] [Action] Train with Syrax
Perhaps it would be good to get some practice over the open ocean with Syrax before you made the journey to White Harbor.
[] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
The Gulltown Tourney does not look to be a huge event, more something Lord Grafton had arranged to ensure people came for the feast. But it was still one of respectable size, filled with Vale Knights and a few bolder competitors. Maybe this would be a good practice for tourneys to come, or maybe you could find more glory than you expected here.
[] [Action] Study the Tourney
There will be other chances to enter bigger tourneys. Mayhaps a better use of your time would be to simply watch the Tourney. Study how the knights of the Vale fight and prepare yourself for White Harbor or Highgarden.
[] [Action] Feast
Lord Grafton has gathered most of the lords of the Vale together for a grand feast to celebrate the end of Summer. Almost every noble house and landed knight will be there. This could be a chance to build relations with lords besides your cousin, and begin to mend things with the families of those who had sided with Arnold. Though that depends on if they are willing to mend fences or not.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
There are no notable legal matters in and around Gulltown that you would be able to rule on.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
You're not that far from Runestone and Rhea Royce did offer to take you on another hunt next time you were in the area. Perhaps you should take her up on the offer.
[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education and the Gulltown not only had the libraries of both House Grafton and the local Arryns, but numerous booksellers from Pentos and Braavos as well.
[] [Action] Improve your Poetry
Your fair lady thankfully quite enjoyed your first attempts but you know you have much room for improvement.
[] [Action] Study Music
You want to serenade Alicent with music. It's what a proper knight would do after all and she deserves as much. Plus, it just sounds wonderfully romantic. Alicent has been vague about what kind of music she would prefer, saying anything from a Harp to your singing would all be equally wonderful. Regardless, you lack much in the way of training in any sort of music and that had to change. Perhaps Gulltown could teach you the perfect song for Alicent.
[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval
Vote by Plan QM's Note: To be clear, the Vale Knight Vote did have effects, it's just not immediate. It's one of those votes that pushes Rhaenyra towards a personality trait and those are rather important since personality traits shape a lot about actions. Also, to be clear, we can still do judgments down the line, it's just as far as the Small Council is concerned, Rhaenyra has now down the bare minimum of what was expected of her when she said she would deliver the King's Justice in her travels. If she does no other judgments, some might consider her a bit lazy but she would not have neglected her duties.
Adhoc vote count started by CrimsonOddball on Dec 2, 2024 at 1:26 AM, finished with 113 posts and 49 votes.
[X] Plan: Hearthfire
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
-[X] [Action] Train --[X] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
-[X] [Action] Feast
[X] Plan Obligations, Opportunities and Organized Violence
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Isembard Arryn
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan Obligations, Organized Violence, and Our One and Only
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Alicent Hightower
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan Actually Pursuing Our Goals Instead of Making Choices and Forgetting About Them.
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Steffon Redfort
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
---[X] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
[X] Plan Outcomes, Obligations and Organized Violence
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan Fencing, Music, and a Feast
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
---[X] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
-[X] [Action] Study Music
[X] Plan: At A Party, Surely You Dance?
-[X] [Action] Feast
-[X] [Action] Train
--[X] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
---[X] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan: Tourney and Dragon Training
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
-[X] [Action] Train with Syrax
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan: Tourney, Royce, and our Lady Love
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Alicent Hightower
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
[X] Plan: Tourney, Royce, and Training
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lord Yorbert Royce
-[X] [Action] Train --[X] [Duel] Hire a Braavosi Water Dancer.
-[X] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
Lord Yorbert Royce was exactly what you expected him to be. An older man with a well weathered and proud face, his beard almost entirely white, his arms still carrying a hint of the strength he must have had in his youth, even if the years were otherwise clearly beginning to tax him. His bronze armor was ornate, but could only do so much to hide the heft that had grown around his midsection. In his day, he was likely quite the warrior, though those days were long gone.
The two of you were meeting in a manse House Royce kept just outside of Gulltown's walls. The two of you had broken your fast on bacon, some cheeses, and fresh baked bread still hot from the oven.
"Enjoy that while you can," the man said as servants cleared the table. "Knowing this city, most of your meals from here on out will be fish, fish, and even more fish."
"I'll keep that in mind," you replied. "So. I must ask, Lord Royce, why did you wish to speak to me?"
You had several ideas in mind but there was no need to be completely blunt about it.
"First I wanted to thank you for helping my daughter annul her marriage," Lord Royce said diplomatically. "I know Queen Alysanne herself arranged the match and I mean no disrespect to her or your family, but Daemon was not a suitable fit for my daughter."
"That is why I agreed to help after all," you replied. "Marriages are supposed to build alliances while Daemon and Rhea's was only causing political complications. And both of them very much wanted out of it."
"Well said," the Lord of Runestone nodded. "I'll have a new husband for Rhea lined up by the time your tour is over. Thankfully since she's my heir, I've had no end of offers from various houses since the annulment was offical."
You tensed at his words, how many marriage offers would be awaiting you in King's Landing when you returned?
"I also must commend your handling of Ser Arnold. Rhea says she's never seen anyone handle a blade with such skill," Lord Royce went on.
You raised an eyebrow. "So you don't take issue with Arnold's death?" you questioned skeptically. "He had squired for you when he was younger, spent many years in Runestone. I thought you would be more upset over his fate."
Lord Yorbert's expression faltered for a second. "I was upset," he admitted. "Until Rhea came to me upon your arrival and told me all the horrid things he had said in the Eyrie. I raised that boy to be better than that."
A temper raised through his old bones as he spoke. "If he had spoken to my Rhea like that,I would have made sure he lived long enough to regret it," he declared in a growl. "I taught him to treat women better than that."
"Did you?" you questioned pointedly. "I know you didn't teach him to respect his cousin's title."
Perhaps too blunt, but you weren't not going to let this man pretend he hadn't tried to overthrow Lady Jeyne himself a few years ago. Yorbert's face twitched, the man looking like he was chewing something vile as he stared at you.
"I did what I thought was best at the time for my house and the Vale," Yorbert's voice grew more curt as he spoke. "I thought I knew Arnold. Believed he would make a great Lord. The gods have said otherwise though."
"Indeed they have," you face betrayed nothing of your lingering doubts bubbling inside.
"My concern now is Arnold's son, Eldric," Lord Yorbert explained. "The boy could be turned into a pawn by those who still seek to have Lady Jeyne removed."
You stared at him in confusion. "Eldric Arryn is a boy of three and his father's claim was proven false when he lost the trial by combat. Most who supported him are now either heading to Castle Black or dead. What threat of rebellion could there be?"
"For now, none. But we both know the odds are poor that the Lady of the Eyrie will ever marry. She's told me as such," Yorbert sighed with clear fustration. "Eldric is her next of kin and rightful heir. Yet I know Arnold's behavior has all but ensured she will never see him as such"
"I don't see how that matters in anyway," you said dismissively. "My cousin's enemies have been dealt with. Who she appoints her heir is her concern."
"Time and the hill tribes have not been kind to the Arryn line," Yorbet was getting increasingly energetic in his words. "After Eldric, the nearest Arryn relatives she has are fourth cousins. Men with barely a manse to their name, who's mothers were the daughters of rich merchants instead of proper lords! Their legitmacy will not be respected and people will challenge their right to rule."
You realized that meant that you and any childreny you may have were fairly high up in the line of Arryn succession. Utterly irrelevant right now, considering you couldn't hold both the Vale and the Iron Throne at the same time, nor would you want to, but it was something to note.
"If you convince Jeyne to make Eldric her heir it will show the Vale that succession will be secure for generations to come and we will all be able to put Arnold's madness behind us. Jeyne's reign is secure, the Vale is orderly once again, and we all benefit," he finished.
"You do understand you are essentially asking me to tell Jeyne that she should not dictate her succession as she sees fit," you couldn't help but point out. "I cannot say I'm fond of the idea of making an argument that could be used against my own succession."
"Your succession is backed by the large dragon currently engorging itself on entire barrels of fish," Royce countered. "Jeyne's is backed by centuries of Andal custom. The two are not the same."
You could tell he realized he was not doing much to convince you, his shoulders slumped in frustration.
"The odds of me making it through this coming winter are small," he confessed. "Every month the aches within grow worse. I will not see Eldric become a man, so if you're worried I am using him as a puppet for my own desires-"
"There is a history there, you have to admit," you stepped in. "If I was Jeyne, I would think you are trying to do the same thing with Eldric that you did with his father."
"If I live to see that boy reach his tenth nameday it would be a miracle," the lord said bluntly. "Ideally, I would like him to be Rhea's ward. Instill good values into the boy while helping to repair relations with our liege."
The pain in his tone made it clear as the midday sun that part of this, perhaps a large part of this, was for personal reasons. He had raised Arnold Arryn and clearly he was both pained by his death and regretful for what kind of man Arnold had become. Eldric was his chance to set things right.
Even with the personal bias here, you could see the argument. If Jeyne had made Eldric her heir it would do a lot to secure the line of succession and appease those houses that had sided with Arnold.
At the same time, making him successor could just stir up trouble when he came of age. Perhaps others would use him as a puppet, or maybe he would decide he deserved to rule more than Jeyne. And promising such power to the son of the man you killed left you troubled. It had been just, but would he see it that way, decades from now?
You saw a few paths forward here. You could agree to help Lord Royce and write a letter to Jeyne encouraging her to take Eldric as her heir. You couldn't force her, but your voice would go a long way after all you've done for her. It was very doubtful that she would tolerate Eldric remain a ward of Runestone, but she had plenty of loyal vassals who could foster the child. Jeyne could foster him as well, though you weren't sure how she felt about children.
On a more pragmatic level, if the concern was simply matters of succession, it would be a simple matter to encourage Jeyne to have Eldric sent to the Citadel, a Sept, or the Wall when he came of age. It would offend Royce and it was a harsh fate for sure, but he was the child of a man who had made himself your enemy. Plenty of people in your situation had done far worse.
Of course, the easiest solution might also be the best solution in this case. Do nothing. Let Jeyne handle it. Jeyne was an ally, not your puppet, not even your vassal yet, and she seemed fully capable of leading. Maybe the two of you could talk matters of succession in a few decades when they actually might matter beyond a freak accident.
What's your reponse to Lord Royce's proposal?
[] [Royce] Agree to Write to Lady Jeyne Arryn
-[] Suggest having Rhea Royce foster Eldric
-[] Suggest Jeyne foster Eldric personally
-[] Suggest one of Jeyne's vassals foster Eldric
[] [Royce] Decline, Write to Jeyne and suggest having Eldric sent to the Citadel or some other means of removing him from succession when he comes of age.
[] [Royce] Decline to get involved. This is Jeyne's business, not yours.
[] [Royce] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval)
"I do not see the point of this, Princess," Ser Tarly protested as you prepared for the duel. "This Braavosi has nothing to teach you."
You had found a Water Dancer at the docks. He was a thin looking man with sharp angular features and a shaved head. He was apparently in Gulltown by accident, his ship being forced to flee to the harbor after damage from autumn storms. The way he held himself and his blade convinced you he was competent enough to provide something of a challenge at least. So, after you talked with him for a while and handed over a few gold dragons, he agreed to meet you at Lord Grafton's training yard and spar with you.
The training yard was small and private, only a few of Lord Grafton's staff along with Alicent and her brother were bothering to watch, along with your sworn shield of course. Who seemed to think this entire duel was a waste of time.
On the surface, you could understand where he was coming from. You may have been young, but you were bigger than this scrawny twig of a man and you had training armor while he insisted on wearing nothing more than some flashy Braavosi outfit. But you had heard tales of Braavosi water dancers and bravos. They fought just as well as any knight in Westeros, just in a far different fashion.
"I'm not paying him to teach me, I'm paying him to fight," you argued. "You did say I need to fight more people. Broaden my horizons."
"How many people in the Seven Kingdoms water dance?" Ser Raylon argued. " You're learning to fight something you'll never encounter again."
"You are from the marches, yes?" The Braavosi spoke up, his common highly accented. "Then you must know how the Dornish fight. Quick on there feet, often with very little armor."
"The Dornish usually fight with spears," your sworn shield all but growled. "But, I see your point," he begrudgingly admitted.
All you had fought were knights. Ser Tarly was a knight, as was your first master at arms and every man you had ever challenged. You were curious what it was like to fight someone who wasn't a knight and indeed fought in a completely different style but was nevertheless competent in their own right.
"I am grateful my ship departs soon," the Braavosi said as he turned towards you. "Having the King of Westeros offended that I hurt his child would not do well for my chances of surviving."
"Overconfident, are we?" you smirked as you prepared your wooden sword.
The first fight between you two would prove that his confidence was entirely earned. You realized quickly that it was not just a matter of speed with Water Dancers, it was more about how they moved during combat. A blade was fast, particularly your blade, but the man seemed to be able to read your attacks before they had even begun and flowed around them easily. You could never fight like this man. The way he ducked and leaned around your blows simply wasn't doable in armor, and frankly you weren't sure if you were fast enough.
In a matter of moments you were flat on your back, while the Water Dancer stood there casually, leaning on his wooden sword.
"You did pay to fight me, my lady," he said, his voice quiet smug. "Not make you look good in front of your friends."
"I know," you said as you pulled yourself up, an eager smile still on your lips. "And you're earning your coin today. Again!"
The second match went better. The man knew how to move but he was clearly more used to fighting oafs who depended on their strength over any skill. He was fending you off but you were making him sweat for it. Still, you couldn't even land a hit on him before he knocked the blade out of your hand.
In the third match you managed to catch his sword with yours and knock it out of his hand. A win, but not one of skill, as catching his blade had surprised you as much as it did him. Perhaps that was the biggest flaw of his style. Without armor, a lucky blow would be far more likely to wound him then it would a knight from Westeros. He had to evade every blow from his opponent to win while a reasonable skilled swordsman only needed to hit him once.
"Well fought," the Braavosi bowed. "It is rare I for me to encounter a Westerosi who gives the blade the proper respect it deserves."
"Thank you," you took the compliment well. "And it has been quite some time since someone gave me that much challenge."
Breakbones had been more of a struggle over all, but Ser Harwin had also never won against you either.
"While there is nothing I could do to train you," the man said as he packed up his things, "I do have some advice, if you are willing to hear it."
"Of course" you nodded.
"Your sword work is exceptional. It is not water dancing but you were taught well," he replied, earning a slight nod from Ser Raylon, "but you could improve on your footwork. You might become even more deadly with a blade if you moved your feet more while you fought instead of rooting yourself in one place."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, thank you."
Prowess Improved
Despite the relatively small size of Lord Grafton's Castle, his Great Hall was quite large indeed. Which it very much needed to be, as the man had crammed just about every lord of note in the Vale, save for Lady Jeyne herself, into the room along with large tables filled with food.
The feast began with bowls of blackberries and cream served with smokeberry wines. After that was a course of roasted larks stuffed with garlic and onions, followed by fish So much fish. You had never realized how much fish there really was, or that there were so many ways of preparing it. Most of it was quite good, the crab here was so good it would make the Celtigars boil with envy. Some of it though? Some of it left a lot to be desired. Whoever invented jellied eels deserved to be sent to the Wall, or preferably thrown off of it.
You spent most of the early meal conserving with Lord Grafton himself, but now, four courses in, you had grown rather bored. Actually, that wasn't true. You had grown bored of Lord Grafton some five minutes in. By now, you were beginning to reach the limits of how much you could even tolerate the man. Lord Grafton had a unique talent for filling the air with so many words when he talked, regardless of the subject. And it wasn't as though his sheer volume of words added anything meaningful to the conversation. More than once you heard him make a point with five paragraphs that could have easily been made just as well with two sentences.
Frankly, you were fairly convinced the man simply loved the sound of his own voice, and thought drowning out any who disagreed with him with his sheer blabbering was as good as actually winning an argument.
Thankfully, while this feast lacked any dancing, by now enough courses had been served and alcohol consumed that people were getting loose and starting to mingle, giving you plenty of excuse to step away from the conversation.
But what to do instead? you could just sit in a corner and try to relax. But now was the perfect time for conversation as well.
Perhaps you could bury a hatchet tonight. Several Sistermen lords and other former Arnold supporters or their families were gathered here and though they tried to hide it, you could see the tension behind their faces as they greeted you earlier. You could try talking them up, find some common ground and smooth things with them, though the wrong word could just make things worse.
Several knights where here as well, talking up how they fared in the tourney. Maybe listening in could provide some insight.
There were plenty of people you could talk to tonight as well. Rhea Royce was here, as was her father but would be the point of chatting with him again? As was Steffon Redfort and Isembard Arryn. And, of course, you could always spend the rest of the evening talking with your darling lady.
How Do You Spend the Rest of the Feast? (Pick Two)
[] [Feast] Try and Relax
[] [Feast] Talk with the Former Arnold Supporters.
[] [Feast] Listen to the Knights
[] [Feast] Talk to
-[] Alicent Hightower
-[] Gwayne Hightower
-[] Steffon Redfort
-[] Isembard Arryn
-[] Raylon Tarly
-[] One of the Serving Girls
-[] Write-in
[] [Feast] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval) QM's Note: This sincerely was one of the hardest updates of this quest to write and I really don't know why. Sorry for the delay. Also, just FYI I started a second quest. It's entirely original, it's about Magical Girls and the Collapse of the United States, the votes decided to play as a magical surfer. Check it out if you want.
[X] [Royce] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval) Agree to write Jeyne, but only to ask what she plans to do with Eldric. In the letter to Jeyne, mention that Eldric is her closest present relation and that you are not worried about him inheriting, provided he is raised right, but that you would be equally unopposed to him being raised to be sent to the Citadel, as long as the matter is sorted.
[X] [Feast] Talk to
-[X] Alicent Hightower
-[X] Isembard Arryn
Adhoc vote count started by Teen Spirit on Dec 12, 2024 at 12:51 PM, finished with 70 posts and 48 votes.
[X] [Royce] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval) Agree to write Jeyne, but only to ask what she plans to do with Eldric. In the letter to Jeyne, mention that Eldric is her closest present relation and that you are not worried about him inheriting, provided he is raised right, but that you would be equally unopposed to him being raised to be sent to the Citadel, as long as the matter is sorted.
[X] [Royce] Decline, Write to Jeyne and suggest having Eldric sent to the Citadel or some other means of removing him from succession when he comes of age.
[x] [Royce] send a letter about your talk with Royce, to Jeyne. Say that the success of the vale is her right and that we will support her, but half joke about your future children and their supposed technical line of succession, out of curiosity?
[X] [Royce] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval) Agree to write Jeyne, but only to ask what she plans to do with Eldric. In the letter to Jeyne, mention that Eldric is her closest present relation and that you are not worried about him inheriting, provided he is raised right, but that you would be equally unopposed to him being raised to be sent to the Citadel, as long as the matter is sorted.
[X] [Royce] Decline, Write to Jeyne and suggest having Eldric sent to the Citadel or some other means of removing him from succession when he comes of age.
[x] [Royce] send a letter about your talk with Royce, to Jeyne. Say that the success of the vale is her right and that we will support her, but half joke about your future children and their supposed technical line of succession, out of curiosity?
You agreed to write to Jeyne but remained non-committal on what exactly you were going to say. This was enough to at least appease Lord Royce and give his leave.
In truth you were barely certain yourself what you were going to write. You were not the most deft with words and while Jeyne was an ally, you didn't want to offend her and seem to be presuming too much. Eventually you decide to simply inquire as to what Jeyne intended to with Eldric. He was after all her closest relation at this point. You made it clear you think he would make a good heir given the right education, but also mention the merits of simply sending him off to the Citadel. You tried your best to avoid pushing for one option or another but instead to impress the idea that something had to be done with Eldric one way or another.
Hopefully Jeyne would understand this was just concern for an ally, a friend, and not the dictates of a princess to a vassal.
With the letter given to a Raven and sent to the Eyrie, you could be content that for the time being, your involvement in the Vale's political affairs was at an end.
Jenye's Reaction Will Be Revealed Next Turn
You realized the Gulltown Arryn's heir being at the feast provided you a chance that you had missed out on earlier. If nothing else you were curious, what could a scion of a minor branch of the Arryn family want with you? You expected a marriage offer but even he had to realize that was an unlikely prospect.
Isembard Arryn was sitting fairly far away from Lord Grafton's table, though still within your line of sight. You noticed him early as he arrived. He looked about Jeyne's age, perhaps a bit older, with red hair he cut short. His attire was largely light blue and trimmed with gold, he even had a half cloak held with a golden pin in the shape of the Arryn falcon.
When you made your excuses to Lord Grafton and stood up, Isembard had been surrounded by numerous men dressed in Pentosi attire, some of them even having dyed beards and the like. By the time you arrived near Isembard's seat, almost all of them had left or were taking their leave.
"Ahh, Princess Rhaenyra," Isembard said cheerfully as you approached, raising a cup of smokeberry wine in greeting, "I am honored by your presence, come, sit if you please."
"I believe I owe you an apology, ser" you sat down as Isembard finished off a poached fish and pushed what was left of his meal to his side, "I know you wanted to speak with me earlier but I was detained on other matters."
"I understand entirely," Isembard nodded, "affairs of the realm have kept you rather busy, princess. I am honored you even made time to speak to me now."
"So, what did you wish to discuss, Ser Isembard?" You asked neutrally, prepared for the man to try and win you over some farcical marriage proposal or a less than subtle effort to get you to push Jeyne to make him heir.
"I admit my affairs will likely seem dreadfully boring compared to cousin Arnold's grand act of stupidity," Isembard wore a bemused smile as he spoke, "but there is a matter of coin I think you and I may find some common ground on."
"A matter of coin?" Now that was rather curious indeed. Outside of Lord Beesbury, your tutors, and rarely your father, people generally didn't talk about matters of coin with you. Beyond troubles in the Stepstones, trade was good, the realm was prosperous and the royal treasury was quite well off.
"King's landing has a problem, not the King, nor the Small Council though," he explained through the clatter of dishes and drunken stories being told around the two of you, "The city itself has a problem, its trade is in a stranglehold."
"That's news to me," you raised an eyebrow, "From what I've seen of the small council, besides the impact the war in the Stepstones has had, Trade is fine."
"One can be in a stranglehold and still breath," Isembard replied, "until the hand at your throat begins to squeeze."
"And who's hand is at King's Landing throat?" Your voice a mix of bemusement and curiosity.
"The Sea Snake's of course," Isembard remarked casually, "Are you aware that since Lord Corlys built up Spicetown and Hull, Driftmark has controlled the vast majority of King's Landing's trade."
"That doesn't sound right," you remarked, recalling the few times you've been to the docks, you've seen goods from all over Essos being bought and sold.
"Gulltown does trade across Westeros and with Braavos and Pentos, were it not for the Three Daughters, we would be getting ships from Volantis," he explained as he idly spun around his fork in his hand, "White Harbor would tell you much the same, As would Lannisport, maybe, I don't deal much with Lannisters truth be told. Regardless, the same is not true for King's Landing. See most of the ships that would have gone to King's Landing and Duskendale. Because the ships that would have come in from Pentos or Volantis or Lannisports first go to Driftmark and dock in Spicetown. Then Driftmark sends its ships filled with those goods to King's Landing."
"But the goods still get to King's Landing," you argued.
"Yes but this means the majority of ships coming in and out of King's landing fly the Sea Snakes flag or get the majority of their coin from Velayron sources in one way or another," Isembard's words were calm but distinctly energetic all the same, "For now things are fine because the Sea Snake doesn't want to risk anyone realizing how favorable the situation has become for him. Duskendale complains sure but who really cares about them.But the hand is still there, holding all of Blackwater Bay in its grip. And what happens when the Sea Snake dies and his heirs take over, will they be as careful on trade as he is?"
You could see some of his points, and it was rather frightening how much power Lord Corlys had. He had a fortune in trade, three dragons in his family, and was at this moment aiding your uncle's war of conquest without any help from the Iron Throne.
"So where do you come into this?" You asked flatly. It was clear the man wasn't just voicing concerns about Driftmark's trade dominance, he wanted something out of this conversation.
"Simple, I wish to expand my family's operation into King's Landing, give Driftmark some real competition," Isembard explained, "The Sea Snake may bring goods from Slaver's Bay but the magisters of Pentos have known my family for generations, I could easily undercut House Velyaron when it comes to trade with northern Essos"
There are a number of captains in my employment and guilds that I act as patron for, mainly silver smiths and fine leather workers," he explained with eager confidence, "If you could write a letter to your father, asking for my ships to have docking rights in King's Landing and guilds to have permission to establish themselves in King's Landing that should be enough to get his approval, particularly with the Sea Snake far away from the Small Council chambers. I would split the profits my ships make with you of course, along with giving you equal control over the guilds, seems only fair."
"Why?" you asked, more bluntly this time, "I'm no Master of Coins but this seems all like a big risk, you're challenging a man who basically built his house into a rival of any of the great houses. It seems like your plans could easily fail."
"True, " Isembard shrugged dismissively, "But family is so entrenched here in Gulltown it hardly matters, we could hire an army of sellswords and clad them all in gold armor if we wanted."
"So why bother?" you were struggling to see what Isembard's game in this was, "why bother with a venture that won't matter all that much to your family win or lose?"
"The coins is not what I'm after here," Isembard's tone was still casual but there was a spark in his eyes now, "My family makes more coins then our cousins in the Eyrie do, then any house in the Vale for that matter. But because we measure our power in gold dragons and ships instead of land and sheep, we will never be more than a Cadet Branch here. The only way I could change that is with that gold army I was talking about. But in King's Landing, with the Princess of Dragonstone as an ally, things could be very different."
"So it's power you're after," you realized, "And you think I'm the best way to achieve it"
"Well, yes," you had to admit you didn't think he would be quite so blunt, "a normal prince wouldn't give me the time of day, they wouldn't need to in truth, but you have a better understanding of what I'm going through, of being powerful but getting the respect you deserve because the lords don't like how your power looks."
That was an interesting comparison, you weren't sure you entirely agreed with it, but neither did you disagree with it either. You'd seen plenty of examples of Gulltown Arryn wealth since you arrived, and Royce had all but dismissed them and other distant Arryns for having merchant's daughters for mothers instead of proper ladies.
"Think about it," he said pointedly, "When you one day ascend the throne, who do you want at your side that day? Lords from ancient and will respect families who's castles have stood since before the Andals arrived, Lords who don't respect and think they can rule in your name simply because you're a woman? Or someone who's been a trusted ally of yours for years, who knows they were only able to build their power with your support?"
Having more allies in King's Landing itself would be good, but Isembard's plans hinged on his success in King's Landing, if he failed he wouldn't be very much use to you as an ally but then again you would lose little from the whole affair if that happened. It was clear the man was nakedly ambitious, he wanted power and simply decided you were the best way for him to achieve some sort of power. No doubt when you became Queen he would expect to become Master of Coin. A man like that could be useful, or more trouble than he's worth depending on just how ambitious they were.
And there was the Question of how Lord Corlys would react, Isembard did want to challenge him in matters of trade. Not a direct insult by any means, and one that likely would not be noticed for some time, but you knew first hand how overly proud and presumptuous of his position the Sea Snake was.
Do You Accept Isembard's Offer?
[] Agree to the deal.
[] Decline
[] Write-in (Subject to QM's Approval)
After your conversation with Isembard you made your way over to your darling lady, Alicent Hightower. She was dining with her brother, the table largely empty save for the two of them. At your arrival, Gwayne made some excuses about wanting to speak with some Waynwood knight and took his leave.
"So how did the conversation with Isembard Arryn go?" Alicent asked as she stirred her food, "did he think you could make him heir?"
Someone had clearly been paying attention.
"No, nothing of the sort," you remarked, "just matters of coin."
Alicent nodded.
You found yourself messing with one of your rings for a moment, there's something you've been wanting to say to Alicent for a while now but you've struggled to find the right time. A quick glance revealed that no one was giving you very much attention at this point. Six rounds of food and a lot of wine would do that to anyone.
Well, perhaps now was the best, last chance you had to say something.
"I've been meaning to thank you," you said softly, "For your support at the Eyrie, I was rather doubting myself after....after all that happened, your words helped me a lot at a very bad moment."
"I admit, what you did wasn't proper," Alicent's expression twisted with uncertainty, "But the way that man spoke to you, to Lady Jeyne, and how those people, those lords and knights behaved, I just couldn't" she was all but spitting her words at that point, her hands balling into fists.
"Can we talk somewhere privately?" she breathed, "I will not make a scene in front of all these people."
"Of course," you nodded, "Met me in the Grafton's guest chambers.
Alicent sighed, "I'll tell Lord Grafton that you have tired from today's events and will be retiring early, with apologies of course."
You made your excuses and left, retiring to the bedroom Lord Grafton had gifted you for your visit. The room was richly decorated to the point of feeling overstuffed. Filled with so many couches and chairs, statues and tapestries from all across Essos, that it honestly lost real meaning. It was hard to be impressed with a model of the Titan of Braavos when right next to it was a fainting couch carved out of ironwood and decorated with rich purple fabric.
Alicent arrived shortly after you did.
"All my life, all my life, I have been told the importance of duty!" She began the moment the door was closed, her anger catching you off guard, "Obey your father, obey your lord, obey the king, obey the gods. It's what is expected of all of us. Duty and sacrifice. We are not beasts who can do whatever they want."
You listened, nodding in agreement.
"I've lived up to that my entire life, and you," she looked at you hesitantly, "what you do is different but you still take duty seriously, that's why you were there in the first place. Ser Arnold Arryn made mockery of his duties as a knight and a cousin, spat on every oath he ever swore, committed vile treason and insulted you and the king! And yet I stood there and watched as many lords, men who call themselves honorable, agreed with his deluded fantasies and vile insults."
She was all but shaking as she paced around the room.
"He had no right to speak to his rightful liege and you in such a manner," she declared angrily, "He debased himself and acted like some common bigrand but instead of shunning him as any proper lord should, many of them all but cheered him on as vile filth spewed from his lips and he made mockery of the King's justice!"
You grabbed Alicent's arm gently, in part to temper her anger, but largely because she was beginning to pick at your fingers and you worried she would draw blood before she even realized what she was doing.
She looked at you for a moment, half surprised by the gesture, half embarrassed.
"There are rules for all of us," Alicent said, her voice a bit calmer now, "you can't just break them and expect to be rewarded. Jeyne was his liege by every law in Westeros and he had sworn oaths to that effect. Yet he acted like he had been the wounded party, that it was his rights that had somehow been dishonored. And so many just stood there, agreeing with him."
"Men like him are all too common in my experience," you said wearily, "I mean you've seen my uncle."
There was a lot about Ser Arnold that reminded you of Daemon, the overconfidence, casually throwing out insults without fear, breaking the rules with the expectation that things would just work out for them. Hopefully your uncle wouldn't try something similar to Ser Arnold. The man was little loved in the Red Keep but that didn't mean he wouldn't have supporters.
"I always believed your uncle was an annoying exception, he got away with it because he was the King's brother and he had a dragon," Alicent explained, "But no, now I see men like Daemon Targaryen are all too common."
"Ouch," you couldn't help but smirk, "That's probably the biggest insult someone has thrown at Daemon in a long while."
Alicent laughed weakly in agreement.
"I can't help but wonder what does it all matter, if men can just set aside their duty and honor and still be rewarded for it. What's the point?" Alicent questioned.
"I mean he didn't, he's dead," you pointed out, "I made sure of that."
"True enough, but if you hadn't been there," she began to wonder, "If you hadn't stepped in and settled things, would he have risen again in time?"
"I don't know," you admitted, "Jeyne wanted to keep in the Sky Cells but it's possible someone could have freed him."
Alicent took a seat on the couch, still looking tired and weary but far less angry then she had been.
"I do think that it should have been Ser Raylon who handled the trial by combat," Alicent confessed, "But it is not a mistake worth troubling yourself over. Either way he had thrown away his life the moment he began to speak that day."
"I know," you replied
"Just remember to stay true to yourself Rhaenyra," she assured you, "Do that and you'll be able to handle every misstep you face."
"You make it sound easy," you said, trying not to sound dismissive.
"It's served you well so far," Alicent observed, "You would not be the woman you are now had you faltered in your virtues or lied to yourself."
There was undeniable truth in her words, you aspired to the sword because you knew being a knight was part of who you were. You defied the rules like your uncle but you didn't act the fool, you've tried your best to stick to a code, even if that code didn't always match the rules society laid out.
"Again, I must thank you my lady," you said as you knelt before her, "Your words have brought much comfort and certainty since that fateful day."
"You defended the honor of a lady, a noble deed by any right" Alicent replied, her voice gently and warm, "kind words are the least I could do for an aspiring knight such as yourself."
She held out her hand, you carefully grabbed it and kissed it gently. Looking up you saw there was no doubt in her eyes this time, no misgivings, simply warm acceptance of, if not right downright eagerness for, your affections.
Alicent Hightower's Views Have Begun to Change
Relationship with Alicent Hightower Improved
New Status: A Steady Relationship QM's Notes: People change, or at least their views can. Alicent believes quite strongly in the importance of duty in part out of a belief that those who shirk their duty will be punished in time while those who stick to it will be rewarded. In the show, this is a major point of anger between Rhaenyra and Alicent because Rhaenyra is clearly unfaithful as a wife and yet she never faces punishment for it. Here she's realizing that a man can just toss away all his honor and sense of duty, do all sorts of horrible things, and as long as he says the right things, he will still have some support among otherwise respectable men. This combined with Rhaenyra convincing her that her taking the path of a knight is not her throwing away her duties, has begun to change Alicent's opinions on things.
In canon Isembard Arryn made a bit to claim the Vale after Jeyne died, his arguement being basically "I'm enough of an Arryn" and "Fuck you I have money". While only House Grafton supported him he did have an army of sellswords. He lost but ultimately became Master of Coin for a while. Here, since Arnold is dead and the Rhaenyra took an active role in affairs, his ambitions have changed.
You saw no reason to refuse Isembard's deal. The risks were low for both of you, it would help King's Landing, give you an ally within the city, and, if it all worked out, you had a good chance of having something you could use to force Lord Corlys to treat you with more respect.
"Ser Isembard, your offer has peaked my interest," you smiled. "Tomorrow I will write to my father, the King, and encourage him to grant you the needed permits quickly. You should be able move your guilds there before winter sets in."
"Wonderful," Isembard's smile was broad and seemed sincere. "I will begin preparations immediately. Be sure to find me when you return to King's Landing. We will have much to discuss then! Also, I'll be sure to have a thank you gift ready by then. Just need to call in a few favors with a Pentosi Magister."
You weren't exactly sure what in the seven hells this man had lined up for a gift that required the favor of a Magister, but you weren't about to pry. He thanked you again and the two went your seperate ways.
New Relationship Established: Isembard Arryn
Status: Hesitant Ally
New Action Unlocked
Shortly after the feast, the boats prepared for your Progress were ready to sail, taking you and your retinue from Gulltown to White Harbor. The first few days proved deeply unpleasant as your small fleet of ships was caught in a storm. You did not get sea sick easily, but even your stomach was rolling by the end of the first week. The others, particularly poor Gwayne, fared even worse. Thankfully, afterwards the seas calmed somewhat and the autumn winds shifted in your favor, quickening your pace considerably.
You had to admit you preferred traveling by land to sea. Sea travel was quicker and your cabin onboard the Queen Alysanne had far more room than your carriage, but you missed being able to stop and enjoy the countryside every so often. The extra space did little to change the fact you felt rather cramped on the ship. To make matters worse, you couldn't fly on Syrax the entire journey to White Harbor. She was simply too big to even dare chance her landing onboard the deck. Thankfully, Syrax was smart enough to follow the ship as it sailed along the Vale coast. Eventually she parted ways when you reached the Three Sisters and headed north on her own.
After days of sailing, you finally reached White Harbor, the Seven Kingdom's northernmost city. You could not deny it was an impressive sight to behold. Despite being on smaller side, it was far cleaner and better laid out then Gulltown or King's Landing. It's buildings, even those of smallfolk, were made of whitewashed stone with steep slate roofs. It's cobbled streets were wide and ran in straight, neat lines. A river, the White Knife, ran through the middle of it all.
A massive rock dominated by an ancient ringfort marked the entrance to the outer harbor of the city. The fort was abandoned at the moment, the stone's only garrison for the time being various seals. The Manderly's castle, unoriginally called New Castle, stood above the rest of the city, resting on a hill that gave it a clear line of sight on the harbors. The air was cool and crisp, and the clouds overhead seemed to be threatening an early snow.
The harbor was nearly packed full when your ships finally docked, merchants selling timber, wool, and hides mixed with knights from across the Seven Kingdoms eager to prove themselves.
This was no doubt one of the bigger stops on your journey. The Graftons were rich, but they weren't particularly politically powerful and the same could not be said for the Manderlys. House Manderly was probably the second most powerful house in the North and since the Starks were rarely seen south of the Neck, it was the Manderlys most Southerns met when it came to dealings with the North.
The Manderlys were a curious bunch. Like house Targaryens, they were exiles in a foreign land. Originally from the Reach, the Peakes had forced them out a thousand years ago, and the Starks were kind enough to take them in and give them this land. The family kept to the faith of the Seven, even though the rest of the North followed the Old Gods, making them knights in a land of warriors. From what you read, the Manderlys were fiercely loyal to the Starks ever since despite their differences, though they were clearly a family of ambition. They had even nearly married into the Targaryen family a generation ago, though death would end up preventing the union from ever occurring.
Two messages brought by ravens awaited you as you stepped off your ship. The first was from your father, letting you know he had signed off on the permits Isembard needed, and praising you for building alliances. The second was from Jeyne. Dearest Cousin,
Were you anyone else I would be quite annoyed right now, thinking they were trying to dictate my own succession to me. But I owe you too much to simply dismiss your letter and I think I know you decently enough as well to know your letter was made with the best of intentions. I do not know why the Royces insist on making my succession such an important matter. I am barely a woman grown, and since I don't care much for hunting nor do I enjoy knocking men around with swords like you do, odds are good I will live for a considerable while longer.
Never the less, my late cousin's spawn cannot be allowed to claim my seat after I am gone. He is but a child, but he is a child I can never trust. Your idea about the Citadel was good. He will be given to my friends in House Redfort. There he will be provided with every book he could desire and encouraged to focus on books instead of knightly matters. I am told he is bright for his age, so he should find this most agreeable. When he is ten and four he will be given a choice, he can go to the Citadel and become a maester, or he can stay in the Eyrie a few years more and join the Night's Watch when he is an adult. This may seem harsh but I will not tolerate him being the center of a rebellion. I am forever grateful for your help, but I hope to avoid needing your aid again if I can help it.
I do believe there is something we can talk about in regards to your succession, in time, perhaps a decade from now. After you have been forced to do your dreadful duty to the realm.
Please do not take my tone in this letter as a sign our friendship has been impacted in anyway. My ire is saved for my accursed former regent Yorbert. I hope you and your handmaiden enjoy White Harbor.
Also, my dearest Jessamyn asks you to have someone remind her half brother that crab does not agree with his palate. He has a habit of forgetting this.
Best Wishes,
Jeyne Arryn, Lady of the Vale and Warden of the East
Relationship with Lady Jeyne Arryn Degraded
It appeared Jeyne felt as though your letter was stepping on her toes. It wasn't a major deal though. She seemed mildly annoyed at best. You informed one of your servants to be sure to pass his half-sisters message to Ser Redfort and prepared for your visit.
White Harbor provided some major opportunities. Lord Desmond Manderly wanted to speak with you of course, though notably he wanted to have his eldest son Medrick present too. This made something inside you begin to twist up in dread. The Manderlys were powerful enough that you would not be surprised if they flat out asked you to consider a marriage. Lord Manderly's message also mentioned there would be a feast as well after the tourney, though you were not sure you would be able to stomach even more fish so soon.
One Rogar Bolton sent you a message as well not long after your arrival, offering a chance to spar. You recalled seeing a Bolton at the tourneys in both Harrenhal and King's Landing several years ago. Apparently your defeat of Ser Harwin Strong had caught his attention and he wanted a chance to test you.
Of course, the biggest affair at White Harbor was the tourney. It was destined to be a large event no matter what. Lord Desmond wanted to honor both his eldest son's recent knighting and his eighteenth name day. Your covert funding though had turned it from a large affair into perhaps the biggest tourney the north had seen in generations. "The Great Northern Tourney" some were already calling it. Knights from all over the seven Kingdoms had shown up for the event, even from as far away as Dorne and the Reach they had made their way here. A rare event, considering the bitter blood between the Manderlys and most Reach houses.
Numerous lords and ladies from all over had gathered as well to bear witness. Even Lord Beesbury was here to watch. This was one of your best chances you had to try and become a mystery knight. If you entered, and won, it would be a victory in front of the whole realm. Few would be able to deny the glory of your accomplishment or your skill. You were all but certain that a victory here would make your knighthood a certainty. Who could deny you then?
Defeat... you didn't even want think about what a defeat would mean. It was a risk. It was always going to be a risk. You had known that for years. The only question was, did you take that risk now?
114 AC
Actions during a Royal Progress (Take Three Total)
While taking part in a royal progress, turns are shortened. Instead of three months they now represent one stop on the progress. As a result, you are now limited to three actions per turn. These can be three regular actions or three conversations or any combo of the two. Tourneys, feasts, and judgments will all be important parts of your progress due to the vote and there will be multiple examples of each along the trip though not every location will have every option, nor is it expected of you to take every option when presented. So a couple of judgments for example will be enough to satisfy your promises to your father. Also note that some stops will have an interlude, some won't, and a few may even just be covered in an interlude.
Conversations
[] [Conversation] Speak with Alicent Hightower
While your relationship with your lady is new and fresh, it couldn't hurt to talk her and see how she feels about the changes in your personal relationship and how she feels now that you've gone from repressing her feelings to begin to express them more openly. Plus, some quality time with her would be nice.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
If Gwayne doesn't already know about your relationship with Alicent, he probably will learn soon enough. Perhaps you should tell him yourself. He clearly wanted to protect his sister and thus might be willing to help hide your relationship from Otto and others if need be.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Steffon Redfort
He is Jessamyn's half brother. You don't know much about him, but he left a good impression in your first meeting. It would be good to get to know him a bit more and see if he if he is suitable for the City Watch.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Rogar Bolton
You have heard rather dark things about the Boltons over the years. Like how they flay their enemies alive and keep a collection of their skins beneath their castle. Also, they call their castle the Dreadfort, which says so many things. You are curious to see if any of them live up to their grisly reputation
[] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
Rhea had been relatively silent on matters during the trial. Perhaps it would do well to see where she stood, and what she thought of her father's intentions.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Desmond and Medrick Manderly
The Manderlys had good friends of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne, and Lord Desmond himself had spoken in favor your Cousin Rhaenys during the Great Council. They could prove to be steadfast and powerful allies. Though the Manderlys are known to be very ambitious and who knows what they may ask of you.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Beesbury
It has been a few months since you left home, it would be nice to catch up with a familar face and see how things are fairing in the capital. It also might be good to see what the Master of Coin thinks of Isembard and his plans.
[] [Conversation] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in Gulltown.
Actions
[] [Action] Relax
After everything you've been through it would be nice to unwind for a bit.
[] [Action] Train
As one of the only places in the North to field Knights, White Harbor has extensive training yards. Most Manderly knights are too busy preparing for the tourney to even consider dueling you but Ser Steffon Redfort is still willing to duel you if you desire, and one Rogar Bolton has expressed interest as well. Of course training out in the open so close to the Tourney could prove risky if you decided to don the armor of a mystery knight as well.
-[] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
--[] [Duel] Ser Steffon Redfort
--[] [Duel] Ser Gwayne Hightower
--[] [Duel] Rogar Bolton
[] [Action] Train with Syrax
Perhaps it would be good to get some practice over the ocean and the vast plains around White Harbor
[] [Action] Enter a Tourney as a Mystery Knight
The Tourney at White Harbor is going to be one of the largest tourneys on your Progress. With only the tourney at Highgarden being comparable in size. There will be few chances better than this to earn the glory and fame you need to become a knight
[] [Action] Study the Tourney
As much as you desired to enter this tourney, you couldn't deny it would be a great chance to learn as well.
[] [Action] Feast
Naturally with a tourney so massive, it only made sense for there to be a feast as well. It is set to be a large affair with lords from all over, to celebrate both the nameday of Lord Manderly's eldest and the victors of the tourney itself.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
There are no notable legal matters in and around White Harbor that you would be able to rule on.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
There is some very fertile hunting grounds along the White Knife River, it should be a fairly simple affair to hunt some game there.
[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education and White Harbor had perhaps the largest collection of books in the North.
[] [Action] Improve your Poetry
Your fair lady thankfully quite enjoyed your first attempts but you know you have much room for improvement. Perhaps the striking sights of White Harbor could give you some much needed inspiration.
[] [Action] Study Music
You want to serenade Alicent with music. It's what a proper knight would do after all and she deserves as much. Plus, it just sounds wonderfully romantic. Alicent has been vague about what kind of music she would prefer, saying anything from a Harp to your singing would all be equally wonderful. Regardless, you lack much in the way of training in any sort of music and that had to change.
[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval
Vote by Plan QM's Notes: The Manderlys are probably my favorite Northern House outside of the Starks, very unique and tend to produce awesome characters. White Harbor in general is also pretty interesting. And yeah, I suspect this is gonna be a highly contested vote since this is one of our biggest tourneys of the entire trip. And a great many things could happen here. please think your votes through carefully, and be civil.
