I mean, we haven't even done any diplomatic training, and we've literally never talked to a member of the Council deliberately who wasn't Otto Hightower so, uh...
Hey, Hey, Hey... Remember that every one of our goals is a long-term project, we don't need to be the youngest king to ever be anointed, and honestly, we are already doing extremely well in the prowess department...
I would rather shift the focus a little to the rest of the stuff instead of that monofocus on training, to round up Rhaenyra's weakness now that we have time for it and no war on the horizon...
I think some of our goals are long term (council position, queen), but some are accomplishable in the near term (knighthood, romance). I was thinking that knighthood would be a longer term goal thing myself, but the Tarly conversation and prowess update indicate it's conceivably in near term reach.
If you think that getting to the end of a sidequest is a good idea, doesn't it stand to reason that accomplishing one of our goals is too?
He didn't though? He said Beesbury would provide whatever coin we need. I think sending him the bill is covered by the action to prepare for the progress. He doesn't say anything like "make sure to discuss the financing with Beesbury" or something like that.
I agree... I wanted to talk with Lord Beesbury and Lord Strong next turn, and hopefully with Johanna to clean the air, but at some point we should also talk with Melos since, you know, our father have just lost a finger and that is quite worrying...
FWIW, this is pretty much what I'm against. Strong & Johanna make sense at some point. I don't think Beesbury does. The ship sailed on saving Viserys from his fantasy leprosy when we didn't pick scholar.
Yeah, not saying we have been over generalizing, just that it's something to continue to avoid going forward.
I think some of our goals are long term (council position, queen), but some are accomplishable in the near term (knighthood, romance). I was thinking that knighthood would be a longer term goal thing myself, but the Tarly conversation and prowess update indicate it's conceivably in near term reach.
If you think that getting to the end of a sidequest is a good idea, doesn't it stand to reason that accomplishing one of our goals is too?
He didn't though? He said Beesbury would provide whatever coin we need. I think sending him the bill is covered by the action to prepare for the progress. He doesn't say anything like "make sure to discuss the financing with Beesbury" or something like that.
FWIW, this is pretty much what I'm against. Strong & Johanna make sense at some point. I don't think Beesbury does. The ship sailed on saving Viserys from his fantasy leprosy when we didn't pick scholar.
I mean, Beesbury is the Master of Coins and we've improved his opinion of us several times, so if one more got him to a level above "Loyal" that could be useful?
FWIW, this is pretty much what I'm against. Strong & Johanna make sense at some point. I don't think Beesbury does. The ship sailed on saving Viserys from his fantasy leprosy when we didn't pick scholar.
Viserys has told us that Lord Beesbury will handle the budget for our Royal Progress, so talking with him about how we will be organizing things seems sensible.
And I know that we won't be able to cure Viserys, but I think that after seeing how our beloved father has just lost a finger, talking with his physician about what the hell is happening is a natural reaction.
And I know that we won't be able to cure Viserys, but I think that after seeing how our beloved father has just lost a finger, talking with his physician about what the hell is happening is a natural reaction.
I mean, Beesbury is the Master of Coins and we've improved his opinion of us several times, so if one more got him to a level above "Loyal" that could be useful?
I guess to my point about focusing on a small number of councilors, focusing on the one guy already at loyal might make sense. I was figuring that "loyal" might be the max, at least for minor characters, and that we were unlikely to form a personal friendship - we studied finance somewhat and we're okay at it IIRC but find it uninteresting.
I think that after seeing how our beloved father has just lost a finger, talking with his physician about what the hell is happening is a natural reaction.
Eh, given we have 3 conversations every 3 months, I was figuring conversations were supposed to be the more major stuff that Rhaenyra is prepping for, or wants something specific out of, etc. e.g stuff that would be a scene on the show. I assume that stuff like:
"Is my dad going to be okay?"
"Well, I'll try my best to treat him."
"What's wrong with him?"
"Well he might have… [drones on about different variations on fantasy leprosy]."
I guess to my point about focusing on a small number of councilors, focusing on the one guy already at loyal might make sense. I was figuring that "loyal" might be the max, at least for minor characters, and that we were unlikely to form a personal friendship - we studied finance somewhat and we're okay at it IIRC but find it uninteresting.
Eh, given we have 3 conversations every 3 months, I was figuring conversations were supposed to be the more major stuff that Rhaenyra is prepping for, or wants something specific out of, etc. e.g stuff that would be a scene on the show. I assume that stuff like:
"Is my dad going to be okay?"
"Well, I'll try my best to treat him."
"What's wrong with him?"
"Well he might have… [drones on about different variations on fantasy leprosy]."
Personally I prefer Strong because I think we might be able to get him to "Neutral" and that that might have more value right now, but I can see the argument either way.
Personally I prefer Strong because I think we might be able to get him to "Neutral" and that that might have more value right now, but I can see the argument either way.
Personally I prefer Strong because I think we might be able to get him to "Neutral" and that that might have more value right now, but I can see the argument either way.
I'd be for Strong over Beesbury as well, just because I think Strong is more important and Beesbury's loyalty is already rock solid in canon. I also expect him to have a better feel for the politics of the court since he did end up becoming Hand in canon. Also, looking into the legal side of things seems useful long term.
Long term I think focusing Otto makes more sense because he's Hand and our gf's dad, but you're right that we've talked to him a lot recently, we've got him to neutral, and we should get a different perspective on the court. I agree with skipping him for at least a turn unless something comes up. Probably a couple turns.
I do want to talk to Alicent again though, to both be disgustingly romantic and maybe raise the possibility of Gwayne as a beard just in case Otto finds out about us and we need to offer it in a hurry to prevent him from trying to force her to be a septa or something.
Such as Queen Johanna's father Roland Wrestling in this quest.
It not that unusual after all n Book Canon, after the Battle of the Blackwater: Mathis Rowan {Lord Fit-to-Gag}, Paxter Redwyne {Mace Tyrell's cousin, good brother, best friend and Yes-Man}, Oberyn Martell {In place of Doran Martell} and The High Septon {The One after the Fat One} all became Advisors without Portfolio.
You know, jousting competitions are of course the absolute noble apex of tourneys in Westeros, both in Westeros and the RL high middle ages, but the melee is a thing - which, IRL, could also be held unmounted as well. And could indeed even include ritualized variants with blunt weapons. And participants would usually enter different tourney forms separately. So, just saying, we could enter tourneys as pure melee participants.
People don't really get knighted for winning melees though, compared to jousts. It just doesn't have the same prestige. Like sure, entering a melee and winning would be a great way to show off our martial prowess and we should do it at some point, but the joust is the competition we want to be in if we actually want to get knighted.
You couldn't deny that you had been looking forward to this trip to the Vale. Even if it was for official reasons, it was nice to get a chance to fly beyond the skies of King's Landing for reasons other than putting an end to Daemon's farce of a wedding. And this time, you were doing with your father's consent. People would see Syrax in the sky and know you were there as a symbol of the Iron Throne's authority and support.
It was little in the grand scheme of things. Just a brief flight to a couple of castles to say hello and make clear that the King did in fact still support the person who had been ruling the Vale for a decade and a half already. The dragon made it hard to screw something like this up, but it was a sign your father was actually willing to entrust you with authority as heir and not just keep you as his cupbearer perpetually.
Syrax shared your eagerness judging by the various grunts and yips she made as you flew over Blackwater bay towards Runestone.
The waters of Blackwater bay soon were replaced by the walled city of Gulltown, much smaller than King's Landing though still impressive in it's own right. You brough Syrax lower, both to give the smallfolk a better show and to make sure everyone, particularly the merchants and whatever lords were in the city, knew full well you had arrived in the Vale.
You could a glimpse of a few people pointing up at you as the two of you passed overhead, something you couldn't help but smile at.
Not long after, you caught sight of Runestone. It was an ancient fortress, built long before even the Andals had arrived. Though most of it's walls were of more modern construction, you could still see hints of the castle the Bronze Kings built. A few towers were ancient and crumbling while the main gate was decorated with large, rune covered bronze disks.
You and Syrax circled around the castle twice before landing close to the main entrance. Some would not consider your riding attire well suited for an act of diplomacy but Rhea Royce seemed like the kind of woman who wouldn't care.
The guards along the walls stared at you with surprise and just a touch of fear as someone within shouted for Rhea.
You pulled a letter from a small satchel at your side, the letter bound and sealed with the king's sigil, a dragon's head.
After a few minutes of waiting, Rhea Royce rode out to meet you, flanked by two guards. She cut quite a different figure then she had back in King's Landing, wearing bronze armor covered in runes similar to the door. Atop her black palfrey, she looked more warrior than noble lady even if you couldn't see any weapons.
It was so rare to see another woman in armor, let alone wear it so casually. You wondered if this was just some tradition of her house or if she had training similar to yours. It would be interesting to spar against another woman.
Rhea approached with a smile on her face, clearly realizing the purpose of your visit. Her smile fell away as her horse bucked underneath her, neighing and complaining as it tried to force Rhea to go any other direction but towards you and Syrax.
It appeared her horse did not care for the smell of dragon.
With a simple gesture you motioned for Syrax to back away, at least a bit. She did so, but not before letting out a small grunt of annoyance, having clearly wanted to be a part of your moment.
This calmed down Rhea's horse enough to allow her to dismount and approach you on foot.
"My apologies, Lady Rhea," you said courteously. "I forgot the effect dragons could have on animals."
"It's no bother," Rhea waved dismissively. "I must say your girl is quiet the pretty thing. If Daemon had that instead of that damn red worm of his, I might not mind so much the thought of him visiting here."
You held your tongue on the insult. Caraxes was a rare breed for sure and you were no friend of Daemon but usually no one in house Targaryen would tolerate an insult to one of their dragons so easily. Rhea could be forgiven though, particularly today.
"Well you will not have to worry about Daemon visiting anytime soon," you replied as you handed her the letter. "Or ever again in all likelihood. His grace, the king and the High Septon have decided to grant you and Prince Daemon's request for an annulment."
Rhea eagerly snapped open the wax seal and read the decree, her smile growing brighter as she read each line.
"As far as the Faith and the Iron Throne are concerned, your marriage to Daemon Targaryen never happened, on the grounds of a lack of consummation," you explained. "It officially was never real."
"Well, I must say I am quite surprised," Rhea said with barely contained glee. "I didn't think anyone could convince your father to yield on this issue. You must really have his ear to have pulled this off."
"My father wasn't happy about this," you admitted, "but he understood that neither of you had any interest in this marriage. Thankfully, the Hand and Lady Jeyne were able to help me in this regard."
"Ah, she came through on that. I suppose I owe my liege lady a favor then," Rhea nodded as she finished reading.
"That does bring me to the second reason for my visit," you smoothly transitioned. "The Crown wishes to announce it's formal support for Lady Jeyne Arryn of the Vale in this troubled times. Her ability to rule the Vale is already proven the King hopes that all the lords and knights of the Vale will come to understand that and resolve things peacefully."
In the distance Syrax stood taller, you could feel her staring intently at the both of you as if she was listening.
"Of course," Rhea nodded, understanding the intent behind your words. "I will talk with my father. See if we can convince our lords and landed knights to withdraw support from Arnold's little venture."
That was a great sign. While House Royce was thankfully not supporting the rebellious Arryn, many of Arnold's most important supporters came from lords and knights sworn to Runestone. If Lord Royce told them to withdraw, that could immensely hamper Arnold.
"My thanks," you nodded, "and my father and I wish to extend our thanks to you and your lord father for not support Ser Arnold's treason against the Eyrie."
"Well, once Lady Jeyne made it clear she never wanted to see Daemon in the Vale again, we didn't have much choice," Jeyne said dismissively. "Besides. I know Arnold. Grew up with him even. He's good sort most of the time, but he can be a real daft cunt when it comes to his cousin. This whole thing is a fool's venture."
"I'm very glad to hear you say that," you replied warmly. "And I hope you find a much more suitable husband this time."
"As long as the new Queen doesn't try to play matchmaker with our house again," Rhea laughed, "I should be fine."
You frowned slight at the mention of your step-mother. Just a bare twinge of annoyance over the fact that some other woman had taken your mother's role, not only in the family but politically as well. There was nothing you could do, but it annoyed you still.
"Say, princess, are you particularly in a rush to fly off?" Rhea asked, an idea clearly building behind her eyes.
"I do need to fly to the Eyrie and confirm the Iron Throne's support in person," you replied, "but I am not in a particular rush. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to join me for a hunt?" Rhea explained. "This is a time for celebration and who better to celebrate with then the girl who made it possible?"
"I didn't bring a hawk," you replied.
"I'm not talking about hawking," Rhea smirked. "I'm talking about a proper hunt, with arrows."
Now that was an interesting offer. Hawking was a perfectly acceptable thing for a noble or royal lady to do but you had always been told anything beyond that was "improper" for a lady. So, the chance to go on a regular hunt would be a novel experience, and you were very good with a bow as it was.
Part of you wondered if Rhea might have some other intent behind this offer but you couldn't be sure.
Daemon Targaryen Will Take Note of Your Actions
Relationship with Rhea Royce Dramatically Improved
New Status: Ally
Do you accept Rhea Royce's Offer?
[] Agree to go on a small hunt with her.
[] Decline, but ask if you could do it another time.
[] Kindly decline and fly off to the Eyrie.
After your trip to Runestone, you made your way to the Eyrie itself, flying over snow capped mountains and jagged valleys as you did. The air was colder than you were used to for summer, growing almost chilly as you grew closer to your destination.
When you came upon the Eyrie itself, you couldn't help but find it strange. It was largely lacking in any real defense, almost resembling a massive manse more than a proper castle. It would almost be an absurdity that such a place could be the main residence for one of the most powerful families in Westeros were it not for it's very location. The Eyrie was build on top of a mountain. The only way to access it without climbing up a wind swept mountain side was it's single main entrance. The castle lacked in defenses because the castles below would stop any army that approached.
Though, as Queen Visenya and now yourself have proven, those defenses mean little if you can just fly over them.
Syrax landed not far from the entrance after making sure that anyone in the castle would get a good view of your approach.
Thankfully your approach was not viewed with such fear as it had been in Runestone and by the time you approached the entrance there were knights ready to escort you and a servant offering the traditional bread and salt. You took the offering and made your way in.
You found Lady Jeyne in the main hall of the castle. It was a well decorated place, with blue silk carpets running between gleaming white pillars, it's walls made of blue veined marble occasionally broken up by a high arched window.
In the middle of the hall was a massive stone circle embedded into the floor with a metal gate at it's center. This was the infamous Moon Door. House Arryn had no executioner nor did they need one, not when simply opening the door and tossing someone out would ensure the gods handled things for them.
Your mother had been born in this castle, you realized. She had grown up here. Until she married your father, this castle had been her home, and yet you barely knew it.
You found Lady Jeyne holding council, sitting on a weirwood throne as she talked with various lords. The conversation died as you entered, your appearance drawing everyone's attention. Lady Arryn's eyes went wide at your arrival and a look of unmistakable glee appeared on her face for a moment. She knew what your arrival meant without you even having to say a word.
"It is good to see you princess," Lady Jeyne greeted kindly. "Apologies for the lack of a proper greeting, we had only become aware of your presence in the Vale a short while ago."
"It is no trouble," you smiled warmly. "I thank you for allowing me into your home and treating me as a guest. I am most grateful for your hospitality."
"My cousin, you seem to be almost glowing," Jeyne replied with a barely concealed smirk. "Have you found some new source of joy in your life?"
You were rather surprised by her sudden question. You were definitely happier since you and Alicent started whatever you were calling your current relationship, but was it really that noticeable from just a few words?
"Something like that," you said in a casual fashion. No need for the lords of the vale to gain any insight into your personal life.
Thankfully, none of the lords seemed to really care about Jeyne's quip, through your reply did seem to bring a small smile to Jeyne's face.
"Very good," she replied. "Now, I imagine you did not come here for a simple friendly visit."
"No, I did not. I bring word from my father, King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of his name," you declared in a booming voice so all heard you. "The King wishes for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and urges all those who had declared for Ser Arnold Arryn to lay down their arms and acknowledge Lady Jeyne Arryn as their rightful liege."
"It pleases me to hear that, cousin," Jeyne replied. "Please let the King know we are most grateful for his kind words and hope all heed them."
"I question why we are being informed of the King's support," one of the Vale Knights spoke up. "Forgive me, princess. While I am grateful for the King's words, would they not be put to better use being delivered directly to the traitors?"
"I understand your concerns, good knight," you kept your tone sympathetic. "It is my father's desire, and mine, to avoid any chance of escalating matter further than they already have. We hope messengers from the Eyrie would spread word of the King's support."
At that moment Syrax flew by, letting out a proud roar she passed some of windows. The sight and sound clearly unnerved everyone else in the room. Even Jeyne's calm and confident demeanor was shaken for a moment.
"And make sure they know how this message was delivered," you added. "House Targaryen wishes to avoid bloodshed. I do hope Ser Arnold and his supporters do not see the need to test us on this."
"Lord Hunter," Jeyne said in a commanding voice. "Prepare a letter for your traitorous father-in-law in Coldwater. Make note of what the Princess has said, and take great care to make it clear just how loud her mighty dragon was."
"At once, my Lady," the lord replied as he left the room.
"With luck the lords will abandon Arnold before the turn of the moon," Jeyne remarked. "You have my thanks Princess, while I easily outnumbered my cousin in terms of men, I would rather avoid getting my knights killed over a fool's errand."
"It was my pleasure," you nodded confidently. "And my duty. You are my father's bannerwoman and my mother's cousin. I felt it was my obligation to help you in these trying times."
"I am glad to hear the Dragon remembers her mother was a falcon," she replied.
You left not long after. Even with the rebellion not yet having broken out into open conflict, a civil war within a kingdom still left Lady Jeyne with a lot on her plate on a daily basis, too much for her to spend time entertaining you. You didn't mind. You just hoped these more passive methods would bare fruit.
Less than a fortnight later, a raven arrived from the Eyrie. Ser Arnold's men had not only abandoned him, one of them had even kidnapped him and delivered him directly to Lady Jeyne, who immediately stuck her rebellious cousin in a Sky Cell, where she intends him to spend the rest of his days.
The letter from Jeyne thanked you personally, crediting your efforts both at the Eyrie and the Runefort for being an early end to what could have been a serious conflict within the Vale. Lord Royce's words were enough to cause most of the lords supporting Arnold to abandon him, and even the sellswords turned tail when word spread of your visit on Syrax.
Between this and your actions on Dragonstone a year prior, some within the Red Keep were starting to praise you for your ability to use your dragon to end conflicts peacefully.
Your Diplomacy has Improved
Relationship with Lady Jeyne Arryn has Dramatically Improved
New Status: Ally QM's Note: To make a long story short, not moving, not a big deal, but it does mean I have been able to get back to writing for this quest a good few weeks earlier than I expected.
Don't see the harm in spending a day hunting with her.
@Teen Spirit, since they'd have to prepare for a hunt and we already got talking with Jeyne, I presume we would be stopping at Runestone for a day or two on our way back?
Your Diplomacy has Improved
Relationship with Lady Jeyne Arryn has Dramatically Improved
New Status: Ally QM's Note: To make a long story short, not moving, not a big deal, but it does mean I have been able to get back to writing for this quest a good few weeks earlier than I expected.
Is the text for Diplomacy supposed to be the same? It'd make sense if it was, to be clear, since "improvement but not enough" is entirely reasonable. Just checking.
@Teen Spirit, since they'd have to prepare for a hunt and we already got talking with Jeyne, I presume we would be stopping at Runestone for a day or two on our way back?
Is the text for Diplomacy supposed to be the same? It'd make sense if it was, to be clear, since "improvement but not enough" is entirely reasonable. Just checking.
"I do need to fly to the Eyrie and confirm the Iron Throne's support in person," you replied, "but I am not in a particular rush. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to join me for a hunt?" Rhea explained. "This is a time for celebration and who better to celebrate with then the girl who made it possible?"
"I didn't bring a hawk," you replied.
"I'm not talking about hawking," Rhea smirked. "I'm talking about a proper hunt, with arrows."
