The Eyrie was a hive of activity, with the birth of Jasper's new brother it seemed like every lord in Westeros was vying for a chance to visit the castle. On top of that, after more than two years constant work, House Moon was finally due to receive their pardon. They had finished laying down the last of the roads a few days ago and were expected to arrive within a week. Jasper was limiting the attendance of their official ceremony to only ten lords, but between their families, guards, and added guests that amounted to well over a hundred people.
Thankfully, Mya had managed to talk herself into a few day-trips to Dorne. She had been desperate to get away from all the stress and forced courtesies, and while Jasper wasn't able to join her, the girls had promised to look out for her while she was there. Dorne was truly a wonderous place, and she fell in love with the sheer beauty of it. Doran didn't even seem to mind her visits, and he personally gave her a tour of the watergardens and some of the more interesting spots around the capital. She was truly shocked and honored when he suggested that she get a portkey of her own, as long as Oberyn was given one as well. She simply could not pass up the opportunity and poured all her powers of persuasion (Begged and pleaded) on her brother until he agreed. She was so happy when she got them that she immediately porkeyed back to Dorne, much to Doran's delightful surprise, and all within a day of his suggestion too!
Unfortunately for her, today was one of the days she was not allowed to go to Dorne. She was needed with Jasper while he held a meeting with the other nobles. Apparently, several of them had requested an audience with him regarding House Moon's "release." They were less than pleased that he was going through with his plans to set them free.
Mya did her best to plaster a pleasant expression on her face while inside she was seething at this arsehole. Jasper was his lord, and he kept talking to her brother like he was some mere child!
"Those barbarians served their purpose! You should just execute the lot of them and be done with it. It's what your father would have done, boy!" Lord Melcolm practically spat the words.
Jasper glared at the man, "I will not have you tell me what to do in my own bloody castle! I have made my decision Lord Melcolm, do not forget the vows you swore to my House!"
It was an argument that had been repeating itself for the better part of two hours, just with different lords, for different reasons. While Lord Melcolm was certainly less eloquent, he knew many people weren't happy about this. The Mountain Clans had been attacking Vale for generations, killing many nobles and kidnapping several from these houses alone. The fact that many of the survivors had refused to return home just further enraged the nobles, several disowning them outright.
He sighed, "I am not without understanding, my lord. But these people have made peace with Vale. They swore fealty to my house, I will not go back on my word."
The elder lord growled, and his hand rested on his blade. "Then it seems you have left me no other choice." He nodded his head, and several other nobles drew their weapons and joined him. Guards that were previously unnoticed in the background suddenly had crossbows and were pointing them at Jasper and his sister.
Mya could hear several of Jasper's more faithful vassals start shouting in alarm, but Ser Belmore stood in front of her and blocked her view. "Stay behind me mi'lady," he whispered before drawing his sword.
Suddenly, his whole body jerked backwards, and his arms slid down to his sides. Blood seemed to fountain from his neck, and she could hear his throat making faint gurgles. She couldn't help it, she started screaming.
Some part of her noticed that her brother was yelling her name, but all she could really focus on was holding the poor knight that had guarded her for as long as she could remember. Seconds past, but it wasn't until she felt the familiar hook in her navel that reality seemed to come back to her.
Tears streamed down her face as Doran's office came into focus. Gently, she placed Ser Belmore on the floor and tried not to gag at the blood covering her arms and chest. "Help! Oh gods, someone help me!"
The doors burst open, and guards started pouring in, Doran following close behind them. He cursed as soon as he saw her and started shouting orders around the room. It was hard for her to focus, and she suddenly felt rather dizzy. Oh Gods, Jasper... Strong arms wrapped around her, and she found herself being pulled into Doran's lap. "It'll be okay my dear, shhhh," he whispered in her ear. Turning away he barked, "Find Oberyn now! Tell him to take as many people as he can and portkey into Vale!"
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AN: While Dorne greatly enjoys having Vale as an ally, they won't ignore opportunities as they are presented to them. In this instance, Doran took advantage of Mya's naivety to get more portkeys. Thankfully, it turned out to be extremely helpful for the sudden rebellion, but it is a very valuable resource for Dorne. Even if they didn't want it as insurance against Vale, they can easily use it transport their people out of danger. Basically, just because they support Vale/Jasper, that doesn't make them incompetent.
Edited 10-31-21
