Ironoaks 298 AC.
Lady Anya Waynwood.
Two ravens had arrived which changed things in the Vale dramatically. The first was from a woman that Anya had no time for, and the second was from a young man whom she very much did. Reading what Lysa Tully had said was like a glimpse into the mind of a fool. Even was Anya not to know Ser Marwyn Belmore and Maester Colemon as well as she did, she'd not have believed what the lady blamed them on. The mere idea that for no reason they had all of a sudden decided to kidnap the young lord, was just plain ridiculous.
Anya did know them both, however. There was no Maester in all the Vale, mayhap even in the entirety of Westeros that was as Leal to the House that he served as Maester Colemon was. Who he was not Leal to was Lysa Tully. As for Ser Marwyn, her own sons named him true and Anya knew the man and his father well. Not even for an absurd amount of coin would that knight be a party to a kidnapping. Especially not that of his liege Lord. No, from the moment she'd read the message, Anya had believed it not. This was why when the second one came and she had read it, she called her sons and ward to speak to her.
"You've all heard about this foolishness at the Eyrie. Morton, read this." Anya said handing her son the raven from Gulltown.
Her son did as she bid and then did so aloud when she told him to.
"To the Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Vale. In the Name of King Robert Baratheon, I now stand as acting Warden and Lord Protector of the Vale. I charge you to ride out and seek out Lord Robert Arryn and to keep him safe from those who would wish him harm. Listen to the words he speaks and follow his own orders and not those of his mother. For she has no power or position to compel you to do so.
I seek out my Goodbrother only to reunite him with his sister so that they can share their grief over their father with each other. And yet I do so only with Lord Robert's permission and by his decree. I task you all to do the same and know that you do so not just in my name or the king's but in the name of Lord Jon Arryn who we all greatly miss and mourn.
Ser Jon Arryn,
Acting Warden of the East,
Lord Protector of the Vale."
"Lady Lysa will be most displeased," Ronald, her grandson, said and Anya almost chuckled at the thought of it.
"Can we believe these words? Harrold asked.
"The Mountain Wolf bids us do what Lady Lysa should have. To offer Lord Robert our protection and to follow his lead, not anyone else's. He tasks us not with bringing Lord Robert to him, but to keep him safe and allow the lad himself to decide his destination. If his intent was nefarious he'd phrase things much differently I wager." Morton said.
"That he would. Form up a party, Morton, you and Harrold are to lead it."
"It will be done at once mother."
They'd been sent out and now all she could do was wait and hope that somehow it had been Ironoaks that Lord Robert had traveled in the direction of. Not that Anya didn't trust her fellow Lords and Ladies of the Vale, but more so for her own curiosity's sake. She wished to know what game was afoot here and if possible, to be at the center of that game.
It turned out by coincidence, good fortune, or the will of the Gods, she was to receive that chance as by nightfall Morton had arrived back at Ironoaks and he was not alone. Lord Robert, Maester Colemon, some servants, and guards. one who was helped immediately to her own Maester's rooms, were with her son and ward and they were not alone. The Mountain Wolf, The Sword of the Morning, The Hound, and the Brotherhood of the Winged Knights rode with them too. As did Ser Jon's two giant wolves, Winter and Frost.
Anya stood in the courtyard as the men dismounted. Her son looked her way and gave her a small nod of his head to tell her things were not as bad as they seemed. Though it was Ser Jon who moved to her first. His dark hair was bloodied and it was clear he'd been in a fight of some sort. Not that she'd not already guessed that given the injured man who'd been helped to her Maester's chambers. Looking at Lord Robert, she was happy to see the young lord was unharmed and Anya readied herself for whatever request her new Warden was to make of her.
"Lady Anya, I thank you for sending out Ser Morton and the others. They helped prevent yet another fight this day."
"There is no need to thank me, Ser Jon," she replied.
"I would beg your hospitality, my lady. All of us could do with a rest and mayhap a warm meal before we depart on the morrow."
"Ironoaks welcomes you most happily, Ser Jon, you and those who ride with you."
Ser Jon moved to Lord Robert and spoke softly to the young lord, Anya watching their interaction with a keen eye. There was no hesitancy in how the young lord spoke to his Goodbrother, no fear, worry or doubt in his expression or stance. If anything, they looked almost jovial and Robert wore an excited expression on his face. It was to take Anya a little longer to find out just why that was. Though she was about to find out what Morton and Harrold had ridden out to and what the nature of the fight that they'd prevented from taking place was.
"Burned Men, you say?" as she, her son, and ward made their way to her solar.
"Led by Timmet," Morton replied before chuckling.
"Morton?"
"The Mountain Wolf's legend grows, even more, mother. Timmet breathes no more." Morton said happily, as indeed was she at the news.
"Ser Jon?"
"His blade, yes," Harrold said a little petulantly.
Her ward had never gotten along with Ser Jon nor with those in the Brotherhood. Partly out of jealousy that it had been the Mountain Wolf and not he that was wed to Elaena Arryn. Mainly because Ser Jon's achievements overshadowed his own. Though in truth he should not have let that be a reason for his misliking of the young man. As Ser Jon's achievements overshadowed most men his age.
"And Lord Robert?" Anya asked.
"Seems most pleased to be in his Goodbrother's company, mother."
"He's not coerced in any way?" She asked though she believed it not.
"If he is then he's missed his calling. For he should be on the stage performing with the other mummers."
An hour after she'd spoken more to her son and her ward, Ser Jon and Ser Arthur made their way to her solar, and after she'd sent for refreshments for them both, which neither partook in, Anya was finally told the full story.
"She refused him leave to see his sister, for true?" She asked after Ser Jon had finished telling her about Lady Anya's departure from King's Landing and Lord Robert's absconding from the Eyrie afterward.
"She locked him in his room like an errant child, my lady." Ser Jon said, his anger clear in his tone and expression "Yet my Goodbrother is far cleverer and far more resilient than she believed him to be and there are those in service to the Eyrie who hold truer to their oaths than others."
"What are your plans with Lord Robert, Ser Jon?" she asked.
"He wishes to see his sister as does she him, my lady. Both of them have lost their father and try as I might, it's not my comfort that my wife seeks. Though I offer it to both her and to her brother all the same."
"Lady Elaena is well, the babe?"
"As well as can be expected, my lady. The loss of her father has taken a heavy toll and her worry for her brother….well at least the second of those is soon to be a thing of the past."
They spoke some more. Ser Jon told her that of course, she could speak privately to Lord Robert should she wish it. To Maester Colemon and Ser Marwyn too. Listening to how the young man spoke, Anya had no doubt that the words he said were true. His concern was first and foremost for his wife, yet there was some there for his Goodbrother as well. Once she'd satisfied herself with that, it was then to the Vale and its future that her thoughts and the conversation turned to.
"Warden and Lord Protector?" she asked wondering if he had sought or desired the roles.
"Acting, my lady. Until Lord Robert comes of age. The king was wroth with Lady Lysa's sudden departure and mayhap mine own adventures here in the Vale have been overblown somewhat." Ser Jon said modestly, they had very much not to Anya's mind "And given Lord Robert's age…."
"So it's not something you sought, Ser Jon?" she asked to make certain she was right.
"No, my lady. Though I'll not lie and say it's not now something I welcome."
"How So?"
"Lady Lysa. Her actions have consequences my lady and she cannot be left in a position to make decisions that affect the Vale or her son."
Anya nodded and bid Ser Jon to continue.
"I intend to call for a meeting of the Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Vale and there will propose that Lysa Arryn is stripped of all power in relation to the Vale of her son. Lord Robert will chart his own course and can follow what his father wished for him. To be squired to Ser Waymar or to another knight or lord should he wish it. I've vowed to my wife that together we'll do all in our power to make him the most ready he can be for when he takes up his role as Warden and Lord of the Vale. It's not a vow I intend to break."
"You seek to take the Eyrie from Lady Lysa?" Anya asked to a shake of Ser Jon's head.
"I seek it not, my lady. I have no wish to remove Lady Lysa from her home nor even to keep her from her son. Yet her own actions have made it clear that she's not to be allowed to remain in a position of power over him. I'm more than happy for those at the meeting to name a guardian to look after my Goodbrother's interest should they deem it needed. As I'm more than happy to allow Lady Lysa to remain as Lady of the Eyrie and continue to live in the comfort she has known. That however is the extent of my goodwill toward the lady herself."
She stood by the riverside the next day looking on as Ser Jon, Lord Robert and all those with them climbed onto the boat that would take them to Runestone. Anya had done as Ser Jon had bid her to. She'd held conversations with Lord Robert, Maester Colemon, and Ser Marwyn, and even the two girls who served them. Each of them told her the same story of Lord Robert's imprisonment by his mother and subsequent escape. All of them had expressed the same wish in regard to where they went from here. Lord Robert was the most forceful of them in doing so.
"I wish to see my sister, my lady. It's why I left the Eyrie in the first place and not my mother, bandits, and vagabonds. or the very gods themselves will stop me from doing so."
Anya had enjoyed seeing the young lord show some backbone and as she watched him standing with his Goodbrother and the two wolves, she had no doubt she was doing the right thing in regards to him. There was no coercion or danger to the young lord from the Mountain Wolf, far from it. A few years by his side and the Vale would be getting a Warden and Lord Protector they'd be most proud of.
Just like the one we have now, she thought with a smirk.
Within the moon, she'd be traveling to the Gates of the Moon and Lysa Tully would no longer hold sway over any part of the Vale's workings. As the boat moved away, Anya turned and made her way to her carriage. She very much looked forward to that meeting and to seeing Lysa Tully brought low.
The Eyrie 298 AC.
Littlefinger:
Lysa's letter had said little and he'd wished to ignore it. Her departure from King's Landing had not garnered the response he had expected and Petyr was now certain it had been a mistake on his part. He'd needed it to sell the story he had concocted. So that when the letter arrived in Winterfell, its contents would be less questioned. For it was much easier to speak of being in fear of the Lannisters when your actions showed that to be so. Or so Petyr had planned for.
Instead, by departing so quickly and not observing the mourning period, Lysa had made an enemy out of the king. Not something that Petyr wished for as of yet. So he'd intended to stay in King's Landing. To there smooth over any ruffled feathers and take stock of how Elaena Arryn and her husband behaved when they arrived. Only for the panicked letter from Lysa to change his plans completely. Little did he know when he'd spoken to the king and told him that he would travel to the Eyrie to make his displeasure known, just how true that displeasure really was. Petyr then had to stand and watch as Ser Jon was named Warden and Lord Protector of the Vale.
The king had unwittingly and royally fucked up all Petyr's best-laid plans and now as he left Gulltown behind, he was busy formulating other ones. He knew the letter would arrive in Winterfell, as soon too would the king. Eddard Stark would accept the offers the king made him and the realm would have a new Hand of the King and a royal betrothal to celebrate. Meanwhile, the Lions and the Wolves would be truly primed for the war to come.
That though was where the good news ended. For he needed the Vale to be behind Lysa and her son. To be behind him and so Elaena and Jon Snow would have to go. One or both of them always had to die at some point, Petyr was well aware of that and had planned for it, somewhat. Now it was only more imperative that it was done and done quickly. Though it was no easy task to accomplish given who stood at their backs. As Petyr sat by the fire of their campsite, he wondered if a trip to Essos was called for. The right assassin would cost much coin, but coin he had, and it would be worth it would it not? Smiling to himself as he ate his food, he saw the beginnings of the plot take shape. If he could manage to lay the blame for the deaths at the hands of the Old Lion, then the war he sought would be inevitable.
"Soon, my love," he whispered softly to himself as he pictured her blue eyes and red hair and saw them as he always had, together and above everyone else.
He dreamt of her that night. Of the night they shared when she'd given herself to him freely and without reservation. The night she'd shown her true feelings for him and the one that Petyr longed to repeat more than any other. When he woke the next morning it was to find he'd spent in his sleep, and he took some time to clean up his mess. Dressing and then breaking his fast, they were soon riding once more and after a few more days of travel, they finally reached the Gates of the Moon. He'd only just been greeted when he was given the news that shattered all his well-laid plans into a thousand pieces and he cursed the fool of a woman for her incompetence.
"Kidnapped you say?" he asked Nestor Royce, somehow able to keep his composure while doing so.
"According to the raven sent by Lady Lysa, my lord. It's most strange though."
"How so?"
"The young lord stayed but a night here, my lord. He and those with him and from his own lips he spoke of how it was his wish to see some of the lands he would one day rule over. Lord Robert even named his party exactly that, my lord. Not once did he show any sign of being held against his well." Nestor said and Petyr could see it in Nestor's expression, were his words not enough, that he believed Lysa's words not.
"Mayhap they held something over him, Lord Nestor. Threatened not his own safety but the safety of someone he cared for?"
"Mayhap, my lord."
Though he needed to hurry to the Eyrie, he instead accepted the offer of a meal and a night in a warm bed. Petyr wished for no one to know his true mind and its inner workings. No one was ever to see that he was panicking under the veneer of calm that he portrayed. He wished too to learn as much more about Robin Arryn's stay at the Gates of the Moon as he could. To this end, it was Lady Myranda whom he spoke to and the lady was more forthcoming.
"The Bloody Gate you say."
"Indeed, my lord. Lord Robert told me so himself. Confided in me, I'd dare say." Myranda Royce said almost conspiratorially and Petyr did his best to listen and not to look at the bosom that was the young woman's most striking feature.
"And he seemed unworried by his companions, my lady?"
"Very much so, my lord."
They left the next morning and it took them a full day to reach the Eyrie itself. Almost as soon as he entered the door it was to find himself wrapped in the tight embrace of a woman he cared not for. Petyr barely listened to her whining and after promising that he would of course get her son back and see those who took him paid dearly for doing so, he set about finding out just what had truly occurred.
It was hard to discern the truth from Lysa's paranoia. Her hatred of her stepdaughter and the man she married almost overshadowed the fact that it was actually Robin himself who'd stolen himself away. Petyr listened as Lysa named Maester Colemon, Ser Marwyn Belmore, and others as traitors and how she believed that Jon and Elaena Arryn were behind it all. Somehow she didn't know about the naming of a new Warden and Lord Protector and he was later to find out that was not all she didn't know. Petyr opened the raven scrolls himself and each of them caused him nothing but further headaches.
He was forced to sleep with her in her own bed that night. Forced to couple with her and listen to her load moans of pleasure. When she finally drifted off to sleep, he considered taking one of the pillows and placing it on her face. Only to discard the idea for now. Instead, he rose from the bed and spent more than an hour or more looking out the window at the long drop that lay beneath it. The sheer scale of it helped clarify things in his mind a little. For were he to fall from where he had risen to, it would be no different than were he to move to the ledge and jump off it into the abyss below.
"They have to die," he said.
Petyr left early the next morning, despite Lysa pleading with him to stay. His words that he'd see her son back to her and that Elaena Arryn and her husband as well as their babe were not long for this world were like music to her ears. Yet, the truth was that as much as he may wish it so, he did not have the means to see them dead. In time, yes, but time was something he hadn't got much of either. The Vale may actually be lost to him now. His only true hope it was not would be that the Mountain Wolf was so wrapped up in his search for Robin and then later in the birth of his child that he'd not follow through on the words that Petyr had read. Words that placed Lysa in a position where she was of no use to him or his future plans.
It was not a hope he placed much faith in. Less so when he arrived back at Gulltown to find that although Elaena Arryn had stayed in the keep, she'd since traveled to Runestone with Yohn Royce's eldest son under heavy guard. There to meet up with her brother and husband once more. As his ship left Gulltown behind, Petyr still had no true destination in mind. He was torn between traveling to Essos and giving the Faceless Men a name or two and traveling back to King's Landing, to ready for the next step in his plans. In the end, his heart won out over his head and he decided it was time to see another Hand of the King in the ground and to write off the Vale and its lady for now at least.
Runestone 298 AC.
Elaena Arryn.
Young Gyles had done his best to be there for her every need. No sooner had she wished for something then it would be there by her side. The young squire barely slept and it had taken both her and his father to force him to his bed at times. Elaena though was glad for his dutifulness and attention. Never more so than when he brought her the raven from Ironoaks that told her that her brother was safe and well and with her husband.
Its arrival was a precursor to the arrival of her escort from Runestone. Elaena was happy to see both Mya and Ysilla were among the large party that Lord Yohn had sent under Ser Andar's command. After thanking Lord Gerold for all he'd done for her during her stay, Elaena bid farewell to Gulltown and was soon on the road to Runestone. She rode in the carriage and did so in a much better mood than she had been these past few days. Her worries and concerns were now replaced with excitement and eagerness to see her brother again.
The weather was mild and allowed for their night's camping to be one that was most pleasant. Ysilla and Mya being with her were more than enough to keep her mood raised and Elaena actually enjoyed the travel for what it was. They arrived back at Runestone before Jon and the others and where once it may have concerned her, one look to Ghost was enough to let her know that her husband and brother had faced no issues on their own travel. So as she climbed out of the carriage and was welcomed back by Lord Yohn and Lady Yara. Elaena greeted them just as warmly as they did her.
"Come, let's get you inside. A warm bath and a change of clothing would be much appreciated no doubt." Lady Yara said and Elaena nodded to the older woman that it would indeed.
After she'd bathed and changed, she and Ysilla made their way to Lord Yohn's solar while young Gyles stationed himself atop the parapets. The young squire was more than eager to tell her when the first sight of Jon and the others were seen. Not even her words that it may not be for a day or more were enough to dissuade him from doing so. So Elaena resolved to speak to Lord Yohn in order to get Gyles to stand down. Entering the solar, she offered Lady Yara a warm smile and noticed how it was Ysilla that her mother looked to first and foremost. Some unseen signal passed between them which made the older woman relax as Elaena took her seat.
"Ser Jon has sent a raven to all the Houses in the Vale, Elaena." Yohn began "He calls for a meeting of us all at the Gates of the Moon to discuss what action to take against Lady Lysa."
"He means to see that she's removed from power no doubt," Yara added.
"I had not wished it to come to this." Elaena sighed "Yet her actions perplex me and have put my brother in danger. Had Jon not…"
"But he did, Laeny." Ysilla interrupted, her hand reaching out to take Elaena's own.
It was enough to strengthen her resolve and to allow her to speak more on the Scary Fish, her fingers moving to her locket as she did so.
"I seek her only removed from the decision making, Lord Yohn. Jon has been appointed Warden and Lord Protector of the Vale until Robert comes of age and I'll speak to my brother myself on our plans."
"Does Ser Jon still wish Lord Robert to squire, Elaena?" Yara asked and Elaena nodded.
"For Waymar, yes. We both wish to teach him all he needs to know so that when he comes of age he's ready to be the Warden and Lord he is meant to be. That my father would have wished him to be." she said firmly.
"Then it shall be so," Yohn said just as firmly.
They talked about a few different outcomes with Lady Lysa. Though no true questions were asked and when Elaena brought up Gyles, Yohn said that he'd see to the young man and make sure he didn't overdo things in his eagerness.
After a day spent with Mya and Ysilla, one where Ghost never left her side and at times Elaena found herself rubbing her hand through his soft fur, Elaena enjoyed her evening meal and was soon abed. She woke early the next morning, broke her fast, and was happy to see Gyles do likewise. Then she spent the early part of the day just enjoying being back in the place she considered as much her home as any.
It was midday when Gyles came running into the room that she, Ysilla, and Mya were relaxing in. His smiling face was more than enough to tell her the reason for his sudden entry and his excited words only confirmed it.
"Lady Elaena, Ser Jon….Ser Jon is…"
Ysilla helped her to her feet and with a look at Ghost, the white wolf was first out of the room. Though they walked quickly in the same direction as Ghost had run off in, they didn't rush or run. Which was just as well as they arrived in the courtyard before Jon and Robert did and were left standing there waiting for a fair few moments.
Elaena let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she saw Winter and Frost walking with Ghost and then her husband and brother riding on their horses behind them. A quick glance to see that none of those who'd left Gulltown had been harmed was followed by a more thorough one at both her husband and brother. Jon bore a mark on his head that had her fearful and when he saw her expression change, he shook his head and smiled at her. While Robert she was relieved to see was both unmarked and unscathed.
"Laeny," Robert said after Jon had given him the nod to run to her, her brother dismounting his horse in the blink of an eye and then being held tightly in her arms a moment later.
"Robert, my sweet Robert," she said as she felt him shake a little against her.
She greeted Jon just as warmly and welcomed his whisper in her ear and even his absence as he made his way to speak to Lord Yohn. Taking Robert by the hand, Elena led him into the keep and to her rooms. The two of them embraced once again once they reached them.
"She didn't want me to see you, Laeny. To be with you…"
"And you wished to," Elaena said happily.
"You're my sister, I…"
"I know, Robert, I know," she said softly.
Other than to tell her that he was unharmed and to bid her speak not to Robert about Lysa or their plans until the morrow, Jon gave her all the time she needed to spend with her brother. They mourned and it was as if a large weight was being removed from her heart. Robert's too, Elaena felt. Each of them needed the other to truly do so and listening to her brother sob and not feel shamed that she saw him in such a manner, only showed her just how young Robert truly was.
It allowed her to forget somewhat about her own grief and to be a big sister more than a mourning daughter or wife. At one point, she felt her babe kick and asked her brother if he wished to feel his niece or nephew. Robert's smile was beaming as he did so and her own came unbidden as he spoke to her babe and told them that he was their uncle. At dinner that night, they sat together, and while she knew that Jon had spoken and was speaking still to Lord Yohn about their plans to deal with Lady Lysa, she cared not.
It wasn't until she was taking to her bed that night that she and Jon truly got to speak and she felt her worries rise up once more as he told her what they'd faced bringing Robert safely to her.
"She put him at risk, Jon," she said angrily.
"She did. In some ways, this helps us though. Loathed though I am to admit it."
"Helps us, how?" she asked as they lay together.
"I know not what plans Lady Lysa would have made were Robert still in the Eyrie, Laeny. Given she had him locked in his room, she could have named her words as his and tried to rally the Lords and Ladies of the Vale against us. Painted us as usurpers or worse."
"You think she'd have done so?" she asked, a part of her refusing to believe that she'd do such a thing while a larger part of her was certain that she would have.
"I know not. And it matters not now. We'll speak to Robert on the morrow, tell him our plans and have him write a letter explaining his own. Should he wish to start his squiring, then so be it. If he'd prefer to stay here at Runestone so that you can both mourn your father then that's what he'll do. Even if he wishes to be by his mother's side, then we'll see that so." Jon said and Elaena stiffened in the bed beside him, not keen on that last idea in the slightest "We let him choose his own path, Laeny, but whatever choice he makes, Lysa Tully's has been chosen for her."
"It has," she said as Jon kissed her neck softly and wrapped her arms around her.
Two days later, she stood in the courtyard of Runestone and looked on as Jon, the Brotherhood, Arthur, and Sandor, along with Winter and Frost who were joined by Lord Yohn and Andar. Gyles sat on his horse and right there next to him on his own was her brother. Robert not only wished to begin his squiring, but he wished to be present at the meeting too. Something that Elaena would have been against were it not for just how firmly her brother argued his case. She wanted him to stay with her, to spend time with her, and wished that he and Jon didn't have to leave so soon, and yet she was proud of her brother too. Waving them off, she, Ysilla, Mya, and Ghost turned and walked back into the keep. It would be a moon or so until she saw them both again. It would not be too long after that that her babe would be just about ready to be born. With one hand stroking Ghost's fur, she rubbed her other on her swollen belly and prayed to the Mother that all would be well.
Winterfell 298 AC.
Ned Stark.
The wheelhouse was an abomination. He'd seen it from the parapets and had wagered it wouldn't fit in through the gate. A wager he'd have won had there been anyone to take his bet. As for Robert. Even though he'd seen him in King's Landing, there was something about seeing him ride into the courtyard at Winterfell that truly brought home just how much Robert had let himself go. Where once stood a man who maidens would swoon over, there was now, one that they very much would not. Or at least they would not, was it not for the crown he wore.
With his entire family and those fostering at Winterfell lined up to greet the king, Ned stood and looked on as Robert had to be helped down from his horse. It was a sight he'd never have imagined seeing when they were both boys and growing into manhood. Taking a knee, he was soon rising to his feet at Robert's behest.
"You got fat," Robert said and Ned just moved his eyes down to Robert's protruding belly which earned him a booming laugh and an embrace.
After he'd greeted the queen and the prince who wore a sneer, as well as the young prince and princess who both looked excited to be here, Ned was stunned by the words that Robert spoke. Not even the queen's own words were enough to dissuade him and so reluctantly though it was, Ned escorted Robert to the Crypts. Each step they took together in this most sacred of places felt wrong to him and as they neared Lyanna's statue, that felt only more so.
Ned listened as Robert declared a love that had never died, in his own mind at least, and how he killed Rhaegar Targaryen in his dreams each night. A shiver ran down Ned's spine at the thought of what he'd wish to do should he find out that their son lived and would soon be coming to take the crown from his head. Before he knew it, he was speaking about Jon Arryn, and the words Robert said would resound in Ned's head long into the night.
"A fever."
"Burned right through him."
"One minute he was well and the next he was gone."
Had he still had doubts, which he had not, then those words alone would have named the death as suspicious and given Cat's sister's letter more credence. So lost was he in those thoughts at the time that Robert spoke them, that he missed being asked to be Hand of the King. Robert glared at him for not accepting it immediately and Ned had to play it off as something else.
"I'm not worthy of the honor," he said as he took a knee.
"I'm not trying to honor you, Ned. I need someone to run my kingdoms while I drink, shit and whore myself into an early grave."
It was as he rose to his feet that Robert brought up the betrothal and Ned knew the words would anger his friend greatly, yet not once did he waver when speaking them.
"My daughter is ill-suited to be a future queen, Robert. I doubt she'll even seek a marriage for herself were it to be left up to her. I can't accept much though I would wish to."
"You're denying your king?" Robert said angrily.
"Aye, on this I have to. I'll come with you and serve as your Hand, but Arya needs to stay here with her mother. It's for the best, Robert."
Had he not seen the statue then they may have argued more, though Ned was resolved and nothing would change his mind on that at least. Should Robert push it further, then he'd need to find a different man to serve as Hand, but as he started to speak about Lyanna, Ned was certain that Cat had been right. As much as he may wish their families joined together, he wanted Ned in King's Landing more than anything.
After they'd paid their respects to his sister, they parted ways and Ned made his way to his solar. He had no sooner sat down than he was joined by Cat. His wife looked at him with some concern that he did his best to assuage.
"You were right," Ned said as Cat sat down.
"I was?"
"He wanted me as Hand even more than he wished for Arya's hand for his son."
"You turned him down?"
"Aye."
"Good, I like not that boy any more now I've seen him again."
"Arya would be well able to handle him, not that she'll need to," Ned said with a chuckle.
He listened as his wife told him the young prince and princess seemed to be different sorts. Ned had come to that conclusion himself even though he'd met them only briefly. Later that night as they feasted the king, Ned reflected on just how far his friend had fallen. Robert showed himself to be petulant as he remarked on how Arya could find no better husband than his son. Then made Ned's breath still as he almost suggested Myrcella for Bran instead. Yet through it all, he groped and manhandled any serving girl that came his way and shamed his wife in the process.
Before taking to his bed, Ned returned to his solar and took out the letter that had been sent to him from Jon. His nephew had bid him to turn down the offer that he knew Robert would make to him and yet had spoken little on Jon Arryn's death. Ned hoped he understood his reasoning when he explained it to him and vowed to do all he could to prepare the ground for when he made his claim. He'd either be long gone from King's Landing by that point or he'd play some other role by then. Eventually, he took to his bed and he and Cat did their very best that night and the next few nights to come to bring yet another babe into the world.
Two weeks later.
Both he and Cat had been surprised to learn that Robert had appointed Jon as acting Warden and Lord Protector of the Vale. Despite how she felt about Jon and knowing his plans, there had been some concern from Cat in regard to Lysa's son. Though it took few words of his to take that concern away. Not only did Jon seek a higher station than being Lord of the Vale, but by all accounts, both he and Elaena got on as well with young Robert as they did with Ned's own children. His words to that effect soon calmed any worries that Cat may have.
"Do you worry about Jon seeking to take Winterfell from Robb, Cat?" he asked as they sat in their room.
"No, he'd not."
"Then why would he take the Vale from your nephew?"
"I…the letters that Lysa has sent over the years."
"The ones you don't believe," he said and his wife nodded.
"Aye, I don't. But they speak of animus between her, Jon, and Elaena and given what the queen said about her departure from King's Landing and the suddenness of it."
"For which we know the reason, Cat."
"But what if Jon does not? What if he and Elaena think…"
"They'll not. I'll speak to Jon myself at some point. But I have no fears for either of our nephews."
Other than that and Robert's incessant need for attention, be it a feast, hunt, or some other activity that did little but reduce their stocks, it was the behavior or the young princes and princess that took up most of Ned's time. Joffrey proved himself to be exactly how he thought of him. Arrogant, cocky and though he showed it not, there seemed to be cruelty in those green eyes. The young prince was little more than a child and when he and Bran sparred, Tommen showed himself not cut out to be a warrior of note.
As for the princess. Another time and another place and Ned may have suggested that he and Robert could join their lines through Myrcella. She was an absolute delight and she surprised them all when she spoke of the hot springs and glass gardens, as well as the winter roses. More so by how she'd learned of them all.
"Ser Jon told me and Tommen of them when he last visited King's Landing. He bid me see them while I was here, to ask of them." Myrcella said and both Sansa and Arya had been more than happy to show her them.
Eventually, the time came to leave and though he wished it not, he was soon saying goodbye to his wife and children. The escort he was bringing with him to King's Landing was a large one and as they rode out the gate and he looked back at the comforting grey walls, he felt a shiver run down his spine and a thought come to his mind that took some time for him to shake off. The words he spoke softly in the wind were not enough to do so.
"I will see my home again," Ned said as in his head, and yet as he rode out further away from Winterfell it was words once spoken by Benjen that soon rang out in his mind.
"Starks don't do well in the South, brother."
The Gates of the Moon 298 AC.
Lord Yohn Royce.
When the raven had come from King's Landing naming Ser Jon as Warden and Lord Protector of the Vale, he'd not known how to take it. A part of him had liked it not nor truly understood it. It had taken Elaena to explain it to him after Andar and his men had escorted her back to Runestone from Gulltown. Hearing that Lady Lysa had taken Lord Robert and departed from King's Landing before Lord Jon had even been properly mourned and how it had enraged the king, had soon cleared things up somewhat.
It had helped to explain the strange request he'd been sent from the Eyrie in regards to the young lord and the raven that had arrived a little later from Ser Jon. Still, it was not until Ser Jon and Lord Robert themselves arrived that Yohn was able to get to the bottom of things. Which was why he was most grateful that after reuniting Elaena with her brother for the chance to speak his concerns, Ser Jon, Waymar and Ser Arthur had all made their way to speak to him in his solar not long after their return. Yohn then sat and listened, stunned as he heard all that had occurred.
"The King was wroth that Lady Lysa had departed without paying her respects, my lord." Ser Jon began "Whether that was enough of a reason for him naming me how he did or whether given my Goodbrother's age he'd have sought to do so anyway, I know not. Regardless, my position is a temporary one and given what Lady Lysa attempted with my Goodbrother, one that has its uses."
"I know you'll be stepping down when you move for the crown, Ser Jon, though not when that is to be."
"We have matters in the Vale that need our attention most urgently, my lord. For now, I care not about the Iron Throne. I stand in my Goodbrother's place and act in his and the Vale's interests first and foremost." Ser Jon said, pleasing him much with his words.
"Tell me of Lady Lysa and Lord Robert?"
"My Goodbrother wished to be with his sister. They needed each other in this time of great mourning. First in King's Landing and then once they'd returned to the Eyrie, Lady Lysa denied Robert leave to even consider spending time with Elaena." Ser Jon's anger at the lady was clear as he took a moment to compose himself, his next words shocked him truly "She actually locked him in his room, my lord. Held him as a prisoner because he dared to argue against her and demanded to see his sister."
"I'd not have believed such a thing even though the woman's moods at times are vexing."
"You can speak to Robert yourself, my lord. He'll confirm all I say." Ser Jon said and Yohn waved the offer away, he doubted not he was telling the truth "With aid from Maester Colemon and Ser Marwyn along with a few others, Robert managed to escape and I'd wager that was when the ravens were sent by Lady Lysa."
Yohn nodded and then listened as Ser Jon spoke of the two large forces of men from the Mountain Clans making their way to intercept Lord Robert and how upon his arrival with those who rode with them, they fought off one of them. Ser Jon had needed to kill Timmet in the process. From there it was to Ironoaks and then by boat to Runestone where one look at Lord Robert would show just how happy he'd been to be with his sister once more.
"And what now with Lady Lysa, Ser Jon?"
He was surprised by the sigh that came from the young man. Surprised even more by how reluctant he sounded, though there was resolve in his words too.
"Lady Lysa cannot remain in a position of power, my lord. Her actions with her own son have shown that she cannot be trusted. I fear both for my Goodbrother's safety with the woman and for the Vale itself."
Yohn nodded, since the terrible news had reached them about Lord Jon's death, he too had feared for the Valle under Lady Lysa's regency.
"Yet I wish not to punish my Goodbrother's mother too severely. So I intend to call a council of the Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Vale. To hold a meeting at the Gates of the Moon and once there to form a Lords Declarant."
"To what end, Ser Jon?"
"Firstly to ensure that while Lady Lysa remains as Lady of the Eyrie and in the comfort she's accustomed to, that is the extent of her influence over matters in the Vale. Secondly to act in the Vale's best interest at all times. To be somewhat a counter to mine own role if need be."
"You'd place limits on your own power?" he asked surprised.
"At some point, I will need to ask the Vale to rise for me, my lord. As Warden and Lord Protector I could mayhap order it to do so. I wish it not."
"A wise choice, Ser Jon. There would be those who bristle at such."
"In time, my Goodbrother will take his rightful place and then the Lords Declarant may be no longer needed. Certain matters will no doubt arise where mine own orders will be the ones followed or needed to be followed, but those that affect the Vale externally, those are to be left to the Lords Declarant to decide."
Yohn had considered those words all the way to the Gates of the Moon. He'd long decided to offer his men and himself to Ser Jon when he made his push for the Iron Throne. Lord Jon's words, the young man's own nature, the fact he was now kin by marriage, all of that along with a knowledge of just how bad having Tywin Lannister rule would be had been enough for him to do so. He wondered if he was right and if the rest of the Vale would follow when the time came. Given what Ser Jon was proposing, he believed they would. Even before they heard the offers that King Daeron Targaryen would no doubt make them.
They were the third or fourth group to arrive at the Gates of the Moon. Both he and Ser Jon were welcomed warmly by his cousin Nestor and he was pleased to see Lady Anya Waynwood and Lord Horton Redfort both already there. It took three days for the others to arrive and once they had and were suitably refreshed, the meeting was called.
"My lords, ladies, good sers. I've called you all here to deal with two matters of great importance. The first is Lady Lysa and a response to her actions. As for the second, that's partly to do with the role I've been given in my Goodbrother's name and mainly to do with the Vale itself." Ser Jon began and Yohn looked on with eager eyes as the same proposals that had been made to him in private were now made to everyone in the room in public.
Runestone 298 AC.
Ser Jon Arryn.
After the meeting in the Gates of the Moon, one where his words were listened to and then acted upon immediately. He and the Lords Declarant, along with the Brotherhood, Arthur, Sandor, and close to a hundred armed men had made their way to the Eyrie. Though they expected no real opposition to what they planned to do, they had prepared for it just in case. Guest right wasn't offered nor would it have been accepted and upon seeing him, Lady Lysa actually called for his head.
"Take him! Guards bring him to me! I want his head for what he's done to my son!" Lysa screeched from atop the high seat.
Around the high hall, guards looked nervously at him and those with him, and the few knights that were there, such as Ser Vardis Egen, showed no sign of listening to the woman's proclamations or following her orders.
"He kidnapped my son! He's probably murdered him by now! Will none of you stand for your lord?" Lysa said panicked.
"Lady Lysa Arryn. In the Name of the Warden of the East and Lord Protector of the Vale and in front of the Lord's Declarant. You are hereby stripped of all rights as Lady Regent of the Vale and as Lord Robert's guardian. From henceforth you shall remain only as Lady of the Eyrie and enjoy the privileges that position affords you. Captain of the Guard."
Ser Vardis stepped forward.
"Lord Protector."
"Ser Vardis, any commands by Lady Lysa that relates to anything other than to her material comforts are to be denied, is that understood?" he said firmly
"Completely, Lord Protector."
"You may see the lady escorted back to her chambers and a Castellan will soon be appointed to handle the running of the keep. Once he has been, it is to him first and foremost you owe you allegiance with only mine own word, my Goodbrother's, or an order from one of the Lord's Declarants to overrule it."
"Understood, Lord Protector."
"My son, where is my son?" Lady Lysa cried out as she was being helped from the room.
"Lord Robert remains at the Gates of the Moon and has no desire to see you as of yet, Lady Lysa. I'm certain that in time that will change."
She'd named him every name under the sun as she'd been escorted from the high hall. Wished ill on him, those with him, and his wife most of all. To her good fortune, she'd not spoken of the babe his wife carried. As had she done so, then Jon wasn't certain he could have retained his composure. They'd sent for and were happy to be joined by Ser Brynden by the time they'd left the Eyrie behind. For now, Ser Vardis was in charge, but with Ser Brynden's agreement, they'd place a castellan of his choosing or he himself if he wished it so.
That they'd left Robert behind at the Gates of the Moon had served him well when it came to the Blackfish. His Goodbrother told the tale far better than he could and so when they arrived, it was only a brief meeting that had needed to be held. Jon doing so outside rather than in the keep itself and though Arthur and Sandor looked on warily, he knew he had nothing to fear from the Blackfish. The knight was far too honorable not to come at him head-on should that be his wish. Which thankfully it was not.
"My grandnephew told me a strange tale, Ser Jon. One confirmed to me by Lord Nestor and yet I'd hear some of it from your own lips too."
"Ask of me what you wish, Ser Brynden."
It took little time to get through it all. The Blackfish was angered and annoyed at his niece and relieved that his grandnephew had been found safe and well. When he explained to him why he'd been named how he was, Brynden seemed to understand. Though telling him about the Lords Declarant and adding another reason as to why he'd wished for them to be named, did help greatly too.
"I seek not to usurp my Goodbrother's good and true claim, Ser Brynden. Yet I know how some would look to me and think that's what I intended. Even though it was King Robert who named me with no prodding on my part."
"You speak true, Ser Jon. My niece has always been troubled and even before you arrived to foster with Lord Yohn, she would name you so. She felt you a shame on her sister and our House and over the years, she's named you worse."
"Yet you and I have never had any issue, Ser Brynden?" he asked curiously.
"No, we've not Ser Jon. Not only have I seen enough of you to take your measure for myself…But Lysa is not mine only niece."
Jon smiled at that, his aunt's words probably doing more than anything to assuage any concerns that Lysa's words may have raised.
"Lord Yohn Royce, Lady Anya Waynwood, Lord Gilwood Hunter, Lord Horton Redfort, Lord Benedar Belmore, and Ser Symond Templeton. I named them as good and true and felt them to be best to act as a counter to me if need be. You take no issue with them as Lords Declarant, Ser Brynden?" he asked and Brynden shook his head "And would you serve as Castellan of the Eyrie were I to ask you to?"
"I'd bid you not to, Ser Jon." Brynden said with a chuckle "I enjoy who I am and the role I serve."
"A true and good one that it is, Ser Brynden." Jon said, as every man who lived in the Vale respected the Knight of the Bloody Gate completely "Do you have a suggestion as to who I should name?"
"Ser Donnel Waynwood, Ser Jon. He's g good man and he'd serve the Eyrie well."
"I thank you, Ser and I'll speak to Lady Anya to see it so." he said as he shook Brynden's hand "This was not what I sought, Ser. Not what I wished for," he said softly.
"No, but then again we don't always get what we wish for, do we, Ser Jon."
"No, Ser Brynden we do not."
Lady Anya was more than happy to have her son serve, especially given that it put him in a good position later when Robert took over for himself. Jon spent some time with his Goodbrother and asked him again if he wished to travel to see his mother, Robert telling him that he very much did not and instead wished to start squiring for true. Both Lord Yohn and Waymar were more than pleased when he announced it officially before they left the Gates of the Moon. Though neither was as proud as Robert was as he and Gyles rode behind their two knights on their return to Runestone.
Jon was happy to see how quickly his Goodbrother took to squiring and was unsurprised when Gyles told him that he'd been given him pointers. Three weeks after they'd set out to put the Eyrie and the Vale to rights, they arrived back at Runestone. It was not to happy news and he cursed both himself for not making it more clear and his uncle for his sense of honor when Elaena told him the news and showed him the note from one of Varys' little birds.
"How long until the babe is here?" he asked Maester Helliweg.
"Two moons, mayhap closer to three, Ser Jon.."
"And my wife?"
"Is as healthy as can be, Ser Jon." the Maester said happily.
"I am right here, you know," Elaena said from the bed she'd been laying down in while she was examined.
"Really, I'd not noticed," he said, chuckling when she stuck her tongue out at him.
He waited until the Maester left and saw how her expression changed immediately. The frown she wore was one full of worry and concern and some anger too. Jon hated that he'd put it there, yet there truly was no other choice. Under the cover of a Tourney for the new Hand of the King, he could travel and speak to his uncle. A moon there and back and he would be by his wife's side when their babe was born. Whereas were he to wait, then who knows how long it would be until he could travel freely and without raising some questions as to why he was doing so.
"You have to go, don't you," Elaena said.
"I do. I need to speak to my uncle myself. He's not a man cut out for the intrigues of King's Landing and even were that not so, there is my claim to consider."
"You'll be back….."
"To see our babe born, I'll be back, you have my oath on it," he said as he kissed her softly.
Jon stayed but one more day. Then he, Arthur, Sandor, and the Brotherhood, Winter and Frost along with Gyles and Robert, said their goodbyes and rode to Gulltown. Within a week he was in Blackwater Bay and he wished to be elsewhere. Yet when the ship docked and they disembarked, he knew he was where, for now, he needed to be.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next: Jon speaks to his uncle as the Tourney to welcome the new Hand takes place. We take another look at Dany and Viserys in Essos and as the talk turns to war, two acts take place which change Jon's plans completely, forcing the war to begin not on his terms but on someone else's.
For those following my other fics, When the Dragonwolf Danced, My Name is Daemon and Revenge is a Dish are all up next, though I know not which order as of yet.
Chapter 24 reviews.
Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.
Rhatch: Both Varys and Jon will have an idea of who is responsible, but it's hard to prove. Yes on the face of it Robert made things harder, but don't underestimate how chivalrous the KOTV are and how much they dislike Lysa. As for Ned, this time he does at least have allies in KL.
Kyoko: We'll be getting another Robin pov in a bit.
Frenchwhitefox: I usually dislike using OCs especially when they're in key and important roles, but couldn't make this work without one, so I'm glad you like Elaena. I'm of the same mind when it comes to the Vale and it's easier to bring them to bear than Dorne too, plus as you say so much rarer to see done.
Dunk: Thanks, glad you liked it. I spent a lot of time debating whether or not Jon A would or could live here and in the end, it's Lysa/LF and so it's always going to happen. LF is always looking for his war and once Jon A threatens to take Robin away from Lysa she's primed. You're right about the smaller list of suspects though, we'll see some of that play out when Jon speaks to Ned next too. With Tywin, Olenna and even Doran is guilty of it too, it's almost a confirmation bias they have going on. They raise themselves up as the highest of all and so it has to be someone equally as high in their estimation that brings them down. Both Tywin and Olenna somewhat understand that the Vale led by Jon and Elaena is a dangerous foe, again something we'll see more in their thoughts next, but they also think that Lysa will ostensibly be in charge and aren't even aware of her being with LF, which would give them pause. One thing which would be somewhat different here is that unlike say for example with Robb during the WOTFK, Tywin won't underestimate Jon because of his own actions and those with him. So in that regard, he'll be smarter and less arrogant. Yeah with Ned it's far more forcing things to make canon occur than it was with Jon A, it sort of doesn't work logically, so we'll see.
Blackstarblake: Thanks so much.
Curran: Thank you for saying so, I'm just happy anyone is reading my fics.
Yenerys: I did consider it, but the reason Jon A dies in canon is not the reason that Ned believes it, as in the end, it's nothing to do with the Lannisters. It was always LF and Lysa and here they would still have the same reasons to kill him no matter what. So the timing always would remain the same. The only way it would change would be if he didn't consider fostering Sweetrobin, which given his age, was always going to happen around now.
14omega: Originally I had a big civil war planned out in the Vale, but then I remembered that in canon Robert named Jaime as Warden. So with having Jon here, he'd name him instead and unlike Jaime Lannister, the Vale would follow Jon. Lysa and LF had no love and while they had some sway, the Vale Lords always looked for a reason not to follow them.
Celexys: I think when it comes to certain people, Robert would always seek to act a particular way with them. He loves warriors, so if you put a warrior Jon Snow anywhere near him, he'd adore him given who he thinks his father is. Then you marry that man to a daughter of Jon A and he'd go out of his way to reward him. It's also why I take issue with Ned in regard to Jon too. While I know he tried to keep him far away from certain eyes and attention, if Ned asked Robert to legitimize Jon, he'd have done it in a heartbeat. If he asked him to find a role for him then he'd do so immediately. Sought coin to make a keep for him, again, Robert would go out of his way, Jon A too, so Ned had options and chose only one of them.
Keb: Yes it was still the Lannisters. That was the thing with Robert this time around, he has been influenced by his sister and has someone to sort of give him more of a backbone, so Lysa's actions and his own would lead him to run. You were right that no way would Jon leave him in danger, Elaena would demand it of him.
Nightinshadow: Your wish is my command.
Jon 'fatjon' Umber: We're right on the eve of war breaking out.
HunterQwon: So glad you liked it.
Guest: At no point did I ever suggest that Elia was guilty of anything. So let me make it clear, she very much deserved better. As for Rhaegar and Lyanna, they can be guilty of poor judgment or very much worse. Can be two people who fell in love and did a damn stupid thing or two people who cared not a jot about their actions. Their relationship can be the greatest love story ever told or the most tragic one or a case of a prophecy-obsessed prince who kidnapped and held a girl prisoner against her will as he raped her repeatedly. We literally have no idea of the truth of it until GRRM actually writes it. What we have are certain hints that line things up a certain way. But those hints don't necessarily mean the way things line up is true.
At their very best, they were the spark that lit the flame, but let's not kid ourselves here, the fire was long set, and had Brandon not been a moron and Aerys been somewhat sane, then other than some hurt feelings there would have been no war. No matter Rhaegar/Lyanna's truth. I portray them how I wish to, how best suits my story, and based on an interpretation of the hints we're given. That in no way diminishes the tragedy that is Elia's fate. My stories are pro targ and more important pro-Jon, I have no desire to give him an origin story that makes what he believes to be his life better than the truth. His being raised in canon as a bastard who is hated by Cat and has no future or option open to him other than the Wall does not need, IMO, to be then made worse by making his mother and father the true villains of the tale too. There are plenty of other writers and other fics out there that do that and make the Starks the true and good heroes of their tales, mine do not.
The Niemand: Pretty much yes lol.
AngelElmarlienHenning: So very glad you're liking it.
Chapter 25 reviews.
Daryl Dixon: So glad you enjoyed it, my friend.
Dunk: As you see, it'll be Jon himself talking to Ned, I felt he'd use the cover of the tourney. LF is too slippery for that. He'd move quickly once he realized just how desperate things were. My only real question with him was whether or not he'd have killed Lysa, but he would think her useful still. I always wonder just what Robert would do when he found out the truth about Jon. It was a bit thing for me in Dragon Cub, but it made me consider it more and more in other fics. I think the key would be the when and how of it. I almost want to do a fic where he figures it out, just to see where that would go. There is a fic over o called Goodbye, Brother which handles it quite well, Robert rages, does some terrible things, and then tries to atone after naming Jon his heir. It's unfinished but worth reading. Tywin will be especially fun with Jon as Warden.
Alberto: Thanks so much for saying so.
Harry Potter3: My Dragon Cub fic has food Lannisters, as does Dark Prince. It's harder to write the children as true as all my fics would be Jon taking back his throne, and they are much more difficult if the children aren't bastards.
Lorein Legacy: SO glad you liked it.
Rhatch: Really glad you enjoyed it.
King Mern: Thanks so much for saying so.
J: Jon's letter is there too, but it doesn't speak of who he thinks is responsible for Jon A's death, it just pretty much tells Ned not to accept Robert's offer. As for Cat/Ned believing Lysa about the Lannisters, while Cat has some things she doesn't accept her sister is right on, she has no real reason as to why she shouldn't believe here on this particular thing.
I agree with you very much on Rhaegar/Lyanna. I've likened it to Schrödinger's Cat until GRRM writes it, it can be all things to all people. But there is a myth that it's the reason for the war when it's actually Aerys' actions that are. Could those actions have occurred without what Rhaegar/Lyanna did, maybe? But if Brandon Stark just acts not like a moron, then they can't occur either. Would everyone have risen over Rhaegar/Lyanna, probably not? So they play a part and are somewhat the spark, but they're not the reason or cause for the war, that's down to what comes next.
Celexys: I'm so glad you think so. This should be even more clear during the war itself as there was a huge reason why I wanted this to be dragon free almost. Though we'll be seeing a dragon soon enough.
Keb: It probably would and when cooler heads prevail, it may be done. Jon wouldn't speak up on it yet given Elaena's grief and condition, and Robert's too. So for now he'd keep it to himself still. At the end of the day, there are things that can be done to make sure it's still Arryn blood in the Vale too.
Musa22bl: Thanks so very much for saying so. It really means a lot that you're enjoying this and that you think the plot is that interesting.