Chapter 6: Lemore

Lemore-that was the name she used now, and a name she kept repeating to herself so that she didn't slip-picked up the letter that had arrived today and smiled. Ulrick had always had the neatest handwriting of them all. Something that had caused her and Arthur no end of amusement back then.

Now it was a cause of joy.

She broke the seal and read through the contents.

Sister,

I hope that this finds you well.

Since we last wrote, much has changed.

I have sent Edric to foster with Lord Beric Dondarrion, in an attempt to heal the wounds that were opened during the time when our fathers were lords. Alanna cried when Edric left, as did Allyria, but I remained as steadfast as I could. It would not do for the boy to see his father crying.

I have had one letter from Edric since he got to Blackhaven and he seems to be enjoying it. It is good that Lord Beric is a young man, Edric won't have to go through the pains of having an old master.

Lemore snorted at that, Ulrick had hated the man he'd been sent to squire for, hated him with a burning passion.

Alanna and Allyria send their love.

Allyria has grown into a beautiful young lady who is attracting all sorts of attention. Ser Quentyn was here a few days ago, I think he has developed a crush for Allyria, the way he stammered whenever she was near him.

And then there is our cousin, Gerold. The boy wants Allyria, you can see it in his eyes. Allyria does not like him, and I am doing everything I can to ensure that she never has to be with him. But, the fact the boy has the favour of Princess Arianne suggests that my efforts may be in vain.

But no matter, I shall do what I must.

Now, I have written enough about the family.

Please let me know how you are getting on. Did you receive the packages I sent last? If you need anything more please let me know.

And what of the great endeavour? Does it progress as you wish?

If there is anything I can do, I am at your service.

Your loving brother

Ulrick.

Lemore smiled as she put the letter down. It was just like Ulrick to start drifting away from a safe topic of conversation to start asking if she needed any help. She wished she could say that yes she would take all the help that he could give, but she had given up that right when she'd taken this life. When she'd donned the white-even if it was a disguise-and renounced her worldly name and become Lemore.

No, she would go through what needed to be done by herself, only asking for supplies if the King asked her for them.

The news about her nephew going to foster with the Dondarrions was good news though. When Lemore had been a young woman, her lord father had feuded with Lord Dondarrion-Beric's father-over something or the other. They'd almost come to blows a few times and it had required Prince Rhaegar to stop war from breaking out.

Her father had died before the rebellion, and Ulrick had inherited the feud. Dondarrion had fought for Robert Baratheon and had claimed the right to kill Ulrick should they ever meet in battle. They hadn't thankfully, but the feud had continued. Until recently it seemed. That was good, Ulrick was always the most diplomatic of the lot of them.

And this news about Allyria, that brought a smile to her face. Allyria had been a babe when Lemore had left, and now she was supposedly a beautiful lady. She would have a lot to handle with that title, just as Lemore had had to deal with a lot during her youth. That Gerold Dayne wanted her was concerning though. The Daynes of High Hermitage were a dangerous lot. Always wanting something or the other. She hoped Ulrick would be able to handle that appropriately, especially if Gerold had the backing of Doran's daughter and heir.

Lemore put Ulrick's letter to one side and picked up and placed another piece of paper in front of her so that she could write. She dipped the quill into the inkpot at the side and then started to write her response.

Dearest brother,

Thank you for your letter, it brings me great comfort to know that you still think of me.

I am happy to hear that Edric is fostering with Lord Beric and that efforts are being made to put the past behind our two families. With luck Edric shall become as great a knight and Lord as his father.

As regards Allyria, perhaps a marriage to someone might make her less appealing to Gerold. There are a few houses that would be delighted to have Allyria as their lady, or as the wife of their heir. And given the needs of our house, perhaps a marriage into the Reach could work nicely.

I shall think of a list of suitable grooms and send them to you with my next letter.

She would consult with Samwell; the boy knew more about the houses of Westeros than anyone she'd ever met. It was impressive how much he retained once he'd looked at something just the once.

As for myself?

I am well, as well as can be here. The heat is stifling though the people continually think winter is coming, perhaps they do have a bit of Stark in them.

She snorted at that, Ulrick would laugh as well when he read the letter. Especially given what had happened at Harrenhal.

I did receive the packages you sent, and I am very thankful for them, they were very helpful.

As for the Great Endeavour. It continues, slowly. I think there has been some progress made. Especially now that that the brute of a falcon is dead.

Until next time.

Your beloved sister.

Just as she finished writing and put the quill down, the door opened. She turned around and screamed.

"Arthur!"

She stood up, dropping the quill and threw herself at her brother, hugging him tightly.

"When did you get back?" She asked into his chest.

Arthur laughed deeply. "Good to see you too. I got back just now. I've just come from briefing the King."

Lemore looked up at her brother. "You've just come back?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes."

"And?" Lemore asked. "How was it?"

Arthur sighed, Lemore moved back, giving him a chance to actually stretch.

"It was better than expected. There are grumblings in Braavos about the death of Jon Arryn. They want to know who is going to pay back the debt the Iron Throne owes." Arthur said.

Lemore raised an eyebrow. "You mean Jon Arryn was going to pay it back himself?" How wealthy was the man?

"Yes, it seems so." Arthur answered. "But with him gone, the Iron Bank and the Sealord are nervous that the Iron Throne is going to default on its debts."

Lemore snorted. That was something unimaginable, the Iron Throne defaulting. In the almost three hundred years that there had been an Iron Throne, it had never defaulted, and yet now because of the Usurper's extravagance it was close to doing so.

"With Arryn dead, Lord Stark is going to be named Hand." Arthur continued. He was looking at her then, searchingly.

"I know." Lemore replied.

"How do you feel about that?" Arthur asked.

Lemore sighed and ran her hands over her dress. "Lord Stark had his chance years ago, he made his choice." And that was the fact of the matter. She was loyal to the King and nobody else.

Arthur nodded, if he disagreed with her, he didn't say, instead he changed the topic. "I've told the King this and I think it's right to tell you as well. When was in Braavos I saw Oberyn."

"Oberyn in Braavos?" Lemore asked. That didn't seem right, Oberyn had been banned from Braavos when they were younger because he'd gotten into a fight with the Sealord's son. What was he doing there now?

"Yes." Arthur said. "I'm not sure what he was doing there, but either way I think it's safe to say that he was there on Doran's order."

"But what would Doran want in Braavos?" Lemore asked.

"I do not know." Arthur said.

Lemore nodded, and pushed the thought to one side. "You must be exhausted."

Arthur grinned. "I am a little."

Lemore gave her brother a little push and said. "Well go, bathe and rest, and when you're rested, then we'll talk properly."

Arthur gave her a little bow before walking off. Lemore watched him go, laughing at his silliness.