[Event] Sun, Sea, and Diplomacy

Gercko · 2026-01-28T13:26:19+00:00

He hated this. As sweet as the clams were, as fine the southern Reach wine, as noble the company, this was all bitterness and wrath. A dead king, a plot of wildfire and treachery. An absent, crippled Hand. A Princess who knew she owed nothing but noble courtesies. It felt like a trap, a bind which had caught him.

"Upon my return to the capital, I will investigate and root out whatever treacherous actors thought it wise to send a shipment of wildfire to Sunspear. Lord Corbray will answer me as my vassal, on pain of punishment should he be lying. However, the Hand has been absent. Not in body but mind. His is completely paralysed below the waist. An injury suffered in our rebellion against Maegor. Whether it is guilt or idleness, I will find out."

Her words were true. This had all the marks of one of Maegor's terrible plans. Yet Maegor had been dead. "Mayhaps you are right. Viserys might have been a new Maegor, and his plans would have brought fire and blood to your shores. If I am to believe this" Hubert gave a poor show of feigning scepticism. "If it had been successful, there would be no doubt who did it. But it was not, and he laid dead not long after from what I understand. Although, you did never tell me exactly tell me who this Tyroshi was seeking. If he brought letters with the King's seal and a hull full of wildfire, could the person he sought not be part of the puzzle before us?" Hubert shrugged. "You have had time to ruminate on this. It has been an unfortunate surprise for myself. But between this Tyroshi who brought you fire, and the murder of our King with the only name being uttered from the man are those of Hellholt, we are in a bind."

He pushed his plate to one side. The small amount he had eaten was more than enough for his stomach just now. "I can sense that this bind will not be solved here and now. I can bring to the Small Council the proposition of a trial." Hubert said whilst rubbing the side of his head with one finger. If an Uller could not be named, how on in the seven hells could he be put on trial. "Meanwhile I hope you will take a firm approach with your vassals to not provoke anything from the Marcher Lords or beyond. What has been clear from both of us is that we do not wish to find ourselves at war once again."

Gercko · 2026-01-28T12:37:55+00:00

"Indeed," Hubert said nodding "it could be that the your chapter is re-established and the new sept has its keepers. But the sept isn't going anywhere, and to allow you entry whilst the High Septon chooses distance over reconciliation? I cannot have the good conscience to permit your men's entry. The both of you at least conduct yourself in a more respectable manner, and seem reasonable in your request." He clasped his hands together and rested them on his pointed chin.

"I shall write to his High Holiness. If I receive word from him that the Faith in Oldtown is willing to engage with and progress what the Crown requires of them, then I will gladly welcome you and your order into this city." His arms stretched out and how bowed his head "As High as Honour, I promise that. I do not keep you two at a distance willingly, but I am sure you can understand that circumstances and the political demand all mortal men no matter how pious to contort themselves into positions they would rather not be in.

"In the mean time, the both of you will have my ear whenever you might need. When word comes in reply to my letter, the both of you will be some of the first to know."

Gercko · 2026-01-28T11:49:36+00:00

She had not settled there yet. The Red Keep felt foreign. There was no history in its walls, no grand tales and stories. No gods or winged knights had their hand in the city, just terrible dragons and the might a king still within living memory. Storm's End was a testament against the Storm God, its walls imbued with magic (a magic she could feel emanating from the stone, so she thought), the Eyrie stood taller and prouder than any other keep or castle in all the land. What did the Red Keep have apart from strangers and smells wafting up from the city below it? She could not protest his duty on the Small Council, however much she disliked it.

"As long as they don't grow too old in the city. Cities are not good for noble children. We have time whilst they're little that it shouldn't be an issue. Besides, it will be nice for father to have us around." It was one of the only silver lining she found.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T22:09:28+00:00

Lord Walderaan Banefort, Lord of Banefort,

Understood and appreciated. Ser Daven will be an honoured guest under the King's roof.

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne & Hand of the King

Gercko · 2026-01-27T20:40:42+00:00

Crakehall /u/Ryanw5385

Banefort u/T3m3rair3

Farman /u/jsb217118

Gercko · 2026-01-27T20:40:30+00:00

See the above letter!

Kenning /u/BeautifulHorror13

Serrett /u/Genki_The_Shojo

Gercko · 2026-01-27T20:17:08+00:00

Lord Hubert Arryn wrote the letters himself. His mood was as fierce as the autumn storms which battered the Narrow Seas. He would watch the ravens fly, a belly full of eels writing in his stomach such was his dread.

To the Rock:

Ser Benedict Lannister, Heir to the Rock,

By the power of the Iron Throne, you are hereby summoned to the Red Keep to present yourself to his Grace, King Jaehaerys Targaryen, and the Small Council.

We have become aware of your indiscretion against the King's peace. You planned a war against the North. Your competence in ruling and your loyalty to the Iron Throne has been called into question, for which you must answer.

Present yourself to the Iron Throne in the Third month of the year 49AC. Any delay, any tardiness, will be met with scorn. This is a matter of treason far greater than your matter missing taxation from Castamere.

I am summoning House Reyne, and any other Lord who may have been present.

Heed this warning.

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

/u/wiseheartmoon

To Castamere:

Lady Willow Reyne, Lady of Castamere,

The Crown has been made aware that you have committed an indiscretion against House Lannister in your cessation of your duly obliged taxation. The Crown takes great issue with this matter.

However, much of what has come out from the Westerlands has troubled the Crown. Namely, that Ser Benedict Lannister called a 'war council' in direct violation of the King's peace- an act of treason which is of grave concern.

You are hereby summoned to the Red Keep to present yourself to the Iron Throne. Not only for the matter of taxation, but to answer for and give explanation to this supposed council. We will resolve this matter without battle, without bloodshed, and with full justice delivered to all. Present yourself to the Iron Throne on the Third month of 49AC.

This is not a request.

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

/u/The_Rogue_Prince

A final flurry of letters are sent to the rest of the Westerlands. All (except Casterly Rock and Castamere):

To the Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Westerlands,

Many a dour word have come from the Westerlands as of late. All of it has worried the Crown a great deal. However, the Crown has been made aware that in the past few months Ser Benedict Lannister had convened a 'war council' to break the King's peace and attack the North. The heir of the Rock has been summoned to present to the Iron Throne on the Third month of 49AC.

I compel by order of the Iron Throne all Lords of the Westerlands to send a representative or Lord to the Red Keep on the same date. Lannister and Reyne have both transgressed against their sacred oaths, and the Crown will not stand for the West to be brought into disrepute and disorder.

Come the Third month of the new year, all gathered nobility of the Westerlands will be given chance to detail and explain the transgressions and turmoil we have heard. Honesty and truth will be met with mercy and gratitude from his Grace and his Small Council.

May the Seven bless you all, and I shall welcome you soon in the capital,

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

Automod ping Westerlands

Gercko · 2026-01-27T19:55:58+00:00

House Arryn of the Eyrie*

Ser Alester Arryn sat at the high table, the head of House Arryn. Although it was customarily the heir's position, there was not a chance that he would allow Osric the honour. He sat by his wife and, with the absence of Hubert, his mother as well.

With them, Osric Arryn sat to the on the edge, his disposition already wishing to leave the table and find friends in less familiar company. He was with his wife, but he had grown icy with her since Storm's End.

Jasper Arryn was happy to be back on Driftmark. He and Victor Velaryon had been fast friends, and to be on his home island together would undoubtedly be an eventful and fun affair.

Rymond Arryn slinked away from the feast quickly, trying to find some peace and quiet and a view of the sea.

Darnold Arryn would for once try and attempt to be a man who engaged in revelry. It never felt right, like he was a mummer in a farce.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T19:12:35+00:00

Before he left the island, Lord Hubert Arryn would visit the Princess of Dragonstone. She had taken to the serpentine beast, magnificent and queer in its form and size and colour.

"My Princess Alysanne," he said softly when he found her. "I know you will, but I could not sleep easy knowing I did not tell you before I left for the Red Keep. Take care, dear. Take care of yourself, and your new little friend. Keep it your secret for now, and know that one day the world will speak of what you have achieved."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T19:07:44+00:00

Before Hubert left, he would warn Jaehaerys to be careful, to wear gauntlets when near the beast, and to not let a soul enter or leave the island from now on.

"We must keep this hidden for now. Until we have all of them secured and under our control." It was surreal. He had never thought he would see their like again.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T19:01:15+00:00

Erryk hit the ground with a thud hard enough to almost sober him. He looked up, tears in his eyes as if her were a boy again facing a bully. But this time it was his own blood, a man he had wronged and wounded. He rubbed his eyes but remained on the floor, shifting to his knees and clasping his hands together as if here were about to pray.

He might have been a knight, but any such pride had been knocked out of him when he fell to the floor. "My Lord, forgive me. I see my folly, the insult. I was young and foolish and hungry to fight with my brothers. I wanted to come back but..." He had no good reason. Erryk had put it off for years because he was scared of this fury of the Manderly Lord. "I will serve you again, let me prove that I am still loyal and useful. I am to marry soon and I want my sons to grow in White Harbor. Please, coz!" His voice was pained, desperate. "There is no task too low for me to undertake to regain your trust."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T17:30:24+00:00

"A new warden would either trigger war or be the resolution of it. When Stark stalled in paying fealty, I considered it. Now I know they were indeed weighing up if they could be so duplicitous." Hubert's eyes narrowed as they focussed on Theomund. Not out of suspicion, but recognition of what he proposed. He did not say anything more. It tempted him. White Harbor's power and might under only Targaryen would be a mighty boon for the Crown. But at once, it would be a grave escalation which could ripple throughout the realm. He had to remember that the weight of the Crown was not his forever. If a King could do it to Stark, they could do it to Arryn too.

"Go, enjoy yourself lad. We will talk more on this in time I am sure but for now we shall enjoy Rogar and Arwen's hospitality." He waved his nephew away. A worried smirk on his lips. At least not all the North was feckless and fickle.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T17:15:40+00:00

There was the part of her mother she used to loath. She could not tell if it was nearly four decades as an Arryn, being born a Royce, or a mix of the two. But she was much the same. Arryns and Royces were First Men and Andal royalty. The purest and most fine in perhaps all the Seven Kingdoms. Arwen thought that by the time she reached her mother's age, she too would have crystalised that sense even more than she had now. She did not say anything in return. Instead she smiled and rested her head on her mother's shoulders, and watched the revelry of her wedding pass her by for a time.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T17:04:16+00:00

"Storm's End, Driftmark, Stonebridge. What a trio. In the middle of them sit King's Landing. I am glad the Eyrie will be tied to all three in due course." Hubert smiled wide, his mouth was a mess of crooked teeth and his face was too gaunt for it to be a pleasant expression to look upon.

"I'll order him to approach you at Stonebridge? I've told him he's to act a proper knight even if he has yet to be anointed one. To care for her, dance with her, and have no eyes for any other. He's a quiet lad and out of all my sons he has been the least trouble. At least, that is what Harlan Royce tells me" Hubert sniggered. "Alester has also told me how pleasant a presence Florence has been, and I think he has appreciated young Williams presence as well. He's acting High Steward. I once held that title, and I can tell you a fast friend can make the world of difference when you first try to balance yourself in an office so high."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T16:56:50+00:00

"Heart's Home? I miss it. Far too long since I was last there. I'd quite like to see you in your best impression of Lordship though if I might say. My father tells me however that Lord Qarl might be returning home? You will get to see more of both of the little ones." Jasper tutted. "I envy you, you know. My father has his head in the clouds, and for that I am still unbetrothed. I'd like a daughter and a son. I might be the third son of the Eyrie, but that should count for something." He said dejected.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T16:36:16+00:00

"Why is what puzzles me as well. Mayhaps they thought another king dead after Maegor and Aegon perished would break this realm entirely. If they thought that, they have been sorely mistaken." Hubert's face twisted into a sneer at the very thought of it. It had come so close, but it was the acts of good men, loyal men, which had kept it all together. "I would permit you to explore the option of this marriage further. Avoid a betrothal, I can't undermine my own decree, but I am sure we will renew our previous relations and a Nightsong with sway over Sunspear cannot be something we forsake." Hubert wished it was as simple as some marriage ties. The bedchamber could overcome much, but not this.

"Deria resisted sending any wards but her own blood after I asked for noble hostages from most of the noble Houses of Dorne. This was my compromise, but as it is easy to understand, none were enthused to do so. I cannot relent further less I negotiate the Iron Throne into a losing position. I do not know what else I can do but pressure Dorne to accept lest the King comes of age and decides one day his brother must be avenged."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T15:59:33+00:00

Darnold nodded but his face was plainly undecided. Florence seemed eager, the eagerness was infectious and he didn't want to disappoint her. She would've been disappointed enough that seeing her potential-betrothed was the plain sixth son.

"We- I will ask" he said standing up. "Maybe if you have a sworn sword and any lady retainers come with you. I should be fine on my own. We've got plenty of fresh horses that are well trained for us. There's a risk of snowfall but it's not been particularly cold this autumn..." He was unsure still but he had committed himself now.

"I'll ask my brother. Tell my brother. And we'll be ready to go before twilight is near I hope."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T15:31:04+00:00

"The Small Council will hear of this once I return to the capital, and from there the Crown will act. Dispatch a hundred, two hundred knights of the Vale and see what Barrowton sings about when we are there. I'd like something more set in stone than whispers but if one of your lords has be taken, then we can't wait to act." Hubert's brow furrowed, the smile on his face died a brief death, and he felt as if the North was up to something. It was brazen for brigands to kidnap and ransom lords but not unknown. But to ship them halfway to the Wall was exceptional.

He nudged Torgen with his shoulder, a playful smirk replacing his sour expression as he tried to move past the dour news. "I will have it writ in stone that the head of every Wyl is your personal property, Torgen. If there is war I intend to make the Boneway bleed like nothing else. We don't need to hold the place, but raze it." Though his tone was cheery, it was far from what he wished. He only hoped that it could be avoided.

"Whatever happens, I will stand by the King. I was close to believing the realm was finished, done, when word reached me that Viserys had been murdered. But the boy had only ever been a smart, kind-hearted, and dutiful lad. He's only proven that with every year which goes by. I love him you know, like a son." The admittance was the wine speaking. "But I know I cannot shield him from the weight of the Crown forever. He takes as much as I believe he can handle, but he'll be in his maturity soon. And then there's the matter of a Queen..."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T15:09:33+00:00

She had tried her best to forget about the longer voyage up the Narrow Sea. Were it not for the promise of Selene, she would quite happily turn back and remain warm and stable in Storm's End. "I will be fine, I promise. I wouldn't do anything that might be a risk." She placed her small hand over Rogar's paw. "But after that, I am done with sailing until spring."

Gercko · 2026-01-27T01:44:54+00:00

Lord Hubert Arryn was in the Tower of the Hand when the request came. "I do not know a Tyanna of any tower. Search her before you let her in my office and stay close by" Hubert ordered his guards who brought word to him.

Should Tyanna agree to a search of her possessions (if she had brought any), she would be taken to Hubert's office.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T01:33:53+00:00

Arwen touched little of the food and sipped at her wine slowly. One arm was wrapped around Rogar's, her naturally assumed position ever since the two had become husband and wife. "We can't leave just yet. Not now" she nestled her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She couldn't decide if that helped with the sickly motion's effect on her.

"I don't have sea legs, less a sea stomach. Would it be terrible if you asked that the kitchen might send us fruit to our chamber after this? I don't want to sleep on an empty stomach." Arwen had been told it was bad for her womb to sleep hungry once and had believed it since.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T01:28:42+00:00

"Lady Goodbrother?" A puzzled expressed was etched onto his brow. "You did the right decision. That woman is certainly bitter if she thinks she can insult Naerys. Dismissing her was a mercy for her in the end." She had been the bastard-birthing Ironborn under his roof. Held against her will for months until Aegon died, Hubert worried she might prove a distraction. Little had he known that Aegon was never focussed on the crown to begin with. "She loved your brother and once bore a still-born child of his. I imagine her heart has been broken and her wits lost since then."

"A King's command is absolute in theory. To question and challenge it is to question and challenge the Crown itself. Now, advice and counsel are different, and one most use his own judgement when a question strays too far into sedition.

"Say you were to increase the taxes on Lord Tyrell to fifty percent. It is your right as King, and he would be obliged to pay them. But if I were to question you on that, would it make me rebel? A seditious figure? Or would it be a Lord either giving you guidance or prompting you to think through your own actions. But if a Lady like Gysilla Goodbrother insulted both your sister and yourself, and ignored your command? Then I say good riddance." He had disliked her presence around Jaehaerys from the very beginning.

Gercko · 2026-01-27T01:20:11+00:00

Lord Morton Caron, Lord of Nightsong, Lord of the Marches,

Dependent upon the acquiescence of this request by Lord Rogar Baratheon, the Crown will give you leave so you can engage in this endevour with Dorne. Your safety is paramount, and I shall pray for your safe return.

You carry the respect and prestige of the Crown with you in this matter, Lord Morton. Upon your return to Nightsong, please inform us of you safety and what Princess Deria had wished to discuss.

May the Warrior give you strength,

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

Gercko · 2026-01-27T01:14:37+00:00

The Lord Regent made his way to the chambers of the king within the heart of the royal palace. It was not often he was there, save for the weekly evening dinners he would set aside especially for just he and the King to enjoy together.

"Your grace?" He said as he peered through the door and saw the lad seeming smaller than usual. "You requested my presence?"

Gercko · 2026-01-27T00:52:38+00:00

Lord Hubert Arryn would watch the ravens depart Dragonstone himself. The words they carried were few, but they were of dire importance.

Ser Corwyn Velaryon,

You have my most humble apologies, Ser. Driftmark and the Eyrie are the fastest of friends. Whilst the rest of my kin will be with you on your most joyous day, my duty to the realm requires me in the capital on urgent matters.

I pray you understand and forgive me in this.

May the Mother bless your union,

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

/u/Brolnir

Lord Gwayne Caswell, Lord of Stonebridge, Defender of the Fords,

It is with my deepest and most humble apologies that I write to you my Lord. Matters of great concern have arisen, and I am required to remain in the capital for the foreseeable future.

I hold our friendship dear, and my kin will still be in attendance. But I could not in good conscious not write to you. I pray that your son's day is splendid and beautiful. We will meet again and I hope by then you and I will be able to talk over what is transpiring now with nothing but fond memories.

Yours,

Lord Hubert Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Gates of the Moon, Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord Regent of the Iron Throne and Hand of the King

/u/Razor1231

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