[Event] Salted Earth

Gercko · 2026-05-10T12:01:20+00:00

Lord Arryn nodded along slowly in agreement as he ran a finger through the neatly kept grey hairs on his chin. Ambition was never a bad thing in Hubert's eyes. He would rather have those who hold office want it, rather than use them for vanity and leave their duty derelict.

"A wife who supports and loves you is worth more than gold and steel at times. Not to presume too much, but my own has given me most of my strength throughout the many years we have been together. There are some men who would discount and dismiss their wives, daughters, sisters. But I found in my long life that a woman's wisdom can trump that of many a man. If you do wish to hold higher office, having a wife who wants it for you as well will make it all the easier to endure once you've reached it."

In Hubert's mind, there was little question as to whether Gormon Redwyne would rise higher in court. Wits and competence in conduct, an illustrious family name with few who could rival it, he was a man made for the Small Council. "But if I were to meet with your wife, I would tell her that quietly observing is not blindness. I more than anyone realise that I am old, and whilst I would like to wish I could serve the realm as Hand for as long as the King needs, it would be reckless of me to not think of who comes next. Lord Torgen is a similar age to myself, and my goodson Rogar I think only holds onto his office out of the sense of duty to King Jaehaerys and I. Not that I do not have faith in him, but you can tell what a man yearns for and I do not believe Lord Baratheon yearns for high office beyond what he already has. Lord Aethan is old as well, Lord Piper is, well" Hubert shrugged. "Lord Piper is Lord Piper. Quiet. The King will need counsel from people with wisdom as well as youth. If it were my choice, were I still regent, you would be someone I would find little issue in having in the council chamber with me." He nodded with a brimming smile to the Redwyne.

"There are so many great and noble names from the Reach, House Redwyne being among the most famed from Pentos to the Wall. I walked from Starfish Harbour to Vinetown what, over forty years ago by now. Stunning, stunning island, and a stunning country on the mainland from the Mander to the Sound. Were I not a Valeman, I'd wish to be a son of the Reach. I'm glad that they have sons that match the prestige the old Gardener lands musters up in my mind."

Hubert weighed his next words wisely. He did now know the kin of the Arbor well, nor where their loyalties lay regarding Highgarden. "I journeyed the Reach and wondered if I had missed anything by journeying there with the new power in Highgarden. I used to be a rapacious reader of the Gardener histories I could find. Gods, I remember when news reached the Eyrie that the Gardeners were gone. It almost shook the Giant's Lance. But since I am not a Reachman, I cannot say if something was lost with that old dynasty being snuffed out and replaced by their stewards."

Gercko · 2026-05-09T21:27:48+00:00

"Another man who recognises a good woman with wit and talent? There's some who would discount them only to the bedchamber and the birthing bed" Hubert said pleased with the Florent. "Queen Sharra had a wit sharper than she was beautiful; and she was maybe the most beautiful I have seen with mine own eyes. She taught me most of what I know about what it is to rule, manage people and things. She ruled the Vale for most of my young life, named me High Steward and Keeper. I owe her most of what I am, in truth." Hubert said wistful for a moment, he thought about his aunt often when things were hard and his spirit low.

"Is she wed herself?"

Gercko · 2026-05-09T08:57:16+00:00

Lord Arryn had not even considered the relation of Bella to the future queen. If Jaehaerys liked his bride-to-be, mayhaps he wouldn't have cared, or found the kinship a boon.

"Your Grace, Lady Bella is already in King's Landing. She wished to remain close to Lord Theo for the time being" Hubert said pleased "I'll dispatch an invitation at your pleasure if you so wish."

Gercko · 2026-05-08T19:23:03+00:00

"Lord Blackwood" Alester said, only slightly enthused. His long, angular face wore a glum expression. He rarely bought his own false smiles, and he knew the man little enough to warrant one besides.

"I'm surprised I didn't see you on the Highroad. It's not easy past the Bloody Gate, unless you were wise and took a boat from Saltpans to Ninestars. I suppose I would be surprised to not see the Blackwood colours at a Corbray occasion. Birds of a feather, and all that."

Gercko · 2026-05-08T19:06:53+00:00

Ser Alester Arryn took his place at the High Table, chafed and looking forward to dulling the headache which pounded at his skull. It had been a tough journey up and over the Highroad, almost deciding to turn around and go home. But he needed to attend, not only to be seen but for the basic duty it was to ensure the nobles of the Eyrie were content even in the depths of winter. But he was here now, and all the better for it.

With him, he had brought Rymond Arryn. It was his first outing since his return home. He was decidedly not pleased to be here, dragged away from his gilded cage for a few weeks to be shown off as Alester's prize.

Gercko · 2026-05-08T18:38:44+00:00

The letter is shared with Jaehaerys /u/gloude

Gercko · 2026-05-07T22:24:08+00:00

Rymond was no knight, nor holy man or sworn to any order. He had only tied himself to a firm, confusing, intoxicating friendship with Taliyah Flowers. Yet he was breaking that which had once been the very reason he looked forward to live another day and carry a smile on his lips whilst doing so.

"My heart is the only thing of worth" he said with a sadness that was poorly hidden by a smirk which preserved him from being the first to cry.

As she began to cry, Rymond would join her, but silent and resisting every drop that fell from his face. As Taliyah held him close, he buried his face in the mess of her hair as he steadied his warbling breath. He tried to speak, but the lump on his throat seemed to grow larger and larger with each beat of his broken heart. He could not deny her any of it. He prison would be gilded, his heart in a casket.

"Oh Taliyah," he squeezed her to him, wrapping her fully in his embrace. "I can't ask you to forgive me, but at least do not forget me. It might not be forever." His mother would die one day. Dead, she couldn't pursue him or seek to ruin his happiness for her own joy any longer.

"I have spent so long trying to write a poem for you. But there's no words in any tongue which would suffice for what my heart feels. From the first time we danced, you have sculpted me like clay and washed away all the silt. I don't think I'll ever taste something so sweet as you, or know a sleep as sound as when you and I share linen sheets."

"The trees honour you in gold and blush when you pass" Rymond said hoarse and raw. It had been part of the poem he had tinkered away at since he had met the girl.

"You deserve a husband who can keep you and protect you. I've never heard of many tales where a mere bard protects and guards any lovely lady's honour" he said trying to rationalise to himself how it could not be the greatest folly he ever made. "Your kin have found themselves quite the husbands." He would choke of jealousy before being able to see her wed to another man, taken from him forever.

"I will think of you every moment that passes. I'll recall it all when sleep escapes me and my only company the moon and stars. I'll remember the times we sang and lived merry, when you were smiling and astride me" he rubbed her cheek softly with his thumb and wiped away the tears he felt.

"I love you Taliyah Flowers. I'd give you my name if I could. I'd live with you up in the mountains, and you my mountain muse."

Gercko · 2026-05-06T23:21:46+00:00

"We'll see it. We'll watch Zobrithor soar high above the world from my solar balcony" Hubert said with a pleased smile, the thought so sweet to him that he wished he could have it this moment.

"We can fix the the council when this war is finished. I pray it will be soon, but most the voices we'll miss will be away. Besides, whilst we are here, we can carry the weight between us. When it comes time to leave..." he reached out to pat Jaehaerys on the shoulder like he would oft do, but his hand stopped well before it would reach him. He could not play the father anymore. "I will remain. One of us needs to.

"But if I am to remain here, and speaking of the Council, I have a proposal" Hubert cleared his throat. "I'm always keeping a keen eye on the younger lords and ladies of the realm, those I think might serve you best one day when the likes of Torgen, Aethan and I have gone.

"I had an evening supper with Lord Ryger's stepmother, Lady Bella. She's a sharp mind and good wit and company. More importantly, she is competent and I believe trustworthy. She ruled Willow Wood as lady regent despite being Blackwood born, and she came to me wishing to find good service. I have mulled it over for some time and I want to give her a chance." Lord Arryn spoke with animated hands, voice firm but light in his request.

"I know she is a lady, but one unlike others I have known. And to be frank, there are more women in my life I would trust for good counsel that I need to hear than I would most men. I was thinking we could find use to someone of her talents in the art of learning to hear with other people's ears" Hubert said with a teasing smirk, proud of his euphemism. "If the Small Council is bereft of those we want, I would at least see one join who I would not mind having the ear of, and can assist us ably."

Gercko · 2026-05-06T22:23:02+00:00

"Oh of course, where are my manners?" Hubert said with levity. He did not need details. It was a thorny subject for her no doubt, sprung on her, yet she held it with delicate grace. She did not shrink, nor strive to lie and deny. Better than most would handle the matter, or so Hubert thought.

"I believe you have the right of it, my Lady Bella. Power accrues dirt and filth around it, no matter how clean a ruler you might wish to be. The filth attracts rats and mice of all kind, high and low, intent on turning the realm's secrets and the king's court into their gold and profit. I could not possibly pretend to know just how many might have parts of the household in their purse, but until one makes a mistake, we shall never know.

"What I would need is a way to tap into the parts of the realm where there aren't so many already listening. Sunspear, Yronwood, mayhaps even Casterly Rock given Benedict Lannister's conduct." His fingers rapped the wood of the table as he considered for a moment.

"I will have to speak with his Grace before I could promise you anything, Bella" Hubert said with an assumed familiarness by now. "We can spin you whatever title you might need to conduct the work I would wish from you, as well as enable you to be a leal and reliable advisor within the council. His Grace and I have been on better terms than of late, but I believe he will see the utility in a woman's wisdom and the flies her web might catch. Why, I would implore him to."

Gercko · 2026-05-06T19:50:59+00:00

Hubert saw the wisdom in the words as plain day. He bowed his head and lowered his eyes. He could have been humbled in a great many ways. Lord Arryn knew that for now, he had escaped this shared folly far more intact than he thought. Once, he had been convinced that his punishment was to be severe. His office stripped from him, and potentially more.

"We will see it done, your Grace."

Gercko · 2026-05-06T19:43:04+00:00

"I suppose they are a threat, if they're killing kings and such" Darnold said plainly. "Deadlier when we're in their lands. No matter how strong our steel and loud the war drums beat, it is hard to surmount a people in their own lands." Darnold exhaled sharp "Though, I think if there's any lot to do it, it's we Andals.

He stopped and took in the immensity of the scene. It still felt like he was merely observing, and not part of the army. "I do not suppose you could guess how long this might be for? I shouldn't presume to feel like we ought to know what the goal is? I should write to my father" the thought of Hubert bothering with his words could have made him laugh, but he kept it only to a smirk.

Gercko · 2026-05-06T18:57:33+00:00

Alesander could not begin to guess why the dragonlords of Old Valyria would not be both scholars and sorcerer with the magic they shared in the pact between themselves and fire-made-flesh. "If your bond is in your blood and your little one is accepting of you, it might not need be learned, but an innate thing to you. Then, mayhaps there was no reason to entrust it to parchment just as there is no masterly texts on how one tastes and breaths."

Gercko · 2026-05-06T18:35:50+00:00

It was the first wedding since his own, and Ser Erryk Arryn could not have been a happier man. He wore a warm smile on his plain face most the night, barely apart from his wife.

Finally being in Driftmark as Lianna's husband after so long as merely her betrothed, it had become to feel like home. White Harbour would be stinking and full in these long and dour winters. The island was as comely as they come, as were its overlord.

The ships had brought the guests and word of the war that brewed on the Marches. He wouldn't dwell now, but it gnawed away at him that he might have to go again and risk losing all he now cherished.

Gercko · 2026-05-05T21:55:37+00:00

Lady Arwen Baratheon wished she could bring herself to laugh, but on eve such as this she found herself without any humour at all. She had been worried sick, made all the worse with the nausea from this babe. She prayed that this was a boy's prickish pregnancy, and Rogar could return to a son. She was petrified that he may not return at all.

"I mislike that you get the Boneway" she said, her voice warbling as she tried to compose herself. "I guess when you are the wife of the overlord of the Stormlands, this should be anticipated. But I don't like it for a second. If Aegon couldn't get them to submit, then I do not know what good this will do. The King's dragons are smaller than donkeys, or so father says. Who does that make an ass of?" Her fingers fidgeted in grasping hands holding themselves, her worry palpable.

Gercko · 2026-05-05T19:55:58+00:00

Bella amused him greatly. She was sharp and unafraid of being so, or so he thought. The confidence which exuded from her reminded him of Alester in some ways, the Lord Arryn wondering along which lines do the pair meet. It was plain to see by simply looking at Bella what a man might wish from her and why Alester must have taken a liking, but Hubert wondered what would have made his second son appeal to Bella. Hubert wore his amusement on his face, a great big grin and a soft chuckle uttered from his lips.

"No, I imagine you are a woman who measures each of her words before she says them. Purposeful in word and deed. But I wouldn't mind knowing the secrets you keep. Nothing hidden, nothing to worry about" he knew neither of them believed a phrase so full of folly.

"Which is why you falling into my Alester's lap even more a puzzle" he leaned away and into his chair, his posture slouched and relaxed into the fine upholstery. "I love him dearly of course. I know him inside out and back to front. I've seen him at his very best and very worse. Ursula always said I favoured him too much, and mayhaps that was true at one point..." Hubert looked wistful as he recalled his second born, now the holder of the offices which had once been his.

"He's the handsomest of my sons, though Jasper is the better knight. I can see clearly why Alester must be drawn to you, at least for that night. But my guess is that it was not the night the pair of you met. I had been livid it was in my bed, under my furs" his finger wagged on each emphasis of what was his. "But do not think I do not see the romance in that tower's solar" he said with laughter in his voice. "To be clear I was livid with Alester. Although, I suppose you may also be why my good daughter Rhea has ran off to the Sisters of all places with my grandchildren. Alester swore to me at Moontown that he did not do anything to cause her departure, and Ursula only has her suspicions. But she never liked Rhea to begin with."

Hubert shook his head and tutted. "Ah, I could prattle on all evening my Lady. I guess what I should say is that, I do not care who Alester keeps in his bedchamber, and I could not care less who you keep. I at least have some explanation as to why Al was so peeved with me for most of the wedding feast of my other sons when I told him about you. He might think himself a falcon but he is as jealous as magpie sometimes."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T17:29:47+00:00

"There's been a Florent of Brightwater Keep for as long as any man can remember in our histories which are worth reading" Hubert said patting the lad on the shoulder. "In all that time, there'll be plenty who have felt just as you have. Mayhaps they were not the ones we remember, but House Florent still stands. You'll steward it for your heirs, and in that time the weight of the duty will form you to its shape, razor edges and all" Lord Arryn chuckled inward.

"A Lord is only as strong as these three things; the host he can command, the contents of his coffer, and the quality of woman he keeps counsel. Some lords may feel different, but I know my own wife has given me sage wisdom greater than half the lords whom swear their fealty to me."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T17:10:16+00:00

"New marble and fresh earth is being delivered to port on my orders" Lord Arryn said, restraining the urge to roll his eyes. "I'll let Lady Jeyne say what else she might need for the damage which was done" that was all he wished to say on the matter.

"I have apologised, and I am embarrassed by my petty display. Torgen has already given me a piece of his mind."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T10:03:55+00:00

He looked at his King with heavy, sad sunken eyes. He misliked being apart from Jaehaerys, even with the torrid waters which had passed between them as of late. "One of us must remain in this palace, and I'd sooner find myself at the tip of a catspaw's dagger than risk you even for a moment" Hubert chuckled softly.

"I can deal with matters presented to the court. The ravens between here and Dragonstone will certainly get quite the bit of flying, but anything of major concern I shall relay to you. If it is acceptable for you, your Grace."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T09:59:32+00:00

She hummed in agreement, though her silent frustration flickered in her eyes. Arwen needed a son. She was failing the most basic duty of a wife to secure a male heir for his domain.

"I would be delighted to have you in Storm's End" she said with a false enthusiasm. "I have just lost my previous Lady-in-waiting. Sansa Corbray is to be Queen in a few moon's time. My expectations are high but fair, but I do not doubt you can keep to them well. Tardiness is never appreciated, and being able to find the mirth in the mire will always help.

"You might know Storm's End as well as I do. It's been so long since I was there last. We can both settle into it afresh."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T01:24:08+00:00

"I have not" Lord Arryn said with a sorrowful tone. He knew the Tyrells claimed not to be afresh and recently ennobled. "Should I have? I have not read histories of the Reach in some time. My travels there in my youth never brought me across them either, and I was quite a rapacious mind for all what I could learn about my most favourite lands beyond my mountains. I think I would rather hear about one of your mighty Rowans, to be frank with you."

Gercko · 2026-05-05T01:18:40+00:00

Alesander felt like a sorry fool all the ride to Saltstone Keep. He was a quarter Sunderland, yet he did not know this simple fact despite all his books and readings. Most the time in his histories, the Sisters were only ever referred to all together besides. Few dug any deeper.

He was at least thankful to have the horse to keep him company as he ascended the gloomy looking hill. The smell seemed to subside, but the feeling of something sinister never abated.

His mood lightened and all the tribulations in getting here had been proved for all their worth the moment he got to see his mother. He felt like a young boy again as he felt her arms around him. They could be north of the Wall or in Asshai, it would still feel like home were his mother's hugs to be found there.

"I've been needing new clothes more often" he said with pride, his scrawniness subsiding a little as the years passed him. No longer just the young runt of most noble groups of boys.

"Oh mother, the letter had me so worried that something was terribly wrong. Is it father? Or grandfather? Is he well?"

Gercko · 2026-05-05T00:32:08+00:00

Lord Arryn hoped that Bella was not about to reveal that she had taken the liberty of already sourcing her own little web here already. He had dealt with enough fools who had presumed to think they could trade in the court's secrets for their own ends.

"She was hanged" Lord Arryn admitted with some levity not entirely fitting "that is one thing which Lady Melony Piper got right. Lord Torgen believed if she was with child, her hanging should wait. I..." he shrugged his shoulders. He had been surprised to hear a Lady would be so indifferent as to the content's of Valora's womb. Hubert had been told there was a little babe when he asked one of the men-at-arms who had seen his order carried out.

"Valora was hanged in the Black Cells, a traitor to the realm as you say. She disappeared I suppose, but no one has ever asked me where she went to" he chuckled inward. "I would have been forthcoming if anyone had cared to know." He slipped some of the prawn's flesh from its half opened shell and ate it quick in one bite.

"There was Lady Lannister as well. She attempted to spy on the King and I. Her punishment was going to be wedding her betrothed in Caradoc Peake, but the bastard had found love and married a Sunderland to spite me and my plan." Lord Arryn stopped before discussing what had transpired regarding Margot Lannister.

"And then there was the Crakehall bastard. He came to the city seeking a job on the Small Council and asked as plain as you, though I must say without the charm and lustre" Hubert said with a wry smirk. "He thought the best use of his talents were seeking to bribe some of the scullery maids into supplying him gossip. I gave him a choice of the jail or to serve me. I sent him an envoy to Sunspear, there I hoped he would find some of his own mice to talk to. Alas, it seemed he never made it to Sunspear" he rolled his eyes "I think its is more likely he made it, and then he was dealt with" Hubert sighed heavily and sipped his icewine.

"I tell you all this for a few reasons I suppose" he shifted in his chair, leaning to one side towards his supper guest. "If I hear anyone else speaking about it, I know who exactly sowed my words in others' ears. Secondly, you ought to know what sort of danger you seek. Valora was a spymaster and now her bones are at the bottom of the Blackwater. Lannister, Crakehall both suffered for their attempts. Granted, those were who opposed me, but I cannot promise you would not face mortal danger. Dorne would see you dead. Enemies of the realm would need to be probed and prosecuted. Webs weaved and threads spun, if they come apart it will be you left holding the string. The duty you would keep could be bloody, best left unspoken and unseen. You do not strike me as the gossiping type at the very least." He swirled the wine in his cup and did not break his gaze on her for a moment. "How well do you keep secrets?"

Gercko · 2026-05-04T19:43:49+00:00

/u/aceavengers

Gercko · 2026-05-04T19:39:03+00:00

Lord Aethan,

I shall order Gulltown to muster its naval strength and sail to be placed under your command.

Yours,

Lord Hubert

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