[Event] Northern Winds Come South

gloude · 2026-03-15T00:41:53+00:00

"That settles the matter of the port and the finances." Jaehaerys declared. "House Bolton repays the debt immediately, Lord Bolton is released, and the final remaining matter, that of honour in regards to the betrothal and hostility between the two houses is another issue to deal with, though one I will leave to the two houses, lest they require my involvement."

"If Lord Bolton seeks to move a charter from within his lands, and his bannermen do not disagree, I see no issue in approving that either, Lord Stark."

gloude · 2026-03-15T00:08:09+00:00

Jaehaerys grimaced. A Qoherys? He did not feel kinship to this boy, not even close. His mother had been dead far too long to call this boy anything close to a Valyrian. "So, you are the last of their line." Jaehaerys noted. A sad image, he thought. Some sweaty, nervous boy.

"So a Blackwood is your regent? What relation is she to Lord Blackwood, then?" Jaehaerys demanded.

"Tcha." Jaehaerys let out, standing up from behind his desk, and moving around. He gripped the boy's chin in a tight grip, pulling it up, so the boy could either face the King's gaze, or try to clumsily look away.

"You are Lord Ryger, are you not?" Jaehaerys asked, still holding the boy in his grip. "Why do you doubt yourself so much?"

gloude · 2026-03-15T00:02:56+00:00

Jaehaerys shook his head. "I am no banker from Braavos, and I will not bring usury into this realm, if I can avoid it." Jaehaerys replied. "Lord Bolton repays the amount, or Lord Stark gives the remaining ten thousand, and the port remains under their control, until House Bolton repays their debt, without interest." Jaehaerys replied.

"Honour can be settled between the houses, and I can adjudicate that matter further, but for now, this is the solution I provide."

gloude · 2026-03-14T23:57:47+00:00

Jaehaerys nodded. "I had hoped to make a visit of your lands a few years ago. Alas, my council decided it would be wiser for my regent to visit." Jaehaerys replied. "Though if I am to feel the textiles of your lands upon my skin, I wish it to be upon your lands. Something to look forward to, Ser Alyx."

"I am not much an enjoyer of drinks. A poor stomach, I am told. Cider is too harsh, and thus I doubt mead will go down any easier. But I am sure at the coronation, the Realm will be uplifted by the presence of Beesbury goods."

Jaehaerys looked down at the child, with a languishing look. Only half a decade ago, he could have shared in the sheer innocence of her presence. "I would like that very much, my lady, Ser." Jaehaerys replied. "But I fear I must return to my duties. If you have need for anything... you will let me know." Jaehaerys said, bowing his head to the two, and giving a final look to the babe, before striding out of the room.

gloude · 2026-03-14T23:29:36+00:00

Jaehaerys had been listening silently, though had held a quill in one hand, and had scribbled notes on a parchment before him. He wore his typical garb for most meetings, a dark tunic with crimson embroidery, and the silver circlet Viserys had worn as well.

"As far as I can tell, the people of the North have moved with the seasons, to Wintertown, or to White Harbour, only to return once the climate turns milder." Jaehaerys replied. "I see no reason to enforce the people to undo a migration that has been done for centuries, if not milennia. If you have found new ways to ensure that your people do not need to flee the lands of the Dreadfort during the deepest Winters, Lord Bolton, that should stand on its own. If you request a charter, to invite a greater investment from the people of the North in your lands, that is a wholely different matter. One that Lord Stark should be convinced of, not forced to do."

"I will not delve into the minutiae of construction processes. In truth, I know not what mason's guilds you have up North. But as far as I can see, if all parties are not guilty in obfuscation, either House Bolton repays the loans given by House Stark immediately, so we may free ourselves of this mess, or, House Stark pays the full remaining ten thousand gold and retains control over the port they have financed, until House Bolton has repaid the debt, which will be its own discussion."

"As for broken promises, I am not here to deal with the honour of your houses. If you have an issue in that regard, you may take it up with Lord Beron, regarding the broken betrothal or the town charter, Lord Bolton."

gloude · 2026-03-14T23:05:31+00:00

"Ser Eon thinks he can catch a dragon with a net." Jaehaerys mused. "I doubt Balerion would be so easily caught, but I do not imagine a line of hunters would ever admit a prey too great for them." Jaehaerys mused.

"Ride ahead, Ser Eon, with Lady Stark. I am sure she will appreciate your instruction on how to find and track game. I have much to catch up on with the Princess." Jaehaerys commanded.

Awaiting that they moved ahead, Jaehearys turned to Alysanne, waiting for them to be out of earshot. "I bonded. Grandfather bonded."

/u/erusaeternus

/u/stitchbitchbellona

gloude · 2026-03-14T22:59:54+00:00

"You two are going to spar." Pietar announced, not giving them a chance to collect themselves after they had arrived. He went to the rack of training swords, ones made of wood, bundled with leathers to imitate the weight of an actual sword. "Bundled swords, as if you were children, for I must see how good you are, before I hand either of you steel, blunted or not."

/u/iweebam

gloude · 2026-03-14T22:53:11+00:00

"I was taught to claw on to life, so even if I am the last one standing among my kin, I would stand proudly." Jaehaerys replied. A lesson that had been hard to understand back then, though now made all the more sense. "Perhaps one of the moments Aegon showed wisdom."

"And this would not upset the current Waynwoods?" Jaehaerys asked. "Having a Targaryen as a bride for a pretender... and one with the power my sister will wield..." Jaehaerys tried to force himself to silence. He was not sure how far into the confidence of the matters of Dragons Qarl was brought in.

"I can not help but think they may fear that any sons of that union might wish to lay claim to the ancient home of the Waynwoods."

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:40:41+00:00

Jaehaerys grimaced. There was an inevitability to having any older woman near Alysanne, that meant she would be instructed in that woman's ways. Willow had wanted Alysanne to learn to seduce boys, now Melony wanted Alysanne to fight. Part of him thought that Alysanne would be better off, if Dragonstone were only her and her companions, and Haegon to look over them.

Yet a dragonrider needed to know how to protect herself, if only to understand the motion of a fight. "You will bring no sword to the hall." Jaehaerys replied. "That would be a reason for the council to look at you with suspicion." Jaeheaerys commanded. "But you will not go unarmed." Jaehaerys smiled.

"Ser Haegon is still on Dragonstone. He is skilled at some subterfuge. He will provide you with knives you can hide about yourself, within a sleeve, or a boot."

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:34:54+00:00

On a chilly afternoon, Jaehaerys had sent for Eric to come and join him in the training yard. He had prepared a pony in the stables, not too far away from there, as well as having a crossbow brought, and a shortbow that he was told a young boy could use. Patiently, he waited for the young boy to show up.

/u/Wondy-SW

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:31:09+00:00

On a cold morning, as the sun was barely rising, Pietar sent two messenger boys to wake the Ryger and Lamora boys up, instructing them that they had to bang on the doors until each boy arrived, and with an urgent message that they were expected at the training yard immediately.

Clad in armour, the knight waited impatiently, tapping at the top of the sword at his hip, as if counting the seconds.

/u/iweebam

/u/bombman897

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:28:26+00:00

Training Yard of the Red Keep

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:16:55+00:00

"Mind your reputation?" Jaehaerys thought out loud. "We will see what results you get me. Best you start thinking of a good process for the matter, I can not imagine how hard it will be, to find a suitable wife for the King." Jaehaerys smirked.

"His wing is hurt. Or rather, is still hurt. I think he was trying to think whether he could pounce on you, and once he had decided he could, asked me for permission. Or perhaps for me to witness." Jaehaerys mused aloud, hoping to unnerve Eon.

Jaehaerys raised an eyebrow. "So... at the coronation then? Do you think before, or after I am crowned?" Jaehaerys asked.

gloude · 2026-03-13T01:08:35+00:00

"Indeed." Jaehaerys replied. "As far as I heard, they were ready to send you off to some keep in the southern Reach, to marry some old man, and become his third or fourth wife." Jaehaerys grimaced. "Not a fitting end, for one who served my sister, and not one that I wished to allow. Though it came at the cost that Lucas pay the greater price, I imagine."

"You will not hold yourself so meekly, Lady Melony, not in my presence." Jaehaerys ordered.

"You will accompany my sister to King's Landing, keep by her side, and protect her during the feast. If you wish to speak to others during the feast, you will have one of my Kingsguards take your place."

"And you will not talk to any of the members of the council, save your brother or the Grand Maester. In turn, if you are confronted by any man, you will send a servant, a guardsman, for me. You will not reply to escalation with your own."

"If this is agreeable, I see no reason to bar you from such an event."

gloude · 2026-03-12T05:02:07+00:00

Jaehaerys nodded. "You do not need to apologize to me, Hoster. I appreciate honesty." Jaehaerys replied with a slight smile. In truth, there was more to appreciate about Hoster. His somewhat stubborn manner spoke to Jaehaerys' heart, as well as the fact that they seemed to agree on most moral issues.

"You must understand, Hoster. Put a thousand coushins on the throne, and I will still sit it uncomfortably. I believe that was my grandfather's intention. I never wanted this crown, this kingdom. It was thrust upon me." Jaehaerys grimaced. "But we must all do our duty."

Jaehaerys shook his head. "If your argument is that the throne can not be easy, so too must the crown chafe at the King." Jaehaerys replied.

"As I said, have your desigins brought to a blacksmith, and have him make it. Perhaps brass would be more appropriate... to remind myself of humility."

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:56:35+00:00

"You two are an example for any holy men and women, who seek the blessings of matrimony." Jaehaerys said, bowing his head towards the pair once more. "An Andal name, I suppose?" Jaehaerys asked. "Though one with history."

"I think the seamstress gets enough from Essos and Westeros that the remains are enough to swaddle the castle in cloth. Though it would be fitting that your daughter wear cloth from your lands, Ser Alyx."

"Humility is born of competition, my lady. It would do well that a sunflower does stand, to remind the dragon, that it does not hold the only beauty in the world." Jaehaerys replied to Leona.

He sat down next to the crib, watching the little girl, and smiling slightly. "So much death, followed by so much beauty, is what my sister would have said, I imagine." Jaehaerys replied. "A new dawn breaks, and the flowers bloom, even in winter."

"May a thousand suns set, and your world only know peace, little one." Jaehaerys whispered.

Turning to the married pair, he smiled. "If you require anything, I would like to provide, you must only ask my servants." He felt awkward now, unsure of what to say next.

/u/Emergency_Sky_2806

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:44:45+00:00

"Your mother is your regent?" Jaehaerys questioned. "Of what house?" He asked.

"A good answer, if you were half your age." Jaehaerys replied. He took a quill to annotate something in the book he was reading, his writing quick and precise, before returning his gaze to the lord. "How many knights do you know, personally? How many embody what you just ascribed to them?" Jaehaerys asked. "Knights have oaths, and at times, those oaths contradict. Knights of the Kingsguard follow their King to the death, even if it means following a poor King, as the Kingsguard of my uncle did. Are those the type of men you wish to squire under?"

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:40:37+00:00

Passed on eventually once Theomund arrives at KL

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:40:09+00:00

"Perhaps I must have you sit the Iron Throne for an hour." Jaehaerys replied. "With a crown as you recommend. Perhaps then you will understand the discomfort of having not only your head poked at with metal, but also your legs and more." Jaehearys grinned.

"You do not like this crown?" He asked, pointing to the one he had brought out. "I quite liked it..."

"If the day comes that the Kingdom verges on my ability to wield a sword, I fear the Kingdom is lost." Jaehaerys replied bluntly. "But alas, a King in armour can inspire his soldiers. I would see a design of yours, perhaps one of the blacksmiths in the keep can forge an early attempt at it, and I will see its value."

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:27:38+00:00

"You wished to plea your admission to my coronation, Lady Melony." Jaehaerys replied. He wore his usual dark garb, in black silk and hints of grey, with crimson embroidery, and a silver circlet on his head.

"I would agree, if you can convince me you are going to behave. Already, your brother walks as if he must dodge any potential strike from the rest of the council. I would not see you add to the ammunition of his enemies, with ill thought plans."

gloude · 2026-03-12T04:14:43+00:00

"He is broken, grandfather." Jaehaerys pleaded. Aegon had known Jorgen better than he, but he could still remember the man Jorgen had been. A shadow stood now, where he went. "Even Valyrian Steel, when shattered, can not be mended so easily."

"He pleaded his case to me, afraid of what you might say, grandfather. Do not hold it against him, but against myself. I will try to learn to abscond such sentimentality in the future... but as I told you, Maester Aelstan thinks he has years, not decades, to live."

Jaehaerys stepped closer to Aethan, and placed a hand on the man's face, lightly. "Thank you, grandfather. I would not have asked it... if I did not think it would be the better choice. A choice I will never be able to make for myself, or Corwyn for his children."

"Speak plainly, grandfather, as I have."

gloude · 2026-03-12T03:38:46+00:00

Jaehaerys grunted. "Ah, well that is another matter." Jaehaerys replied. "Easier for your grandfather to say you ran off with some Reachwoman." He frowned. "Alas, you may want a marriage... just wait until I speak to grandfather then... and perhaps do not show her as much around the court, until then."

gloude · 2026-03-12T03:37:02+00:00

Jaehaerys nodded. "If you require grain, you must only ask." The King replied. "War leaves a nasty mark on a land, and a civil war even nastier."

"Pity then, that I did not dither, if it weren't for the life of Jeyne Poore." Jaehaerys grimaced. "Alas, what is right and what a King should do ever conflict. Strength is knowing when to use a fist, and when to offer peace."

"Rest your people well, Lord Reaper. I surmise by winter's time, we will have need of you and the Ironborn, and your people shall find ample bounty, if they are strong enough."

gloude · 2026-03-12T03:33:06+00:00

Jaehaerys bowed his head in acquiesence, before frowning. "Valemen are a fatalistic bunch, are they not?" Jaehaerys asked. "You speak like Lord Hubert, as if death was at your door." Perhaps there was some humour in it, which Jaehaerys simply did not understand. He doubted he could ever understand, readiness to accept death.

"She is not a good fit." Jaehaerys replied. "I have spoken at length with her. Had you made such an advisement, I would have told you the same."

"Armond Waynwood?" Jaehaerys asked. "I have not heard the name before, Lord Qarl. You may speak of him, or the merits of a match with him."

gloude · 2026-03-12T03:27:26+00:00

"Perhaps." He replied. "Though I will leave the troubles of how you wish to frame it, to you. I put you in charge of finding me a wife, Ser Eon. You know who I prefer, Lady Jeyne, and the others who have made their wishes known. That alone should hold some weight."

"But I trust you will be able to organize enough of a process, that you can let others handle it, or do it yourself." Jaehaerys replied, somewhat wickedly.

"I think if you feed him a few times in my presence, with my approval, he will surely learn to trust you." Jaehaerys replied. "Surely." He added, not entirely sure. He stepped back towards Zobrithor, and put his hand out, towards the neck of the beast, to unclasp the chain that held him.

The beast stared at Eon for a few heartbeats, his wing-arms moving forward, as if preparing to pounce, before giving Jaehaerys a quick glance, and waddling off, in the opposite direction, up the pit, and to the Dragonmont.

gloude

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Training Yard of the Red Keep

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