Difference between revisions of "HoMChronCorr2"

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* [[HoMChronCorr2-1|Between Book One & Book Two]]
 
* [[HoMChronCorr2-1|Between Book One & Book Two]]
 
* [[HoMChronCorr2-2|Between Story Four: The Bladeraven & Story Five: Rivergard Feast]]
 
* [[HoMChronCorr2-2|Between Story Four: The Bladeraven & Story Five: Rivergard Feast]]
=After Story Five: Rivergard Feast=
+
* [[HoMChronCorr2-3|Between Story Five: Rivergard Feast & Interlude: The Greysteel Knight]]
==From Lord Emeryk Graben, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
+
=After Interlude: The Greysteel Knight=
Dearest Mother-
+
==From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to House Graben==
 +
To House Graben
  
I send you greetings from King's Landing. Please don't be too upset at me for not writing sooner. As you can imagine, helping Lord Renly's household get set up here is a full-time endeavor, and I'm forced to spend my time getting to know the city and those who live here over sitting in my cramped quarters writing letters.
+
It is with greatest joy that I announce the wedding of my son and heir, Ser Brice Willum, to the good Lady Amara Blackwood of Raventree.
  
I'll have to be brief. The city really is as wonderful as I've heard, and the Red Keep is even moreso. There is plenty to keep me busy here besides my duties - some of the best knights Westeros has to offer can be found here. I've had the pleasure of meeting Ser Barristan Selmy, who is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. And even at his age, I've watched him best six fine knights at once! He truly is a marvel. He also treats me kindly; the other knights say he has some left over affection for those of Valyrian blood. Whatever the cause, he is a good man and worthy knight.
+
Please join us at the beginning of the second week of the eighth month to see Brice and Amara joined in the sight of the Seven in the small sept at Waxworth. From there, they shall lead a processional down the road to Sweet Heath that the smallfolk may greet and congratulate them along the way.  
  
Which brings me to a concern. Though father and Ser Ulwyck did their best, I do wish that they'd instilled in us a bit stronger affinity for the knightly traditions. I never thought they were terribly important (indeed, I remember being dismissive of Brice thinking of them as such), but now that I'm here, in the world, among others, I can see how naive that view was. You know I respect Ser Ulwyck's skill at arms and loyalty to father, but it might be time to start looking towards a master-at-arms who can train the boys of Marrowmont in skill at riding, mother, and at wielding the lance.
+
The processional shall end in the ancient godswood on the edge of Sweet Heath where - per the customs of Lady Amara's home House - Brice and Amara shall once again speak their vows before the Old Gods kept by House Blackwood. A great feast shall follow back at Threeswords.
  
Those are my thoughts at the moment. Please forgive my brevity, and know that I love you. Give Minisa, Alysa and Lyle my love as well.
+
A celebratory tourney shall be held for our guests over the next two days, to celebrate the unions of Houses Blackwood and Willum, and to wish great joy and prosperity to Brice and Amara's marriage. Pavilion space is even now being prepared for this event, and we pray that we may count on your attendance.
  
I remain,<br>
+
With joyous regards,<br>
Your Son,<br>
+
Lord Fenkirk & Lady Aldia Willum of Threeswords
Lord Emeryk Graben of Marrowmont
+
===From Lady Isalaine Graben, to Lord Fenkirk Willum===
 +
Dear Lord Garland,
  
==From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
+
I am eager as well to join you for the Silver Festival and am excited to make Ser Hodmars acquaintance. Laswell is also excited to see you, he misses you very much but is doing very well here at Marrowmont.  I look forward meeting  you once again.
To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben,<br>
 
Greetings.
 
  
I am writing to confirm the arrival of your party to Gryphmont mid-month. We always celebrate the Silver Festival at the height of the full moon, and with the knowledge it us upon us, I write to say that I hope that we can look forward to hosting you and your House among us as we celebrate. If there is anything we can do help facilitate your journey or stay here, please do not hesitate to ask.
+
Lady Isalaine Graben of Marrowmont<br>
 +
Penned by the hand of Maester Tolbric
  
~Garland Kraedmyr of Grypmont
+
==From Lord Beric Dondarrion, to House Graben==
 +
To Lord Emeryk Graben of Marrowmont,<br>
 +
I sent greetings.
  
As scribed by the hand of Maester Ambrosine
+
Please be aware that I shall finally be visiting Marrowmont, at the onset of the sixth month of this year. I beg forgiveness for keeping you waiting, but the advisory progression down the Boneway has taken longer than anticipated. I deeply regret any inconvenience this has cause, and beg your indulgence for a short while longer.
===Response from Lady Isalaine Graben===
 
To Lord Kraedmyr - <br>
 
Yes, we would love to come for the Silver Festival. If a bit of space could be made for our maester it would be appreciated. Also, would you like for us to bring Laswell with us to visit? Ser Ulwyck is staying at Marrowmont.
 
  
All my best,<br>
+
I shall be arriving with a small contingent of soldiers and household knights. We shall not tax your hospitality unduly, though I crave forgiveness for the number of them. I am not returning to Stormhaven after visiting your seat, but am instead headed directly to King's Landing to join Lord Renly's court for a handful of months there.
Lady Isalaine
 
===Response from Lord Garland Kraedmyr===
 
Lady Isalaine -<br>
 
We of course will have plenty of space for whomever of your household you should bring with you, maester or otherwise. And I admit it would be a great kindness for both myself and my wife to see Laswell again. Though it has only been a few short months, we do miss him. You are very kind to do so. We look forward to seeing you come festival-time, then.
 
  
~Garland Kraedmyr of Gryphmont
+
Penned by my own Hand,<br>
 +
Beric Dondarrion<br>
 +
Lord of Blackhaven<br>
 +
Warden of the Dornish Marches
 +
==From Amara Blackwood, to Brice Willum==
 +
''Sealed Private''<br>
 +
My dearest Brice-
  
==From Lady Aldia Velt, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
+
It is done. My father and our maester have proudly announced to Raventree that the negotiations with your father have been concluded. The wedding is set for the eighth month at Threeswords, and will be done in first a sept and then a godswood (there is apparently an old godswood at the edge of Willum domain that no one really remembers all that well, though it only has an old elm for a heart-tree). I overheard father speaking of my pregnancy to the maester, as well. Any other father would have been horrified and scandalized. Not mine - apparently, he managed to actually reduce the dowry your House expects from mine, citing the impropriety of our dalliance together and the potential damage to my virtue. Infuriating man.
Blessed Lady Isalaine~
 
  
I shall be brief, as I know you are busy tending to the running of your household. While we were both deeply concerned about recent events which led to the severe injury of my son, Ser Quayle, he was very clear to write to us to tell us of the quick thinking and tremendous skill of your maester.
+
Speaking of my growing belly, things progress apace on that front. Though I'm not showing any signs yet physically, I am definitely with child. I've been battling bouts of hideous nausea and various unsettling other maladies that no one ever warned me about when discussing the "blessing of childhood." I suspect if they told girls what they might truly expect, mankind might die out in a single generation. Suffice to say that by the time we are reunited, I shall be very glad to be over the worst of it, and with mostly fatness to look forward to.
  
Please communicate to him our deepest thanks and affection, and know that should you, your House or your maester have aught of need from House Velt, it shall be yours, should it be within our power to do so. Your compassion did not just save a knight of Lord Swann's household, but the heir of Owlkeep as well. We do not forget such debts.
+
My dreams are strange these days. The line between dreams of the green sort and the normal kind are blurrier these days - something to do with being pregnant, I suspect. My gammer says that all women come closer to dreaming true when they are pregnant, but I don't know how much credence I put into that. I suspect they are mostly fears and the strange humors that overtake women when they are gravid: my dreams are full of dragons and war, of shadows that wear the shape of men stalking the Stormlands and myriad other unpleasantries.
  
May the Seven keep you and yours,<br>
+
I even dreamt that a great giant, terrible pale and faceless, rampaged through Marrowmont. In his rage, he kicked over walls and smashed soldiers and smallfolk. It was horrible.
Lady Aldia Velt
 
===Response from Lady Isalaine===
 
Lady Velt -<br>
 
I hope Ser Quayle is doing well. It is with my deepest regrets that such a situation had to happen in the first place. Should you ever have need of us please let us know. If you would still like us to foster Marshall with us, we would gladly take him in in about six months, when we return from the Reach.
 
  
May the Seven bless your home,<br>
+
Forgive the turn this letter has taken - I intended to keep it light. I do long for the time when we can be together again. The short time I had in your arms and in your bed haunt me, in that I wish nothing more than to be back there once again. I pray the gods speed these days past, that we may be once more.
Lady Isalaine
 
  
==From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
+
With all my love and longing,<br>
To Lady Isalaine Graben<br>
+
Your Amara
Lady of House Graben and Regent of Marrowmont<br>
 
My Lady -<br>
 
  
I hope this letter finds you and yours in the best of health. In recent days, I received a message from Lord Tytos Blackwood, asking to open a discussion on the possibility of marrying his daughter Amara to my son, Brice. He mentioned to me that your House hosted his heir and eldest daughter as they established one of their renowned bowyers in your household; congratulations on such an acquisition, by the way - it is to be envied.
+
===Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Amara Blackwood===
 +
''Sealed Private''<br>
 +
My Treasure, Amara,
  
He mentioned to me that Amara and Brice seemed to have formed a connection of some sort, and that his daughter has interest. If Brice is truly interested, and was not simply being cordial, I should very much like to see this marriage occur between them. House Blackwood is an old and revered House of the Riverlands, and though they do not hold to the Seven (a concern mostly to my wife, in truth), they would make tremendous allies for our House.
+
News of our parents' agreement has reached here as well, and I could not have wished for better.  The day that we are together again cannot come soon enough. I'm also eager to see with my own eyes our burgeoning child, and I grieve that you can't be with me already that I might help you through these early struggles. Frankly, our Maester Tolbric's arts could likely make one almost forget the struggles of pregnancy all together, and I will be more at ease with you under his care.  There is no better attendant for our child.
  
To that end, I am writing to you, my Lady for two reasons. The first is to issue my thanks - were it not for your efforts, Brice would not have met her. Secondly, however, I write to ask a favor. Should we manage to make such marriage a reality, I would humbly ask that we be allowed to host the wedding ceremony itself.  
+
It's unfortunate that Lord Tytos used our little joy against my father, but I'm hopeful he will not be wroth. Money is only money, after all, but the union of our Houses holds much more promise. I'm certain my father sees the value in that, if nothing else.  And he doesn't even know the true gifts you bring to our House.
  
I know he is your ward, and you or your duly chosen representatives should be permitted to come along with whatever military forces you feel are appropriate to see that he returns with you. Despite being your ward, however, I would like to honor my firstborn and heir with a proper celebration, worthy of the union. It would permit the marriage to occur in a manner befitting my House's legacy, and would also divest you of the responsibility of paying for the union yourself.
+
Minisa has had terrifying dreams of late, as well.  Dead and wounded men laid out on funeral slabs, shrouded in gray or red. I'm told she awakens in extreme fright over them.  It pains me to say it, but we might do well to not regard these images too lightly.  It could be there is real danger ahead of us.  All the more reason to have you here with me. As to my own nights, they have been blessedly undisturbed.
  
I eagerly and gratefully await your response. Aldia sends her love, as do the twins.
+
But enough of that.  Let us instead look to our days in the sun.  To see you again, and in my own lands, as well, will prove one of the best days of my life.
  
~Lord Fenkirk Willum Lord of Threeswords
+
Ah, this does bring a matter to mind.  Lady Isalaine has appealed to my mother to help place Alysa at Highgarden.  They have decided between the two of them to make a grand trip out of it all.  After our wedding at Threeswords, we will travel with both Ladies to Highgarden, and sail from there to Oldtown.  Minisa has been courted of late by Ser Garth Hightower, and besides she believes there might be much useful knowledge to be gained in Oldtown.  After that, we are to sail back to the Vale.
  
Writ by the hand of Maester Heire.
+
So, I suppose this is my way of saying, come prepared for a bit of an adventure. I will ensure that Maester Tolbric accompanies us, that any rigors of the road will not pose any danger to your good health. In the meantime, I pray to the Seven, and Old Gods, too, to keep you safe in their hands.
===Response from Lady Isalaine===
 
Lord Willum -<br>
 
I am very glad that Brice and Amara became so close over the course of our trip to Rivergard. Amara is a lovely girl and will make a perfect wife for Brice and a good Lady for your House. We would be glad to let you host the wedding and we are all excited to see the union of these two young people. If we could plan the wedding for four months hence, we shall gladly be there. I am glad that we can work together on this. And I hope that one day we may call each other friends.  
 
  
All my love to Aldia and the twins. Alysa and Minisa send theirs as well.
+
With All Love,<br>
 +
Brice
  
Hope to hear from you soon,<br>
+
Writ by my own hand
Lady Isalaine Graben of Marrowmont
 
===Response from Lord Fenkirk Willum===
 
Lady Isalaine -<br>
 
Thank you for acquiescing to holding Brice's wedding ceremony here. It means a great deal to Aldia. We shall certainly attempt to see that the wedding is held in the time table you suggest, although we must of course take everyone's needs into consideration. I feel that the seventh month of the year would work well for us, as well. Let us hope that Lord Tytos Blackwood feels the same.
 
  
~Lord Fenkirk Willum Lord of Threeswords
+
==From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
 +
To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben,<br>
 +
Greetings.
  
Writ by the hand of Maester Heire.
+
The time for the Silver Festival is upon us, and with it comes a visit from your House. I would be a terrible liar if I said we weren't eager for your arrival - it has been many a year since Gryphmont has had visitors from another House.
  
==From Ser Alwyn Wachstrom, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
+
I am sending along my brother and sister to meet you at the borders to our lands. I believe your ward has met my sister Ashei before, at the tourney. My brother Ser Hodmar has not had the pleasure of your acquaintance, however, and is eager to make it. They will guide you back to Gryphmont. We often see heavy summer rains this time of year, and the paths through the Elibara Valley into Gryphmont proper can be treacherous.
Lady Isalaine -
 
  
I am writing this short missive - permission for which was difficult to acquire, and unlikely to be granted again - to inform you that I have arrived safely at Eastwatch-by-Sea, and will be making the overland journey to Castle Black, there to be inducted into the Night's Watch fully.
+
Until we meet once more in person.
  
Please give my sister and brother my love, and tell them that I am safe. I am forbidden from communicating with them directly, and am unable to do so myself. I also thank you for your love and guidance while I was growing up. You were very like a mother to me, even up to the very end, in working so hard to see that Lord Swann chose not to execute me, though the law would have supported his decisions to do so.
+
~Garland Kraedmyr of Gryphmont
  
Finally, please also give my affection to Brice. I shall think of him fondly and often, and remember well our care-free days together.
+
As scribed by the hand of Maester Ambrosine
 
 
Bless you, and may the Seven smile on you and your family.
 
 
 
Ser Alwyn Wachstrom of the Night's Watch
 
 
 
==From Ser Garth Hightower, to Minisa Graben==
 
To Minisa Graben
 
I bid you fair health and greetings
 
 
 
Forgive me for the brevity of this letter, my lady, but words in ink have never been my strong suit. I prefer to speak directly one-to-one.
 
  
To that end, however, I have asked to accompany Maester Edelmore, the new maester for House Swann, on his journey by ship to his new service in Stonehelm. If it is permitted, I would be very happy to visit Marrowmont once more. We will be arriving at the end of next month.
+
==From Lord Gulian Swann, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
 +
Lainey,<br>
 +
Forgive me for not having written in so long.
  
I eagerly await your response.
+
You know I've always been a terrible correspondent. Old Bladeraven used to handle most of my letters - that miserable bastard knew me so well, he would read our letters, compose a reply and then present the reply to me at dinner to approve. The was a traitor, but damn me if he didn't make my life easier. I do like our new Maester Edelmore, though. The man's a fine healer and plays the lute as well.
  
Ser Garth Hightower
+
Which is excellent news because Beony is pregnant, by the Seven! Truth be told, neither of us expected to be parents again, Lainey - we simply assumed that we'd marry and live to be old together. Clearly the Seven had other things in mind for us. She is due at the end of the year, and has asked me to approach you about being with her during her lying-in month. She quite likes you, and I suspect she would love for Branna to be there, as well.
  
Writ by the hand of Maester Denmus of the High Tower
+
I've had news from Balon in King's Landing, as an aside. As expected, he is making quite a spectacle of himself. Having participated in some local tourneys around the Crownlands, his skills and knightly virtues have been noticed. I mention this not to brag, but to give you some of his news. He of course spends much of his time with Emeryk, and had some interesting news.
  
===Response From Minisa Graben, to Ser Garth Hightower===
+
It seems that Lady Aldia Velt is in King's Landing for some reason or another - Balon mentioned that they were possibly visiting family, though to the best of my knowledge Lady Aldia doesn't have any kin in the city. One thing is for certain, however. Lady Aldia's daughter, Pramia, is with her, and according to Balon she and Emeryk have taken to spending quite a lot of time together. Balon is concerned for Emeryk's virtue (bless my poor innocent knight of a son), although he does have a point. If Pramia has set her eyes on Emeryk, it is easy enough for two young people to manufacture a reason to marry in order to satisfy propriety, as I'm sure you and your late Waltyr could well attest. Reason enough to be wary, I suppose.
  
To Ser Garth Hightower
+
I also hear that you'll be attending the wedding of Brice to a Blackwood girl. Lainey, if you must permit this marriage, that's fine. But I think it's foolhardy for you to go to Threeswords. That is outside of my reach, and beyond my protection. Who knows what kind of vengeance Lord Willum might feel like exacting for his son's captors? Even if he lets you go, who says he will permit his son to depart with you again? Let's face it: once Brice is back in Threeswords, he'd be a fool to let him go back with you, Lainey. In addition to his own House's defenses, he'll have just married the daughter of a powerful Riverlands House well known for the skill of their archers. I urge you to reconsider this course of action. Hells, we can hold the wedding in Helmport, if you like. Just don't go beyond the Boneway where I can't protect you, sister.
I bid you fair health and greetings.  
 
  
I welcome your visit at Marrowmont, and am looking forward to seeing you again. I have thought of you often since we met. I have informed my Lady Mother of your intended trip to Marromont, and I know that she would be delighted to host you under less stressful and rushed circumstances.
+
I remain,
 +
Your Loving Brother,
 +
Lord Gulian Swann,
 +
Warden of the Marchwater Vale,
 +
Lord of House Swann
  
Please be aware that my Family is scheduled to visit House Krademyr at Gryphmont, this upcoming month. I do not believe that this will coincide with your visit, but if it does please seek us out at Gryphmont. I will inform them of the possibility that you might be joining us in our visit there.
+
By the hand of Maester Edelmore
  
I wish you a safe journey as you travel to Stonehelm and Marromont. 
+
==From Lady Ravella Blackwood, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
 +
Dear Lainey-
  
Minisa Graben,
+
I'm so very cross with you! I've been waiting positively ages to hear from you, and you of all people know how terrible I am at being patient.
  
By my own Hand.
+
I shall immediately rescind my wroth, of course, as soon as you tell me when you are visiting King's Landing, and when I can expect you here in Acorn Hall. I have so many preparations to make. You must have Minisa tell me which of the young men I suggested in my previous letter she'd like to meet. The more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned!
  
==From Ser Courtnay Penrose, to Minisa Graben==
+
Honestly, Lainey. It's as though you don't take this whole marriage thing seriously.  
To Minisa Graben,<br>
 
I send you fondest greetings.
 
  
I pray that this letter finds you in fine spirits and health, Minisa. As I'm sure your mother has made you aware, in my last letter to her, I asked her permission to possibly begin discussions about the possibility of you and I being wed.
+
With love, but a touch of frustration as well,<br>
 +
Ravella Smallwood of Acorn Hall
  
I have been remiss in not writing to you directly sooner, but I fear with the absence of Lord Renly from Storm's End, the job of castellan has suddenly increased its demands of my time. I've had precious little time to spend doing any of the things I enjoy so. Indeed, I have had no time to even visit the library here!
+
===Response from Minisa Graben, to Lady Ravella Blackwood===
  
At the risk of embarrassing one or both of us, I will admit that I have begun to avoid the library for another reason, however. A short time after you left, I realized that part of my pleasure in its dusty recesses was the knowledge that if I was truly lucky, I might run into you there, browsing the shelves with a growing stack of books in your hands. The thought that I might never again find you there, that we might never again exchange looks to see what one another had chosen and to talk about them, has simply proven to be too terribly lonely.
+
Dear Aunt Ravella,<br>
  
I am a pragmatic man, Minisa, as well you know. I don't have much experience with sentimentality and romance, but I find that loneliness has not abated since you left, but only grown. Imagine my shock at that realization. I know what the others in Lord Renly's court liked to call me. I believe Ser Guyard Morrigen was the one who coined the nickname "Ink-for-Blood" for me, which I never objected to because I knew to some degree he was right. Where other knights are passionate, I am calm. Where they are given to anger and lust and acts of heroism, I simply seek calm and order and a well-run domain.
+
Mother shared your letter with me and I decided to write you directly. We have been absolutely dreadful and not kept you at all current on events here in Marromont. There has been a great deal of excitement around here and many thorny problems that needed resolving.  
  
I know my limitations, Minisa, and I should not blame you if you found them unbecoming. But that lonely ache compelled me to bare my soul to you here, to even dare to ask the question of you, because if I did not, I would wear that regret like a millstone about my neck for the rest of my days.
+
First, a piece of wonderful news, Ser Bryce is engaged to marry Amara Blackwood. They met while she was here with her brother establishing a bowyer in Marrowmont. It seems that they were quite taken with each other. Their families have now agreed to a marriage. This means that our travel plans have changed. Instead of going to Kings Landing, we are headed to Threeswords to attend the wedding. From there we intend to visit Highgarden and then Oldtown. I am sure that your attendance at the wedding would be greatly welcomed.  
  
I love you, Minisa, and I feel that we two would be very good for one another. I do not see your will and intellect as things to be navigated around, as so many husbands will, but as things to cherish about you. I look into the future for us, and see prosperity for our families, and children who are terribly clever with we two as their parents.
+
Which bring me to my next bit of news, my own prospects for marriage. I have received two offers already, both of which seem to have potential. The first is from Ser Courtnay Penrose, the Steward of Storm’s End. In case you are not familiar with him, he is the heir to House Penrose. He has written to my mother and asked her permission to court me and ask for my hand in marriage. The second potential proposal is from Ser Garth Hightower. He has not asked for my hand as of yet, but we have discussed that he wishes to do so. Before this happens he would like for me to meet Lord Hightower. I suspect that he wants us to meet so that Lord Hightwoer will understand why his son wants to marry a daughter of a house of less renown then his own.  
  
I do not expect you to love me in return. Not yet. I only ask to be allowed to attempt to persuade you of my worth, in what will undoubtedly be my own clumsy way, and I pray that you can come to regard me with but a tenth of the affection I regard you with.
+
Aunt Ravella, I would love to hear your opinion on both of these men. I would also love to hear of any good prospects that you might be aware of.  
 
 
Your loyal and loving servant,<br>
 
Ser Courtnay Penrose,<br>
 
Steward of Storm's End<br>
 
Heir of House Penrose<br>
 
 
 
 
 
===Response From Minisa Graben, to Ser Courtnay Penrose===
 
 
 
==From Amara Blackwood, to Ser Brice Willum==
 
 
 
''Marked Private''<br>
 
Dearest Brice -
 
 
 
I've some news, some of it wonderful. As we'd talked about before, I suspect I am on the verge of seeing one of my dreams come to pass. My flower is late, sufficiently so that I am more than certain that I carry our child. While this is good news, of course, I fear that my good father employed one of my lady's maids (a meek and Seven-haunted little thing without a backbone to speak of) as a spy. He learned fairly quickly, and it was a short conversation or two with my brother to bring him to some understanding about the situation.
 
 
 
Though he is not angry (as I've been clear about my intentions regarding children from a very young age), he has gone ahead and written some letters, including one to your father proposing a discussion about marriage between you and I.
 
 
 
I know I told you that I would be content to raise a child myself. I consider bastardy to be no great heresy as the Andals do; I know several fine folk who bear the name Rivers. But Brynden came to me to discuss father's intentions, and he brought up a fair point. There are damned few men I've ever met that I'd consider marrying - I should be expected to hide too much of who I am. But you and I are different. We understand one another, I think, and not only accept that, but celebrate it.
 
 
 
In short, my knucklehead of a brother made me realize that should I marry anyone, you would be the only one I would do so with joy.
 
 
 
So I bring this to you. I do not seek to force you into anything, not by our time together, nor the babe I'll bear in a handful of moons from now. If you say yes, say it only because doing so might bring you joy.
 
 
 
We shall let our fathers discuss plans, celebrations and dowries, if you please. I have no stomach for any of it. Say only that you wish to make me happy, and to allow me to make you happy. I need or want nothing else.
 
 
 
If you cannot, please say so honestly and quickly. Our friendship shall not suffer for it, and we can then decide how to frame our refusal to wed.
 
 
 
I await your answer.
 
 
 
In deepest affection,<br>
 
Amara
 
 
 
===Response From Ser Brice Willum, to Amara Blackwood===
 
 
 
''Marked Private''<br>
 
Dearest Amara,
 
 
 
You needn't be concerned that any of your news be greeted with anything but joy.  I had many reservations at our first meeting, but your kind and patient hand has guided me through many of them.  I had little hope of finding a woman who could prove such a fine match in so many ways, but it appears our meeting was blessed, after all.  There is much I treasure in you, and hope to find more such riches in days to come.  And I, too, am grateful that we can accept each other with full knowledge of and no rancor over our eccentricities.  I'm also pleased to learn Brynden could speak such good sense.
 
 
 
My father has already written me concerning our match, and he seems enthusiastic, a good sign, indeed.  Lord Tytos's haste in the matter hasn't gone unnoticed, but my father will have no qualms in joining us together with speed.  I welcome it, as it will allow us to settle the matter and have you by my side all the sooner. Lady Isalaine can be depended on to see to our best interests, as well.  Although I still mourn for Lord Waltyr's passing, it has allowed me to grow closer to her, for which I am grateful.  Following the wedding, we shall have to content ourselves with Kraymun's Tower, but as I hope you've seen in your time spent there, it has its charms.  Charms which a woman's hand, no doubt, can increase.  Though I'll venture to say I have some good taste in those areas myself, if you find yourself bored by such household matters.
 
 
 
I would also like to extend my apologies for the circumstances under which we last parted company.  These have been hard times for me.  Alwyn is my dearest friend, and, indeed, he shepherded me into manhood.  His loss cast a deep pall over your final days with me.  Your letter was the first bit of light and comfort I've had since.  It seems one era is to end while another begins.
 
 
 
But not without its consequences.  Any further teachings your family can provide in the ways of the Old Gods would be welcome, though I understand these matters are cloaked in mystery.  I believe Maester Tolbric and Minisa will be helpful in these endeavors, as well.  Perhaps in the tower, you and I both can come into our full power.  I am a man of ambition, my love, and with you by my side, I will feel ready to secure our future.
 
 
 
With All Love,<br>
 
Brice
 
  
==From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to Ser Brice Willum==
+
Your loving niece, <br>
To Ser Brice Willum<br>
+
Minisa Graben <br>
Steward of House Graben and Heir of House Willum<br>
+
By My Own Hand
My Son -<br>
 
  
I have received an interesting missive from Lord Tytos Blackwood. He indicates that you and his daughter met in recent days, and seemed to have formed a bond of affection. In his brusque fashion, he has asked to open negotiations for a marriage between you and his Amara.
+
==From Lana Blanchard, to Ser Brice Willum==
 +
To Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords,<br>
 +
I send fondest greetings and hopes for your good health and good spirits.
  
He does seem to require that this be done in a rapid fashion, however, asking to resolve the question in a matter of weeks, if possible. Is there something about your interactions with Amara that I should know about? I should very much hate to be surprised during these negotiations.
+
We have all heard the blessed news, my lord. Pray accept my deepest congratulations on your upcoming wedding from everyone at Blanchard estate. We all pray to the Seven for your continuing happiness and the fruitfulness of your line.
  
I am proud of you for taking our previous conversation seriously. In all honesty, your insistence on finding a bride of high status was wiser than my insistence on a Graben wife - in thirty years, no one will remember the handful of years you spent in Marrowmont, but our descendants will benefit from a union with such a renowned House as the Blackwoods for generations to come.
+
I spoke recently with your lord father and lady mother, my lord, and they bid me contact you directly. Your lord father mentioned that you sought a squire from your home lands. Though my own dear husband, Ser Gertyn, is dead almost five full years now, my lord, my son Tomas is quite tall and strong. I'd despaired of him being able to follow in his father's footsteps - he was too young to take to squire before his father died, though he served as a page at Threeswords since he was old enough to see over the high table there.  
  
~Lord Fenkirk Willum
+
Your lord father has suggested that Tomas might make a good squire for you. He is thirteen years, his manners have prospered greatly under your lady mother's tutelage and the master-at-arms says he holds a blade quite naturally. I hope I am not being too presumptuous writing to you, my lord. I know it is usually the father's duty to find a knight to squire for his son, but poor Tomas has only me to do such things. If you desire to meet Tomas to adjudge for yourself his fitness, I can send him directly to you at Marrowmont. Or if you have enough to tend to at the moment, perhaps he can meet you after your wedding.
  
===Response From Ser Brice Willum, to Lord Fenkirk Willum===
+
While at table with your noble parents, my lord, I also heard that you were seeking a cook well-trained in the kitchen arts of the Reach. If I may be so bold, I should like to offer you the services of my own kitchen woman Welsa. She is a fine cook and would do any household very proud. She often helps in the kitchen at Threeswords when there are great feasts planned. Once Tomas is off to serve with some knight, I will be in the Blanchard house on my own. I'm a simple woman, and have no need for the services of such a magnificent cook, and it would do my heart good to know she was in service to the heir of House Willum, my lord. Do consider it. I can send her to you as soon as you deem, of course.
  
To Lord Fenkirk Willum of Threeswords<br>
+
I pray that you are happy and content, even so far from your right and true home, my lord.
Greetings, Father.
 
  
I am overjoyed to hear of Lord Tytos's missive.  Amara and some of her family did visit Marrowmont recently, as he has said.  I negotiated with the Blackwoods to secure one of their master bowyers for House Graben, which occasioned their visit.  I was hoping the deal would result in a friendship between myself and the Blackwoods, and it yielded more than I could have hoped.
+
Blessings of the Seven,
 +
Mistress Lana Blanchard of Blanchard House
  
Amara and I grew very close in her time at Marrowmont, and she and I both welcome a union of our Houses.  If you'll forgive me for being frank, we came to know each other quite intimately, which might explain Lord Tytos's haste.  You needn't fear any claims of dishonor, however, we both entered into our relationship with full consideration of the future.  Amara is a fine woman, quite beautiful, intelligent, and self-possessed.  She will make a more than worthy Lady Willum, and I, too, welcome the prestige she brings with her.  I'm glad you are well pleased in the match.
+
===Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Mistress Lana Blanchard===
 +
To Mistress Lana Blanchard of Blanchard House,<br>
 +
I send greetings,
  
In fact, I had intended to write to you concerning the possibility of a marriage, but events here at Marrowmont have again been hectic and laced with tragedyPerhaps this wedding will provide some light for us all.
+
Mistress, it was with great pleasure that I received your letter.  I have been long without contact with any of my family's people, and now I am blessed to have some chance at it.  It seems my lord father has shared my situation with you, and that there is a suitable squire from the Willum lands pleases me.   
  
Concerning your letter from a few months ago, I would like to apologize for giving any impression that I don't take the knightly virtues seriouslyI value your gift of the jousting armor, and though I allowed Elyas to borrow the armor for the wedding tourney, I've kept it as a reminder of your affection and the importance of our family's traditions.  As always, I endeavor to be the truest son I can in my circumstances, as I hope securing this allegiance for our House demonstrates.
+
I have time before my wedding to take some matters to hand, and I should very much like to meet TomasHe sounds a fine boy, and if I can do your family the honor of raising a worthy knight to continue our rightful traditions, I can think of no better reason to take a squirePlease send him to Marrowmont at your earliest convenience.
  
While I have my pen out, I should also say that we are soon to visit House Kraedmyr.  You indicated some interest in finding a friendship with them, and I hope to plant those seeds if it seems prudentThere is still much to discover about them, but so far they have been quite warm to me.
+
Regarding your kitchen woman Welsa, I am pleased with your offer of her services.  A woman who can bring me the feeling of a Reach house will be valued.  I hope that she understands she will have to work in the kitchen of our local inn when she is not attending me, but the folk there are quite kind, and I shall see to her well-being personallyWhen I at last return home to the Reach, she will be handsomely rewarded for her service to me here, and I shall consider myself in the debt of Blanchard House, as well.
  
I remain your dutiful and loving son,<br>
+
Concerning her arrival, I think we need not rush unduly.  I will be happy to take her on at my wedding, but following it, I will be traveling to Highgarden and Oldtown before returning to the Vale.  Is Welsa the type of woman who would welcome inclusion on such a journey, or is it best to have her sent when I return to the Graben lands myself?  I defer to your judgement in this matter.
Ser Brice Willum
 
  
Penned by my own hand
+
Mistress Blanchard, I cannot stress enough my appreciation for your kind offers.  Not only will I benefit greatly from a squire and servant from the Reach, but we can affirm the friendship between House Willum and the Blanchards for the next generation.  I take great solace in being able to do so, even so far from my rightful home.
  
==From Maester Luwin, to Maester Tolbric==
+
The Seven Bless You,<br>
To Maester Tolbric of Marrowmont,
+
Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords
Hail -
 
  
I fondly recall our limited interactions from several years ago. You have quite the head for both history and riddles. In truth, I was gladdened those books went to one such as yourself, for I have no fear that you've cared for them well.
+
Writ by the hand of Maester Tolbric
  
I received word of your appearance from close allies in Old Town. Would you be amenable to a discussion of some sort, regarding your experiences in the final days of your service to House Wisent? It is a point of interest to Lord Stark, as you might imagine, and we have heard tales that we should like to compare with what you have to say.
+
==From Ser Jon Fossoway, to Ser Brice Willum==
 +
To Ser Brice Willum,<br>
 +
I bid greetings.
  
In return for this consideration, I am passing this word of warning on to you. I am not the only one who has received word of your re-appearance. House Balinger's lord, Lord Raunlyr Balinger (whom I believe you knew as Ser Raun Snow) has submitted to the Citadel a protestation of your flight, citing you as derelict in your duties to the masters of Wisenwood, no matter which House that may be. They have submitted a petition asking that the Citadel command you to return to your previous post with all alacrity.
+
Dearest nephew, I've heard that congratulations are in order. My sister, your mother, wrote to tell me the wonderful news, that the first of her children is getting married. Truly an occasion for celebration! Rest assured, I have every intention of winning the small tourney your father is throwing, and have equal intentions of crowning your new bride the Queen of Love & Beauty. I may even steal her away from you!
  
I pray that you have found some measure of peace in your new post. If there is aught I can do to help you retain that peace, please do not hesitate to ask.
+
All jesting aside, I am truly happy for you. It was a terrible injury to your mother's heart when you were taken so cruelly from her away to the Stormlands, and it is a fine thing that you are returning for such an event. Though I bounced you on my knee when you were but a teething babe, I eagerly anticipate coming to know you as the young man you have grown to be.
  
Humbly,
+
In all eagerness,<br>
Maester Luwin of Winterfell
+
Ser Jon Fossoway of Cider Hall
  
==From Maester Tolbric, to Lord Raunlyr Balinger==
+
===Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Ser Jon Fossoway===
"Lord Raunlyr Balinger,
+
To Ser Jon Fossoway,<br>
 +
Warmest greetings,
  
I hope that you and your family are all well.  I had heard rumors only recently confirmed that your house had reclaimed their ancient homeland after the tragic fall of House Wisent at the hands of the barbarian invadersHow fortunate that enough of your noble house had survived the usurpation by the Wisents two generations ago.
+
My uncle, I receive your congratulations with great joy.  I've had so little chance to know all those I should.  My wedding, at least, will allow me to meet once more all those who knew me when I was little, and who are now, sadly, just misty recollections from a long lost childhoodI can only hope that this marks the beginning of the days when I can know again my proper family, even as I begin making my own additions, if the Seven will it.
  
Lord Eddard Stark has requested that I report my knowledge about the fall of House Wisent.  I wanted to extend the courtesy to you first of what I intend to say as it was your homeland that I once served and called my homeHow I miss the cool winds and fragrant forests and the great wheels of cheese that the crofter wives made, although I must admit that my waist does not miss them so much as I do.
+
I, too, eagerly anticipate meeting as menYour attendance at the wedding is news most welcome.
  
My report will be the entire truth from my perspective.  That the House of Wisent had fallen to a conspiracy and raid from the brigands and Ironmen that had been a plague to them for months prior.  It was terrible.  I was witness to the tragedy and saw the household I had served cut down before my eyes.  I fled for my life as it was clear from the butchery and their prior assaults that they held the title and role of Maester in no esteem.
+
With all hope for the future,<br>
 +
Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords
  
How fortunate for Wisenwood that you and your siblings lived on and were able to claim the fallen house before the land fell into chaos at the hands of the barbarians.
+
Writ by my own hand
  
I have since been assigned to a new house, far away from the North in the Stormlands.  Otherwise I would gladly raise my candidacy to the Citadel to fill that role again.  It would be nice to return to the wood.  There is a vibrant flower, I think it's called a cats tongue, that has the sweetest aroma.  You should ask your sister, Saria, about it.  She was very fond of them.  I am very happy to hear that she had survived the attack.  She was always most clever.  I suggest that you contact the Citadel and seek a new Maester, one who is obviously better suited to your needs in the North than I had been.
+
==From Saria Balinger, to Maester Tolbric==
 +
''Marked & Sealed Private''
 +
Well-met once more, Maester Tolbric
  
Please relay my well wishes to the rest of your family.  My heart was gladdened to hear that the Wisenwood was saved and that your good family is there to safeguard it.
+
It seems that between you and I, we are forever using names not our own! I think all such deceptions are behind us now, although the consequences of our actions - and the reasons for them - yet remain, I surmise.
  
I will send my report to the Starks in a week.  
+
Rest assured that though my brother Lord Raunlyr Balinger is fiery and desirous of what he perceives as a final resolution to old problems, all is well in hand here. He has of course seen that it is foolish for him to pursue the acquisition of another maester when we have a perfectly functional and supportive one already to hand.
  
Humbly, Maester Tolbric of Marrowmont."
+
Besides, as a lady, I fear that seeing you again would cause me terrible consternation, reminding me of old horrors and nightmares. I am content to leave the things of the past where they belong. And as long as there are no sudden reminders from either of us, there is no reason it can't remain there, all snug and safe from any harm.
  
...so, Tolbric included a cypher in the message (thus some of the rambling off topic, to emphasize Raunlyr's opinion that the Maester was a bumbling, fat fool that drooled after his sister as well as hide a message to Saria, knowing she'll spot it immediately once she sees the reference to cats tongue.  He was teaching her about cyphers before everything had happened and she was proving a natural with them.  The meaning of the message is simple, "convince your brother that it's in all of our best interest to let the past remain buried & I will keep both our secret and uphold this lie".  Saria was both cunning and charismatic and he is confident that she will be able to convince her brother that it's best to leave it alone.  By "our secret" he clearly means that she had allowed him to escape.
+
Warmest Regards,<br>
 +
Lady Saria Balinger of Wisenwood

Latest revision as of 18:56, 7 December 2013

After Interlude: The Greysteel Knight

From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to House Graben

To House Graben

It is with greatest joy that I announce the wedding of my son and heir, Ser Brice Willum, to the good Lady Amara Blackwood of Raventree.

Please join us at the beginning of the second week of the eighth month to see Brice and Amara joined in the sight of the Seven in the small sept at Waxworth. From there, they shall lead a processional down the road to Sweet Heath that the smallfolk may greet and congratulate them along the way.

The processional shall end in the ancient godswood on the edge of Sweet Heath where - per the customs of Lady Amara's home House - Brice and Amara shall once again speak their vows before the Old Gods kept by House Blackwood. A great feast shall follow back at Threeswords.

A celebratory tourney shall be held for our guests over the next two days, to celebrate the unions of Houses Blackwood and Willum, and to wish great joy and prosperity to Brice and Amara's marriage. Pavilion space is even now being prepared for this event, and we pray that we may count on your attendance.

With joyous regards,
Lord Fenkirk & Lady Aldia Willum of Threeswords

From Lady Isalaine Graben, to Lord Fenkirk Willum

Dear Lord Garland,

I am eager as well to join you for the Silver Festival and am excited to make Ser Hodmars acquaintance. Laswell is also excited to see you, he misses you very much but is doing very well here at Marrowmont. I look forward meeting you once again.

Lady Isalaine Graben of Marrowmont
Penned by the hand of Maester Tolbric

From Lord Beric Dondarrion, to House Graben

To Lord Emeryk Graben of Marrowmont,
I sent greetings.

Please be aware that I shall finally be visiting Marrowmont, at the onset of the sixth month of this year. I beg forgiveness for keeping you waiting, but the advisory progression down the Boneway has taken longer than anticipated. I deeply regret any inconvenience this has cause, and beg your indulgence for a short while longer.

I shall be arriving with a small contingent of soldiers and household knights. We shall not tax your hospitality unduly, though I crave forgiveness for the number of them. I am not returning to Stormhaven after visiting your seat, but am instead headed directly to King's Landing to join Lord Renly's court for a handful of months there.

Penned by my own Hand,
Beric Dondarrion
Lord of Blackhaven
Warden of the Dornish Marches

From Amara Blackwood, to Brice Willum

Sealed Private
My dearest Brice-

It is done. My father and our maester have proudly announced to Raventree that the negotiations with your father have been concluded. The wedding is set for the eighth month at Threeswords, and will be done in first a sept and then a godswood (there is apparently an old godswood at the edge of Willum domain that no one really remembers all that well, though it only has an old elm for a heart-tree). I overheard father speaking of my pregnancy to the maester, as well. Any other father would have been horrified and scandalized. Not mine - apparently, he managed to actually reduce the dowry your House expects from mine, citing the impropriety of our dalliance together and the potential damage to my virtue. Infuriating man.

Speaking of my growing belly, things progress apace on that front. Though I'm not showing any signs yet physically, I am definitely with child. I've been battling bouts of hideous nausea and various unsettling other maladies that no one ever warned me about when discussing the "blessing of childhood." I suspect if they told girls what they might truly expect, mankind might die out in a single generation. Suffice to say that by the time we are reunited, I shall be very glad to be over the worst of it, and with mostly fatness to look forward to.

My dreams are strange these days. The line between dreams of the green sort and the normal kind are blurrier these days - something to do with being pregnant, I suspect. My gammer says that all women come closer to dreaming true when they are pregnant, but I don't know how much credence I put into that. I suspect they are mostly fears and the strange humors that overtake women when they are gravid: my dreams are full of dragons and war, of shadows that wear the shape of men stalking the Stormlands and myriad other unpleasantries.

I even dreamt that a great giant, terrible pale and faceless, rampaged through Marrowmont. In his rage, he kicked over walls and smashed soldiers and smallfolk. It was horrible.

Forgive the turn this letter has taken - I intended to keep it light. I do long for the time when we can be together again. The short time I had in your arms and in your bed haunt me, in that I wish nothing more than to be back there once again. I pray the gods speed these days past, that we may be once more.

With all my love and longing,
Your Amara

Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Amara Blackwood

Sealed Private
My Treasure, Amara,

News of our parents' agreement has reached here as well, and I could not have wished for better. The day that we are together again cannot come soon enough. I'm also eager to see with my own eyes our burgeoning child, and I grieve that you can't be with me already that I might help you through these early struggles. Frankly, our Maester Tolbric's arts could likely make one almost forget the struggles of pregnancy all together, and I will be more at ease with you under his care. There is no better attendant for our child.

It's unfortunate that Lord Tytos used our little joy against my father, but I'm hopeful he will not be wroth. Money is only money, after all, but the union of our Houses holds much more promise. I'm certain my father sees the value in that, if nothing else. And he doesn't even know the true gifts you bring to our House.

Minisa has had terrifying dreams of late, as well. Dead and wounded men laid out on funeral slabs, shrouded in gray or red. I'm told she awakens in extreme fright over them. It pains me to say it, but we might do well to not regard these images too lightly. It could be there is real danger ahead of us. All the more reason to have you here with me. As to my own nights, they have been blessedly undisturbed.

But enough of that. Let us instead look to our days in the sun. To see you again, and in my own lands, as well, will prove one of the best days of my life.

Ah, this does bring a matter to mind. Lady Isalaine has appealed to my mother to help place Alysa at Highgarden. They have decided between the two of them to make a grand trip out of it all. After our wedding at Threeswords, we will travel with both Ladies to Highgarden, and sail from there to Oldtown. Minisa has been courted of late by Ser Garth Hightower, and besides she believes there might be much useful knowledge to be gained in Oldtown. After that, we are to sail back to the Vale.

So, I suppose this is my way of saying, come prepared for a bit of an adventure. I will ensure that Maester Tolbric accompanies us, that any rigors of the road will not pose any danger to your good health. In the meantime, I pray to the Seven, and Old Gods, too, to keep you safe in their hands.

With All Love,
Brice

Writ by my own hand

From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine Graben

To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben,
Greetings.

The time for the Silver Festival is upon us, and with it comes a visit from your House. I would be a terrible liar if I said we weren't eager for your arrival - it has been many a year since Gryphmont has had visitors from another House.

I am sending along my brother and sister to meet you at the borders to our lands. I believe your ward has met my sister Ashei before, at the tourney. My brother Ser Hodmar has not had the pleasure of your acquaintance, however, and is eager to make it. They will guide you back to Gryphmont. We often see heavy summer rains this time of year, and the paths through the Elibara Valley into Gryphmont proper can be treacherous.

Until we meet once more in person.

~Garland Kraedmyr of Gryphmont

As scribed by the hand of Maester Ambrosine

From Lord Gulian Swann, to Lady Isalaine Graben

Lainey,
Forgive me for not having written in so long.

You know I've always been a terrible correspondent. Old Bladeraven used to handle most of my letters - that miserable bastard knew me so well, he would read our letters, compose a reply and then present the reply to me at dinner to approve. The was a traitor, but damn me if he didn't make my life easier. I do like our new Maester Edelmore, though. The man's a fine healer and plays the lute as well.

Which is excellent news because Beony is pregnant, by the Seven! Truth be told, neither of us expected to be parents again, Lainey - we simply assumed that we'd marry and live to be old together. Clearly the Seven had other things in mind for us. She is due at the end of the year, and has asked me to approach you about being with her during her lying-in month. She quite likes you, and I suspect she would love for Branna to be there, as well.

I've had news from Balon in King's Landing, as an aside. As expected, he is making quite a spectacle of himself. Having participated in some local tourneys around the Crownlands, his skills and knightly virtues have been noticed. I mention this not to brag, but to give you some of his news. He of course spends much of his time with Emeryk, and had some interesting news.

It seems that Lady Aldia Velt is in King's Landing for some reason or another - Balon mentioned that they were possibly visiting family, though to the best of my knowledge Lady Aldia doesn't have any kin in the city. One thing is for certain, however. Lady Aldia's daughter, Pramia, is with her, and according to Balon she and Emeryk have taken to spending quite a lot of time together. Balon is concerned for Emeryk's virtue (bless my poor innocent knight of a son), although he does have a point. If Pramia has set her eyes on Emeryk, it is easy enough for two young people to manufacture a reason to marry in order to satisfy propriety, as I'm sure you and your late Waltyr could well attest. Reason enough to be wary, I suppose.

I also hear that you'll be attending the wedding of Brice to a Blackwood girl. Lainey, if you must permit this marriage, that's fine. But I think it's foolhardy for you to go to Threeswords. That is outside of my reach, and beyond my protection. Who knows what kind of vengeance Lord Willum might feel like exacting for his son's captors? Even if he lets you go, who says he will permit his son to depart with you again? Let's face it: once Brice is back in Threeswords, he'd be a fool to let him go back with you, Lainey. In addition to his own House's defenses, he'll have just married the daughter of a powerful Riverlands House well known for the skill of their archers. I urge you to reconsider this course of action. Hells, we can hold the wedding in Helmport, if you like. Just don't go beyond the Boneway where I can't protect you, sister.

I remain, Your Loving Brother, Lord Gulian Swann, Warden of the Marchwater Vale, Lord of House Swann

By the hand of Maester Edelmore

From Lady Ravella Blackwood, to Lady Isalaine Graben

Dear Lainey-

I'm so very cross with you! I've been waiting positively ages to hear from you, and you of all people know how terrible I am at being patient.

I shall immediately rescind my wroth, of course, as soon as you tell me when you are visiting King's Landing, and when I can expect you here in Acorn Hall. I have so many preparations to make. You must have Minisa tell me which of the young men I suggested in my previous letter she'd like to meet. The more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned!

Honestly, Lainey. It's as though you don't take this whole marriage thing seriously.

With love, but a touch of frustration as well,
Ravella Smallwood of Acorn Hall

Response from Minisa Graben, to Lady Ravella Blackwood

Dear Aunt Ravella,

Mother shared your letter with me and I decided to write you directly. We have been absolutely dreadful and not kept you at all current on events here in Marromont. There has been a great deal of excitement around here and many thorny problems that needed resolving.

First, a piece of wonderful news, Ser Bryce is engaged to marry Amara Blackwood. They met while she was here with her brother establishing a bowyer in Marrowmont. It seems that they were quite taken with each other. Their families have now agreed to a marriage. This means that our travel plans have changed. Instead of going to Kings Landing, we are headed to Threeswords to attend the wedding. From there we intend to visit Highgarden and then Oldtown. I am sure that your attendance at the wedding would be greatly welcomed.

Which bring me to my next bit of news, my own prospects for marriage. I have received two offers already, both of which seem to have potential. The first is from Ser Courtnay Penrose, the Steward of Storm’s End. In case you are not familiar with him, he is the heir to House Penrose. He has written to my mother and asked her permission to court me and ask for my hand in marriage. The second potential proposal is from Ser Garth Hightower. He has not asked for my hand as of yet, but we have discussed that he wishes to do so. Before this happens he would like for me to meet Lord Hightower. I suspect that he wants us to meet so that Lord Hightwoer will understand why his son wants to marry a daughter of a house of less renown then his own.

Aunt Ravella, I would love to hear your opinion on both of these men. I would also love to hear of any good prospects that you might be aware of.

Your loving niece,
Minisa Graben
By My Own Hand

From Lana Blanchard, to Ser Brice Willum

To Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords,
I send fondest greetings and hopes for your good health and good spirits.

We have all heard the blessed news, my lord. Pray accept my deepest congratulations on your upcoming wedding from everyone at Blanchard estate. We all pray to the Seven for your continuing happiness and the fruitfulness of your line.

I spoke recently with your lord father and lady mother, my lord, and they bid me contact you directly. Your lord father mentioned that you sought a squire from your home lands. Though my own dear husband, Ser Gertyn, is dead almost five full years now, my lord, my son Tomas is quite tall and strong. I'd despaired of him being able to follow in his father's footsteps - he was too young to take to squire before his father died, though he served as a page at Threeswords since he was old enough to see over the high table there.

Your lord father has suggested that Tomas might make a good squire for you. He is thirteen years, his manners have prospered greatly under your lady mother's tutelage and the master-at-arms says he holds a blade quite naturally. I hope I am not being too presumptuous writing to you, my lord. I know it is usually the father's duty to find a knight to squire for his son, but poor Tomas has only me to do such things. If you desire to meet Tomas to adjudge for yourself his fitness, I can send him directly to you at Marrowmont. Or if you have enough to tend to at the moment, perhaps he can meet you after your wedding.

While at table with your noble parents, my lord, I also heard that you were seeking a cook well-trained in the kitchen arts of the Reach. If I may be so bold, I should like to offer you the services of my own kitchen woman Welsa. She is a fine cook and would do any household very proud. She often helps in the kitchen at Threeswords when there are great feasts planned. Once Tomas is off to serve with some knight, I will be in the Blanchard house on my own. I'm a simple woman, and have no need for the services of such a magnificent cook, and it would do my heart good to know she was in service to the heir of House Willum, my lord. Do consider it. I can send her to you as soon as you deem, of course.

I pray that you are happy and content, even so far from your right and true home, my lord.

Blessings of the Seven, Mistress Lana Blanchard of Blanchard House

Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Mistress Lana Blanchard

To Mistress Lana Blanchard of Blanchard House,
I send greetings,

Mistress, it was with great pleasure that I received your letter. I have been long without contact with any of my family's people, and now I am blessed to have some chance at it. It seems my lord father has shared my situation with you, and that there is a suitable squire from the Willum lands pleases me.

I have time before my wedding to take some matters to hand, and I should very much like to meet Tomas. He sounds a fine boy, and if I can do your family the honor of raising a worthy knight to continue our rightful traditions, I can think of no better reason to take a squire. Please send him to Marrowmont at your earliest convenience.

Regarding your kitchen woman Welsa, I am pleased with your offer of her services. A woman who can bring me the feeling of a Reach house will be valued. I hope that she understands she will have to work in the kitchen of our local inn when she is not attending me, but the folk there are quite kind, and I shall see to her well-being personally. When I at last return home to the Reach, she will be handsomely rewarded for her service to me here, and I shall consider myself in the debt of Blanchard House, as well.

Concerning her arrival, I think we need not rush unduly. I will be happy to take her on at my wedding, but following it, I will be traveling to Highgarden and Oldtown before returning to the Vale. Is Welsa the type of woman who would welcome inclusion on such a journey, or is it best to have her sent when I return to the Graben lands myself? I defer to your judgement in this matter.

Mistress Blanchard, I cannot stress enough my appreciation for your kind offers. Not only will I benefit greatly from a squire and servant from the Reach, but we can affirm the friendship between House Willum and the Blanchards for the next generation. I take great solace in being able to do so, even so far from my rightful home.

The Seven Bless You,
Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords

Writ by the hand of Maester Tolbric

From Ser Jon Fossoway, to Ser Brice Willum

To Ser Brice Willum,
I bid greetings.

Dearest nephew, I've heard that congratulations are in order. My sister, your mother, wrote to tell me the wonderful news, that the first of her children is getting married. Truly an occasion for celebration! Rest assured, I have every intention of winning the small tourney your father is throwing, and have equal intentions of crowning your new bride the Queen of Love & Beauty. I may even steal her away from you!

All jesting aside, I am truly happy for you. It was a terrible injury to your mother's heart when you were taken so cruelly from her away to the Stormlands, and it is a fine thing that you are returning for such an event. Though I bounced you on my knee when you were but a teething babe, I eagerly anticipate coming to know you as the young man you have grown to be.

In all eagerness,
Ser Jon Fossoway of Cider Hall

Response from Ser Brice Willum, to Ser Jon Fossoway

To Ser Jon Fossoway,
Warmest greetings,

My uncle, I receive your congratulations with great joy. I've had so little chance to know all those I should. My wedding, at least, will allow me to meet once more all those who knew me when I was little, and who are now, sadly, just misty recollections from a long lost childhood. I can only hope that this marks the beginning of the days when I can know again my proper family, even as I begin making my own additions, if the Seven will it.

I, too, eagerly anticipate meeting as men. Your attendance at the wedding is news most welcome.

With all hope for the future,
Ser Brice Willum, Heir to Threeswords

Writ by my own hand

From Saria Balinger, to Maester Tolbric

Marked & Sealed Private Well-met once more, Maester Tolbric

It seems that between you and I, we are forever using names not our own! I think all such deceptions are behind us now, although the consequences of our actions - and the reasons for them - yet remain, I surmise.

Rest assured that though my brother Lord Raunlyr Balinger is fiery and desirous of what he perceives as a final resolution to old problems, all is well in hand here. He has of course seen that it is foolish for him to pursue the acquisition of another maester when we have a perfectly functional and supportive one already to hand.

Besides, as a lady, I fear that seeing you again would cause me terrible consternation, reminding me of old horrors and nightmares. I am content to leave the things of the past where they belong. And as long as there are no sudden reminders from either of us, there is no reason it can't remain there, all snug and safe from any harm.

Warmest Regards,
Lady Saria Balinger of Wisenwood