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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= |
| | + | ==From Lord Emeryk Graben, to Lady Isalaine Graben== |
| | + | x |
| | | | |
| − | =Between Book One & Book Two=
| + | ==From |
| − | ==From Lord Beric Dondarrion, to House Graben==
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| − | To the Lord of Marrowmont, Lord Emeryk Graben,<br>
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| − | I send Greetings.<br>
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| − | | |
| − | We have not had the opportunity to correspond yet, I fear. Your father and I, the late Lord Waltyr, were friends and compatriots of the battlefield, and he is missed. I refrained from contacting you to give time to mourn - it seemed inappropriate otherwise.
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| − | | |
| − | In the years past, the tradition between myself and your lord father was that I sent a representative once a year or so to Marrowmont. This knight's duty was to convey my friendship as well as assess the readiness of your holding to defend the Stormlands from any dangers approaching along the Boneway.
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| − | | |
| − | As you know, though I am not your liege lord, I have been named the Warden of the Dornish Marches (as your own liege is Warden of the Marchwater), and so it falls to me to ensure that the strength of the Stormlords who defend the Stormlands is sufficient to do what is required of us. Since you and I have met only briefly at your lord uncle's wedding tourney, I thought that I ought to come to Marrowmont myself to see to your defenses personally.
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| − | | |
| − | I had the opportunity to meet several members of your House as well. Indeed, at the wedding feast, I quite enjoyed my opportunity to dance with both your mother and sister. I should like the opportunity to see them again - I fear I am a private man, and prefer less crowded situations for my socializing. I would ask that you commend me to their thoughts.
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| − | | |
| − | As such, I should ask permission to call upon Marrowmont, with myself and a small troop of my knights and armsmen, at some time in the next several months. I will try not to tax your hospitality unduly, and shall complete my observations quickly and go. I have been asked to King's Landing in a few months time, and feel I should leave things in order before I depart.
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| − | | |
| − | I look forward to hearing from you.
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| − | | |
| − | Penned by my own Hand,<br>
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| − | Beric Dondarrion<br>
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| − | Lord of Blackhaven<br>
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| − | Warden of the Dornish Marches<br>
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| − | ===House Graben Response===
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| − | To the Lord of Blackhaven, Lord Beric Dondarrion
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| − | | |
| − | I send Greetings,
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| − | | |
| − | My son Emeryk is not able to respond to your letter as he is in the service of Lord Renly Baratheon and on his way to Kings Landing. I know that my late husband took his responsibility to defend the Boneway seriously, and I intend to continue to uphold those responsibilities to the best of my ability. I wish to continue the tradition of friendship and cooperation that has served both of our houses so well. As it is our duty to ensure that the Boneway remains open and safe for all to use.
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| − | | |
| − | You and your men would be welcome to call upon us here at Marrowmont. You will find that castle is strong and it's soldiers well trained. Ser Ulwyck Mace, our Master at Arms, would welcome the chance to show you our defenses and discuss way to make the Boneway more secure.
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| − | | |
| − | Both myself and my daughter Minisa would welcome the chance to see you again, as we felt the press of events at my brother's wedding tourney prevented us from having any real chance to get to know you.
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| − | | |
| − | My family and I also intend to travel to King's Landing in the near future. If it fits within both of our plans it might benefit us to make the journey together.
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| − | | |
| − | Penned by my own Hand,<br>
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| − | Lady Isalaine Graben
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| − | | |
| − | On Behalf of<br>
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| − | Emeryk Graben,<br>
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| − | Lord of Marrowmont
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| − | ==From Lord Gulian Swann, to Lady Isalaine==
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| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | We will affectionately thank Lord Swann for informing us of the impending trip through our territory, and request that he let us know when it will happen so that a proper (and fast) escort can be arranged. All the proper regards and such will be sent back.
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| − | </div>
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| − | Lainey, <br>
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| − | I hope you are well.
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| − | | |
| − | I wanted to pen this quick message to you, as it involves not merely the outcome of that ugly affair instigated by that wretched hag Dimesa Velt, but also pertains to a visitor to Marrowmont.
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| − | | |
| − | The Citadel has requested that they be permitted to exact their own justice. Though I would like to make an example of him, the old crows at the Citadel feel he'd better serve the other maesters there as an example. They assure me that they intend to execute him, and have bidden me to keep his maester's chain to hang on the spike I'd intended for his damned head. Well, so be it.
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| − | | |
| − | They're sending a knight of House Hightower to fetch him. He's apparently nearby and will be arriving by ship, but from there wishes to take the land route back to Oldtown. In his message, he says that he can get two riders back faster than he can by ship, which I believe. Of course, this means that he's going to be coming through Marrowmont, with Grance as his prisoner. He won't be staying for long, of course - probably just long enough to rest for an evening before setting out again the next day.
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| − | | |
| − | I thought I should inform you, though. The knight's name is Ser Garth Hightower, also called "Greysteel" for his blade and his eyes. He's the second son of Lord Leyton Hightower. I'd ask you to treat him well - as you know, the Hightowers are as rich as the Lannisters, and the only reason they aren't the Lords Paramount of the Reach is because they couldn't be bothered with it. The only reason the Tyrells rule Highgarden is because of Hightower support.
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| − | | |
| − | I love you and miss you already. It was wonderful to see you again, and I hope you'll visit often. Beony sends her love, to both you and to Branna.
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| − | | |
| − | I remain,<br>
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| − | Your Loving Brother,<br>
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| − | Lord Gulian Swann,<br>
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| − | Warden of the Marchwater Vale,<br>
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| − | Lord of House Swann<br>
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| − | | |
| − | Writ by my own damned hand, for which I beg your forgiveness. You know penmanship was never my strong suit.
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| − | ==From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine==
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| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | This letter will express our interest in travelling to visit house Krademyr. We will mention having guests that we have to see to, but once we know when those obligations we will contact them about a when a visit would work well for them.
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| − | </div>
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| − | To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben,<br>
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| − | Greetings.
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| − | | |
| − | It was a distinct pleasure to spend those hours at Lord Swann's tourney getting to know you and your family. If I may be so bold as to take you into my confidences, my family so often finds such gatherings to be difficult at best. Though it was less than two decades ago since the rule of the Targaryens ended, it has already become a mark of some stigma among the Houses to bear the blood of Old Valyria. To have had such good folk there as yourselves was a balm to the experience.
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| − | | |
| − | My daughter Orya, in her discussions with your ward Brice Willum, extended to him an invitation to visit Gryphmont. As impetuous as she was, her inclination was right. We should be very delighted to host any of your House who should like to visit our domains. It seems a shame to wait until the next tourney or wedding to see such good folk again - folk whom I should very like to call friends.
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| − | | |
| − | Again, thank you for your noble companionship in what was - I most sincerely hope - was the beginning of a fine friendship.
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| − | | |
| − | With All Regard,<br>
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| − | Lady Dynia Kraedmyr<br>
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| − | Lady of Gryphmont
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| − | | |
| − | As writ by the hand of Maester Ambrosine
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| − | ==From Lord Larrus Velt, to Lady Isalaine== | |
| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | We will mention continued friendship to Houuse Velt, and graciously accept their apologies. We will once again extend welcome to them to visit Marromont (however care will be taken to make sure the date does not correspond to when Hightower will be coming through). We will also express our interest in fostering Marshall.
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| − | </div>
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| − | My Lady Graben
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| − | | |
| − | I am sending this missive in the hopes that we might continue our conversation from Stonehelm. I do so in a spirit of trepidation, however - I know that not only are you and your House aware of the treason of my lady mother, but have folk in your House who were themselves injured by her machinations.
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| − | | |
| − | In truth, it has taken me many instances of seating myself at my desk, trying to decide what I will write. My dear wife, Aldia, has asked me time and again whether or not I've written you, but still I hesitated. How to address the wrong-doing you and yours have suffered at my House's hands. Certainly, we spoke truthfully to Lord Gulian - none of us had any idea what my mother wrought. But ignorance of harm does not make one any less responsible for it.
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| − | | |
| − | My daughter tells me that she and your son had many pleasant conversations, and my wife tells me you and she found good accord as well. Indeed, she speaks to me of an invitation you have extended to our House to visit Marrowmont, and the possibility of fostering our youngest son Marshall.
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| − | | |
| − | I shall be forthright: already some of our allies have taken steps to carefully distance themselves from us. Our friendship is new and still in its infancy, so I understand should you wish to retract your invitation. You have but to say it, and we shall regard it as though never issued.
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| − | | |
| − | Lord Larrus Velt of Owlkeep<br>
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| − | House Velt<br>
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| − | ==From Lady Adia Willum, to Lady Isalaine==
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| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | We thank Lady Adia for writing and exchange all of the usual pleasantries. We also say that we would very much love to send Alyssa to Highgarden as a lady in waiting. We will be sure to show the letter to her and include her regards to lady Adia's daughters.
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| − | </div>
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| − | Dearest Lady Graben,
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| − | | |
| − | I pray this letter finds you and your House in good spirits and good health.
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| − | | |
| − | Let me thank you first and foremost for your generous hospitality, from beginning of our trip to end. We arrived safely in Threeswords, with great thanks for the escort of your Ironhooves and the gallant Ser Dorun. By the end of the trip, I fear my own daughters were half in love with your Hawk Knight! I am writing this having set them back bound for the Boneway once more, with our gratitude.
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| − | | |
| − | The issue that plagued our last days in Stonehelm is of course resolved and secure. Speaking of which, we have heard from my son Elyas. He has decided to seek his fortune as a hedge knight for a short time. Though his explanation was frustratingly vague, he seems intent that he wishes to acquire his place in a lord's household through his own merit, rather than any favors his family can provide.
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| − | | |
| − | We of course are fearful for him, but my husband has spoken favorably of his decision - I suspect that he is somewhat envious of Elyas' freedom. My husband has always been a knight first and a lord second, and I suspect the desire to win what he has in the world by his strength of arm rather than blood holds a great deal of favor and respect.
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| − | | |
| − | My daughters ask that I send their regards to you and to your daughter Alysa and Branna, as well. The three of them seemed to have become quite fast friends. I myself regard Alysa very fondly as well - if you should ever desire to have her spend time as a lady-in-waiting, please do let me know. I know that Renly's court provides so very little opportunity for a young lady (although it is clear your own daughter Minisa has not suffered in that regard!). I could arrange for her to find a position in Highgarden - indeed, I am sending my own girls there in the next year or two, and I know they would love to have a friend already there. Lady Olenna Tyrell provides wonderful education for nobleborn girls, and the possible matches they might make in Highgarden are second to none.
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| − | | |
| − | In closing, thank you once again for your hospitality. Though certain stresses did plague this happen event, I feel that it has brought us closer together in the end.
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| − | | |
| − | Please do give Brice my love.
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| − | | |
| − | Deepest Regards,<br>
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| − | Lady Adia Willum of Threeswords<br>
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| − | ==From Lady Ravella Smallwood, to Lady Isalaine==
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| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | We will open will all the usual family pleasantries. We will mention that Lord Berric Dondarrion will be visiting Marromont and that the possibility will be explored.The introduction to Lucas Blackwood would be very welcome as we are itnerested in more contact with house raventree. We will mention a planned trip to King's Landing in the future. At that time we could make a side trip into the Riverlands.
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| − | </div>
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| − | Dear Isalaine
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| − | | |
| − | Thank you, dearest, for your hospitality and company at Gulian's wedding. I freely admit that I'd been hungry for contact with my family for a while - it had been much, much too long. It was such a delight to meet your children. It made me sorry that you've never had the chance to meet my own. Theomar flatly refused to allow me to bring my daughter with me. Perhaps one day you might come to Acorn Hall and meet her.
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| − | | |
| − | Now that I have discharged my duties with Joyeuse, I can't help but turn my attention to some other worthy young lady. Pity my own Carellen when my little songbird is old enough to be betrothed! Your Minisa is nothing short of a wonder, sister mine. Beautiful, clever and not at all possessed of the fearfulness that so often burdens young noble ladies. Thank the Seven than your dear Waltyr was not the typical Andal in that way.
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| − | | |
| − | I really must step outside of any rights I may have and insist something for her: if you settle for anything less than a lord or heir for her husband, I shall come directly to Marrowmont and slap you soundly! Moreover, with her talents, charms and potential, there is no need to see her saddled with some minor lord or another, as we were. She deserves a husband of a major House at the very least. Indeed, really she could easily serve as the lady of one of the Great Houses - though I suspect you already knew this when you sent her to Storm's End. Pity good Lord Renly hadn't the sort of attention another lord might have.
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| − | | |
| − | You and I know the Stormlords fairly well. Most of them are unworthy of her. Of the Estermonts, I had the chance to meet and mingle with Ser Alyn, the grandson of old Lord Eldon. The young man himself is a bit plain looking, and not the cleverest - which could be to Minisa's benefit, though, as I suspect she'd had no problem pinning him neatly to her lapel. Still, he's also third in line, with his father the actual heir of Estermont at current.
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| − | | |
| − | Your only other real options are among the Marcher Lords. I hear there is a son of House Trant that they are seeking for marriage, but he's young yet, and not a first-born. Hardly worth her. House Caron is worthy, but they have no marriageable sons. This leaves House Dondarrion, of course. Now, of the major Marcher Lords, the Dondarrions do stand head-and-shoulders above the others, holding the title of Warden of the Dornish Marches among the Stormlords. Moreover, the handsome Lord Beric Dondarrion is a bachelor still. He isn't quite the gallant storytale knight one might wish him to be, but then Marcher Lords tend to have a reputation for a certain grimness. Still, he is polite and well-spoken - an excellent catch, perhaps.
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| − | | |
| − | But unless any of these leap out at you, sister-mine, you shall perhaps have to seek outside of the Stormlands. And this is where I, as your dear sister, can help. I would be very happy to arrange introductions to some of the worthy Houses here in the Riverlands. There are likely to be a handful of tourneys over the next year or so - a bit of a pilgrimage for your House, understandably, but at such events we could arrange introductions to the likes of Lucas Blackwood, the heir of Raventree, a very handsome young man with a mysterious air about him that has any number of local ladies positively swooning.
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| − | Moreover, there are three young heirs locally - Ser Patrek Mallister, Ser Marq Piper and Ser Ronald Vance - who are all the unwed heir of their important Houses. Any one of them could make a fine match for our Minisa. Better still, though, all are good friends of Edmure Tully, the heir of House Tully, so meeting them could lead to introductions to him - and Edmure himself is a handsome and available bachelor, as well.
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| − | | |
| − | Do give it some thought. I'd love to host you at Acorn Hall, and am positively giddy with the thought of helping to arrange a proper marriage for sweet, clever Minisa.
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| − | | |
| − | I love and miss you dearly already sister.
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| − | | |
| − | ~Ravella of Acorn Hall
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| − | ==From Ser Courtnay Penrose, to Lady Isalaine Graben==
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| − | <div style="float: right; width: 300px; border: 1px black solid; margin: 20px; padding: 10px;">
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| − | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 125%">House Graben Response</div>
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| − | This letter is very much from Isalaine Thanks him for sending Minisa's things and also the books. It would also say that she is open to discussing marriage to Minisa.
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| − | </div>
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| − | To the Lady Isalaine Graben of Marrowmont,<br>
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| − | I send Greetings.
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| − | | |
| − | Allow me first to send you my greetings, Lady Graben. We have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, I fear, for my duties keep me busy where other knights have the luxury of travel and social pleasures. As I'm sure your own castellan is aware, a castellan's duties are most at their call when Lord and Lady are away from their seat, and we do not enjoy the same luxuries others do.
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| − | | |
| − | I am saddened to have missed your brother and liege's wedding, to say nothing of the tourney held to celebrate it! I hear your master-at-arms made quite a showing against Ser Balon Swann, with a mighty clash to settle the joust. Several of the knights in Lord Renly's retinue were still speaking of it as the clash to remember of the tourney. I always enjoy catching up on such stories when my lord returns home.
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| − | | |
| − | This return tinged me with some melancholy, though, I must admit, for when Lord Renly returned to Storm's End, your daughter Minisa was not with him. I have arranged for the servants to pack her belongings well, and have seen to their transport by ship and then barge.
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| − | | |
| − | With Minisa gone, it seems to me that Storm's End is a little more bleak. As you may know, my own House greatly favors education and erudition, which Minisa had in aplenty, and I shall miss our dinner-time discussions about the books we were reading at the time. Please tell her that I have put two of the favorite books she borrowed from my library in with her trunks; they are my gift to her in hoping she will remember me fondly.
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| − | | |
| − | Indeed, it is with such hopes that I write this letter. Though my own House is not as exalted as some, we do hold the regard and affection of House Baratheon, so much so that Lord Renly made me the castellan of Storm's End, on the recommendation of his brothers Lord Stannis and King Robert. Ours is an old lineage as well, and if we do not hold the lofty position of some, it is only because we have never been a House of great military force.
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| − | | |
| − | I know that Minisa is of an age, and that the time is coming when I will be expected to return home as Lord Penrose. As such, I would like to open a discussion with you, my Lady, about the possibility of marriage to your daughter. She has fondly spoken to me of you and your lord husband's decisions to allow your children to make their own decisions when it comes to such things, so I have no expectations of your acquiescence being hers. I simply crave from you your blessing to undertake the possibility of turning my friendship with Minisa into something possibly more.
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| − | | |
| − | I once told Minisa that I should dearly love to show her the library at our seat, Parchments. With her gone, I have realized that I should like to do one better: I would like to make her Lady Penrose one day, and to make our ancient library her very own on that day.
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| − | | |
| − | Thank you, and may the Seven keep you and yours.
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| − | | |
| − | Your servant eternal,<br>
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| − | Ser Courtnay Penrose,<br>
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| − | Castellan of Storm's End,<br>
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| − | Heir of House Penrose
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| − | | |
| − | =After Story Four: The Bladeraven=
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| − | ==From Brice Willum, to Lord Fenkirk Willum==
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| − | To my Lord and Father, Fenkirk Willum,<br>
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| − | Greetings, Father.<br>
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| − | | |
| − | I hope Mother has had time to recount all the events of Lord Gulian Swann's wedding. It was eventful to say the least, and, sadly, the villainy displayed by Dimesia Velt impacted our House in its way. I'm sorry to have lost good men on their journey through the Boneway. I bore witness to much of the drama firsthand, so if there is anything Mother could not recount, please ask.
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| − | | |
| − | More to the point, however, it came to my attention through the time spent with Mother that there is concern about my future now that I have reached maturity. Since the late Lord Waltyr's passing, I have felt the weight of these concerns myself. I want to assure you that I am taking what steps I can to secure my future and the future of our House. Discretion prevents me from providing details, but I believe I may soon be able to seek a wife and begin building a family before returning to our lands.
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| − | | |
| − | In this endeavor, however, I must seek your guidance. Circumstances prevent me from having an adequate understanding of what matches might be desirable for our House. I have considered the possibility of matches here within the Marchwater, and there are several I believe could be quite strong. House Graben will soon be visiting the Kraedmyrs, which could prove fruitful. They have a reputation for eccentricity, but I am unconvinced of the truth of this smallfolk gossip. They are quite wealthy and well positioned, but time will tell if there might be a true match there.
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| − | | |
| − | More importantly, however, I have little understanding of which Houses of the Reach we might consider desirable for alliances of this nature. Mother suggested to me that you might have some in mind, so I thought it best to inquire. I'm uncertain how best to affect meeting such Houses, and for that, too, I ask your advice.
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| − | | |
| − | Lastly, I wanted to thank you for the magnificent gift of jousting armor. I'm afraid I'm not much of a rider, but Elyas represented our House with distinction in the tourney.
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| − | | |
| − | Please give my love to Mother. Being able to spend so much time with her was a rare delight. The hectic circumstances prevented me from spending much time with Eusemie and Mina on this trip, but I have secured with this letter two hair ribbons that I hope reach you in good shape. Please convey them with my love to the girls.
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| − | | |
| − | I remain your dutiful and loving son,<br>
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| − | Brice Willum<br>
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| − | | |
| − | Penned by my own hand
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| − | ===Response from Lord Fenkirk Willum, to Brice Willum===
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| − | To Ser Brice Willum<br>
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| − | Steward of House Graben and Heir of House Willum<br>
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| − | My Son -
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| − | | |
| − | It gladdens me to hear from you, I admit freely. Your mother returned with many impressive tales of the goings-on at Lord Swann's wedding tourney. Had I but known there would be so much excitement, I surely would have found a way to be there myself. Still, hearing how it was your arrow that "won the melee" was delightful, even if I was dismayed that you yourself were not taking part in the melee.
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| − | | |
| − | There is concern for your future, of course. I am interested in these Kraedmyrs - Maester Heire has some interesting stories to tell about them, although I imagine they are the same sorts of stories the smallfolk you spoke of tell. Do relate to me how that visit goes, and what you think of them as friends, but more importantly as potential allies.
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| − | | |
| − | Along those lines, I shall certainly confer with your mother. She knows you far better than I, and tells me that what I had hoped for - your marriage to a daughter of House Graben - is for some reason out of the question. Because you write me as a man, I will address you as one in this matter. I had frankly hoped for an espungement of our dishonor by your marrying a Graben girl. When history looks back at our relationship with House Graben, any and all connections we have will be because you were their prisoner.
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| − | | |
| − | The perception of power is important, both in immediacy, but also in the eyes of history. We may have the finest of relationships with the Grabens, but history will always regard that as a result of the exertion of Graben influence over our House. If you marry a Graben girl, on the other hand, that is our House turning around and exerting the influence. Suddenly a story of an imprisoned boy who comes to love the family that imprisons him becomes a story of a boy prisoner who won the heart of a Graben girl, and became truly family with them.
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| − | | |
| − | Graben influence in our future is clearly unavoidable. I would simply have you take actions to ensure that history regards you and our House well for the presence of that influence. To be brutally frank, that is of far greater importance to me than additional alliances with other Houses through marriage. I have other children I can secure those alliances with.
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| − | | |
| − | It is my understanding that the eldest Graben girl - the one who looks suspiciously unlike her siblings, who was born in VERY short order after the marriage of Lady Isalaine to Lord Waltyr - has flatly refused to marry you. If you cannot win her, then so be it. Your mother tells me she is quite coddled and spoiled, given say in her role for her House in a way most unseemly in a foolish girl. I suspect she would not have made a good Lady Willum in such a case. I do understand, however, that she has a younger sister who is nearly of marriageable age, a sister with the Valyrian look to her.
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| − | | |
| − | If you have any care for what I wish, as your lord and father, I would have you direct your attentions to securing her affection. Do not fail me in this, Brice.
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| − | | |
| − | You are certainly welcome for the jousting armor, of course, my son. I do know that you are not much of a rider - frankly, I'd hoped that such a lordly gift might engender in you an understanding of the importance that being a proper knight is to the future lord of House Willum. I extended to you this token in hopes of good esteem and a bright future between us. Pray that in the future, when you are Lord Willum, you do not so casually give away the gifts of lords so cavalierly. It renders insult, my son.
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| − | | |
| − | I do not blame you in that lack, of course. Had I known how poorly House Graben regarded the ancient traditions of true knighthood in the tradition of the Andals, I would have demanded that you be sent to foster with another House of the Marchwater Vale. The knight who accompanied your mother and sisters home, a knight of House Seraen, seemed quite an exemplary knight. Clearly I ought to have demanded you be sent to reside with them.
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| − | | |
| − | I know we do not know one another, Brice. Our defeat at Storm's End ensured that. If I seem very harsh or demanding to you, it is only because I am now trying to impart to you those things that are important to our House, things I have been denied the chance to teach you lovingly, while you grew up at Threeswords. I could not impart them to you while you were a boy given to learning, so I must now impart them to you as a man capable of reason. Take what I have said here to heart.
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| − | | |
| − | Thank you for your letter, my son.
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| − | | |
| − | ~Lord Fenkirk Willum
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| − | Lord of Threeswords
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| − | | |
| − | Writ by the hand of Maester Heire. If I may be forgiven for being so bold, Lord Brice, I send you my personal regards as well, and hopes for your bright future.
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| − | | |
| − | ==From Brice Willum, to Lord Garland Kraedmyr==
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| − | To the Lord of Gryphmont, Lord Garland Kraedmyr,<br>
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| − | Greetings.<br>
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| − | | |
| − | I was pleased to learn from Lady Isalaine of the invitation extended to House Graben. I hope you do not consider it impetuous for me to contact you myself, even though Lady Isalaine has assured me she has accepted the invitation.
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| − | | |
| − | I found your family most charming when I met them at Lord Gulian's tourney, so I look forward to finally meeting you and yours in a more intimate setting. I've been curious about our neighbors since hearing tales of your family as a boy at Marrowmont, and the limited time I was able to spend with the Ladies Orya and Ashei only increased my curiosity.
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| − | | |
| − | Though I will be visiting your House under the banner of House Graben, as a mature man of my own House, I hope we can find some grounds for a friendship between the Kraedmyrs and Willums. The day will come when I am Lord of my House, and I hope to carry some friendships from the Vale with me to the Reach. I would be well pleased to find if we share some common hopes for the future.
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| − | | |
| − | You'll understand, I hope, that the political realities of my situation prevent anything more than nurturing such friendships for the future, but as my fellows from the Reach might say, the mightiest of trees can sprout from the smallest of seeds when the ground is fertile.
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| − | With All Regard,<br>
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| − | Brice Willum<br>
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| − | Ward of House Graben<br>
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| − | Heir of House Willum<br>
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| − | | |
| − | As penned by the hand of Maester Tolbric
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| − | ===Response from Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Brice Willum===
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| − | Brice
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| − | | |
| − | If I do consider it impetuous, know that is a good thing. I appreciate a touch of daring and willfulness, in truth. I do hope that your visit will live up to the stories you heard about Gryphmont as a boy, although I also pray that my family fails to live up to the stories you inevitably heard about us as well!
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| − | | |
| − | Regarding the future and friendships, know that I would like nothing more. We shall see what the future holds in such regards for all of us.
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| − | | |
| − | As far as the visits go, I should like to extend our formal invitation to House Graben and to yourself to visit Gryphmont in three months time, if that is amenable. We are busy (as I'm sure we all are) with the harvest season at present. Better still, in that time is our local Silver Festival, a local tradition that celebrates the hard work of our miners and showcases the finest silver works of our local artisans. Call me proud, but I should very much like to leave on House Graben the sort of impression such a fest will carry.
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| − | | |
| − | If you would be so kind as to communicate that invitation to Lady Isalaine, I should be deeply grateful.
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| − | | |
| − | Know that Orya sends her regards.
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| − | | |
| − | ~Garland Kraedmyr of Grypmont
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| − | | |
| − | As scribed by the hand of Maester Ambrosine
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| − | | |
| − | ==From Brice Willum, to Yonas Blackwood==
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| − | To Ser Yonas Blackwood of Raventree,<br>
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| − | I send Greetings.<br>
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| − | | |
| − | It was a true pleasure to make your acquaintance at the Marchwater Tourney. There are few I've met who can sympathize with my unusual relationship with my own family, and it was a great comfort to share my concerns. Even if our meeting raised its own discomforts in other ways.
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| − | | |
| − | But business first, my friend. I've begun to arrange accommodations for whichever bowyer you would send to us from your guild, but any information you can provide to make his welcome warmer would be appreciated. Also, if he has any special needs or requests for himself or any others that will accompany him, I will do my best to meet them. Has he a family or other attendants, apprentices or the like, that we will need to see to?
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| − | | |
| − | If you see fit to accompany him on his arrival, I assure you the warmest welcome. In fact, I welcome the chance to further our friendship, and the Graben lands have charms of their own well worth seeing. Wayman's Rest is an important trade center for the vale, so if you have not visited, it might be worth your time. The Grabens' bannermen, House Wachstrom, maintain the only Godswood in the vale, which I thought might interest you. My own bow, Heartstrum, is made from weirwood harvested there.
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| − | | |
| − | And on that subject, though your tale of the wood witch was discomfiting, I still feel a strange fascination with such matters. If there are any other incidents, I would appreciate learning of them.
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| − | | |
| − | I wonder, do you have many dealings with Northern Houses?
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| − | Warm Regards,<br>
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| − | Brice Willum<br>
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| − | Ward and Steward of House Graben<br>
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| − | | |
| − | Penned by my own hand
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| − | ===Response from Yonas Blackwood, to Brice Willum===
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| − | Ser Brice:
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| − | | |
| − | I pray this letter finds you in good spirits and health! It was wonderful to receive this missive from you, my friend. I treasure our time together - that simple meal in the market tents, as it rained outside - as the best part of my time at Lord Swann's fine tourney.
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| − | | |
| − | I have gone to Lord Tytos with your request, and in token of good business and potential friendship, he has agreed. We have agreed upon one of Raventree's master bowyers, and the man - Robard Whitebough by name, the son of Ser Jasyn Whitebough, one of House Raventree's finest knights - has expressed an interest. He comes with his family, a wife and three children, as well as three apprentices in addition.
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| − | | |
| − | I am deeply grateful for your interest and your request through me, good Brice. Lord Tytos has given me charge of overseeing setting up Robard in Marrowmont and has intimated that should this endeavor be successful and profitable for the House that I may be given charge of establishing other such future relationships.
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| − | | |
| − | As such, I gratefully accept your invitation, and eagerly look forward to gazing upon this Godswood. Many Houses maintain old Godswoods in their domains, but most of the actual weirwood hearttrees have long been cut down - even the hearttree of the Red Keep in King's Landing is simply a great oak.
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| − | | |
| − | If I may impose further, though, Lord Tytos has expressed an interest in sending along others of the House. In particular, he is sending his son and heir Brynden, along with his oldest daughter Amara, to accompany me and formally represent House Blackwood in this undertaking. Amara herself is knowledgeable in far more stories of the sorts I related to you, as well.
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| − | | |
| − | As for Northern Houses, we do occasionally deal with some of those Houses in the Neck and slightly north of it betimes, although rarely. I have had business that has taken me there before, certainly.
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| − | | |
| − | I look forward to returning to the majesty of the Stormlands once more, and thank you again for your friendship.
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| − | | |
| − | Warmest Regards, and by my hand<br>
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| − | Ser Yonas Blacktree
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| − | | |
| − | ==From Brice Willum, to Loras Tyrell==
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| − | To Ser Loras Tyrell of Highgarden,<br>
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| − | I send Greetings.<br>
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| − | | |
| − | Ser Loras, I write to express my pleasure at our burgeoning friendship following the Marchwater Tourney. Now that you'll be in close contact with Lord Emeryk, whom I regard as a brother, I hope our friendship can grow. Emeryk, frankly, has his peculiarities, but his heart is good, which I hope you will come to appreciate on your own.
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| − | | |
| − | When last we spoke, I asked that you send good word to your father regarding my brother Elyas. I'm afraid I must ask you to refrain from such praise now. Elyas has decided to seek his own fortune as a hedge knight rather than rely on the shield of his own family, so I feel it best I not seek support on his behalf for now. Please do not take this as a retraction of my support for my brother, nor should you overlook the valor he displayed at the tourney, but he and I have come to an impasse over certain personal matters. We have decided to strike our own paths in this regard. I hope that time will heal this breach.
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| − | | |
| − | I'm most appreciative of the support you've shown me. As I mentioned, I have so little contact with my fellows from the Reach that I cherish any friends I find while I bide my time in the Stormlands. I hope one day to welcome you to my own House's lands, but in the meantime I shall content myself to count you among my friends in the Stormlands. And most certainly Lord Renly has greeted me with his own warmth, which is a comfort in and of itself. Should all go well, we may meet again in King's Landing. I look forward to this occasion.
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| − | | |
| − | If I may ask a simple favor, my brother has chosen to make his own name in the world, but if you in your travels should learn of his whereabouts, I would be glad to hear of it.
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| − | | |
| − | Warmest Regards,<br>
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| − | Brice Willum<br>
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| − | | |
| − | Penned by my own hand
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| − | | |
| − | =After Story Five: Rivergard Feast=
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| − | ==From Brice Willum, to Lord Fenkirk Willum==
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| − | To my Lord and Father, Fenkirk Willum,<br>
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| − | Greetings, Father.<br>
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