HoMChronCorr2

From Lord Gulian Swann, to Lady Isalaine

Lainey, I hope you are well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Writ by my own damned hand, for which I beg your forgiveness. You know penmanship was never my strong suit.

From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine

To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben, Greetings.

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.

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.

Again, thank you for your noble companionship in what was - I most sincerely hope - was the beginning of a fine friendship.

With All Regard, Lady Dynia Kraedmyr Lady of Gryphmont

As writ by the hand of Maester Ambrosine

From Lord Larrus Velt, to Lady Isalaine

My Lady Graben

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lord Larrus Velt of Owlkeep House Velt