HoMChronCorr2

• Between Book One & Book Two
• Between Story Four: The Bladeraven & Story Five: Rivergard Feast

After Story Five: Rivergard Feast

From Lord Emeryk Graben, to Lady Isalaine Graben

Dearest Mother-

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.

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.

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.

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.

I remain,
Your Son,
Lord Emeryk Graben of Marrowmont

From Lord Garland Kraedmyr, to Lady Isalaine Graben

To the Lady Isalaine of House Graben,
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.

~Garland Kraedmyr of Grypmont

As scribed by the hand of Maester Ambrosine

Response from Lady Isalaine Graben

To Lord Kraedmyr -
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,
Lady Isalaine

Response from Lord Garland Kraedmyr

Lady Isalaine -
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

From Lady Aldia Velt, to Lady Isalaine Graben

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.

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.

May the Seven keep you and yours,
Lady Aldia Velt

Response from Lady Isalaine

Lady Velt -
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,
Lady Isalaine

From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to Lady Isalaine Graben

To Lady Isalaine Graben
Lady of House Graben and Regent of Marrowmont
My Lady -

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.

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.

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.

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.

I eagerly and gratefully await your response. Aldia sends her love, as do the twins.

~Lord Fenkirk Willum Lord of Threeswords

Writ by the hand of Maester Heire.

Response from Lady Isalaine

Lord Willum -
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.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Lady Isalaine Graben of Marrowmont

Response from Lord Fenkirk Willum

Lady Isalaine -
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

Writ by the hand of Maester Heire.

From Ser Alwyn Wachstrom, to Lady Isalaine Graben

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.

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.

Finally, please also give my affection to Brice. I shall think of him fondly and often, and remember well our care-free days together.

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.

I eagerly await your response.

Ser Garth Hightower

Writ by the hand of Maester Denmus of the High Tower

Response From Minisa Graben, to Ser Garth Hightower

To Ser Garth Hightower 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. 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. I wish you a safe journey as you travel to Stonehelm and Marromont. Minisa Graben, By my own Hand.

From Ser Courtnay Penrose, to Minisa Graben

To Minisa Graben,
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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your loyal and loving servant,
Ser Courtnay Penrose,
Steward of Storm's End
Heir of House Penrose

From Amara Blackwood, to Ser Brice Willum

Marked Private
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,
Amara

Response From Ser Brice Willum, to Amara Blackwood

Marked Private
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,
Brice

From Lord Fenkirk Willum, to Ser Brice Willum

To Ser Brice Willum
Steward of House Graben and Heir of House Willum
My Son -

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.

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.

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.

~Lord Fenkirk Willum

Response From Ser Brice Willum, to Lord Fenkirk Willum

To Lord Fenkirk Willum of Threeswords
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.

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.

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 tragedy. Perhaps this wedding will provide some light for us all.

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 seriously. I 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.

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 prudent. There is still much to discover about them, but so far they have been quite warm to me.

I remain your dutiful and loving son,
Ser Brice Willum

Penned by my own hand

From Maester Luwin, to Maester Tolbric

To Maester Tolbric of Marrowmont, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Humbly, Maester Luwin of Winterfell

From Maester Tolbric, to Lord Raunlyr Balinger

"Lord Raunlyr Balinger,

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 invaders. How fortunate that enough of your noble house had survived the usurpation by the Wisents two generations ago.

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 home. How 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I will send my report to the Starks in a week.

Humbly, Maester Tolbric of Marrowmont."

...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.