Lord Hightower's Solar

[Edric Stark]

"Leyton and his men are being held at Winterfell, unharmed and treated according to their statuses," said Edric, full aware of the irony here. "Nevertheless, the acts they committed were, as you might realize, treasonous." He paused briefly to let Lord Gwayne associate treason with death penalty and taking the black. "Now, we do not want any trouble. Quite the opposite; this could be the perfect opportunity for our houses to rekindle our friendship," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I must admit I am not up to date with the latest betrothal news, however I understand that you are an unmarried man, still?"

[Marie]

Gwayen frowned as anxiety gripped him. He hadn't wanted Leyton to go, but, knowing how the boy had been shipped off to Casterly Rock to serve the ambitions of Gwayne's own parents, causing his own father's fury and exile, he had not thought it wise to forbid him. After all, Leyton was a knight and old enough to makae his own decisions.

"I am unmarried, but I have a betrothed," he said. "I was not under the impression that the High Septon called for men to commit treason, though. The High Septon is the face of the gods on earth. Who could dispute that? I have no cause to dislike your own religion, myself, but the Faith has been recognised by the kingdoms for centuries. Our kings and queens are typically among the Faithful."

[Edric Stark]

"Of course," he agreed, uninterested in turning their conversation into a discussion about religion, especially since he was not a particularly God-fearing man, especially when it came to the New Gods. "You should keep in mind that my brother already got pardoned for his acts by the Queen herself. Your cousin's attack to overthrow Eirek's rule was in a way very brave, no doubt, but essentially an ill-timed folly. Just as the Old Gods hold no power in the South, the New Gods don't in the North. However, there is no reason for us not to be on goods terms, which is why my brother is gladly willing to let your cousin and his men return South for a ransom instead of sending them all to the Wall." He shrugged. "And to show our intentions are truly good, why not look into the possibility of a wedding between our houses?"

[Marie]

Gwayne had to smile at that since it was the last thing he'd expected.

"That is a most interesting offer. Though it does surprise me. I am thankful for my cousin's safe return, though no doubt it will not be a pleasant experience for him. Indeed I had considered sending one of my own ships north to retrieve him. But he is young, and will learn to pick his battles. Having said that, I am willing to consider the matter of marriage between our houses. As I've said, I myself am already attached. But do you have a particular candidate in mind among your own house?"

[Edric Stark]

"Then perhaps this is for him a lesson learned," said Edric, smiling a little. He recalled the brief encounter between his uncle and Gwayne's brother Gareth at the gates and decided against his initial idea. "Now, I might not be the best candidate at the moment, but my brother Damin holds a castle in the Stepstones. He could be a good match for your sister," he suggested.

[Marie]

Gwayne tried not to smile at the thought of Izzy in the Stepstones, since both of his other sisters were already attached.

"Perhaps," he allowed. "Though it must be a lonely life in the Stepstones."

[Edric Stark]

Edric shrugged. "They need not even be on the Stepstones. I am pretty sure my brother finds the heat there unbearable. It is a good source of income, is what I meant. And would surely give cause for travelling."

[Marie]

"AH, I see. My youngest sister is to marry the heir to Riverrun presently - she would have been wed already were it not for the unfortunate death of Mace Tyrell - and my middle sister is wed to a Baratheon. That leaves my eldest sister, and I am not sure she would do well in the North. She loves the warmth."

[Edric Stark]

"Well, hopefully you will give it some thought," said Edric with a polite smile, even though he was getting slightly annoyed now. "As said, there would be a seat on the Stepstones, surely a nicer place to be at in wintertime rather than the North."

[Marie]

"Yes, I understand that, but my sister is...rather fond of the south. You are aware that she was wed before? I would not wish there to be any misunderstandings in this matter."

[Edric Stark]

"I believe so," said Edric with a confident nod, although he did not know. It made no real difference to him anyway. "I have met her a couple of times, actually. Lovely lady," he added.

[Marie]

"She is. Though perhaps your brother would prefer a tractable wife? Many men do, I know. If so, I've unwed cousins who might serve. With Isabel, she has a young son at Highgarden, you see. We are not so far from Highgarden in the south, should she wish to visit him, perhaps even take him into her own household if Lord Tyrell consents. In the north, that might be rather more difficult. Lord Tyrell is not the kind of man to let go of his own."