Gates of the Moon

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The cloaked man comes upon the the maids. He takes up the sword from the travel chests, turning it over and over in his hands. While his left hand looks strong and sure, his right hand can barely flex, locked in rictus. The maids seem scared of the cursed man.

After a time, he places the sword back in the chest, and picks up the bow, appraising it as well. His face is only barely visible under the large, dark hood.

[Deleted]

"M-my lord," the first maid's eyes widened, but then she curtsied deeply, and the other two followed suit. "It-it is good to have you back home."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The man grunts at the maid, and then places the bow back. "Don't...show...your loathing...so openly, I'll be gone...from your sight...soon," the figure says. His voice is slow and drawn, as if speaking was torture.

[Deleted]

"Oh, my lord," one of them said, covering her mouth in dismay. She signalled to the other two, and they helped him to a comfortable seat. One of the girls gave him a warm drink that was lightly shot with milk of the poppy, to ease the pain.

"She will make you proud, m'lord," the first maid said solemnly. "She is a tough girl and well trained in the arts of war. She will make a good wife to the Bolton and do you proud."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"No fucking chair. No fucking poppy," he says through the rictus. His cloak falls back from his face, which is marred by a massive and horrible scar. His right eye is swollen shut, and much of the right side of his head can no longer grow hair. When he speaks, the right half of his mouth doesn't move.

The left side of his face is still handsome, if rugged, but locked in a look of misery.

[Deleted]

One of the maids began to cry. The other two stood, looking stunned. They had been in the employ of House Hunter all their lives, and had grown accustomed to praising Lord Robar Hunter extravagantly. He was a brilliant general of legendary fame, and one of the brightest and oldest stars of the Vale. To see him like this was an unspeakable shock.

"My lord," one of the maids said, trying to sound happy. "We feared Lord Royce had killed you that day in the joust. Lady Alla and Lady Aranya did not leave your bedside for days as the maesters tended to you. They will be full of joy to hear that you are...well. And alive," she added hastily.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"I am not well...and be better off dead. Fuck Royce, fuckwit," Lord Hunter says.

[Deleted]

The girls realized that he was partially paralyzed. The third maid was in floods of tears again. "Is there anything we can do for you, m'lord?" the first asked. "You lady wife, Lady Jocelyn, is back at Longbow Hall with the rest of the family."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Hunter stands and leaves the chambers, no longer willing to talk.

[Deleted]

"Where is he going?" one of the maids hissed. "Oh gods, did you see his face?"

"Hush," the first maid said, throwing a nervous look at the door. "He'll stay in the castle. I expect Lady Alla will meet him tomorrow morning."

[jules]

Juliette returns to the hall, a letter clutched in her hand, looking for her cousin. Not seeing Elaena, she leans against the wall, waiting for her to arrive.

[elaena]

A few moments later, Elaena arrives in the hall.
"Another Bolton married, cousin. Perhaps it shall be one of us next." She notices the letter in Juliette's hand. "What news?"

[dienekes]

I hate weddings. Morax awoke with a splitting headache from how much he had drunk. As he went to break his morning fast he heard wispering voices about some Lord Hunter returning. Paying it no head he continued into the hall there seeing Juliette leaning against a wall letter in hand. "Morning Jules. Any news?" He asked nodding toward the letter.

[jules]

She silently hands the letter over before going to sit down. "Marriage, Elaena? Good god, I do hope not!"

[elaena]

Elaena scans quickly over the letter.
"Well this is... interesting."