Gates of the Moon

[Deleted]

Aranya was with Rhodri and his knights, armed and armored. There was a grim cast to her face.

[House Dustin]

Roland's party arrives at the Gates of the moon after a very hard ride. Roland's name is begginning to be better known throughout the Vale and he is recognized. He inquires directly after Lord Arryn to find he had departed less than one day before. Roland nodded in thanks and started off again. The men and the horses were tired, but there was nothing to do but to press on.

[Deleted]

Aranya nodded to Roland as she saw him join the party of Arryn knights. She motioned for him to ride up at the front with her and Rhodri.

[The Smith]

Elena stuck close to Rhodri, occasionally holding his hand.

[House Dustin]

Ser Roland's party overtook Lord Arryn's column four hours later. He saw Aranya motion to him, and rode to her, saying, "It is good to see you cousin. Do you have any idea what has happened?"

[Deleted]

"It is a sign that I never read properly, or ignored. They will come, when winter comes."

[House Dustin]

A puzzled look fluttered across Rolands face, "...They?"

[Deleted]

"The white cold from the north, and the walkers that bring it. I dreamed of it, long ago. But much will come before that. I think little good will come from where we are going. In the Stormlands, the sea boils red and drowns the land. And other monsters await, not the walkers."

[House Dustin]

Roland's face tightens, and he looks away. "I have little understanding of these things, Aranya. If I keep with any gods, it would be the old ones... but the truth of it is that I understand little of any of it, but to respect the gods." He looks back into his cousin's eyes, "I will defer to you and the Lord Arryn's judgement. Ask whatever you need of me, and I will do my utmost."

[Deleted]

"I suspect we will have need of you, cousin. You are an able sword and a man to be counted upon." She smiled. "I hear you have been squashing clan rebellions, and Painted Dogs too. Those bastards nearly cut me open when I pregnant with Brynden. Selwyn protected me." Her smile faded at the mention of her dead husband and her missing son. She turned and spurred the roan destrier forward abruptly.

[House Dustin]

Roland was about to speak when abruptly rode off. He grimaced after her, feeling empathy, unable to imagine what depth of emotion she must be feeling. He patted Dusk on the neck, "Rest up, I'll be needing you soon, I think."

Roland dismounted, walking beside his horse for as long as he was able.

[Deleted]

Aranya glanced over her shoulder, smoothing her tight expression. "I see you have developed an affection for him. Has he served you well?" She nodded to the blood bay.

[House Dustin]

"He has, cousin. I rode him into the Painted Dogs. He's disciplined, but fierce in battle. His training and conditioning are a credit to your stables." Roland tried to give his cousin a warm smile.

OOC: Goodnight, Aranya. I'm actually going now. Stupid work.

[Deleted]

Aranya looked pleased. [That was unintended, I swear.] "I am glad of that. I wish I had Snow with me now." She was riding one of Rhodri's horses, a powerful roan destrier. "Still, this mount will serve me well enough."

OOC: Have fun. Though you insisted you won't.

[Deleted]

Aranya arrived at the Gates of the Moon, with Yohn, the knights, and the globe and the ore. They had ridden hard, but Aranya did not pause. The horses were handed over to the Royce at the Gates, and mules were found for them to take the party up to the waycastles and then the Eyrie.