Gates of the Moon

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Word can travel slowly to the Vale. I take it something ill has happened?," Wayman asks.

[The Smith]

Bolton laughed one.

Unghar nodded, "She was killed in a bandit attack."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"My condolences," Wayman says. His voice does not break tone. "What brings you to the Vale of Arryn?"

[The Smith]

Bolton stares at Wayman, and shakes his head.

Unghar says, "Well as Regent of the North and Lord Bolton. He needs to stabilize his line. So he must remarry again. We were seeking advice from Lord Arryn. I do not know what to do with his absence."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Of course. Surely he must. Does he look to wed within the North, to strengthen his hold, or outside the north, to raise the profile of his house?" Wayman asks. "Surely these are the questions to ask before choosing a bride."

[The Smith]

Bolton sneers and says, "We both know the answer to that question."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Your hold on the north is strong enough, then. Have you a bride already in mind here in the Vale? I can speak with Lord Arryn's tongue, if there is a question you would ask," Wayman replies.

[The Smith]

Bolton's dead eyes fixated on Wayman's mouth.

Unghar spook, "Lord Bolton is from the north. The pools are all cold there. He likes to test the water before jumping in. Who do the waters suit him in the vale? Or should we move on?"

[dienekes]

Morax stayed in the back and watched Lyas and Unghar work. It was truly amazing, Unghar and Lyas seemd almost linked with Unghar speaking the Lord Regents wishes without Lyas opening his mouth. As the talk continued he almost felt pity for this Waymar.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"The Vale has many fine and virtuous maidens, if that is what Lord Bolton seeks. However, if his goal is a wedding worthy of his station, well, I am not sure he will find what he is looking for. The only unwed Arryn daughter has had a mere eight naming days, and Lord Rhodri has stated he will not betroth her until she is of age to wed."

"Would a banner house do for the Warden of the North? If so, House Grafton and the Royces of the Gate have daughters suitable in age. Otherwise, perhaps we can find ways to link our bannermen between North and Vale to create a suitable alliance."

[The Smith]

Bolton asks, "Doesn't Lord Arryn have an unwed sister?" A small smile slips across his face.

Unghar picks at his yellow and black teeth, "We can speak of those marriage proposals in a moment." he adds.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Ah, you speak of Sara Lannister. Her first marriage turned into something of a burden -- Rhodri promised not to make her wed again, if she chose not to. To wed her, you would have to court her. She is in the Westerlands, where she is raising the Lady of Casterly Rock," Wayman replies. "Rhodri can be too soft that way, allowing womenfolk to dictate his choices. But he is Lord Paramount and I am not, so we do things his way."

[The Smith]

Bolton stared the at Royce silently.

Unghar then contiued, "Alright. We are going to stop in the Westerlands after we visit to Ravenwood Hall." Pausing for a second to glance at his silent master, "Now your requests to the Flints and Lockes. I think we could be persuaded to grant..."

Bolton interrupts his man, "Have you ever been in great pain Wayman Royce?"

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Wayman Royce looks at Lyas Bolton, his face still a mask of calm. "Rarely, mi'lord."

[The Smith]

Bolton stands, "You are still young." He turns and exits the room.

Unghar shrugged, "So now about your proposals. For us to accept yours we would need two more weddings. For liegemen or relatives of Lord Bolton. They must be better weddings then they would normally expect. Can this be arranged?"