Horn Hill

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Well I guess my only question is to seek his council and ask his intentions for the gathering storm. Lord Tarly seemed quick to side with Dorne and the Stormlands, don't you think?"

[The Flint]

"Well. We do not know that he is siding with them. After all, he has left his messengers responsibilities a little vague. Expect Lord Piers to know of the missions to Dorne and the Stormlands. Perhaps start by asking for his blessing on the selection of Tarly as Lord Regent. After all he's got westermen up to his ears running around the Vale demanding the job, a sensible power transition may appeal to him."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"That is good counsel Anne," Alexander said, he had just gotten used to the politics of the Far Reach and trying to keep track of all the news in the greater realm was making his head spin. "I wish you were coming with me to the Vale, your wit is almost as sharp as Francis's."

[The Flint]

Anne blushed. "Hardly. Most of these platitudes were in his notes to me." She chuckled. "Although I suppose I'm more practical and level headed than my brother, Roland though."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Well sometimes passion rules the day. Speaking of passion, it seems you made quite an impression on my wife, Dacey. She will insist that you say hello before you leave. She will be travelling to Uplands when her brother Steffan leaves with the other men we raised."

[The Flint]

"Of course. You know I haven't seen Francis since after we traveled home from the tourney?" She sighed. "I've seen him less than one tenth of the time i've been married to him. Don't do the same with your bride Lord Alexander, I urge you."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Yes well, I will be happy to stay at home if the realm will ever be at peace. I've been Lord of Uplands for over a year and have hardly spent a forenight there. Hopefully my stewart has gotten rid of all that outrageous green and gold."

[The Flint]

Anne put her palm in front of her mouth as she laughed. "Why am I not surprised that Uplands' decor was as tacky as its previous owner was tactless. I'm sure Dacey will quite straighten things out thought. Speaking of which, where is she?"

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"She beseached the good Tarlys for a room in their Keep, not much for sleeping on cots, as is her comfort. Not that I blame her any. I'll probably make use of the comfort while I still can, as well. Its impossible to say where I'll be these next few days, especially if your husband comes home. I have half a mind to think that Francis never rests."

[The Flint]

"He doesn't. He sneaks out of bed after he thinks I'm asleep. Silly man. Well Lord Alexander, I know you have much to do, and I will let you do it while there are still daylight hours, so you aren't sneaking out of bed as well. I'll pay a call on Dacey and than I will be off." She smiles warmly at the bannerlord, and than leaves, escorted by Ser Torn who watches her with a concern which seems almost parental in its magnitude.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"No on the contrary actually, Dacey normally beats me out of bed when were together. Although not lately she has been feeling ill of late taken to sickness in the morning."

As the Lady Varner departs he pulls out his maps of the area surrounding Horn Hill to work on its defenses.

[The Flint]

//////
Lady Anne Varner entered the small guest room in Horn Hill where Lady Dacey and her maids were staying.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Anne!," Dacey said excitedly rising from her reading, "I am so glad to see you, I thought the worse when I heard you left from Brightwater. I am so sorry to hear about Francis. It kills me inside."

[The Flint]

Anne nodded glumly. "Yes. I'll always have a piece of him with me though, in Cyrus." She said, sitting down in a nearby seat. "Your husband tells me you haven't been feeling well in the mornings? That seems awful familiar." She smiled knowingly.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Yes, the Maester told me yesterday I am with child, but Alexander doesn't know yet, I am trying to find the right way to tell him."