Seagard

[Horas]

The holdings of House Mallister, located upon the western coast of the Riverlands.

[Horas]

Eddard Blackwood rides with ten men to the walls of Seagard and requests a meeting with King Gariss Stark.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

He is escorted immediately by Benn Umber and Brandon Cerwyn, along with a handful of other men. They are shown to Gariss' quarters, where Eddard is admitted by himself, so that he and Gariss are alone.

"Welcome to Seagard."

[Horas]

Where Terrence favored his father's looks, it is clear by looking at Eddard's closely cropped auburn hair that he has more than a bit of Tully blood in him. Blackwood bows respectfully. "Lord Stark."

"Lord Stark... Before we begin discussing the matters that bring me here..." he takes a deep breath as though preparing to hear long feared news, "What has become of my nephew, Lucas? His letters stopped some time ago, and his mother fears the worst..."

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

Gariss' face remained unemotional, though his eyes dimmed a bit at the question. "Your nephew and my friend, Lucas, has disappeared. Rumors place him in the north, at the Wall and beyond. Olivan is likely with him..." Gariss said, pausing a moment. "I thought of them like brothers, and their absence pains me."

[Horas]

"Beyond the Wall?" Eddard looks confused. "That... I cannot fathom why the boy would do that. But as long as he is not dead, there is still hope. I thank you for the news." He bows again.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"You have more right to it than I," Stark said solemnly, bowing his head slightly.

[Horas]

Eddard nods, then says quietly, "You recieved my raven?"

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"I did. It seems we have much to talk about. I would begin by telling you that we have gained the support of the Twins... and... at both the late Lords Tully and Blackwood request; Seagard. We wish to end the torment that has befallen upon the Riverlands. Give them support. Carry them through this time, and give our arm to them. To you."

"I do not want to divulge into the plans of your brother, though needless to say he and I had sights for a great future that never got to occur. Your family are supports of the Old Gods, and for that alone, I consider you to be just and right men; an honour to stand beside. I would have your support to win over the rest of the Northern Riverlands, so that we may stand a stronger chance against whatever come our way, be it the Seven themselves.

I do not wish to tarnish the memory of Lord Pieter, as I believe he would want the security of his fallen lands," Gariss said. He had organized his words carefully in the passed, though waited now to gauge Eddard's reaction.

[Horas]

Eddard sighs deeply. "And what of Lord Tully's wife and children? They are kin to me and mine. The Tullys have not always been Lord Paramounts, and we Blackwoods have benefited from that fact over the years... but they are still kin, and I cannot bear to know they are in captivity."

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"I promise you I will do my best to secure the release of the Tully family. I considered Terrence almost my own kin, for my love for both him and Lucas. I aim to help the Riverlands to the best of my ability, not abuse them."

[Horas]

"Cedric has taken Riverrun from the Tullys. As they are now landless, it is the responsibility of their closest kin, House Blackwood, to ensure their well being. If House Blackwood were to kneel to you and accept you as our King, Lady Catelyn Tully and her children become your subjects also." Eddard says slowly. "Would Lannister respect your wishes enough to release them?"

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"I can do only my best, though I assure you I am in the best position to request such a thing. I will ensure that their honor and dignity is returned to them. I have yet to appoint a new Lord to Seagard, and in the future, perhaps we may win them back Riverrun."

[Horas]

Eddard closes his eyes. "Then I swear, on behalf of House Blackwood of Raventree Hall and House Blackwood of Stone Hedge, to serve you loyally, Your Grace, and to be part, here ever after, of the Kingdom of the North."

He exhales deeply. "Get them back, Your Grace. That is all I ask."

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"The Old Gods and I welcome you, Eddard," Gariss says, as warmly as his voice allows. "I will do all that is in my power."