Duskendale

[Sam]

"Aye, he certainly is. There is peace for the most part, aside from a few enemy strongholds scattered around. I trust there are no remnants of the cult hiding within the city laws?" he asked.

[The Smith]

"They don't right identify themselves ser. With those masks and all."

[Sam]

After the knights of the Vale have gotten settled into Duskendale, Ser Aaron sends several ravens, to the Reach, the Eyrie, and King's Landing.

[Sam]

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A few weeks later, Ser Armand Royce arrives at Duskendale at the head of three hundred more horsemen. He is greeted warmly by his brother, although that night ten riders depart Duskendale, heading southwest.

[Sam]

Ser Armand Royce and his knights arrive at Duskendale four days after leaving the capital, having made a leisurely pace north through the crownlands.

[Aerys]

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Eleven ships arrive at Duskendale's harbor.

They are flying the Targaryen royal standard, as well as the green and white colors of House Velaryon. Lord Aurane Velaryon their commander, sends a messenger ashore informing the castle of his identity.

[Sam]

They are given leave to disembark and enter Duskendale. Lord Aurane and his immediate entourage are given guest quarters in the Dun Fort, while the rest of his sailors are instructed to make their own accommodations in the city.

[Aerys]

As soon as his party have rested and changed, Lord Aurane seeks to meet with Lord Armand Royce.

[Sam]

They are escorted to the Dun Fort's main solar, which over looks Duskendale's massive stable complex. Armand Royce is seated behind a desk, leaning back with his feet propped up. "Welcome, my lord," he said, straightening up when Lord Velaryon entered. "May I offer you wine, or mead?"

[Aerys]

"I prefer wine thank you." The Lord of Driftmark and Sharp Point took a seat.

[Sam]

Armand gestured, and a servant approached bearing a tray with a goblet of wine for Lord Velaryon. "So, my lord, by your visit I am to assume our previous talk of a marriage alliance are to continue?"

[Aerys]

"My sisters are on the market for husbands certainly" replied Aurane. "The Queen has made a couple of suggestions for them both, but given our previous discussions, I have first come to gauge your interest in an alliance with House Velaryon."

[Sam]

"Well my interest remains. We of the crownlands should be allied closely with each other. It seems that when war breaks our the crownlands are the first to be torn asunder, perhaps a unified group of Houses will prevent such from happening in the future."

[Aerys]

Lord Aurane nodded.

"Just so Lord Armand. I too am eager to see a unified group of Crownland houses, which is why I am here. When we last discussed it, I did have concerns for a union between our houses. There seemed to be some doubt as to the loyalty of the Royces to the Targaryen cause. From what the Queen tells me, any issues between the Targaryens and Royces seem to have been resolved."

[Sam]

Armand's face darkened. "That resolution might not be as you think, my lord. I recieved word several days ago that my lord father is being confined in the Red Keep for a reason unknown. My brother Aaron is likely on his way to the capital to investigate this matter; I can think of no just reason for her grace to have issued such an order and I will admit that I am greatly troubled.

I do not see what that has to do with my marrying your sister, however."