Letter to Dragonstone (Larynne)

[Halaevia Baratheon]

Taryn,

I trust all is well at Dragonstone, and that my interests are being managed as directed. Now that we are well-stocked for the coming months I will leave further trade to your discretion. Do make Eliedt aware of the process, and remind him that it will take more than knightly prowess for him to make a true success of himself.

She had to write of it in that way, Halaevia who delighted in hearing of all her young son's ambitions and plans. It was almost as if predicting his reactions brought him closer. Taryn had better be taking proper care of him, she thought to herself. It was the one aspect of her absence from home that never did grow any easier: being away from her children. It was her intent that her letter would not reveal a bit of it. It wouldn't do anyone any good, not the children, not Taryn Chepstow who would read it, and certainly not herself. If she had been writing to Eliedt and Kirilen directly, her address would have been far warmer, but this correspondence was formal, with no place for a mother's weakness.

I write with a number of requests. The first is that the books and scrolls I keep in my chambers be delivered to me, at the Eyrie where I am now resident. If I am to carry out my work here, I shall need them; there is only so much of prayer and scripture that I have committed to memory. Anything else from my personal effects I should be grateful for, but the books are essential.

Even if Taryn's faith were nowhere near as strong as her own, he would understand the reasoning behind the request. Again she dipped pen in inkwell, recollecting her conversation with Maester Daern. He struck her as a potential ally, a man with the potential for goodness within him. She would need many such as him in the future, once Torin left the Vale.

I would have you speak with Lady Melisandre for me. Tell her that the situation is delicate, that I am doing what I am able but perhaps I alone am not enough. Ask her to make an offering on my behalf, she will comprehend my meaning readily enough.

Tell my children

Here she lay the pen down. Tell them what? That it would be months, at the very least, before she would see them again? That so much of it depended upon Stannis and how quickly he was able to take the throne and begin to fulfil his higher purpose? They would not understand it. They would try - her children were bright and curious, of course they would try - but it would be too much for them. It was almost too much for her, to think on it.

There was a reason she had not written home, beyond that rushed missive from King's Landing when she had still been mistrustful and afraid.

She had to say something.

that I love them dearly and that each day they are in my thoughts. That I know they will be making me proud of them. Taryn, you mustn't neglect this. We cannot expect them to understand the truth of the situation. I will not have them think that I have forgotten them.

In the Light of the Lord,

Halaevia

The raven carried the message swiftly, and when Taryn Chepstow had read it and seen to the requests contained within, he thought of Larynne Baratheon, whom Eliedt now spoke often of. She was concerned for Halaevia, who after all was her kinswoman by marriage. Taryn had Eliedt's trust, but there was no denying that Larynne had a growing influence on the boy. It would do no harm to assuage any fears she might have.

Taryn decided to show the letter to Larynne, proof that Halaevia was, if not entirely unchanged by her experiences, at least not far removed from her usual self.

[Larynne Baratheon]

When Taryn was given permission to enter the chambers by Larynne's servant Elenia, he proceeded to Larynne and handed her the rolled and tied scroll to her outstretched hand.

She took it after inquiring to its contents, disappointed it wasn't from Storm's End. But, figured all was well there or she'd hear something. She missed her home already. Not to say she wasn't enjoying her stay here, at Dragonstone with the children. It was just she felt like a guest as Stannis was never one for the pleasantries when it came to family.

Her brow furrowed as she read the beginning of the letter. It was from Halaevia. Request for her scrolls and books for her stay? What was this? A resident of Eyrie. That didn't sound right at all. She was becoming more confused and a little angered at the lack of any indication of Halaevia's concern for being a hostage. And it sounded as if she wanted to be there and was unconcerned of the length of time she'd be there.

Words could and have been misinterpreted in letters so Larynne walked over to the desk and picked up a quill and pulled a sheet of parchment from the middle drawer and began writing a letter of her own to her sister in law.

Dearest Halaevia,

I've arrived only a few days ago from Storm's End for a visit only to hear the disconcerting news that you've been taken by force by Torin Lannister. I've not talked with Lord Stannis of how to go about your release.

I hope you're being treated well and no harm has come to you. The Lannisters would only fracture things further with Stannis if that is the case. If my beloved husband were still alive, he'd be devising ways to get you back. When I get back to Storm's End, I may try to find a way myself.

Larynne set the quill down thinking on that. If only she could convince her Kingsguard, Ser Stengrad to muster an armed contingent to go knocking at their door with. She smiled at that vision. But, she knew it'd probably make things worse and not better. Not that she'd completely remove it from her thoughts.

Your children are well, though they understandably remember who I was as they were too young at my last visit. Eliedt is thinking you're not returning and is quite distraught. Although he does do his best to assure his sister that you're coming home soon. I spend much time with them. Helping with their studies, and makings sure they keep up with their religious teachings. But, even if the words aren't spoken by them all the time, the question of your return is always in their eyes. Which brings me to the reasoning for my letter.

Taryn felt it necessary to show me your letter, which I was glad he did. Don't feel any anger towards him for it. He would've felt my wrath if he didn't.

Your request for your books and scrolls in faith practicing has me concerned. You make it sound as if you're quite content there. Which I can't believe nor will I.

Larynne continued to read the letter, about the things she expected of little Eliedt. Halaevia should be here as their Mother. She took up her pen again and continued with her writing.

I'm hoping you're doing everything in your power to try and convince Lord Torin of your release. That this demonstration of hostilities will not be tolerated and only widens the rift for making peace between our families.

I don't plan on staying for a long period of time, but while I'm here, I'll do my best for your children. But, I need to know what to tell them of their mother.

Larynne

The raven flew from the window and let the winds of the island carry it in the direction of Eyrie. Larynne watched it until it quickly disappeared into the drizzly fog and across the bay. With a heavy sigh, she turned from the window and went over to put on her dark green cloak to help ward off the chill in the keep from wrapping its invisible fingers around her body.
The afternoon's meal was being prepared and she needed to go to the kitchen and make sure all was well with it.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

The letter came to Halaevia still sealed, for which she was grateful when she saw its contents. Larynne. Her sister-in-law's concern was touching; no doubt it had come as a shock to her to find Hallie absent from Dragonstone. Nonetheless, Larynne's worry wasn't going to do her a bit of good, particularly if she objected to the fact that Hallie was asking for her books, taking it for contentment. Contentment? No doubt she wouldn't be satisfied unless she was spending her days weeping and pining for home, and that sort of behaviour was no good to anyone.

She couldn't respond to Larynne's letter at first. Her eyes strayed back to that passage - Eliedt was distraught, he didn't believe she was coming home - and her resolve wavered. How could it not? When she imagined his distress...when she imagined him trying to comfort Kirilen as if that were his responsibility to take? It was a pain that struck straight to the heart. Her children needed her. They needed her, and she wasn't there, and there wasn't a thing she could do about it.

Halaevia didn't leave her rooms that day; the sorrow overwhelmed her, and she feigned sickness. There was nothing she could do. She knew that she had to accept it, had to be stronger than she wanted to be. The next morning she wrote back.

My dear sister Larynne,

It is a delight to hear from you. Your concern for me is kind, but I would not have you worry unduly! Ser Torin Lannister has seen to it that I am provided for, and no harm has come to me since I left Dragonstone. You will understand that I have no safe way of returning home and thus must remain here for the time being.

Halaevia knew how that sounded. She could guess how Larynne would see it, but then Larynne wasn't here to know any different. When she had been taken to King's Landing, Halaevia had been terrified. She had expected imprisonment, and with none of the courtesy due her station - it was wartime, she had feared the absolute worst. Joffrey had had people executed for far less.

Then Torin had kept his word, and had offered her a way out of the situation, and she wasn't going to listen to anyone who might fault her for taking it, Larynne included.

Content is an unfair word to use, Larynne. I am doing what I can to make this situation tolerable. The truth is that I am here for a higher purpose than I first realized. As you may have been told, Torin was given a vision while he was on Dragonstone. It was the doing of the Lord of Light. I am in the Eyrie now in R'hllor's service. The Lannisters, save for Torin who has purpose of his own, are quite irrelevant in the greater scheme of things. The Light will triumph, Larynne, and with that knowledge I have no fear of what is to come.

I want to return home. You must know that; yet I also see that there is more to this than my own selfish desires. I am bringing the Light to the people of the Vale and that is a task which has its own importance. You must not worry for me. When the time is right, I will see Dragonstone again.

When Stannis had his throne, but she knew better than to put that in writing. She spoke her mind as she pleased with those she knew wouldn't complain of it, but she wasn't about to give anyone cause to keep closer watch on her. Her views, of course, were common knowledge, but for appearance's sake she had to be careful. She only hoped Larynne was perceptive enough to read between the lines.

It is good of you to give your attention to Eliedt and Kirilen. Please, Larynne, tell Eliedt that I will come home to him when I can. He is too young to have to cope with such a burden. I love them both so dearly and you cannot imagine how it grieves me to be apart from them.

Halaevia stopped. Her writing had lost its neat, orderly character. By comparison, the last line was practically scrawled. That wouldn't do. She couldn't let her emotions get the better of her again. It would make Larynne worry more, and Larynne wouldn't reassure the children properly - obviously Taryn and Ishreya had already failed to do so, and that was a concern in itself. She resumed her writing, slower and more careful.

Tell them that I have special work to do for the Lord of Light. You may be as skeptical as you please on the matter, but this is not the time to try to shake their faith. Perhaps knowing that will bring them some comfort, and I cannot believe you would begrudge them that.

Halaevia

[Larynne Baratheon]

Receiving the raven from Halaevia was a relief to Larynne. She was at least able to get them as well as send them out.

Taryn was smiling when he presented this next one, which was addressed to Larynne personally this time. Larynne was seated comfortably in one of the chairs in the hall with the large, lit hearth. Thinking about current issues and events which as a woman she would be told she had no business doing. But, she was also reading one of the many medicinal scrolls and books that her friend and Maester of medicine had given her over the years. One of those books was in her lap opened to a page describing herbal remedies.

Larynne thanked Taryn and opened the still sealed letter and began reading. The first sentence made her feel more relaxed in knowing that Lord Torin was seeing she was cared for and treated well. And, now she was also understanding the reason why Hallie wanted those items of her religion. She was encouraging Torin towards the ways of the Light. With a heavy sigh, she called over a servant for some mulled wine to accompany her reading, as well as a quill and some parchment for the return letter.

After taking a sip of the wine, she dipped the quill into the ink and thought a moment before adding words to the paper.

Hallie,

I must admit that knowing you're being well cared for by Lord Torin and not sitting in the dank, dark bowels of Joffrey's castle makes me feel much better. Though, I fear Joffrey will find a way to have you become his toy as he tends to do with, well, everyone. And that even the Light of which you follow won't be strong enough to protect you.

She stopped writing and tapped the feather part of the quill lightly against her chin while choosing her next set of words. Apparently, Hallie was of no use to Joffrey at least for now. Other than she was aiding Torin with this vision. As far as the Light, like her own faith she once followed until the deaths she endured, especially her young daughter, it was more words and a waste of time. But, Larynne wouldn't instigate an argument with Hallie. Not while she was in the hands of the Lannisters. Hallie needed her faith to keep her strong. Larynne understood that.


I hope your books got to you in one piece, and that they help you accomplish what you feel is necessary while you're there. You've my word I won't try to dissuade your children from their teachings, my dear sister. They need to believe in something. And, while I'm here, I'll do my best to help them believe you're returning to them. Eliedt is stubborn like his father so that will be a chore in itself. As he really believes you've left him and Kirilen.

She picked up her goblet with her free hand and took a long, savoring sip from it and looked into the dancing flames of orange, red and yellows, before returning to the letter.

If I could come and get you myself I would. Until then, I only hope the letters between us will help subside the pain we both feel not knowing when you'll be coming home to Dragonstone where you belong. And, my dear Halaevia, you do belong here.

While she continued to pen the letter, a servant came into the hall and approached her. She was needed by Stannis' wife. Larynne quickly signed her signature and stamped her family seal next to it before handing it to the waiting, young woman with directions to send it right away.

[Halaevia Baratheon]

It was mid-afternoon when Halaevia received the next letter, some days after she had sent her own. Although it had been difficult at first to write, she found herself looking forward to a reply from Larynne. Yes, perhaps it was hard for her to learn of her children's sorrow at her absence, but she had to be honest with herself. Ignoring the situation didn't change it, and the fact that Larynne was truthful in this and didn't hide it from her to spare her feelings meant that she could take the rest of the letter's contents for true, also. There was some value in word from home, in knowing that the connection still held.

No sooner had she finished reading this time than she sat down to compose a reply. It was important to her to keep her mind occupied; at Dragonstone there was always one matter of business or another that needed her attention, or if not that then the children. Here the days seemed to stretch that bit longer, at least at the times when she was not in the new temple. She wrote:

Dearest Larynne,

You must not fret about Joffrey. As I understand it, he is still under advisement from his elders, and Ser Torin is his uncle. In any case, I scarcely think he knows who I am. I saw him but once, and that only in passing. Moreover, the Eyrie is very far from King's Landing. He is not at this time a great concern of mine, and so should not be of yours.

You do underestimate the power of the Lord of Light. Have you heard that the building which once housed the Great Sept in King's Landing has been transformed into a temple in his honor? We have a temple of our own in the Eyrie now, also, and I am leading worship there. That is the work that has kept me occupied here. The Light is burning brighter by the day.

Hallie had no immediate reason to fear Joffrey. If she had still been in King's Landing, it might have been different, but as it stood she was not nearly interesting enough to attract his attention, which was as fleeting as the average young boy's, if a lot more vicious. Even when she had been in the capital, Lord Tywin had troubled her more. He had a sharper mind than Cersei's bastard son could ever hope for. She wanted to reassure Larynne on that account.

I am quite in agreement, my home is at Dragonstone with my children, but we both know that there is much to be done before I can return. I urge you not to take any rash action. There is a certain delicacy in what I have set in motion now and I must not have it upset. You mustn't come here, you mustn't send anyone to antagonize the Lannisters. If you cannot trust in the Light, then trust at least that I know what I am doing.

Eliedt is so like his father! I shall tell you that the best way to coax Alyon out of a stubborn mood was always to convince him that what you want of him was his idea to begin with. It works with many who are reluctant to accept counsel. With my son, though - remind him that I have said that I will come home, and remind him that I don't ever lie to him. He has a firm belief in the necessity of telling the truth, and it may help a little.

Taryn Chepstow is likely keeping him busy, but Taryn is no substitute for a mother. Eliedt will want to tell you that he is almost grown and has no need of such things, but he's a sensitive boy at heart. Watch over him for me, he keeps everything so close. And my Kirilen! I am fortunate that she has Ishreya for a nursemaid now, but she is given to wild imaginings, and I worry for her. If she is ever frightened or terribly upset, you must tell Ishreya to sing to her, and that will soothe her.

What was she doing? Larynne no doubt didn't want to know such things, and writing them might have assured her that the children would be properly cared for, but it also fueled her fears that they wouldn't be. She couldn't ever know for certain. On balance, she didn't know how much good it did.

I do look forward to your letters, Larynne. Tell me, is everyone well at Dragonstone? I have heard nothing from the others. My books have not yet reached me, but then the journey is long. I trust that they will arrive in due course.

May the Light shine upon you,

Hallie

[Larynne Baratheon]

Once in a great while the weather would break from the rain and dreadful chill winds long enough for the residents of Dragonstone to get outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air. Even though within the next few hours another front would sweep over the island sending everyone scurrying back through the doors.

When next Larynne got another raven from Hallie a few days from the last one, she was outside in the flower garden sitting on one of the carved, stone benches while Eliedt and Kirilen and Shireen played about and driving their maids witless in the process.

As with the other two, it was Taryn who brought this one, and would do so from now on. He also started bringing a quill pen and sheath of paper for her response. That was accepted with a warmth in her smile that the heat from the rarely seen sun drenched her in. It felt wonderful and the gods knew her pale skin needed it. She was liking Taryn and his seemingly want to please her as much as he would with Hallie had she been here.

She broke the seal and unrolled the scroll and began reading the beautifully written script she always envied Hallie for having. Oh, Larynne wrote well enough and in an elegant manner, but, Hallie's words seemed to flow better.

Hallie went about having faith in the God of Light and her ongoing work at Eryie in the name of her God. Well, it was keeping her busy and her mind off the constant worry of her children. And, knowing Joffrey seemed to have no indication or desire to cross paths with her to make things more miserable for Hallie was a relief to say the least.
Larynne's lips twitched into a smile at reading Hallie's insistence that she not try and raise an army to come get her. No sense in making things more tense than they already were. She had to accept that in due time, Hallie would be returned. Even though she gave up the faith in her own God, Larynne still had to believe and keep hope that she would return unharmed.

Standing, she walked with her treasures to a marble topped table and sat down to begin writing her letter. But, she glanced upward at the sky to make sure there was no threat of rain to ruin her letter. Satisfied, Larynne began putting quill to paper with her reply.


Dear Hallie,

I'm sorry your books haven't arrived, but, I guess if they were being sent by a huge, fat raven they'd be there by now instead of normal means. Hopefully, they'll arrive in one piece.

I understand your concern, and you've my word I'll do no such thing as stirring the pot with a gathered force to come get you. Besides, I left my armor back at Storm's Keep. She quipped with a smile of amusement.

I appreciate your advice with Eliedt as I was beginning to run out of things to say to him, and, of course, he was starting mistrust my words. Had my daughter still be alive, I'd more experience with children. I miss my little girl dearly and not a day goes by I don't think about her and her beautiful wheat colored hair. Do you recall her, Hallie? She adored you, that I remember.

She paused to remember, then inhaled deeply before continuing. It'd be almost two years since her daughter's death and though her heart continued to ache, it had lessened a little. Larynne figured Shireen and her daughter would've gotten along well and would've liked to see them become friends.

At any rate, I'll do my best with your children, and will make sure Kirilen's fears are swept away by Ishreya. I do hope she sings better than my maid did. Sounded dreadful she did. Made me cry harder.

Your other request, to speak with Milisandre I'm not sure about. You know how I feel about that woman. There's nothing good about her and I felt that way the first time she lay eyes on me. As if she knows something of me or our family she's not telling. I know your faith in the Light is strong, Hallie, but I implore you to be wary of her. I learned from my father to keep your friends close but your enemies closer, and something tells me a friend she's not. I don't know why. Please don't have me explain the feeling I have.

A sudden chill swept over Larynne and a stiff breeze brushed through her hair. She lifted her eyes to the sky and noticed dark clouds forming in to a solid wall overhead. It was time to get the children inside. Was that a cause of her mistrust of Milisandre? Silly, just another storm as with all the others.

A storm is brewing Hallie so I must end my letter now and make sure Eliedt, Kirilen and Shireen are all safe and dry before they're turned into soaked little kittens.

We may be just sisters by marriage to my late brother, but know my love for you is strong and you are a true sister to me.

Larynne