The Lion Weds the Falcon (Open)

[Lena Arryn]

It was a long ride South was filled with much preparation as Lena and her party rode south.
It had been nearly three weeks of riding when they finally arrived.

Knots formed in Lena's stomach as Casterly Rock came into view.
"It seems we're here." some one in the party had said, she couldn't remember who said it but she nodded deftly as they began there descent through Lannisport and back up the path to Casterly Rock.
There wouldn't be much time to rest once they arrived at the Rock, they would be met by their hosts, before Lena was whisked a way to be prepared for her wedding.

In the weeks past she had her things sent ahead, books, clothing trappings and weapons. Her sword Talon she kept at her side, it would be her protection and her comfort on the Kings Road.
She wondered if the servants had gone through her things at Casterly Rock, if she'd be staying in the same room as Torin or if she have her own space in the hall.
She hoped for the later, it made her already knotted stomach clench tighter as the thought of having to share her bed with the giant Lannister man.

[Torin Lannister]

"Run! Run and prepare all of you! For today is the greatest of days!" That was the first thing Torin had bellowed out when he emerged from his chambers that morning, the Servants of Casterly Rock had been scurrying about in preparation long before sunrise. Already he had a goblet of wine in one hand and after downing it in one excited go hurled the cup of bronze across the hall until it crashed into a wall.

The smile on his face and in his eyes would taken a blacksmith to remove it was so embedded or perhaps a stone mason. He had of course not gotten dressed yet, at least not into the fine gold and red attire he would wear for the ceremony. For now it was more simple tunics and the like. This was the day when Torin would have his bride, a bride that would give him sons and daughters of perfect blonde hair....and what a woman to be his bride!

Every Knight in the Westerlands would be attending he reckoned, as a guest of course. There was still an army that could defend should someone try ruin his day. After some time throwing his weight around and generally being an excited Lion Torin was informed the Lady of the day had arrived. It was only at that point did he leave to get properly suited for the day. He would look and smell as fine as was possible! No expense had been spared by Torin, none at all!

[Deleted]

As the future Lord of Highgarden, Ser Delphin Tyrell really had no choice in the matter of coming to the wedding between Ser Torin Lannister and Lady Lena Arryn. Not that he was complaining, he enjoyed feasts and ceremonies a good deal more than most men, so even the travel to Casterly Rock was not too bad.

Not many had come along with him, his sister was at Storms End, his younger brothers were doing who knows what, and he was the one called upon by Mace to go. Delphin figured that his father was doing something important, otherwise he would have come along for the ride. Maybe he went with his own retinue of Knights, or with Lords of houses pledged to Highgarden. That would be like his lord father, to send his children out with only their squire and a few other Knights, then go himself with the full pageantry of Highgarden. Typical.

Surely the wedding would be great, especially because of all the Lannister gold. Due to this, he had to make sure to dress up in his best clothing. A bright colored tunic with the sigil of his House over the right side of his chest, and a bunch of other little things that just added the right amount of flare. He did not mean to steal the show from Ser Torrin, but it could happen. After all, Ser Delphin did consider himself quite the looker.

He left his pavilion followed by his squire, who was holding the two wedding gifts: For Lady Lena there was a bouquet of all the flowers his servants could find in Highgarden, and for Ser Torrin there was a purple dagger. The flowers were his own idea, but the dagger was Lord Mace's idea. Why a dagger, he did not know, but he found it rather comical that it was made in his favorite color purple.

He asked his squire where the ceremony would be taking place, and the squire responded with the keep. So on to the keep of Casterly Rock Ser Delphin went, followed closely by his squire who held the gifts.

[Lena Arryn]

The afternoon sun decorated the cobbles in the court yard as Lena and her party arrived at the castle proper of Casterly Rock.
Lena dismounted her horse and stood, her hand on the hilt of her long sword. There were servants scurrying about, stable boys being yelled at by their masters and sentries standing about with large spears to keep away unwanted wedding guests.

A boy of about thirteen rushed forward and took the reins of Lena's horse, she pat the animal on the back flank as it passed her and she walked forward as her retinue fell in line behind her. Her hosts should be greeting her soon, if they had any sort of manners.

[Torin Lannister]

When Torin was ready for the day proper he left his private Quarters, soon the serving girls would see to it that it was filled with the things Lena had sent ahead so their first night together would have her possessions close by. Guests were already arriving, familiar faces mostly. Friends and friends of friends and of course the loyal bannermen.

Hands were shaken and congratulations were offered as they came and approached Torin. Gifts were placed aside and wine was poured so that all may have a drink. Ser Torin knew well enough to stay away from wine for now so ale would have to suffice, t'would be most ignoble of him to be drunk at his own wedding.

[triminac]

Lannisport. A city of grandeur. Everywhere they looked, the Bravosi blades men saw the exchange of gold and the sound of the clanking chains of the City Watch. They had come here with the retinue of Lena Arryn for her wedding but when they crossed through Lannisport the Ridharji retainers, 3 knights and 18 horsemen, decided to take a detour. Lord Kharjo Antaryon decided not many soldiers would be necessary considering they were traveling with the main retinue. Casterly Rock was still some ways away but if something happened the Bravosi believed they could handle it. Together they rode around the city just seeing the sights and the commerce of its people. No wonder the Lannisters were so wealthy, the taxes they could levy from these people were exorbitant! Kharjo actually found it rather impressive. Finally they reached the docks and there they stopped for a small while, giving their horses a rest as they looked out onto the sea.

" You know 'Ra, this could be us one day. If we keep working at it we could build Ridharji up to be the center of trade in Westeros, and from there we could be set in the path to becoming a Great House, noble blood be damned. "Kharjo sat against the wall of a dock house, tossing stones into the gentle waters.

"It's certainly possible. But you must remember not to jump into it all at once. Pace yourself . You're lord now, and every mistake you make affects a great deal of people."

"Do you take me for a fool? I know that. Come, I grow tired of sitting around. We ride to Casterly Rock."A small sigh escaped Ser Dato'Ra's lips as they mounted their steeds and rode off towards the Rock. They encountered no troubles on the way and were met with little reception. Most if not all servants were tending to the Lannisters and the condition of the keep. Luckily he was given permission to use a bath before attending the wedding itself. He was led a stone circle with a maid pouring in buckets of pit-heated waters. The young lord undressed himself of his riding attire and stepped into the warm bath. It was quite relaxing after the long journey and shifting climates between the Vale and the Westerlands. One of the maids gently wiped any dirt from his body with soft cloths and cleansed him with wax soaps. He felt quite refreshed to be legitimately clean again after these past three weeks.

Lord Kharjo stepped out of the bath and donned his dress trousers, tying the legs just below the knees. Then came the soft bleak leather boots that rose up just enough so the trousers could cover the brim. Before dressing his torso a barber sat him down, brushed the sods onto his face, and brought the straight razor to his whiskers masterfully, not a single cut or missed bristle. To be honest it made him look a bit younger than he was and that was young enough, but he didn't mind. He looked clean and handsome, and that was enough for him. Afterwards Lord Ridharji donned A simple white tunic, covered by a billowy, navy overcoat with a silver collar. Lastly, to hold it all together, he strapped on a black leather belt at the waist. After examining his reflection found himself to appear quite dashing, in his opinion at least. After hooking Quiksilver to his belt he returned his men who resided in the dining hall.

" Do you have the presents?" For Lady Lena he had purchased a slate grey Lanner Falcon( kind of a joke of her marrying a Lannister) that just would not stop fidgeting in its aluminum cage. It didn't squawk or screech or anything so it was unlikely the present was given away from the rattling was rather annoying. Perhaps Lena could tame him. And for Ser Torin, Kharjo, rather then bring a lion, brought wide crimson cape that was adorned with a lion's mane covering the shoulders and neck. Rather than give them something like weapons or armor or Dragons, Kharjo had wanted to give the couple something more personal to them.Hopefully they would be accepted.

[marissa114]

The journey to Casterly Rock had been long, entirely too long for Maeve's liking. She had been traveling with her sister and her retinue for what seemed like forever. When they finally reached their destination Maeve wasted no time dismounting. She was glad to be rid of the wretched animal, the lady was never fond of riding. But this trip had been especially painful for her, the horse was unruly and Maeve was an atrocious rider on her own.

Casterly Rock was beautiful, to put simply. You could practically see the Lannister wealth seeping from every edge of the castle. They had stopped and dismounted in the Courtyard of Casterly Rock, and were waiting for their hosts to greet them. She wondered if Lena was nervous, she surely would be if she was in her place. Maeve was nervous and she wasn't even the one to be married! This was her first time leaving the Eyrie, her home. She was about to be plunged into a world full of people she had never met. It was absolutely terrifying! What if she embarrassed herself, or worse, her family? She pushed those thoughts from her mind and focused on how exciting the wedding will be and on being happy for her sister. After all this was all about Lena. This was not a time for selfish thoughts. She walked over to her sister, her shoes making a click noise on the cobbles. She looked at Lena and said with sincerity "Sister, how are you? If there is anything you need, please call on me. I want to help you all that I can on this special and joyous day"

[Lena Arryn]

If there was one thing that Lena found comforting about this day it was that Maeve had been with her, excited as her sister was Lena hadn't the heart to tell her sister she was only marrying Torin as a means to keep the Vale's head above water if worse came to worse.
"Thank you Maeve." Lena said, placing her hand on her sisters shoulder, and smiling brightly. "You will be the first to know if I am in need of anything at all."
It was then that page arrived at the doors.
"Mi'ladies, please, follow me to your chambers." The boy said, bowing to the soon wife of his master Lannister and her sister.

Lena led the way behind the page, through the corridors and up the stairs to a fine set of rooms. Once they were they Lena noted there was one bed, and only Maeve's things were in it. Lena's face paled for a moment as realty sank in, the only items here that belonged to her was the trunk with her wedding clothes.
"I trust everything will be to your liking?" The page said, standing at the door.
"Yes, Thank you." Lena said dismissing the boy.

When the door was safely shut and Lena was sure that the boy was out of ear shot she collapsed onto a wooden stool by the door and let her shoulder's fall.
"Maeve... I'm not sure I can do this." She said in a moment of weakness. "I'm not sure I can go through with this..."

[targaryen]

Emre had found sleep to be an elusive thing since Lena and Maeve left his side. Emre had watched as the Arryn banners fluttered in the distance, his sisters bound for the land of gold, lions and lies. "I must prepare for meeting Lord Tywin" he said to them the day they were to leave, "The Vale and the Rock are to stand together on the marriage alter; I must ensure that your wedding day will be your happiest day, dear sister" he said warmly, hiding his trepidation. Emre had regretted arranging the marriage of Lena to the oafish Torin Lannister, but his sister had grown to feel for the warrior son of Tywin. The seeds had been sown, the cogs were turning, and Lena Arryn would be married.

Maeve had been excited about the wedding and the chance to visit Casterly Rock. Emre had always said that no sweeter flower than Maeve blossomed in the Vale, and he had resolved to never let his second sister marry a beast like Torin Lannister. "Perhaps a Tyrell" he thought to himself. When the Arryn men departed with Lena and Maeve the Eyrie grew darker. Emre called war councils more frequently, visited bannermen, and ordered that the Eyrie defenses be bolstered. "You're being paranoid nephew" barked Brynden Tully during one particularly heated council discussion, but Emre had his way as usual - a cold face and a cold heart served the Lord of the Vale well in council meetinga, but Brynden's words still stung. "Am I going mad Maester?" he pleaded one night as he and Maester Cressin stood gazing out the Moon Door. The Maester had reassured Emre that the sadness he felt and the fear that was rising within him were understandable, and that all would be right when Lena and Maeve returned to the Vale.

So Emre departed for Casterly Rock with an army. Horses and swords, singers and dancers, carts of fruit, meat and wine trudged and rolled slowly out the Bloody Gate with the Westerlands in their sights. When the 8,000 strong Arryn contingent eventually came over the crest of a particularly steep hill many days later, the majesty of the Lannister lands came into full view. "And so it begins" Emre sighed, spurring his snow white destrier forward once more.

[tywin]

Lord Tywin sat in his solar, flicking through parchment; the Arryns had started to arrive, but the affairs of the Westerlands would not wait while his son clumsily took the innocence of Lena Arryn in their wedding bed. A serving boy entered with a vase of wine and a plate. The platter was placed before him and the boy filled a cup with wine. "Send for Torin" said Tywin in a disinterested tone, his gaze never shifting from the documents. The boy scampered off at the order.

[Torin Lannister]

Torin was speaking with the guests, a Tyrell had arrived as had some of the Vale bannermen. The Lion made an effort to speak to as many as he could but as had been expected hundreds were pouring in to offer their congratulations and curry favour from a Lannister. While speaking with them he was eventually approached by a messenger boy who gave him note that his father sought his presence.

Torin excused himself from present company and made his way towards his father's solar. When he arrived the back of his hand gave a single knock against the door to let his father know he had arrived before he stepped in. "You were looking for me father?" he asked while making his way into the room proper, standing in its center.

[marissa114]

The Lannister's were gracious hosts indeed, giving their guests rather fine rooms with efficient service, their trunks had already been waiting in there by the time the Arryn sisters had reached the room. She liked the room as it reminded her of her own room at the Eyrie. She turned towards Lena to ask what she thought of her room but stopped before she had uttered a word. Her sister's face was ashen, as if she came to a grim realization. When the page left, Lena collapsed and confessed to Maeve that she wasn't sure she could go through with the wedding.

Maeve rushed to her sister's side and took her hands in her own "But....why?" Not her most eloquent of moments but she was confused, was Lena not excited for this marriage? "I'm sure it's just nerves, it's normal to feel nervous on your wedding day! I know you can do this Lena, you're honor and courage is larger than anyone's I know, larger than a Lannister's pride or their wealth. I'm absolutely positive that you will overcome your nerves, you can do this, I know you can!" She spoke with great fervor, hoping her sister understood how much faith she had in her. She gave her sister's hand a bit of a squeeze and flashed her slight smile.

[Lena Arryn]

Lena looked down at her sisters smooth milk white hand against her own battle calloused one. Her words were sweet, and kind. Lena had always thought her self as one who served her family with high honor, but she'd always seen that on the battle field.

"I never imagined this day would come..." Lena said, placing her free hand on Maeve's face gently. "I always thought it would be me seeing you off sweet sister, not the other way around.""Promise me you'll take care of Emre. Don't tell him about my weakness here... he worries about us to much as it is."

Lena took her hands back from Maeve and stood taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry to trouble you Maeve, why don't we don't we prepare for the wedding? I'm going to need your help, I've no idea what looks pretty and what doesn't."

[marissa114]

"That day will come sister, and then I guarantee you'll be comforting me! I promise I'll take care of him, though I don't think he needs it and what weakness? It is forgotten" She grinned and led her sister over to a mahogany vanity.
The hair, she decided, is what she would begin with. She parted it down the middle, and began brushing it gently, untangling the mess that was Lena's hair. Her own locks didn't look much better, riding for 3 weeks often took a toll on one's appearance. After brushing her hair till it shone and was as soft as silk, she swept it into a loose bun at the nape of her neck with some pieces of hair hanging in front. Simple, but elegant.

Her sister didn't need cosmetics at all, she was beautiful all on her own, but Maeve applied some rouge to her cheeks to accentuate her cheekbones and her lips to redden them. She handed her some rose oil and instructed Lena to put it on her wrists and behind ears. She brought over Lena's dress, it was exquisite, dark navy blue with bell sleeves, underneath was tighter sleeves of Gray. The dress was embroidered in an intricate pattern of silver. The train was a darker shade of white and the veil that went with it was Gray with blue embroidery on the bottom. She helped her sister into the dress and then gingerly placed the veil on top as to not mess up her hair.

Her sister looked absolutely stunning, she grabbed Lena by the hand and let her to a long mirror in the corner of the room. "What do you think? If there is anything you dislike, I can change it?" she said earnestly, awaiting a reply. She hoped her sister liked her appearance, she didn't want to disappoint her. As she awaited for Lena's approval she brushed her own hair, she decided she would keep it down and natural, her long wavy locks cascading to the middle of her back. She put on a fine dress of light blue silk, the same color of her eyes. She put on just a touch of rouge applied to her lips. There she was all ready, now she wondered, was the bride pleased?

[Lena Arryn]

Lena looked at her self in the polished silver mirror, probably made of real silver if Lannister wealth was a great as they said.
She looked every bit the lady her sister and mother were, the type of lady her father had often said he wanted her to grow up to me. She didn't at all feel her self in these clothes, but this was the part she must play today- and possibly for a long time to come.

She turned to her sister and hugged Maeve close. "You're a miracle worker." She said warmly putting on her best smile. "I'm sure I'll give all the ladies of Lannisport of jealous fit, unless you out shine the bride."
It wasn't entirely impossible. If Lena's beauty had been foretold by those outside the Vale it was because Emre kept Maeve so cloistered in the Eyrie.
Maeve was a true milk white beauty that men would fight dragons bare handed for.

"Now, you get dressed Maeve... it's nearly time."