Return to Riverrun (Open)

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The Red Fork flowed past Riverrun as it had done for centuries. Brynden sat atop his dark brown palfrey, Flood, at the rivers edge, taking in the sounds and smells of the Riverlands he had missed for so long. He still wasnt sure why he was here, was it for reconciliation, to say goodbye to his brother? Or to say goodbye to his home?

Since King Robert had died nothing was certain anymore, Riverrun could easily be another casualty of the brewing storm and its distance to Casterly Rock was certainly not in its favour. Brynden had thankfully managed to part ways with his brother, Lord Hoster Tully, on good terms on the last time he had seen him a decade ago. For 10 long years he had served Jon Arryn of the Vale loyally and fiercely. He had been a good man and his death was tragic. Brynden had his own issues with the exact circumstances surrounding his death and as much as he wished to stay from the politics of King's Landing and its scheming lords and ladies, every now and then it had a way of plunging him waist deep within it. He was still a Tully and would always be a Tully but Brynden had learned that things such as which House one belonged to and 'the words' were not always easy ways to live ones life.

Brynden smiled ruefully as a gentle breeze wound its way through the land, carressing Flood's mane and his riding cloak. How he wished he could spend his days lazing by the river, taking in its wonders and watching the fish swim by. Alas, he knew he could not. He must think of the words, he must think of Jon and Lena Arryn, he must think of the future of Riverrun and all the seven kingdoms. With that in mind he nudged Flood along the edge of the water and headed for the bridge that would take him back to his home, and toward what he must do.

[Lena Arryn]

The large black stallion that bore a woman adorned in grey leather riding breeches, dark grey tunic and dark blue cloak trotted up the path towards the bridge where the older man sat atop his steed.
Her small company of Knights were some ways behind her, and Lena Arryn had been riding as fast as she could since they had left Casterly Rock.

She heard rumors that Brynden Tully was riding for Riverrun and if there was any one who could ease Lena Arryn's mind it was her dear uncle Brynden, though he wasn't her birth relative he'd become one of the closest men to her in the Vale when her father had sent her home after he brought Lysa Tully to Kingslanding.

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Brynden heard a horse behind him and wondered who it could be, surely none looking for him. Just a traveler heading for his Lord's castle for justice or aid or any number of possibilities. Brynden was not one to be impolite though so he turned to greet the rider and was surprised to see Lena heading towards him. He couldnt hide his smile at seeing her and nudged Flood forward to meet her, riding up to her so he could hug her.

"Little Lena! What are you doing here? I am so pleased to see you but I didnt expect to see you here. Are you alone, do you not have protection with you? Of course you do, Im being silly. Oh, I am so pleased to see you Lena."

[Lena Arryn]

Lena laughed at Brynden asked his fatherly questions, he always doted on her so much like her own father had before his second and third marriages.

"I heard rumors that an old fish was swimming towards Riverrun, I thought I might try my hand at fishing." She said bringing her horse around beside his. "My guard rides a few hundred paces behind me, I'm afraid I've not much patients today."
The Falcon of the Vale felt her nose crinkle slightly as smile at her dear friend. She hadn't expected to hear of Brynden leaving the Vale especially not while Lysa girded the place up as if she were expecting the Lannisters to come and bust down the doors of the Bloody Gate. Not that they wouldn't be soon...

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Brynden couldnt help but chuckle,

"Well, falcons always knew the best way to catch a fish. Even a notorious blackfish!"

Brynden heard the slight change of tone in Lena's voice when she settled next to him.

"Are you ok Lena? Talk to me my dear, you know I always have time to listen to you."

He smiled at her invitingly as he had done many times in the past. He was always ready to listen to her and offer her advice, assure her everything would work out, aid her with a problem or simply be there to hear what she said. Truly hear, truly care and truly want to help no matter what the problem.

[Lena Arryn]

Pursing her lips looked to the bridge before them. "I'm not entirely sure how to say it, so I'll just come out with it."
She wrung her hands on her reins then looked back to him."Do you remember how I told you that I was looking for an alliance to help me win over the Vale?" "I think I've found one."

The dark haired girl was staring so intently at Brynden she almost lost sight of the river flowing behind him. "I've arranged to marry the heir to a great lordship, the leader of an army rivaled only by the Tyrell's..."
She bit her lip very hard now, then spoke straightening her shoulders as she would when unveiling a plan to her war council. "I've arranged to marry Torin Lannister in exchange for the troops necessary to take the Vale."

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Brynden couldnt help it as the smile slowly faded from his lips. He couldnt believe the words he was hearing. She couldnt be marrying Torin Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister could she? She looked serious though. All he could was look back at her as the words washed over him. For a moment he was incredulous and speech failed him, but he quickly regained his composure to speak.

"Surely you cant be serious? Youre marrying Torin Lannister for the troops you need? A Lannister? There are a number of other Houses you could have allied with. As you say yourself the Tyrells have the largest army, and Mace has a number of sons should you wish for a hus-"

The words flowed from his mouth faster and faster as he continued to speak until he had to stop himself. He looked towards Riverrun and took a deep breath before turning back once again smiling softly, the crows feet around his eyes slightly crinkling.

"Lena. Tell me how this happened"

[Lena Arryn]

Suddenly she felt like a child again being scolded by her father. Lena felt her breath catch in her throat for just a moment.

"We've spoken of this before Bryden." She said calmly, trying her best to make herself come back to her adult self, not the girl who was being scolding for being to rough with her sparring partners.
"We've discussed my marriage as a means to reclaim the Vale, and I made an informed assessment and made a decision."

She squared her shoulders against what felt like a weight being pressed against her back. "I considered the Tyrell's but they would stand against the King and would not have the resources to march- if they're army had been open to me I have chosen them first. I-"
She stopped as her words became faster, more heated. "Caderyn would have taken me, but I have tied myself to the Lannisters now."

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"I know we discussed that possibility Lena. But I was still under the impression it was still just that-a possibility, a discussion, something not yet set in stone and to be avoided if possible. Marriage is a connection you will have trouble breaking, and the Lannisters do not like to let go of what they hold."

It was taking all of Bryndens strength to remain calm with Lena and not raise his voice, but this notion was reckless and foolish. Marriage to one of the Great Houses in order for sufficient troops to take the Vale was one thing, but to choose the Lannisters? He wasnt sure what had taken hold of her. Yes they were wealthy and strong, but they were not the strongest.

"You couldve made that part of your deal with the Tyrells. For your hand in marriage they would first have to give you military aid in taking your position in the Vale before they begin any of their petty squabbles over whos side theyre on. You couldve said that. Mace may be old and rotund, but hes not an idiot despite his reputation. He would have seen the benefit in this once the Vale was yours and then he would be free to declare or oppose whoever he bloody well wanted."

Despite his efforts, Brynden finished speaking slightly more curtly than he had wished. His anger was getting the better of him, he did not want to fall out with Lena over this so he composed himself once again.

[Lena Arryn]

"What good is discussing this now?" Lena replied her voice just as curt as Bryden's. "Torin Lannister has accepted my offer and even if Mace Tyrell came riding up the bridge with his son's adorned in wedding garb for my choosing I could not accept."

How could she accept? Even if Torin were to toss her aside and not marry her she'd still be damaged goods. Even Loras would accept a soiled bride- even if he didn't ever intend to sleep beside her.
Lena looked around, the sunny day was beaufitul and her knights would be upon them soon.
"Is there some where else we can talk, some place where we can lodge the horses and my men?"
She had to think about her men, they were the reason she was making this marriage happen, them and their families.
Robert would make war on the other houses needlessly, he'd send knights out to fight one another for his amusement, he'd run the economic health of the Vale into the sea and laugh as the common folk starved. She had to get him off the highseat, and if that meant marrying into the Lannister hive that was what she would do.

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Brynden could tell Lena wasnt happy with his response, but he couldnt help it. He wasnt happy but he didnt want to upset her.

"My reason for leaving the Vale was to come back to Riverrun, we can head there and im sure both us and your men will be assured all courtesies."

Brynden nudged Flood gently to begin walking towards his old home. He had come here for a purpose but with this news...it looked like it would have to wait. He sighed softly to himself before continuing.

"Lena, I dont understand why you made this decision. It just seems rash and a little rushed. I know you want the Vale, but this seems very fast. If im being honest i didnt think you would choose the Lannisters to ask for help, you know they will expect something in return one day. They say a Lannister always pays his debts, but what they dont say is they always expect you to pay yours back aswell. Im trying to understand Lena, I really am but im finding it very difficult."

Brynden took care with his words this time and kept as much anger out as he could, but he could feel it rising up within him. He had to keep a check upon his emotions.

[Lena Arryn]

Lena listened keenly as Brynden spoke of a Lannister expecting payment for his dues offered. The thought of the ravishing in the garden came to her mind and Lena felt her stomach tighten and a queazy feeling over take her.
Oh how could it have come to this? The intention had always been to make the offer to the Lannisters then seek council with Bryden as to what they would bring to the table but that day had happened so fast and now Lena was tied to Torin whether she wanted to be or not.

"I know that a Lannister always holds others to their debts, I also know they take collateral for them as well, for which I know that I can not take back the accepted offer Torin so eagerly accepted."
And the eagerness for which he accepted was shown in the way he'd pinned her to the grassy floor of the garden and taken her virtue for his own satisfaction.
Oh how could things have gone so far. It made her feel ill once more to think of.

As they rode on Lena couldn't look at Bryden, what would he say he if he knew? To keep her mind off of it as best she could she looked straight ahead focusing on the buildings in the distance.

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As she spoke, Brynden felt something strange about the words she was saying. She wasnt looking at him and she seemed to be maybe hiding something but he couldnt be sure, she seemed so hard and stern sitting atop her stallion. What was running through her mind? He was sure that she wasnt telling him everything. Probably some extra clause to the deal. Which got Brynden thinking-Torin Lannister and his father were willing to marry Lena Arryn and join the two families, and in return they would provide full military aid in aiding the Falcon to take the Vale she should rule? There had to be something else. Tywin was certainly giving away a lot for a marriage, Brynden had never seen such a one sided arrangement. He was sure of it, and it would seem the only way he would find out would be by asking.

"What else is in this offer? Surely the Lannisters are not giving you use of their military for just a marriage? There must be something else, please tell me. Lena, look at me."

[Lena Arryn]

As they rode on Lena looked at Brynden, he deserved to be looked in the eye when she told him.
"I've offered Torin our support in the role of Warden of the East." She felt her face hard. "I felt this would give them something in return for helping us, it would also give us the ability to rein in the Lannister's when they come east."
It was true, the talk of Jamie being warden in the east would be a hard one, it would oust the Arryn family as the majority power holder in the east.

"Torin agreed to this stipulation." She said with resoluteness now looking away. With his own form of collateral. Lena added silently.

As they continued steering the horses along Lena looked back up at Bryden. Waiting for his next questions, his next set of oppositions. Her chest felt tighter but she couldn't be turned away now, she'd gone to far to loose this deal.

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All he could was stare like a buffoon, his mouth hanging slightly open and stuttering noises as he tried to find anything to say. Part of him wanted to laugh but not of humour. Lena was so serious, everytime she spoke she seemed to harden herself but still Brynden could not believe what she was saying. How could this be true? Any of it? Choosing the Lannisters in the first place was still hard for him to believe, but now he finds out Warden of the East was in the bargain. This was getting to be too much. All of a suddden his calm was smashed as words came out like a barrage.

"I...You...How?...What!? You offered your support for Warden of the East? What in the world was going through your mind? The Vale means so much to you that you would use its most influential and powerful and important position as a bargaining chip? Forgive me, Im mistaken-You offered OUR support, not just your own. Is my support included in this deal? Because I do not remember offering it to any save for yourself. That does not mean you can offer my support out to others-especially a damned Lannister!"

Brynden took a moment to breath. He hadnt meant for any of that to be said but he couldnt withold any further. Everyone who knew him knew he spoke his mind but he was never harsh and he never raised his voice. He knew he should apologise and speak more delicately but anger had a hold of him now and he couldnt, before Lena could reply he spoke up again.

"I cannot believe you have done this without consulting me or anyone else. The marriage itself seems...insane. But this deal is...is...I cant even think of a word to describe it. How can I stand by this Lena? How can I possibly stand by this!?"

Bryndens face was red, his breathing heavy, his forehead pulled down in a frown. He was too angry to think of how unusual this was, too angry to think there must be something else because Lena was not this foolish, too angry to think there was no way she would willingly give up the very thing she was trying so hard to get. He knew it, but right now he couldnt think it. He continued to look at Lena, the anger written plainly on his face-the confusion, disbelief and slight disappointment easily identifiable beneath.