Game of Thrones - Myrcella Baratheon Story

Chapter 2: As High as Honour

Date: 298 AC, 18th day of the 1st month

Location: The Vale, Regional Capital: The Eyrie, at the residence of the Arryn family

Lord Robin II Arryn, was walking through the Eyrie during the day overseeing the daily affairs of the castle and its residents. He smiled at the recent tranquillity and calmness of the castle was experiencing at the moment in comparison to 65 years ago. Lord Jasper Arryn at the age of 24 took on the mantles of Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale from his father, Edward; during his reign, there were signs of instability and the start of minor rebellions from some noble houses. His father was a good man in the military arts but was inept in politics of the region. 

While his father noticed the shift in attitudes of the nobility, he was unsure of what action he should take to deter the rising troubles. After contemplating for some time he decided to hold a court session and immediately called for all the lords and ladies of the Vale to attend. Within a few hours, all the heads of the noble houses gathered in the High Hall. The nobility stood in-front of their seats as the members of the Great House of Arryn entered the hall. Finally, everyone bowed as the Lord of the Eyrie entered and took his seat on the Arryn Throne from their times of Kings of the Mountain and Vale, which was crafted with the utmost care from the finest weirwood trees in the region and is greatly maintained. The throne gleamed in the long and austere hall which, made of blue-veined white marble. Jasper's father, Edward signalled for everyone to sit down and motioned the Honor Guards to be on alert as the court was in session. He prepared to speak,

"Welcome ladies and lords, to another fine court session today I wanted to discuss the issues of the so-called rumours of minor rebellions planned by some nobles. I have noticed and it has been reported to me about the mistreatment of the common folks in recent years and I hope everyone cooperates in these upcoming initiatives," he fiercely glanced towards a specific few nobles. The people in the hall began to murmur amongst themselves about the initiatives. Edward continued,

"The first issue is about House Waxley of Wickenden, I have been monitoring the activities surrounding Wickenden and admit that Ser Edmund, Knight of Wickenden has doubly impressed me with his exceptional skills in maintaining the peace and prosperity of the area," the Lord of the Eyrie happily said. Ser Edmund stood up from his seat and walked towards his liege lord and bowed replying,

"Your praises humble me, my sire however I alone am unworthy of such great praise for its the work of everyone in my castle and the people in the villages surrounding that have cooperated to ensure the stability in Wickenden although there are the occasional robberies and thieving occurring they are appropriate measures are taking place to stop them from happening again," Edward responded,

"Well said Ser Edmund, but your character, personality and leadership skills have warranted you appropriate rewards proportionate to your services to our homeland," Lord Edward beamed at his loyal subject. The Knight of Wickenden was confused as to what rewards he can receive for his contributions to his homelands. Edward ushered the knight to kneel before him to which he complied and he continued to read from the scroll, 

"I, Edward of House Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale bestow upon you Ser Edmund of House Waxley, Knight of Wickenden to the lordship of Castle Wickenden and your family to the status of a noble house. All the surrounding villages shall be upgraded to towns shall send you income tax as their new ruler and you shall fairly dispense justice to those have committed crimes and to those that are innocent." Ser Edmund humbly replied,

"Thank you very much, my sire, you have given my family and I great honour and responsibilities to which, we shall uphold in perpetuity and never forget our ever-lasting fealty to House Arryn." Edward seemed most pleased by his subject's answer much to the chagrin of the defiant nobles that he eyed fiercely. Edward re-commenced,