19 Interlude II: The Vale's Bounty
(Westeros)
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The Vale of Arryn had changed progressively fast into the Past few months. Under Rogar's rule the Vale Proper was transformed into a thriving Farmland. Patrols were organized and frequent. Raids were down and The Vale had become a major hub for trade.
Many Vale Families had sought to garner their Young Lord's Support and favor, allowing him to manipulate them and let them believe he was being manipulated to their side by them. Rogar spoke of a desire to Forge ties to the Major families of the Reach, Stormlands, Westerlands, and Riverlands.
Now House Tully and House Corbray had an Alliance already so he simply spoke often of his desire to see Houses Redwyne, Tarly, Hightower, Morrigen, Bolling, Dondarrion, Crakehall, Lefford, Sarwyck, Westford, Mallister, Blackwood, Piper, and Bracken. Rogar even betrothed Bethany Redwyne to a Gulltown Cousin, and sort to marry another to Garth Hightower. His former future stepmother Rowena was betrothed to Monford Velaryon. He went so far as to have sanctioned a betrothal between Elbert Arryn and some Sarwyck girl.
As for Rogar and Myranda?
Not long after the Marriage Myranda fell heavy with child. The Maester believed that the signs suggested twins. Boys. Rogar, indeed the entire Vale rejoiced at the news. In his mind, Rogar already knew of the names he had in mind. Aethan, Arthur, Osric or Rodrik if a boy. His first girl would be Jeyne, for his late mother. No choice no argument.
But for all the Good Fortune of the Vale, Rogar had also been preparing for War. The Knights of The Vale were drilled consistently, Weapons were forged to the best possible quality, while Archers were supplied with Goldenheart Bows and Mounted Knights the Very best Horses. Siege Weapons and Warships were also being built.
The Vale's Fleet which once numbered some one hundred and twelve ships of mostly merchant variety now boasted some four hundred Ships, two hundred Longships, with chunks of Frigates and Brigs in between. The pride of this New Fleet was still under construction, a Great Man'o'War called Dyanna's Grace. Named for his little girl, Dyanna Stone.
The Marriage between Myranda and Rogar briefly faltered at this revelation, but Myranda's developing motherly instincts soon kicked in and promised him to begin feeding Dyanna at her breast as soon as her Milk came in.
The Tourney of Harrenhal was Nigh, and Rogar knew that loath as he was to attend he had to go. Myranda wasn't as much with child as he could reasonably decline the invitation with little fuss.
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(King's Landing)
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Rogar was preparing for War...the question was why? No. actually the real question was how was he making so much success without being so obvious? Tywin's spies spoke if a military genius growing in the newly made knight that was once fostered at Casterly Rock.
As the days passed Tywin increasingly understood how right Joanna had been about the boy. He should have betrothed Cersei to the man. That way he could use the Boy's friendship to House Martell to apply internal pressure to Prince Rhaegar to marry his son and Heir to a Lannister Child. It would be comparitively easier to convince Rhaegar compared to Aerys. But the boy was wed and with a child on the way, and Tywin wouldn't condemn an unborn child to death. Joanna would never stand for it, especially since she was fond of the boy.
And it would mean a war they were ill prepared to fight and win. Rogar had a greater network of friends and contacts than he and the Vale had become less insulated preferring to forge ties to key families of Westeros. Powerhouses who fell just short of House Lannister in power and/or influence.
Tywin doubted that The Young Falcon would target House Lannister, but nevertheless he had to entertain the possibility. Which is Why his own forces were quietly securing their Borders and building up their Naval Power.
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(Cersei Lannister)
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Rhaegar was lost to her, but perhaps her sweet Rogar wasn't?
It was worth considering T the very least, Regardless of what Father wanted. Hee Night with Rogar was her first little act of Rebellion. What came after was her second.
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And with that, The Second Interlude ends, and The Tourney of Harrenhal just about begins. Now then Remember If you guys want my advance chapters you have to pay up front for access on my P-atreon Account TheRagFromTheCragCorner21.
Also, guess what? I'll be working on My Pokémon Story and maybe Gerold In My off time.
And to those of you wise enough to see the hidden underlining in Cersei at the end, the answer is both a big fat yes and a giant red no....
