Riverrun, Seat of House Tully

[Lord Dread]

"That is good to hear", Tully replied, somewhat relieved, "If there is anything my servants can bring you and your companions after this long journey, feel free to tell me. A guest is after all a guest."
Eldred assumed though that Reyne didn't solely came for a nice plate of local bread and salmon - especially not after what news the latest letter from his grace, the king brought.
"Otherwise, how may I help you, Lord Reyne?"

[Barry Goldwater]

"As much as Riverlander whole-grains and salmon interests me, Lord Tully..." Reynard sounded genuine enough about his interest, at least. "I've come on the business of Lord Paramount Jason Lannister. The Warden of the West has recognized Aegon, Second of His Name, as the true and rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms by all the laws of gods and men, and is marching to support his dragons' flames with the gold and steel of the Westerlands posthaste. He wishes to know if you have decided to do the same in this coming bout of dragons."

[Lucius Malfoy]

One afternoon, Robin Strong comes to the walls of Riverrun once more. His mission had changed due to the events at Harrenhal. With the name of Daemon to use, he hoped it would take little time to convince Tully to marshal his men and join the cause of the Queen. He had convinced him before to remain neutral... but times had changed abruptly. Ser Robin needed to make a name, just as Lyonel and Harwin had before. He requests an audience with Lord Tully from where he was position by the gatehouse.

[Lord Dread]

"As much as Riverlander whole-grains and salmon interests me, Lord Tully..." Reynard sounded genuine enough about his interest, at least. "I've come on the business of Lord Paramount Jason Lannister. The Warden of the West has recognized Aegon, Second of His Name, as the true and rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms by all the laws of gods and men, and is marching to support his dragons' flames with the gold and steel of the Westerlands posthaste. He wishes to know if you have decided to do the same in this coming bout of dragons."

Lord Tully was so far nodding - yes, it was the same, what Harrenhal's castellan Ser Robin and the letters of the king said.
"So far I'm on a neutral stance, as to say it personal, I hardly wish to sacrifice men to the dragons unless I have to", the younger lord sighed, obviously showing his hesitance, "Yet I feel like I will have to and though I wish I wouldn't have to fight the Princess, as I neither have quarrel with her nor his grace, King Aegon II., I think it can't be avoided. I have heard the doubts, heard the council of my family at Riverrun, heard the council of Lord Strong's castellan, the Knight of Towers and know probably my side."
He made a brief pause before he continiued, somewhat dramatic.
"Say Lord Reyne, when you look in these halls and remember the halls of Casterlyrock, which you have certainly visited... if a dragon is to attack, whose halls would you deem safer", he asked then, actually insisting, "Would you rather trust the safety of the Rock, which is said to house numerous caves or the ancient castle of Riverrun, never put to the test of dragonfire - unlike Harrenhall, it's burned neighbour."
There was a somewhat pleading look on Tully's face, as if he neither knew the true answer. His wife looked up, somewhat fearful, while the two daughters of the Lord remained quiet in the background.

One afternoon, Robin Strong comes to the walls of Riverrun once more. His mission had changed due to the events at Harrenhal. With the name of Daemon to use, he hoped it would take little time to convince Tully to marshal his men and join the cause of the Queen. He had convinced him before to remain neutral... but times had changed abruptly. Ser Robin needed to make a name, just as Lyonel and Harwin had before. He requests an audience with Lord Tully from where he was position by the gatehouse.

Once more he was allowed entrance, while Lord Tully himself awaited him within the courtyard. Compared to last time it couldn't be unseen that Riverrun has become a bustling place, as men prepared themselves for duty, cleansing their weapons here and there, while checking the armament in general, training their aim with the bow on straw targets - it was obvious that Lord Tully prepared himself for war.
Overseeing the whole process nervously as usual, Lord Eldric sat on horseback, wearing the platearmour of his grandfather. A rare view, but an unfitting one, as Tully looked rather frail in it. Yet it seemed that he nontheless had the spine to lead his men into battle himself, if he had to. Somewhat stoic he rode closer towards Ser Robin, once he realized his coming, while looking more than worried.
"How are things going, Ser Robin", he asked, somewhat hesitating, "Any news from my Lord brother?"
He obviously meant Lord Kirth Tully from Branstone, but it was clear that Eldric's mind was troubled at the moment, probably overthinking too much.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once more he was allowed entrance, while Lord Tully himself awaited him within the courtyard. Compared to last time it couldn't be unseen that Riverrun has become a bustling place, as men prepared themselves for duty, cleansing their weapons here and there, while checking the ballistas, training their aim with the bow on straw targets - it was obvious that Lord Tully prepared himself for war.
Overseeing the whole process nervously as usual, Lord Eldric sat on horseback, wearing the platearmour of his grandfather. A rare view, but an unfitting one, as Tully looked rather frail in it. Yet it seemed that he nontheless had the spine to lead his men into battle himself, if he had to. Somewhat stoic he rode closer towards Ser Robin, once he realized his coming, while looking more than worried.
"How are things going, Ser Robin", he asked, somewhat hesitating, "Any news from my Lord brother?"
He obviously meant Lord Kirth Tully from Branstone, but it was clear that Eldric's mind was troubled at the moment, probably overthinking too much.

I have not, Lord Tully... however, I have come to say that the situation has changed for the Riverlands...

Ser Robin looks up at Eldric, glancing around at the men for a moment.

My halls have an honored guest, who flew by a dragon, to my keep. He arrived a few days ago. Prince Daemon has come, my Lord, upon Caraxes, to rally Riverlords to his side and to aid the Queen in her struggle against Aegon II.

Robin had cautioned Lord Tully before in the hopes of remaining out of the war. In the hopes that the Targaryens would keep to the Crownlands, but it seems that was a fools hope.

I have submitted in order to protect my family and to not suffer a traitor's death by dragonfire for the actions of Larys... nor to see Harrenhal burned once more.

Robin omitted the part of being Lord of Harrenhal though. For now at least.

Just as Prince Daemon offered me generous rewards for joining Her Grace's cause, so does he offer the same for the service and loyalty of those Riverlords who join him.

Robin looks at Lord Tully.

Seems we have no choice but to pick a side, my Lord. This war will not confine itself to the Crownlands. Neutrality isn't an option, unfortunately.

[Barry Goldwater]

Lord Tully was so far nodding - yes, it was the same, what Harrenhal's castellan Ser Robin and the letters of the king said.
"So far I'm on a neutral stance, as to say it personal, I hardly wish to sacrifice men to the dragons unless I have to", the younger lord sighed, obviously showing his hesitance, "Yet I feel like I will have to and though I wish I wouldn't have to fight the Princess, as I neither have quarrel with her nor his grace, King Aegon II., I think it can't be avoided. I have heard the doubts, heard the council of my family at Riverrun, heard the council of Lord Strong's castellan, the Knight of Towers and know probably my side."
He made a brief pause before he continiued, somewhat dramatic.
"Say Lord Reyne, when you look in these halls and remember the halls of Casterlyrock, which you have certainly visited... if a dragon is to attack, whose halls would you deem safer", he asked then, actually insisting, "Would you rather trust the safety of the Rock, which is said to house numerous caves or the ancient castle of Riverrun, never put to the test of dragonfire - unlike Harrenhall, it's burned neighbour."
There was a somewhat pleading look on Tully's face, as if he neither knew the true answer. His wife looked up, somewhat fearful, while the two daughters of the Lord remained quiet in the background.

"Excellent news my lord, we seek no quarrel with the Riverlands ourselves." Reyne said, pleased. "Will you not march with the King, however? I'm sure he can and will be generous to those who brave Rhaenyra's dragons in his name. And you'll not be alone - the power of the West will reinforce you in this fight."

"Casterly Rock, without a doubt," Reynard answered when the topic changed. He raised an eye at Tully's apparent nervousness. What brought this on? Was he truly afraid the dragons would come to cook the Trout in their seat? "No outsider has taken it beyond Lann the Clever himself, and he had to use guile to get inside, not steel or dragons. And as you suggest, the myriad tunnels and caves beneath and deep within the Rock offer further protection. We know, of course, that Aegon the First and the Black Dread razed Harrenhal, and Visenya flew to the top of the Eyrie atop Vhagar - but what dragon still lives today that could bring down a castle which, truly, is itself effectively a small mountain?"

[Lord Dread]

"Excellent news my lord, we seek no quarrel with the Riverlands ourselves." Reyne said, pleased. "Will you not march with the King, however? I'm sure he can and will be generous to those who brave Rhaenyra's dragons in his name. And you'll not be alone - the power of the West will reinforce you in this fight."

"Casterly Rock, without a doubt," Reynard answered when the topic changed. He raised an eye at Tully's apparent nervousness. What brought this on? Was he truly afraid the dragons would come to cook the Trout in their seat? "No outsider has taken it beyond Lann the Clever himself, and he had to use guile to get inside, not steel or dragons. And as you suggest, the myriad tunnels and caves beneath and deep within the Rock offer further protection. We know, of course, that Aegon the First and the Black Dread razed Harrenhal, and Visenya flew to the top of the Eyrie atop Vhagar - but what dragon still lives today that could bring down a castle which, truly, is itself effectively a small mountain?"

Tully pondered, so far hoping that Reyne wasn't sweettalking it too much. Yes he had heard similiar things, more than enough to justify his next request.
If he had to die for one side, he knew whom he wished to spare from dragonfire.
"Then it wouldn't appear too strange if I offer Lord Lannister a betrothal between my daughter and one of his sons in return for their protection at Casterlyrock for the time of the war, right?", he asked again, eyeing Reyne closely, "I know the danger, I know the King wishes me to show his loyality. Yet I fear the wrath of the Blacks, if I am showing colours. No matter what I do, the Riverlands might get involved into this conflict, whether I want it or not - anything else would be naive to assume.
Thus, if I choose to follow the King's banner, would you do this task for me, no matter how it ends? Escort my wife and daugthers to safety, behind the lines of combat, if war is to break out?"

I have not, Lord Tully... however, I have come to say that the situation has changed for the Riverlands...

Ser Robin looks up at Eldric, glancing around at the men for a moment.

My halls have an honored guest, who flew by a dragon, to my keep. He arrived a few days ago. Prince Daemon has come, my Lord, upon Caraxes, to rally Riverlords to his side and to aid the Queen in her struggle against Aegon II.

Robin had cautioned Lord Tully before in the hopes of remaining out of the war. In the hopes that the Targaryens would keep to the Crownlands, but it seems that was a fools hope.

I have submitted in order to protect my family and to not suffer a traitor's death by dragonfire for the actions of Larys... nor to see Harrenhal burned once more.

Robin omitted the part of being Lord of Harrenhal though. For now at least.

Just as Prince Daemon offered me generous rewards for joining Her Grace's cause, so does he offer the same for the service and loyalty of those Riverlords who join him.

Robin looks at Lord Tully.

Seems we have no choice but to pick a side, my Lord. This war will not confine itself to the Crownlands. Neutrality isn't an option, unfortunately.

Eldred knew what the castellan felt, laying a hand on his shoulder.
"Aye it isn't", he replied, his voice sounding somewhat dull, "It comes to what I have feared. I guess there was a choice... yet I can only imagine how terrible it must have been."
He breathed in, more deeply.
"Let's hope my brother Kirth has chosen wisely as well", he then said more to himself than to the knight, "We haven't spoken since grandfather's death other than by letter and even then only the formalities. He probably has chosen a side already, as the steward of Branstone solely told me, that Lord Kirth has gone to war, when the first royal letters about mustering an army arrived.
Maybe he was right after all and should have been named Lord Paramount instead of me... but it doesn't stop me from fulfilling my duty."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"My Lord Tully, it is by right that succession should fall on the eldest son. You are neither mad nor incompetent, you have great ancestors. Now is the time to show that you are the Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of these lands."

The meeting with Daemon had given Robin confidence in his choice. He would be gaining what he felt he deserved and would be acting to earn merit and make a name, no longer living in the shadow of Larys Clubfoot. If this war enfed favorably, Robin would be remembered for redeeming the name of Strong and ensuring his family continued to live on after his death.

"Prince Daemon desires me to visit others, but if you joined Rhaenyra, others will certainly follow. You have more of a choice than I did though..."

He paused for a moment before speaking further,

"What shall I tell Prince Daemon, my Lord?"

[Barry Goldwater]

Tully pondered, so far hoping that Reyne wasn't sweettalking it too much. Yes he had heard similiar things, more than enough to justify his next request.
If he had to die for one side, he knew whom he wished to spare from dragonfire.
"Then it wouldn't appear too strange if I offer Lord Lannister a betrothal between my daughter and one of his sons in return for their protection at Casterlyrock for the time of the war, right?", he asked again, eyeing Reyne closely, "I know the danger, I know the King wishes me to show his loyality. Yet I fear the wrath of the Blacks, if I am showing colours. No matter what I do, the Riverlands might get involved into this conflict, whether I want it or not - anything else would be naive to assume.
Thus, if I choose to follow the King's banner, would you do this task for me, no matter how it ends? Escort my wife and daugthers to safety, behind the lines of combat, if war is to break out?"

As Reynard listened to Tully's next words, he had to work to suppress a growing grin, keeping it hidden beneath his mustache and beard. Truly, this meeting was going a lot smoother than he had expected - he'd come only to secure the neutrality of the Riverlands, and here he found that their Lord Paramount was already willing to commit to Aegon's side wholly if given certain guarantees. "I would do this on my honor as a Reyne, yes. I could even do it right now, if you wish - ladies and children should be kept well away from war, certainly." He replied smoothly once Tully had finished, steepling his hands. "And if your daughter is to become his too by marriage, well, I do not believe Lord Lannister would object to sheltering her under his roof. He is not a cruel man to begin with." At least Reynard had never seen any evidence to suspect the Lord Paramount of the Westerlands of being such, to any degree greater than the average feudal lord.

[Lord Dread]

As Reynard listened to Tully's next words, he had to work to suppress a growing grin, keeping it hidden beneath his mustache and beard. Truly, this meeting was going a lot smoother than he had expected - he'd come only to secure the neutrality of the Riverlands, and here he found that their Lord Paramount was already willing to commit to Aegon's side wholly if given certain guarantees. "I would do this on my honor as a Reyne, yes. I could even do it right now, if you wish - ladies and children should be kept well away from war, certainly." He replied smoothly once Tully had finished, steepling his hands. "And if your daughter is to become his too by marriage, well, I do not believe Lord Lannister would object to sheltering her under his roof. He is not a cruel man to begin with." At least Reynard had never seen any evidence to suspect the Lord Paramount of the Westerlands of being such, to any degree greater than the average feudal lord.

Somewhat more relieved, Tully nodded.
"Then the decision is made", he replied, now a bit more relaxed, "I'll trust your word, Reyne, as the circumstances give me no other choice.
If it is our destiny to burn against dragons in order to protect the Crown, one way or another, no matter the side we choose, then so it shall be. It is my duty to protect my people, even if I can't safe them all.
If I can safe my daughters though, it is worth the price, no matter the line of succession."
His wife and her children stepped forward, flanked by two knights, bearing the livre of House Tully.
"May your journey to Casterlyrock be a safe one", the Lord then spoke to them, while giving each of the children a hug, ignoring the slight tears of his wife, "If Riverrun should fall and both me and uncle Gareth die by dragon's fire or anything else, trust the King and Lannister. Lord Reyne shall be my testimony that my children shall succeed me in case of my death - no matter the irony of the the current situation."

He then stood up, before giving Reyne a nod, that he had said for himself what he wanted, leaving it to the nobleman whether he wished to add anything to the debate or not.

"My Lord Tully, it is by right that succession should fall on the eldest son. You are neither mad nor incompetent, you have great ancestors. Now is the time to show that you are the Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of these lands."

The meeting with Daemon had given Robin confidence in his choice. He would be gaining what he felt he deserved and would be acting to earn merit and make a name, no longer living in the shadow of Larys Clubfoot. If this war enfed favorably, Robin would be remembered for redeeming the name of Strong and ensuring his family continued to live on after his death.

"Prince Daemon desires me to visit others, but if you joined Rhaenyra, others will certainly follow. You have more of a choice than I did though..."

He paused for a moment before speaking further,

"What shall I tell Prince Daemon, my Lord?"

Tully sighed, but instead of answering he solely looked down, before he lowered his head in respect towards the knight.
"Tell Prince Daemon that I have decided to die against him and his followers with honor", he solely replied, nearly whispering but understandable for everyone around them, "House Tully is sworn to the Iron Throne, no matter the circumstances, even though I wish there would be another choice.
If I join Aegon's side, Caraxes and the other dragons might maim me.
If I join Rhaenyra's side, my House might suffer under Vhagar's fire."
He solely gave Ser Robin a weak smile.
"I will remember you and House Strong as those, who made their choice, no matter the outcome", he then added bitter, "I never learnt to know the Riverlands as a unified kingdom, no matter what my Lord brother claimed in the past. Our history showed, that there was never a real union until the Conqueror came and even despite this, my Lord grandfather and his line, back to Lord Edmyn Tully, never held real power over the loyality of their men.
Others will probably follow your example, Knight of Towers, and I won't blame them. We all remember Harrenhal, we all remember that we're just various fishes within a pond, prey to the skyborne creatures who won't hesitate to eat one of us after another if they have to. If one side wins the war, it will be my responsibility to solve the mess, created by it, afterwards... granted however that I will survive it."

He paused for a brief second, before continiueing.
"Oh, and tell the Prince that it isn't a personal decision", he then replied after a while, "Although I guess he will hardly bother. I guess I'll only mention it, just in case there will be a tale about this conflict, written by a bard.
Maybe it will teach future generations to act wiser than I did."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Tully sighed, but instead of answering he solely looked down, before he lowered his head in respect towards the knight.
"Tell Prince Daemon that I have decided to die against him and his followers with honor", he solely replied, nearly whispering but understandable for everyone around them, "House Tully is sworn to the Iron Throne, no matter the circumstances, even though I wish there would be another choice.
If I join Aegon's side, Caraxes and the other dragons might maim me.
If I join Rhaenyra's side, my House might suffer under Vhagar's fire."
He solely gave Ser Robin a weak smile.
"I will remember you and House Strong as those, who made their choice, no matter the outcome", he then added bitter, "I never learnt to know the Riverlands as a unified kingdom, no matter what my Lord brother claimed in the past. Our history showed, that there was never a real union until the Conqueror came and even despite this, my Lord grandfather and his line, back to Lord Edmyn Tully, never held real power over the loyality of their men.
Others will probably follow your example, Knight of Towers, and I won't blame them. We all remember Harrenhal, we all remember that we're just various fishes within a pond, prey to the skyborne creatures who won't hesitate to eat one of us after another if they have to. If one side wins the war, it will be my responsibility to solve the mess, created by it, afterwards... granted however that I will survive it."

He paused for a brief second, before continiueing.
"Oh, and tell the Prince that it isn't a personal decision", he then replied after a while, "Although I guess he will hardly bother. I guess I'll only mention it, just in case there will be a tale about this conflict, written by a bard.
Maybe it will teach future generations to act wiser than I did."

And yet, Lord Tully, Aegon has fewer dragons than Rhaenyra. If Aegon is too focused on the war, then we will not see his dragons...

Robin sighs, seeing that Eldric was willing to resist Prince Daemon and Her Grace. This meant that if Kirith would not aid the Queen, House Tully will fall on hard times, if Rhaenyra wins this fight. The Riverlands may see a political change if they are both labeled traitors at the end of things. Ser Strong then turns away from Lord Tully but pauses for a moment.

Don't die by dragonfire, Lord Tully. You don't want to be remembered as the Tully That Burned... I will see you on the battlefield then.

Seeing as Tully wasn't stopping him, Ser Robin departs Riverrun and heads back East.

[Barry Goldwater]

Somewhat more relieved, Tully nodded.
"Then the decision is made", he replied, now a bit more relaxed, "I'll trust your word, Reyne, as the circumstances give me no other choice.
If it is our destiny to burn against dragons in order to protect the Crown, one way or another, no matter the side we choose, then so it shall be. It is my duty to protect my people, even if I can't safe them all.
If I can safe my daughters though, it is worth the price, no matter the line of succession."
His wife and her children stepped forward, flanked by two knights, bearing the livre of House Tully.
"May your journey to Casterlyrock be a safe one", the Lord then spoke to them, while giving each of the children a hug, ignoring the slight tears of his wife, "If Riverrun should fall and both me and uncle Gareth die by dragon's fire or anything else, trust the King and Lannister. Lord Reyne shall be my testimony that my children shall succeed me in case of my death - no matter the irony of the the current situation."

He then stood up, before giving Reyne a nod, that he had said for himself what he wanted, leaving it to the nobleman whether he wished to add anything to the debate or not.

"I will see to it that your family are indeed delivered to Casterly Rock in safety, and protected there for the duration of the war." Reyne replied, sounding more solemn than he truly felt. This was quite the unexpected diplomatic coup for the Lannisters and the Green faction, to be sure, and that he was able to achieve it with so little effort was further grounds for elation.

"May the Seven protect you in the battles to come, Lord Tully." With these words, the Grey Lion began his retreat and would soon issue orders for his retinue to return to Casterly Rock with the Tullys assigned to his protection in tow. A veteran of many battles, he saw no need to mince words or make the unrealistic claim that Tully would surely be fine at the end of this struggle.

[Zeus Almighty]

Lord Eldred Tully,

Your kin by marriage offers its support from the Reach. we are sending scouts to plan our Northward march. Know that you are not alone in your cause. If you've any tactical or logistical information that would help us in our trek, there is no time like the present.

Signed,
Lord Thaddeus Rowan, Lord of Goldengrove and of the Northmarch