The Last Reyne

Jon

Her blue eyes full of determination didn't leave Jon's mind that night. Those eyes were honest and brave but it was laced with suspicion and worry.

They were beautiful...

The words crept to his thoughts and with a start, he shook his head as if the act itself would banish the thought. With a sigh, Jon stood up from his bed and poured himself cup of wine. The crescent moon that was shining through his window made him feel somber. What situation has he placed himself into? A lord's duty was to his house and to his people above all else and yet he, without hesitation, offered sanctuary to a house who stood in open rebellion to the Warden of the West.

He knew he was risking the Vale's security and he doubted the Crown would be happy about it if the wardens of the East and West stood in open war with each other. His house could get ruined, the safety of his people could be disrupted and he himself may die.

And yet here he was thinking of how beautiful her eyes were, he sighed. Now was not the time to be caught in petty attractions. Jon needed to plan further ahead than Tywin Lannister, he needed to outsmart him.

KNOCK KNOCK

The brass knocker of his door disrupted his thoughts.

"Lord Arryn, a raven has arrived from Lord Stark."

That caught his interest. "Come in."

As soon as his maester was able to settle down, Jon immediately asked "What news does the North bring?"

The maester handed him the letter. "A betrothal has been confirmed between Lord Stark's heir and Lord Tully's firstborn daughter. They are on their way to the Riverlands and will arrive in a fortnight."

"That could not have made the Northern lords happy."

"Indeed my lord, but they may have had a reason as to not go through with their traditions. After all, the North is of the blood of the First Men... they do not exactly forego traditions..."

Jon's blue eyes pierced through the maester's brown ones. "Is there more?"

"Yes my lord but it is a matter of..." He lowered his voice. "The last Reyne."

His eyes widened with surprise. "She found him that fast?"

"No my lord, Waylona has sent no news of her travels yet. It was from Lord Stark, apparently the young lord was kidnapped and stumbled upon the Northern entourage. Perhaps to sell the young lord or to strike a bargain."

"The gods are merciful that it was the Starks that he met. Is that all?"

"Lord Stark will be riding here with the young lord, his second born son and the heir of Storm's End before rejoining the Northern ranks in the Riverlands. He does not state why in the letter so I presumes that what he wants to say to you is only for your ears."

Jon nodded. "Thank you maester. Locate Waylona Storm and give her the message: The moon has grown full."

The maester of House Arryn bowed before leaving Jon once more to his thoughts. It was certainly a good thing that the last Reyne was found, and by the Starks. He was a step ahead of Tywin for now.

He drained the cup in a single swig. All that he can do for now is wait.