the eyrie

@° Valeria Targaryen "I think a lot of the things the Dothraki do pridefully over there, is a bit taboo here. That doesn't go to say whether the taboo isn't practiced, because I assure you it is. We know there is no honor in , where as the Dothraki take their women violently and pridefully. In both scenarios it occurs." Waving his finger around, the Lord sighs at these dark revelations, because the truth was that there was no true escape from humanity's evils. We all think we're better than in each other, when in reality we're all the worst. He was distracted by these thoughts for just a moment before she brought up the deals again, to which spurred him to pay attention tentatively, even leaning into his seat to counter. "Of course my lady. Valiant leaders do what's best for their kingdoms." Fair enough. She had all the right in the world to want to mull these over with her advisors, no doubt the politicians pulling the strings. Or perhaps she could hold her own? The little Lord would never know.

"Seems to me like we're both strategists then. Unique in their own ways." To them, he raised his next wine glass before perching it against his lips to sip leisurely, eyes glaring down the golden chalice of his no doubt nth cup of wine. It loosened him up and made him more likely to act jovially and laugh with his guests, seeing as though he was never a social butterfly when sober. "Bring out the pecan pie!" Nearly waving a steward over to tell the cooks to line the buffet up with the last dessert course that was offered as the guests were being excused. Slowly, he got to his feet and offered a hand to the dragon lady, waiting for her to accept his offer. "Walk with me to your quarters so we can get ready for our little midnight venture." Waving his fingers in a welcoming gesture, he continued their prior conversation while she readied herself.

"For whatever reasoning she had to go mad the last year of her life, that last year of her life doesn't define who she was as a person. She still had valuable lessons to learn and to teach, to which I respect you've learned thoroughly. Children can also learn from their parents bad mistakes too, I must press. But I'm sure you've been reminded of that many a time." Animatedly gesturing the Lord grabbed for his silken blue cloak to slide atop the other's shoulders as he guided her outwards.

@° Robyn Aryn III "Yes, the norms and culture of Westerosi society are much more...how do I word this...secretive than the Dothraki? Indeed the Dothraki are seen as barbaric to the people of Westeros but I do know that there are just as many dirty little secrets in Westeros as there are dirty Dothraki norms." She let out a laugh, knowing that the people she was raised around were seen as barbaric to those in Westeros. "Well, you do pose a generous offer, I can't deny. But I do have to consider all of my people and what's best for them." She shrugged slightly before taking a sip of the sweet wine. "I shall get back to you as soon as I speak to my advisors, I can't make this decision hastily."

"I've never been one for bows, so props to you, my lord." She raised her glass in acknowledgment to Robyn, knowing how hard it was to master the bow. "A man who thinks is quite dangerous, most men just use brute force and try to win by being the strongest. That's where I differ though, a woman of my stature has to think of strategy. I'm too small to try and win by force so--" Valeria pursed her lips, a glimmer of respect flickering in her light eyes. There was more similarities between them than she had realized. Maybe this alliance wasn't such a bad idea. He was less insufferable now that he was a bit drunk, or maybe she was the one that was drunk for thinking that way.

"I try my best, but stories of my mother come wide and varied. Some say she was the greatest ruler Westeros could have had, while others, maybe yourself, believe that she would have destroyed Westeros completely. I can't say that I would follow every single one of her decisions, but I do believe that she had good intentions and was perhaps forced to make a wrong decision." Valeria eyed the desserts in front of them and popped a grape into before leaning back and relaxing into her seat. "I would hope that we both find a love that benefits our people, and ourselves."

@° Valeria Targaryen "I'm intrigued to see your transition, from the Dothraki ways of looting, razing and to the Westerosi way of all that but.....way, toned down." Instead of declaring that Westeros was free of the bad aspects, the Lord admitted their folly too. The young princess was smart enough to know that, too. ".....that is, if you go with one of my offers by the end of the fortnight. I can say I'm also intrigued to see if you will take me up on one."

As their banter was more at ease now, he let his fingers wrap around the fabric of his cloak to pull it around him more, before ing the clasp closest to his neck so he could breathe. "Although I was trained in close combat sword fighting, I know I'd be no match for you. Find me with a longbow and you're over, though." He rubs his hand together as he laughs, before thinking out loud. "Kind of a representation of me, actually. Stealthy and sneaky, but powerful. I can still eliminate enemies and win a duel. But I do it strategically. Not with brute force." Letting his hands fall to the table for a gentle drum, he got more comfortable by leisurely leaning back into his chair.

"Love makes people fickle, it spurs hate." As the lord commented on that, his spread the napkin across the table once he was done feasting, his body therefore turning to face her more as they engaged. "Do you think he loved her truly and honestly? Perhaps. But he loved his family and his people more. He did what was honorable, but that's not always what will appease people. Ned Stark lost his head for it, Varys got burned alive by your mother trying to be honorable to his people." As his gestures were incredibly animated, he nearly knocked over the wine chalice once, but laughed it off jovially as he snatched it for a quick sip. "That's good counsel. To learn from your parents mistakes. I did mine."

@° Robyn Aryn III Valeria sat back in anticipation to see what Robyn would say in regards to information about her people. She nodded when what he said was true, laughing especially about the God they worshipped. "All correct, very good, Lord Robyn. To the Dothraki, money is something that is easy to get rid of, which is why they prefer something more concrete. Like horses or women. And in regards to the Great Stallion, yes many in Westeros are shocked to hear that, but the Great Stallion watches over the Dothraki and makes sure their horses, easily their greatest commodity, are kept safe and healthy."

"Wonderful." Valeria's doe eyes widened slightly when he leaned forward, her own body mirroring his to listen to the whisper he let out, a chortle leaving her body once she heard what he wanted to tell her. "Well I'm glad to hear that. And I promise not to attempt to kill you either, my lord." She had a cheeky grin on her face, feeling confident that if it came down to it, she could defend herself against the Lord of the Vale. She would have to spar with him though, someone with his stature had obviously had to have been trained, but he didn't have the build of a skilled swordsman.

"Yes, unfortunately, the nasty rumors about my uncle started because of their star crossed love." She let out a sigh, thinking back to what could have changed decades of history if those rumors were never started. "I agree with you. My mother's love for Jon Snow is ultimately what led her to let her guard down as she was unable to guess his betrayal so, a part of me will never forget that." Valeria spoke candidly as she admired nearly everything about her mother except for the part that got her life cut so abruptly. The dragon princess' delicate looks and fiery attitude had captured the attention of many men throughout her life, but her mother's past made the act of penetrating the walls that guarded her heart nearly impossible.

@° Valeria Targaryen "Who likes a know-it-all?" More light jokes were thrown back and forth in surprising jest, though when she asked to hear more about what he knew about her people, he let out a sigh as he mulled through all the information his brain had stored. "Well I know the Dothraki don't believe in money, and what they don't receive from raiding and enslaving, they get from their lands. And their horses. Grass, fermented mare's milk, horse meat." Silently his fingers rubbed together as he thought about anything else he'd learned, before raising his pointer finger when he thought of something. "Ah, and I believe your God is the Great Stallion. You can imagine my surprisal when I heard that."

On the table his hands came together as his thumbs twiddled upon hearing her accept his invitation, of which also elicited a generous smile. "Perfect, we'll head over once you're settled in your quarters. There's better ambiance in the evening." So as to not frighten her he leans in closer to make a joke that could've otherwise been taken wrongly by her comrades. "......and don't worry, I'm not sequestering you away to kill you, my lady." With the roll of his eyes at something she no doubt regularly thought of because of her circumstances, he jested lightly by nudging her shoulder.

"Very interesting. Though, King Robert tried to marry for love but the one he loved not only died -- but loved another. Your brother being the one she loved instead. A stark, Jon's mother as we discussed earlier. Or should I say, Aegon." Musing sweetly he drags his finger around the rim of the chalice over and over until it made a faint ringing sound that was pleasing to his ears. "I suppose love like that is powerful but deadly. For that reason I'm not sure if its something I seek."

@° Robyn Aryn III Valeria let out a small laugh at his admittance, respecting the fact that he acknowledged how foolish it would be to act as if he knew more than she did about her own people.
"Wise words. Most men would try to show off their knowledge, even if they didn't know as much as they thought they did. Please, do tell. I can compare the rumors to fact."

Valeria's eyebrows shot up slightly at the offer, surprised yet flattered that the young Lord would invite her to such an intimate time he spent visiting his parents. "I would be honored, my lord." She smiled graciously in his direction, eyes curling up in a pleased expression. "I commend you on that, Lord Robyn. Most men believe honor is having the largest lands, or the youngest wife." The dragon princess let out a snort as she thought back to lessons taught about lords that switched out wives faster than a hen laid eggs. "In an ideal society, we'd all believe that way."

"Yes, the king did. It was an interesting marriage if I recall, but he and the queen at the time did actually have favor for each other, in comparison to his mother and King Robert." Valeria's lips pursed as she thought back to the late king, one that her family had a history of bad relations with since he attempted to kill her mother several times, even when she was but a child. "It would be ideal, I assume. Truth be told, I've never loved anyone in a romantic sense, but I would die for my brother, so in that regard I guess I can relate. It does seem romantic, loving someone so much that you would give up your own life so that they could live." She mused softly, eyes blinking in the soft candlelight that lit up the dining hall.

@° Valeria Targaryen "Tell you more about your history?" Both of his eyebrows raised warily, knowing he had to tip-toe around his next words, "My Lady, I'm going to sound like a complete fool if I try and tell you about your history. But....." The lord raised his finger during the thematic pause. ".....I can tell you what I know from books I've read, whispers I've heard." With that he let his finger down with a delicate thud, excitedly smiling that the two were bantering comfortably now, probably due to the alcohol or the food.

Upon the topic of his late parents, he bobs his head cordially in recognition as he listens to the girl speak, a softer and more acknowledgeable smile pressed his lips together yet curled them upwards. "I go to see them every night, perhaps you'll join me?" After words of praise left the dragonness's lips, he waved his hand to dismiss the acknowledgements. "Ah please, my lady. I'm doing what every rightful leader should. Though men seem to have forgot what honor is -- accountability to your people, ancestors and land. If everyone saw to it to be honorable to those three things, we would have a peaceful and prosperous society, don't you think?" At her raising of the glass, he accepted it graciously by bowing his own head before meeting her glass with his one that he raised.

"He too got to marry someone he loved, died or them too. But I'm sure you knew that, it was during your mother's comeuppance." His fingers swirled around as his actions got more animated, probably due to the sweet Dornish wine. "Wouldn't you want to love someone enough to die for them? A morbid thought, I know. But do you think its absolutely mad to achieve that, or that that's what every couple should strive for?"

@° Robyn Aryn III "You are right in that regard. If only someone could teach them that there was more than one way to cook meat..."
"So you're telling me that you're well versed in Dothraki history? Do tell me more."
She was poking fun at him now, laughing along with him as the night carried on. The warmth of the stew, the wine, and the fires inside the castle made for a cozy atmosphere, as Valeria relaxed into her chair.

"Ah, I see. Well I'm sure they are smiling down at you. It seems as though you've done quite a lot to maintain the reputation and legacy of the Vale. Many that would have come into power as early as you did oftentimes ruin the reputation of their House with inexperienced decisions and counsel."
Valeria shrugged and held up her chalice in acknowledgment of Lord Robyn. Despite her initial thoughts, he didn't seem half bad. Plus, she did have to respect that he upheld tradition instead of driving the Vale into the ground once he came into power.

"Yes, King Tommen would have been a great leader. I hear he was kind, despite his brother being one of the cruelest kings in Westeros history."
She conversed casually with the man sitting across from her, entertained at all the sorts of odd history facts he knew about Westeros and other parts of the world. She could tell that the wine was starting to affect him, making her laugh even more. Valeria, on the other hand, barely even felt anything, as she was used to far stronger drinks made by the Dothraki warriors.

@° Valeria Targaryen "The Dothraki are survivors who aren't learned in the culinary arts. But they make do what they have, and for that they have my respect." With his face lowered closer to the bowl to scoop more and more stew up, along with generous pieces of bread that would satiate him well. He barely paid attention when an attendant of hers came over for an order, the satisfying warmth of the stew making him content enough to sigh wistfully. "You wanted to know more about me, there you go." A dry chuckle escaped him as he then sat up, letting the servant take away the bowl before he dabbed away any remnants from his lips from the napkin folded across his lapel.

"It's wise to be cautious, of course. As is my right to reassure you." A gentle hand patted his middle that had risen just a bit, but not more than his lean frame allowed. Her question piqued his interest yet again, and so he amusedly laughed. "It's true, I haven't seen many more moons than you. But I was trained to be a Lord ever since my father had contracted Greyscale. That was at the age of.....six, I believe. My mother became the Lady of the Vale until she too, fell ill. This was a mere five years ago. Since then I have served as Lord of the Vale. It's not hard, each heir is given a book of best practices and traditions, ones guaranteed to instill prosperity. It's purely my job to uphold the prosperity my ancestors instilled."

"King Tommen I was younger than I, and he would've been a great king if his mother allowed him even a semblance of power. Granted he was a bastard, but the end of that war saw to it that lineage doesn't count for claims to the throne anymore." Perhaps a bit buzzed, the young Lord began to ramble about various parts of history where young regents and Lords have ruled well, and so it became apparent just how much of a history buff he was.

@° Robyn Aryn III "Ah I see...I'm sorry for your loss, my lord. I wish you good fortune and that you may fall in love again."
She cleared to try and get rid of the lump that formed, feeling a bit bad that she brought up the bad memory. She herself had never had the pleasure, or displeasure in falling in love with anyone, due to her upbringing so she couldn't relate to Lord Robyn, but felt sympathy for him nonetheless.

"Yes, your uncle was known for his little birds, wasn't he? And I shall, he'd be delighted to meet you I'm sure."
She mused with small snort, knowing that his uncle was famed around Westeros for having spies that were devastatingly loyal to him as well as very informant and useful.
Valeria motioned for one of her guards to come towards her, and whispered to inform her brother that he was more than welcome to join the rest of her advisors for the feast. She eyed the second course eagerly, blinking in surprise at how delicious it tasted after she took a sip of the dark broth.
"One thing here is for certain, you have better food than the Dothraki." Valeria let out an airy laugh, pleased to be eating something that wasn't smoked and salted for once.

She raised her glass and took a sip when everyone else did, a ghost of a smile gracing her lips. He kept surprising her, this young lord of the vale. At first glance, he seemed like a child acting like a man, but then showed a stubborn side to him that she wasn't expecting. And yet, now in front of his people and during the feast, he seemed more carefree.
"Yes well, we can never be too careful, right? But I am pleased to hear that you consider yourself and your House an ally to mine. If I might ask, how did you come to become such a powerful Lord at your young age? I know you inherited it but, forgive my candor, you are very young to be commanding such a large House at this young of an age. Maybe contradictory given my own age, but most Lords that are as young as you have a regent installed for them."

@° Valeria Targaryen "I was raised with that tradition, yes. Lucky for me, I fell in love with the Lady of Riverrun, but she had passed before our ceremony commenced. It was a political marriage, but I was lucky enough to have known her since I was a child, to fall for her before we were forced to wed." Bitterly now he sipped his wine, not at her but at reminiscing how she passed. It always left a sour taste in his mouth and an emptiness in his heart. In an attempt to brush it off he shifted in his seat to face her more, listening as she went on in defense. The Lord then simply bobbed his head in understanding, before laughing at her surprisal.

"You think I don't know who I've invited here? My great uncle planted his little birdies all over the continents for the Vale's use." Speaking more smugly into the chalice, he waits for her to explain the lack of his presence before continuing, "well, inform your brother he's more than permitted to stay up here without the risk of attack. I assure you, these walls are unsurmountable, and no one within its walls desire to end you." Those last words were met with the flick of his wrist and the incoming of a second course, this time a lamb stew with cheesy bread. It was the Lord's favorite and surely he showed it by the way he accepted the bowl from the servants hands, with eager hunger as he picked up the spoon almost immediately.

"Are we not allies already? You're thinking of accepting an offer of mine, you have until the end of the fortnight. If we weren't allies, I wouldn't have hosted you, my lady." Rising his glass, the entire room cheered boisterously before he took a sip. Various voices shouted praises and cheers for good harvest and a safe winter, and it pleased him to see his people happy and mingling with hers. He always treasured peaceful diplomacy over aggression, not to say he wasn't prepared for it, or skilled at it.

@° Robyn Aryn III This time, she let out an audible laugh at his bold words.
"Thank you for the compliment, my lord. Understandable, but uncommon, seeing as those who are in similar positions to us are mostly forced to marry without love." She shook her head good-naturedly at him, her guard slowly lowering as she realized that they were both just young adults that had been forced into being these grand leaders people looked up to. "Well I guess it's good we might both get what we want without having a political marriage, right?"

Valeria smiled wistfully as she thought back to when her beloved dragons came into her life, entertained by the confused look on his face.
"They came to my mother, did they not? By merchant it seemed, but in a way, all dragons seem to find our family. At least, thats what I believe.
She shrugged before popping a grape into and tilting her head in acknowledgment to what Lord Robyn said.
"Yes, lots of help and why? I myself don't know. All I know is that I was trained and groomed from birth for something, and I guess this is what it was for. I'm glad I intrigue you, my lord. Hopefully the rest of Westeros is more intrigued with my story than with killing me."
She almost choked on her wine when he asked about her brother, since she never directly mentioned him to Robyn. She cleared slightly before answering, "He's with our Dothraki comrades, actually. We believed that it was too dangerous for the both of us to be here negotiating, so he chose to stay with them for the evening. At least, until an alliance had been set."

@° Valeria Targaryen "Your unique features. I'm not a handsy man but I can see what you've got, how close to perfection it is. But, my Lady.....when you nearly married for love, you no longer want to marry for power. I thought about it though -- having you at Dragonstone while I court you. Having two heirs, one for Dragonstone and one for the Vale." Taps his temple as he smiles over at the young ladies before continuing, "I thought about it, I did."

Amused at their current conversation, he grew quieter to listen to the fuller part of her story, eyes trailing up from the table and its food to her face as she spoke, following every word with an attentive ear. "Dragons simply coming to you? Seems too easy." Commented with furrowed brows, confused that all the legends were somehow false. It left an uneasy and guarded feeling in his stomach if she was telling the truth. Using his tongue to pick out some food from his teeth, the young Lord then had the servant fetch more wine for their table, to which he took to quickly. "And a priestess who worships what Gods? I tell you, the more I know the more.....er, intrigued I am by your story. You seem to have had lots of help my Lady." Finishing yet another cup he could feel the heat of its contents swelling up from his toes to his head, a fuzzy feeling he adored every once in awhile.

"Tell me, where is this brother I've only heard about."

@° Robyn Aryn III "On that we both agree, my Lord."
Valeria set down her fork as she finished off her wine and motioned for a refill, taking advantage of the pristine wine they had, unlike the dark Dothraki drink she was used to.
"It is one of the reasons, I cannot deny you. That and well--my advisors thought that a young Lord would be more persuaded by my, what do they call it, unique features."
She let out a snort alongside her handmaiden that laughed, the both of them knowing that her looks had gotten her nowhere with the stubborn Lord. Valeria was amused at his pride, and let out a short chuckle at his actions.
"I shall have to test my skills against your own one day, my Lord. The Lord of the Vale that prefers solitude over luxury, not many could say that."

"Mmm, yes, that is what the rumors say. I was raised by the Dothraki, taught to fight before I even lost my first tooth. I was also raised by a priestess, one that hid me from the world because she was told a prophecy that I would re-emerge into society when the time was right. She taught me about my mother, and educated me on Westerosi politics as well as my own family's politics. And for the dragon well...he came to me. The Targayens and their dragons have a bond like no other, I assume you know. He and his brothers found me and saw me and recognized me as one of their own."
She shrugged as she told the truth, many believed that she must have traveled far and wide to search for dragon eggs but in reality, dragons still exists in multitude around the world, but it takes a lot for them to show their presence, seeing as those who find them often want to take advantage.
"Not your traditional upbringing, but one that is interesting to talk about."

@° Valeria Targaryen "The Vale and its people haven't been negatively affected by your family, they have no qualms against you worth defending. It's the regions outside, and those are what I guarantee assistance for. You may keep your guard, and you may keep your counsel. My hope is that you find people here who want to defend you, my Lady." Speaks lowly after he's done chewing, chasing the juicy meats for some fruity red wine, and with the smacking of his lips he turns towards the dragon princess when she muses.

"What's known about me if what's in history books. I've followed every step of my forefathers, and here I am. We've never had a Lord outside of our House, and the way we do things keeps it that way. I expect that's a reason you came to the Vale. You know House Arryn does things the right way. We fly as high as honor." The last few words were an homage to his sigil, to which he respected by patting his chest with a closed fist and hooded eyes. "I'm not sure what else you'd like to know about me. I'm a damn good archer, and I prefer solitude above frivolity." A quaint laugh soon followed this little piece of information meant to entertain her, before he turned the tables and shone the light onto her. ".....and you, Lady Valeria. Raised in a Dothraki horde. How did you come to know about your heritage, about your mother? And how by the Gods did you find and hatch another dragon?" Raising his brows as he sipped leisurely at his wine, these were the burning questions he ached to know. It would intrigue him to see how she'd attain all these things at such a young age, things that were barely handed down to her.

@° Robyn Aryn III "Assistance from the Vale yes, but how do I guarantee that your own people might not have qualms about my own arrival and prevent them from plotting to kill me? I understand that you might not want to plot my demise, but you can't control all of your people, especially if they have a grudge aganist my family."
Valeria let out a small sigh as she slowly ate the food in front of her, mulling over her options. The second deal was the best option, as she longed to return to her home and it would show that she had the support of the Vale if their Lord lobbied for her. But she couldn't help feel hesitant at sending her entire fighting force home, she'd be massively unprotected and although she could protect herself, those surrounding her were in need of the protection the Dothraki provided. She also knew her brother would be displeased with this, as well as her advisors.

Valeria decided to leave the talks of their alliance for a later date, as the food and music were creating a more easygoing feeling. She still was on her guard though, seeing as though no official alliance had been made, and well, one could never be too careful.

"Tell me more about yourself Lord Aryn. If we are to make an alliance, I'd like to know a little more about the person I'm contemplating getting rid of my army for."
She took a swig of her wine as she cocked an eyebrow in his direction, intrigued to see what he'd tell her. She knew things of course, rumors and whispers about what he was like, but she wanted to see for herself. She let her defensive posture relax after a nudge from her handmaiden, knowing that she must've looked a bit too stiff for a dinner party.

@° Valeria Targaryen The counter was an acceptable one that he saw coming, but he was quick to quip back. "You won't have no protection, you'll have assistance from the Vale. Which, is much more than any other constituency in Westeros has received in a long while. I want you to have Dragonstone, your ancestral seat. But I cannot strain my relations with other regions by allowing the Dothraki to stay so close to the capital, along with a Targaryen." Hoping she'd understand, he had let his features soften as they spoke to one another. It was all rather hush-hush, and soon she ended it with the toast with her handmaiden, of whom she invited over. A welcoming nod and an introductory bow of the head soon ensued along with a rather charming and dimply smile, to which he then turned back to the Dragon Queen to continue.

"There's always option two. I'll give you a piece of land here in the Vale where you and your Dothraki may establish yourself. But, I do require the grains to be doubled and a substantial donation of Dothraki stallions." His chest rose as he inhaled deeply, thinking about how he could sweeten the deal. The Lord then looked over her, angelic features and all, before flitting over to the pretty handmaiden as well. "I'll leave you with confidence in the Vale no matter what you choose. But I will not risk our place in Westeros for a horde of Dothraki and dragons that can only be used for terror. If you choose to leave I will keep our meeting clandestine, but if you choose one of the other offers I am still vetting for you and your house, and you will have my support." Finally he picked up his silverware, all this arguing and political business making him rather famished as the smells spurred the hunger on even more. Hastily he cut at the mutton and potatoes, giving the dragonness time to mull over the options set before her.

@° Robyn Aryn III Valeria pursed her lips as she watched the young lord think of his own demands. She bit down on her tongue to stop the harsh words that wanted to escape so badly from her tongue as she grew more irritated at his demeanor. Charming, her . Whoever told her that he was someone that relied on charms and was easy to negotiate with had lied to her, and she felt quite bamboozled, something she rarely ever, and hated, feeling. She listened with a keen ear as he proposed his offer, which, she hated to admit, was generous within itself.

"Your offer is generous, my lord but there is one condition that I must counter on. Send my Dothraki home? So that I'm here, with no protection what so ever? I'll agree to send half of them home. My advisors wouldn't even be a fan of that, but I know how diplomacy works. As for the other conditions, I will have to discuss these with my advisors later on tonight.'
Her frown softened so that she didn't look angry anymore, her youthfulness emerging once more. She refrained from rolling her eyes at the chiding of Lord Robyn, only responding with a curt nod as she took a sip of the wine in front of her. Valeria turned to signal to her guards and advisors that the discussion was over--for the moment, and that the diplomatic feast was to begin. She wanted nothing more than to leave the stuffy room and gallop off as she often did when she was frustrated before she arrived here, but she wasn't just the Khalakki of the Great Sea anymore, she was Valeria Targaryen, the only one that could bring honor to her family's name. It was times like this where she wished that it was her brother that could take charge, but the platinum haired princess only smiled cordially as a servant placed a plate in front of her.

"Cassandra, join me."
Valeria patted the seat next to her for her trusted friend and handmaiden, knowing that she would also be a good judge of whether or not she should accept this alliance, briefly introducing the two as the meal started.
"Lord Robyn, this is Cassandra, my most trust handmaiden and dearest friend."

@° Valeria Targaryen "You speak of the people like you know them. You're a foreigner, my Lady. You don't know what the people want, and you mustn't know how prosperous Westeros has become if its come into question." Fingers drumming against the wood made a rhythmic noise that signaled his contemplation. The more she went on the more his wheels turned, thinking of ideas and what she had come to him proposing. He didn't like to see how hungry she was for the throne, but he could respect her need to avenge her family's name. With this he came up with a few plans, having a few things in mind to counter instead of the word 'no.'

"Ah, at last you end your demands and ask for mine. Here is what I offer you, my Lady. I respect your need to unbesmirch your name, and for that I give you an offering. I will give you a choice, actually. Three to be exact." He leaned forward to be quieter as various Lord and Ladies of the Vale shuffled in, along with whoever you had chosen to be in your court. "First I will offer you a Keep in the Vale for you and your horde, to tax, to reap, to establish your name once more. In return I'll receive double the grain from your region and 20 hearty Dothraki stallions. Second, I can offer you to send your Dothraki back home -- they do not belong in Westeros -- and I will have you here, at the Eyrie, for as long as it takes for me to negotiate with the Crownlands to give you Dragonstone for your select guardsmen, and your dragons. Thirdly, I will not share any information you give me, and I will continue to serve your people food and shelter well into the fortnight if you decide to turn around and use a different means to break into Westerosi society." A deep breath was exhaled after he came up with feasible options for the Lady to take, before adding one more thing.

"I do not believe you are fit to rule my country, and therefore I will not help you win the Crown. However that's not saying my opinion will forever be the same. You are young, and as am I -- and we both have lots to learn before setting our eyes towards the Crown don't you think? Focus on raising up House Targaryen through peaceful non-political means and become apart of our society again before you think of conquest." As the room almost filled with the attendees, he lifted his hand to ring the bell so that servants may start bringing out the first course: Mutton and Potatoes.

@° Robyn Aryn III "Bold words, Lord Aryn. A Targaryen who was raised his entire life as a Stark, you mean?"
She raised her eyes as her features reflected her displeasure with Robyn's statement. Her jaw clenched as he rebutted her statement, her irritation only growing at his next words.
She could tell that he attempted not to offend her, this task he ultimately failed. She had peacefully extended an invitation, one that was to ask for her his help granted, but a peaceful one nonetheless. She knew as much as he did that if she wanted to, she could have come with force and fire. She did not come this far with her people and their hopes riding on her to be insulted by a seemingly snobby Lord that acted as if he knew everything.

"What use is a good ruler if their kingdom becomes stagnant? There has been peace in Westeros but has there been prosperity? Are the people satisfied with the lands and innovation they have? What of the growing population and decrease in amount of lands. I was hoping that you would have seen my dragons, I never meant to hide them, only shield them from your people who would have been frightened. And calling them primitive barbarians seems a bit premature, no? All I said was that they were tribal people, not that they were savages. I would think that Westeros hoped to expand and grow, but according to you, I'm wrong."
She almost snorted at his compliment, finding it humorous since she offered the marriage as something more concrete. It was offensive, although he tried to soften it, since she knew marriage was a precious commodity to barter with. It seemed like no matter what she wanted to offer to the young lord, he'd find some excuse not to consider her offer. She bit her tongue as to not expose her last bit of information that she kept secret, something that she knew could make many in Westeros attempt to kill her instantly.

"What else can I offer you? You seem to be asking a lot, my lord. I came here hoping to ask for your support in regards to the Targaryen line re-emerging into Westerosi society. I offered you a multitude of things, yet you seem to act as though none of those matter since it sounds like you wouldn't be in support of me no matter what I offer."
Valeria held up a hand as one of her advisors attempted to approach her to give counsel, but she halted him in anticipation to see what the Lord of the Vale would request of her, seeing as though he seemed to want nothing.

@° Valeria Targaryen "You're the rightful ruler of nothing, Valeria Targaryen. You have no rights in Westeros, and as soon as someone expects something out of this country, it crushes them. A rightful ruler does not make a good one. And the Stark who stabbed your mother in the heart was a Targaryen, my Lady." He rubbed his hands together and let out a dreadful sigh, even as he heard this big news, this big reveal.

"It is the right thing to do to honor our parents victories and fix their mistakes. For that I admire in your motivations, " the Lord pause because he wanted to choose he words lightly but still make them meaningful. "but, I do not need military backing, I do not need resources or the luxuries of a different, and more primitive land. The Dothraki do not belong in Westeros, they belong in the Dothraki Grass Sea." He spoke lowly and calmly so as to not offend her. His own fingers then poured the wine, needing some upon digesting all of this information before his fingers went up to rub at his temple. "Westeros is nearly a wholly united Kingdom that is almost the size of Essos, and Essos doesn't have one ruler. If Westeros were to expand its borders to primitive barbarians, that just means more mouths to feed and land to seize, people to control. We have finally entered an era of peace, we've found a way to peacefully manage a country. Why upset this?" After a rather audible sip, he motions for the stewards to begin bringing in the foods.

"You can't be a good ruler and tell me that bringing in Dothraki hordes, new lands, and upsetting the delicate balance of a country who's finally found peace is a good way to reign. And don't think I didn't see that dragon of yours, my Lady. The people have not forgotten about Dragons here, either." It felt like at the end of the conversation she was grasping at straws and without a concrete plan, so her offer of marriage made him purse his lips pensively. "Pardon.....you're a beautiful woman Lady Valeria, but I don't have a kingdom. I have a region that benefits from heirs, but I myself do not wish to seize the crown so what benefit would a marriage to me serve you?" Nimble fingers dab away the residue of wine that coated his lips, his eyes lowering onto hers to see her true intentions. They were having a constructive conversation but he needed things to be more concrete. He needed to know how this would benefit him. "I love my country but I love the Vale more, and we have enough military strength, enough resources, enough land. What else can you offer me?"

@° Robyn Aryn III "I see you've done your research. We have a peculiar fascination with it because we were the ones to rule Westeros for years. My mother may have been wrong near the end of her life with how she approached conquering Kings Landing, but she felt as if she had no choice. She was the rightful ruler, as am I. And last I heard the Starks betrayed my mother, their queen they pledged to fight aside. I wasn't aware that betrayal was taken so lightly in Westeros."
Her eyes narrowed at his dismissal of what she had said, growing angry that he seemed to brush off anything she said and in return acted as if she was some child who knew nothing.

"My mother inspired that because of her mistakes. Instead of focusing on her few mistakes, I choose to heed her victories. The Breaker of Chains, is what they called her."

"For now, all I ask is that you pledge yourself and the Vale as political allies of my family. We will back you militarily in return, as you know the Dothraki make for valuable soldiers. All we need is your support as we re-emerge into Westerosi society. I'm sure many other Houses wouldn't want to make an enemy of the Vale? And I can offer you this piece of information that may entice you to even further support me. You say my family are foreigners and that is why we shouldn't rule, but what if my foreign rule could strengthen Westeros and bring in more land and people? I hear rumors that Arya stark attempted to explore what lies outside the Westeros map and found barren land...what if I told you I found more than that?"
Valeria leaned back after she dropped her secret yet not so secret news. It was true, she sent her men off many seasons ago, and they came back with tales of tribal people and resources they found. It was only a matter of time until Valeria convinced them to join her cause. She knew that people only expected her to have the Dothraki, but what she had was even more. She had an entire civilization at her fingertips, people that believed in her so that she could unite the Outerlands and Westeros under one ruler.

"And as for alliances, if you aren't satisfied with a mere promise, how about we make it official with a marriage? You're young, but not so young that you shouldn't have already been married with heirs by now. Surely a strong marriage would strengthen your kingdom."

@° Valeria Targaryen "You're not wrong. But we have eyes, we see everything. The Targaryens are not even from Westeros, rather Valyria. The Westerosi are made of Andals and then First Men, do correct me if I'm wrong. Yet continuously the Targaryens prowl and stalk these lands. A rather peculiar fascination with it, they seem to have." Speaks wistfully and with the flick of his wrist, attempting to get a better understanding of the situation -- or rather, making sure she wasn't in it for false claims or power hungriness.

"Who? The Dothraki? You mean people who aren't even from Westeros? Last I heard the Starks are still sour-tongued after your mother nearly forced them to bend the knee, the rest of the houses remain frightened by the last remaining Dragons." He didn't mean to berate her, but he was a very logical person who required a logical answer. Even through this she explains what she wants, but not how she will attain it, and how that involves him. "Oh and I'm afraid my Lady, family claims have nothing on Westerosi politics in Kings Landing. Your mother was who inspired that." Rather than keeping his tongue silent, he chose to speak the truth and to be upfront rather than beating around the bush. Truth was, the Lord is incredibly open to alliances and certain alignments if he knows the success rate is concrete, through iron-clad plans and a healthy amount of supporters. She has to know her mother's first mistake was marching onto Westeros land with foreign people and claims to the throne.

"In this upcoming election, it is the Wardens who sit and decide the leader. As Warden of the East, is it me you want to pledge your name? Is it me who you want to back militarily? What exactly are you asking me for, that I can give you?" The Lord plucked a few more grapes in order to place lackadaisically into his mouth, listening to her intently. She needed to sell her plan to him -- yet so far it sounded like she was coming up with the same sort of plan her mother had. There was no doubt the princess before her was strong-willed and minded, but she needed far more than that and a Dothraki horde to make the Lord comfortable enough to establish ties. And what kind of ties? She never clarified.

@° Robyn Aryn III "Is it? I guess I shall have to see for myself."
"My emergence does have to do with the upcoming ceremony to choose the new ruler, you are not incorrect. But I am not looking to topple the peace that has been established in Westeros. You say you do not need a new ruler, yet I've heard whispers about alliances and marriages in order to prepare for when Bran the Broken steps down and passes on the throne. To who? That is precisely why I'm here. Not only do we wish for the peaceful re-emergence of our house, but the people I have behind my rule believe that I am the rightful ruler of Westeros. After Brain, there is no guarantee that this new ruler would be as fair as him. My family has a strong claim to the throne, and we want to act on that."
Her head tilted to the side after her response, her proud manner unwilling to back down even as Robyn attempted to speak to her more sternly. She could see that he saw her age most clearly and internally she scoffed. Here he was maybe only a few years older than her, and trying to act as if she was the child? She had probably fought more battle than he could ever imagine.

She could see the doubt on his face as she took a sip from the chalice that lay in front of her, waiting as she observed the young Lord process what she said. A whisper of a smirk crossed her lips at his sigh of relief once she informed him that most of her Dothraki would stay outside, pleased to see that the Dothraki still instilled a sense of power and fear to those they follow. Valeria's eyes followed Robyn's fingers when he briefly adjusted the lapel that bore birds, a representation of his family.

"Out of all the families, yours is the least affected by my mother's past fights. Other houses and kingdoms would have scoffed at the letter I sent you, and would have sent their best spies to kill me the moment they heard I was alive. You, on the other hand, extended a hand of hospitality, and I hope, also didn't plot to have me killed."
Valeria sat up straighter and leaned forward slightly, intertwining her hands so that the ring bearing her family crest, a dragon of course, shone in the light. She knew what she was asking for was a lot, but she knew that with the right people beside her, she would rule Westeros even better than her mother intended to. Most of all, Valeria wanted her family's honor restored. She was sick and tired of hiding out in the scorching deserts acting like she wasn't the daughter to one of the most powerful rulers and families the world had ever seen. If this would happen through her ruling Westeros, even better.

@° Valeria Targaryen "You obviously haven't heard of my hospitality then, worth a 1,000 Dothraki stallions." He quipped mindlessly before plucking off the juiciest looking grape from the vine, and setting it on his tongue while listening, eyes scouring over her features -- noticing how young she was, how proud. Lots of determination and lots of confidence, but that could be her folly. The young Lord let out an exhale hearing about the intended alliance, though he had already figured that is what the young Dothraki princess had been after. More sternly this time, he sets his chalice down and leans forward to engage her, donning his Lordly persona.

"You speak the truth, there is no lie. But it is obvious you want an alliance for your reemergence, but for why? Westeros has been at peace for nearly fifty years. We do not need a new ruler, not now." Sitting back in his chair, he perches the chalice at his lips for a long sip, the sweet-tartness coating his mouth and making him hum in contentedness. Breathing a sigh of relief after hearing the entire Horde would not be present in these chambers, he motioned the closest steward forward to whisper in his ear something about seeing to the Horde and making sure they have the same feast that was available up here, in the sky chambers. He then turns back to the ivory-skinned girl, sizing her up through her words. She had the attitude of a regent, but alas she was not, so it surprised the Lord and made him a bit wary.

"Why are you looking to forge alliances? You are right about the Vale largely staying out of politics, so why have you come to seek us out to get in on these politics." His fingers laced together in his lap after they adjusted the lapel of the birds that were infamously present on the Arryn sigils for countless years. They represented him and the Vale well -- free, flying high above the clouds, but keeping a keen eye on all that was occurring below. He took pride in his sigil, his family, and his land --- and he wanted no Dothraki princess to ruin this legacy. Still, something about the girl and her proposal intrigued him enough to entertain, to find out more. The Lord ruled nothing out despite being cautious, for the Vale was always looking for soft alliances in order to keep growing stronger.

@° Robyn Aryn III "I would've assumed that a Dothraki stallion is worth more than just an acceptance of an invitation. Once there is an agreement to an alliance, then perhaps that could be arranged."
She spoke cordially, a polite smile gracing her fairy-like features. She could hear the gasps and whispers of those around them, seeing as though her looks often made many underestimate her, to their own downfall. She kept the smile on her face as she placed her smaller hand on top of his own, following him into their dining hall. She tried not to show a reaction to the extravagance of the place, seeing as though she and her brother were raised in the Dothraki way, and not used to a life of luxury.

"This is more than satisfactory, you know as well as I do that the Dothraki aren't fussy eaters. My top fighters will dine with us here, the rest will set up camp and eat with their own outside."
Valeria gracefully sat down on the chair that Robyn had pulled out for her, eyeing the wine that had been poured for the both of them.
"That is precisely why. The Vale, although most often times removed from the messy drama and politics that surround Kings Landing, is arguably one of the strongest kingdoms in Westeros. Your family and your kingdom are widely known for being fair, since you don't have much alliance with anyone. I'm asking you to break that tradition, and become my ally. My brother and I were kept a secret to the rest of the world for a reason, our red priestess knew that our mother's war would either bring our family to greatness, or force them into hiding. Alas, we have been in hiding for the past 18 years. But we want to emerge into Westeros once more, and we need your power and impact to help us."

@° Valeria Targaryen "The pleasure is mutual, my lady." His voice bellowed from the throne that was high above the Moon Door where she stood, much like the mountains and the valleys right outside the window. He then pulls himself up, leisurely stepping down the long way so that he may see this miracle Targaryen up close, only halting a few feet away to offer a gentle bow before he went to inspect this 'offering.' Leather, a good that was pretty common in Westeros, and a lot more premiere in comparison to Dothraki pieces. Even with that, he still offered her a kind smile and extended his hand, lips parting to finally speak to her personally, "Leather? I would've liked some of those Dothraki stallions a bit more. But, I assume you need them a lot more than I." He gently takes her hand and brings it to his lips as a chuckle soon ensues.

"How many men total have you brought here today? I want to make sure the preparations for dinner are adequate for all your men. I'm sure you've all travelled a great distance just to meet with me, and I want to make sure your accommodations are adequate. Come, my lady." Robyn keeps his hand below hers as a guide once they leave the Hall, and venture into the dining Hall that was just as grand. The wind whistled through the open windows, being as they are very far up, almost touching the clouds as previous guests have commented. The young Lord then pauses at the main table in front of rows and rows of others, already stocked with the finest Dornish wine and fruits from the Reach.

"This is where our personal troupes will sit, and the rest of the tables are arranged for your men and mine. Let's have a seat though, I'd like to hear more about why you came before the feast is started." Gesturing to the table once more, he glides behind the elevated seats to pull out hers before he takes a a seat of his own. With a nod of his head, his steward poured them both some chilled wine before leaving the room empty except for just the two. "I'm very intrigued, my little birds have told me of your existence but I can't imagine why you'd seek me out of all people. My family and yours have little connection, other than when Aegon conquered the Vale many years ago. Did you know, my distant grandmother -- then Queen Regent of the independent Kingdom of the Vale, offered Aegon a proposal of marriage so that her son would become King one day. Though that was refused, the Vale still submitted to Aegon without a fight, and so my great great great something grandmother's son became Warden of the Vale. Hence why power has never left the Arryn family."

@° Robyn Aryn III As the guards lowered the arrows slightly, Valeria nodded and trotted through the gates. She signaled to her guards and the rest of her Dothraki horde to stay here to set up camp, knowing that her host might not be privy to hosting a large Dothraki population, seeing as most in Westeros still were uneasy with their presence.
Valeria could hear her brother muttering underneath his breath about how it was unwise to leave her fighters behind, but Valeria was different from their mother. While their mother was an impactful leader, she had no training, especially not by Dothraki fighters. Valeria, on the other hand, was renowned as one of the fiercest fighters in their troupe, one of the ways she commanded and earned respect as their Princess.

She hopped off of her trusted horse and handed the reins to a spare stablehand, before undoing the cloak that covered her shoulders and handing it to her handmaiden, squaring her shoulders and lifting her head regally. She looked towards her brother to make sure he was ready as well, nodding so that the guards could open the door.
As her brother and their handful of advisors entered the throne room, her icy eyes scanned their surroundings, taking note of how many guards surrounded them in case things unfortunately went sideways and she'd need to make her exit.

"Here stands Valeria Targaryen, first of her name, Dragon Princess, Khalakki of the Great Sea."
Cassandra announced as she entered the room, stopping in front of the large circle that was rumored to be the doors to what was called the Moon Door, the Eyrie's choice of weapon when it came to getting rid of those that were enemies of the Vale.

"My lord, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. We thank you for your kind invitation and bring offerings to repay your kindness."
She waved a delicate hand so that a crate was brought forward filled with fine leather pieces that could be used as clothing and armor. It was placed in front of his throne, and her calculating eyes scanned his face to try and catch a reaction.

@° Valeria Targaryen One of the reasons the Eyrie is nearly impregnable is the entryway into the main castle. Since it lays within a valley between the Mountains of the Moon, there is only one way in and one way out, of which tall mountains frame a single-file line that is used by all those who enter and exit, with archers perched above in surveillance. Because of this, the guards informed the Lord that she was nearly here far before she made it to the first guard castle out of three, and since having been informed of a guest's arrival, she was granted instant access to the sole entry.

"She's approaching the main castle gates, my Lord." A steward by the name of Vacarys informed the Lord as he sat upon the throne, and only a few of his trusted guards were littered amongst the great hall, so as to limit the amount of gossip that would not doubt be swarming around Westeros upon her departure. His fingers tapped idly against the arm rest, the other hand lifting his chin up as he sighed out in contemplation, hoping that they would be able to secure a diplomatic relation that left both parties content. Seeing the Dothraki horde appear just like her mothers, was a bit unnerving for the young Lord. It may not have been a good first impression, but he was never one to judge purely off of that.

As they approached the main gates he left the remaining stewards orders that the banquet he prepared was going smoothly, and to inform the cooks to have the food placed at the correct time, as well as the harp players. Then he heard them approaching, hopefully her counselors and guardsmen and that's it, and so his squire stood by his side in wait to proclaim the official introduction.

"Valeria Targaryen, you've been accepted for diplomatic means by Lord Robyn Arryn, third of his name, Sweetrobyn, Lord of the sky and of the Moon Mountains, protector of the Vale. You may approach the throne."

@° Robyn Aryn III Valeria rode in on a horse dark as night with her guards marching beside her and her advisors watching from behind. She was dressed to match her Dothraki upbringing, instead of the beautiful gowns that most queens wore in Westeros, allowing her to blend in with her soldiers in case one were to spot the slightly odd Dothraki troupe marching towards the Eyrie. The only thing that were giveaways of her bloodline was the platinum blonde hair both she and her twin brother had, mirroring the ancestors that came before the twins. A blessing and a curse, was the beautiful locks that she and her brother inherited. Those that were loyal to her mother instantly recognized them as Targaryen's, but those who detested her also instantly recognized them. Then of course, there was the matter of her dragons. She, much like her mother had a bond with dragons that no others had, and it proved to be very valuable in times of need.

Valeria fixed the hood that covered her face as she looked up at the approaching castle, signaling to her guards to notify the rest of the troupe that they would be arriving soon. A smirk tugged on her lips as she mentally prepared herself to talk with this 'Lord of the Vale.' Would he be as charming as her advisors informed her? Would he be easy to discuss and alliance with? So much rested on this one visit, it could either make her families emergence into Westeros easier or could topple all the work that she and her brother put in so that they could be here at this moment. She snapped out of her thoughts as the castle suddenly appeared in her vision, halting so that she could speak to her brother before they attempted to enter the gates.

We're here, Olivander. Take the lead while I tell Draco to fly away so that we don't scare our guests.
She rode to the back quickly so that she could whistle a familiar tune to the large white dragon that had been flying behind her troupe since they left their station, the tune signaling that her dragon should fly up so he wouldn't be seen. Valeria moved back up to the front after she saw Draco fly off, taking a deep breath before flipping off her hood, her bright platinum hair shining bright under the scorching sun, ready to address the guards that stood in between her and the entrance to the Eyrie.

I am Valeria Targaryen, here on the invatation of your lord, Robyn Aryn III, Lord of the Vale.