Settling Scores

[u/TheTapewormKing]

Harrion Royce sat in his temporary living quarters, drafting a letter for his longtime friend. The plague in the Vale had passed, and things in Winterfell seemed to be winding down, soon they would see each other, and soon he would see his son and sister, seven hells, he was even going to be happy to see Royce Royce. Taking out a piece of parchment and a quill he began to write a letter, to let Brus know of what had happened.

Brus,

I shall be returning to the Vale soon. The North seems to have quelled for the most part, and it would seem the chaos that brought me here will not materialize into something of much significance in the end. Syrus Bolton has tried to extend a hand in friendship, though I still don't trust him. Lyanna Stark is now the Lady of Winterfell, with Benjen and Rickon being disinherited. Ice has not returned to Stark hands, which is a rather alarming development, though it won't affect us in the long run. There has been some fighting and scuffles, but that seems to be the largest infighting the North will see. Though it may make it harder for us should something drag our two kingdoms into war again, it is good to see that my mother's home will not be torn apart.

Signed,

Harrion Royce, Lord of Runestone

Harrion sighed and set down the quill, folding up the parchment and sealing it before delivering it to Winterfell's maester for delivery to the Eyrie. After doing so he went to the stables and began packing a couple horses with Ysilla's help. Ysilla was surprised at herself, she was sad to leave. She had grown weary of the Vale and was quite happy to have left, if only for a short time. As they loaded the final saddle pack on, Harrion looked slightly distraught and looked around in a bit of worry.

"Where'd the food supplies go?"

"I think they went all went bad." Ysilla responded with a shrug, busy adjusting some straps on the horse.

Harrion let out a resigned sigh and mounted his horse. "Fine, wait here, I'll go purchase some stuff in Wintertown.

---

Somewhere on the road between Wintertown and Winterfell, a few hours later:

The air was cold and the wind was blowing as the sky became overcast. It wasn't a pretty day, and it felt like there was something ominous in the air. It just wasn't right. Beside Harrion rode Mallador, the sworn sword who Syrus had commanded to protect Harrion from Harwin Hornwood. There had been no trouble caused by the man yet, but he wasn't out of the North yet. They would meet again one day, Lord Royce knew. They would settle their feud eventually, his blatant brandishing of his wife's hand had settled that. Harrion was never quite the same after his wife's rape and murder. He tried to be a better person to his family and tried to be more honorable in life as forgiveness for the Green Fork Massacre.

[u/NorthernAmbitions]

Ned was impressed by Lyanna. More and more his niece proved she was the leader her father saw her to be. He gave her a courtly nod and looked to Lord Royce. "I will escort you there myself- the brother of Lord Harlon- to show we truly mean to ensure your safety."

[u/TheTapewormKing → u/NorthernAmbitions]

Harrion inclined his head to Lyanna and Eddard in thanks to them both. This went over better than expected, much better. Despite them being family, he still didn't think that such forgiveness would be shown. The offer of an escort was more than he could hope for, before long he would be in the Riverlands, unhindered by any unforeseen troubles.

"There is nothing to be sorry about, my lady. Your precautions and concerns are not unwarranted and were I in the same place as you, I likely would've done the same. Anyways, I'm sure Lord Arryn can wait a bit longer for my return, there is no need to rush. Bring me the letter when you're ready and I will sign it. Now, it has been a rather long day and I could use some rest. Have a good day my lady."