The Gardens of the Eyrie

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

"Everyone at the Eyrie has know me since I was a child. But when I went to the Bloody Gate and then Ninestars I did things that I will never forget."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"War is hell manifested on earth, Aldric. Terrible things are done, but they must be done to keep the realm as one. Surely you know this?"

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

Aldric turned, "The realm as one? No Belle war is fought for power, money and revenge. When terrible acts like killing three boys can be forgiven."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

A frown appeared on Belle's face. "Father says that the Seven plan out our paths, well before we are born. Our actions are just what they had planned for us. I'm sure you would not have killed those three boys if you had a choice, Aldric."

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

Aldric slowly stepped a few paces back looking out at the view, "Ser Aldric Arryn the Bloody Knight, it was he who first found the Red Priest Attack on House Templeton. They come not for them but the family of Lord Jeremy and Ser Aldric. The Arryns had already lost there first daughter in the North. Lady Aranya Arryn and the newly made Knight Ser William Arryn were killed. Aldric on finding this scene flew into a fit of rage and killed Ser Aemon Templeton of 16 winters his twin Ser Addam Templeton and the young Yohn Templeton only 12 winters old." Aldric turns back to Belle the young woman can see that Aldric has been crying soflty, "That is how I will be remembered."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Belle walked up behind him, and stopped one step behind him. She placed her hand on his back. "That may be how you see yourself, but it does not have to be your only mark on the world. You are young, Aldric, and you do not have to let one moment decide the rest of your life. The Seven have a greater plan for you, I know it."

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

"Then I leave it to the Gods for now then. So now you know my demons. Of course as you know on top of that I have a father whos dieing and I will soon be lord of well everything I can see." Aldric lets out a laugh, "That was all I once dreamed as a kid. Being Lord Arryn."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Belle let out a nervous laugh. She had not planned on such a morbid talk when she walked into the gardens. "It is what every child dreams of, whether they are highborn or not. I once dreamed of a knight who would carry me a way from all of this." Pausing, Belle looked out to the Vale. "You will be a good lord, Aldric, good and just. Want to know why?"

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

Aldric smiled at her, "Why Lady Belle?"

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Because," she said, as she placed a hand on his face, "you carry the weight of your actions upon your shoulders for the entire world to see."

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

Aldric looked to Belle, "Your wise beyond your years Belle. Wiser then me it seems."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Well, I am a woman, Aldric. The Seven made us naturally wiser than you men, so we stood a chance against your charms."

Belle was clearly teasing the knight.

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

"Then I thank you Lady Belle." Aldric bows to her, "You've given me a great amount to think about."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Did you just bow to me, Aldric? I wonder if you were hit in the head by a passing bird when I was not looking." Laughing, she clarified. "It is probably not a good idea for others to see you bowing to a servant. Let alone a woman."

[Lord Aldric Arryn]

"Then it can be our own little secret."