Drop after drop could be heard against the castle wall, there was something soothing about the weather whenever the rain was falling.The sound of the rain, to allow the cozy feeling inside and the rain dropping on one's face. No doubt that the whole of the Reach welcomed the rain to finally end the drought that had so plagued the land as of late. There was however a certain sadness that could be felt all over the castle, the body of Lord Garth had arrived late last night whenever one but his wife had already gone to bed. It could be felt through the castle, and Willas mood was saddened by the whole ordeal. As he stood out of bed, he walked over to his closet and started dressing for the day, all was in mourning and it was only proper to show it, the otherwise green colour of his house replaced by that of black in respect of his older brother.
As he walked the halls, he felt a weird feeling inside, being the new Lord Paramount gave him new responsibilities, while he had been Regent, becoming Lord Paramount was not quite the same as being the Regent, much more responsibility and duties. As Willas continued his walk down the halls, the burden upon his shoulders became heavier and heavier until it was almost too much, he wanted to turn around and yet he knew that he could not. The doors where large and heavy as he opened them and entered, in the middle of the room lay the body of his brother, of Garth. The room was dark and cold, as if something grabbed one from behind.
The face of his brother was at peace, as if it was glad that it had departed from this world, from the pain in which he felt during his final days, a smile could even be seen on his lips. He was dressed in the green colour with golden roses on it, looking like a true Tyrell as he was being prayed for. Willas walked forward and looked down on his brother, a tear was formed in his eye as looked at Garth for the final time. Harlan walked up quietly from behind and joined his brother watching over Garth in silence, the tears could be seen running down Harlan’s cheeks and it could be heard from his otherwise heavy breathing that he was taken hard by the death of their brother.
Willas laid a hand upon Harlans shoulder and gave him a smile “It’s good to see you again, you have been hiding away in your room for far too long” Harlan stood for a moment looking down at Garth before hugging Willas in a swift action that left Willas surprised. “I’m sorry, please forgive me” Harlan managed to say in low voice, leaving Willas to return the hug in an attempt to reassure him that everything was fine. Willas didn’t blame his brother for the disagreements that had occurred between them, but it did seem as if the fallout had affected Harlan a great deal, more so after the death of Garth. Harlan had always been one to be close to his family so it was perhaps expected that he would act strongly with all the turmoil the Tyrell’s currently faced. Willas smiled “Come out of your room more often brother, I miss talking with you, come see me tonight after dinner and we can talk. And don’t worry, everything will be fine” Willas gave him a pat on his back before he left the room, leaving Harlan to mourn.
Outside stood the steward of the household and adviser to Willas, it was an older man and his grey hair had begun to shown, but he was a kind man who was there when you needed him, both for personal issues and those required by duty. Willas kept walking and Tytos followed right after, he quickly began on the issues that currently required my attention. Garth is seen as a hero among most of the Reachmen due to his actions during the drought, that however could easily be problematic, partly to live up to that but also to respond to his actions during his tenure of the position of Hand of the King. He had used that power to help the Reach and for that I like everyone else was grateful but the King could be problematic, Garth had not entirely been responsible for the duties that went with his office, and as such the Reach could be overlooked now that a new council was to be formed. Willas also needed to send word to the King and Lord Lannister, or more importantly to pass on a message to his sister.
As he neared his room, the steward finished his task. Willas thanked him before going inside and closing the door behind him, then walking over to his table before sitting down in his chair and taking a moment to gather his thoughts and take a breath, much needed after the day’s events. He took a piece of paper, picked up his pen and inked it, letting the words run through his mind while deciding upon the wording.
To his Majesty, King Aegon IV
I share in your sorrow for I myself have recently lost a brother, while in no way the same as a father then it doesn’t lessen the hurt in my heart. It does however bring me joy to remember the memory of my brother, he was a kind man who did everything he could for the people in the Reach, even if it would bring him to blows with others who did not share his view. He brought the Reach out of a time that was one of the most dire in our history, and like that he was like your late father, who fought tirelessly to improve the life of his subjects and bring peace and stability to the realm. He was a great man that will go down in history as one of the few Kings who truly deserved the honour of the Crown, which no doubt you shall be remembered as well one day.
I know that my older brother has not always been on the right course, and has used many resources on the Reach and its issues. That is however nothing that we will forget either, that the Crown stood beside him all the time, for that Your Majesty has not only gained our support and loyalty. But we already foresee a glorious reign that lies before your path, so while we are hidden in the darkness that now consumes us in our hearts, let there be new light for the future, let us be friends and trust each other as your father did my brother, and my brother did your father.
-Willas Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Defender of the Marches, High Marshal of the Reach, Warden of the South
To Lord Willem Lannister, Lord Paramount of Westerlands, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, Warden of the West, Master of Coin of the Seven Kingdoms.
It is with heavy heart that I today write to you, the earthly remains of my brother has now arrived in Highgarden and is being prepared for his final rest. I write to inform you of these passing events which you no doubt have already heard, but more personally I write to you out of care for my sister, I know I was unable to attend the wedding between her and your son, Lord Damon, I do however hear it was a beautiful event and as such I am happy that will be the last memory which she carries of our brother. I would like you to take a care with her while she mourns, we have received letters from her regarding the fondness she has for her new husband and the growing love between the two. It is letters which has made me and my brother very happy, and we hope for such continued letters. It is also due to this that I ask you to take consideration as it would bring me great sadness if her joy was to turn sour for but a week while she otherwise is beyond joy.
I do however also write to you due to other reasons, the house of Lannister have proven to be a great aid in the crisis which we have so recently faced. Due to this I wanted to personally thank you for the efforts which your house as carried out in our time of need, and I wish to promise that those shall not be forgotten should your house ever be in need.
He looked through the letters on his desk and caught the seal of house Hightower, as Willas read the letter he gained a smile on his lips.
-Willas Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Defender of the Marches, High Marshal of the Reach, Warden of the South
Lord Theodore Hightower, Voice of Oldtown, Lord of the Port, Defender of the Citadel, Beacon of the South
It brings me joy to read your letter, truly the realm has been in troubled times as of late. But out of the trouble there is also joy, the drought has ended and the Reach is once again prosperous. Despite this there are sadly some shadows that even such joy cannot wash away from our hearts, I speak of the recent passing of your father to which you have my condolences as well as my full sympathy and support should you need it.
I however also had the sadness of hearing that your wife’s family has had similar sad tragedies, as such I would like to also offer my condolences to her and the pain that it must have caused you both to be surrounded by such darkness. As such I also ask you not to trouble your mind with my losses as you yourself have lost so much more in comparison that it makes my loss fade.
I also hear word of your wife being pregnant with what will be your first, so even in this darkness there shines a light as close to your heart as possible. I wish you and your family the best of health, as well as a swift childbirth, for you more than anyone else deserves to be spared any pain which could be imagined, having already suffered so much.
-Willas Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Defender of the Marches, High Marshal of the Reach, Warden of the South
As he finished the last of the letters he sat back and looked over a copy of the papers that his brother had produced, the ones that proved the illegitimacy of Prince Martell. He took a breath and read it over again before letting his fall down, he rose up from his chair and walked over to the fireplace. Willas took a moment to take in the heat, enjoying the crackling of the fireplace before he threw the paper into the fires, letting the matter of Dornish legitimacy die with his brother.
What I am trying to say, Dutch, is you complete me. Ironborn are probably the most scorned of all the cultures of Westeros, so I guess if you can't take the heat, get outta the kitchen. Looking forward to see what you put up for your new house.