Kapitel 52: Wedding?
[Note:]
For early access to arcs and other interesting works, make sure to join the Den of Fics using the code 'denoffanfics' on Discord.
=======
(Erlend POV, Firmridge)
With all the Major Lords and Ladies present, Erlend had decided to wed Catelyn Tully as soon as possible.
Catelyn for her part didn't seem to mind, the victorious look she sent both to her sister and Elia amused him if nothing else. As per custom, they would be married in front of the Seven, he did have some thoughts of doing so in front of the old gods, but that was a bit too much at the moment.
It wasn't like their vows would change anything, aside from making their relationship 'official' in the eyes of everyone else. Since Catelyn and Lysa had entered Firmridge he had spent his nights either with one of the three or sometimes all of them together.
If the maiden had any problem with that, then she could come down herself and tell him herself. He didn't need a bloody Septon doing so.
Speaking of the Faith, they haven't made any moves against him, the burning of King's Landing and the death of a significant portion of the upper ranks of the clergy including the High Septon had left them effectively headless chickens.
As for why they hadn't left King's Landing, it was probably due to the fact that not even Tywin was arrogant enough to have his men ransack the Great Sept, so most of them took shelter in there, only for it to become their tomb as shit went haywire.
Tradition demanded that Catelyn be pure before marriage, which was somewhat pointless considering he already took it. You got to love ripple effects, Erlend even suspected his Uncle Jon deliberately put off his wedding Lysa just so he can chuck her his way, as for why Ned didn't marry Catelyn, apparently he didn't want to implicate her in their rebellion should things go south.
Fair enough, being the daughter of a traitor was slightly better than being the wife of one and birthing said-traitors son and heir.
Did his presence make Ned Stark more intelligent, maybe…
There had been a bit of discussion on the whole marriage thing, the Tyrells wanted him to marry Janna, the Hightowers wanted Malora, the Dornish wanted Elia, and the Stormlands and the North just wanted everything to be done and over with so they can go back home.
He didn't have to put his foot down on the matter, Uncle Lorimas had shut them up pretty quick on his behalf.
After a bit of debate, it was decided the wedding would be held at the Stoney Sept, which had been renovated and upscaled after his conquest of the Riverlands.
The House that had originally held the town had been wiped out by the Vance Coalition, having refused to join their cause. This was one of the key factors contributing to them leaving the town.
A wise move considering how popular that House of Landed Knights was with the townsfolk.
The town and a portion of the lands around it would become one of the five territories under the special jurisdiction of the Banners, turning it into a veritable fortress.
The Twins, Blackwater (King's Landing), Stoney Sept, Stoneyhead, and Fieldstone made up these territories. Each would be under the direct command of a Banner General, and the banners stationed in each territory would be rotated every few moons.
This also meant that an invading army from any neighboring Kingdom would have to take them down if they wanted free reign on the Riverlands.
Erlend had never any attention to disbanding the Banners, though like with the Great Lords, contingencies would have to be put in place to avoid the same fate the Imperial Dynasties of Rome tended to face with their legions.
Catelyn had worried about the cost of the upkeep of all of this, those worries while valid weren't as troublesome as they first appeared. As every single one of the five fortresses was directly on the path of a key trading route, the added security of the Banners would increase confidence from merchants, bringing in trade. The gold coming in from trade would go into maintaining each Banner situated in it, not to mention the taxes collected from the lands around it.
It wasn't a perfect system and there was definitely room for corruption, but it would do until he could properly adjust everything.
At least he didn't have to worry about feeding his people, with the Riverlands being largely self-sustaining thanks to its arable land and plentiful rivers, often leading to a surplus of food it could sell off.
…
"Do you remember Tristan Mudd?" Lorimas asked his nephew.
"One of the worst commanders the night's watch ever had, and a stain, to our house?" Erlend raised his eyebrow at his uncle, curious about why he was bringing him up.
"I've been going through some of the books we brought with us from Summerswind Manor…" Lorimas started only to see the incredulous look on his nephew's face. "I read too you know."
"Yeah… every moon's turn," Erlend murmured, only to earn him a smack in the head from his annoyed kin.
"Yes… well, you'll find it interesting that he wasn't killed by his disgruntled men, rather he disappeared beyond the wall." That brought Erlend to a pause, as he frowned at that little tidbit.
"Nothing was done to find him?"
"I reckon they couldn't be bothered, only a letter of condolences was sent to the then-reigning Mudd, and that's it."
"Why bring this up?"
"You were always fascinated with the wall as a child, it seemed like something you'd like to know." Lorimas shrugged.
Erlend simply nodded at his uncle. While this info barely changed anything, it did bring an interesting prompt to mind. What happened to the Lord Commanders that tended to go missing beyond the wall?
Yes, one could point to the Wildlings, but that was just taking the way out. There were two alternative answers to this, one was the White Walkers and the second was the Children of the Forest.
He didn't know why the cold bastards would want the Lord Commanders, but the little demons might have attempted something similar to what they did with Bloodraven a long time ago.
Especially when the first men's blood was still strong within Westeros.
"So… as your closest male relative. Perhaps I can give you some advice on the do's and don'ts."
"Goddamn it Uncle!"
…
(Catelyn Tully POV, Stoney Sept)
Catelyn smiled happily as she got prepared for her wedding day. Her handmaiden had been helping her get ready for the past few hours.
"My lady you look radiant," her handmaiden complimented as she helped her get into her dress. "His Majesty will be spellbound by your appearance."
"I can't wait," Catelyn said, pride evident in her tone. "Lysa and Elia must be seething in jealousy!"
The maid simply rolled her eyes at her Lady's words, having long gotten used to the friendly rivalry that had developed between the King's lovers.
It was something the Royal Household had gotten used to long ago in the past few weeks. There was some speculation among the staff that Lady Janna intended to become the King's paramour, but so far she has yet to gather the courage to do so.
They were only an hour away from the ceremony, to say Catelyn was nervous was like saying the sky was blue.
"The smallfolk have been singing your and his majesty's praises since the day has started, you'd think they were the ones getting married." the maid said jokingly, "The septons and most devout have been declaring it a blessed day to all who can hear."
Catelyn felt giddy at the fact she will finally be tied to her lover, she yearned for the ability to openly embrace her lover.
The melodious ringing of bells could be heard throughout the town, signaling her other half's presence within the ancient sept.
Catelyn felt an ache in her heart as she realised her father and Uncle weren't here to give her away. Instead, her Uncle Walter had agreed to take their place.
Her maternal family had been stripped off Harrenhal, though, in consideration to their relations with her, they had been granted Whitewalls and the moderately rich lands around it, maintaining their status as Lords, if diminished ones.
Erlend had allowed her maternal kin to retain a significant portion of their wealth to restore Whitehalls to its previous glory, going even further to provide them with techniques that would cure the salted lands. Something she hadn't even known was possible.
They were also directly sworn to her husband, so they were largely protected from any lingering resentment that they have gained from their fellow vassals due to the deaths that occurred during the 'Siege of Harrenhal'.
"You're ready to go, my Lady," the maid informed her, having completed the finishing touches.
A polite knock on the door could be heard as Catelyn got up from her seated position and straightened out the folds of her dress. "You may enter." She said out loud.
Her elderly Uncle came in, the man seemed far older than he already was, but there was a strength in him still present. His eyes thought denoted an inner strength that contrasted with his frail appearance.
(A/N: The fact that the old geezer had lived this long in an environment like Harrenhal is impressive.)
"Are you ready Cat?" He asked, sending her a look of pride.
"Yes, Uncle," Catelyn replied cheerily.
"Let's not can't keep his Majesty waiting for too long." Opening the door properly for her to pass through.
Taking one last glance at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but beam with pride. The wedding gown was a deep shade of blue, with silver embroidery styled in various works of art over the gown. The silken gown was soft to the touch and tastefully showcased her figure without coming off as too provocative.
Her long auburn hair came down below her shoulders, having decided to forgo styling it outside of curling it. Giving her more of a relaxed look, instead of its usual styled look.
She looked breathtaking and she knew it.
…
The Ancient Sept was positively packed with the Major Lords and Ladies of the realm. Many sent her appreciative looks, as her Uncle walked her towards the alter.
She could feel the pure desire, appreciation, envy, and delight of those present, yet she paid them no heed. The only one she held in her eyes was her husband-to-be.
While walking towards the alter, she did catch glances of the Royal Guard all stationed around the sept, looking quite intimidating in their lightly armored attire.
She doubted anyone here would be stupid enough to do anything but as Erlend tended to say, better to be safe than sorry.
Speaking of Erlend, her lover held out his arm to her, a broad smile was visible on his face. "You look wonderful, Cat."
"Thank you," Catelyn responded, looking completely enamored with his appearance.
A light cough interrupted their staring, the old Septon that was presiding over them looking decidedly awkward at their interaction. "You may now remove the bride's maiden cloak and cloak her with your own, bringing her under your protection," He said to both Erlend and her Uncle.
(A/N: Mf's be giving the old geezer dog food as CN's would put it.)
Her Uncle did as told and removed her maiden cloak from her shoulders.
Erlend in turn wrapped the red-brown cloak around her, decorated with a Golden crown, studded with bright emeralds, indicating her joining into House Mudd.
"We are gathered here today under the light of the Seven to witness the union of man and wife," the most devout intoned. "In the light of the seven, I bind you as one for eternity,"
The most devout then paused, "Look upon one another and say the words." he requested.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger," Catelyn uttered, "I am his, and he is mine. From this day until the end of my days".
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger," Erlend echoed, "I am hers, and she is mine. From this day until the end of my days".
"With this kiss, I pledge my love," They said in unison, proceeding to kiss and sealing the marriage.
"One flesh, one heart, one soul. Now and forever." the Most Devout declared.
The gatherers applauded the new couple, many shouting out their praises and congratulations to the young couple.
She looked forward to tonight as they accepted the good wishes of those gathered, there would be no bedding ceremony she knew, as Erlend had made clear that any who lay their hands on her would lose them.
Giving her husband a smoldering look, she preened at the envy she could feel from the ladies gathered.
'I have him all to myself tonight.'
=======
[Note:]
Was gonna include a lemon here, but decided against it, I'll write one later on but for now you'll have to wait for it.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein