Capítulo 22: Welcome to Riverrun
(Erlend POV, Riverrun)
When you think of fantasy castles, Riverrun is one that often comes to mind, it's a strong three-sided castle while being only a tenth the size of Harrenhal, its aura was more homely if one had to describe it.
Harrenhal on the other hand had a generally grim and accursed aura about it, as if those that died during the conquest sought to bring down those that willingly inhabited it.
Riverrun had sluice gates that could be opened to fill a wide moat during a siege leaving the castle surrounded on all three sides by water, and turning it into an Island. Making it a hassle for would've invaders.
The castle has red sandstone walls, and its battlements are crenelated and have arrow loops, giving it a vantage point by which it could shoot down invaders. Its towers command the opposite shores, while the keep is located within the castle walls and its castle door was made of heavy redwood.
Like the castle itself, the keep is triangular, with the Lord's solar also being the same, as well as within it was a triangular balcony. Frankly, no one knew if this was due to the preference of the architect or the Tully that commissioned it, but it gave it a unique flair.
During a siege, should Riverrun be properly garrisoned and supplied, it is estimated that it could hold for as long as two years, similar to the Twins ironically enough. This was proven by the fact that the castle had never fallen by storm, only surrendered due to its liege being captured in battle or due to betrayal.
Though that mattered little to Erlend as he and his entourage were allowed in with no issues, the Tully sisters had no interest in going through a prolonged siege for an already obvious outcome.
Erlend himself rode calmly into the keep as he was welcomed into the seat of trouts, making him the first Mudd to ever enter the castle, as Tullies were mere knights during the reign of Tristifer 'the Hammer'.
As for why his ancestor hadn't visited this seat after his marriage to Celia, it was mostly out of paranoia, what with the relationship between the Targaryens and the Mudds being rather tense.
Despite the apparent calmness he showed outwardly, he and his men remained vigilant for any sudden move, it would be the height of foolishness to blindly trust the Tully sisters.
Many a River King had perished due to trust, and Erlend refused to meet the same fate, even if it was impossible to kill him through normal means, that didn't mean his companions wouldn't be at risk.
…
(Lysa Tully POV, Riverrun)
Lysa stood in awe as she watched the procession enter the gate of Riverrun, the banners of a golden crown studded with emeralds on a red-brown field flew proudly for all to see. It easily spoke of a history that withstood the ages, where her house had been that of knights and lords, House Mudd's legacy despite their exile easily outshined her own.
The knights that surrounded Lord Mudd looked far too grim, yet they carried a sense of strength, she had only seen within her Uncle Brynden. She had heard tales of their skill and valor that shined brightly in both Essos and Westeros, these were the men that had guarded and protected the Mudds for centuries.
She watched as her sister greeted the young Lord and the King in all but name. A Tully and Mudd exchanging pleasantries for the first time since the marriage between her kin Celia and Lord Erlends forbearer Tristifer.
Lord Erlend was quite handsome, his distant valyrian heritage showed but was not exaggerated to the point that Prince Rhaeger's had been. His coloring easily denoted his first men's heritage, brown hair, and captivating chocolate brown eyes that drew her in.
Lysa despite knowing how precarious the situation was, couldn't help but stare at the young lord, who made her former infatuation Petyr look like a common street rat. He wore a dark cloak, that was lined with silvery gold, she assumed it was made out of silk, though she was unsure of that.
Thankfully, she did not have to speak, as Catelyn was the one expected to converse, she feared she would embarrass herself otherwise.
"My Lord, it's a pleasure to have you in Riverrun" Catelyn bowed as was appropriate, despite her nervousness, she acted the perfect Lady in front of their soon-to-be liege lord.
Lysa couldn't help but show a relieved smile at Catelyn's actions, it was best they avoided offending Lord Erlend, and years of dealing with the River Lords had made Catelyn perfect that particular art.
Erlend took Catelyn's hand, and kissed it "It's my pleasure to be here, Lady Catelyn. I have heard tales of you and your sister's beauty. Though I cannot help but admit that it has been severely understated" Catelyn kept a straight face, her cheeks showing only a hint of pinkness.
Lysa on the other hand was blushing fiercely at the compliment, having not expected it as she was used to being ignored, it only become worse when he kissed her hand while staring into her eyes.
When he let her hand go, allowing her to regain her composure, Erlend took the time to look at Riverrun with an admiring gaze.
Erlend's features then turned apologetic "I do apologize for taking so long to get here, there were quite a few pests that needed to be taken care off"
"It's perfectly reasonable My Lord, we could not dream of taking too much of your time"
"Come now Lady Catelyn, it would be highly disrespectful of me not to visit House Tully and I would like to give my condolences on your brother's passing"
"Thank you, my Lord, your words are highly appreciated" Catelyn looked somewhat taken aback as She hesitated a bit before saying "Perhaps we can converse more after the feast that is to be held in your honor"
Before they could continue their conversation, one of the Bannermen approached Lord Erlend, his voice was soft, so she was unable to hear anything. If the grim look that appeared on Lord Erlend's face was anything to go by, it would not be good tidings.
Still, he managed to get ahold of himself, as turned back to both Lysa and Catelyn, his expression warm.
"Is anything of the Matter my Lord" Lysa couldn't help but ask.
"Nothing to worry about Lady Lysa, merely a minor concern, it would be Ill-mannered of me to ruin the mood"
Nodding her head at the answer and choosing to move on "We'd love to take you on a tour of Riverrun My Lord, the godswood is rather gorgeous at this time of the year"
"My thanks Lady Lysa, I would be delighted to tour this lovely castle with you" Erlend intertwined his hand with hers, much to her surprise.
Seeing Lysa's current posture with Erlend, Catelyn didn't hesitate to intertwine her hand with Erlends free hand "I would also be delighted to show you around my Lord"
Though not before sending a discrete glare toward Lysa, much to Lysa's confusion.
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