Chapter 27: The wedding.
Baldur, 272AC, Harrenhal
Harrenhal was a massive structure of a castle, dominating the lands around it in a martial display. It was also, a testament to the Targaryen Dynasty, with it's melted towers from the heat of dragon fire. Baldur had heard the stories of what had happened here during the conquest years, it would have been a sight to see a dragon descend on the great castle. He recalled from his memories that dragons were perhaps not as dead as believed, though that was a future that was one possibility among many and perhaps not even true. Baldur hoped it would come about, if only to see the great beasts with his own eyes.
He had come unwillingly to the castle, following the bad news that he was to marry… her. Lord Stark had insisted on it as had his uncle when he heard the news. Having the kings favor and ties to the south would better his people's lives and open doors that would bring new prosperity. The lands around Harrenhal were fertile and produced many crops, which could aid his people in the days to come. Baldur wished that it hadn't come at such a steep price though.
In Baldurs opinion, a good Stoneborn woman would have made for a wife worthy of him. He was a renowned warrior and the greatest of the stone born, lord of Skagos, yet he got Helena the cursed as a wife. He understood, this would open many doors for his people, but still, Helena the cursed was not what he had envisioned as a wife in his surely legendary exploits in the future.
He had been in a state of depression as he walked around Winterfell following the horrific arrangement. Baldur had looked into several options, all of which weren't very pleasing, though he had taken them under consideration. He could join the nights watch, though that had little glory involved in it as he had already soaked a good amount of it up and would rather be married to the cursed one than suffering on the wall with little hope of recognition. He had weighed everything from becoming a sell sword to faking his own death, but ultimately, decided that he would have to bare this burden of evil for his people and be the greatest stone born to be. Every legend had a great evils that had to be overcome, he just never imagined his in the form of a woman. So it was with a heavy heart, but a mind of determination, that he found himself within the great castle.
People had gathered from all around the realm to see Baldur be wed. The king himself had come to bask in his greatest warriors glory, along with that of Lord Stark, Lord Manderly and countless other lords of the realm. Lord Rickard was busy talking with Jon Arryn of the Vale and his young son, Eddard Stark and another older boy beside him that seemed to be looking at the crowd around them in excitement while whispering to the younger Stark boy.
"Quite a showing, is it not?" Helena said from beside him. Indeed, it was quite a showing, everything being decorated throughout the hall in preparation for the coming ceremony, lords gathered and servants running about to keep things organized while Shella Whent directed much of the household in finishing the readying. Baldur was unused to such frivolous things, but he appreciated it. All was excellent, except for one thing, the woman at his side.
Turning to she who must not be named, Baldur nodded in agreement. "We stone born should be married in the godswood and in the eyes of the gods, and the pact likely sealed as such." Baldur informed her as Helena frowned. It may not be seen binding in the eyes of the old gods if not performed as such. He was to be wed in a sept, a building which housed the andal gods who had strange dress wearing men that could commune with these gods. Baldur wasn't very religious, but this seemed a bit far.
"Since you are so concerned, I will speak with Vilkas about having another wedding upon our return." Helena said with narrowed eyes at the man.
Baldur would rather not have to go through this twice. "On second thought, I'm fine with this." Baldur decided. No need for a second wedding and a repeat performance next to the dark one.
"Good, I thought we had come to an agreement." Helena reminded, chin up in the air, as was often the case with her, in Baldur's opinion. Indeed they had reached an agreement, though Baldur didn't feel any better about it. They both had agreed that they would do the very best they could for Skagos and its people, despite the unwanted marriage. Helena certainly made no secret that he wasn't her ideal match. Baldur knew she was lying, he was anyone's ideal match, tall, strong, a fearless warrior and a man who had killed more enemies than most men could count, all virtues of the highest order in his book.
POV: Rickard Stark, Harrenhal, 272AC
Rickard stood near the front of the dais within the Sept, watching as his Bannerman walked down the middle amongst the crowd, towering over his bride to be. It seemed that lady Whent was already becoming a stabilizing force on Baldur, as he was freshly shaven and well dressed in the black and reds of his house colors. The Lady Whent looked pretty as well, dressed in a fine dress of yellow, walking proudly beside the aging Lord Whent, head held high as she walked down the isle.
As they stopped at the front of the church, the Septon stood between Baldur and the two Whents across from him. Lord Whent took the cloak of house Whent from her shoulders as Baldur slowly and what seemed like unwillingly, put on the black and red cloak of house Crowl over her shoulders. It was a custom that was quite common throughout Westeros, signifying the passing of ones protection from her father to the husband.
The Septon began to speak, though Rickard mostly tuned him out, lost in his thoughts. The wedding arrangement had come as more than a surprise to Rickard. He had planned to get Baldur a wife in the form of a Karstark or Umber, to better continue relations and peace along the east coast of his lands, though that had been put to a stop by the king, though most likely one of his advisors.
Rickard had observed the King and even spoken with him on a few occasions, both today and at previous times. The Targaryen King seemed fond of Baldur and was under the impression that Baldur had grown quite close to Lady Whent during her stay in his lands, something most apparently not true to Rickard. It was most likely meant as a slight against Baldur, or perhaps even the Whents, to marry the two. Either way, Rickard would ensure that it would benefit him.
The Lady Whent seemed to be quite close to her family and held the love of her siblings quite closely. She would do well in reigning Baldur in and helping settle the Skagosi in a better way to prevent any future issues. She also had no current ties to the North, which suited Rickard quite well. He had found another fitting way to tie Skagos in as he imagined Helena would have quite the amount of sway in the days to come on Skagos. Baldur had always been more interested in battle and glory, not actually ruling, until now, that power had resided in his uncle Vilkas, though it would be shifting to the Lady Whent by a good amount after today, if he suspected correctly.
The marriage between the Crowls and the Whents had made his decision all the easier on creating ties with the south. He had spoken with Hoster about a match between his eldest son and his daughter and the man seemed accepting of the idea. His daughter was after all, half Whent and Helena's niece. This would provide the loyalties of Skagos firmly in the future, with blood ties to Winterfell and its future.
When Rickard had spoken with Baldur, he had urged him to give the woman a chance as she had already done much for his people. Baldur, ever stubborn had eventually agreed as Rickard had insisted. Rickard would not have any disturbances in the north if he could help it. Baldur was a great warrior, but a poor manager, despite doing so much for his people. Much of that good was attributed towards his uncle and with the man aging and his son returning home, Rickard couldn't ensure his loyalties to Winterfell, so this had provided a new opportunity to do so. The North was rising as a power in the south and slowly but surely, Rickard's goal was being realized.
"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lady and wife." Baldur's flat tone filled the hall, looking down at his bride.
"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lord and husband." Lady Whent replied as they both leaned forward and shared a short kiss, a bit too short in fact as they parted quickly as the septon stood between the two again.
"One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever." The Septon declared amongst the cheers of the crowd. Those close to Baldur could see the look of depression at the thought of the septon's words.
POV: Henry Whent, Harrenhall, 272AC
Henry Whent was relieved to see that his daughter had been married and both a bit angered at the same time. Oswell Whent had informed him that the cause of his daughters marriage to a northern savage resided with the Grand Maester Pycell, or whomever was pulling the strings behind the man.
Helena had been quick to assure him that it was a promising match for House Whent. The Skagosi would need food soon with all the refugees the refugees they took from beyond the wall and even to supply the trade posts that were built there. This would provide a better demand for Whent grain, shipped up north through the Skagos navy and a number of spirits, gold and other products of value shipped south in exchange. This would also put his daughter in a position of favor with the king.
Henry always wanted the best for his children, in memory of their mother's death. His last child was now married and he was proud of the fact that it had been to a Lord. He knew his time was likely short, he hadn't been a young man when he had children, though he had done his best to ensure that they had prospered well. The future of his house would be safe in the hands of his daughter Shella.
Richard Whent was a bit to open handed for his taste, but he hoped his daughter would reign that in over time. The man was pleasant enough to have as a good son and his brother being in the kings guard surely had given rise to his house. He hoped that after he passed, his house would continue to rise, now that all of his daughters were in positions of influence.
The feast went well in the great hall, all the lords feasting and enjoying themselves. It was an honor of high proportions to host the Targaryen King, who seemed to be quite proud of arranging the match and favored the barbaric Skagosi to some extent, even Henry could tell that as the two interacted.
With the king, also came many of the great lords of the seven kingdoms and their vassals. All in all, it was a grand occasion, one worthy of a daughter of house Whent. His daughter was enjoying the night, even if she held little love for her husband, that much was apparent to Henry.
At the head table, sat King Aerys along with his new good son, Lord Crowl and his daughter, Helena. Henry occupied the Lords table, as was his rightful position during the feast. Various other great nobles, such as Tywin Lannister, Rickard Stark, Hoster Tully, Stephen Baratheon and Jon Arryn and Luthor Tyrell. Richard was thankful that Harrenhal was the greatest castle in the 7 kingdoms and easily fit all the great nobles at the head table alongside him.
Richard leaned in to overhear what was happening between the king and Lord Crowl to his right as the two spoke, his daughter listening intently. "I once thought it a good idea to build canals in Dorne, to make it bloom beautifully." King Aerys informed the group.
"Aye and boost trade." Baldur pointed out, waving a drum stick in his hand while he did so, between bites. "A grand idea, though aren't the Valyrians famous for roads?" Baldur asked him. Richard could hardly believe the man was speaking so informally to the king.
"Ah yes, the Valyrians built great roads of fused stone in ancient Valyria." The king said proudly.
"Build great roads then, it will increase trade like you want and through that, money into your coffers from taxes." Baldur said with a shrug as he held up a jug of Skagosson, offering it to the king, who surprisingly accepted the drink as he nodded with what his good son had spoken.
"A shame they won't be true Valyrian roads." Aerys spoke, though nodding his head as his fingers strummed on the table.
"Perhaps not, unless you find a way to melt stone with something truly hot"
King Aerys suddenly looked at Baldur, a shine in his eyes, no doubt he had thought of a method. Richard was unsure of what could melt stone though.
"Mayhaps wild fire will do the trick." Aerys said with a thoughtful hum, a light of excitement dancing in his eyes.
"Then we shall all hail you as Aerys the uniter!" Baldur cheered, raising a glass as the two shared a toast.