one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish

If she didn’t know her brother, she would think he was throwing the fact he named another hand in her face. But she did know him and knew it was meant to be a statement. It didn’t mean it didn’t hurt any less. “I will keep that in mind.” He did not mention Lynesse. Was she not well? Was she in distress of some kind? She did not bring it up. It was already tense between them and something like this was just asking for a fight. “Maybe we could have dinner one night soon? I could see if I could arrange a private dining space for us.” 

Tate couldn’t help but notice that it looked as though his sister wanted to say more. He didn’t find that surprising. She’d made no mystery in the past about how she felt about anything. Certainly that hadn’t changed, but he did not ask her about it though. Frankly, he didn’t have the energy. “You are welcome to come dine with us in the Riverlands camp at anytime, Eleanor.”

the travels down from the vale had been more exhausting than she thought they were going to be. the first day after she arrived rosa felt like all she did was sleep all day. but today she was determined to at least get out for a little bit. she was thankful that she had when she spotted a familiar mop of red hair. “tate!” she called out to him, moving through the crowd to catch up to him. “i didn’t think i would see you so soon, i hadn’t gotten word you had already arrived. how good it is to see you.” after writing so many letters to him and lynesse it was nice to see him in persona again.

@tatethetully​

“I’ll catch up with you.” Tate said to a few of the Riverlands lords that had come to Dorne with them. He turned to see Rosa with a broad smile on his face. He had kept his word. The King had always intended to, but become friends did prove more difficult when they were no longer living in the same place. They’d exchanged letters, but Tate had always struggle with reading and writing and therefore, it was often Lynesse that wrote the responses. Even still, it had been a pleasant experience. Tate bowed slightly to the Princess. “We only arrived yesterday.” He explained. “How are you? Have you settled in well?”

She spun around and was temporarily confused by her old friend’s greeting, thinking he might have hoped her to be dead for a moment, but her confusion was swiftly replaced with a small grin. Rhaena knew their friendship had changed, hell, she did not even know if they were still friends, but they had spent many hours together and those could not easily be erased. She still cared about him. “Greetings to you too, Tate,” she said, her grin forming into a bittersweet smile. 

“There is no replacement, not really. I am the mercy of the kingsguard.” It had been her own wish not to employ another sworn sword and shield, but she was looking for one to protect Aemos instead. “Congratulations again on the birth of your son,” she spoke genuinely. While she shared Eleanor’s scepticism about his marriage, she was still happy he got to experience fatherhood. “He must meet Aemos soon, I am certain you will barely recognise him, he has grown so much.” 

“It’s good to see you.” Tate said in earnest. It had been a long time since he’d seen a woman that he once saw daily. While he was still very upset about what Eleanor had done, he did not hold that against Rhaena. It was his sister’s decision. “If there’s no replacement, then I’m certainly better.” He smiled. It worried him a bit that she no longer had her own personal guard, but he supposed it was good that she now trusted the Kingsguard with the position. “Thank you, thank you. He is everything.” A smile that he could not hide lit up. “Is he walking yet?”

While many might have surged forward and attempted to smack the man repeatedly on the back when he choked upon his wine, Abraxas simply set the letter before him down and observed ( knowing that while his King might not be the brightest at times, he certainly wasn’t going to get himself killed by having a bit of wine go down the wrong pipe ). Only once he’d settled did Abraxas speak. “It depends on which Kingdom we believe ourselves in need of.” Love ( the kind like his parents ) was one he could only pray grew after a union —   but as they were walking on eggshells, he didn’t plan on holding his breath. “If you wish to reconcile what your idiocy with the Vale, Rosa Arryn. A rather awkward predicament, but it would ensure we followed through with an alliance. With a lack of available Kings, a Hand and a Ruling Lord would be her next best option.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he continued. “The sister or cousin of Arryk Lannister could ensure that the Iron Throne does not rebel against us for what they consider our treasonous split…. though if we are being blunt, it is likely that Iron Throne would be the first to raise its banners in attempt to get the others to bow once more. Our interests may be split should we align ourselves with them.”

Tate set his goblet aside. He brought his lips together in a thin line as he carefully considered what Abraxas was saying to him. “I don’t believe that we’re in need of any kingdom save our own, though there are a few whose friendship might be beneficial.” The most obvious choices were those which directly bordered the Riverlands. The problem was that almost everyone bordered the Riverlands. “No.” The Tully said out of hand. “I’ll not bring Rosa into this again. She’s been through enough by my hand. If she wishes to marry you, then she’ll need to tell me by her own mouth. Otherwise, that is not an option. We will find another route to appease the Vale.” It had become slightly easier over the past few weeks for Tate to make the harder decisions. He was not comfortable with it by any means, but he could at least recognize that it needed to be done. “I would hope that Rhaena and Ellie wouldn’t make that decision anyway, but you may be right. Perhaps we should appease the lions. It would have the Crownlands and Westerlands aligned here.” He mused. “I’ve heard that the king’s sister is very sweet but she was very ill as a child, and I know that his cousin is, uh- What is a nice way to say this? She is hard to handle. Are you sure you want to do this?”

Eleanor could tell immediately that her brother was not happy with her choice. But could anyone blame her? He named someone else his hand, not even asking her if she would want the position. She had to make her own way. The best way to do that was to elevate herself. “It was fine. I do hope you and your family are well.” She could only try and be pleasant. She had only made her choice because he made his. Was he really going to be upset with her about that? It seemed he was. All she could do is try and be kind. “I do hope we can spend some time together during this summit. I’m sure there is much to discuss. Both matters of state and personal.” 

He didn’t want to do this. Tate didn’t like tensions and awkward niceties. In fact, he’s rather be reading. “They are.” He nodded. “Westley is still adjusting from traveling, but he’s eating plenty.” Lynesse had been another matter, but it was one that he wouldn’t be telling many people, or any people aside from those who were her family. “I’m always happy to spend time with my sister, you know that. I’d be happy for you to spend some time with your nephew, but I have no desire to talk matters of state with you. If that’s what you wish to talk about then I suggest you find Abraxas.”

As if that was all he encouragement, Persephone’s eyes returned to the babe ( her littlest finger still wrapped within his hand ). Satisfied with cooing at the small bundle of joy, she nearly missed his words ( and after a moment of careful contemplation, she turned him a sharp gaze and an arching brow ). “Seven help your poor wife Tate Tully. I truly hope you never made such comments to my poor friend before your son was born.” Though as a man ( and perhaps a father of a new born ), she imagined his filter for such delicate matters weren’t as sharp as they ought to be. “I won’t mind the attention stealing so much. Perhaps it will allow me the chance to sleep.” Nose crinkling, her thumb stroked over the small digit of the hand that so readily gripped her little finger. “How have you both been? I am desperate to see your wife. Will you send her to me later? I fear I won’t be capable of tracking her so easily myself until these two make their appearance.” 

Tate’s eyes widened when Persephone turned her hard gaze on him. “What? Did I say something wrong?” He asked, genuinely confused. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything, I promise. I just mean that it looks like the babies are about ready to be here is all.” He laughed at her next comment. “If you think that you’re getting any sleep without five of the best wet nurses around, you’re in for a shock. I don’t think I’ve had a decent night’s sleep since this little man was born.” He said and rest his hand on top of his babe’s head. “I’ve been well, Lyn... It will be good for her to be here. I think she needs to be out and about a little more. I think she’s been struggling with so much change.” He said, brows furrowing together somewhat. “I’m sure she’ll come to see you as soon as she can.”

♛   TASK: 014.    ‘ THE ROAD GOES EVER ON ‘

Tate rode home to Riverrun with his new wife as soon as he could do so. He did not want to leave his sister, but understood the need for her to stay as well. The ride was not an easy one, but they reached home soon enough.

Immediately Tate began preparing all of Riverrun’s soldiers for defending their borders. He called on all their bannermen to rally their own men in the same fashion. It would be better to be prepared that overwhelmed. He knew keeping a strong defense would be a deterrent for anyone considering the Riverlands an easy target. 

While his father had grown ill and hidden it from his children, Tate still took as much time as possible to learn the different trade routes from the man. There were benefits and downsides to each, and they would play an important factor in the negotiations to come.

The rest of his time was spent showing Lynesse her new home and introducing her to the people that would one day be part of her court. That is, until she was no longer comfortable walking too far.

The birth of Westley was perhaps the happiest that Tate had ever felt in his life. During the labor, he would not leave Lynesse’s side despite what the maester and septa’s insisted on. When he saw the tufts of red hair on the small babe, Tate was done. He loved the child with all of his being. His primary focus lies with keeping Westley and Lynesse safe and happy.

Only a couple weeks before they were to depart from Riverrun, Tate’s father passed in his sleep. It was heartbreaking to see the once proud and strong man looks so gaunt from illness and frail. Tate struggled to keep his emotions in check as he shot the flaming arrow into his father’s funeral pyre. 

@tatethetully​

Eleanor was not sure what the reaction would be of those back home once she saw them again. She had written, hoping that she could explain why she needed to make her own place in the world. She had been home a few times but not after she was named onto the King’s Council. She had been there for a few days now, arriving with Rhaena for the Summit. She was on her way to the queen’s rooms when she saw a familiar streak of red hair. She might as well get this over with now. “Tate,” she said, hoping he would hear her. “I am glad to see you have arrived in one piece.” 

Tate was giving instruction to one of the bannermen who’d ridden to Dorne with the Riverlands when noticed someone approaching him from behind. “Thank you, my lord. I’ll see you tonight.” He said by way of dismissal and turned to his sister. A dark shadow fell over his face as he looked at her. It had only been days before he left to return to the Riverlands that she’d sworn her loyalties were in line with her family and her home. That obviously had not been the case. Although he’d known that she had been considering the engagement with the Crownlands lord (that being the reason he did not name her his hand), Tate had still not expected this. “Eleanor.” He said, inclining his head. “I’m glad you’re doing well. Hopefully it was an easy trip for you.” His niceties were stilted and awkward.

@tatethetully​

“I think it would be wise if I marry.” They’d been sitting quietly for some time ( each reading over separate correspondence that had arrived toward the tail end of their journey ), but the thought was one that had been eating away at him for some time. “I hold a desirable amount of land and lack heirs. As your Hand, my status is clear. With negotiations set to begin any day, it may be wise to propose to a newer kingdom. Perhaps the Vale, to ease the tension we’ve caused. Or the Iron Throne, for similar reason.”

Tate choked on his wine. He had to lean forward and cough for a good minute in order to settle back down from the surprise of the statement. Abraxas, like Emeric, was not one of his friends that he had ever imagined married, nor did he think the man had ever given it much thought. Thinking back, it isn’t sure why he assumed that, perhaps it was the gruesome way that his own family had come to an end, but he’d thought it all the same. “If you want to get married, then you know that I will support your wishes, but after my idiocy with The Vale, I’m not going to ask you to marry anyone that you have no desire to. Did you have anyone in mind?”

@tatethetully​

It had been months since she’d seen her former ward or her husband, so when a familiar face from the Riverlands had appeared ( with a little babe in tow ), she’d happily welcomed them to sit and have an early lunch  —  though any true conversation was temporarily placed on hold as she fawned over the newest Tully. Only once she’d had her fill did bright eyes raise to look up at her friend. “I suppose it’s proper for me to greet you as well.” She teased with a smile. “Though I must admit your son has all captured my heart and may now just be my favorite Tully man. Please don’t take it personally.” 

Tate chuckled. “Oh no, no. By all means, focus on the new lady’s man.” A smile was across his face. To any outsider looking on, Tate must have appeared very tired- tired but happy. “No one notices me when he’s around anyway, not that I can blame them.” Westley cooed at the Tyrell woman occupying his attention. He was still such a small thing. Tate worried over him, but tried not to be too overbearing. “He does make a rather handsome Tully, does he not? I suppose it is only fair to give the credit to his mother. I reckon you’ll have to get used to the same attention stealing soon. You look like you’re about ready to pop.”