Godric Arryn

Godric Arryn is the current head of House Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, and Warden of the East, as well as Hand of the King. He ascended to Lord of the Eyrie after the apparent suicide of his father, Osric Arryn, in the year of 435 AC.

Appearance and Character
Godric Arryn has many of the typical Arryn features, with black hair and sky blue eyes. He is a tall man, and oft described as looming, with gaunt characteristics and an almost permanent look of irritation painted upon his angular face. He is a thin man, any muscle he once had gone in the years he has spent in inactivity.

Godric Arryn takes after his father in a few ways, the most notable being his tendency to listen rather than talk. In Godric however, this is exaggerated to the point of disadvantage, he is a melancholy man, the deaths of his lady wife and parents souring him, making him both withdrawn and irritable. He possesses an icy courtesy, and it is said he can be charming, although it is usually followed by the phrase “in his own way,”

Early Life: 410 - 416
Born to Osric Arryn and Saera Targaryeon during the year of 410 AC, Godric was their first boy, and doted upon by his parents and sister alike. He was a polite boy, interested more in falconry and reading rather than the clash of swords and steel.

That did not mean he did not learn of course, for the Vale is a martial place, and while his home may have been tranquil, with the excursions of the clansmen and Royce Redfeather, the vale was anything but.

Youth: 416 - 425
From his father Godric learned how to rule and lead, from the master of arms how to fight, and from his mother the history of the realm and the surrounding lands.

He trained with the Winged Knights, as well as his uncle Artys Arryn in particular paid particular attention to the young lad’s martial training, as well as Abelar Arryn, an older winged knight who had been with the order since the days of Alaric Arryn. His father, no longer the dutiful father of previous years, became obsessed with finding, and killing Royce Redfeather, the leader of the mountain clans, and ostensibly, his own cousin. In 418 AC, after hunting Royce down in the foothills of the mountains, Osric and Royce Redfeather came face to face in the Battle of the High Road. Before the duel could conclude, however, mountain clansmen descended on all sides, requiring Osric Arryn to retreat. It was this defeat that was said to have made Osric bitter, and Osric and his closest winged knights became devoted to destroying them. He and his men, including his young charge Aelyx, spent many days on the road, only returning to the Eyrie to check in with the master and his brother before departing once more. The mountain clans became bolder, executing a number of disastrous raids and battles. The most tragic however was the Slaughter of Ronnel's Ford, where Godric's sister, and Osric's eldest, Arrina disappeared, the only trace of her was the corpse her protector, Gawain Templeton of the Winged Knights.

This event was said to enrage and incense Osric even more, his mind only set on ending the threat of the mountain clans once and for all. He and Alester Hersy dedicated all their time to finding and tracking them, even paying off and torturing mountain clansmen for information on Redfeather's whereabouts. In the Battles of the Dales, at 422 AC, Osric finally caught up to Redfeather, headlong with his army, and eventually fighting them in open battle.

It was here, in the shadow of a great peak, that Osric ad his warriors fought to end the threat of the mountain clans once and for all. It was a brutal and bloody battle, with Osric only barely victorious when he broke through the Redfeather’s ranks and slaying the man with his own sword. Many of his winged knights died that day, slain by mountain clansmen, hastily buried in mountain cairns lest the clansmen came back. It was in that year that the War in the Mountains ended, the clansmen disappearing into the shadow of the mountains of the moon with the death of their leader. The band that returned was substantially smaller, war-ravaged and sunken-eyed. Alester Hersy, Yohn Stone, and Tristan Templeton of the Winged Knights all died that day, slain by vicious clansmen. Osric, while victorious, returned exhausted and weary.

With the threat of the clans eliminated, Osric took to managing his realm and family once again, although in truth it was Saera who organized much of it. Godric Arryn squired for Lord Royce in the years of 423 as any nobleborn must do, further learning the arts of war and duty, and some say he looked upon the lord of Runestone as a second father, the lord being a stern but generous man. He was said to be particularly close to a Royce girl about the same age interested in ancient history and traditions

The Blue Winter: 425 - 428
Godric Arryn squired for Lord Royce two more years, from 423 - 427, within this time rumours abound that he became involved with the Lord’s daughter, but these are only rumours, as they have only ever been. The winter was cold and merciless, with the high road closed Godric heard by raven and messenger the trials his father endured to keep the vale alive. Godric and his father’s relationship were strained, as his father became more busy with the affairs of the realm, and some say haunted by the killing of his cousin. Even with his father involved in the Vale, Godric and his mother Saera were still close, her often flying out to Runestone to see her son and delight the Royces. It was said that twice after the Battle in the Shadow that Osric returned to the site of the conflict, looking for some sort of sign, but there was none to be seen

It was in this year that Visenya Silvermoon and Baelor Targaryen toured the vale, bringing food and aid. Godric and his foster-father had spent the winter hunting and fishing, trying to help out his realm as much as possible. Lord Royce, while a forgiving man, his lighthearted nature did not extend to the Targaryens. He adored Lady Saera Arryn, (as he often took to calling her), but his family had been loyal to Lord Alaric, and the dragons had killed him. He said nothing openly, but his distrust and dislike of the dynasty was plain to Godric.

The blue winter was one of the harshest the Vale had ever seen, and even with Lady Visenya’s help, Godric soon returned to the Eyrie to help the Vale in its time of need. He and his father were said to have reconciled those days, Osric impressed with the young man he had become. It was then that their family was reunited, if only for a short time. Godric learned the art of stewardship from his uncle Alesander, helping where he could He assisted with the managing of the Vale, bringing what food they had left. Even this far back, Godric was said to a pessimistic boy, while his siblings and friends could rouse him to laughter and mirth, it was a rare occasion, especially with the suffering that threatened the vale. He also took solace in the friendship he had with the young Robar Baratheon, the heir of Storm's End who was fostered at the Eyrie during this time. While an unlikely pairing, over the months with Robar's help in the winter, he developed a healthy respect for Robar, despite him being more similar to Jon than Godric in a lot of ways. His father had become more tight-lipped as well following the War in the Mountains, and apparently could not often sleep. Even with Godric stationed at the Gates of the Moon, he made frequent visits back to Runestone, to offer help and visit.

A New Season Begins: 426 - 433
As Spring returned to the Vale, and the ice began to thaw, joy returned to the fatigued and weary region. It was in the first year of this new season that the entire Arryn family returned to the capitol to witness the nuptials of their next king and queen, leaving Artys Arryn, keeper of the Gates of the Moon in charge of the Vale. Osric Arryn and his family were awed by the capitol, meeting many other great lords and ladies. It was here that Osric Arryn began to arrange the fostering of his twin children, many believing that after the catastrophe that was the blue winter, he realized he needed to increase the Vale’s ties with the outside world. With the mountain clans crushed as well, it was said that now he could turn his gaze outwards, no longer bound by the war that had gripped the vale for so long. There were others who whispered the the Mountain Clans were never truly defeated, only in hiding, and that the Redfeather had had sons, and daughters...

In 428 AC, Godric Arryn’s twin siblings were sent off to their fosterings, to much fanfare and procession. The knights of the vale lead them out of the Vale, a Winged Knight sent with each. Godric Arryn, his mother and Sharra Arryn travelled with Alyssa Arryn to Storm’s End, while Osric, and Alesander lead Jon to Winterfell.

It was in the year 429 that a couple of notable events occurred in Godric Arryn's life. First, he was knighted by one of the members of the Winged Knights, Abelar Arryn. It was a small affair, and it was well known that the event had been curated to ensure that Godric had won, who while not a weak fighter, was not quite Barriston the Bold reborn.

The second event that year was that Godric Arryn was betrothed to Lysa Templeton, for the Templetons had sacrificed much to the Arryns, and this was seen as a sign of thanks and reconciliation. Tristan Templeton had died in the shadow of the mountains of the moon, and Gawain two years earlier defending his young charge. and to attempt to heal the divide between the two houses, Godric had been promised to their youngest daughter, a girl three years his junior. Upon hearing the news, Godric Arryn went to Runestone, and then returned to the Gates of the Moon, not to return to Runestone for years. If he protested the match to his father, it was not recorded.

Godric Arryn made frequent trips to Ninestars after the betrothal was announced, and it was said that while he may not have originally wished to wed her, Lysa Templeton was by all accounts a pleasing and cheerful girl, if thinner and prone to illness. She adored animals of all kinds, especially birds, and was by all accounts an avid falconer, a passion she and Godric shared.

Godric and his family once more journeyed to the capitol for the Silver Wedding, as Osric had been a leal supporter of Visenya Silvermoon after she had brought food and plenty to the vale. Saera had also been a good friend of Visenya's mother, and was delighted to see her rise to prominence.

It was in the year of 433 AC that Jon and Alyssa Arryn returned from their fosterings, and when the troubles of the Bleeding were already in full swing. Later that year Godric Arryn was wed to Lysa Templteon, and it was said to be a pleasant, if muted affair. Godric was said to smile, a rare occasion for the otherwise solemn young man. Godric now spent most of his days working closely with his father, observing first hand how to rule. The Arryn family was once again reunited, and while Osric still had the occasional sleepless night, things seemed to be looking up for the Arryns.

Things Get Worse 433 - 436
Lysa and Godric were a quiet couple, but none could doubt the affection they held for each other. That was why it was such an unexpected surprise when Lysa miscarried in 434 AC. She was bedridden for quite some time afterwards, the complications with her birth giving her already frail body further strain.

It was only a few months later that the Gulltown Massacre erupted, with Saera and Osric at the front lines. They had sent several knights to assist Lord Grafton, all of them leaving save for the Commander of the Winged Knights, Selwyn Waxley, and Abelar Arryn, chosen for he knew the city well. Godric was there as well, present beside his father when they breached the walls. He was present as well when Saera Targaryen fell, and with her died the happy days of the Arryn family. Gulltown was returned to the Vale, Abelar Arryn leading Shett out of the gates on the second day of the second moon but it was Godric who accepted their surrender, as Osric had already returned to the Eyrie with Saera's corpse.

The dreams of Redfeather returned to Osric, as well as the guilt of his lost daughter, and he spent many a sleepless night in the Eyrie, roaming the halls and reading old, ancient texts. Many of Lord Grafton's books on the Red Faith were brought to him, and he was most often found in his study, or the Eyrie's library. It was only two moons after Saera's death that the Eyrie awoke with a clamor, as Osric was found missing, the moon door open and the throne vacant. The rumor that a single red feather was found upon the ancient seat of the Arryns was denied.

As the winter began, Godric ascended to the high seat of the Arryn's, but already his melancholy set in. The family departed the Eyrie to stay at their winter home, the Gates of the Moon, managed by their uncle Artys, and his children. The strain of the journey weakened Lysa Templeton, who was pregnant with Godric's child. She had recovered from her previous pregnancy, but never fully, and later that month died from complications in her pregnancy. Godric buried her outside the Gates of the Moon, and isolated himself within the Arryn winter home.

Winter Sets In: 436 - 438
Here, Jon, Alyssa and Artys took on the job of managing the realm. While Godric ensconced himself in the keep, they traveled the Vale, preparing the region for winter and visiting the different castles. Jon and Alyssa quickly became well known as the faces of the Vale, happy to help and assist where they were needed. They went from family to family, settling disputes and attempting to help the affected families as much as they could. Letters and visitors to Godric were met with the steely faced expression of his Winged Knights, and the promise that Godric would be informed of their message.

It was also in 436 AC that Visenya visited the Gates of the Moon, to pay her respects to the fallen family. Artys, Alesander and Jon Arryn were reportedly fantastic hosts, but it is said that Godric Arryn was still mourning the loss of his young wife, and often shut himself in his study.

While the winter was difficult, it was nowhere near as bad as the blue winter, and spring crested early in the year of 438 AC. Jon and Alyssa still moved throughout the vale, attending each of the different lords. Godric, meanwhile, was said to have returned to his ancestral seat as soon as it was possible.

The Spring's Come
Spring brought no relief for Godric's mind. He continued to shut himself away, and the administration of the Vale was often left to his siblings. His wife was gone, and with no interest in marrying again, he began planning for his brother Jon to become Lord upon his death. Aye, when minds wander to dark places, dark notions they return.

This plan for Jon to inherit changed however, when Godric had him married to Lady Tysane Lannister in an effort to both secure a new alliance and to let Jon truly become his own man. The succession of the Eyrie was now once more in question, and a solution did not come to Godric until several moons later, when a betrothal between himself and Queen Visenya was brokered, in exchange for his loyalty and support in disbanding the regency council. For this, he was also named Hand of the King, to serve the realm faithfully.

Family
Godric Arryn's direct relations are as follows:
 * Alaric Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale, b. 364 AC d. 407AC
 * m. Theodosia Belmore b. 365 d. 402AC
 * Osric Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale b. 382AC d. 435 AC
 * m. Rowena Waynwood b. 382 AC d. 407AC
 * Arwen Arryn b. 400 AC
 * m. Donnel Redfort b. 398 AC
 * House Redfort
 * m. Saera Targaryen b. 381 AC d. 435 AC
 * Arinna Arryn b. 409 AC d. 420 AC
 * Godric Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale b. 410 AC
 * m. Lysa Templeton b. 413 d. 436 AC
 * Sharra Arryn b. 413 AC
 * m. Robar Baratheon b. 413 AC
 * Aemma Arryn b. 415 AC
 * m. Baelor Targaryen b. 415 AC
 * Jacaerys Targaryen b. 433 AC
 * Saera Targaryen b. 436 AC
 * Jon Arryn b. 417AC
 * Alyssa Arryn b. 417AC
 * Jasper Arryn b. 385AC
 * m. Katerina Hunter b. 381 AC
 * House Hunter
 * Alesander Arryn b. 386AC
 * Artys Arryn b. 387AC
 * m. Alayne Grafton b. 387 AC
 * Robert Arryn b. 410 AC
 * Jason Arryn b. 412 AC
 * Roslin Arryn b. 414 AC
 * m. Brynden Tully b. 414 AC
 * Lysa Tully b. 432 AC
 * Jocelyn Arryn b. 418 AC
 * Alys Arryn b. 389AC
 * m. Eon Stark b. 389 AC d. 419 AC
 * House Stark

Household

 * Commander of the Brotherhood (of Winged Knights): Ser Abelar Arryn
 * Master-at-Arms: Robin Hunter
 * Maester Harrold
 * Castellan: Uther Hersy
 * High Steward of the Vale: Alesander Arryn
 * Master of "Horse": Jeyne
 * Captain of the Guards: Mathos Elesham
 * Keeper of the Gates of the Moon: Artys Arryn
 * Knight of the Gate: Marwyn Arryn
 * Knight of the Sky: Uther Moore
 * Knight of the Stone: Terrance Wydman
 * Knight of the Snow: Gyles Lynderly