Mead Summer

The Mead Summer, as the summer that lasted from 351 to 356AC came to be called, is largely seen as one of the best and most fruitful summers in recent Westerosi times. Legends and tales from this period abound, and in the eyes of most it was the absolute height of King Aenar's rule.

Background
It is, of course, the gods who give summers, and make them good or ill. In 351AC, as the ravens flew and marked the turn of seasons, most maesters expected a few mild years at best, according to their charts and instruments.

Instead, the summer began as most good thing do - quiet, unassuming, and gentle. The weather warmed and the skies cleared, shining azure blue over green fields that burst with goodness and plenty.

In this brief era of peace and prosperity, stories and legends were easily made; from it, we have the tales of those who lived in this time, and made their mark on Westeros.

Septon Boremund "the Badger"
So named for his salt-and-pepper beard, broad shoulders, and ever-blinking eyes, Septon Boremund was the master of Stony Sept during the period of the Mead Summer. A tall man, and fierce looking, but gentle to a fault, he was beloved in the Riverlands, and known throughout the nearby Reach and West.

Racallio Samanthenes
A corsair from the Stepstones, fierce and proud, the tale of Racallio is one of adventure and daring. Said to have stolen the heart of the daughter of the Archon of Tyrosh, he spent the next three years defying the man's fleet and making port across the known world. He was said to have wielded a Valyrian steel sword, and had in his possession a dragon egg of pure gold, as well as a horn that could summon the Storm God himself and a shield that would block any arrow. He was captured by the Tyroshi and nearly executed in 355AC, only to be saved at the last moment by a swaggering bravo and the aid of his lady-love. The tale of Racallio has become a favourite in the Narrow Sea, embellished often and rarely told sober. His descendants yet live, the most famous of their number being the once-famed Archoness of Amberhall.

Selyse of Silverhill
One of the fairest maids of the age, Selyse of Silverhill was courted by a hundred knights and men-at-arms. Merchant's sons and nobles, lords and paupers - all sought her hand, and all were in turn refused. At least half a dozen tournaments were fought in her honour, though she was not known to give her favour to any man, save one.

Bold Don Darry
Dontos Darry was a knight of House Darry, known to be as brash as he was brave. During the Blackwater Tourney he took a drunken bet from a companion, swearing to bring the man a scale from a dragon before tourney's end.

During the events, Dontos managed to creep forward and pry one from Viserion - only to be caught by the King's own guard, and dragged before Aenar Targaryen. Impressed by the man's boldness, he agreed to let him keep both the scale and his hand; on the condition that he would never again do something quite so foolish.

The Spotted Knight
Perhaps the greatest swordsman of the age, the Spotted Knight bested tournaments in Dorne, the Reach, and the Stormlands. Perhaps best known for his tragedy, the tale of the Spotted Knight features in many ballads and sad songs from the age.

The Kingswood Bard
A famous musician, poet, and rhymer, the Kingswood Bard amused many in the city of King's Landing with his bemusing antics and clever wit. When at last the Goldcloaks drove him from the city after one too many insults towards their commander, whose size and weight was of little secret to any who had eyes to see, the Kingswood Bard took up a place on the edge of the Kingswood road, and sang for all who passed by.

The attraction eventually became such a source of amusement that a permanent settlement sprung up around the spot, eventually becoming a tavern known throughout the realm for its skillful music and oft-barbed displays of cleverness.

The Three Sisters of the Bite
Three famous sisters of the Vale, they were truly from the island of Pebble, though they came to be known after the islands of the Sisters. Shrewd, able, and fair to look upon, they became known throughout the Vale early in their lives. Eventually fate would lead all three to very different ends, but for a time there were few maidens more sought after in the Vale, save perhaps a daughter of the Eyrie herself.
 * Sweetsister - The eldest of the maids was known as Sweetsister, and generally regarded to be the cleverest of the daughters. Eventually came to settle in Gulltown, where she made her fortune.
 * Longsister - Considered to be the fairest of the sisters, she was fierce and dangerous as well. On a horse she rode like a centuar, and on foot she was as swift as an arrow. Some say she was named because of her height, others because of the long dagger she often kept strapped to one leg. Most agree, however, that it was likely because it was the only name left after her sisters got the good ones.
 * Littlesister - The youngest of the maids, who did not grow into her beauty until after the Mead Summer had ended. She seemed to bear the traits of her sisters as well as her own, having a mind for politics and a heart made for rule.

Septon Badger's Quest
Part of the legend of Septon Boremund the Badger is his famous riddle, and the accompanying quest. Though no one had ever been able to solve it, and thus claim the treasure he professed to be keeping, it remained a source of intrigue and mystery to many. To this day, the Badger's riddle remains in the sept of Stony Sept, though the man himself has long passed on.

The Blackwater Tournament
Main Article: The Blackwater Tourney

The Blackwater Tournament is one of the most famous in the past century, taking place in King's Landing at the behest of the Targaryens to celebrate so fair a summer. Thousands traveled from miles around to see the marvelous sight, the events culminating in a display of dragonflight that shocked many into wondrous silence.

The Beesbury Blunder
Early in 351AC, several casks of Beesbury mead being moved across the river Honeywine burst, flooding the waters with the beverage. Though a catastrophe of sorts, it became symbolic to many of the goodness of the summer; the only time in Westerosi history where the rivers literally ran with mead.