"New the Gift?"
When King Jaehaerys heard Danyla mention the New Gift, he could not help thinking once more of his beloved Queen Alysanne. She had done so much to give the Night's Watch a better life.
Yet only a few short decades had passed, and all her efforts were gradually going to waste.
Beautiful, wise, lively, and compassionate, Alysanne had won praise throughout the Seven Kingdoms through her own deeds. Queen Alysanne deserved no small share of the credit for the decades of prosperity King Jaehaerys had ushered in.
"Yes. I've heard that even Deep Lake, which Alysanne poured so much effort into building, has nearly fallen into disuse. The Night's Watch led hard lives. That land was given to them in the hope of improving their circumstances."
"If House Hightower can manage it well, that will count as making amends for their crimes."
"Then let them manage Queenscrown and New the Gift! There happens to be a tower there where Alysanne once rested. Perhaps this is the will of the gods. It seems House Hightower truly does have an affinity with tall towers."
"Your merciful Majesty, the Wall is bitterly cold. We men have nothing to fear, but the women and children of House Hightower are accustomed to Oldtown's warm climate. Would sending them there not simply cost them their lives?"
Although Earl Hightower was grateful to have escaped with his life, he still risked boldly pleading with King Jaehaerys for the sake of his family's women and children.
"Please, Your Majesty, let them stay!"
King Jaehaerys remained utterly unmoved.
"A family is best kept together. Without your protection, they might not fare well even if they stayed."
"Rest assured, I will send every descendant of House Hightower to join you. The maesters serving noble houses and the