Andar Royce's sudden appearance at Runestone brought delighted surprise to House Royce.
"Brother!"
Yasina rushed out of the inner keep, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Gods be praised, you're safe! You really came back!"
The hall immediately filled with cheers and greetings.
The household knights who had stayed behind gathered around, clapping Andar on the shoulders and asking about the situation at the Eyrie and how he had escaped.
Andar briefly recounted Mya and Michel's help, his words filled with gratitude.
Everyone's gaze inevitably settled on Mya Stone, who stood rather awkwardly to one side.
The former bastard guide, now a legitimized daughter of House Baratheon, lowered her head slightly beneath their complicated gazes.
Just then, a tall figure parted the crowd and approached.
It was Eson Arryn, who had yet to leave.
His face was wreathed in an enthusiastic smile.
"Ah, Ser Andar, welcome home! Truly, the gods have blessed us!"
Eson's voice boomed as he gave Andar a hearty clap. "And the honorable Lady Mya!"
He turned his burning gaze toward Mya. "Your name is known throughout the Seven Kingdoms now-the late King Robert's eldest daughter, a legitimate scion of House Baratheon!"
Rather overwhelmed by his enthusiasm and flattery, Mya replied softly, "You flatter me, Lord Arryn..."
"Modesty is a virtue, my lady."
Eson's smile broadened. Bowing slightly, he extended an elegant gesture of invitation. "Might you be interested in spending a few days at my family's estate near Gulltown? It is peaceful and comfortable, and only half a day's ride from Runestone. Though ours is not the main branch of House Arryn, we have a long history. Our estate holds quite a collection of books on the history of the Vale and the Seven Kingdoms. Perhaps they might interest you? Consider it a small token of gratitude