The morning sun had only just begun casting its golden hues across the gardens of the Red Keep when Lord Grover Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, made his way through the winding paths, escorted by two guards. Though known more for his stern demeanor than for idle socializing, he found himself genuinely curious. The invitation from Lord Rodrik Arryn, the young and enigmatic lord of the Vale, had been peculiar in itself. But to request a private breakfast in the royal gardens, away from ears and eyes, was even more surprising
As he turned a bend flanked by flowering myrtles and trimmed hedges, Grover spotted Rodrik already seated at a small marble table set for two, surrounded by a quiet enclave of ivy-covered walls and a bubbling fountain. Rodrik stood as he approached, bowing his head politely.
"Lord Tully," Rodrik said, voice calm and warm, "I appreciate your willingness to meet so early. I hope the morning has treated you well."
Grover nodded, examining the younger man with a reserved expression. "Your invitation intrigued me, Lord Arryn. It is rare for lords to request private meals without pretense."
Rodrik smiled and gestured to the seat across from him. "Please, join me. The food is fresh. The view, better than most rooms in the Keep. And some conversations benefit from fresh air."
With a measured pace, Grover took his seat. Platters of warm bread, fruit, and poached eggs lay before them, with steam curling from a pot of herbal tea. The two lords began with mild chatter—weather in the Vale versus Riverlands, the latest murmurs from the tourney grounds, and jestful grumblings about Kings Landing's infamous smells.
Rodrik poured both their cups with tea, leaning back slightly. "Forgive me for the secrecy, Lord Tully. But certain ideas I wish to discuss are best kept away from eager courtiers."
Grover's brow lifted. "Now you have my attention, Rodrik."
Rodrik nodded slightly, eyes calm but focused. "Good. Because what I propose could affect the heart of Westeros—and it begins with your lands."
The birds in the trees above chirped softly, the fountain gurgled, but in that moment, silence stretched between the two lords as Grover Tully looked across the table with newfound curiosity and caution.
"Then let us speak plainly," Grover said.
Rodrik smiled faintly. "Yes, let's."
Rodrik took a pause then said " Lord Tully do you know what is mail source of the new found wealth of house Arryn?"
Grover knew the answer " Everybody knows It's your growing trade fleet"
" Yes, trade is the thing which can make us Nobels gain more than what we gain from the farming & taking taxes from our population. It's regarding trade I wanted to meet you Lord Tully"
" Right now House Arryn is expanding its Trade empire in sea but in near future that won't be enough our main focus for the future is to increase trade in Seven kingdoms & as you know thats where the location of trade hub really matters. Vale is mostly mountains so it's not totally suitable to be the heart of trade in the seven kingdoms that heart lies in Riverland so I would like to build a city with you in your territory. Land will be yours & all the expense of building that massive city will be mine. We would also need crowns blessing on that & their partnership would be required to make everything run smoothly. Task & authority to govern the day to day activity of that city will remain solely with you offcourse as it's your land. I would not take any claim to any land in that city it's all yours. I would require a forty parts in a profit of hundred for indemnity rest you can keep after the massive tax which crown will put on us. I want the authority to make the initial rules & structure of the city & if any major changes are made in the core structure of the city you would need to consult with me.
Grover took his time & said " Are you taking me for a fool Lord Arryan? Why would I let you build a city on my land do you think House Tully wants for Money. Yes we are currently not as rich as you right now but ww don't require your money? Even if I wanted to do that I can't possibly give authority to another lord Paramount in my land.
Rodrik was not surprised about Grover's reply " I know right now you do not see the need & benefits for this arrangement. If I was in your place I would have said the same thing & I don't expect an answer now. In the near future you would understand what I was saying. My offer will stand just let me know If you ever think about it but don't keep me waiting for long as Riverland is optimal location for the city but Reach also comes at the center of 5 kingdoms.
After this they concluded this meeting. Grover left & Rodrik stayed. He was thinking whether he should some how make this in Vale only.