Rodrik sat at the edge of the royal stand, observing the clamor and spectacle of the tourney field. Knights in shining armor jousted, banners fluttered in the wind, and the crowd roared in approval as lances shattered and horses thundered. Jaymee, clad in the colors of House Arryn, took the field in the melee. Rodrik watched with pride as his friend skillfully dispatched opponent after opponent. Yet, as the final rounds approached, a knight from the Reach—tall, seasoned, and brutal—best Jaymee with a crushing blow. Rodrik winced but clapped politely.
Not long after, the crowd leaned forward as the famed Ser Criston Cole entered the field to face Prince Daemon Targaryen himself. The fight was fierce, precise, and intense. In the end, Criston bested Daemon. Rodrik, thoughtful, mused on Criston's skill. For a moment, he considered approaching the knight with an offer. But he remembered the stories—of his loyalties, his volatile affections, and eventual disgrace. Rodrik shook his head, deciding against it.
Still, the tourney had yielded interesting prospects. Rodrik made quiet mental notes of a few younger knights—those with discipline and potential—who might be worth hiring for the Vale's future endeavors.
As he made his way from the stands, fate had other plans. He nearly bumped into Daemon Targaryen near the stables. Rodrik stiffened because he knew how unstable Daemon is specially when he has recently lost so he was praying for not bumping into him but maybe Gods had other plans.
"Ah, Lord Arryn why the sullen look did someone died," Daemon drawled, eyes glittering with mischief and a trace of malice. "Not even a whisper of support for your prince today?"
Rodrik kept his tone cool. "You fought well my Prince."
Daemon chuckled. "Always so polite. Do you ever get your hands dirty or ever had a argument with someone, or do you let a mystery man or some caretaker do it for you too?"
Rodrik smile stilled he knew he won't be having a good relationship with Daemon because that guy finds anybody who is not a Targeryen beneath him so he just wanted to seal the deal on the volcanic ash & try avoiding Daemon but now he seriously didn't liked the guy. "Losing once in a day should be enough I think My Prince"
Daemon stepped closer, just enough to hold Rodrik's gaze without flinching. " That sound like a chalenge Lord Arryn are you challenging me to a dual."
As soon as he heart that his brain cooled off & realises what he has done there is no way he could compete with Daemon he will be killed instantly. His brain sped at high speed the. He thought of something " Why not do you think of me a coward meet me at the training field on forth day from today".
Daemon got surprised as he has heart that Rodrik is not a fighter & now he is agreeing to fight him but still complied with his request " I don't know the reason behind the four days time but I accept Lord Arryn you better come prepared ".
" You too please come prepared" Rodrik said without breaking a sweat. Daemon gave a smirk to him & walked away.
Rodrik exhaled, realizing his hands had balled into fists.
The reason why he has selected that day because as per his understanding the event of Queens death should be happening with 2-3 days & after that daemon won't be available to fight him.