6th month 302AC | Griffin's Roost

"Lord Jon, a letter from Lord Velaryon!" maester Beron shouted at him, arriving panting in the courtyard. "Arrived.. in your.. absence," the maester continued, gasping for air heavily in between words. Jon looked with concern at the ageing maester, who apparently had not brought said letter with him. "Certainly the letter is no more important than your health, a few seconds more or less won't seal the deal. I'll pen a response in an instant. Inform my lady wife I have returned."

Jon gave the reigns of his horse to his squire. "See to it he is well fed and watered," he instructed. He stroked his trusty steed over the head as if saying goodbye, before making his way to the maester's tower. The maester's tower was just across the courtyard, and one of the highest towers the Griffin's Roost had to offer.

The door to the maester's solar creaked open slowly. A large desk stood in front of the window, and bookshelves were aligned all along the circular walls. Stuffy and ancient tomes layered with dust took up most of the space in the small room, and the air smelled of parchment. It was no unfamiliar smell to Jon, but not one he preferred either. The desk was a mess, but on it Jon spotted a still closed letter, displaying the wax seahorse of the Velaryon sigil. Settling down in the chair behind the desk, he picked up the letter. The sigil was carefully broken, and Jon lingered briefly before unfolding the parchment. The words in the letter confirmed much of what he had already suspected, or gained in knowledge from his short conversation with Aelora herself. She had been most inquisitive, and rightly so, for it was a matter that might decide what her future would look like.

He licked his fingers, and picked out a piece of parchment from the pile that the maester had laying on the corner of his desk. After checking carefully there was no writing on either side yet, he dipped a quill into the ink and penned a letter back.

To Lucerys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark, Master of Ships,

I am sorry for the delay of an answer from myself. I was occupied with matters in Dorne for quite a while, namely the weddings at Godsgrace and a visit to Robert, who is currently being fostered at the Water Gardens. I came across members of your familiy at Godsgrace, and you certainly raised a bright daughter. Alas Robert was not with me, and they have not been able to meet each other.

I understand your concerns and wishes for a happy marriages in regards to your daughter, and respect them. I would welcome Aelora, and any other related to her, to the Griffin's Roost. May I inquire as to if you had a general date in mind yet, as due preparations will need to be made, as well as having my son return from the Water Gardens in time.

Jon Connington, Lord of Griffin's Roost

[m] This should do for now, assuming nothing more significant springs from our conversation at Godsgrace. If that is the case I'll gladly edit the letter.