Date: February 21, 300 After Landing, Winter, Long Winter
Location: Winterfell
Oberyn Martell left Winterfell yesterday. While he seemed to enjoy his stay with us, I hear that the…places of gentlemanly pleasures…have greatly enjoyed his company, but he has "grown tired of the cold air and depressing atmosphere."
Frankly, I like Oberyn. He is an interesting man who has traveled over much of this world – something I desire to do once my own lands are built up – and spoke to me plainly, not through political speak or lots of metaphors that I would have to struggle to understand. Which was what I expected after my time in King's Landing. It seems Dorne really is a world of its own here, a place that winter never touches and is independent from the rest of the Kingdom.
Before he left, he told me and Queen Catelyn about his "real" reason for coming north was, besides thanking me for killing the man who murdered his sister. Apparently the Martells are not in favor of Stannis or his new God, and are planning…something. He wanted to secure an alliance with the North, one where either we do not interfere or we actively war against the Six Kingdoms. He even offered a marriage alliance between Prince Trystane Martell (12 and third in line) and Sansa Stark. Apparently the marriage alliance between Trystane and Myrcella Lannister was broken when it was revealed she was the product of incest and no longer an heir to the throne, but rather than punish the girl for it they instead betrothed to someone else at court.
Anyway, Catelyn will discuss this with Eddard via raven, and an answer will be sent. Personally, I think the terms are fair and the reasons make sense. But I guess we shall see what the King thinks.
Before I forget, good news. Maybe. Theon Greyjoy is being sent back to Winterfell. His nameday (birthday) is next month. When that happens, he will be free to return to the Iron Islands. He seems keen on the idea. I have sent a raven to Asha to give her the good news. I wonder how she will take it.