Women of Westeros: The Vale
Alyssa Arryn: Legend holds that Alyssa saw her husband, brothers, and sons all slain, and that she never shed a tear. Therefore, the gods punished her by not allowing her to rest until her tears fell upon the Vale below. The great waterfall that tumbles from the Giant’s Lance is known as Alyssa’s Tears.
Ursula Upcliff: She was a reputed sorceress who called herself bride of the Merling King. She fought alongside King Robar Royce against the army of Ser Artys Arryn in many battles, including the Battle of the Seven Stars, where she died.
Queen Sharra Arryn: Also known as “the Flower of the Mountain”. She was regent for her son Ronnel during Aegon’s conquest. She offered herself to Aegon in marriage, provided he named her son as his heir. He never answered to this offer, so Sharra organized the defense of the Vale. However, she surrendered the Eyrie, and thus the Vale, when she found Visenya with Ronnel seated on her knee, staring at the dragon, wonder-struck.
Queen Aemma: The daughther of Rodrick Arryn and Daella Targaryen, she became King Viserys I’s wife, and mother to his firstborn child, Princess Rhaenyra, “the Realm’s Delight”. She died giving birth to her second son, who also died.
Lady Jeyne Arryn: Also known as “the Maiden of the Mountain”. Cousin of Rhaenyra Targaryen, she proved a valuable ally during the Dance of the Dragons. After Rhaeryna’s death, she was one of Aegon III’s regents.
Rhea Royce: First wife to prince Daemon. It was a fine, rich match, but Daemon found the Vale little to his liking, and liked his wife even less, and they were soon estranged.
