A COMPENDIUM ON LEYTON HIGHTOWER'S CHILDREN & THEIR AGES
Leyton Hightower had ten children in a time span of potentially fifty years. We only know a more narrow time frame of a few of his children (Alerie, Lynesse), while others can span across decades. This is an attempt to narrow down their ages. For that, I'll assume they had their first children no younger than 16. You'll also see some thoughts on their possible mothers, albeit that's just speculation without real basis and just random thoughts I want to mention.
(Names of their spouses have been included for easier overview and later analysis. While two children could have been born in the same year, I disregarded it in favor for visual clarity in the headlines, but the explanation treats it looser.)
THE CHILDREN
Baelor Hightower-Rowan (est. 254-258 AC)
He's Leyton's oldest son and the only indication we have for his age is that he was considered a suitor for Elia Martell, which would make me put him around her age (256-257 AC), perhaps a few years older. A young and pretty lad, as Oberyn describes him, makes me think he's rather close to their age. Additionally, Elia had also found him appealing, so he wouldn't be much older or younger than her. I could stretch his age to maybe 250 AC and a little more. Anything older and I'd imagine Oberyn to have used a different description and for Elia to be less interested.
Baelor: Anywhere 250s AC
Potentially named after Baelor the Blessed, this could be the son of someone with deep religious beliefs, or a royalist — potentially a Targaryen affiliate as a mother?
Malora Hightower (est. 255-260 AC)
Malora is the second oldest, and the only information we have is that she is younger than Baelor and older than Alerie, which can put her anywhere between 251 and 263 AC.
Malora: Anywhere in the 250s up to early 263AC.
The name Malora appears nowhere else. It could possibly have valyrian influences or a lesser known name within Westeros. It could be that due to having very distinctive names, her and Baelor share a mother, while later children might have a different one.
Alerie Hightower-Tyrell (257-260AC)
She's younger than Mace, who was born no earlier than 256 AC, as he's less than 10 years older than Cersei. The comment from Tywin about a younger woman that would outlive Mace implies a bigger age gap, which could be at most eight years. Putting her birth year at the latest possible year of 264 would make her very young (a mother at 12). If she had Willas at 16 at the latest possible date (276 AC), that would place her birth in 260 AC.
I'm not convinced she would have had a child so young. Possibly a GRRM numberism, but it sounds a bit odd. If it did happen, I'd be beyond curious how it came to be. Baelor was courting Elia in 272, Malora also unmarried in this time. No conflict to push a marriage with Leyton's second daughter so early, which makes me suspect she's born a few years before 264.
If Alerie was born in the 250s, it is likely her and her older siblings share a mother. If she were born in the 260s, an appropriate mourning time could have taken place in between, possibly making her the daughter of the second mother.
Alerie: Late 250s to early 260s.
Al– are common Reach names and would fit well with names such as Garth. Marrying the Lord Paramount of the Reach might point at her being the daughter of the first mother, as it would otherwise pass over Malora as a match. Alternatively, a second mother could have attempted to establish herself and her daughter with such a favourable match.
Garth Hightower (258-268 AC)
As we know roughly the age of Lynesse (half of Jorah's age, so around 17 in 289 AC), we can calculate the latest possible date for her older siblings. With her being born around 271-272 AC, and there being three siblings between them, Garth cannot be born any later than 267/268 AC and any earlier than Alerie.
Similar to Alerie, he could be the son of a first or second mother. By far the most "dignified" Reach name to be had. It could be a sign to establish this son and proclaim his possibilities, which might have been an indication for the second mother.
Denyse Hightower-Redwyne (est. 259–269AC)
Due to Lynesse, we can estimate that Denyse was born no later than 268/269 AC and no earlier than Garth. Her son Denys is a squire in 300 AC, which means he could be anywhere between 9 or 18.
Des— names appear with the Redwynes. Desmera, Desmond, Denys. Is it possible she's married a Redwyne cousin or GRRM just like the names combined, as she married Desmond Redwyne, and they had Denys.
Leyla Hightower-Cupps (est. 260–270 AC)
Due to Lynesse, we can estimate that Denyse was born no later than 268/269 AC and no earlier than Denyse.
Leyla reads like a Reach name. Potentially the female version of Leyton?
Alysanne Hightower-Ambrose (est. 261-271 AC)
Due to Lynesse, we can estimate that Denyse was born no later than 268/269 AC and no earlier than Leyla. Alysanne does have a son who is a squire, and seems to be in a similar age to his betrothed Elinor Tyrell, who is around Sansa's age, born in 286 AC. So I'd put her son anywhere between 13 and 18 in 300 AC, putting his birth anywhere between 282 and 287 AC. If Alysanne birthed him at 16, I would personally put her birth year anywhere between 264-271 AC.
The current Lady Bulwer is named Alysanne, born to Jon Bulwer and Victaria Tyrell in 291 AC, which might hint at a possible relation, a shared mother/aunt/grandmother perhaps?
Lynesse Hightower-Mormont (271–272 AC)
The information we have on Lynesse is that she is half the age of Jorah in 289 AC, when he's 35, which would put her around 17, plus minus a few years, depending on how accurate Jorah was with this. She is now residing as head concubine to Tregar Ormollen in Lys. (A lot of ages on this post depend on him being so.)
Assuming there was a break between Alysanne and Lynesse, it could be theorized that Lynesse is the daughter of the third mother. Further removed than Leyla and more unlikely, but could Lynesse be a different female version for Leyton?
Gunthor Hightower-Fossoway Green (est. 272-285AC)
Being younger than Lynesse puts his birth no earlier than 272 AC and being older than Humfrey, no later than 285 AC.
We know of no other Gunthor within the Reach. It might be a name derived from Garth? If him and Humfrey were born in the 270s, it is likely for them to be the children of the last mother before Rhea Florent. If they were born in the latr 280s, they could be her sons, as Rhea's older sister, Melara Florent-Tarly, had her oldest son Samwell Tarly in 283 AC, and Rhea likely would have not had children before then. However, we also never see Sam thinking about Gunthor as a cousin.
Humfrey Hightower (273-285 AC)
In 300 AC, Humfrey is a known knight, which would make him the very least 15 at that point, putting his last possible birth year in 285 AC, and no earlier than Gunthor, earliest in late 272 AC.
The name Humfrey/Humphrey has appeared with Beesburys and Bulwers within the Reach.
This is all just speculation for the fun of it. I'm also currently working on a more thorough breakdown for the possible mothers and different possible sibling dynamics, one reason while some points are a bit wishy washy here, mostly to remember any thoughts I had.
POV: you are Garth Hightower. Your mother is a Targaryen princess and your father is a knight from House Hightower. Your first battle is Rook's Rest and you're super excited to prove yourself as a knight, too! Oh dear your several-times-removed cousin Rhaenys Targaryen is here with her dragon Meleys. She's attacking your uncle-cousin, Aegon II Targaryen, and his pretty shiny gold dragon.
It's okay though because your mum and her fuckass insane cannibalistic dragon are here to help! Unfortunately because your mother is also insane, this means you have to witness her dragon killing and eating Meleys :(
Hear ye, hear ye! Four of the Five Kings who lead our Seven Kingdoms into War are dead¹, King Tommen²['s mother] sits the Iron Throne, the Realm is at last at peace³ and the fair widows of Westeros seek fine men to keep their castles⁴!
Let us now evaluate the Marital Prospects of highborn maidens & widows, as of the First Year of the 4th century AC!
1. Lord Robert Arryn of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale & Warden of the East.
The cream of the crop for any lord father seeking a strong lord as his goodson, Lord Robert Arryn (8) can provide one's daughter with the splendors of the Vale from the lofty heights of his Summer Castle, the Eyrie! This sole-surviving son of the Late Lord Hand of King Robert is the foremost Prospect of the Good Ladies of the Realm: while not yet Of Age, a long betrothal can have its own boons! Lord Arryn shall undoubtedly⁵ grow into the Arryn Look of his Lord Father (to those cynical of the Famed Handsomeness of the Arryn Line, look only to Ser Harrold Hardyng for visual reference!)!
Interested Lords with eligible daughters (and any bolder Ladies!) might seek attendance at Lord Arryn's Namesday Tourney, to be held at the Gates of the Moon, where the young Lord shall take on eight knights into a great "Brotherhood of Winged Knights". Though the main lanes of travel have been Troubled as of late, due to the Treacheries against our Good King Tommen I, some Improvement has been made to the disorder of the Riverlands by His Majesty's Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Naval passage is, for now, advised against.
For further inquiries, please address one's ravens not to the Eyrie but to the Gates of The Moon, where dwells the Lord Regent of The Vale & Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, Petyr Baelish of Harrenhal & the Fingers (of whom Lord Robert is Ward) or Steward Lord Nestor Royce of the Gates of the Moon. Due to the many duties of these Lords, replies may be made in the hand of Lady Myranda Royce (daughter of Lord Nestor) or the natural daughter of Lord Baelish (who is reported as agreeable enough, for her like).
Lord Petyr Baelish of the Fingers & Harrenhal. Acting Regent of the Vale & (Former) Master of Coin in King Robert.
Lord Petyr Baelish (38) is the recent Widower of Lady Lysa Tully of the Eyrie & now serves as Regent to her orphaned son, Lord Robert Arryn. Lord Baelish has long been of good service to our Good Kings of House Baratheon, [propaganda, lies, more lies]... and his Good Character is further evidenced in his redeeming of his natural daughter, the Lady Alayne, to the service of the Vale in Absence of a True Lady.
While it is, as yet, improper to seek suit of one so recently bereaved, some correspondence may be had. Ravens should be addressed to the Gates of the Moon, rather than Lord Baelish's seats of Harrenhal or The Fingers, due tp his Obligations as Regent of The Vale.
Ser Harrold Hardyng, Heir Apparent of the Vale.
Due to great injustices (resolved), Lord Arryn's current Heir is this Cousin of House Hardyng. The Hardyngs have long served the Vale as landed knights, boasting many great champions in times past and Ser Harrold Hardyng (18/19) shall surely be counted amongst them! Ser Hardyng's Success in the recent Tourneys at...indication of Valiant Character...unfortunate keeping of a natural daughter (2)...[etc].
Ser Harrold is Ward to Lady Anya Waynwood of Ironoaks though Attendance of the Vale Tourney may make messages to the Gates of the Moon more prudent. While there has been Rumour of an Atrangement between the Good Ser and Lord Baelish's natural daughter, a Lady of Good Breeding would surely establish herself as the Superior Choice!
Prince Quentyn Nymeros Martell
Prince Trystane "Trys" Nymeros Martell, Heir 3rd-in-line [2nd now] to Sunspear & the Principality of Dorne.
Though unfortunately Dornish, Prince Trystane Martell (12/13) is reported as being of good character. The curious customs of the Rhoynish place the sons of Ruling Prince Doran secondary to their elder sister (see Most Eligibles, Notes For Lords & Good Sers), the Princess Arianne.
It has not been reported that Prince Doran has made great effort to see his children wed: his daughter is uncommonly old [insert blatant racism & gross orientalism here]... rumour of Talks between The Crown and the Dornish Princes for the hand of Princess Myrcella...inquiries to be directed to Sunspear.
Willas Tyrell, Heir Apparent of Highgarden.
The eldest brother of Good Queen Margaery is a bachelor of [23~27]. It is understood that a disfigurement has prevented the Heir of Highgarden from completing his knighthood...took a leg injury at his first Tourney though House Tyrell has clarified their Heir's injury is superficial only and all know the Tyrells to be uncommonly handsome to look upon!
The Lord Heir is Renowned across the Seven Kingdoms for his finely bred hawks, hounds, & horses... inquiries may be made directly to his person at Highgarden, his Lord Father having entrusted the Family Seat to his Heir so as to attend King & Queen at Court. It is nonetheless reccomended to seek consult with the Lady Olenna, a Great Friend to our publications, who may be addressed at the Red Keep or Highgarden during these early years of Good King Tommen's marriage to Queen Margaery...
Ser Brynden "the Blackfish" Tully, Wardem of the Southern Marshes & Knight of the Bloody Gate (retired).
Ser Blackfish [54~57 years old] has long served the Realm in the most distinguished role of a Vale Knight, posted at the Bloody Gate...Wanted by the Crown for Questioning, last seen at The Siege of Riverrun. Sightings to be reported to The Crown (one's local Lord Paramount may be consulted prior), Lord Edwyn Frey of Riverrun (or his Lady Wife, Genna Lannister), any faithful Knight of the Realm, or His Majesty's Master of Laws [vacant] at the Red Keep.
Martyn Lannister, [Accidental Heir Apparent to Casterly Rock].
Son of Dorna Swyft & the [late] Lord Hand, Kevan Lannister [13~15]. His twin, Willem, [was murdered by Lord Karstark during the brothers' time as hostages of King Robb Stark].
A squire (further details yet confirmed, last reported as safely hosted by the Lord Lady of the Goldentooth).
Tywin "Ty" Frey, Heir Apparent of Riverrun (as held by conquest of the Lannister-Freys).
A squire of 12/13 years. Grandson of Lord Edwyn Frey & cousin to His Majesty King Tommen I.
Interested Lords & Ladies to pen word to the Lady Genna Lannister of Riverrun (grandmother of young Tywin) by family request, given the recent bereavements within their House [but mostly because his mother Lady Jeyne Darry is being Sus as all heck & Black Walder is a-lurking].
Ser Perwyn Frey, 21~31 years old. Likeliest Heir of Rosby, through his late mother Bethany.
He and his brother, Olyvar, were not party to the Unfortunate Events of their full-sister Roslin's Wedding to Lord Edmure Tully. For his role in the Siege of Riverrun, communiques are not recommended at this time.
Lord Monterys Velaryon (6) of Driftmark & High Tide.
In the keeping of His Majesty, Good King Tommen, as a Ward of The Crown. Betrothal requests are not recommended at this time.
Ser Addam Marbrand, Heir Apparent of Ashemark.
Briefly Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks, Ser Addam [presumably of age with Jaime or slightly older, thus "30-ish"] has since returned to [active duty] serving His Majesty in Resolving Disorder within the Riverlands.
[presumably responsible for leading "Crown" (Lannister) forces in the absence of his good friend, Ser Jaime Lannister).
Lord[?] Ned Dayne of Starfall.
Last known as esquiring for Ser Beric Dondarrion in the Riverlands. Lord Dayne (12/13) is the nephew of the late Ser Arthur Dayne, last bearer of the title "Sword of the Morning".
If found, please report to Loyal Vassals of Good King Tommen afore the missing Lord's own House: Lord Dayne is to Testify on the Blasphemies & treacheries of Ser Beric Dondarrion. It is strongly advised not to approach Ser Dondarrion (portrait available by request of [King's Men]) or Lord Dayne, for the former is known as exceedingly dangerous.
Ser Gerold "Darkstar" Dayne, Knight of High Hermitage (25~30 y/o).
Alleged as the Most Dangerous Man in Dorne by the late Prince Oberyn Martell (himself a man of Great Infamy!). Previously rumoured as a "favourite" of the Princess Arianne...[insert casual xenophobia & racism, generic bad boy thirst, obligatory Arthur Dayne comparison, etc].
Wanted Fugitive of The Crown. Sightings to be reported to Prince Doran Martell at the Watergardens or the Steward of Sunspear. Captain Areo Hotah, Ser Balon Swann of the Kingsguard & Obara Sand (eldest of House Martell's infamous band of "Sand Snakes", the natural daughters of the late Prince Oberyn).
Ser Horas Redwyne, Heir Apparent of the Arbor.
A [Lannister hostage] member of Queen Margaery's Court at the Red Keep. He & his younger twin Hobber [18+] are famed at court for their strength of arms...[blatantly misleading notes on their appearances & characters, likely transcribed by "request"/bribes from House Redwyne & Lady Olenna].
Ser Garth Hightower, [presumably late 30's/early 40's].
2nd son of Lord Leyton Hightower, a goodbrother of Lord Mace Tyrell & uncle to Good Queen Margaery.
[His marital status is actually unknown, having appeared only in cameo during descriptions of Oldtown's Preparations for King Euron's Ironborn: he seems to hold Command over Oldtown's lawforce/stationed infantry &/or the private army of House Hightower].
Denys Redwyne, b. (?). grandson of lords leyton hightower & paxter redwyne. a squire.
ser donnel waynwood, b. 277/278 AC (~22 y/o). second son of lady anya waynwood of ironoaks. knight of the bloody gate, succeeding ser brynden tully.
sandor frey, b. 287 AC (13 y/o). son of geremy frey (son of lord walder by amarei crakehall) & carolei waynwood. squire of ser donnel waynwood.
ser humfrey hightower, fourth & youngest son of lord leyton hightower. due to his last known whereabouts being "seeking aid from [Essos]", as part of Oldtown's preparations for Euron Greyjoy, his continued existence is uncertain.
aurane waters, b. ? AC. a bastard of house velaryon. currently a pirate king of the stepstones. wanted fugitive.
edric storm, b. ?. recognised bastard of king robert baratheon & ward of the late [].
ser brynden "blackfish" tully, b. (?). younger brother of the late lord hoster tully.
¹with three new ones to replace them
²[King Tommen]'s Lady Mother, Dowager Queen Cersei.
³except in the North, where the armies of King Claimant Stannis Baratheon yet march unto the newly appointed Lord of Winterfell & the Crown's Bolton allies.
...Or in the Reach, where the Ironborn of King Claimant Euron Greyjoy have so lately set shore to waste & pillage, with Oldtown currently besieged by sea.
...Or the Stormlands, where King Claimant Aegon VI Targaryen's Gold Compaby has met little resistance in taking Tarth & Storm's End.
...Or at the Stepstones, held as of late by an alleged Lord of the Tides by name of Aurane Waters.
The Crownlands & Westerlands have, however, been joined in the King's Peace by the valour of Lord Commander Jaime of the Kingsguard: the last bastions of King Claimant Robb Stark's rebels, at Riverrun & Raventree Hall, have at last conceded! Peace in at least three Kingdoms, in good King Tommen's name!
⁴er, at least by word of surviving cousins and maesters? Surely it is so! ...surely?
⁵Any rumours as to the unlikely look of Lord Arryn to his late Lord Father in contraat to his Step-Father & Regent are naught but speculation. Lord Robert's youthful sickliness shall surely be grown out of & the seeming curse of infertility upon his line shall surely be broken through faith paid to the Mother!
My headcanons on Lord Leyton Hightower's children:
Children of Leyton by his first wife:
Baelor Hightower (born 255 AC), his eldest son and heir. Known as Baelor Brightsmile. Married Lady Rhonda Rowan in 275 AC, at the age of 20;
Malora Hightower (born 257 AC), his eldest daughter. Known as the Mad Maid;
Alerie Hightower (born 259 AC), his third child and second daughter. Married Lord Mace Tyrell in 273 AC, at the age of 14. Had four children: Willas Tyrell in 274 AC, Garlan Tyrell in 277 AC, Loras Tyrell in 282 AC, and Margaery Tyrell in 283 AC;
Garth Hightower (born 261 AC), his fourth child and second son. Known as Garth Greysteel.
Children of Leyton by his second wife:
Denyse Hightower (born 264 AC), his fifth child and third daughter. Married Ser Desmond Redwyne in 281 AC, at the age of 17. Had one son, Denys Redwyne, in 282 AC;
Leyla Hightower (born 266 AC), his sixth child and fourth daughter. Married Ser Jon Cupps in 284 AC, at the age of 18;
Alysanne Hightower (born 268 AC), his seventh child and fifth daughter. Married Lord Arthur Ambrose in 284 AC, at the age of 16. Had one son, Alyn Ambrose, in 285 AC.
Children of Leyton by his third wife:
Lynesse Hightower (born 272 AC), his eighth child and sixth daughter. Lord Tywin Lannister sought her hand in marriage for his son Tyrion, but her father refused the match. She married Ser Jorah Mormont, Lord of Bear Island, in 289 AC, at the age of 17. Ser Jorah was attainted in 292 AC for practicing slavery. They separated later that year, and Lynesse became the concubine of Lyseni merchant prince Tregar Ormollen;
Gunthor Hightower (born 274 AC), his ninth child and third son. Married Lady Jeyne Fossoway of New Barrel in 297 AC, at the age of 23;
Humfrey Hightower (born 276 AC), his tenth child and fourth son.
Children of Leyton by his fourth wife, Lady Rhea Florent:
Maelora Targaryen has always lived in the shadow of her twin sister, Rhaenyra. With dark hair and no dragon, whispers circulate about how Targaryen the younger princess really is. When she is betrothed to Gwayne Hightower, Maelora is indignant; the pair cannot stand one another. Yet it will be in Oldtown, a city of fractured magic and ancient gods, where Maelora will discover herself. For Rhaenyra may be made of fire, but Maelora is built from blood.
