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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 22, 2019 22:01:43 GMT 1
[This scene occurs some time between the tourney at Whitewalls and Ser Symon's wedding at Goldengrove, probably nearer the latter. For the sake of narrative framing, it's set at a small tourney in the Reach.]
"Aerion!" She greets her brother with a wide smile, a hug, and a peck on the cheek. "Now, we managed to catch up on gossip yesterday, but I asked to speak with you again today because there are a couple of big, possibly interlinked, subjects I wanted to discuss with you, now you're no longer focused on your upcoming jousts." Having met in one of the castle gardens, she guides them to sit on a bench, so they can relax as they talk. Hopefully. She's expecting trouble from the second topic of conversation.
"The first one is your marriage. Well," she pats his chest. "Potential marriage, anyway.
"I had a good think, and came up with a total of six female heirs and regents. Cutting out those too old or young to be worthwhile left me with three: Lady Gwynesse Grimm, Lady Daena Roxton, and Lady Delia Hewett. Aaand I did a little digging on each of them, to see if any of them were worthy of you."
She gives a smile, which he can immediately tell gives away that she's proud of what she's accomplished. "And I managed to uncover some interesting information. Still interested? Or has some other lady caught your eye in the meantime?"
I made this a second meeting in as many days, so we could skip over a load of the re-introductory crap and just jump straight to the heart of the matter.
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 23, 2019 2:11:21 GMT 1
Aerion smiles just as wide in seeing her as he had the day previous, and every time before that.
"I'm always interested in what you have to say, because if you have it, it usually means it's worth being said."
"Those three names are indeed interesting, and I don't have many to add to it, though Lady Janna Hightower has been mentioned to me as a possible match for me. Haven't given her much thought to be honest."
"So, what should I know? I assume you have an opinion on which is best for me?" he finishes with a grin. He honestly couldn't imagine who he'd be without her, and he put more weight behind her opinions than her future husband likely would, a mistake for the unnamed man no doubt.
Really smart idea! I like it.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 23, 2019 13:49:25 GMT 1
Laena's head tilts back slightly in surprise as she frowns at the mention of Lady Janna. "Lady Janna? With you?" Her eyes flick about in thought. "Who in the hells thought *that* was a good idea?" More to herself than expecting a response. "It gives neither side anything particularly useful to the other, as far as I can see. And puts you right in the middle of a viper's nest with knives drawn and ready to strike." She shakes her head, both to shake herself out of her train of thought, and to pass judgement on the idea. "No. As prestigious as the house is, I do not like that idea. At all."
She puffs out a breath. "So, back to the three ladies I looked in to:
"Lady Daena Roxton is a definite 'no'. She'll probably make the right man very happy, but you are not him. Her hands are just as firmly gripped to the reigns of power as Lady Victaria's are, *and* her only confidant is her younger sister, who's looking to have her husband marry into their house than the other way round. Meaning you have *two* strong-willed and stubborn women effectively sharing power once their father dies. The only way to make that situation worse would be if their husbands tried to wrestle some power for themselves." She shakes her head. "Pity. I feel you would look good with a Valyrian sword at your hip, but that would be a disaster for you. Avoid at all costs.
"Lady Delia Hewett, however, is definitely a good candidate. A traditional lady, content with the role of *supporting* her husband, with the skills to do so capably. Naturally, you'd face stiff competition - I heard Ser Loren Lannister, a cousin of Lord Lannister, is the front-runner, with a Redwyne cousin a close second.
"Finally, there's Lady Gwynesse Grimm." She smiles. "I've not met her, but from what I've heard, I like her. She's another female regent who wants to be making all the decisions, *but* - and this is important - uniquely to her, from what I've heard, she's smart enough to *ask for and listen to advice from her husband*! I cannot stress enough how much that raises her in my estimation. I told you before how ladies with power are like men in the desert with water. For her to overcome that displays wisdom far beyond her years." Her face takes on a somewhat awkward expression. "There's just one little thing to be aware of, that ties in to the second matter. And that is she is a confirmed crown-loyalist to the bone, and would have no qualms asking Ser Manfryd to make clear her feelings on the matter should any 'rebel scum' try to court her."
She holds up a forestalling hand. "Now, I mentioned that there was a tie to the second matter I wanted to discuss. So, before you make any kind of decision regarding them, we should discuss that. Now, I'm going to dance around the subject a bit, but I hope you'll indulge me, because there *is* a point to it.
"I have a question for you. Think carefully before answering:
"Who is the biggest threat to House Starkwood?"
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Sept 5, 2019 3:57:51 GMT 1
Aerion shrugs as if the matter of Lady Janna wasn't of much concern. Then he listens to his sister's take on his prospects.
"It is unfortunate that Lady Daena cannot be tamed, perhaps marrying off her sister? I very much would like to have a Valyrian blade. They do add to the image of a knight."
"You know I'm not one to back down from a challenge, and that I win more often than not when I put my mind to something.Ser Loren couldn't hold his own to me."
"That Lady Gwynesse is a Crown loyalist is of no issue to me. The Blackfyre supporters aren't much more than hedge knights, men of ill repute taking a cause they barely believe in to grow their own power."
"As to your question, I cannot say for certain. There's no shortage of potential enemies. House Blackbrier for one, though I had hoped before his passing Ser Donnel could have aided us on that front. Still, i do not fear Lord Jon. Then there are the Levalles, of which we should not forget about, lest they strike like a snake in the grass. No doubt there are other smaller houses eyeing the coming conflicts and seeing opportunity. Why do you ask?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 5, 2019 19:07:40 GMT 1
"It is unfortunate that Lady Daena cannot be tamed, perhaps marrying off her sister? I very much would like to have a Valyrian blade. They do add to the image of a knight." Laena raises an eyebrow. "You heard me when I said that her sister intends for her husband to take service at the Ringfort? They've reportedly beaten down their father enough that he won't stand in their way. There is no 'marrying off' Lady Ellyn. So, no salvaging Lady Daena." "That Lady Gwynesse is a Crown loyalist is of no issue to me. The Blackfyre supporters aren't much more than hedge knights, men of ill repute taking a cause they barely believe in to grow their own power." Laena raises an eyebrow. "Lord Walgrave Oakheart is a hedge knight? Lord Reynald Florent? Ser Roland Redwyne is a man of ill repute? Ser Robb Reyne? There *are* men as you describe within that group, for sure, but do not let their character blind you to the powerful and chivalrous men who are just as much a part. And do not let yourself be blinded to the fact that other men of low character similarly infest the crown-loyalist camp. Lord Harmen Blackmont or Ser Ulbert Blackwood for example. "Anyone who tries to convince you any political issue is clear and simple, with a single definitive answer, is either an idiot or trying to sell you something." "As to your question, I cannot say for certain. There's no shortage of potential enemies. House Blackbriar for one, though I had hoped before his passing Ser Donnel could have aided us on that front. Still, I do not fear Lord Jon. Then there are the Levalles, of which we should not forget about, lest they strike like a snake in the grass. No doubt there are other smaller houses eyeing the coming conflicts and seeing opportunity. Why do you ask?" Before getting to her point, Laena raises a correcting hand. "The Levalles are dangerous, for sure, and it is always worth keeping a wary eye on them, but they have no motive to act against House Starkwood. In fact, it would appear to be *against* their interests, given how they have been acting recently. "However, you have all but given me the answer I was seeking. You name the Blackbriars, but correctly point out that Lord Jon - meaning Lady Erena as well - is not a threat. Ser Titus, while not perfect, is largely speaking an honourable knight. Vortimer isn't even a knight. That leaves one man. A talented knight with a deep-rooted hatred of the Dornish, a proven willingness to step over lines where he believes the reward worth the risk, and committed to the opposite side of the upcoming conflict than House Starkwood. "Ser Balon Blackbriar. "Since before the Black Tourney, I was considering carefully how to solve the Balon problem. Many would think to kill him, but even putting aside any moral issues with that solution, his mother is cunning and influential - strong in areas House Starkwood is ill-capable of defending against. Worse is that his cousin Lord Gormon would likely get involved as well, and he wields enough power, and wields it well, that House Starkwood would stand no chance of resisting. And between them, there is no chance they would not uncover the truth behind his death. "So, simply killing him is a solution where the cure is worse than the disease. Absolutely not an option. "So, I began considering alternatives. There may be a *political* divide between him and House Starkwood, but that's true of many houses. What made *him*, specifically, a threat to *House Starkwood*, specifically? The answer was obvious. "Hatred. "Specifically, his hatred of the Dornish, manifested in the Starkwood heir, Ser Symon." She holds up two fingers in front of her face, with a light smile. "I believe there are precisely two forces stronger than hatred. Can you tell me what they are? I'll give you a clue, to jog your memory: they're the two pillars of leadership, for precisely that reason." |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Sept 17, 2019 1:03:22 GMT 1
"I did hear you, but I'm sure there could be an arrangement made if that was the avenue I was committed to pursuing."
"I should have known that speaking in generalities would convey the wrong message. I do not think every man who raises his sword for Blackfyre to be blackguards, but there are many such men who are calling for Blackfyr to rebel. The question that needs answering is why. Do they do so because they truly believe in their hearts that Ser Daemon is the rightful king, a better king, who will better this land? Or are they doing it for personal gain? I think there are far too many whose motives fall in the latter group."
"I could quickly rise through the ranks of the Blackfyre camp, honestly, through my skill at arms and given who our father was, but I do not believe that a man should so quickly dispose of his vows because it suits him. What the hell is the point of making the vows in the first place? In fact I see some legitimacy in the arguments made by a few men leaning Fire, and if the Father asked me today if Blackfyre would make a better king, I think my answer would be yes. But I don't believe that is for me to decide."
"Are you suggesting that Ser Balon would disregard the will of his Lord father and attack House Starkwood?" Aerion asks, unsure how Balon could be considered such a threat if the rest of House Blackbrier is not. One man could not crumble their house. Not without a lot of help.
"Cold blooded murder is not an option," he says flatly. "But men die all the time. If he wants to come for Symon himself, let him. I don't see why he would be so quick to die by a Starkwood sword, but every man has their own choices to make. I can't imagine He could incite a war between the houses, which makes it a personal matter."
Not that he'd ever say it openly, but the Starkwood House doesn't die with Symon. There are many men in line to carry on the house in name, so even if Balon did kill Symon, the house remains. Plus there are many more of Dornish blood that Balon could direct his hatred toward. And many men who share Balon's hatred.
"Love, and Fear?" says Aerion, not fully sure where she's going or if they are the right answers. "Septa Mary always said love conquers all, but she was quite the dreamer. And fear is one of the most powerful motivators. Fear can turn a knight into a boy, or a boy into a knight, depending how one reacts to it."
"How does this apply to your idea that Ser Balon is going to try to murder Symon?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 22, 2019 13:51:20 GMT 1
"I should have known that speaking in generalities would convey the wrong message. I do not think every man who raises his sword for Blackfyre to be blackguards, but there are many such men who are calling for Blackfyre to rebel. The question that needs answering is 'why?'. Do they do so because they truly believe in their hearts that Ser Daemon is the rightful king, a better king, who will better this land? Or are they doing it for personal gain? I think there are far too many whose motives fall in the latter group."
"I could quickly rise through the ranks of the Blackfyre camp, honestly, through my skill at arms and given who our father was, but I do not believe that a man should so quickly dispose of his vows because it suits him. What the hell is the point of making the vows in the first place? In fact I see some legitimacy in the arguments made by a few men leaning Fire, and if the Father asked me today if Blackfyre would make a better king, I think my answer would be yes. But I don't believe that is for me to decide." A considering look for a moment, then a nod and smile, giving his analysis the approval she feels it deserves. Given her love of debating almost for its own sake, he should likely take this as a compliment. "Are you suggesting that Ser Balon would disregard the will of his Lord father and attack House Starkwood?" Aerion asks, unsure how Balon could be considered such a threat if the rest of House Blackbrier is not. One man could not crumble their house. Not without a lot of help.
"Cold blooded murder is not an option," he says flatly. "But men die all the time. If he wants to come for Symon himself, let him. I don't see why he would be so quick to die by a Starkwood sword, but every man has their own choices to make. I can't imagine He could incite a war between the houses, which makes it a personal matter." "I am suggesting that Ser Balon is dangerous, and to underestimate him a mistake. He is a very driven man, very determined, and his dedication to the Blackfyre cause has gained him a not insignificant amount of favour within more dangerous elements of that faction. "Further, I remind you that Ser Symon has slain two men in plain sight already. Not unprovoked, for sure, but with his skin, it does not take much to stoke resentment against him. He can ill afford more blood on his hands. And what does it say of our house should he fail, and Lord Ulbert loses two children so relatively close together? Men frequently see the will of the Seven through the actions of Man, and would likely see such as divine disfavour. And what if the man who dies in the tussle is not either of them, but Ser Titus? Not a flawless man, for certain, but a man generally fairly well regarded, whose death, regardless of circumstance, would be seen ill. "The point I am making is that, should Ser Symon be specifically targeted, there are few outcomes which are good for either him or the house as a whole. You can call that 'unjust', with a fair degree of accuracy, but anti-Dornish sentiment is high in the Reach, and only getting higher. It would be foolish in the extreme to dismiss that." "Love, and Fear?" says Aerion, not fully sure where she's going or if they are the right answers. "Septa Mary always said love conquers all, but she was quite the dreamer. And fear is one of the most powerful motivators. Fear can turn a knight into a boy, or a boy into a knight, depending how one reacts to it."
"How does this apply to your idea that Ser Balon is going to try to murder Symon?" Another small nod and smile, pleased he gave the correct answer. "Quite so. It applies as those are the two ways Balon's hatred could be stalled, or redirected indefinitely, without creating worse problems. "I considered Fear, but Balon is talented and brave enough that it would take someone of Ser Daemon's level of talent, at least, for him to fear enough to not act, and we do not have men of such talent." A smirk at him. "Not quite, anyway. "So, I decided to see what love could do, right from the start of the Black Tourney. I'd see what I could do, to at least buy some time for a more permanent solution to be found. "Initially, the plan went flawlessly. In fact, from a certain perspective, it kind of still is. A meteor could not fall so hard, nor burn so hot. Purely because I asked it of him, he's sworn to not specifically target House Starkwood. Their interests may end up at cross-purposes, because of their dedication to opposing causes, but he won't deliberately target them specifically. And since most others of his faction would seek him as an ally against the House, that would hopefully work to deflect at least some other threats. "I just ... miscalculated a bit, and hit an unexpected complication." She pauses to let him react to her story so far. |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Sept 24, 2019 19:11:40 GMT 1
A considering look for a moment, then a nod and smile, giving his analysis the approval she feels it deserves. Given her love of debating almost for its own sake, he should likely take this as a compliment.
"I am suggesting that Ser Balon is dangerous, and to underestimate him a mistake. He is a very driven man, very determined, and his dedication to the Blackfyre cause has gained him a not insignificant amount of favour within more dangerous elements of that faction. "Further, I remind you that Ser Symon has slain two men in plain sight already. Not unprovoked, for sure, but with his skin, it does not take much to stoke resentment against him. He can ill afford more blood on his hands. And what does it say of our house should he fail, and Lord Ulbert loses two children so relatively close together? Men frequently see the will of the Seven through the actions of Man, and would likely see such as divine disfavour. And what if the man who dies in the tussle is not either of them, but Ser Titus? Not a flawless man, for certain, but a man generally fairly well regarded, whose death, regardless of circumstance, would be seen ill. "The point I am making is that, should Ser Symon be specifically targeted, there are few outcomes which are good for either him or the house as a whole. You can call that 'unjust', with a fair degree of accuracy, but anti-Dornish sentiment is high in the Reach, and only getting higher. It would be foolish in the extreme to dismiss that." Another small nod and smile, pleased he gave the correct answer. "Quite so. It applies as those are the two ways Balon's hatred could be stalled, or redirected indefinitely, without creating worse problems. "I considered Fear, but Balon is talented and brave enough that it would take someone of Ser Daemon's level of talent, at least, for him to fear enough to not act, and we do not have men of such talent." A smirk at him. "Not quite, anyway. "So, I decided to see what love could do, right from the start of the Black Tourney. I'd see what I could do, to at least buy some time for a more permanent solution to be found. "Initially, the plan went flawlessly. In fact, from a certain perspective, it kind of still is. A meteor could not fall so hard, nor burn so hot. Purely because I asked it of him, he's sworn to not specifically target House Starkwood. Their interests may end up at cross-purposes, because of their dedication to opposing causes, but he won't deliberately target them specifically. And since most others of his faction would seek him as an ally against the House, that would hopefully work to deflect at least some other threats. "I just ... miscalculated a bit, and hit an unexpected complication." She pauses to let him react to her story so far.
"I doubt Balon lets fear for himself hinder anything he wants to do. But fear for another would be a different story I would think. He and I have spoken, and share a few similar traits, as much as I might not like the comparison. I am not fearful for my own safety, but should yours be in question my hands would be bound."
Balon was in love with his sister?
"So you're telling me that he is the biggest threat to our House and its heir, and your solution is to make him fall for you?"
As Laena continues, his mind is coming to the conclusion she has yet to explicitly state, and he fears her incoming confirmation.
"And your miscalculation is that you have developed feelings in return." he says flatly, clearly not pleased with this revelation.
Fuck. Fucking fuck. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 25, 2019 21:58:50 GMT 1
"Your analysis is fair, and I don't wish Ser Symon to see any more danger than you do. But given the upcoming conflict and the anti-dornish sentiment that is indeed prevalent throughout the Reach, what makes Ser Balon specifically the largest threat to him and to our House? There will be no shortage of men as or more dangerous than Ser Balon who would be happy to kill another Dornishman, more over if it deals a blow to a Crown loyalist house. What do we do about all the other Balons?" Laena gives a firm nod, acknowledging the point as a good one. "It is here that Starkwood irrelevance actually comes to our benefit for once. What makes Ser Balon uniquely dangerous is him coming from a neighbouring house, so he is well aware of House Starkwood. He has not said as such, but I suspect he feels it is personal in some way. That the Starkwoods, being a neighbouring house of opposing politics, are in some way his *responsibility*. And he is not a man to shy away from his responsibilities. While, speaking frankly, not many other 'Balons' are likely to care. The Starkwoods are not powerful, influential, or strategically located. There is always the risk of opportunistic attacks at tourneys and so on, but carefully-planned and organised attacks - the ones most likely to succeed - require someone who actually *cares* enough to put in the effort required. "Helping protect against the opportunists is the domain of good, reliable knights, like Sers Mikel, Trystane, and Davos." She didn't name him, since she wished for him to marry out of the Starkwoods, and he may delay if he felt he was abandoning a duty. "Protecting against the organised attack? That's me." "I doubt Balon lets fear for himself hinder anything he wants to do. But fear for another would be a different story I would think. He and I have spoken, and share a few similar traits, as much as I might not like the comparison. I am not fearful for my own safety, but should yours be in question my hands would be bound." She smiles and clasps her hands together delightedly. "Excellent thought. Who do you want to threaten? His respected and chivalrous younger brothers? His smart and charming sister with many friends at Highgarden? Or his recently-widowed mother, aunt to a powerful and rightly feared lord?" "So you're telling me that he is the biggest threat to our House and its heir, and your solution is to make him fall for you?"
"And your miscalculation is that you have developed feelings in return." he says flatly, clearly not pleased with this revelation. She gives an apologetic smile, and softly replies. "You always were smart, Aerion. And you know me well." She nods agreement to his statement. "Maybe it's just my naturally compassionate nature. Maybe I have a weakness towards being worshipped as I deserve. Maybe I just have terrible taste in men. Or maybe it's because I see potential, to be harvested or wasted. He has been lured by others without his best intentions in mind towards a darker path. But I genuinely believe he is far from damned. His politics won't change, but I believe that I am already making great strides in *how* he pursues his goals. "I have always wanted to be *relevant*, in some way. That I can, as my life slips away from me - may it be many years from now - point to something - ideally many somethings - and say 'At that point, I made a difference. The world would be noticeably different in that way had I never lived. That moment, and all the consequences that came from it, echoing down through eternity is *proof* that I was *alive*.' "I do not love Balon like he loves me. I can still walk away, though not without tears. But I have always believed that inaction is a choice just as much as action, and frequently a cowardly one." She taps her fingers on air briefly before continuing. "I believe that the Seven speak to us directly, if we have the wit and will to listen. Before his death, at the Black Tourney, Ser Donnel, Ser Balon's father, told me a story of 'the Mad Crab' - a bastard of House Celtigar he fought alongside. He said that despite being mad, the man understood the world well, and firmly believed 'No man is ever truly lost before people stop trying to aid.' "And now we have Ser Balon. A man sucked into the beginning of a dark path. It would be easy to sit back, do nothing, let him fall. But of all the people in the world, he loves *me*, a woman his own father told a story about how determination and effort can redeem others. And I believe that love is the key to redemption. "Were I a maiden, I would not even consider this match. But I am a childed widow. I have few prospects for marriage, so even an unlanded knight would have my consideration. Only by living the life that I have lived could I be here now, in this place, with this opportunity. "I believe all this is not coincidence. I believe this is a test by the Seven. Do the Seven truly care who rules the mortal realm? I doubt it. What do the Divine care for mortal authority? But the Father cares for every soul, and judges each honestly. I believe he rejoices in every soul sent to the heavens, and weeps for every soul lost to the hells. "I believe I carry the weight of Ser Balon's soul in my hand. And also my own. Do I show courage, and compassion, and virtue, and step up to guide him back into the Father's grace? Or am I selfish, cold, and cowardly, and leave him to continue to be exploited by men and women of low character? To no longer try and aid. To let him be truly lost." "I have seen enough of the *man* to see his value. To grow to care for him. To envision the kind of man he *could be*, both good and bad. To see how big of a difference I could have." She huffs out a breath before firmly giving her answer. "I am Laena Pyre. I act!" |
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