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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 7, 2019 4:45:48 GMT 1
Lynesse waited in the Blackbriar pavilion with more than a little trepidation. Theoretically, she was among friends, or at least those ill-disposed to her enemies, but she was ill at ease. Although she felt confident in relying on one of her guests, her kinsman, and though a second had stood for her in a contest of honour, she knew the third could well turn on her out of spite. Such was the way of the dragon.
And yet she invited them to the pavilion nonetheless. The presence of Blackbriar men at arms provided her with a sense of security, though she permitted no retainers within the pavilion itself. She had arranged some small repast of food and wine by her own hand, but would not dare risk idle lips passing on the words she intended to relay.
Her dress was reserved, if not severe, and she looked equal part noblewoman and septa as she greeted her guests.
"Ser Balon, I have asked for your attendance as I know you to be a knight of irreproachable duty and an understanding of the diplomatic situation between my Uncle and Lord Merryweather." Her tone was more formal than she had been previously with Balon, as though she wished to position him as a neutral buffer between herself and the Starling knights, rather than an established ally of her own cause.
"Ser Daeron and Ser Addam, I am glad you have come. I have called upon you as men of conscience and honour, as I have come to the belief that recent events at this Hunt may have placed your Lord's life in jeopardy, and that an attempt may soon be made on his life, if it has not already." Her tone with the Starling knights was also reserved, as she tried to narrow the focus of their meeting immediately, and sideline any misgivings before they had a chance to arise.
[This scene takes place during the Great Hunt Event, after the Companions have made their public opposition to Lord Eldon clear and during the Pork on the Menu event, so that characters will have a chance to relay evidence before locking in other actions at the event.]
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 7, 2019 12:54:26 GMT 1
When he received her invitation, Daeron was confused and wary. Their last meeting had gone well in his mind, but that didn’t stop her from turning and placing a knife in his back at the first opportunity.
However, despite her previous treachery when he learned that Ser Addam had been invited as well he decided that this must have something to do with promoting the True King’s agenda, vendettas could be placed aside for that.
“Lady Lynesse, thank you for your invitation. The knights of House Starling are always at your service,” he lied politely, “what is it that you think threatens us?”
True to his style he was straightforward and direct. If Lord Starling was in danger again they didn’t have the luxury of niceties.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 7, 2019 13:50:11 GMT 1
Daeron’s tone was more civil than she had expected, and perhaps more than she deserved. He was the very image of a Valyrian Knight, such that Lynesse could easily imagine him astride some great dragon steed, conquering his foes as Aegon had.
“Timing, more than anything, with the success of your advocacy against Lord Merryweather as the immediate catalyst. I understand your grievances against the man are well founded, and that you seek justice for serious crimes, but my observations have convinced me more and more that your rivalry is being manipulated to keep both Starling and Merryweather on the roster of loyalist houses.”
“The heart of the matter is that Lord Starling has far too much honour, and Lord Merryweather far too little for King Daeron to ever feel comfortable of either man’s support. By all rights Lord Eldon ought be on the cusp of declaring for Ser Daemon, as his closest ally, Ser Farman, is a prominent supporter, and the Cordwayner succession crisis has opened up opportunities for a match that would be otherwise closed to him and would tie him to another strong Blackfyre supporter. And yet, the Companions have superbly turned the agenda against Eldon, such that he cannot join a cause that seeks his destruction.”
“However, should House Merryweather remain loyal to King Daeron, Lord Starling would feel honourbound to champion the cause he had set before others, and follow Ser Daemon. This would ill suit the loyalist cause. Were the situation the artifice of some conniving schemer, Lord Starling has now outlived his usefulness, and is due to be removed in favour of an heir whose loyalty to King Daeron was amply demonstrated before the realm at Summerhall. That lady would not be bound by the arguments laid out at this council, because she has not been present for it. Thus the rivalry between houses would keep each out of the Blackfyre camp, with both being blamed for the other’s misfortune.”
Lynesse laid out the situation in broad strokes, ignoring the various observations that had led her to this juncture, and the few observations that might paint different picturess. In truth much of what she had claimed was educated guesswork, but her uncle’s schemes had given her a nose for connivance and foul play, and she knew such was the case here.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Sept 7, 2019 15:53:03 GMT 1
Balon had received the invitation and was curious to the reason behind it. Lynesse's uncle? Lord Eldon? The Cordwayners? His interest was definitely peaked and he answered the summons of his kin. His attire was similar to what he'd worn at the feast, well-made and regal, two words people rarely associated with Balon. The only addition was a longsword and dagger on his hip. Even in the presence of friends one could never be too careful. When he arrived he greeted his cousin with a bow and noted the formality of her dress and speech. "It's my pleasure to assist you, my lady. It seems Lord Eldon has made a mess of things again. Tell me does your uncle still seek to wed you to him?" _____________
When the others arrived Balon greeted them, "Good to see you brothers." He didn't mention their words against Lord Eldon as he didn't share their views. Balon wasn't terribly bothered by a nobleman taking pleasure from a commoner. The only reason anyone cared at Kingsbridge was because the commoner Eldon raped happened to be friends with Lady Lysette. Balon took some wine and food but remained standing as he waited for Lynesse to share why she'd asked for the three of them to come.
When she laid out her reasoning Balon slowly nodded. She wouldn't put herself in this precarious position unless she believed her words to be true. "I don't suppose you know who is doing the manipulating?" He didn't expect her to know, that'd make things too easy. Balon skipped talking about Lord Eldon for the moment and focused on House Starling, "Lady Lynesse is right. If someone does take Lord Willem's life House Starling will be firmly entrenched in the loyalist camp. Your deeds and words will count for nothing and I wouldn't be surprised if Lady Lysette purged anyone who shares your views from the Companions." Balon should know, Lady Erena had done the same at Gyldenhaal.
"Six of the Principal Bannermen of Lord Tyrell support our cause. We should do nothing that'll force one of the three remaining undecided into the loyalist camp."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 8, 2019 13:10:39 GMT 1
Lynesse had her own suspicions, but was skeptical that she would be taken at her word by Daeron. Better than he reach his own conclusions with encouragement, than she try to lead him there by the nose. Moreover, were her own suspicions wrong, she did not want to expose herself to retribution at some later time.
Lynesse glanced once at Balon's longsword and gave it no more thought. Not merely her cousin, he was a Blackbriar, and this was his camp as much as hers. Ser Eustace has not approached me again about the match, and has brought me before the Rhoynar Lord Blackmont like a pig at market. At the very least he seeks to broaden his options, perhaps having been warned by his political allies that a match with Lord Eldon may not be a long term prospect for his own advancement. This was a stretch, but she hoped to provide as much context for her theories as possible, lest the lack of hard evidence prove overwhelming.
To the broader topic she replied "It could be one agent, or several. We cannot assume just because someone speaks against Eldon that they support the regime," she acknowledged agreeably. Ser Daeron himself was proof enough of that.
"They would need to be able to move easily between celebrations like that held by Lord Rowan and Lord Peake without raising too much notice, which precludes them being a prominent public supporter of either faction. Nor are they likely to have been seen to take sides for Lord Starling or Lord Merryweather, as their goal is to make each lord seem the primary antagonist of the other." This she thought likely, but far from certain, particularly if multiple agents were involved, spread through each camp.
She looked to Ser Daeron, "And they would recognise Ser Daeron as the surest weapon to turn against Lord Merryweather, the sharpest steel, for all have noted his prowess and determination in that cause. I am sure you have spoken with either the mastermind of this scheme ser, or one of their agents. They would have offered sympathy, encouragement, and perhaps information that could be turned to your goal, but likely nothing more material. Nothing that would in and of itself show an ulterior motive to you, or show to the realm that you were being supported by another." She was careful here to avoid describing Daeron as a tool or catspaw, for both would likely incense him and undermine the purpose of this meeting.
But would Ser Daeron volunteer the identity of such an ally, in such company? "And they have likely done the same with Lord Eldon, putting weapons in his hand, and perhaps even encouraging his provocations of House Starling, to provide a smokescreen for the removal of Lord Willem."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 9, 2019 1:29:13 GMT 1
His face was grim, appropriate for the news that Lynesse brought.
"As much as she stands to gain from his death, I do not see Lady Lysette seeking her father's death. I might disagree with her loyalties, but at her core she is a good and decent woman. It is possible that she might function as puppet, but not knowingly, and moreover she is not present here.
Other options are members of House Tarly or Hightower as they have yet to declare for either the Red Dragon or the Black and both could benefit by seeing a rival diminished. Both have members that travel in broad circles, but I don't see such schemes as the work of House Tarly and House Hightower seems to have enough worries on their plates.
Lord Durwell likewise fits the description as he too has friends in both factions and is famously shrewd, but he similarly doesn't strike me as one who might order the death of an honorable lord. Place a bet on who dies? Certainly, but I don't imagine him a murderer.
That leaves who? The Cranes? The Tyrells? If I had to guess, the puppetmaster resides in the Red Keep and is acting through multiple agents knowing and unknowing. My half-brother Ser Brynden being an obvious suspect."
Daeron ponders for a minute about who might have guided him into a conflict with the Merryweathers, but for the most part he felt that he had pursued it all on his own, with the exception of Lord Marq informing him of Ser Walgrave's cruel words. Did he know that Bloodraven was manipulating him?
"Regardless of who's responsible I think you have delivered us a valuable piece of information as we now may have what it takes to bring House Starling into the fold. Lord Willem and Ser Roland both despise underhanded tactics and Lady Lysette is unlikely to appreciate the Iron Throne attempting to murder her father.
Lady Lynesse, what evidence can you present to support your allegations? Even if it isn't enough to sway any of those individuals it might be enough for us to discern from which quarters future attacks or instigations might come from."
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Post by Father on Sept 9, 2019 10:22:03 GMT 1
Narrator note: One should be extra careful when one's IC speculations happens to be very close to things that one OOC knows happened when lacking any IC indication pointing in that direction.
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Sept 9, 2019 14:31:05 GMT 1
“I think we overvalue the importance of House Starling in the coming war.” Addam had entered the tent with his cousin, but had lost interest relatively quickly. “The companions are just a handful knights. Sure every sword counts, but we aren’t enough to turn the tide battle or even stall one of the major houses from mobilizing their levies. Killing Lord Willem would only serve to make the companions even more insignificant. Seems more like a plot to weaken House Starling if anything. Instill a lady as head of the house who might dismiss her best knights and you got lands ripe for the plunder. Maybe it’s a loyalist looking to make Starlings the sacrificial lamb to get Lord Piggy to join their cause or maybe the pig has turned his greedy eyes to our lands, but either plan has House Starling coming out on the bottom.”
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 9, 2019 20:28:19 GMT 1
He agrees with his cousin.
"True, half of the strength of Kingsbridge is the reputation of Lord Willem and the Companions, were he to be killed in the quarrel with Longtable it would weaken our standing immensely, even with Lady Lysette and Ser Aemon being capable individuals in their own right. However, should Lord Willem take a side in a conflict his reputation would likely sway a multitude of knights to join him, if the gods are good and we are lucky it might even help sway his former squire, Lord Leo, to ride with his old mentor."
Daeron was personally doubtful of his own last point, Lord Tyrell had many factors to weigh in taking a side and joining a former mentor was unlikely to be what swayed him. At best it would only confirm his decision, but he could be hopeful.
He then returns to the main topic at hand.
"I believe that it is too late to reverse the course of this hunt. House Merryweather has already earned the ire of too many in our faction and vice versa, but Lord Piggy should never have been seen as a viable ally. He cares little for politics beyond how he can use them to satisfy his own hungers and while that still makes him a dangerous man, it does not make him reliable. Should he join the king's camp I doubt that he will provide more than a token amount of support. Our energies would be better suited to bringing Houses Hightower, Tarly, and, most importantly, Tyrell into the fold. Should they join with House Rowan they will command a force larger than the rest of the Reach combined."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 15, 2019 5:36:33 GMT 1
"I agree that Lady Lysette should be presumed innocent of any plot against Lord Willem. Such betrayal is surely beyond the pale." At least until evidence is discovered. "But I would not discount the companions. So much of the unrest with King Daeron lies in the abandonment of chivalry, and surely there is no better symbol of that chivalry, and testament to its value, that the companions of Kingsbridge. Regardless of their allegiance, they collectively serve as a symbol for the value of such men and institutions as have ever been the bedrock of the king's peace throughout the realm. As you say, the Companions may be the true target of this plot, rather than House Starling."
"As for evidence? These allegations made by Lord Hawyck are false, and whatever the outcome, it will seed bad blood between the Merryweathers and others, particularly Lord Peake," Lynesse nodded toward Ser Balon as she said this. "Imagine the outcome if Lord Eldon were to be convicted, and gelded, only for evidence to surface afterward that exonerated him? Lord Gormon would become the subject of ridicule, and his judgement deemed foolish. I would be loathe to add my own testimony and draw attention to myself, but neither would I allow such a travesty to pass, to the calamity of the cause."
"Even if we accept that Lord Eldon is not political, it would be folly to presume that his demise would lack political repercussions, and I could not imagine a man in his health would survive a gelding. His heirs reside, not in Longtable, but Highgarden. I can hardly presume that is happenstance. Eldon's death puts his blackguards, levies and vassals in the service of a young Lord who is half Tyrell by Lady Marianne, and the regency would be decided in Highgarden amidst a court whose ladies at least favour the current regime. This would see Eldon replaced with a regent of unquestionable loyalty to Lord Leo, and completely remove the possibility of a Merryweather defection. So long as Lord Eldon is without an heir of his own body, and Lord Leo has not publically declared for Daemon, his death is to the detriment of the Blackfyre cause." She concluded, and winced internally at the possible repercussions of such a conclusion.
Lynesse's thoughts turned to Lady Laena and Lord Marq, "I have been approached by several who had little reason to wish me well or show concern for my happiness, who urged me in strong terms away from a match with Lord Eldon, and I believe," she hedged her words carefully here, for it turned on a single exchange with Lord Marq, "that the Levalle's may have been similarly discouraged. It could be that the land is overrun with the concern for the health of young maidens, but is it not possible that such a pattern of discouragement exists to maintain the current succession, leaving Lord Eldon without legitimate offspring, and thus leaving his nephew to inherit through his dead brother, Ser Owen?"
"If I had more solid evidence I would have gone directly to Lord Willem, but the threat I see to him is more a matter of timing, as his death is likely to follow Lord Eldon's, which could well be in the offing. I cannot reveal much more without violating confidences, but I thought it my duty to reveal my suspicions."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 16, 2019 18:26:43 GMT 1
He frowns, Lynesse had supported Eldon in the past, was she working as an agent for him again, witting or otherwise?
“How do you know that her allegations are false? Eldon is no stranger to rape and it seems that his brush with death has done little more than stimulate his appetite.”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Sept 18, 2019 20:46:47 GMT 1
Lynesse glanced once at Balon's longsword and gave it no more thought. Not merely her cousin, he was a Blackbriar, and this was his camp as much as hers. Ser Eustace has not approached me again about the match, and has brought me before the Rhoynar Lord Blackmont like a pig at market. At the very least he seeks to broaden his options, perhaps having been warned by his political allies that a match with Lord Eldon may not be a long term prospect for his own advancement. This was a stretch, but she hoped to provide as much context for her theories as possible, lest the lack of hard evidence prove overwhelming. The look of disgust on Balon's face spoke volumes, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire." He had trouble determining which fate was worse. A fat, feckless, cunt that the lords of the Reach despised or a Dornishman. At least Lord Eldon's lifespan will be considerably shorter... "Then let's find a match so beneficial for House Daverhyl *and* you that Ser Eustace will be forced to accept."
Lynesse you don't have to respond to this I just wanted Balon's reaction IC. _________________________________________________________________ Balon listened to the back and forth before putting his opinion forward. He looked to Daeron and Addam, "Do not underestimate House Starling's value. The smallest pebble can start an avalanche. Reachmen rightfully see the king as weak. They admire martial prowess and chivalry and see everything they could ever want in a king in Ser Daemon. If those that have remained neutral see the Companions, the literal embodiment of chivalry, swear fealty to King Daeron it will cause them to reconsider their allegiance.""Moreover, and correct me if I'm wrong, what political stance has Ser Aemon taken? How do you know he won't just follow Lady Lysette's lead if Lord Willem dies? By all accounts he's handsome, charming, strategically capable, and an excellent fighter. As Lord Protector he could be a figurehead the loyalists, or whoever is behind this scheme, uses to rally knights to the king's cause. And while I doubt Lady Lysette is involved in this plot don't underestimate her ability to persuade with words at court."
Balon looked over to Lynesse before turning back to his friends. "We *can not* push Longtable into the loyalist camp." The truth was Balon wanted the Merryweathers to fight for Ser Daemon. He cared more about their levies and wealth than its raper-lord. However he wouldn't outright admit that to his friends. "Before you assume our faction hates Lord Eldon ask yourself what have the principal bannerman of the Reach done to Lord Eldon?" He paused to let them consider the question. "What has Lord Rowan or Lord Oakheart done? Hmmmm? What has Lord Gormon done to see him punished? Nothing. And do you know why?"Balon paused because he knew what he was about to say would be unpopular, "Because neither side cares about a commoner getting raped when the stakes are nothing less than the Iron throne.""Don't let your hatred of Lord Eldon blind you. This is a scheme designed to sew chaos among the supporters of Ser Daemon and embolden those loyal to the king. Lynesse uncovered the truth of it. Now *we* need to find out who is behind this and help Lord Gormon avoid scandal."
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Sept 19, 2019 18:47:51 GMT 1
Addam scoffed at Balon's response. "And what have the Lord's of our cause done to bring Lord Piggy to our side? Many of the lords, both great and small, have daughters and nieces to wed him to us, yet none do. Excuse my vulgarity my lady, but this is because Lord Eldon's support is as good as being pleasured by a woman with her hands. Sure its nice, but is it really what we want? By all accounts, support from Longtable, if any, will be minimal."
He than turn his attention to Lynesse, "If you have found proof, I suggest you bury it."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 21, 2019 8:12:02 GMT 1
To Ser Daeron's question regarding evidence, Lynesse was able to provide something more than supposition, "There was no opportunity. Lord Hawyck chaperoned his daughter during her meeting with Lord Eldon. He left with blade unblooded and walking on his own two feet. What manner of father would chaperone his daughter through such an assault without lifting a finger to forestall it? Mine was not the only eye that saw enough to spurn the allegations. I have no obligation to sway folk one way or the other, but Lord Eldon's favour could well mean life for my brother and I, while his ire could mean death. I could sway folk against Lord Eldon, but what benefit would that bring me?"
The Hawyck’s are a part of this plot, but surely not the instigators, as they are thought to be strong supporters of the Blackfyre claim. We remain blind to their motivations and goals in this matter. She shrugged in frustration at this fact. Both Balon and Daeron were far better connected than she in the Blackfyre camp, but she doubted any could approach the Hawyck’s over the issue now.
To the Starling knights, she spoke courteously, acknowledging their legitimate grievance, “I am not asking you to bury or surrender your cause sers, but merely to consider the terrain of this battle. It suits the enemy far better than us, and has been arranged to see our shared cause flounder and perish, whatever the outcome. If Lord Eldon is to perish, let it not be here, where Ser Daemon’s cause will be sullied by intrigue and scheming, and House Merryweather turned against it in perpetuity. Let it instead be when both justice and the legitimate succession are served equally; at a time of our choosing.”
“But if that cannot be, then keep a careful eye upon your Lord, knowing that there are those other than Lord Eldon who might seek his death.”
Setting up a possible scene with Eldon to come after this one. Reactions to that are welcome from all and sundry.
We don't have a police report of the accusations against Eldon, but Lynesse is essentially laying out that she is one of several witnesses who will likely shoot down the allegations.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 23, 2019 3:35:49 GMT 1
"If both options are unpalatable then I suggest taking no actions? Eldon will have his baleful gaze upon plenty of others for the foreseeable future, I'm sure that you can avoid his attention easily enough without having to seek his favor. Others will be willing to keep you and your brother safe and I guarantee that they will not demand the steep price that he will for their goodwill." It seems that her providing information about the threat to Lord Willem has earned her some of Daeron's trust again, but it would take more than that to satisfy his wounded ego.
"It seems that the tides are not powerful enough to overwhelm Lord Piggy on this matter, but this won't be the final attempt of our hidden foe to sabotage our cause. You are correct Lady Lynesse that Eldon's demise at this time does not further any of our goals, but his time will come. If he is removed, then Ser Owen's son will become the ruler of Longtable meaning that we only need to bring his mother to our cause, but a goal for another time.
For now I will act as our hidden foe expects, a reversal in course might reveal that we are aware of his, or her, plot making it that much more difficult to uncover them."
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