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Post by Father on Apr 6, 2020 17:07:30 GMT 1
All of them, perhaps? And maybe even clever, too. Though that seems unlikely to be a hard requirement if she would consider Ser Sebaston as rumors suggests that she does.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 7, 2020 19:51:55 GMT 1
If Balon had not opened so high, he could surely get it cheaper, but 10 gold now, and 10 gold later, at the Grinning Boar at Bitterbridge, the Caswells would surely be quite eager to intervene should Balon try something sinister. Ser Morys didn't deserve Balon's coin he deserved his sword. Balon's impulse was to ram Legacy through the hedge knight's stomach, consequences be damned. How he'd enjoy watching Morys' eyes go wide in fear as he desperately clutched at the sword in his belly . Not the kind of legacy Laena imagined when she helped me name the sword I wager. The impulse passed as Balon knew murder wouldn't solve all of his problems regardless of how easy that'd make things. "I think a more *just* compensation for your services would be ten dragons now, ten later, and a nice fat bonus after the individuals that have been slandering my name have been properly dealt with." It was a gamble to be sure but he had an idea of who he could turn to for help. As to the price for her help? That'd have to be negotiated later. Balon went over the details on where to meet, assurances that it'd be in public view, and most importantly that he'd keep his word.
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Post by Father on Apr 7, 2020 23:35:24 GMT 1
Balon would want to find Ser Brynden Rivers, not the famous Great Bastard, just some other bastard who would happen to have been named the same, a black haired man of normal height and build, had a beard not unlike Balon's last time Morys saw him, must be closer to forty than thirty. The other is Ser Jon of Maidenpool, although Morys is inclined to believe that one wasn't knighted at all, have horse, lance, armor and passable skill with them and you can be a knight of the hedges just fine, not all them fancy lords who would accept you at their tournament without any voucher of some pedigree. Brown of hair, clean shaven, a white scar from an axe running down his cheek. About the same age as Ser Brynden, perhaps a bit on the short side. Ser Morys met them at Harroway where they and other hedge knights made camp. He doubts they kept Ser Ondrew there, but who knows? Hiding him under the nose of the Black bat of Harrenhaal does sound like a bad idea to him, they are too old to be that brazen. Some time after Balon's business with Ser Morys was concluded, another knight finds Balon, likely one of the last with the intent to blackmail him. Though the expression on Fireball's face when he indicates that the two of them needs to have a talk is not one that suggests it will be a happy reunion, that look in those eyes Balon can only ever recall having seen when on the receiving end of a scolding.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 10, 2020 5:45:39 GMT 1
Mikel had no further questions regarding free companies for Lord Ulbert, but towards the matter of the war at hand. "Where do you think it will he decided?" Was something he asked. Mikel was careful not to ask Lord Blackwood for his plans or to suggest any, only how he believed the Brackens would wage their campaign and what he believed the significant moments would be.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 10, 2020 6:59:09 GMT 1
Some time after Balon's business with Ser Morys was concluded, another knight finds Balon, likely one of the last with the intent to blackmail him. Though the expression on Fireball's face when he indicates that the two of them needs to have a talk is not one that suggests it will be a happy reunion, that look in those eyes Balon can only ever recall having seen when on the receiving end of a scolding. Balon belonged to a house known for it's piety and religious fervor and while he wasn't as spiritual as his lord uncle he had paid attention in his studies of the Seven. He knew of the cardinal sins and right now he was banking on greed getting the best of Ser Morys. In time he'd find out if his gamble paid off. While contemplating his future and the past that seemed to be catching up with him he recognized a friend approaching. Not just a friend, a mentor and father figure, Fireball. He instantly recognized the expression on his face and winced at the memories it conjured. The question was what did Ser Quentyn come to chastise him about? That list was growing longer by the month and Balon guessed it was his most recent endeavor. For now Balon wouldn't play dumb but he wouldn't offer anything specific. "Ser Quentyn, it's good to see you again."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 12, 2020 18:49:56 GMT 1
All of them, perhaps? And maybe even clever, too. Though that seems unlikely to be a hard requirement if she would consider Ser Sebaston as rumors suggests that she does. He gives an exaggerated eye roll, "Well of course she would like all of them as much as I would like a dragon to burn Raventree to the ground, the odds are about the same you know, unless Lord Marq decides that he would prefer to be her consort or vice versa that is. However, you are correct, the only thing that Ser Sebaston has over me is the amount of air in between his ears and the amount of golden flowers that he's got painted on his shield. Outside of a tourney list, I don't see how that Summer Knight can expect to compete with real men. For now though, I suppose I will have to settle with keeping my face from accepting any unsightly blemishes while fighting in the Riverlands. Can't risk being flanked by a more handsome suitor who's managed to keep himself out of real combat." As soon as his last statement left his mouth, he winced as he remembered that Ser Normyn's own nephew had an ugly mark on his face now, a reminder of the dishonorable Levalles and their attempts to meddle with House Cordwayner's line of succession. Hopefully Ser Normyn wouldn't perceive it as an insult.
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Post by Father on Apr 12, 2020 22:19:26 GMT 1
Mikel
Ulbert has seen this before, Lord Tully is a weakling, but King Daeron has reigned for ten years without a serious challenge, he will have a force ride forth from King's Landing, it is probably already underway, ravens to Whitewalls, Maidenpool and Harrenhaal to complement it, and he will make Raventree and Stone Hedge pay for all the expense of bringing that force up here. Not something that Blackwood or Bracken could not defeat if they wanted to, but their job is to provide the threat of what will happen if it is attacked. Ordinarily, Riverrun would have done this already, but has Mikel may have noticed when examining a trout, is their lack of balls.
Then the lords are going to blabber, if the king sends Hayford or Breakspear, it'll be neat and orderly blabber, if he sends Butterwell, it will take ten times longer to get only half as much done, either way, nothing will be decided, some villages might change hands, some people will die, some fields will be burnt. They'll be all over it again once the rebels actually does rebel, and who knows what might happen then? At a guess, everything north of The Red Fork will be held by loyalists, Arryns to the east, Starks to the north, just Mallisters and Freys of note in between, and the Freys are not about to pick a fight with thousands of northmen, Freys are shifty weasels, they'll just claim neutrality and offer the use of their bridge for a fee, it's what they do, Mallisters will hold back because of the Ironborn who are like to raid whichever place is left vacant of men to defend. A great many Brackens and Blackwoods will die, but the houses will be at each other's throats once the numbers of able bodies have grown back. Ulbert thinks Raventree and Stone Hedge are destined to do this dance forever, Mikel gets the distinct impression that he actually enjoys the thought.
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Post by Father on Apr 14, 2020 19:08:51 GMT 1
Balon
Fireball, straight to the point as ever, skips the pleasantries. "You have forgotten me, ser." Balon's title is mentioned as a courtesy, it's clear from his expression that the man doesn't think Balon deserving of it. "How else do you explain Riverthorn? Or everything else you have done to dishonor yourself and the act of dubbing you a knght?"
Daeron
There were Ser Aemon, though he has since been claimed by Lady Lysette. The lady is like to have to pick at least one desirable quality she must do without, perhaps even two. Three or more only if she also wants to love him.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 20, 2020 7:02:06 GMT 1
Fireball, straight to the point as ever, skips the pleasantries. "You have forgotten me, ser." Balon's title is mentioned as a courtesy, it's clear from his expression that the man doesn't think Balon deserving of it. "How else do you explain Riverthorn? Or everything else you have done to dishonor yourself and the act of dubbing you a knight?" "Forget you? You're like a second father to me." Balon knew why Fireball had said it but was hurt none-the-less. As to Riverthorn Balon had been practicing a line in his head for awhile and it was time to see how good it sounded. "The more I stoke the fires of rebellion the more heat I'll take. I accept that." Not terrible. "Lord Blackwood is angry and was looking for someone to blame. He chose to vent his wrath on a knight from the junior branch of a small house in the Reach. A knight who happens to be one of the most vocal supporters of Ser Daemon. A knight who gathered a tremendous amount of support for this war." A reference to how well he'd done in the Reach recruiting for the Brackens. "A knight he can accuse and suffer little political fallout if he's wrong." While all of that was true it didn't change the fact Balon *had* murdered Lord Rodrik's mistress. "I may have been uncouth at Whitewalls but how is that any different than you at Lord Hightower's funeral? Did you not use it for a pulpit to advance the Blackfyre cause regardless of how distasteful it was?" Balon stopped, knowing excuses was the last thing Fireball wanted to hear. His shoulders slumped, his posture admitting defeat. Balon suddenly felt like he was fourteen again. "I feel... no." He paused, searching for a way to phrase his words, "I need your counsel. More and more people are coming to me seeking my help, my abilities. Where people see you as a leader of this rebellion, they see me as a pawn to be used. I'm having trouble navigating this path." It was a frank admission. Some of what he'd done he did on purpose with a clear objective in mind, the Vulture Hunt for his sister's benefit being a good example. But Bittersteel kept coming to him and asking him to commit foul deeds and he did so believing he was doing the right thing for the cause. But now, now he wasn't so sure.
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Post by Father on Apr 21, 2020 0:44:39 GMT 1
"You seem to have forgotten my first lesson, that of honesty" Fireball fumes, the man had a knack for seeing through Balon's explanations, that much had not changed, nor does the man's fury at being lied to appear to have mellowed with age. "Any man, even a knight, may fall prey to dark emotions, mine is anger, Lord Hightower was assassinated and my rage clouded my judgement. Everyone falls, a knight climbs back up instead of giving in to his dark urges without a fight." The good thing with him is that he did not believe in long chastisements, he had made his point.
"You want guidance? He remains stern, long ago having learned to suppress his fury, it was there, and he was slow to forget slights, such things would simmer, but rarely boil once the first bit of steam had been let out and the pot moved away from the hottest flames. "The first charge of a knight is to be brave, most whelps thinks that only applies to battle, that's why they are whelps. True bravery is to put yourself and your ambitions at risk for what is right, if it was to simply conquer your fears, it would not come first, and probably not even be among the seven holy charges."
Nothing Balon had not heard before, but Fireball appears to think he needs to hear that again. Justice, defending the young and innocent, protecting women, sparing the vanquished, be cleanly and godly, all those are easy to understand. "The next time Lord Walgrave, Ser Aegor or someone else, including your own dark desires, bids you to do something unjust, to spill the blood of the innocent, to strike down one who has surrendered, have the bravery to refuse. Any who cannot respect this are not worthy of your loyalty, your friendship or your favor, and you are better off without having theirs."
"It is very simple, but it is not easy, you must find the courage to stay the righteous course when you must or damn yourself, a thousand tomes has been written describing why one so must. All describe the virtues and qualities of men who masters the first charge of a knight in great detail, none will ever offer a good answer as to where and how to find the courage to act as one should. All the virtues of a true knight begins with the bravery to stay true to them when it does not suit you to be. All the stories telling you otherwise, and most of them do, have missed the truth that is the keystone that holds the entire edifice upright."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 23, 2020 4:13:42 GMT 1
DaeronThere were Ser Aemon, though he has since been claimed by Lady Lysette. The lady is like to have to pick at least one desirable quality she must do without, perhaps even two. Three or more only if she also wants to love him. Love? I suppose that’s a factor too, but not all of us are as fortunate as Ser Aemon. “Then I will aspire to be at least more of those things than any of her other suitors. Or at least those who survive the inevitable competition for her hand.”*I think that’s it for Daeron right now. [/scene?]*
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 5, 2020 21:52:16 GMT 1
Balon took Fireball's chastisement as he always did, silently and without objection. Most, if not all of what he said was true. Balon had chose ambition over morality and it was becoming increasingly more difficult to keep his actions secret. Balon had told himself the murder of Ser Vorian was for the benefit of his family. The raid into the Red Mountains had virtually secured a marriage between Delia and Preston. But what was the murder of poor Marei for? Bracken pettiness? Promises of reward at a later time? Hard to enjoy the fruits of my labor without a head.
When Fireball's lecture ended Balon nodded, "I will do my best to be a better knight, ser." With the admonishment complete Balon shifted the conversation as he had been wanting to ask Fireball's opinion for some time, "Don't you feel like the war has already begun? The assassination of Lord Jon (Hightower) was the opening salvo. How do we retaliate without losing the moral high ground?" It was a question Balon should've asked eons ago. "I know it's not my business but do you, Bittersteel, and Lord Gormon coordinate at all?" If there had been any indications the three primary conspirators were working together Balon had missed it. "I want to help you in any way I can but I worry people's motives are diluting the message that Ser Daemon should be king."
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Post by Father on May 7, 2020 18:41:14 GMT 1
Bittersteel and Gormon coordinates, Fireball mostly complains, angrily he does not add, but it is easy to imagine giving what Balon has learned to expect from the man, that those two are soiling their spurs, and that of Balon and many other knights doing their bidding.
War is fought as much in the minds of men as one the field of battle. If those supporting Blackfyre's claim to the throne responded to the assassination of Lord Hightower and Ser Ulbert brutality with showing the faction to be morally superior, how many lords would then not wish to to live in a realm where the gallant are lifted high? Instead, Otho Bracken murders Lord Blackwood, Lord Walgrave marches into the Red Mountains on an unsanctioned campaign against imaginary foes, only to find Ser Vorian Dayne instead and have him slaughtered, or murdering Lord Blackwood's unborn child, bastard or not. Why would anyone want to rebel to put people in power who are at least as bad as the present one? Bittersteel's vision is as narrow as a horse with blinders. He sees only an enemy to crush. And Peake could care less about who sits the Iron Throne than adding another castle to his sigil.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 11, 2020 6:57:43 GMT 1
Bittersteel and Gormon coordinates, Fireball mostly complains, angrily he does not add, but it is easy to imagine giving what Balon has learned to expect from the man, that those two are soiling their spurs, and that of Balon and many other knights doing their bidding. War is fought as much in the minds of men as one the field of battle. If those supporting Blackfyre's claim to the throne responded to the assassination of Lord Hightower and Ser Ulbert brutality with showing the faction to be morally superior, how many lords would then not wish to to live in a realm where the gallant are lifted high? Instead, Otho Bracken murders Lord Blackwood, Lord Walgrave marches into the Red Mountains on an unsanctioned campaign against imaginary foes, only to find Ser Vorian Dayne instead and have him slaughtered, or murdering Lord Blackwood's unborn child, bastard or not. Why would anyone want to rebel to put people in power who are at least as bad as the present one? Bittersteel's vision is as narrow as a horse with blinders. He sees only an enemy to crush. And Peake could care less about who sits the Iron Throne than adding another castle to his sigil. "Why do you want Ser Daemon to be king?" It was a question Balon had wanted to ask him for years but never had the courage to do so. Sure, he'd heard Fireball angrily rant about the dishonor done to him by King Daeron but he'd never shared with Balon the *why* behind his decision to support Blackfyre. "People say you support him simply because you were denied a white-cloak but I know you better than that and you're not that petty. What is it that drives you forward in your moments of doubt? If Bittersteel fights because of his hatred and Gormy fights for more power, what is it that you see in Ser Daemon?"Balon would've become Fireball's squire around the time Aegon IV died (probably right before) and while it's never stated when Fireball was passed over for Willem Wylde, Balon might have been knighted and gone by that point. Just giving Fireball a chance to elaborate on his support of Daemon.
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Post by Father on May 12, 2020 21:36:39 GMT 1
Fireball may have reacted with such fervor at the disappointment as to be caught by his own words and deeds, swearing to serve the man obviously appointed by King Aegon as his true successor. He can in fact deeply respect those having taken similar vows for King Daeron, but he has sworn to see him dethroned. Part of him would even hope that Ser Daemon would place Blackfyre in the hand of Prince Baelor, to put an end to the war before it begins. Hope is for fools, there will be a war, and Fireball is nowhere near as optimistic as certain others as to winning it. Bitterseel and Peake thinks it is all about winning The Reach then sweep through the Westerlands to link all the friends of the cause in the Riverlands to defeat the Blackwoods, the Stormlords, the Vale and the North one by one. A nice story, but it assumes that their enemy doesn't look at the map and sees the same strategy. As if they will be so chivalrous as to line up each of their hosts to be defeated in turn. Gallantry is the first casualty in any real war.
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