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Post by Father on Aug 25, 2021 17:05:48 GMT 1
"I believe any man has the right to defend himself against such accusations, surely the ladies would not lack for an able and willing champion if Ser Simon's guilt could not be established by any other way than to demand the matter to be settled by the guidance of the warrior?" Blackfyre offers.
The man says nothing of the suggestion that the girls being kept confined to Ravnetree or the notion that one should break guest rights to break them free, the latter idea evokes a scalding look.
Daeron and Robyn are not likely to notice that they might be about to fall into the same trap as a great many other men, Ser Daemon's gallant nature, his easy charm, being nearly without peer with sword and lance, one would have to be highly perceptive and highly cynical to suspect the man of merely trusting his smile and sympathetic words to suffice to leave his fellow knights with a good impression of the man while giving them no false hopes that he might intervene in any way.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 1, 2021 3:30:38 GMT 1
Daeron does not notice, but continues to brainstorm ideas with the two knights.
"With the Bracken girls imprisoned at Raventree Hall I don't think they'll be able to level any accusations anytime soon. At least not to anybody willing to listen to them for the time being. If Ser Simon is to face any real justice, they need to be given their freedom to demand a trial in the first place. If we can make their unconditional release a part of the treaty we might be able to demand the King's Justice before everyone goes home and these atrocities are simply forgotten."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Sept 1, 2021 14:38:13 GMT 1
"Allowing such things to fall to a duel is not what the ladies deserve..." Robyn scowls. He wasnt incredibly adept at intrigue, or planning things out, but he did get the sense that Ser Blackfyre was more than just the best swordsman in the Realm. His dodging of the question, disregard for insults however slight, and unwillingness to make a stand proved that he was an expert at more than the sword; one didnt become this renown without building the reputation himself, and it was clear how he and Bloodraven were related.
"I know that there are many on the Blackwood side that would wish to see him gelded, and I can imagine there are just as many in the Bracken's. I wager someone else will bring it up in the treaty, perhaps we can see to it that those with the real voting power consciences' align with ours."
Robyn looked to Daeron, "You are right, if everyone leaves than the atrocities Simon committed will be forgotten before I reach Starkwood and you Kingsbridge. They must be answered for, and to do so we will need the support of both families. If we are to succeed," His eyes glanced to Blackfyre, "Nearly every Blackwood and Bracken must see it as we do, at least partially. You have the easier part of this mission; convincing the Brackens of Simon's guilt will be a cakewalk when compared to the Blackwoods."
Narrowing his gaze, he stared at Blackfyre for a moment before finally asking one final request of the knight, "Will you help us, Blackfyre, or in your pursuit of 'peace, honor, prosperity, an end to all hate' have you forgotten what it means to take a risk? Honorable men cannot act without evidence, but I am asking you to trust that Ser Wildfyre and I are honorable men acting with evidence, and follow our lead to help two who need it most,"
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Post by Father on Sept 8, 2021 9:20:28 GMT 1
"And what evidence do you have exactly, ser?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Sept 15, 2021 2:34:57 GMT 1
The enthusiastic smile begins to slip from Daeron's face as he begins to realize that Ser Daemon is correct. That without the testimony of the Bracken girls, or any other reliable witnesses the case against Simon would be nearly impossible to pursue. Even with ironclad evidence powerful men were apt to escape justice and House Tarly would be vengeful against any who dared to attack one of its own, even if he was guilty. A dire impeachment of the kingdom under King Daeron II if there ever was one. Nevertheless, there must be consequences even if some of the perpetrators escaped justice.
"All we have are the established facts, the Bracken girls were raped while in the custody of House Blackwood by men under the command of Ser Simon and they continue to be locked up at Raventree Hall where they risk further assaults by those who are emboldened by the outcome of the previous 'trial'. If nothing else, there must be a demand for their unconditional release and reparations given what they suffered and punishment of the men who committed the crimes. If the King is just then he can at least grant House Bracken that slightest bit of justice since I doubt that he will dare to offend House Tarly."
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Post by Father on Sept 22, 2021 14:51:26 GMT 1
"A demand that Lord Bracken is sure to make" Ser Daemon comments. "I heard that the men named by both Ser Simon and the two victims were given the choice between gelding and the wall? What more is there to be done?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Oct 2, 2021 22:14:56 GMT 1
"To support Lord Bracken's demands of course. Between the three of us we can sway many hearts and minds at the impending council and ensure that Lady Jeyne and Lady Sarra will be returned to their family and that the Blackwoods pay appropriate restitution."
Daeron's original goals of recruiting a coalition to condemn Ser Simon had devolved into seeing that the Blackwoods pay indemnities. Far too often he felt that his lofty goals were undermined by harsh realities, that or the fact that he wasn't a master plotter like his siblings.
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Post by Father on Oct 12, 2021 15:15:57 GMT 1
"But The Crown cannot simply force The Blackwoods to release hostages without proper compensation." Blackfyre is as evasive and non-committal as a lord might be. "Both Houses have broken the King's Peace, and to punish one lord for the acts of one sinful knight whose men were properly punished for their foul deeds is to show favor to one side over the other.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Oct 14, 2021 17:56:34 GMT 1
"Under normal circumstances I would heartily agree, but these women were raped while in the captivity and therefore protection of House Blackwood. It would be considered gallant for them to grant the girls amnesty in order to secure peace normally, but given that the very first thing that Blackwood men did once they took them captive was to brutally assault them, I think that the Crown would be showing favor to the Blackwoods to so readily ignore such a crime. If the Crown cannot or will not perform this simple act of justice for its subjects then what is the point of expecting my namesake to provide any real justice or courage for the Seven Kingdoms?"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 22, 2021 21:03:37 GMT 1
Robyn nodded at Daeron's words, but time was running out. Debating with an outsider who was leading them in circles without the slightest possibility of assisting was pointless, and he needed definitive action. He placed a hand on Wildfyre's shoulder giving him a placating smile before clearing his throat, turning to Blackfyre with a shallow head bow.
"You must forgive my bluntness, ser, but your lack of faith in us is quite telling. To quote Septon... Sagan, I believe, 'the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence'. Though, even if we could convince you of Simon's guilt and make you believe in the evidence, I doubt that would provoke you to action. You are as cautious as the wise and as charming as the winsome, qualities I cannot and will not fault you for."
His brow tightened slightly, "But I seek justice and will not find it from you. So, please forgive me once more, I must take my leave. I am honored to have met you, and wish you well; I only hope that our next meeting isnt in the throes of your revolution."
Robyn looked at Wildfyre briefly, "I will speak to all who will hear me, and I trust you will do the same?" Before turning away, heading in the direction of the Blackwoods, hoping to speak to the young Lord before everything was taken to a vote.
Sorry I have been busy this past month, is there still time to possibly talk to Lord Blackwood and convince him of our cause? Doesnt have to be a full scene if that would take too long.
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Post by Father on Oct 24, 2021 9:59:06 GMT 1
"The laws of men are imperfect, but I cannot bid the king set them aside on the notion that they have been abused, a king might think it a good thing to interfere when the laws does not lead to justice, but a wise king will understand that an unjust king may succeed him, and use this precedence to set aside the laws of men whenever it would so suit him"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Nov 2, 2021 18:52:50 GMT 1
Briskly moving back to his side, Robyn made his way through the crowd in search of the young Lord Blackwood. While they hadnt had a real conversation, the many times they had been in the same room Robyn found that their opinions seemed to be aligned. Maybe if Lord Blackwood was away from the firm grip of the Ironhand and the watchful eye of Bloodraven he could secure a little bit of justice for the two Bracken ladies. "My lord, do you have a moment?"
JTaFH: Audience Test - Lord Blackwood: 6d6k4+5 20 Hope that was good enough to secure a meeting
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Post by Father on Nov 23, 2021 14:52:33 GMT 1
Robyn is not simply allowed to disturb a lord like so, he is challenged upon approaching Lord Blackwood's pavilion as to his purpose, the man may have a moment to spare, but he is also busy, and most men of power likes to demonstrate it by making petitioners wait in line.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Nov 29, 2021 20:49:51 GMT 1
"Justice," Robyn, noting the significant lack of time he has, speaks quickly and gets to the point, "The two ladies currently being held in Raventree deserve more than they were given, and despite your jurisdiction in the matter I know you werent pleased with the result either.
"Something, or someone," He lowers his voice as his eyes glance for Bloodraven, sure to be lurking just outside his periphery, "Changed their story from what we heard and know to be true. Simon Tarly raped those girls alongside those he commanded, and he deserves to face punishment for the deed. I am here because I know you can help me get justice, and show that House Blackwood stands firm against all who would their status and family name to avoid the ramifications of their egregious actions,"
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Post by Father on Dec 16, 2021 16:08:53 GMT 1
"Surely, you understand, ser, that justice was served as well as could be done given the accusations brought forth before the eyes of Gods and Men?" Young Lord Blackwood may be, but he appears to have learned that sometimes it would be better to let an adviser, the maester in this instance, give the dry formal explanation to avoid having to share his true opinion on such a metter.
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